Aerosol generating system with molded susceptor

Abstract

A cartridge (10) for an aerosol generation system includes a liquid reservoir (40) for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate (42), a susceptor assembly (12) in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir (40), and a susceptor holder (14). The susceptor assembly (12) includes susceptor elements (16, 18) heatable by penetration by a varying magnetic field, the susceptor elements (16, 18) having a heating region (24) and at least one mounting region (22), the at least one mounting region (22) being located adjacent to the periphery of the heating region (24). The heating region (24) has a length and a width, and the at least one mounting region (22) also has a length and a width. The susceptor holder (14) may be in contact with the at least one mounting region (22) of the susceptor elements (16, 18). The length of the at least one attachment region (22) is less than the length of the heating region (24), and the width of the at least one attachment region (22) is less than the width of the heating region (24).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system and a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. In particular, this disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system having an induction heating assembly and a cartridge for an aerosol generating system having an induction heating assembly, wherein the cartridge includes an aerosol forming substrate and a susceptor assembly for heating the aerosol forming substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems that use induction heating to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for user inhalation are generally known in the prior art. These systems typically comprise an aerosol generator including an induction heating assembly and a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds and can be cooled to form an inhalable aerosol. The cartridge may be configured to be connected to the aerosol generator. The induction heating assembly includes at least one inductor coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field within a cavity. A susceptor, forming part of either the cartridge or the device, is positioned in the alternating magnetic field in close proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. When the susceptor is penetrated by the alternating magnetic field, it is heated by at least one of Joule heating from eddy currents induced within the susceptor and hysteresis losses. The heated susceptor heats the aerosol-forming substrate, releasing volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate, which are then cooled to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0003] One advantage of induction heating systems is that the electrical components of the system can be isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate and the generated aerosol. Another advantage is that the cartridge structure can be simplified because it does not need to provide an electrical connection to the device.

[0004] Several susceptor configurations have been described in the prior art. In many of these configurations, a portion of the susceptor is in contact with other parts of the cartridge, such as the cartridge housing. This contact between the susceptor and other parts of the cartridge requires that the other parts of the cartridge in contact with the susceptor be configured to withstand the temperatures reached when the susceptor is heated. Furthermore, this contact between the susceptor and other parts of the cartridge can conduct heat from the susceptor, reducing the efficiency of the system that heats the aerosol-forming substrate. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generation system having a susceptor assembly that minimizes heat loss from the susceptor to other parts of the cartridge without reducing heat transfer to the aerosol-forming substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure provides a cartridge for an aerosol generation system. The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may further include a susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The susceptor assembly may include a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration by a changing magnetic field. The susceptor element may include a heating region having length and width. The susceptor element may include at least one mounting region having length and width. The at least one mounting region may be located adjacent to the periphery of the heating region. The cartridge may further include a susceptor holder. At least one mounting region of each susceptor element may be in contact with the susceptor holder. The length of the at least one mounting region may be less than the length of the heating region, and the width of the at least one mounting region may be less than the width of the heating region.

[0007] This disclosure provides a cartridge for an aerosol generation system. The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may further include a susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The susceptor assembly may include a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration by a changing magnetic field. The susceptor element may include a heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The susceptor element may include at least one mounting region having a length and width. At least one mounting region may be located adjacent to the periphery of the heating region. At least one mounting region may extend transversely from the heating region. The length of at least one mounting region may be less than the length of the heating region. The cartridge may further include a susceptor holder. At least one mounting region of each susceptor element may be in contact with the susceptor holder.

[0008] This disclosure provides a cartridge for an aerosol generation system. The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may further include a susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. The susceptor assembly may include a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration by a changing magnetic field. The susceptor element may include a heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The susceptor element may include at least one mounting region having a length and width. At least one mounting region may be located adjacent to the periphery of the heating region. At least one mounting region may extend from the heating region in the longitudinal direction. The width of at least one mounting region may be less than the width of the heating region. The cartridge may further include a susceptor holder. At least one mounting region of each susceptor element may be in contact with the susceptor holder.

[0009] Advantageously, by providing a susceptor element having regions with different dimensions, it may be possible for different regions of the susceptor element to have different properties. This may allow the susceptor element to maximize heat loss in some regions and minimize heat loss in other regions.

[0010] Advantageously, by providing a susceptor element having at least one mounting area having a length shorter than the length of the heating area and a width shorter than the width of the heating area, and having at least one mounting area in contact with the susceptor holder, the mounting area can reduce heating due to the penetration of the alternating magnetic field compared to the heating area, and heat loss from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder can be minimized.

[0011] The cartridge comprises a susceptor assembly. The susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element. The susceptor assembly may further comprise a wicking element. The wicking element may be in fluid communication with the susceptor element. The wicking element may be in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir. The wicking element may be arranged to transport an aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir to the susceptor element. In particular, the wicking element may be arranged to transport the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir across the main surface of the susceptor element. The susceptor element may be fixed to the wicking element. The susceptor element may be integrated with the wicking element. By providing the wicking element, the wetting of the susceptor element may be improved, thereby increasing aerosol generation by the system. The wicking element may make it possible to fabricate the susceptor element from a material that does not itself provide good wicking or wetting performance.

[0012] In some embodiments, the susceptor assembly comprises multiple susceptor elements. When the susceptor assembly includes multiple susceptor elements and wicking elements, each susceptor element may be arranged in fluid communication with the wicking elements. In some embodiments, the susceptor assembly includes multiple susceptor elements and multiple wicking elements.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor assembly comprises a first susceptor element and a second susceptor element, the second susceptor element spaced apart from the first susceptor element. The wicking element may be positioned in the space between the first and second susceptor elements. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first susceptor, the second susceptor, and the wicking element are substantially planar, with the first susceptor positioned on a first side of the planar wicking element and the second susceptor positioned on a second side of the planar wicking element opposite to the first side.

[0014] Preferably, the susceptor assembly may be positioned substantially outside the liquid storage area. In particular, the susceptor elements of the susceptor assembly or each susceptor element may be positioned substantially outside the liquid storage area. Preferably, at least a portion of the main surface of the susceptor element or each susceptor element is not in direct contact with the liquid storage area. Preferably, at least a portion of each of the two opposing main surfaces of the susceptor assembly is in direct contact with the air in the airflow passage of the cartridge.

[0015] Each susceptor element in the susceptor assembly includes a heating region and at least one mounting region. At least one mounting region is in contact with the susceptor holder. As used herein, the term “contact” means both direct and indirect contact.

[0016] Preferably, at least one mounting area is in direct contact with the susceptor holder. As used herein, the term “direct contact” means contact between two components where the surfaces of the two components are touching each other without an intermediate material.

[0017] At least one mounting area may indirectly contact the susceptor holder. As used herein, the term “indirect contact” means contact between two components where the surfaces of the two components do not touch each other, via one or more intermediate materials placed between the two components. For example, at least one mounting area may indirectly contact the susceptor element if a layer of adhesive is provided between the surface of at least one mounting area and the surface of the susceptor holder.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, at least one mounting region may extend into the liquid reservoir. In some preferred embodiments, the heating region of the susceptor element may be located outside the liquid reservoir. Advantageously, by substantially positioning the susceptor element outside the liquid reservoir, and particularly by positioning the heating region of the susceptor element outside the liquid reservoir, it can be ensured that the aerosol-forming substrate is heated sufficiently to release volatile compounds only after it has been transported outside the liquid reservoir. This can facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-generating system.

[0019] As used herein, “susceptor element” means an element that can be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field. A susceptor element is typically heated by Joule heating through eddy current induction in the susceptor element and at least one of hysteresis losses.

[0020] The susceptor element includes a heating region. The heating region is a region of the susceptor element configured to be heated to the temperature necessary to vaporize the aerosol-forming substrate when penetrated by an appropriate alternating magnetic field. The heating region is configured to heat to a substantially higher temperature than the mounting region in the presence of an alternating magnetic field.

[0021] The susceptor element further includes at least one mounting region. Each of the at least one mounting regions of the susceptor element is a region configured to contact the susceptor holder.

[0022] At least one attachment region may be disposed adjacent to the periphery of the heating region. Preferably, at least one attachment region is located around the susceptor element. At least one attachment region may be located around the susceptor assembly.

[0023] The heating region has a length in the major axis direction. The heating region has a width in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the major axis direction. At least one attachment region also has a length in the major axis direction. At least one attachment region also has a width in the transverse direction.

[0024] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the major dimension in the major axis direction of a feature or a part of a feature, such as a cartridge, a susceptor assembly, a susceptor element, a heating region, and at least one attachment region. As used herein, the length of a feature refers to the major dimension in the major axis direction of the feature, measured from one outer surface or edge of the feature to the opposite outer surface or edge of the feature. For example, if the feature is arcuate, the major axis direction extends radially with respect to the arc and passes through the apex of the arc, the length of the feature is defined as the distance between one end of the arc measured in the major axis direction and the apex of the arc. For example, if the feature is arcuate, the major axis direction extends radially with respect to the arc and passes through both ends of the arc, the length of the feature is defined as the distance between the outer edges of both ends of the arc measured in the major axis direction.

[0025] As used herein, the term "width" refers to the major dimension in the transverse direction of a feature. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the major axis direction. As used herein, the width of a feature refers to the major dimension in the transverse direction of the feature, measured from one outer surface or edge of the feature to the opposite outer surface or edge of the feature.

[0026] As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to the dimension in a direction perpendicular to both the major axis direction and the transverse direction.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “end” and “side” are used interchangeably to refer to the tip of a feature. Features described herein preferably have at least one side extending between two opposing ends. Preferably, features are described herein having a length extending in the longitudinal direction between the opposing ends and a width extending transversely between the two opposing side.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area. The length of at least one mounting area does not need to exceed half the length of the heating area. The length of at least one mounting area does not need to exceed one-quarter the length of the heating area.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the width of at least one mounting area is less than the width of the heating area. The width of at least one mounting area does not need to exceed half the width of the heating area. The width of at least one mounting area does not need to exceed one-quarter the width of the heating area.

[0030] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area, and the width of at least one mounting area is less than the width of the heating area.

[0031] The heating region may include any appropriate proportion of susceptor elements. For example, the heating region may include at least 90 percent of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements, at least 80 percent of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements, or at least 70 percent of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements. The heating region may have any appropriate size and shape for heating the aerosol-forming substrate at the required rate to generate a desired amount of inhalable aerosol.

[0032] At least one mounting area may contain any appropriate proportion of susceptor elements. Typically, at least one mounting area contains a smaller proportion of susceptor elements than the heating area. For example, at least one mounting area may contain 10 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements, or 20 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements, or 30 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the susceptor elements. At least one mounting area may have any appropriate size and shape to provide a robust connection between the susceptor elements and the susceptor holder.

[0033] The susceptor holder may be in contact with a portion of at least one mounting area. The susceptor holder may be in substantial contact with at least one mounting area. Preferably, the susceptor holder is in contact with at least one mounting area and is not in contact with the heating area.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one mounting area is fixed to the susceptor holder. At least one mounting area may be fixed to the susceptor holder by adhesive.

[0035] At least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element can be positioned at any suitable location relative to the heating area of ​​the susceptor element. In some preferred embodiments, at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element is located around the susceptor element. For example, at least one mounting area may be located on one side of the susceptor element.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments, at least one mounting area includes multiple mounting areas. The susceptor element may include any suitable number of mounting areas. For example, the susceptor element may include one, two, three, four, five, or six mounting areas. Advantageously, by providing the susceptor element with multiple mounting areas, the susceptor holder may be able to provide more robust support to the susceptor element compared to a susceptor element having a single mounting area.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mounting regions may include a first mounting region and a second mounting region, the first mounting region located on one side of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region located on the same side of the susceptor element as the first mounting region. In some of these embodiments, the first mounting region is located at a first end of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region is located at a second end of the susceptor element opposite to the first end.

[0038] In some embodiments, the mounting regions include a first mounting region and a second mounting region, the first mounting region being located on a first side of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region being located on a second side of the susceptor element opposite to the first side. In some of these embodiments, the heating region has a length, and the first and second mounting regions are located at the same position along the length of the heating region. In some of these embodiments, the first and second mounting regions are located at one end of the susceptor element. In some of these embodiments, the heating region has a length, and the first and second mounting regions are located in the center along the length of the heating region. In some of these embodiments, the heating region has a length, and the first and second mounting regions are located at different positions along the length of the heating region. In some of these embodiments, the first mounting region is located at a first end of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region is located at a second end of the susceptor element opposite to the first end.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments, the mounting areas include a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the second mounting area being located opposite the first mounting area.

[0040] In some preferred embodiments, the mounting regions include a first pair of mounting regions located at the first end of the susceptor element on opposing sides of the susceptor element, and a second pair of mounting regions located at the second end of the susceptor element on opposing sides of the susceptor element, the second end of the susceptor element being opposite to the first end.

[0041] In some embodiments, the plurality of mounting regions include a plurality of pairs of mounting regions, each pair of mounting regions including a first mounting region located on a first side of the susceptor element and a second mounting region located on a second side of the susceptor element, the second side of the susceptor element being opposite to the first side of the susceptor element.

[0042] In some embodiments, the multiple mounting areas include multiple pairs of mounting areas, each pair of mounting areas including a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the second mounting area being located on the opposite side of the first mounting area.

[0043] The susceptor element can take any suitable form. The susceptor element may include, for example, a mesh, a flat spiral coil, a fiber, or a cloth. In some embodiments, the susceptor element may include a sheet or a strip.

[0044] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element is substantially planar. The susceptor element may be planar. In other words, the susceptor element may generally extend in a single plane. The susceptor element may be flat. The susceptor element may be thin. In other words, the susceptor element may have a thickness dimension that is substantially smaller than the width and length dimensions of the susceptor element.

[0045] The thickness of the susceptor element is advantageously 2 to 10 times the skin depth of the susceptor element material at the system's operating frequency. When multiple susceptor layers are used, having a thickness greater than the skin depth minimizes interaction between different susceptor layers. Having susceptor layers less than 10 times the skin depth ensures that there is no excess mass of susceptor material to heat. Advantageously, the thickness of the susceptor or heating element assembly is 2 mm or less. This allows the heating element or multiple heating elements to be fixed inside and traversed through small airflow channels.

[0046] At least a portion of the susceptor element may be fluid-permeable. In some embodiments, the susceptor element may be fluid-permeable. As used herein, “fluid-permeable” means an element that allows a liquid or gas to penetrate through it. The susceptor element may have a plurality of openings formed in the susceptor element to allow a fluid to penetrate through it. In particular, the susceptor element may allow an aerosol-forming substrate, in the gas phase or in both the gas and liquid phases, to penetrate through the openings.

[0047] The heating region may include a first material. The first material may be a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field. The term “magnetic material,” as used herein, is used to describe any material that can interact with a magnetic field, including both paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials. The first material may be any suitable magnetic material that can be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field. In some preferred embodiments, the first material includes ferritic stainless steel. Suitable ferritic stainless steels include SAE 400 series stainless steels such as SAE types 409, 410, 420, and 430 stainless steels.

[0048] In some preferred embodiments, the heating region consists of a first material. However, in other embodiments, the heating region comprises a first material and one or more other materials. When the heating region comprises a first material and one or more other materials, the heating region may contain any appropriate proportion of the first material. For example, the heating region may contain at least 10 weight percent of the first material, or at least 20 weight percent of the first material, or at least 30 weight percent of the first material, or at least 40 weight percent of the first material, or at least 50 weight percent of the first material, or at least 60 weight percent of the first material, or at least 70 weight percent of the first material, or at least 80 weight percent of the first material, or at least 90 weight percent of the first material.

[0049] At least one mounting area may include a second material. The second material may be a non-magnetic material. The term “non-magnetic material” is used herein to describe a material that does not interact with a magnetic field and cannot be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field. The second material may be any suitable non-magnetic material. In some embodiments, the second material is a non-magnetic metal. For example, the second material may be a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel. Suitable austenitic stainless steels include AISI 300 series stainless steels such as AISI type 304, 309, and 316 stainless steels.

[0050] The susceptor holder may be in contact with the second material in at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element. The susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element only in the second material. Advantageously, providing contact between the susceptor holder and the susceptor element in the second material may help minimize heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder.

[0051] In some embodiments, the second material is nonmetallic. For example, the second material may be a ceramic material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second material is a conductive material. As used herein, the “conductive” material has a conductivity of approximately 1 × 10⁻¹⁶ at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). -5 Less than ohms (Ωm), typically about 1 × 10⁻⁶ -5 Ohms (Ωm) ~ approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶ -9 This refers to a material having a volume resistivity of ohms (Ωm). Suitable conductive materials include metals, alloys, conductive ceramics, and conductive polymers. Suitable conductive materials may also include gold and platinum.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second material is an electrically insulating material. Advantageously, an electrically insulating second material can help minimize heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder. As used herein, the “electrically insulating” material has a thermal conductivity of approximately 1 × 10⁻¹⁶ at 20 degrees Celsius (°C). 6 Ohmmeter (Ωm), typically about 1 × 10⁻⁶ 9 Ohms (Ωm) ~ approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶ 21 This refers to materials with a volume resistivity of ohms (Ωm). Suitable electrical insulating materials include glass, plastics, and certain ceramic materials.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second material is an insulating material. Advantageously, an insulating second material can help minimize heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder. As used herein, the term “insulating” refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than 5 watts / meter-kelvin (mW / (mK)) at 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% as measured using the improved transient planar heat source (MTPS) method.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second material is a thermally conductive material. As used herein, the term “thermally conductive” refers to a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of at least about 10 watts / meter-kelvin (W / (mK)) at 23°C and a relative humidity of 50% as measured using an improved transient planar heat source (MTPS) method.

[0056] In some embodiments, the second material may be a hydrophilic material. In some embodiments, the second material may be a lipophilic material. Advantageously, providing a hydrophilic or lipophilic second material can facilitate the transport of the aerosol-forming substrate through the susceptor element.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second material includes a cellulose-based material. For example, the second material may include rayon.

[0058] In some preferred embodiments, at least one mounting area is made of the second material. However, in other embodiments, at least one mounting area includes the second material and one or more other materials. If at least one mounting area includes the second material and one or more other materials, the at least one mounting area may include any appropriate proportion of the second material. For example, at least one mounting area of ​​a susceptor element may include at least 10 weight percent of the second material, or at least 20 weight percent of the second material, or at least 30 weight percent of the second material, or at least 40 weight percent of the second material, or at least 50 weight percent of the second material, or at least 60 weight percent of the second material, or at least 70 weight percent of the second material, or at least 80 weight percent of the second material, or at least 90 weight percent of the second material.

[0059] At least one mounting area may contain the first material. However, at least one mounting area contains the first material in a lower proportion than the heating area. The weight proportion of the first material in the heating area is greater than the weight proportion of the first material in at least one mounting area. For example, the heating region of the susceptor element may contain at least 90 weight percent of the first material, at least one mounting region of the susceptor element may contain less than 10 weight percent of the first material, or the heating region of the susceptor element may contain at least 80 weight percent of the first material, at least one mounting region of the susceptor element may contain less than 20 weight percent of the first material, or the heating region of the susceptor element may contain at least 70 weight percent of the first material, at least one mounting region of the susceptor element may contain less than 30 weight percent of the first material, or the heating region of the susceptor element may contain at least 60 weight percent of the first material, at least one mounting region of the susceptor element may contain less than 40 weight percent of the first material, or the heating region of the susceptor element may contain at least 50 weight percent of the first material, or at least one mounting region of the susceptor element may contain less than 50 weight percent of the first material.

[0060] At least one mounting area may contain 90% by weight or less of the first material, or 80% by weight or less of the first material, or 70% by weight or less of the first material, or 60% by weight or less of the first material, or 50% by weight or less of the first material, or 40% by weight or less of the first material, or 30% by weight or less of the first material, or 20% by weight or less of the first material, or 10% by weight or less of the first material.

[0061] At least one mounting area may include at least 10 weight percent of the second material and less than 90 weight percent of the first material, or at least 20 weight percent of the second material and less than 80 weight percent of the first material, or at least 30 weight percent of the second material and less than 70 weight percent of the first material, or at least 40 weight percent of the second material and less than 60 weight percent of the first material, or at least 50 weight percent of the second material and less than 50 weight percent of the first material, or at least 60 weight percent of the second material and less than 40 weight percent of the first material, or at least 70 weight percent of the second material and less than 30 weight percent of the first material, or at least 80 weight percent of the second material and less than 20 weight percent of the first material, or at least 90 weight percent of the second material and less than 10 weight percent of the first material.

[0062] The heating region may contain a second material. For example, the heating region may contain a second material of 90% by weight or less, or 80% by weight or less, or 70% by weight or less, or 60% by weight or less, or 50% by weight or less, or 40% by weight or less, or 30% by weight or less, or 20% by weight or less, or 10% or less.

[0063] The heating region may include at least 10 weight percent of a first material and less than 90 weight percent of a second material, or at least 20 weight percent of a first material and less than 80 weight percent of a second material, or at least 30 weight percent of a first material and less than 70 weight percent of a second material, or at least 40 weight percent of a first material and less than 60 weight percent of a second material, or at least 50 weight percent of a first material and less than 50 weight percent of a second material, or at least 60 weight percent of a first material and less than 40 weight percent of a second material, or at least 70 weight percent of a first material and less than 30 weight percent of a second material, or at least 80 weight percent of a first material and less than 20 weight percent of a second material, or at least 90 weight percent of a first material and less than 10 weight percent of a second material.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element may include a mesh. The susceptor element may include an array of filaments forming a mesh. As used herein, the term “mesh” encompasses grids and arrays of filaments with spaces between them. The term mesh also includes woven and nonwoven fabrics.

[0065] The filaments may define gaps between them, and these gaps may have a width of 10 to 100 micrometers. Preferably, the filaments are designed to create capillary action within the gaps so that the source liquid is drawn into the gaps during use, increasing the contact area between the susceptor element and the liquid.

[0066] The filaments may form a mesh of size 160 to 600 mesh US (+ / - 10%) (i.e., 160 to 600 filaments per inch (+ / - 10%)). The gap width may be 35 to 140 micrometers, or 25 to 75 micrometers. For example, the gap width may be 40 micrometers or 63 micrometers. The ratio of the mesh opening area, which is the ratio of the gap area to the total mesh area, is preferably 25 to 56%. The mesh may be formed using different types of woven or lattice structures. Alternatively, the filaments may consist of a series of filaments arranged parallel to each other.

[0067] The filaments may be formed by etching a sheet material such as foil. This can be particularly advantageous when the heater assembly comprises an array of parallel filaments. If the heating element includes a mesh or cloth of filaments, the filaments may be formed individually or woven together.

[0068] It is preferable that the mesh be sintered. The filaments of the mesh may be sintered together. Advantageously, sintering the mesh creates electrical coupling between filaments extending in different directions. In particular, if the mesh contains one or more woven and nonwoven fabrics, it is advantageous to sinter the mesh in such a way that electrical coupling is created between overlapping filaments.

[0069] Mesh can also be characterized by its ability to hold liquids, as is well known in the art.

[0070] The mesh filament may have a diameter of 8 to 100 micrometers, 30 to 100 micrometers, 8 to 50 micrometers, or 8 to 39 micrometers. The mesh filament may also have a diameter of 50 micrometers.

[0071] The mesh filament may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the filament may have a round cross-section or a flat cross-section.

[0072] Advantageously, mesh susceptor elements can have relative permeability ranging from 1 to 40,000. Lower permeability materials may be used when it is desirable to rely on eddy currents for most of the heating, and higher permeability materials may be used when a hysteresis effect is desired. The material preferably has a relative permeability of 500 to 40,000. This can provide efficient heating of the susceptor element.

[0073] If the susceptor element includes a mesh, the heating region may include filaments of the first material. In some embodiments, the heating region may include filaments of the first material and filaments of the second material. The heating region may include filaments of the first material in a first direction and filaments of the second material in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0074] If the susceptor element includes a mesh, at least one mounting region may include filaments of the second material. In some embodiments, at least one mounting region may include filaments of the first material and filaments of the second material. At least one mounting region may include filaments of the first material in a first direction and filaments of the second material in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0075] If the susceptor element includes a mesh, the mesh may be woven. The woven mesh includes filaments in the weft direction and filaments in the warp direction.

[0076] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may include filaments of a second material in the weft direction. The susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element in at least one mounting area with respect to the filaments extending in the weft direction. The susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element only in at least one mounting area with respect to the filaments extending in the weft direction, and not in contact with the filaments extending in the warp direction. Advantageously, by forming filaments extending in the weft direction from a second material in at least one mounting area, heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder can be reduced compared to a susceptor element having filaments in the weft direction formed from a first material in at least one mounting area.

[0077] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area may include filaments of the second material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0078] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction, or at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the second material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0079] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area may include filaments of the second material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0080] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction, or at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the second material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0081] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the first material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0082] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the first material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0083] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the first material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area may include filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0084] If the susceptor element includes a woven mesh, at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the first material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area may consist of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0085] The susceptor assembly may be surrounded by a permeable electrical insulating coating. The coating may contain or consist of a permeable ceramic material. When the susceptor assembly includes a coating, the coating may hold the components of the susceptor assembly so that the components are fixed together. The coating may advantageously improve the robustness and strength of the susceptor assembly. The provision of a coating may be alternative to or additional to the holder described above. The coating may contain alumina (Al2O3) or a silicon-based ceramic material. The coating may have a porosity of about 30 percent.

[0086] The susceptor assembly may include a wicking element. The wicking element may be in fluid communication with the susceptor element. The wicking element may be in fluid communication with a liquid storage section. The wicking element may be configured to transport an aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage section to the susceptor element.

[0087] The wicking element may include capillary material. Capillary material is a material that has the ability to move liquid from one end to the other by capillary action. Capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. Preferably, capillary material includes bundles of capillaries. For example, capillary material may include multiple fibers or threads or other microtubules. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to carry the liquid aerosol-forming substrate toward the susceptor element. In some embodiments, capillary material may include spongy or foamy material. The structure of the capillary material may form multiple small holes or tubes through which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be moved by capillary action. If the susceptor element includes gaps or openings, the capillary material may extend into the gaps or openings within the susceptor element. The susceptor element may draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the gaps or openings by capillary action.

[0088] The wicking element may contain an electrically insulating material. The wicking element may contain a thermal insulating material. The wicking element may contain a hydrophilic material. The wicking element may contain a lipophilic material. Advantageously, forming the wicking element from a hydrophilic or lipophilic material may facilitate the transport of the aerosol-forming substrate through the wicking element.

[0089] The wicking element may include non-metallic materials. Suitable materials for the wicking element include sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials such as spun or extruded fibers (cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramic fibers, glass fibers, etc.). Suitable materials for the wicking element may include cellulosic materials such as cotton or rayon. The wicking element may preferably include rayon. The wicking element is made of rayon. A wicking element containing a porous ceramic material may be particularly advantageous when one or both of the susceptor elements contain a conductive material deposited on the wicking element. A wicking element containing a porous ceramic material may be a favorable substrate for manufacturing processes related to printing or depositing conductive materials.

[0090] The susceptor assembly may be configured to hold a volume of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the susceptor assembly may be configured to hold only a small amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sufficient for a single user smoke inhalation. This is advantageous because it allows for the rapid vaporization of a small amount of liquid and minimizes heat loss to other elements of the system or to the unvaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the susceptor assembly, or the heated region of the susceptor assembly, may hold 1 to 10 milliliters of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0091] The cartridge includes a susceptor holder. The susceptor holder contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element. The susceptor holder secures the susceptor assembly in place within the cartridge.

[0092] The susceptor holder is configured to withstand the temperature at which the susceptor assembly is heated for the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0093] The susceptor holder may be formed from any suitable material that can withstand the temperature at which the susceptor is heated for heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the susceptor holder includes an insulating material. Advantageously, forming the susceptor holder from an insulating material can minimize heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder. Preferably, the susceptor holder includes an electrically insulating material. The susceptor holder may be formed from a durable material. The susceptor holder may be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The susceptor holder may be formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0094] The susceptor holder can have any suitable shape and size.

[0095] In some embodiments, the susceptor holder is tubular. A tubular susceptor may define an internal passage. In some embodiments, the susceptor assembly extends into the internal passage of the susceptor holder. In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element extends into the internal passage of the susceptor holder. The susceptor element may extend across the internal passage of the susceptor holder. If the susceptor element extends across the internal passage of the susceptor holder, the susceptor element may include a first mounting area on a first side of the susceptor element that contacts the susceptor holder, and a second mounting area on a second side of the susceptor element opposite to the first side that contacts the susceptor holder. Advantageously, by arranging the susceptor element to contact the susceptor holder on opposing sides, the susceptor holder may be able to securely fix the susceptor element in place within the cartridge.

[0096] The internal passage of the susceptor holder may extend substantially along the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0097] In some embodiments, the internal passage of the susceptor holder may form part of the air passage of the cartridge. In these embodiments, the heating region of the susceptor element may be located in the internal passage of the susceptor holder.

[0098] In some embodiments, the internal passage of the susceptor holder may form part of the liquid storage section of the cartridge. In embodiments, at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element may extend into the internal passage of the susceptor holder.

[0099] A tubular susceptor holder may have at least one side wall. The tubular susceptor holder may have an open end such that the internal passage of the susceptor holder is open at at least one end. At least one side wall of the tubular susceptor holder may define an opening between the ends of the tubular susceptor holder. At least one mounting region of the susceptor element may extend into the opening of the tubular susceptor holder. In some embodiments, if the susceptor element includes multiple mounting regions, at least one side wall of the tubular susceptor holder defines multiple openings between the ends of the tubular susceptor holder. In these embodiments, each mounting region of the susceptor element may extend into one of the multiple openings in at least one side wall of the tubular susceptor holder.

[0100] The susceptor holder may be molded onto the susceptor assembly. The molded susceptor holder may hold one or more components of the susceptor assembly, such as susceptor elements and wicking elements, so that the components are fixed together. The susceptor holder may be formed from a heat-resistant plastic material or a ceramic material. Thus, the holder can support the susceptor assembly and provide strength to the susceptor assembly.

[0101] At least a portion of the susceptor holder may include a porous or permeable material, such as a ceramic material. The porous or permeable portion of the susceptor holder may be the region of the susceptor holder to which at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor assembly is attached. Aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage unit can pass through the porous or permeable portion of the susceptor holder to the mounting area of ​​the susceptor assembly. This is advantageous as it provides a pathway for the aerosol-forming substrate to be transported from the liquid storage unit to the susceptor assembly, and can increase the amount of aerosol-forming substrate supplied to the susceptor assembly.

[0102] A portion of the susceptor holder containing a porous or permeable material may include alumina (Al2O3) or a silicon-based ceramic material. A portion may have a porosity of approximately 30 percent.

[0103] Here, the cartridge includes a liquid storage section. The liquid storage section may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the liquid storage section is configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage section may have any suitable shape and size depending on the requirements of the aerosol generation system.

[0104] In some embodiments, the liquid storage section contains a retaining material for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. If the liquid storage section comprises multiple parts, the retaining material may be located in one or more parts of the liquid storage section, or in all parts of the liquid storage section. The retaining material may be a foam material, a sponge material, or a fibrous collectible. The retaining material may be formed from a polymer or copolymer. In one embodiment, the retaining material is a spun polymer. The retaining material may be formed from any of the materials described above that are suitable for the wicking element.

[0105] If the cartridge includes a wicking element and a retaining material, the wicking element and the retaining material may be formed from the same material or different materials. The retaining material may be in fluid communication with the susceptor assembly. The retaining material may be in contact with the susceptor assembly. In particular, the retaining material may be in fluid contact with the wicking element of the susceptor assembly. In particular, the retaining material may be in contact with the wicking element of the susceptor assembly.

[0106] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the cartridge contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0107] The aerosol-forming substrate may be liquid at room temperature. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both liquid and solid components. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing materials that contain volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco-containing materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized plant-derived materials.

[0108] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming compounds. The aerosol-forming compounds are any suitable, well-known compounds or mixtures of compounds that facilitate the formation of a high-density, stable aerosol during use and are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the system's operating temperature. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming compounds include glycerin and propylene glycol. Suitable aerosol-forming compounds are well-known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol, dimethyl tetradecanediol). The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors.

[0109] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent may be glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may contain both glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10% (for example, about 2%).

[0110] The cartridge may include an outer housing. The outer housing may be formed from a durable material. The outer housing may be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The outer housing may be formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The outer housing may be formed from the same material as the susceptor holder, or from a different material.

[0111] The susceptor assembly may be disposed within the outer housing. The susceptor holder may be disposed within the outer housing. In some embodiments, the susceptor holder may be formed integrally with the outer housing.

[0112] The outer housing may define a portion of the liquid storage section. The outer housing may define the liquid storage section. The outer housing and the liquid storage section may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the liquid storage section may be formed separately from the outer housing or disposed within the outer housing.

[0113] In some preferred embodiments where the cartridge includes an outer housing, a susceptor holder may secure the susceptor assembly to the outer housing. Advantageously, by providing the cartridge with a susceptor holder that secures the susceptor assembly to the housing, the susceptor assembly may be isolated from the outer housing, and consequently, the outer housing does not need to be configured to withstand the heating of the susceptor assembly for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. This may allow the cartridge to be fabricated from less durable and less expensive materials.

[0114] The cartridge may comprise two parts: a first part and a second part. The second part may be movable relative to the first part. The first and second parts of the cartridge may be movable relative to each other between a storage configuration and a use configuration. In the storage configuration, the susceptor assembly may be isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate. In the use configuration, the susceptor assembly may be supplied to the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0115] The liquid storage section may include two parts: a first section and a second section. A seal may be provided between the first section and the second section. The seal may be positioned to block fluid communication between the first section and the second section of the liquid storage section. In other words, the seal can fluidly isolate the first section of the liquid storage section from the second section. In the storage configuration, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in the first section of the liquid storage section. In the storage configuration, the seal can prevent the aerosol-forming substrate from flowing from the first section to the second section of the liquid storage section.

[0116] The first part of the cartridge may include the first part of the liquid storage section and a seal. The second part of the cartridge may include a susceptor holder and a susceptor assembly. The susceptor holder may include one or more puncture elements. One or more puncture elements may be arranged to puncture or penetrate the seal of the second part of the cartridge when the first and second parts of the cartridge move from the storage configuration to the use configuration.

[0117] As the first and second parts of the cartridge move from the storage configuration to the use configuration, one or more puncture elements of the susceptor holder may puncture the seal, allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to flow from the first part of the liquid storage section to the second part of the liquid storage section.

[0118] The susceptor assembly may extend into the second portion of the liquid storage section. If the susceptor assembly includes a wicking element, a portion of the wicking element may extend into the second portion of the liquid storage section. Thus, when the cartridge is in storage configuration, the susceptor assembly is isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate, and when the cartridge is in use configuration, the susceptor assembly is supplied with the aerosol-forming substrate from the second portion of the liquid storage section.

[0119] The seal may be any suitable type of seal for preventing fluid flow between the first part of the liquid storage section and the second part of the liquid storage section. For example, the seal may include a metal foil, a plastic foil, or an elastomer seal.

[0120] The first and second parts of the cartridge may be movable relative to each other in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the first and second parts of the cartridge may be slidable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first and second parts of the cartridge may be rotatable relative to each other.

[0121] If the susceptor holder is tubular and the inner passage of the susceptor holder forms part of the air passage of the cartridge, the second portion of the liquid storage section may be formed between the outer surface of the susceptor holder and the inner surface of the outer housing. In these embodiments, the second portion of the liquid storage section may have an annular space between the susceptor holder and the outer housing. In these embodiments, one or more puncture elements may be positioned on the outer surface of the susceptor holder.

[0122] If the susceptor holder is tubular and the inner passage of the susceptor holder forms part of the liquid storage section of the cartridge, a second portion of the liquid storage section may be formed by the inner passage of the susceptor holder. In these embodiments, one or more puncture elements may be positioned on the inner surface of the susceptor holder within the inner passage.

[0123] The cartridge may have a mouth end through which the generated aerosol can be drawn out by the user. The cartridge may also have a connection end configured to connect to an aerosol generator.

[0124] If the susceptor assembly includes a substantially planar susceptor element, the first side of the susceptor element may face the mouth end, and the second side of the susceptor element may face the connection end. However, preferably, the planar susceptor element extends in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and extends between the mouth end and the connection end. If the planar susceptor element extends in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, the first and second surfaces of the susceptor element face the opposing surfaces of the cartridge, rather than the mouth end and the connection end.

[0125] The cartridge may define an air intake. The air intake may be located at or around the connection end of the cartridge. The cartridge may define a mouth-end opening. The user may be able to draw in aerosol generated from the cartridge through the mouth-end opening. The cartridge may define an airflow path extending from the air intake to the air outlet. The enclosed airflow path may extend from the air intake, through a susceptor element, to the mouth-end opening.

[0126] The enclosed airflow passage may pass through the liquid storage section. For example, the liquid storage section may have an annular cross-section defining an internal passage, and the airflow passage may extend through the internal passage of the liquid storage section.

[0127] If the susceptor holder is tubular, the internal passages of the tubular susceptor holder may form part of the enclosed airflow passage. The enclosed airflow passage may extend from the air intake at the connection end of the cartridge, through the internal passages of the tubular susceptor, through the internal passages of the liquid storage section, to the mouth end opening.

[0128] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the airflow passage is defined between the susceptor holder and the outer housing of the cartridge. At least a portion of the airflow passage may be defined between the liquid reservoir and the outer housing of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the enclosed airflow passage may extend from the air intake at the connecting end of the cartridge, through the passage between the susceptor holder and the outer housing, and through the passage between the liquid reservoir and the outer housing to the mouth end opening.

[0129] The present disclosure also provides a cartridge for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising a liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and a susceptor assembly in fluid communication with the liquid storage section. The susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element having an array of filaments forming a woven mesh. The woven mesh comprises filaments of a first material in the weft direction. The woven mesh further comprises filaments of a second material in the warp direction.

[0130] In some preferred embodiments, the first material may be any suitable magnetic material that can be heated by penetration by an alternating magnetic field. The first material may include any suitable magnetic material. For example, the first material may include ferritic stainless steel. Suitable ferritic stainless steels include AISI 400 series stainless steels such as AISI type 409, 410, 420, and 430 stainless steels.

[0131] In some preferred embodiments, the second material is a non-magnetic material. The second material may be any suitable non-magnetic material. In some embodiments, the second material is a non-magnetic metal. In some preferred embodiments, the second material is a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel. Suitable austenitic stainless steels include AISI 300 series stainless steels such as AISI type 304, 309, and 316 stainless steels. The second material may be a non-magnetic ceramic, or plastic, or cellulosic material. In some embodiments, the second material may be cotton or rayon.

[0132] The cartridge may further include a susceptor holder. The susceptor holder is a filament extending in the warp direction and may be in contact with the susceptor element. Advantageously, contacting the filament in the warp direction can minimize heat transfer from the susceptor element to the susceptor holder. The susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element at multiple positions. In some embodiments, the susceptor holder is in contact with the susceptor element at a first and a second position, where the first and second positions are spaced apart in the warp direction.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first material is a non-magnetic material, and the second material is a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration with an alternating magnetic field. In these embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise a susceptor holder, which may be in contact with a susceptor element via filaments in the transverse direction. In these embodiments, the susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element at multiple positions. The susceptor holder may be in contact with the susceptor element at a first position and a second position, which are spaced apart in the transverse direction.

[0134] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol generator configured to receive the cartridge.

[0135] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising a susceptor assembly described herein and an aerosol generator having a susceptor holder described herein. The aerosol generator may also include a liquid storage unit described herein. Such an aerosol generating system includes the features of a cartridge described herein within the aerosol generator.

[0136] The aerosol generating system may be a handheld aerosol generating system configured to allow the user to inhale the mouthpiece and draw out an aerosol through the mouth-side opening. The aerosol generating system may be comparable in size to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating system may have an overall length of approximately 30 mm to 150 mm. The aerosol generating system may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to 30 mm.

[0137] The aerosol generation system may be configured to deliver nicotine or cannabinoids to the user.

[0138] The aerosol generator may include an induction heating assembly. The induction heating assembly may include at least one inductor coil, a power supply, and a control circuit. The power supply and control circuit may be connected to at least one inductor coil and configured to supply alternating current to at least one inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor assembly may be positioned so as to be penetrated by the alternating magnetic field from at least one inductor coil so that the susceptor element is heated by the alternating magnetic field.

[0139] If the aerosol generating system includes a cartridge, at least one inductor coil may be positioned within the device such that an alternating magnetic field penetrates the cartridge, particularly the susceptor assembly within the cartridge, when the cartridge is received by the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a recess for receiving the cartridge. At least one inductor coil may be positioned so that an alternating magnetic field penetrates a cavity. At least one inductor coil may be positioned in, within, or around the cavity. In some embodiments, at least one inductor coil can substantially enclose the cavity. At least one inductor coil may be a tubular, spiral, or helical coil that substantially encloses the cavity. In other embodiments, the coil may be positioned on the side of the cavity.

[0140] In some embodiments where the susceptor element is planar and extends parallel to the plane, at least one inductor coil may be positioned to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the plane.

[0141] In some embodiments where the susceptor element is planar and extends parallel to the plane, at least one inductor coil may be positioned to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane.

[0142] The induction heating assembly may include any appropriate number of inductor coils. The aerosol generating system may have a single inductor coil. The aerosol generating system may have multiple inductor coils. The induction heating assembly may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight inductor coils.

[0143] At least one inductor coil may have any preferred shape. In some embodiments, at least one inductor coil may be tubular or helical. In some embodiments, at least one inductor coil may be planar or flat inductor coil. The tubular or helical inductor coil may surround the susceptor assembly. The planar or flat inductor coil may be located on one side of the susceptor assembly. The planar or flat inductor coil may be circular, elliptical, or rectangular. The shape of the planar or flat inductor coil preferably substantially corresponds to the shape of the susceptor element.

[0144] If the susceptor assembly is substantially planar, and in particular the susceptor element is a plane extending parallel to the first plane, then at least one inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil extending to a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. In this arrangement, at least one inductor coil is positioned to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

[0145] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor assembly comprises a planar susceptor assembly, and the induction heating assembly comprises a first planar inductor coil and a second planar inductor coil. The planar susceptor assembly extends in a first plane, the first inductor coil extends in a second plane parallel to the first plane, and the second inductor coil extends in a third plane parallel to the first and second planes. The susceptor assembly may be positioned between the first and second inductor coils. In this arrangement, the first inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field penetrating the susceptor assembly from a first side facing the first side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane, and the second inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field penetrating the susceptor assembly from a second side facing the first side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. Advantageously, such arrangements can provide efficient and uniform heating of the susceptor element. The inventors discovered that this arrangement allows a relatively low-frequency alternating current to be supplied to the inductor coil, resulting in the generation of a lower-frequency alternating magnetic field, which in turn allows the supply of the alternating current using a simpler and less expensive control circuit. The inventors also discovered that this arrangement allows the inductor coil to be spaced at an increased distance from the susceptor assembly compared to other arrangements, while maintaining the desired aerosol generation from the aerosol generating system.

[0146] In these preferred embodiments, the induction heating assembly is configured such that the first and second inductor coils generate alternating magnetic fields of similar magnitude in opposite directions. In some of these preferred embodiments, the first and second inductor coils may be electrically connected to form a single conductive path. In these embodiments, the first inductor coil may be wound in the opposite direction to the second inductor coil so that the alternating magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductor coils are generated in opposite directions. Alternatively, the first and second inductor coils may be wound in the same direction, and the control circuit may be configured to supply alternating current to each of the first and second inductor coils so that the alternating magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductor coils are generated in opposite directions. The first and second inductor coils may be substantially identical. The first and second inductor coils may be substantially identical but wound in opposite directions.

[0147] In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends parallel to a first plane, and at least one inductor coil comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, the first inductor coil positioned on a first side of the susceptor assembly and extending parallel to the first plane, and the second inductor coil positioned on a second side of the susceptor assembly opposite to the first side and extending parallel to the first plane. The susceptor element may be positioned between the first and second inductor coils. Preferably, the susceptor element is substantially equidistant from the first and second inductor coils. The system may be configured so that the first and second inductor coils generate magnetic fields equal to and opposite to each other. The control circuit may be configured to supply current to the inductor coils such that the first inductor coil provides an equal and opposite force to the second inductor coil on the susceptor assembly.

[0148] The induction heating assembly may further include at least one flux centrifuge arranged to include an alternating magnetic field generated by at least one inductor coil.

[0149] The control circuit may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC), or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The control circuit may be configured to continuously supply power to at least one inductor coil after the device is started up, or to supply power intermittently, such as with each smoke extraction. Power may be supplied to the induction heating assembly in the form of current pulses, for example by pulse width modulation (PWM). The control circuit may include a DC / AC inverter, which may include a Class D or Class E power amplifier. The control circuit may include further electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuit may include a sensor, a switch, or a display element.

[0150] The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate battery, lithium titanate battery, or lithium polymer battery. The battery may be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable and may be configured for numerous charge-discharge cycles. The power source may have a capacity that allows for sufficient energy storage for one or more user experiences of the aerosol generating system. For example, the power source may have a capacity that allows for continuous aerosol generation for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity that allows for a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous startup of the atomizing assembly.

[0151] The control circuit and power supply are configured to supply alternating current to at least one inductor coil. As used herein, “alternating current” means a current that periodically reverses direction. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. Suitable frequencies for alternating current may be between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a tubular coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 500 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a flat coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 1 megahertz (MHz).

[0152] When an alternating current is driven through at least one inductor coil, at least one inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field may have any suitable frequency for heating the heating region of a susceptor element located within the alternating magnetic field. Suitable frequencies for alternating currents can be between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz).

[0153] The aerosol generator may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic resins suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably light and not brittle.

[0154] The aerosol generator housing may define a cavity for receiving a cartridge. The aerosol generator may include one or more air intakes. One or more air intakes may allow ambient air to be drawn into the cavity.

[0155] The aerosol generator may have a connection terminal configured to connect to a cartridge. The connection terminal may include a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0156] The aerosol generator may have a distal end opposite the connection end. The distal end 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.

[0157] Any feature described herein in relation to one embodiment of a cartridge or aerosol generator may also be applicable to other embodiments of cartridges and aerosol generators according to this disclosure. Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another embodiment according to this disclosure. Naturally, the aerosol generation system according to this disclosure may also be provided as an aerosol generator without a cartridge. Therefore, features described herein in relation to a cartridge may be equally applicable to an aerosol generator.

[0158] 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 any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0159] [Example 1] A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that communicates with a liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having length and width, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of a heating area; A cartridge comprising a susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​a susceptor element.

[0160] [Example 2] The cartridge according to Example 1, wherein the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area.

[0161] [Example 3] The cartridge according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the width of at least one mounting area is smaller than the width of the heating area.

[0162] [Example 4] A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of a heating area and extends transversely from the heating area; A susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element, A cartridge in which the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area.

[0163] [Example 5] A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that communicates with a liquid storage section, comprising a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, wherein the susceptor element is A heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, At least one mounting region having length and width, wherein at least one mounting region is located adjacent to the periphery of the heating region and extends in the longitudinal direction from the heating region, A susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element, A cartridge in which the width of at least one mounting area is less than the width of the heating area.

[0164] [Example 6] The cartridges according to Examples 1 to 5, wherein at least one mounting area for the susceptor element is located around the susceptor assembly.

[0165] [Example 7] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein at least one mounting area comprises multiple mounting areas.

[0166] [Example 8] The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, wherein the multiple mounting areas include a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the first mounting area being located on one side of the susceptor element, and the second mounting area being located on the same side of the susceptor element as the first mounting area.

[0167] [Example 9] The cartridge according to Embodiment 8, wherein the first mounting area is located at the first end of the susceptor element, and the second mounting area is located at the second end of the susceptor element opposite to the first end.

[0168] [Example 10] The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, wherein the multiple mounting areas include a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the first mounting area being located on a first side of the susceptor element, and the second mounting area being located on a second side of the susceptor element opposite to the first side.

[0169] [Example 11] The cartridge according to Example 10, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are positioned at the same location along the length of the heating area.

[0170] [Example 12] The cartridge according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are located at one end of the susceptor element.

[0171] [Example 13] The cartridge according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are centrally located along the length of the heating area.

[0172] [Example 14] The cartridge according to Example 10, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are positioned at different locations along the length of the heating area.

[0173] [Example 15] The cartridge according to Embodiment 10, wherein the first mounting area is located at the first end of the susceptor element, and the second mounting area is located at the second end of the susceptor element opposite to the first end.

[0174] [Example 16] The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, wherein the multiple mounting areas include a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the second mounting area being located on the opposite side of the first mounting area.

[0175] [Example 17] Multiple mounting areas, The first end of the susceptor element, located on the opposite side of the susceptor element, and the first pair of mounting regions, The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, comprising a second pair of mounting regions located at the second end of the susceptor element on the opposite side of the susceptor element, wherein the second end of the susceptor element faces the first end of the second pair of mounting regions.

[0176] [Example 18] The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, wherein the multiple mounting areas include multiple pairs of mounting areas, each pair of mounting areas including a first mounting area located on a first side of the susceptor element and a second mounting area located on a second side of the susceptor element, the second side of the susceptor element being opposite to the first side of the susceptor element.

[0177] [Example 19] The cartridge according to Embodiment 7, wherein the multiple mounting areas include multiple pairs of mounting areas, each pair of mounting areas includes a first mounting area and a second mounting area, the second mounting area being located on the opposite side of the first mounting area.

[0178] [Example 20] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the length of at least one mounting area is less than three-quarters of the length of the heating area.

[0179] [Example 21] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the length of at least one mounting area does not exceed half the length of the heating area.

[0180] [Example 22] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the length of at least one mounting area does not exceed one-quarter of the length of the heating area.

[0181] [Example 23] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the width of at least one mounting area is less than three-quarters of the width of the heating area.

[0182] [Example 24] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the width of at least one mounting area does not exceed half the width of the heating area.

[0183] [Example 25] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the width of at least one mounting area does not exceed one-quarter of the width of the heating area.

[0184] [Example 26] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the susceptor holder contains an electrically insulating material.

[0185] [Example 27] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the susceptor holder contains an insulating material.

[0186] [Example 28] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the cartridge comprises an outer housing and a susceptor holder secures the susceptor assembly to the outer housing.

[0187] [Example 29] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the susceptor element is substantially planar.

[0188] [Example 30] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the susceptor holder is tubular, defines an internal passage, and the susceptor element extends within the internal passage of the susceptor holder.

[0189] [Example 31] The cartridge according to Example 30, wherein the susceptor element extends across the internal passage of the susceptor holder.

[0190] [Example 32] A cartridge according to either Example 30 or Example 31, wherein the internal passage of the susceptor holder substantially extends along the longitudinal axis, and the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0191] [Example 33] The cartridge according to either Example 30 or Example 31, wherein the internal passage of the susceptor holder extends substantially along the longitudinal axis, and the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0192] [Example 34] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the susceptor holder is tubular, and the susceptor holder comprises at least one side wall defining an internal passage, and at least one side wall defining an opening between the ends of the tubular susceptor holder.

[0193] [Example 35] The cartridge according to Embodiment 34, wherein at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor extends into the opening of a tubular susceptor holder.

[0194] [Example 36] The cartridge according to Embodiment 34, wherein the susceptor holder defines a plurality of openings between the ends of a tubular susceptor, and at least one mounting region comprises a plurality of mounting regions, and each mounting region of the susceptor element extends into one of the plurality of openings of the tubular susceptor holder.

[0195] [Example 37] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the susceptor element is fluid permeable.

[0196] [Example 38] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the susceptor element includes an array of filaments forming a mesh.

[0197] [Example 39] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, The heating region includes a first material, and the first material is a magnetic material that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field. A cartridge in which at least one mounting area contains a second material, and the second material is a non-magnetic material.

[0198] [Example 40] The cartridge according to Example 39, wherein the second material is an electrically insulating material.

[0199] [Example 41] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 40, wherein the second material is an insulating material.

[0200] [Example 42] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the second material is a nonmetal.

[0201] [Example 43] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 42, wherein the second material is a hydrophilic material.

[0202] [Example 44] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein the second material is a lipophilic material.

[0203] [Example 45] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein the second material includes a cellulose-based material.

[0204] [Example 46] The cartridge according to Example 45, wherein the second material is rayon.

[0205] [Example 47] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 46, wherein the first material includes ferritic stainless steel.

[0206] [Example 48] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein the heating region of the susceptor element is made of the first material.

[0207] [Example 49] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 48, wherein at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element is made of a second material.

[0208] [Example 50] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein the heating region of the susceptor element is At least 10% by weight of the first material, or At least 20% by weight of the first material, or At least 30% by weight of the first material, or At least 40% by weight of the first material, or At least 50% by weight of the first material, or At least 60% by weight of the first material, or At least 70% by weight of the first material, or At least 80% by weight of the first material, or A cartridge containing at least 90% by weight of the first material.

[0209] [Example 51] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 32 to 40, wherein at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element is 90% or less by weight of the first material, or 80% or less by weight of the first material, or 70% or less by weight of the first material, or 60% or less by weight of the first material, or 50% or less by weight of the first material, or 40% by weight or less of the first material, or 30% or less by weight of the first material, or 20% by weight or less of the first material, or A cartridge containing 10% or less by weight of the first material.

[0210] [Example 52] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein the heating region of the susceptor element is 90% or less by weight of the second material, or 80% or less by weight of the second material, or 70% or less by weight of the second material, or 60% or less by weight of the second material, or 50% or less by weight of the second material, or 40% or less by weight of the second material, or 30% or less by weight of the second material, or 20% or less by weight of the second material, or A cartridge containing 10% or less by weight of the second material.

[0211] [Example 53] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element is At least 10% by weight of the second material, or At least 20% by weight of the second material, or At least 30% by weight of the second material, or At least 40% by weight of the second material, or At least 50% by weight of the second material, or At least 60% by weight of the second material, or At least 70% by weight of the second material, or At least 80% by weight of the second material, or A cartridge containing at least 90% by weight of the second material.

[0212] [Example 54] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein the heating region of the susceptor element is At least 10 weight percent of the first material, and less than 90 weight percent of the second material, or At least 20 weight percent of the first material, and less than 80 weight percent of the second material, or At least 30 weight percent of the first material, and less than 70 weight percent of the second material, or At least 40 weight percent of the first material, and less than 60 weight percent of the second material, or At least 50 weight percent of the first material, and less than 50 weight percent of the second material, or At least 60 weight percent of the first material, and less than 40 weight percent of the second material, or At least 70 weight percent of the first material, and less than 30 weight percent of the second material, or At least 80 weight percent of the first material, and less than 20 weight percent of the second material, or A cartridge containing at least 90 weight percent of the first material and less than 10 weight percent of the second material.

[0213] [Example 55] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, wherein at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element is At least 10 weight percent of the second material, and less than 90 weight percent of the first material, or At least 20 weight percent of the second material, and less than 80 weight percent of the first material, or At least 30 weight percent of the second material, and less than 70 weight percent of the first material, or At least 40 weight percent of the second material, and less than 60 weight percent of the first material, or At least 50 weight percent of the second material, and less than 50 weight percent of the first material, or At least 60 weight percent of the second material, and less than 40 weight percent of the first material, or At least 70 weight percent of the second material, and less than 30 weight percent of the first material, or At least 80 weight percent of the second material, and less than 20 weight percent of the first material, or A cartridge containing at least 90 weight percent of the second material and less than 10 weight percent of the first material.

[0214] [Example 56] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 47, The heating region of the susceptor element contains at least 90 weight percent of the first material, and at least one mounting region of the susceptor element contains less than 10 weight percent of the first material, or The heating region of the susceptor element contains at least 80 weight percent of the first material, and at least one mounting region of the susceptor element contains less than 20 weight percent of the first material, or The heating region of the susceptor element contains at least 70 weight percent of the first material, and at least one mounting region of the susceptor element contains less than 30 weight percent of the first material, or The heating region of the susceptor element contains at least 60 weight percent of the first material, and at least one mounting region of the susceptor element contains less than 40 weight percent of the first material, or A cartridge in which the heating region of the susceptor element contains at least 50 weight percent of the first material, and at least one mounting region of the susceptor element contains less than 50 weight percent of the first material.

[0215] [Example 57] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 56, wherein the susceptor element is fluid permeable.

[0216] [Example 58] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 57, wherein the susceptor element includes an array of filaments forming a mesh.

[0217] [Example 59] The cartridge described in Example 58, wherein the mesh is nonwoven.

[0218] [Example 60] A cartridge as described in Example 58, in which a mesh is woven.

[0219] [Example 61] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area includes filaments of the second material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0220] [Example 62] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the second material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0221] [Example 63] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area includes filaments of the second material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0222] [Example 64] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the second material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0223] [Example 65] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the first material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0224] [Example 66] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the first material in the warp direction, and at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the weft direction and filaments of the second material in the warp direction.

[0225] [Example 67] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the first material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area includes filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0226] [Example 68] The cartridge according to Example 60, wherein at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the first material in the weft direction, and at least one mounting area consists of filaments of the first material in the warp direction and filaments of the second material in the weft direction.

[0227] [Example 69] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 39 to 68, wherein the susceptor holder is in contact with a second material in at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element.

[0228] [Example 70] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 69, comprising an air intake, an air outlet, and an airflow passage between the air intake and the air outlet.

[0229] [Example 71] A cartridge as described in Example 70, wherein a portion of the susceptor assembly is located within the airflow passage.

[0230] [Example 72] The cartridge according to Example 70 or Example 71, wherein the heating region of the susceptor element is located within the airflow passage.

[0231] [Example 73] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 70 to 72, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate vaporized by the susceptor assembly may leak into the airflow passage.

[0232] [Example 74] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 70 to 73, wherein an air outlet is provided at the mouth end of the cartridge, through which the aerosol generated can be inhaled by a user.

[0233] [Example 75] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 74, wherein the susceptor assembly, or the heating region of the susceptor assembly, holds 1 to 10 milliliters of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0234] [Example 76] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 75, wherein the susceptor assembly further includes a wicking element.

[0235] [Example 77] The cartridge according to Example 76, wherein the wicking element is in fluid communication with the susceptor element.

[0236] [Example 78] The cartridge according to Example 76 or Example 77, wherein the wicking element is in fluid communication with the liquid storage section.

[0237] [Example 79] The cartridge according to Example 78, wherein the wicking element is arranged to deliver the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage part across the main surface of the susceptor element.

[0238] [Example 80] The cartridge according to Example 79, wherein the wicking element is arranged to deliver the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage part across the main surface of the susceptor element.

[0239] [Example 81] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 76 to 80, wherein the susceptor element is fixed to the wicking element.

[0240] [Example 82] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 76 to 80, wherein the susceptor element is integral with the wicking element.

[0241] [Example 83] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the susceptor assembly includes a plurality of susceptor elements.

[0242] [Example 84] The cartridge according to Example 83, wherein the susceptor assembly includes a wicking element, and each susceptor element is arranged in fluid communication with the wicking element.

[0243] [Example 85] The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 84, wherein the susceptor assembly includes a first susceptor element and a second susceptor element, and the second susceptor element is spaced apart from the first susceptor element.

[0244] [Example 86] The cartridge according to Example 85, wherein the wicking element may be arranged in the space between the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element.

[0245] [Example 87] The cartridge according to Example 85 or Example 86, wherein the first susceptor, the second susceptor, and the wicking element are substantially planar, the first susceptor is positioned on a first side of the planar wicking element, and the second susceptor is positioned on a second side of the planar wicking element opposite to the first side.

[0246] [Example 88] A cartridge according to any one of Examples 85 to 87, wherein the wicking element includes a sheet of cotton or rayon.

[0247] [Example 88] an aerosol generation system, A cartridge described in any one of Examples 1 to 88, an aerosol generator configured to receive a cartridge, wherein the aerosol generator is At least one inductor coil is arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the cartridge's susceptor element when the cartridge is received by the device, An aerosol generating system comprising: a control circuit connected to at least one inductor coil and configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field.

[0248] [Example 89] an aerosol generation system, A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that communicates with a liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having length and width, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of a heating area; A susceptor holder that contacts at least one attachment region of the susceptor element, At least one inductor coil arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element, A control circuit connected to at least one inductor coil and configured to provide an alternating current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field, an aerosol generation system comprising the same.

[0249] [Example 90] The aerosol generation system according to Example 89, wherein the length of at least one attachment region is less than the length of the heating region.

[0250] [Example 91] The aerosol generation system according to Example 89 or Example 90, wherein the width of at least one attachment region is less than the width of the heating region.

[0251] [Example 92] An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 89 to 91, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises A cartridge including a liquid storage part, An aerosol generator configured to be coupled to the cartridge, the aerosol generator comprising at least one inductor coil and a control circuit.

[0252] [Example 93] The aerosol generation system according to Example 92, wherein the cartridge further comprises a susceptor assembly and a susceptor holder.

[0253] [Example 94] The susceptor element is a planar susceptor element extending in a plane, and at least one inductor coil is configured to provide a magnetic field to the susceptor element that is perpendicular to the plane of the susceptor element. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 88 to 93.

[0254] [Example 95] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 93, wherein the susceptor element is a planar susceptor element extending in a plane, and at least one inductor coil is configured to provide a magnetic field to a susceptor element parallel to the plane of the susceptor element.

[0255] [Example 96] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 95, wherein at least one inductor coil is a helical inductor coil.

[0256] [Example 97] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 96, wherein at least one inductor coil surrounds the susceptor assembly.

[0257] [Example 98] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 97, wherein at least one inductor coil is a planar inductor coil.

[0258] [Example 99] The aerosol generating system according to Example 98, wherein at least one inductor coil is rectangular.

[0259] [Example 100] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 99, wherein at least one inductor coil comprises multiple inductor coils.

[0260] [Example 101] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 88 to 94, The susceptor element is substantially planar and extends parallel to the first plane. At least one inductor coil comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, wherein the first inductor coil is positioned on a first side of the susceptor assembly and extends parallel to a first plane, and the second inductor coil is positioned on a second side of the susceptor assembly opposite to the first side and extends parallel to the first plane. An aerosol generation system in which a susceptor element is positioned between a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil.

[0261] [Example 102] The aerosol generating system according to Example 101, wherein the susceptor element is substantially equidistant from the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil.

[0262] [Example 103] The aerosol generating system according to Example 101 or Example 102, wherein the system is configured such that a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil generate magnetic fields that are equal to and opposite to each other.

[0263] [Example 104] An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 101 to 103, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply current to the inductor coils such that the first inductor coil provides an equivalent and opposite force to the second inductor coil on the susceptor assembly.

[0264] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0265] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a cartridge for an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge being in a storage configuration. [Figure 1b] Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of the cartridge shown in Figure 1a rotated 90 degrees around the central long axis of the cartridge. [Figure 1c]Figure 1c shows a schematic diagram of the cartridge in Figure 1a, and the cartridge is in its configuration. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows a side view of the cartridge susceptor assembly shown in Figures 1a and 1b. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the susceptor assembly shown in Figure 2a. [Figure 2c] Figure 2c shows a plan view of the susceptor assembly shown in Figure 2a. [Figure 3a] Figure 3a shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system comprising the cartridges shown in Figures 1a and 1b, which are received within the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3b] Figure 3b shows a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 3a, rotated 90 degrees around the central long axis of the aerosol generation system. [Figures 4a-4e] Figures 4a to 4e are plan views of exemplary susceptor elements according to this disclosure. [Figures 5a-5i] Figures 5a to 5i are plan views of further exemplary susceptor elements according to this disclosure. [Figure 6a] Figure 6a shows a schematic diagram of a cartridge for an aerosol generation system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge being in a storage configuration. [Figure 6b] Figure 6b shows a schematic diagram of the cartridge in Figure 6a, and the cartridge is in the configuration used. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system comprising the cartridges shown in Figures 6a and 6b, which are received within the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8a] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of a planar susceptor element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, where the cross-section is taken from a plane perpendicular to the plane of the susceptor element. [Figure 8b] Figure 8b is a plan view of the susceptor element shown in Figure 8a.

[0266] Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c show schematic diagrams of a cartridge 10 for an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] The cartridge 10 includes a susceptor assembly 12 mounted on a susceptor holder 14. The susceptor assembly 12 is shown in detail in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c. The susceptor assembly 12 is planar and thin, with a thickness dimension substantially smaller than its length and width dimensions. The susceptor assembly 12 is formed in a cross shape and includes three layers: a first susceptor element 16, a second susceptor element 18, and a wicking element 20 disposed between the first and second susceptor elements 16 and 18. Each of the first susceptor element 16, the second susceptor element 18, and the wicking element 20 generally forms a cross shape, and each element has the same length and width dimensions. The first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 are substantially identical and include a sintered mesh formed from ferritic stainless steel filaments and austenitic stainless steel filaments, as will be described in more detail below. The wicking element 20 includes a body of porous rayon filament. The wicking element 20 is configured to transport liquid from its exposed outer surface to the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18.

[0268] Each of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 includes a pair of mounting areas 22 and a heating area 24. The heating area 24 is a substantially rectangular area located in the center of the susceptor elements 16 and 18. The pair of mounting areas 22 are also substantially rectangular areas located around the heating area 24 on opposing sides of the heating area 24. In this embodiment, the mounting areas 22 are located at the same central position along the length of the heating area 24.

[0269] Each of the pair of mounting regions 22 has a smaller surface area than the heating region 24. The length of each mounting region 22 is l m The length of the heating region 24 is l h Shorter than the width of each mounting area 22 wm is smaller than the width w of the heating region 24 h In this embodiment, the heating region 24 has a length l of about 6.50 millimeters h and a width w of about 3.50 millimeters h Each of the attachment regions 22 has a length l of about 2.50 millimeters m and a width w of about 1.15 millimeters m Therefore, each of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 has a total maximum length of about 6.50 millimeters and a total maximum width of about 5.80 millimeters.

[0270] The heating region 24 is configured to be heated by penetration with an alternating magnetic field to vaporize the aerosol-forming substrate. The pair of attachment regions 22 are configured to contact the susceptor holder 14 so that the susceptor holder 14 can support the susceptor assembly 12 at a predetermined position within the cartridge 10. The pair of attachment regions 22 are configured to minimize heat transfer from the susceptor assembly 12 to the susceptor holder 14.

[0271] Each of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 includes a mesh having filaments extending in a first direction and filaments extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The heating region 24 includes filaments of SAE410 stainless steel extending in both the first direction and the second direction, including ferritic stainless steel. The pair of attachment regions 22 include filaments of SAE410 stainless steel extending in the first direction and filaments of SAE316 stainless steel, which is austenitic stainless steel, extending in the second direction. Therefore, the heating region 24 is made of a magnetic material, and the pair of attachment regions 22 are partly made of a magnetic material and partly made of a non-magnetic material. The weight ratio of SAE410 stainless steel in the heating region 24 is greater than the weight ratio of SAE410 stainless steel in each of the pair of attachment regions 22.

[0272] Providing the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 with mounting regions 22 having a reduced cross-section compared to the heating region 24 and at least partially including a mounting region 22 made of a non-magnetic material helps reduce heating of the mounting regions 22 when the susceptor elements are penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. Such a configuration also helps reduce heat transfer from the susceptor assembly 12 to the susceptor holder 14.

[0273] Naturally, in other embodiments, the heating region 24 and the pair of mounting regions 22 may be formed from other combinations of magnetic and non-magnetic materials. For example, in some embodiments, the heating region 24 includes a filament of SAE410 stainless steel, which is a ferritic stainless steel, extending in a first direction, and a filament of SAE316 stainless steel, which is an austenitic stainless steel, extending in a second direction. In these embodiments, the pair of mounting regions 22 may include a filament of SAE316 stainless steel extending in both the first and second directions. Thus, in these embodiments, the heating region 24 is made partly of a magnetic material and partly of a non-magnetic material, and the pair of mounting regions 22 are made of a non-magnetic material.

[0274] The susceptor holder 14 includes a tubular body formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene. The tubular body of the susceptor holder 14 includes side walls that define an internal passage 26 having an open end. A pair of openings 28 extend through the side walls on opposing sides of the tubular susceptor holder 14. The openings 28 are centrally located along the length of the susceptor holder 14.

[0275] The susceptor assembly 12 is disposed inside the internal passage 26 of the tubular susceptor holder 14 and extends in a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor holder 14. The heating regions 24 of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18 are entirely disposed within the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14, and each of the mounting regions 22 extends through one of the openings 28 in the side wall of the susceptor holder 14. The openings 28 in the side wall of the susceptor holder 14 are sized to accommodate the susceptor assembly 12 by friction fitting so that the susceptor assembly is fixed inside the susceptor holder 14. Due to the friction fitting between the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14, the mounting region 22 is in direct contact with the susceptor holder 14 at the opening 28. The susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 are fixed together so that the susceptor assembly 12 moves when the susceptor holder 14 moves.

[0276] Naturally, the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 may be fixed together by other means. For example, in some embodiments, the susceptor assembly 12 is fixed to the susceptor holder 14 by adhesive at the mounting area 22 of the susceptor assembly 12 such that the mounting area 22 is indirectly in contact with the susceptor holder 14.

[0277] The susceptor holder 14 includes a base 30 that partially closes one end of the internal passage 26. The base 30 includes a plurality of air intakes 32 that allow air to be drawn into the internal passage 26 through the partially closed end.

[0278] The susceptor holder 14 further includes a pair of puncture elements 34 extending from the outer surface of the side wall toward the open end of the susceptor holder 14 opposite the end partially closed by the base 30. The opening 28 in the side wall of the susceptor holder 14 is arranged between the puncture elements 34 around the side wall such that the puncture elements 34 are offset about 90 degrees from the opening 28 around the side wall of the tubular susceptor. Each of the puncture elements 34 includes a spike facing toward the open end of the susceptor holder 14.

[0279] The cartridge 10 further includes an outer housing 36 formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene. The outer housing 36 generally forms a hollow cylinder and defines an internal space in which the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 are contained.

[0280] The outer housing 36 forms the first part of the cartridge 10, and the susceptor assembly 12 and susceptor holder 14 form the second part of the cartridge 10. The second part of the cartridge is slidable relative to the first part of the cartridge between the storage configuration shown in Figures 1a and 1b and the usage configuration shown in Figure 1c.

[0281] The cartridge 10 has a mouth end and a connecting end opposite to the mouth end. The outer housing 36 defines a mouth end opening 38 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10. The connecting end is configured to connect the cartridge 10 to the aerosol generator, as will be described in detail below. The susceptor assembly 12 and susceptor holder 14 are positioned toward the connecting end of the cartridge 10. The outer width of the outer housing 36 is greater at the mouth end of the cartridge 10 than at the connecting end, which is joined by the shoulder portion 37. This allows the connecting end of the cartridge to be received within the cavity of the aerosol generator, and the shoulder portion 37 to position the cartridge correctly within the device. This also allows the mouth end of the cartridge 10 to remain outside the aerosol generator and to conform to the external shape of the aerosol generator.

[0282] The liquid storage section 40 is defined within the cartridge to hold the liquid aerosol forming substrate 42. The liquid storage section 40 is divided into two parts, a first section 44 and a second section 46. The first section 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is located toward the mouth end of the outer housing 36 and includes an annular space defined by the outer housing 36. The annular space has an internal passage 48 extending between the mouth end opening 38 and the open end of the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14. The second section 46 of the liquid storage section 40 is located toward the connecting end of the outer housing 36 and includes an annular space defined between the inner surface of the outer housing 36 and the outer surface of the susceptor holder 14. The base 20 of the tubular susceptor holder 14 is provided with an annular ribbed elastomer seal 50 extending between the outer surface of the tubular susceptor 14 and the inner surface of the outer housing 36. The seal 50 provides a liquid-tight seal between the susceptor holder 14 and the outer housing 36, ensuring that the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 securely holds the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42.

[0283] The first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 are fluidically isolated from each other by an aluminum foil seal 52, which is puncturable by a puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder, allowing the liquid aerosol forming substrate 42 to flow between the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section, as will be described in detail below.

[0284] The air passage is formed through the cartridge 10 by an internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14 and an internal passage 48 through the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40. The air passage extends from the air intake port 32 of the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14, through the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14, and through the internal passage 48 of the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 to the mouth end opening 38. The air passage allows air to be drawn through the cartridge 10 from the connection end to the mouth end.

[0285] In the storage configuration shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14 extends from the outer housing 36, and the puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder 14 is separated from the seal 52 in the direction of the connection end of the cartridge 10. In this configuration, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 is held in the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 and isolated from the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 by the seal 52. Thus, in the storage configuration, the susceptor assembly 12 is isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate 42. Advantageously, sealing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 within the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 completely prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 from leaking out of the cartridge 10 while the cartridge is in the storage configuration.

[0286] In the configuration used, as shown in Figure 1c, the susceptor holder 14 and the susceptor assembly 12 are pushed into the outer housing 36 toward the mouth end. As the susceptor holder 14 is pushed toward the mouth end of the outer housing 36, the seal 50 at the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14 slides on the inner surface of the outer housing 36, maintaining a liquid-tight seal between the inner surface of the outer housing 36 and the outer surface of the tubular susceptor holder body when the base of the susceptor holder 14 is received into the outer housing. As the puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder 14 moves toward the mouth end, the puncture element 34 contacts and punctures the seal 52, enabling fluid communication between the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 in the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is released into the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40, and the susceptor assembly 12 is exposed to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42. In the operational configuration, the mounting regions 22 of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18, and the corresponding portions of the wicking element 20 extending into the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40, allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 to be drawn out from the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 to the heating regions 24 of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18. As a result, in the operational configuration, the cartridge 10 is ready for use to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming substrate 42.

[0287] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridges 10 shown in Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c in their usage configuration, received within the aerosol generator 60. The aerosol generating system is portable and has a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette.

[0288] The aerosol generator 60 includes a generally cylindrical housing 62 having a connecting end and a distal end on the opposite side of the connecting end. A cavity 64 for receiving the connecting end of the cartridge is located at the connecting end of the device 60, and an air intake 65 is provided through the outer housing 62 at the base of the cavity 64, allowing ambient air to be drawn into the cavity 64 at the base.

[0289] The apparatus 60 further includes an induction heating arrangement disposed within a housing 62. The induction heating arrangement includes a pair of inductor coils 66, 68, a control circuit 70, and a power supply 72. The power supply 72 includes a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery that can be recharged via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the apparatus. The control circuit 70 is connected to the power supply 72 and the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68 so that the control circuit 70 controls the power supply to the inductor coils 66, 68. The control circuit 70 is configured to supply alternating current to the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68.

[0290] The pair of inductor coils includes a first inductor coil 66 and a second inductor coil 68. The first inductor coil 66 is disposed on a first side of the cavity 64, and the second inductor coil 68 is disposed on a second side of the cavity 64 opposite to the first inductor coil 66. Each of the inductor coils 66 and 68 is substantially identical and includes a planar coil having a rectangular cross-section formed from wires with a rectangular cross-section. Each of the inductor coils 66 and 68 extends substantially in a plane, with the first inductor coil 66 extending in a first plane and the second inductor coil 68 extending in a second plane. The first and second planes are substantially parallel to each other and extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity 64 at the connecting end of the device 60. When the cartridge 10 is received within the cavity 64, the susceptor assembly 12 is positioned between the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68, and the plane of the susceptor assembly 12 is positioned substantially parallel to the first plane and the second plane.

[0291] Each of the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68 is configured such that when an alternating current is supplied to the inductor coils 66 and 68, the inductor coils generate an alternating magnetic field within the cavity 64. The alternating magnetic fields generated by each of the inductor coils 66 and 68 are directed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor elements 16 and 18.

[0292] The induction heating arrangement is also configured such that the second inductor coil 68 generates an alternating magnetic field in the cavity 64 that is equivalent to and opposite to the alternating magnetic field generated in the cavity 64 by the first inductor coil 66. In this embodiment, the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68 are connected together in series and are substantially identical but wound in opposite directions. In this configuration, the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68 generate alternating magnetic fields in the cavity 64 that are substantially equal in magnitude but substantially opposite in direction.

[0293] During operation, when the user inhales smoke through the mouth-side opening 38 of the cartridge 10, ambient air is drawn into the base of the cavity 64 through the air intake 65, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3b, and into the cartridge 10 through the air intake 32 of the base 30 of the cartridge 10. The ambient air flows through the air passage and over the susceptor assembly 12, through the cartridge 10 from the base 30 to the mouth-side opening 38.

[0294] The control circuit 70 controls the supply of power from the power supply 72 to the first inductor coil 66 and the second inductor coil 68 when the system is started. The control circuit 72 may include an airflow sensor (not shown), and the control circuit 72 may also supply power to the inductor coils 66 and 68 when the airflow sensor detects that the user has inhaled from the cartridge 10. This type of control arrangement is well established in aerosol generating systems such as inhalers and e-cigarettes.

[0295] When the system is activated, alternating currents are established in the inductor coils 66 and 68, respectively, which generate an alternating magnetic field in the cavity 64 that penetrates the susceptor assembly 12, heating the heating regions 24 of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the second portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is drawn into the susceptor assembly 12 through the wicking element 20 to the heating regions 24 of the first susceptor element 16 and the second susceptor element 18. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the heating regions 24 of the susceptor elements 16 and 18 is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are released into the air passage of the cartridge 10, where they cool and form an aerosol. The aerosol is carried by the air drawn through the air passage of the cartridge 10 and is drawn out of the cartridge 10 at the mouth-side opening 38 for inhalation by the user.

[0296] Figures 4a to 4e show susceptor elements of various shapes according to different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0297] Figure 4a shows a susceptor element having two rectangular mounting regions 22 located on one side of a rectangular heating region 24. Each mounting region 22 is substantially identical and has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating region 24. The mounting regions 22 are located at opposing ends of the heating region 24 such that the susceptor element generally forms the shape of the letter "C".

[0298] Figure 4b shows a susceptor element having two rectangular mounting regions 22 located on opposite sides of a rectangular heating region 24. Each mounting region 22 is substantially identical and has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating region 24. The mounting regions 22 are located at the same ends of the heating region 24 such that the susceptor element generally forms the shape of the letter "T".

[0299] Figure 4c shows a susceptor element having two rectangular mounting regions 22 located on opposite sides of a rectangular heating region 24. Each mounting region 22 is substantially identical and has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating region 24. The mounting regions 22 are located at different positions along the length of the heating region 24, away from the edges of the heating region 24.

[0300] Figure 4d shows a susceptor element having two rectangular mounting regions 22 located on opposite sides of a rectangular heating region 24. Each mounting region 22 is substantially identical and has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating region 24. The mounting regions 22 are located at opposite ends of the heating region 24 such that the susceptor element generally forms the shape of the letters "S" or "Z".

[0301] Figure 4e shows a susceptor element having a single rectangular mounting area 22 located on one side of a rectangular heating area 24. The mounting area 22 has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating area 24. The mounting area 22 is centrally located along the length of the heating area 24.

[0302] Figures 5a to 5i show further alternative shapes of the susceptor element according to different embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0303] Figures 5a to 5c show susceptor elements having substantially rectangular mounting regions 22 and heating regions 24 and mounting regions 22, where each mounting region 22 of each susceptor element is substantially identical and has a width and length substantially shorter than the width and length of the heating region 24.

[0304] Figure 5a shows a susceptor element having two pairs of mounting regions 22 positioned at opposite ends of a heating region 24. Each pair of mounting regions includes one mounting region 22 located on one side of the heating region 24 and another mounting region 22 located on the opposite side of the heating region 24, such that the susceptor element generally forms the shape of the letter "H".

[0305] Figure 5b shows a susceptor element having a pair of mounting regions 22 arranged on opposing sides of the heating region 24. The mounting regions 22 are located at the same central position along the length of the heating region 24 so that the susceptor element generally forms a cross shape.

[0306] Figure 5c shows a susceptor element having two pairs of mounting regions 22 positioned at different locations along the length of the heating region 24, separated from the edge of the heating region 24 and separated from another pair of mounting regions 22. Each pair of mounting regions 22 includes one mounting region 22 located on one side of the heating region 24 and another mounting region 22 located on the opposite side of the heating region 24, at the same location along the length of the heating region 24.

[0307] Figures 5d to 5f show susceptor elements substantially similar to those shown in Figures 5a to 5c, wherein one or more edges of the mounting region 22 or heating region 24 are angled such that one or more of the mounting region 22 and heating region 24 are not rectangular.

[0308] Figure 5d shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the susceptor element in Figure 5a, wherein the inner edge of the mounting region 22 converges toward a central position along the length of the heating region 24 as the mounting region 22 extends away from the heating region 24.

[0309] Figure 5e shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the one in Figure 5b, wherein the edge of the mounting region 22 widens in the direction of the length of the heating region 24 as the mounting region 22 extends away from the heating region 24.

[0310] Figure 5f shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the one in Figure 5c, wherein the edge of the mounting region 22 widens in the direction of the length of the heating region 24 as the mounting region 22 extends away from the heating region 24.

[0311] Figures 5g to 5i show susceptor elements substantially similar to those shown in Figures 5a to 5c, wherein one or more edges of the mounting region 22 or heating region 24 are curved such that one or more of the mounting region 22 and heating region 24 are not rectangular.

[0312] Figure 5g shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the one in Figure 5a, wherein the inner edge of the mounting region 22 is curved inward to form a concave inner edge of the mounting region 22.

[0313] Figure 5h shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the one in Figure 5b, wherein the edge of the mounting region 22 is curved outward to form a convex mounting region 22.

[0314] Figure 5i shows a susceptor element substantially similar to the susceptor element in Figure 5c, wherein the edge of the mounting region 22 is curved outward to form a convex mounting region 22.

[0315] Figures 6a and 6b show schematic diagrams of a cartridge 10 for an aerosol generator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cartridge 10 shown in Figure 6 is substantially similar to the cartridge 10 shown in Figures 1a-1c, and similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0316] The cartridge 10 includes two susceptor assemblies 12 attached to a susceptor holder 14. Each susceptor assembly 12 is flat, thin, and molded into the shape of the letter "C". Each susceptor assembly 12 has the same three-layer structure as the susceptor assembly 12 in Figures 1a-1c and has a wicking element disposed between a first susceptor element and a second susceptor element (not shown). Each susceptor element has a rectangular heating region and two mounting regions disposed on one side of the heating region at opposite ends of the heating region, as shown in Figure 4a.

[0317] The susceptor holder 14 includes a tubular body with side walls defining an internal passage 26 having an open end. Two pairs of openings 28 extend through the side walls, and each pair of openings 28 has one opening located on one side of the susceptor holder 14 and another opening located on the opposite side of the susceptor holder 14.

[0318] In this embodiment, each of the two susceptor assemblies 12 is positioned substantially outside the internal passage 26 of the tubular susceptor holder 14 and extends in a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor holder 14. The heating region of each susceptor element is positioned entirely outside the internal passage 26, and each mounting region extends through one of the openings 28 in the side wall of the susceptor holder.

[0319] The susceptor holder includes a base 30 that partially closes one end of the internal passage 26. In this embodiment, the base 32 forms a liquid-tight seal with the internal passage 26 so that the internal passage is configured to hold liquid. The base 30 includes a plurality of air intakes 32, which are located outside the internal passage 26.

[0320] The susceptor holder 14 further includes a pair of puncture elements 34 extending from the inner surface of the side wall into the internal passage 26 toward the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor holder 14.

[0321] The cartridge 10 further includes an outer housing 36 that generally forms a hollow cylinder and defines an internal space in which a susceptor assembly 12 and a susceptor holder 14 are contained. The outer housing 36 forms the first part of the cartridge 10, and the susceptor assembly 12 and susceptor holder 14 form the second part of the cartridge 10. The second part of the cartridge is slidable relative to the first part of the cartridge between a storage configuration shown in Figure 6a and a usage configuration shown in Figure 6b.

[0322] The cartridge 10 has a mouth end defining a mouth end opening 38 and a connection end configured for connecting the cartridge 10 to an aerosol generator. The susceptor assembly 12 and susceptor holder 14 are positioned toward the connection end of the cartridge 10. The outer width of the outer housing 36 is greater at the mouth end of the cartridge 10 than at the connection end, which is joined by the shoulder portion 37.

[0323] The liquid storage section 40 is defined within the cartridge to hold the liquid aerosol forming substrate 42. The liquid storage section 40 is divided into two parts, a first section 44 and a second section 46. The first section 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is located toward the mouth end of the outer housing 36 and includes a cylindrical space defined by the inner wall of the outer housing 36. The second section 46 of the liquid storage section 40 is located toward the connecting end of the outer housing 36 and includes a cylindrical space defined by the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14.

[0324] The first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 are fluidically isolated from each other by an aluminum foil seal 52, and the aluminum foil seal 52 is puncturable by a puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder, allowing the liquid aerosol forming substrate 42 to flow between the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section.

[0325] The first passage 48 is defined between the outer surface of the inner wall defining the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 and the inner surface of the outer wall of the outer housing 36. The first passage 48 extends between the mouth end opening 38 and the susceptor holder 14. The second passage 49 is defined between the inner surface of the outer wall of the outer housing 36 and the outer surface of the susceptor holder 14. The base 20 of the tubular susceptor holder 14 is provided with an annular ribbed elastomer seal 50 extending between the outer surface of the tubular susceptor 14 and the inner surface of the outer wall of the outer housing 36. The seal 50 provides an airtight seal between the susceptor holder 14 and the outer housing 36.

[0326] The air passage is formed through the cartridge 10 by a first passage 48 and a second passage 49. The air passage extends from the air intake port 32 at the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14, through the second passage 49, and through the first passage 48 to the mouth-side end opening 38. The air passage allows air to be drawn through the cartridge 10 from the connection end to the mouth-side end.

[0327] In the storage configuration, as shown in Figure 6a, the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14 extends from the outer housing 36, and the puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder 14 is separated from the seal 52 in the direction of the connection end of the cartridge 10. In this configuration, the liquid aerosol forming substrate 42 is held in the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 and isolated from the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 by the seal 52.

[0328] In the configuration used, as shown in Figure 6b, the susceptor holder 14 and the susceptor assembly 12 are pushed into the outer housing 36 toward the mouth end. As the susceptor holder 14 is pushed toward the mouth end of the outer housing 36, the seal 50 at the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14 slides on the inner surface of the outer housing 36, maintaining an airtight seal between the inner surface of the outer housing 36 and the outer surface of the tubular susceptor holder body when the base of the susceptor holder 14 is received into the outer housing. As the puncture element 34 of the susceptor holder 14 moves toward the mouth end, the puncture element 34 contacts and punctures the seal 52, enabling fluid communication between the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 in the first portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is released into the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40, and the susceptor assembly 12 is exposed to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42. In the configuration used, the mounting region 22 of the susceptor element and the corresponding portion of the wicking element extending into the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 can draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 from the second portion 46 of the liquid storage section 40 to the heating region 24 of the susceptor element.

[0329] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge 10 shown in Figures 6a and 6b in its operational configuration, received within the aerosol generator 60. The aerosol generator 60 is substantially similar to the aerosol generator 60 shown in Figures 3a and 3b, and similar reference numerals are used to specify similar features.

[0330] The aerosol generator 60 includes a generally cylindrical housing 62 having a connecting end and a distal end on the opposite side of the connecting end. A cavity 64 for receiving the connecting end of the cartridge is located at the connecting end of the device 60, and an air intake 65 is provided through the outer housing at the base of the cavity 64, allowing ambient air to be drawn into the cavity 64 at the base.

[0331] The apparatus 60 further includes an induction heating arrangement disposed within a housing 62. The induction heating arrangement includes a single inductor coil 66, a control circuit 70, and a power supply 72. The power supply 72 includes a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery that can be recharged via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the apparatus. The control circuit 70 is connected to the power supply 72 and the inductor coil 66 so that the control circuit 70 controls the power supply to the inductor coil 66. The control circuit 70 is configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil 66.

[0332] The inductor coil 66 includes a helical coil surrounding the cavity 64. When the cartridge 10 is placed inside the cavity 64, the susceptor assembly 12 is also surrounded by the inductor coil 66.

[0333] The inductor coil 66 is configured such that when an alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 66, the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field within the cavity 64. The alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 66 is directed substantially parallel to the plane of the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor element.

[0334] During operation, when the user inhales smoke through the mouth-side opening 38 of the cartridge 10, ambient air is drawn into the base of the cavity 64 through the air intake 65, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7, and into the cartridge 10 through the air intake 32 of the base 30 of the cartridge 10. The ambient air flows through the air passage and over the susceptor assembly 12, through the cartridge 10 from the base 30 to the mouth-side opening 38.

[0335] The control circuit 70 controls the supply of power from the power supply 72 to the inductor coil 66 when the system is started. The control circuit 72 may include an airflow sensor (not shown), and the control circuit 72 may also supply power to the inductor coil 66 when the airflow sensor detects that the user has inhaled smoke from the cartridge 10.

[0336] When the system is activated, an alternating current is established in the inductor coil 66, which generates an alternating magnetic field in the cavity 64 that penetrates the susceptor assembly 12, heating the heating region of the susceptor element. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the second portion 44 of the liquid storage section 40 is drawn through the wicking element into the susceptor assembly 12, into the heating region of the susceptor element. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the heating region of the susceptor element is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are released into the air passage of the cartridge 10, where they cool and form an aerosol. The aerosol is carried by the air drawn through the air passage of the cartridge 10 and is drawn out of the cartridge 10 at the mouth-side opening 38 for inhalation by the user.

[0337] Figures 8a and 8b show a susceptor element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0338] The susceptor element 100 includes a mesh of woven filaments. Some of the woven filaments 102 extend in the warp direction, and some of the woven filaments 104 extend in the weft direction which is substantially perpendicular to the warp direction.

[0339] The filaments 104 extending in the weft direction include a magnetic material such as SAE409 stainless steel. The filaments 102 extending in the warp direction include a non-magnetic material such as SAE316 stainless steel. The mesh is sintered such that an electrical coupling is generated at the contact points between the filaments 102 extending in the warp direction and the filaments 104 extending in the weft direction.

[0340] The susceptor element 100 is a planar element that extends substantially in a plane. The warp-oriented filaments 102 are woven with weft-oriented filaments 104 such that the warp-oriented filaments 102 extend further outward from the plane of the susceptor element 100 than the weft-oriented filaments 104. In other words, the warp-oriented filaments 102 define the maximum thickness of the susceptor element 100.

[0341] The filaments 102 extending in the warp direction define the maximum thickness of the susceptor element 100. As shown in Figure 8a, the susceptor holder 14 that contacts the susceptor element 100 contacts only the filaments 102 extending in the warp direction.

[0342] Since the filament 102 extending in the warp direction is not made of magnetic material, the filament 102 extending in the warp direction is not directly heated by eddy current induction or hysteresis loss when the susceptor element 100 is exposed to an alternating magnetic field. As a result, the filament 102 extending in the warp direction in contact with the susceptor holder 14 transfers less heat to the susceptor holder 14 than if the filament were made of magnetic material.

[0343] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± {5%}. 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 as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having length and width, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein the at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of the heating area; The susceptor element comprises a susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element, A cartridge in which the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area, and the width of at least one mounting area is less than the width of the heating area.

2. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein the at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of the heating area and extends from the heating area in the transverse direction; The susceptor element comprises a susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element, A cartridge in which the length of at least one mounting area is less than the length of the heating area.

3. A cartridge for an aerosol generation system, wherein the cartridge is A liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, A susceptor assembly that is in fluid communication with the liquid storage section, wherein the susceptor assembly comprises a susceptor element that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field, and the susceptor element is A heating region having a length in the longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A susceptor assembly comprising: at least one mounting area having length and width, wherein the at least one mounting area is located adjacent to the periphery of the heating area and extends from the heating area in the longitudinal direction; The susceptor element comprises a susceptor holder that contacts at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element, A cartridge in which the width of at least one mounting area is less than the width of the heating area.

4. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the at least one mounting area includes a plurality of mounting areas.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of mounting regions include a first mounting region and a second mounting region, the first mounting region is located on one side of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region is located on the same side of the susceptor element as the first mounting region.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the first mounting area is located at the first end of the susceptor element, and the second mounting area is located at the second end of the susceptor element opposite to the first end.

7. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of mounting regions include a first mounting region and a second mounting region, the first mounting region is located on a first side surface of the susceptor element, and the second mounting region is located on a second side surface of the susceptor element opposite to the first side surface.

8. The cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are positioned at the same location along the length of the heating area.

9. The cartridge according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the first mounting area and the second mounting area are located centrally along the length of the heating area.

10. The aforementioned multiple mounting areas A first pair of mounting regions located at the first end of the susceptor element, wherein one of the first pair of mounting regions is located on one side of the susceptor element, and the other of the first pair of mounting regions is located on the opposite side of the susceptor element, The cartridge according to claim 4, comprising: a second pair of mounting regions located at the second end of the susceptor element, wherein one of the second pair of mounting regions is located on one side of the susceptor element, the other of the second pair of mounting regions is located on the opposite side of the susceptor element, and the second end of the susceptor element is on the opposite side of the first end of the second pair of mounting regions.

11. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The length of the at least one mounting area does not exceed half the length of the heating area, A cartridge that meets at least one of the following conditions: the width of the at least one mounting area does not exceed half the width of the heating area.

12. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cartridge comprises an outer housing, and the susceptor holder fixes the susceptor assembly to the outer housing.

13. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the susceptor element is substantially planar.

14. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the susceptor holder is tubular, the susceptor holder has at least one side wall defining an internal passage, the at least one side wall defining an opening between the ends of the tubular susceptor holder, the susceptor element extends into the internal passage, and the at least one mounting area of ​​the susceptor element extends into the opening of the side wall between the ends of the tubular susceptor holder.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device, The cartridge is the cartridge described in any one of claims 1 to 14. The aerosol generator is an aerosol generator configured to receive the cartridge, and the aerosol generator is When the cartridge is received in the device, at least one inductor coil is arranged to generate an oscillating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element of the cartridge, an aerosol generating system comprising: a control circuit connected to at least one inductor coil and configured to supply an oscillating current to the inductor coil to generate the oscillating magnetic field.

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