Supply system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system comprising a housing and a generally planar aerosol generating component having at least one elongated slot, the aerosol generating component being at least partially contained within the housing, the housing defining a capillary gap through which aerosolizable material can be delivered to the aerosol generating component, the capillary gap and the one, multiple, or each of the elongated slots not overlapping.

Description

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply system, particularly a non-combustible aerosol supply system and components of said aerosol supply system. Background

[0002] Non-combustible aerosol supply systems for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generating component capable of converting an aerosolizable material into an aerosol. In some examples, the generated aerosol is a condensed aerosol, where the aerosolizable material is first vaporized and then condensable into an aerosol. In other examples, the generated aerosol is an aerosol resulting from the atomization of the aerosolizable material. Such atomization can be mechanically effected, for example, by subjecting the aerosolizable material to vibration to form small particles of the material entrained in an air stream. Alternatively, such atomization may be effected electrostatically or by other means such as using pressure.

[0003] Since such aerosol supply systems are intended to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale, it is necessary to consider the properties of the generated aerosol. These properties may include the size of the particles of the aerosol, the total amount of the generated aerosol, etc.

[0004] When an aerosol supply system is used to simulate a smoking experience, for example, as an e-cigarette or a similar product, the control of these various properties is particularly important since the user may expect a particular sensory experience to result from the use of the system.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol delivery system having improved control of these properties. Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating component comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein the width of one, a plurality of, or each elongated slit is at most 0.3 mm.

[0007] The width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is at most 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is between 0.05 mm and approximately 0.3 mm, or 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0008] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are approximately planar.

[0009] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component includes a plurality of elongated slits as defined herein.

[0010] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit contains multiple elongated slit sections.

[0011] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit section is roughly straight.

[0012] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit section is curved. In some examples, the curvature lies within the plane of the substantially planar aerosol-generating component.

[0013] In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are non-parallel to each other.

[0014] In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined diagonally from one another.

[0015] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit opens at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0016] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit is surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0017] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component comprises an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0018] The aerosolizing section can be characterized as a section that experiences temperatures within 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum temperature reached by the aerosol-generating components.

[0019] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolization section.

[0020] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit does not extend within the aerosolizable material supply section. In other words, one, more, or each elongated slit may be limited to the aerosolization section.

[0021] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit is connected to an elongated slot.

[0022] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolization section.

[0023] In some cases, one, multiple, or each elongated slot does not extend within the aerosolizable material supply section.

[0024] In some examples, one, a plurality of, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

[0025] In some examples, the width of one, a plurality of, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, a plurality of, or each elongated slot is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, a plurality of, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm and at most 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and at most 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and at most 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and at most 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, a plurality of, or each elongated slot is 0.25 mm to 1 mm, or 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0026] In some examples, the aerosol generating component comprises one or more electrical connectors.

[0027] In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a porous material.

[0028] In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a conductive material. In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a single layer.

[0029] In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-cell fiber structure, an open-cell sintered structure, an open-cell foam, or an open-cell deposition structure.

[0030] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an article is provided for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol supply system, comprising an aerosol-generating component according to a prior aspect of the present disclosure and one or more aerosol-forming chambers and reservoirs for aerosolizable material.

[0031] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article according to a prior aspect of the present disclosure and a device having one or more power supplies and controllers.

[0032] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating component comprising at least one curved, elongated aperture.

[0033] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component includes a plurality of curved, elongated apertures as defined herein.

[0034] In some examples, one, multiple, or each curved, elongated aperture has increasing curvature from one end of the aperture to the other.

[0035] In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along at least a portion of its length. The curved aperture portion may be provided toward the periphery of the aerosol-generating component. This can help reduce the occurrence of “hot spots” in undesirable locations during use. The curved aperture portion may be provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

[0036] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture is curved along approximately its entire length.

[0037] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are approximately planar.

[0038] In some examples, the curvature of one, more, or each curved elongated aperture lies within the plane of the substantially planar aerosol-generating component.

[0039] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture contains a curved section connected to a straight section.

[0040] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion.

[0041] In some cases, the width of the slot is greater than 0.3 mm.

[0042] In some cases, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm or at least 0.35 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is up to 3 mm, or up to 2.5 mm, or up to 2 mm, or up to 1.5 mm, or up to 1 mm, or up to 0.8 mm, or up to 0.7 mm, or up to 0.6 mm, or up to 0.55 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and up to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.55 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is between 0.25 mm and 1 mm, or between 0.25 mm and 0.8 mm, or between 0.25 mm and 0.6 mm, or between 0.35 mm and 0.55 mm, or between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0043] In some examples, the width of the slit is a maximum of 0.3 mm.

[0044] The width of the slit portion is greater than 0 mm. In some cases, the slit portion has a maximum width of 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0045] In some examples, one, multiple, or each curved, elongated aperture opens at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0046] In some examples, one, multiple, or each curved, elongated aperture is surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0047] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component comprises an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive and aerosolize an aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0048] In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and one, more, or each slot portion is provided in the aerosolizing section.

[0049] In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and one, more, or each slit portion is provided in an aerosolizable material supply section.

[0050] In some examples, the aerosol generation component includes one or more electrical connectors.

[0051] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from porous materials.

[0052] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from conductive materials.

[0053] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from a single layer.

[0054] In some examples, aerosol-generating components are formed from woven structures, mesh structures, fabric structures, open fiber structures, open sintered structures, open foams, or open deposit structures.

[0055] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an article comprising an aerosol-generating component according to a previous aspect and one or more aerosol-forming chambers and reservoirs for an aerosolizable material.

[0056] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article according to a prior aspect and a device having one or more power supplies and controllers.

[0057] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, comprising a housing and a substantially planar aerosol-generating component having at least one elongated slot, wherein the aerosol-generating component is at least partially housed within the housing, and the housing defines a capillary gap through which an aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component, and the capillary gap does not overlap with one, multiple, or each elongated slot.

[0058] A substantially planar aerosol generating component may include a plurality of elongated slots as defined herein.

[0059] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slot is located inside the capillary gap.

[0060] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit to provide at least one elongated aperture.

[0061] In some cases, one, multiple, or each elongated slit overlaps with the capillary gap.

[0062] In some cases, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is greater than 0 mm. In some cases, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is up to 0.3 mm or up to 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is at least 0.05 mm or at least 0.1 mm or at least 0.15 mm. In some cases, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0063] In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot is up to 3 mm, or up to 2.5 mm, or up to 2 mm, or up to 1.5 mm, or up to 1 mm, or up to 0.8 mm, or up to 0.7 mm, or up to 0.6 mm, or up to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm and up to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot is 0.25mm to 1mm, or 0.25mm to 0.8mm, or 0.25mm to 0.6mm, or 0.35mm to 0.55mm, or 0.4mm to 0.5mm.

[0064] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are approximately planar.

[0065] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component comprises an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive and aerosolize an aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0066] In some examples, one, multiple, or each slot is provided in the aerosolization section.

[0067] In some cases, the aerosolized section and the capillary gap do not overlap.

[0068] In some cases, the aerosolized section is located inside the capillary gap.

[0069] In some cases, the aerosolizable material supply section and the capillary gap overlap.

[0070] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit to provide at least one elongated aperture, and one, more, or each slit is provided in an aerosolizable material supply section.

[0071] In some examples, the housing comprises a first carrier component and a second carrier component spaced apart to define a capillary gap between the first and second carrier components.

[0072] In some examples, the aerosol generation component includes one or more electrical connectors.

[0073] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from porous materials.

[0074] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from conductive materials.

[0075] In some examples, the aerosol-generating components are formed from a single layer.

[0076] In some examples, aerosol-generating components are formed from woven structures, mesh structures, fabric structures, open fiber structures, open sintered structures, open foams, or open deposit structures.

[0077] In some examples, the article comprises one or more aerosol-forming chambers and reservoirs for aerosolizable material.

[0078] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article according to a prior aspect of the present disclosure and a device having one or more power supplies and controllers.

[0079] The system can be configured such that the airflow channels and / or aerosol generation chambers and / or aerosol generation components are separable. For example, the article may be provided in a modular form in which the airflow channels and / or aerosol generation chambers and / or aerosol generation components are separable.

[0080] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the following is provided:

[0081] A1. An aerosol-generating component comprising at least one curved, elongated aperture.

[0082] A2. An aerosol-generating component as described in Clause A1, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture has increasing curvature from one end of the aperture to the other.

[0083] A3. An aerosol-generating component according to Clause A1 or A2, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along at least a portion of its length.

[0084] A4. An aerosol-generating component as described in any one of clauses A1 to A3, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along substantially its entire length.

[0085] A5. An aerosol generating component described in any one of the clauses A1 to A4, wherein the aerosol generating component is substantially planar.

[0086] A6. An aerosol-generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A5, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a curved portion connected to a straight portion.

[0087] A7. An aerosol generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A6, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion.

[0088] A8. An aerosol generating component as described in clause A7, wherein the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and the width of the slit portion is a maximum of 0.3 mm.

[0089] A9. An aerosol-generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A8, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture opens at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0090] A10. An aerosol-generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A9, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture is surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

[0091] A11. An aerosol generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A10, comprising an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive and aerosolize an aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0092] A12. An aerosol generating component according to Clause A11, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and one, more, or each slot portion is provided in an aerosolizing section.

[0093] A13. An aerosol-generating component according to clause A11 or A12, wherein one, more, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and one, more, or each slit portion is provided in an aerosolizable material supply section.

[0094] A14. An aerosol generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A13, comprising one or more electrical connectors.

[0095] A15. An aerosol generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A14, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a porous material.

[0096] A16. An aerosol generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A15, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a conductive material.

[0097] A17. An aerosol generating component formed from a single layer, as described in any one of the clauses A1 to A16.

[0098] A18. An aerosol-generating component according to any one of the clauses A1 to A17, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open fiber structure, an open sintered structure, an open foam, or an open deposited structure.

[0099] A19. An article comprising an aerosol-generating component as described in any one of clauses A1 to A18, and one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material.

[0100] A20. A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising the articles described in Clause A19 and a device having one or more of a power supply and a controller.

[0101] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the following is provided:

[0102] B1. Article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, comprising a housing and a substantially planar aerosol-generating component having at least one elongated slot, wherein the aerosol-generating component is at least partially housed within the housing, and the housing defines a capillary gap through which an aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component, and the capillary gap and one, multiple, or each elongated slot do not overlap.

[0103] B2. The article described in Clause B1, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is provided inside the capillary gap.

[0104] B3. The article described in clause B1 or B2, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit so as to provide at least one elongated aperture.

[0105] B4. Articles described in any one of the clauses B1 to B3, in which one, more, or each elongated slit and capillary gap overlap.

[0106] B5. An article described in any one of the clauses B1 to B4, wherein the aerosol-generating components are substantially planar.

[0107] B6. The article according to any one of the clauses B1 to B5, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive and aerosolize an aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0108] B7. The article described in clause B6, wherein one, multiple, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolizing section.

[0109] B8. Articles as described in clause B6 or B7, in which the aerosolized section and the capillary gap do not overlap.

[0110] B9. An article as described in any one of clauses B6 to B8, wherein the aerosolized section is located inside the capillary gap.

[0111] B10. Articles described in any one of clauses B6 to B9, in which the aerosolizable material supply section and the capillary gap overlap.

[0112] B11. An article according to any one of the clauses B6 to B10, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit so as to provide at least one elongated aperture, and one, more, or each slit is provided in an aerosolizable material supply section.

[0113] B12. An article according to any one of the clauses B1 to B11, wherein the housing comprises a first carrier component and a second carrier component spaced apart to define a capillary gap.

[0114] B13. An article according to any one of clauses B1 to B12, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises one or more electrical connectors.

[0115] B14. An article according to any one of the clauses B1 to B13, comprising one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

[0116] B15. An article according to any one of clauses B1 to B14, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a porous material.

[0117] B16. An article according to any one of clauses B1 to B15, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a conductive material.

[0118] B17. An article according to any one of the clauses B1 to B16, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer.

[0119] B18. An article according to any one of clauses B1 to B17, wherein the aerosol-generating components are formed from a woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open fiber structure, an open sintered structure, an open foam, or an open deposited structure.

[0120] B19. A non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising an article as described in any one of clauses B1 to B16, and a device comprising one or more of a power supply and a controller.

[0121] It will be understood that the features and embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to and may be combined with other embodiments of the present invention as appropriate, not only in the specific combinations described above.

[0122] Here, various embodiments will be described in detail, merely as examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0123] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the aerosol supply system described herein. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram of an article to be used as part of an aerosol supply system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram of a part of the item shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2C] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the article. [Figure 2D] Figure 2A is a front view of the article. [Figure 2E] Figure 2A is a rear view of the item. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating component for use in the article shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3B] This is another diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating component for use in the article shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3C] This is yet another diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating component for use in the article shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4]This is a diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating component for use in the article shown in Figure 2. Detailed explanation

[0124] This specification discusses / describes aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments can be carried out conventionally and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein but not described in detail can be carried out according to any prior art for carrying out such aspects and features.

[0125] As stated above, this disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol supply systems and devices that generate aerosols from aerosol-generating materials (also referred to herein as aerosolizable materials) without burning the aerosol-generating materials. Examples of such systems include electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems, and hybrid systems (which use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols). In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement of this disclosure. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials in such a hybrid system may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0126] The terms "e-cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may be used throughout the following explanation. However, it should be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustion aerosol (vapor) supply systems or devices as described above.

[0127] In some examples, the disclosure relates to consumables for holding aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0128] A non-combustible aerosol supply system typically comprises a device component (also referred to herein as a device) and a consumable / item component (also referred to herein as an item). The device component typically comprises a power source and a controller. The power source may typically be a power source, such as a rechargeable battery.

[0129] In some examples, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise an area for receiving or engaging consumables / articles, an aerosol generator (which may or may not be located within the consumables / articles), an aerosol generation area (which may be located within the consumables / articles), a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0130] In some examples, consumables / articles for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices may include aerosol-generating material, aerosol-generating material storage area (also referred herein as a reservoir for aerosolizable material), aerosol-generating material transfer component (e.g., a wick such as a pad), aerosol generator (also referred herein as an aerosol-generating component), aerosol-generating area (also referred herein as an aerosol-generating chamber), housing, packaging paper, filters, mouthpieces and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0131] The systems described herein typically generate inhalable aerosols by vaporizing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0132] The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be called a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0133] As used herein, the term “active substance” may refer to a physiologically active substance, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. Active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. Active substances may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant.

[0134] Aerosol-forming materials may comprise one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some examples, aerosol-forming materials may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0135] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0136] As used herein, the term “component” is used to refer to a component, section, unit, module, assembly, or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements that may be within an external housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or constructed from one or more such components, which may be removably or separably connected to one another, or permanently joined to one another during manufacturing to define the entire electronic cigarette. The disclosure is applicable to a system comprising (but not limited to) two components that are separably connected to one another, wherein the two components constitute, for example, a consumable / article component (also referred herein as a cartridge or cartomizer) capable of holding an aerosol-generating material, and a device / control unit having a battery to supply power to operate an element for generating vapor from the aerosol-generating material.

[0137] Figure 1 is a very schematic diagram (not to scale) of an exemplary aerosol / vapor supply system, such as the e-cigarette 10. The e-cigarette 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis shown by a dashed line and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a device) and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an article, consumable, cartomizer or cartridge) that acts as a vapor generation component.

[0138] The cartridge assembly 30 includes a storage compartment 3 (also referred to herein as a reservoir) containing an aerosolizable material containing a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is generated, for example, nicotine. For example, the aerosolizable material may contain about 1-3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder being approximately propylene glycol, and possibly water or other components such as flavorings. The storage compartment 3 is a container or vessel having the form of a storage tank, capable of storing the aerosolizable material such that it moves and flows freely (in the case of a liquid) only within the tank. Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain some amount of absorbent material, such as cotton or glass fiber, to hold the aerosolizable material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be sealed after being filled during manufacturing, or may have an inlet port or other opening into which new aerosolizable material can be added, so that it is disposable after the aerosolizable material has been consumed. The cartridge assembly 30 also includes an electro-aerosol generating component 4 located outside the reservoir tank 3 to generate an aerosol by vaporizing the aerosolizable material. In many examples, the aerosol generating component may be a heating element (heater) that is heated by the passage of an electric current (via resistance heating or induction heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosolizable material until it evaporates. A liquid conduit structure, such as a wick or other porous element (not shown), may be provided to deliver the aerosolizable material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol generating component 4. The wick may have one or more portions located inside the storage compartment 3 so that it can absorb the aerosolizable material and transfer the aerosolizable material to other parts of the wick that are in contact with the aerosol generating component 4 by wick action or capillary action. This causes the aerosolizable material to vaporize and be replaced by new aerosolizable material transferred to the aerosol generating component 4 by the wick.

[0139] The combination of heater and wick, or other components that perform the same function, may be called an atomizer or atomizer assembly. Various designs are possible in which the components may be arranged differently compared to the very schematic diagram in Figure 1. For example, the wick may be an element completely separate from the aerosol-generating components, or the aerosol-generating components may be porous and configured to directly perform the wick phenomenon function (e.g., by taking the form of a suitable electrical-resistant mesh or capillary body).

[0140] In some cases, the conduit for delivering the liquid for vapor generation may be at least partially formed from one or more slots, tubes, or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol-generating component, which are narrow enough to assist capillary action in drawing the source liquid from the storage compartment and supplying it for vaporization. Generally, an atomizer can be thought of as an aerosol-generating component that can generate vapor from an aerosolizable material delivered to it, and a liquid conduit (pathway) that can deliver or transport the liquid from the storage compartment or a similar liquid storage section to the aerosol-generating component by capillary force.

[0141] Typically, the aerosol-generating component is at least partially located within an aerosol-generating chamber that forms part of the airflow channel through the electronic cigarette / system. The vapor generated by the aerosol-generating component is pushed into this chamber, and as air flows through the chamber and over and around the aerosol-generating component, it collects and condenses the generated vapor to form the desired aerosol.

[0142] Returning to Figure 1, the cartridge assembly 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet from which the user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating component 4 and delivered through the airflow channel.

[0143] The power component 20 includes a cell 5 (also referred to herein as a battery, which may be rechargeable) for supplying power to the electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, particularly the aerosol-generating component 4. Furthermore, there is a printed circuit board 28 and / or other electronic equipment or circuits for overall control of the e-cigarette. The control electronic equipment / circuits connect the vapor-generating component 4 to the battery 5 when vapor is needed, in response to a signal from a pneumatic sensor or airflow sensor (not shown) that detects inhalation on the system 10, for example, air entering through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the power component 20 so as to flow along an airflow channel. When the aerosol-generating component 4 receives power from the battery 5, it vaporizes an aerosolizable material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to produce an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user through the opening of the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along an airflow channel (not shown) connecting the air inlets 26 to the air outlet when the user inhales through the mouthpiece 35. Therefore, the airflow path through the electronic cigarette is defined between the air inlet to the atomizer (which may or may not be within the power component) and the air outlet to the mouthpiece. During use, the direction of airflow along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so the atomizer can be described as being downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.

[0144] In this particular example, the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts that can be detached from each other by separating in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1. The components 20, 30 are joined to each other by cooperating engaging elements 21, 31 (e.g., screws, magnetic or bayonet fittings) that provide mechanical and electrical connections between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30 when the device 10 is in use. However, this is merely an illustrative arrangement, and various components may be distributed differently between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly section 30, and other components and elements may be included. The two sections may be connected end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Figure 1, or in different configurations such as a parallel side-by-side arrangement. The system may or may not be substantially cylindrical, and / or may have a substantially longitudinal shape. Either or both sections may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (e.g., when the reservoir is empty or the battery is depleted), or may be intended to allow for multiple uses through actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomizer. Alternatively, the e-cigarette 10 may be a single device (disposable or refillable / rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are contained within a single body or housing. Examples of the present invention are applicable to any of these and other configurations recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0145] As described above, aerosol-generating components of the type that can be used in the atomizing portion of an electronic cigarette (the portion configured to generate vapor from a source liquid), such as heating elements, combine the functions of heating and liquid delivery by being both conductive (electrically resistive) and porous. Note here that the reference to conductive (electrically resistive) refers to a component that has the ability to generate heat in response to the flow of electric current within it. Such a flow can be provided via so-called resistance heating or induction heating. An example of a suitable material for this purpose is a conductive material such as a metal or metal alloy formed in a sheet-like form, i.e., a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or width. Examples in this regard may be meshes, webs, grilles, etc. Meshes may be formed from metal wires or metal fibers woven together, or they may be aggregated into a nonwoven structure. For example, fibers may be aggregated by sintering, in which case heat and / or pressure is applied to the aggregate of metal fibers to compress it into a single porous mass. Planar aerosol-generating components can define a curved plane, and in these examples, reference to planar aerosol-generating components that form a plane means a virtual planar plane that forms the best-fitting plane through the component.

[0146] These structures can provide appropriately sized voids and gaps between metal fibers, thereby inducing capillary forces for the wicking effect of a liquid. Therefore, these structures can also be considered porous, as they allow for the uptake and distribution of liquid. Furthermore, the presence of voids and gaps between metal fibers allows air to permeate the structure. Also, metals are conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, where an electric current flowing through an electrically resistant material generates heat. However, this type of structure is not limited to metals. Other conductive materials may be formed into fibers to create mesh, grill, or web structures. An example is a ceramic material, which may or may not be doped with a substance intended to modify the physical properties of the mesh.

[0147] This type of planar, sheet-like porous aerosol-generating component may be placed in an electronic cigarette so as to be within an aerosol-generating chamber that forms part of an airflow channel. The aerosol-generating component may be oriented within the chamber so that the airflow through the chamber can flow in the surface direction, i.e., substantially parallel to the plane of the substantially planar, sheet-like aerosol-generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in International Publication Nos. 2010 / 045670 and 2010 / 045671, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Thus, air can flow over the heating element and collect vapor. This makes aerosol generation very effective. In an alternative example, the aerosol-generating component may be oriented within the chamber so that the airflow through the chamber can flow in a direction substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substantially planar, sheet-like aerosol-generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in International Publication No. 2018 / 211252, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0148] The aerosol-generating component may have, and / or be formed from, any one of the following structures: woven structure, mesh structure, fabric structure, open fiber structure, open sintered structure, open foam, or open deposited structure. The structure is particularly suitable for providing an aerosol-generating component having a high degree of porosity. High porosity can ensure that the heat generated by the aerosol-generating component is mainly used to evaporate the liquid, thereby achieving high efficiency. Porosity exceeding 50% can be assumed by the structure. In one embodiment, the porosity of the aerosol-generating component is 50% or more, 60% or more, or 70% or more. The open fiber structure may consist of, for example, a nonwoven fabric that can be optionally compressed and further sintered to improve cohesiveness. The open sintered structure may consist of, for example, a granular, fibrous, or cotton-like sintered composite material manufactured by a film casting method. The open deposited structure may be manufactured by, for example, a CVD method, a PVD method, or a flame spraying method. Open-pore foams are generally commercially available and can be obtained even with thin, micro-pore designs.

[0149] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating component has at least two layers, the layers comprising at least one of the following structures: plate, foil, paper, mesh, woven structure, fabric, open fiber structure, open sintered structure, open foam, or open deposited structure. For example, the aerosol-generating component can be formed from an electric heating resistor consisting of metal foil combined with a structure including a capillary structure. Where the aerosol-generating component is considered to be formed from a single layer, such a layer may be formed from metal wire cloth or nonwoven metal fiber cloth. The individual layers are preferably connected to each other by heat treatment such as sintering or welding, but this is not necessarily required. For example, the aerosol-generating component can be designed as a sintered composite consisting of stainless steel foil and one or more layers of stainless steel wire cloth (e.g., AISI 304 or AISI 316 material). Alternatively, the aerosol-generating component can be designed as a sintered composite consisting of at least two layers of stainless steel wire cloth. The layers may be connected to each other by spot welding or resistance welding. The individual layers may also be mechanically connected to one another. For example, a double-layer wire cloth can be produced simply by folding a single layer. Instead of stainless steel, heat-conducting alloys, particularly NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys "Kanthal," which have even higher electrical resistivity than stainless steel, can also be used as an example. The material connection between the layers is obtained by heat treatment, and as a result, the layers maintain contact with each other even under unfavorable conditions, such as during heating by the aerosol-generating components and the resulting thermal expansion. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating components may be formed by sintering multiple individual fibers together. Thus, the aerosol-generating components can be composed of sintered fibers, such as sintered metal fibers.

[0150] The aerosol-generating components may include, for example, a conductive thin layer of an electrically resistive material such as platinum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten, or tantalum, which is applied to the surface of the vaporizer by PVD, CVD, or any other suitable method. In this case, the aerosol-generating components may also include an electrically insulating material, such as ceramic. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include stainless steel such as AISI 304 or AISI 316, and heating conductor alloys, particularly NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys "Kanthal" such as DIN material numbers 2,4658, 2,4867, 2,4869, 2,4872, 1,4843, 1,4860, 1,4725, 1,4765, and 1,4767.

[0151] As described above, the aerosol-generating components may be formed from sintered metal fiber material, or they may be in the form of a sheet. This type of material can be thought of as a mesh or an irregular grid, and is created by sintering together a randomly aligned arrangement or array of spaced-out metal fibers or metal wires. A single layer of fibers or several layers, for example up to five layers, may be used. As an example, the metal fibers have a diameter of 8-12 μm and are arranged to give a sheet with a thickness of 0.16 mm, weighing 100 g / m². 2 ~1500g / m 2 For example, 150g / m 2 ~1000g / m 2 200g / m 2 ~500g / m 2 , or 200-250g / m 2The material density and spacing can be adjusted to produce a porosity of 84%. The sheet thickness may also be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. Specific thicknesses include 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm, or 0.1 mm. Generally, the aerosol-generating components have a uniform thickness. However, from the following description, it will be understood that the thickness of the aerosol-generating components may vary. This may be due, for example, to some parts of the aerosol-generating components being compressed. Different fiber diameters and thicknesses can be selected to vary the porosity of the aerosol-generating components. For example, the aerosol-generating components may have a porosity of 66% or more, or 70% or more, or 75% or more, or 80% or more, or 85% or more, or 86% or more.

[0152] The aerosol-generating component may form a substantially flat structure including first and second surfaces. The substantially flat structure can take any two-dimensional shape, such as a circle, semicircle, triangle, square, rectangle, and / or polygon. Generally, the aerosol-generating component has a uniform thickness.

[0153] The width and / or length of the aerosol-generating components may range from approximately 1 mm to approximately 50 mm. For example, the width and / or length of the vaporizer may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm. The width may generally be smaller than the length of the aerosol-generating components. It should be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol-generating components may be modified.

[0154] When the aerosol-generating component is formed from an electrically resistive material, current can flow through the aerosol-generating component in such a way that it generates heat (so-called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol-generating component can be appropriately selected. For example, the aerosol-generating component may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, e.g., 1.8 ohms or less, e.g., 1.7 ohms or less, e.g., 1.6 ohms or less, e.g., 1.5 ohms or less, e.g., 1.4 ohms or less, e.g., 1.3 ohms or less, e.g., 1.2 ohms or less, e.g., 1.1 ohms or less, e.g., 1.0 ohm or less, e.g., 0.9 ohms or less, e.g., 0.8 ohms or less, e.g., 0.7 ohms or less, e.g., 0.6 ohms or less, e.g., 0.5 ohms or less. Parameters of the aerosol-generating component, such as material, thickness, width, length, and porosity, can be selected to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, relatively low resistance facilitates higher power extraction from the power source, which may be suitable for rapid aerosolization. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low that it impairs the integrity of the aerosol generator. For example, the resistance should not be lower than 0.5 ohms.

[0155] Planar aerosol-generating components, such as heating elements, suitable for use in the systems, devices, and articles disclosed herein, can be formed by punching or cutting (e.g., laser cutting) the required shape from a larger sheet of porous material. This may involve punching, cutting, or otherwise removing material to form openings in the aerosol-generating component. These openings may affect both the ability of air to pass through the aerosol-generating component and the rate at which electric current flows through a particular area.

[0156] Figures 2A–2C show (not to scale) an exemplary article 100 for use in a non-combustible aerosol / vapor supply system 10 according to the present disclosure. Generally speaking, article 100 comprises housings 101, 102 which may comprise a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly may comprise a first carrier component 101 and a second carrier component 102. Article 100 may also comprise an aerosol generating component 103 (see Figure 2B). The aerosol generating component 103 may be at least partially housed within the housings 101, 102 (e.g., within the carrier assembly). The housings (and in this example, the first and second carrier components 101, 102) serve to support the aerosol generating component 103. Thus, for convenience, considering the orientation shown in the figures, the first and second carrier components 101, 102 can also be considered as a lower support component 101 and an upper support component 102. The housing can define a gap G (see Figure 2A) through which the aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component 103. In this example, the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 are separated by a distance d. This separation provides a gap G through which the aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component 103 (e.g., from a reservoir not shown in the figure) when in use. The gap G provides capillary channels (one on each side) extending along both sides of the aerosol-generating component 103. In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 is a substantially planar heating element 103.

[0157] Article 100 may include first and second electrical contact elements for connecting to the aerosol generating component 103 (e.g., corresponding first and second electrical connectors of the aerosol generating component 103). The first and second electrical contact elements may be formed from sheet metal material, including metal strips formed into an appropriate shape considering the shape and configuration of other elements of the apparatus according to conventional manufacturing techniques, or they may consist of conventional flexible wiring. In embodiments where electrical energy is inductively coupled to the aerosol generating component, it will be understood that such contact elements are not necessary.

[0158] The carrier assembly, for example, the first and second carrier components 101, 102, can be molded from a plastic material having a high glass fiber content (e.g., about 50% or more) to provide improved rigidity and resistance to high temperatures, for example, about 230 degrees Celsius.

[0159] The first and second carrier components 101 and 102 may be provided in various forms and dimensions. The carrier assembly is configured such that when the two carrier components 101 and 102 are brought together with an aerosol generating component 103 sandwiched between them, the carrier components 101 and 102 form a carrier assembly, the airflow path 110 extends into the interior of the carrier assembly, and the aerosol generating component 103 is at least partially positioned within the carrier assembly. The airflow path 110 comprises an aerosol generating chamber. The carrier assembly may be elongated or have similar width and length dimensions. Furthermore, the form and dimensions of the airflow path may be modified.

[0160] In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2C, the first carrier component 101 has an upstream portion 104, a downstream portion 105 (shown in Figure 2A), and two side edges 106 (the right edge is shown in Figure 2A). As shown in Figures 2B and 2C, the second carrier component 102 has an upstream portion 107, a downstream portion 108, and two side edges 109. The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 have approximately the same width (measured from side edge to side edge). An air inlet 113 is provided in the upstream portion 104 of the first carrier component 101 (see Figure 2C), and an air outlet 114 is provided in the downstream portion 108 of the second carrier component 102 (see Figures 2B and 2C). In particular, Figure 2C shows that during use, air flows into the air inlet 113 and passes through the outlet 114 along the airflow path 110.

[0161] The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 can be attached to each other by any suitable means, such as a gap fit, a mid-fit or a crimp fit. Other attachments are also conceivable. In some examples, for example, in the particular example in Figure 2, the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may be attached to each other by a snap fit. For example, one or more of the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may have one or more projections configured to engage (e.g., via a snap fit) with the corresponding portion of the other of the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102. In the example shown in Figures 2A to 2E, the first carrier component 101 includes a pair of projections 120 extending toward its downstream portion 105, the projections 120 configured to engage with the corresponding ledge 121 of the second carrier component 102 via a snap fit, and the second carrier component 102 includes a projection 122 extending toward its upstream portion 107, the projection 122 configured to engage with the corresponding ledge 123 of the first carrier component 101 via a snap fit. It will be understood that the method of mounting between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may be modified.

[0162] The aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a porous material. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a conductive material. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a single layer. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open fiber structure, an open sintered structure, an open foam, or an open deposited structure. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may generally be in the form of a sheet. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material, which is generally in the form of a sheet. It will be understood that other porous conductive materials can be used in the same way.

[0163] For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may comprise a main part having an electrical connector for connecting to each electrical contact. For example, the main part of the aerosol generating component may be a roughly rectangular shape with a longitudinal dimension of about 20 mm (i.e., in the direction passing between the electrical contact extensions 103B) and a width of about 8 mm. Other dimensions are also possible.

[0164] For example, the longitudinal dimension may correspond to the direction of the airflow through the vaporization chamber (note that in other examples, the longitudinal dimension does not need to be the longest dimension of the aerosol-generating component 103). The thickness of the sheet containing the aerosol-generating component 103 may be approximately 0.15 mm. Other dimensions are also possible.

[0165] The aerosol generating component 103 may include one or more apertures 200 (e.g., elongated apertures). In some examples, the apertures 200 may include one or more elongated apertures extending inward from each of the long sides (sides parallel to the longitudinal direction). For example, the elongated apertures 200 may extend inward by about 4.8 mm. For example, the inwardly extending elongated apertures may be separated from each other by about 5.4 mm on each side of the aerosol generating component 103, and the slots extending inward from opposing sides may be offset from each other by about half this distance. In other words, the slots may be arranged alternately along the longitudinal sides. Other configurations and dimensions are also possible. As a result of this arrangement of the slots 200 in the aerosol generating component 103, the current flow along the aerosol generating component 103 is effectively forced to follow a meandering path, resulting in current, and therefore power, being concentrated around the ends of the slots. In this regard, and also due to the presence of an elongated aperture, the aerosol generating component 103 can be configured such that the current ratio is larger in some regions of the aerosol generating component 103 (a meandering path in this example) than in other regions.

[0166] By making the current follow a meandering path, a larger number of high-temperature regions (also called "hot spots") are distributed more uniformly across the aerosol-generating components 103, whereas if the current follows the path directly, fewer larger high-temperature regions are produced that are not distributed as uniformly across the aerosol-generating components 103. In this way, the risk of combustion of the aerosolizable material and / or unintended drying of the aerosol-generating components 103 can be reduced. Furthermore, a more uniform heat distribution and therefore more consistent aerosolization (e.g., more consistent particle size) can be achieved.

[0167] In some examples (see, for example, Figures 3A-3C), the aerosol generating component 103 is rotationally symmetric about an axis passing through and perpendicular to the center of the plane of the aerosol generating component 103.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will understand that article 100 can be manufactured in a variety of different ways, and that the examples described herein serve as representative examples. For example, the configuration in which the aerosol generating component 103 is arranged within the housing, for example, between the second carrier component 102 and the first carrier component 101, may be modified.

[0169] In the examples shown in Figures 2A to 2E, when the article 100 is assembled into the aerosol generation system 10 (e.g., an electronic cigarette), it comprises carrier assemblies 101 and 102 having an airflow path 110 comprising an aerosol generation chamber, the airflow path 110 extending between the air inlet and air outlet of the mouthpiece in the system 10.

[0170] It will be understood that, when in use, article 100 in Figure 2 may be surrounded on both sides by a reservoir (not shown in the figure) for the aerosolizable material. As described, the distance between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 corresponds to a gap G. This gap G is in fluid communication with the reservoir and provides capillary channels (one on each side) extending along each side of the aerosolizing component 103. For example, when in use, the aerosolizable material is supplied through the gap G and enters the pores (if present) of the aerosolizing component 103 for vaporization, generating vapor in the aerosolizing chamber. The passing air collects the vapor and generates an aerosol, which is drawn out of the aerosolizing chamber when the user inhales into the system 10, travels through the system 10 along a further portion of the airflow path, and exits through the air outlet.

[0171] When installed in the electronic cigarette 10, the article 100 may be positioned such that the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating component 103, corresponding to the direction of the airflow through the article 100 from the upstream end to the downstream end, is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette 10 for an end-to-end system as in the example of Figure 1, or at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device in a side-by-side system where the device is positioned on the side of the article 100. However, this is not mandatory, and in this specification, the term “longitudinal direction” is intended to refer to the dimensions and orientation of the atomizer, in particular the dimensions of the aerosol-generating component along the airflow path from the atomizer inlet at the upstream end of the atomizer through the vaporization chamber to the atomizer outlet at the downstream end of the atomizer.

[0172] The following describes exemplary aspects of this disclosure.

[0173] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating component is disclosed comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein one, a plurality of, or each elongated slit has a width of up to 0.3 mm. The inventors have found that the use of slots (wider in this context than slits) as may be found in prior art aerosol-generating components can result in unintended leakage of aerosolizable material through the slots. In particular, the slots can act as leakage pathways for the aerosolizable material. The inventors have found that the use of slits having a narrower width than the slots can reduce the risk of unintended leakage of aerosolizable material through the aerosol-generating component. At the same time, the use of slits can provide additional current pathways and thus result in a more uniform heat distribution across the aerosol-generating component. In this way, a more consistent particle size and therefore improved aerosolization can be achieved.

[0174] Figures 3A–3C and 4 show an exemplary aerosol-generating component 103 including at least one elongated slit 200 (not all are numbered for clarity). In this embodiment, the width of one, more, or each elongated slit 200 is a maximum of 0.3 mm. As described above, this width is effective in reducing the risk of leakage of the aerosolizable material while providing effective heating and heat distribution.

[0175] The width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is a maximum of 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is between 0.05 mm and approximately 0.3 mm, or 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is approximately 0.2 mm. A width of approximately 0.2 mm has been found to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of unintended leakage of aerosolizable materials.

[0176] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 is approximately straight. For example, in the examples in Figures 3A and 3B, each elongated slit 200 is approximately straight.

[0177] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit is curved.

[0178] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 is approximately planar. This configuration is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that different geometric shapes are also conceivable.

[0179] It will also be understood that the shape of the elongated slits 200 or each elongated slit 200 can be changed. In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 includes multiple elongated slit sections. In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit section is substantially straight. In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit section is curved (for example, in the plane of the substantially planar aerosol generating component 103, as shown in Figure 4).

[0180] In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined toward each other. In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections may be non-parallel to each other. In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined obliquely to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 3C, each of the two elongated slits 200 contains two slit sections, which are inclined obliquely to each other.

[0181] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 opens at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103. This configuration is shown, for example, in Figures 3B, 3C, and 4. That is, in each of Figures 3B, 3C, and 4, two slits 200 open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103. Preferably, this configuration helps to provide a region of higher current density while being less likely to cause unintended leakage of the aerosolizable material.

[0182] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 is surrounded by the periphery of an aerosol-generating component. This configuration is shown, for example, in Figures 3A, 3C, and 4, where several elongated slits 200 are surrounded by the periphery of an aerosol-generating component 103. The surrounding of the elongated slits 200 further reduces the likelihood that they will form a leakage path for the aerosolizable material.

[0183] The aerosol-generating component 103 may include (for example, at least one) aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive the aerosolizable material (for example, by capillary force). The aerosolizable material supply section 103F is shown, for example, in Figure 4, where each section outside the dashed line corresponds to the aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

[0184] The aerosol-generating component 103G may include (e.g., at least one) aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material. The aerosolizing section 103G is shown, for example, in Figure 4, where the sections defined between the dashed lines correspond to the aerosolizing section 103G. It should be understood that, during use, only the aerosolizing section 103G can reach a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

[0185] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 has a porous and / or permeable structure into which the aerosolizable material can be placed. Thus, in some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 can take in the aerosolizable material so that it is supplied from the aerosolizable material supply section 103F to the aerosolization section 103F and aerosolized.

[0186] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizing section 103G.

[0187] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizing section 103G. In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 does not extend into the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. By providing slits in this manner, the risk of unintended leakage of the aerosolizable material is reduced. At the same time, the slits provide additional current paths to create additional hot spots. As the total number of hot spots increases and the intensity of each hot spot decreases, the heat distribution across the aerosolizing components improves. This can result in more consistent particle size and therefore improved aerosolization.

[0188] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 is connected to an elongated slot 201. In such examples, the elongated slits 200 connected to the elongated slot 201 may form an elongated aperture. In such examples, the slits 200 and slot 201 may be referred to as “slit portion” 200 and “slot portion” 201, respectively.

[0189] It should be understood that slits and slots are forms of apertures. Also, understand that slots are wider than slits.

[0190] In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is greater than 0.3 mm or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is up to 3 mm, or up to 2.5 mm, or up to 2 mm, or up to 1.5 mm, or up to 1 mm, or up to 0.8 mm, or up to 0.7 mm, or up to 0.6 mm, or up to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is greater than 0.3 mm and up to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is 0.25mm to 1mm, or 0.25mm to 0.8mm, or 0.25mm to 0.6mm, or 0.35mm to 0.55mm, or 0.4mm to 0.5mm.

[0191] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G. Thus, the use of slits 200 in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F reduces the risk of leakage of the aerosolizable material (compared to the use of slots). In addition, the use of slits 200 in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F can increase the amount of aerosolizable material stored in the aerosolizing component 103 (compared to the use of slots) because less material is removed from the aerosolizing component 103 (compared to the use of slots). Furthermore, the use of slits 200 in the aerosolizable material supply section eliminates the need for means to prevent leakage of the aerosolizable material through the slits. In contrast, in some aerosol-generating components where the slots extend through the aerosolizable material supply section (and, for example, to the periphery of the aerosol-generating component), means may be required to prevent leakage of the aerosolizable material through the slots.

[0192] In some cases, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 extends within the aerosolizing section.

[0193] In the example shown in Figure 4, the elongated slits 200 are connected to each elongated slot 201 to form each elongated aperture. The elongated slits 200 are provided (at least partially) in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F, and the elongated slots 201 are provided in the aerosolization section 103G.

[0194] In some embodiments, it will be understood that the elongated slot 201 may taper and enter the slit 200. It will also be understood that different forms of the slit 200 and slot 201 are conceivable.

[0195] The aerosol generation component 103 may include one or more electrical connectors 103C. The aerosolization section may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

[0196] The aerosol-generating components may include any other features as defined herein.

[0197] Also disclosed is an article 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol supply system 10, comprising an aerosol-generating component 103 as defined herein and one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber 190 and a reservoir 121 for aerosolizable material.

[0198] A non-combustible aerosol supply system 10 is also disclosed, comprising an article 100 as defined herein and a device 20 including one or more of a power supply and a controller.

[0199] System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

[0200] According to one embodiment, an aerosol-generating component is disclosed that includes at least one curved elongated aperture. Due to its curved shape, the aperture can encompass a larger surface area (over a given length) than a straight elongated aperture. In this way, the use of at least one curved elongated aperture can improve the amount and / or distribution of aerosol generation. For example, aerosols can be generated over the increased surface area.

[0201] "Curved" should be understood as meaning that at least one curved elongated aperture is curved at least partially. That is, at least one curved elongated aperture does not necessarily have to be curved along its entire length, but may include partial curvature (as well as, for example, straight portions). The curved aperture portion may be provided toward the periphery of the aerosol-generating component. This may help reduce the occurrence of "hot spots" in undesirable locations during use. The curved aperture portion may be provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

[0202] Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol-generating component 103 includes at least one curved, elongated aperture 200, 201. In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 has increasing curvature from one end to the other. The increase in curvature may be continuous. The increase in curvature may begin partway along the aperture 200, 201.

[0203] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 is curved along at least a portion of its length.

[0204] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 is curved along approximately its entire length.

[0205] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 is substantially planar.

[0206] In some examples, one, multiple, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 has a substantially constant width.

[0207] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a curved portion (or at least a partially curved portion) connected to a substantially straight portion.

[0208] For example, as shown in Figure 4, there are four apertures 200, 201. Two of the apertures 200, 201 each include at least a partially curved portion 201 connected to a substantially straight portion 200. The other two apertures 200, 201 each include at least a partially curved portion 200 connected to a substantially straight portion 201.

[0209] In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a slot portion 201. In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a slit portion 200. In some examples, one, more, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a slot portion 201 connected to a slit portion 200. It should be understood that the slot portion 201 has a greater width than the slit portion 200.

[0210] Please understand that the slot portion (also called the "slot") is wider than the slit portion (also called the "slit").

[0211] In some cases, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is at least 0.35 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is up to 3 mm, or up to 2.5 mm, or up to 2 mm, or up to 1.5 mm, or up to 1 mm, or up to 0.8 mm, or up to 0.7 mm, or up to 0.6 mm, or up to 0.55 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and up to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and up to 0.55 mm. In some cases, the width of the slot portion is between 0.25 mm and 1 mm, or 0.25 mm and 0.8 mm, or 0.25 mm and 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm and up to 0.55 mm, or 0.4 mm and up to 0.5 mm.

[0212] In some cases, the width of the slit portion is a maximum of 0.3 mm. The width of the slit portion is greater than 0 mm. In some cases, the slit portion has a maximum width of 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some cases, the width of the slit portion is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0213] Please understand that the joint / connection between each slot portion 201 and each slit portion 200 may be of various widths intermediate between the slot portion 201 and the slit portion 200.

[0214] The aerosol generating component 103 may include a plurality of curved elongated apertures. Each curved elongated aperture may be as defined herein.

[0215] In some examples, one, more, or each of the curved, elongated apertures 200, 201 open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103. As shown in Figure 4, two of the apertures 200, 201 open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103.

[0216] In some examples, one, more, or each curved, elongated aperture 200, 201 is surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103. As shown in Figure 4, two of the apertures 200, 201 are surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103.

[0217] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 includes an aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive the aerosolizable material (for example, by capillary force).

[0218] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 includes an aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material.

[0219] In some examples, one, more, or each slot portion 201 is provided in the aerosolizing section 103G. In some examples, one, more, or each slot portion 201 does not extend into the aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

[0220] In some examples, one, multiple, or each slit portion 200 is located within the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. In some examples, one, multiple, or each slit portion 200 extends within the aerosolization section.

[0221] For example, in Figure 4, each slot portion 201 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G, and the two slit portions 200 are provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F, extending within the aerosolization section 103G, while the two slit portions 200 are almost entirely located within the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. Variations of this configuration are also conceivable.

[0222] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 comprises one or more electrical connectors 103C. The aerosolizing section 103G may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

[0223] The aerosol generating component 103 may include any other features as defined herein.

[0224] Also disclosed is an article 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol supply system 10, comprising an aerosol-generating component 103 as defined herein and one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material.

[0225] Article 100 may be configured such that an aerosolizable material can be supplied from a reservoir to an aerosolizing section 103G via an aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

[0226] A non-combustible aerosol supply system 10 is also disclosed, comprising an article 100 as defined herein and a device 20 including one or more of a power supply and a controller.

[0227] System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

[0228] According to one embodiment, an article is disclosed for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, comprising a housing and an aerosol-generating component having at least one elongated slot, wherein the aerosol-generating component is at least partially housed within the housing, and the housing defines a capillary gap through which an aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component, and the capillary gap does not overlap with one, multiple, or each elongated slot.

[0229] By ensuring that the elongated slots and capillary gaps do not overlap, the possibility of leakage of aerosolizable material through the elongated slots is reduced. For example, leakage of aerosolizable material can be more pronounced when the capillary gap coincides with or overlaps with the elongated slots.

[0230] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slot 201 is located inside the capillary gap. In this way, the elongated slots 201 are located away from the capillary gap and toward the center of the aerosol-generating element 103. This configuration further reduces the risk of leakage of the aerosolizable material.

[0231] In some examples, the capillary gap provides a capillary channel that coincides with and / or overlaps the periphery of the aerosol-generating component 103. In some examples, the capillary gap provides a capillary channel that coincides with and / or overlaps the lateral edge of the aerosol-generating component 103. In some examples, the capillary gap provides two capillary channels that coincide with and / or overlap each of the lateral edges of the aerosol-generating component 103.

[0232] In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slot 201 forms part of an elongated aperture of the aerosol-generating component 103 (in this case, the elongated slots may be referred to as “elongated slot portions”). Thus, the aerosol-generating component 103 may include at least one elongated aperture having at least one elongated slot 201.

[0233] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 includes at least one elongated slit 200. In some examples, one, more, or each elongated slit 200 may form part of the elongated aperture of the aerosol-generating component 103 (in which case the elongated slits may be referred to as “elongated slit portions”).

[0234] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is connected to an elongated slit 200. This could be such as forming an elongated aperture 200, 201. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 4 and will be described elsewhere in this specification.

[0235] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 overlaps with and / or coincides with the capillary gap. By providing elongated slits in this position, an additional current path can be provided, resistance can be increased, and heating can be improved while maintaining a reduced risk of leakage through the aerosol-generating component 103.

[0236] The elongated slots 200 or each elongated slot 200 and the elongated slits 200 or each elongated slit 200 may be as defined elsewhere in this specification.

[0237] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 includes an aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive the aerosolizable material (for example, by capillary force).

[0238] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 comprises an aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 is substantially planar. A substantially planar aerosol-generating component 103 may include a plurality of elongated slots 201 as defined herein.

[0239] The aerosolizable material supply section 103F and the aerosolization section 103G may be as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0240] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slot 201 is provided in the aerosolization section 103F.

[0241] In some examples, one, multiple, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103G.

[0242] In some cases, the aerosolized section 103G does not overlap with the capillary gap.

[0243] In some cases, the aerosolizable material supply section 103F and the capillary gap overlap.

[0244] It will be understood that the housing may be provided in various forms. For example, the housing may comprise a carrier assembly. The housing, for example, the carrier assembly may comprise a first carrier component 101 and a second carrier component 102. A capillary gap may be defined between the first carrier component 101 and the second supported carrier component 102. For example, the capillary gap may be defined by the distance between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 when they are mounted to each other. The aerosol-generating component 103 may be at least partially positioned between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102. The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may be as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0245] In some examples, the aerosol-generating component 103 comprises one or more electrical connectors 103C. The aerosolizing section 103G may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

[0246] Article 100 may comprise one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

[0247] Article 100 may be configured such that an aerosolizable material can be supplied from a reservoir to an aerosolizing section 103G via an aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

[0248] A non-combustible aerosol supply system 10 is also disclosed, comprising an article 100 as defined herein and a device 20 including one or more of a power supply and a controller.

[0249] System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

[0250] The drawings in this specification are schematic and not drawn to scale. The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system, comprising a housing and a substantially planar aerosol-generating component having at least one elongated slot, wherein the aerosol-generating component is at least partially housed within the housing, the housing defines a capillary gap through which an aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol-generating component, the capillary gap and one, a plurality, or each elongated slot do not overlap, and the aerosol-generating component is configured to receive and aerosolize the aerosolizable material, and an aerosolizing section is configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material, wherein the aerosolizable material supply section and the capillary gap overlap.

2. The article according to claim 1, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is provided inside the capillary gap.

3. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein one, more, or each elongated slit overlaps with the capillary gap.

5. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component is substantially planar.

6. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, a plurality of, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolizing section.

7. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosolized section and the capillary gap do not overlap.

8. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosolizing section is provided inside the capillary gap.

9. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one, more, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit, and one, more, or each slit is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

10. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a first carrier component and a second carrier component spaced apart to define the capillary gap.

11. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises one or more electrical connectors.

12. The article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising one or more of an aerosol-forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material.

13. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a porous material.

14. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a conductive material.

15. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a single layer.

16. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open fiber structure, an open sintered structure, an open foam, or an open deposition structure.

17. The article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm.

18. A non-combustion aerosol supply system comprising an article according to claim 1 or 2, and a device having one or more of a power supply and a controller.

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