Aerosol delivery system and method

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application disclose an aerosol providing system and an aerosol providing method. The system comprises a housing including a liquid storage area configured to store an aerosol generating material; an aerosol generating area including a heater and a liquid delivery mechanism; and a liquid buffer area arranged between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generating area; wherein the liquid buffer area is configured to deliver the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism; and the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol generating material from the liquid buffer area to the heater, so that the heater atomizes the aerosol generating material during use to generate aerosols. Through the embodiments of the present application, technical problems of storing more aerosol generating material without leakage are solved.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol delivery technology, and in particular to an aerosol delivery system and an aerosol delivery method. Background Technology

[0002] In the electronic cigarette industry, aerosol delivery systems typically include a storage portion for storing aerosol generating materials. During use, the user inhales from the device to activate a heating element, which atomizes the aerosol generating materials and thereby converts them into aerosols for the user to inhale.

[0003] Conventional storage compartments always present leakage issues when storing pure liquid aerosol generating materials. Therefore, most existing liquid storage solutions fill the storage compartment with absorbent material to store pure liquid aerosol generating materials without leakage. However, due to the limited space within the storage compartment, if the interior is completely filled with absorbent material, the amount of stored liquid aerosol generating materials is significantly reduced, resulting in a degraded user experience.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in existing technology. Accordingly, the present invention proposes an aerosol providing system and an aerosol providing method to solve the technical problems of a method for storing more aerosol-generating materials without leakage.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol providing system comprising a housing, wherein the housing is,

[0006] A liquid storage area configured to store an aerosol generating material;

[0007] an aerosol generation zone including a heater and a liquid delivery mechanism; and

[0008] It includes a liquid buffer region arranged between a liquid storage region and an aerosol generation region; the liquid buffer region is configured to transfer an aerosol generation material within the liquid storage region to a liquid delivery mechanism; the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol generation material from the liquid buffer region to a heater, thereby causing the heater to atomize the aerosol generation material during use to generate aerosols.

[0009] In the technical solution of the aerosol delivery system described above, the liquid buffer area comprises a barrier element and / or a liquid buffer element, wherein the barrier element is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage area and the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element; and the liquid buffer element is configured to draw in an aerosol generating material and deliver it to the liquid delivery mechanism. By isolating the liquid storage area from the aerosol generating area based on the barrier element and / or the liquid buffer element, the aerosol generating material enters the liquid delivery mechanism slowly to prevent leakage, while ensuring that the liquid storage area can store a certain amount of the aerosol generating material. Specifically:

[0010] In an embodiment in which the liquid buffer region includes a barrier element, the liquid storage region is fluidly in communication with the liquid delivery mechanism through the barrier, and the barrier slows down the speed at which the aerosol generating material enters the liquid delivery mechanism from the liquid storage zone, thereby allowing the liquid aerosol generating material to enter the liquid delivery mechanism along a predetermined path and preventing it from reaching unnecessary locations in other parts of the aerosol supply system, thereby reducing the risk of leakage;

[0011] In an embodiment in which the liquid buffer region includes a barrier element and a liquid buffer element, the barrier element is configured to create fluid communication between the liquid storage zone and the liquid buffer element. The liquid buffer element absorbs an aerosol generating material from the barrier element and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism. The aerosol generating material first enters the liquid buffer element by decelerating its flow rate through the barrier element, and then further reduces the flow rate entering the liquid delivery mechanism through the liquid buffer element. The liquid buffer element can effectively control the amount of aerosol generating material entering the liquid delivery mechanism and has a constant liquid storage function, thereby effectively preventing leakage problems during the delivery process;

[0012] In an embodiment in which the liquid buffer region includes a liquid buffer element, the liquid buffer element absorbs an aerosol-generating substrate from the liquid storage region and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism. The liquid buffer element can reduce the flow rate of the aerosol-generating substrate entering the liquid delivery mechanism and can also reduce the risk of leakage by storing a certain amount of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0013] In the technical solution of the aforementioned aerosol delivery system, the barrier element is provided with one or more holes, and the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism or a liquid buffer element through one or more holes. The barrier element isolates the liquid storage area from the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element and can create fluid communication between the two through the holes to satisfy the transfer requirements.

[0014] In the technical solution of the aforementioned aerosol delivery system, a barrier element is provided with a flow guide channel, and an aerosol generating material within a liquid storage area is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism or a liquid buffer element through the flow guide channel. The barrier element isolates the liquid storage area from the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, creates fluid communication between the two by means of a flow channel design, and can transfer the aerosol generating material according to a preset channel path.

[0015] Additionally, in some embodiments, a barrier element is arranged around a liquid delivery mechanism or a liquid buffer element, and one or more grooves fluidly communicating with each other are opened in the outer wall of the barrier element, and the groove(s) contact a housing to form a flow guide channel, and an aerosol generating material in a liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the flow guide channel.

[0016] Additionally, in some embodiments, the end of the flow guide channel fluidly communicating with the liquid storage area is configured as a first flow guide port, and the end of the flow guide channel fluidly communicating with the liquid delivery mechanism or liquid buffer element is configured as a second flow guide port, wherein the area of ​​the second flow guide port is larger than the area of ​​the first flow guide port. The port connected to the liquid storage area is designed to be smaller due to the need to reduce the delivery speed of the aerosol generating material, which can effectively reduce the conveying rate. However, the lower area in contact with the liquid delivery mechanism or liquid buffer element needs to ensure a sufficient supply of the aerosol generating material. Therefore, the contact port area must be appropriately enlarged to ensure the supply requirement of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the orientation of the first flow guide port is arranged in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the first flow guide port is arranged in a stepped manner in which the area is gradually reduced in the direction toward the flow guide channel, thereby causing the aerosol to be gradually decelerated and delivered from the first guide port, thereby reducing the delivery pressure of the liquid in the first flow guide port and preventing leakage of the aerosol generating material due to the delivery pressure in the first flow guide port.

[0017] In the technical solution of the aforementioned aerosol delivery system, a barrier plate is arranged between a liquid buffer element and a liquid delivery mechanism, and the barrier plate is provided with one or more flow guide holes, and the liquid buffer element delivers an aerosol generating material to the liquid delivery mechanism through the flow guide hole(s). The barrier plate can effectively reduce the direct contact area between the liquid buffer element and the liquid delivery mechanism, thereby reducing the delivery rate of the aerosol generating material between the two.

[0018] In the technical solution of the aerosol delivery system described above, liquid buffer elements are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the liquid delivery mechanism. In some embodiments, the liquid delivery mechanism is configured as an oil guide element in contact with a heater to absorb an aerosol generating substrate from the liquid buffer element or barrier element and supply it to the heater. Thus, in some embodiments, to satisfy the supply requirements of the heater and sufficiently atomize the aerosols, the oil guide element is arranged around the heater and the buffer element is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism. Additionally, in some embodiments, there are at least two liquid buffer elements spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the liquid delivery mechanism, which can save the number of buffer elements and satisfy the supply requirements. The interval setting is equivalent to reducing the contact area, which helps to slow down the delivery speed of the aerosol generating substrate, improve internal balance, and prevent leakage.

[0019] In the technical solution of the aerosol delivery system described above, the liquid buffer element is provided by an absorbent material. In some embodiments, the absorbent material comprises at least one of cotton and glass fiber.

[0020] In the technical solution of the aforementioned aerosol delivery system, the liquid storage area and the aerosol generation area are arranged along the same longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer area is arranged around the aerosol generation area. The longitudinal arrangement facilitates the liquid descending from the liquid storage area to the liquid buffer area by gravity, thereby transferring the liquid from the liquid buffer area to the aerosol generation area.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol delivery method. The method is applied to any aerosol delivery system according to a first aspect, and the method is,

[0022] A step of transferring an aerosol generating material within a liquid storage region to a liquid delivery mechanism through a liquid buffer region;

[0023] A step of supplying an aerosol generating material from a liquid buffer region to a heater through a liquid delivery mechanism;

[0024] It includes the step of generating aerosols by atomizing an aerosol generating substrate through a heater.

[0025] The above one or more technical solutions of the present invention have one or more beneficial effects as follows:

[0026] In technical solutions embodying the present invention, a liquid buffer region is configured between an aerosol generating region having a heater and a liquid storage region, thereby allowing the liquid aerosol generating material to slowly enter the liquid delivery mechanism and prevent liquid leakage. At the same time, more liquid aerosol generating material can be filled into the liquid storage region without an absorbent material.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in part in the following description, some of which will become apparent from the description below, and others of which will be known through the practice of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present invention will be more easily understood. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Additionally, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, among which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an aerosol providing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer region includes a barrier element). FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer region includes a barrier element and a liquid buffer element). FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a barrier element according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a barrier element according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from a different angle. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of an aerosol delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer region includes a liquid buffer element). FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid buffer element and an aerosol generating region according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a barrier plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Description of Drawing Symbols: 100, Housing; 101, Liquid Storage Area; 102, Aerosol Generation Area; 1021, Heater; 1022, Liquid Delivery Mechanism; 103, Liquid Buffer Area; 1031, Barrier Element; 1032, Flow Guide Channel; 1033, Groove; 1034, Liquid Buffer Element; 1035, First Flow Guide Port; 1036, Second Flow Guide Port; 104, First Sealing Element; 105, Second Sealing Element; 106, Barrier Plate; 1061, Flow Guide Hole Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely for illustrating the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user upon use, and includes the following:

[0031] Combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipe or roll-your-own or make-your-own cigarettes (regardless of whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, puffed tobacco, recycled tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials);

[0032] Non-combustible aerosol providing systems that release compounds from aerosol generating materials without burning the aerosol generating materials, e.g., electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol generating materials; and

[0033] Aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user by means of the mouth, nose, transdermis, or other means without forming an aerosol, include but are not limited to articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco comprising snus or wet snuff, and at least one substance may or may not contain nicotine.

[0034] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol delivery system is a system in which a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is combusted or burned during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol providing system selected from the group consisting of, for example, cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0036] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an aerosol modifier-releasing component such as a filter, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, capsule, thread, or bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, tipping paper, or cigarette paper.

[0037] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol delivery system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a power-supplied non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0040] In some embodiments, 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 cigarette heating system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises 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.

[0042] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol-providing devices. These consumables are referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol providing system, such as a non-combustible aerosol providing device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or a heating power source. In some embodiments, the heating power source comprises a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or to a heat transfer material adjacent to the heating power source.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol providing device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0047] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user by means of the mouth, nose, transdermis, or other means without forming an aerosol, and includes, but is not limited to, articles comprising lozenges, gums, patches, inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco comprising snus or wet snuff, and at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0048] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Where appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active components, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered comprises an active substance. An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, functional foods, nootropics, and psychoactive substances. The active substance may occur naturally or be obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plant materials.

[0050] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0051] As mentioned in the present specification, the active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0052] As mentioned herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more plant materials or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant material” includes any material derived from plant materials, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husks, shells, or similar substances. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally present in the plant material or is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, pieces, strips, sheets, or similar substances.

[0053] Exemplary plant materials include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, It is chives, carbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arvensis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv, Mentha piperita cv, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv, and Mentha suaveolens.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0055] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant materials or their constituents, derivatives, or extracts, and the plant material is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0056] In some embodiments, the material to be delivered includes flavors. As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in products for adult consumers, where permitted by local regulations. These are naturally occurring flavoring ingredients, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, Scotch, whisky, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, kart, Nasoir, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, bell pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, Carbine, Verbena, Tarragon, Limonene, Thymol, Camphen), Flavor enhancers,They may include bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant matter, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or red berry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory agent, which is intended to achieve a generally chemically induced somatosensory sensation perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the aroma or gustatory nerves, and these may include agents that provide a warming, colding, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable warming agent may be vanillyl ethyl ether, but is not limited thereto, and a suitable cooling agent may be eucalyptol, WS-3, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol and generates an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or supplied with energy in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, for example, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0060] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol-forming material materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0061] The aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0062] One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0063] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, card, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, reconstructible material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include these. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0064] A consumable is an article comprising or composed of an aerosol-generating material, in whole or in part intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0065] A susceptor is a material capable of being heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, and accordingly, the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and thus the penetration of a changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically conductive and magnetic, and accordingly, the susceptor may be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0066] An aerosol modifier is typically a substance located downstream of the aerosol generation region and is configured to modify the generated aerosol by, for example, changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or other properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided to an aerosol modifier release component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may comprise, for example, one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not have a filter material.

[0067] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0068] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as nebulizers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description, the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used from time to time, but it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery systems / devices and electronic aerosol delivery systems / devices. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor," and related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize" may generally be used interchangeably.

[0069] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, but not always, comprise a modular assembly that includes a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will include aerosol-generating material and a vaporizer (collectively referred to as a "cartomizer"), and the reusable device part will include power supply (e.g., rechargeable power) and control circuitry. It will be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on their function. For example, the reusable device part will often include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part will include a temperature sensor to assist in controlling the temperature in some cases. The cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, using, for example, threaded, bayonet, or magnetic couplings with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is depleted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems / devices.

[0070] It is common for electronic cigarettes to generally have an elongated shape. To provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be considered to include this type of generally elongated two-part system using disposable cartridges. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally applied to different configurations, e.g., single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, rechargeable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, e.g., so-called box-mode high-performance devices having a more boxy shape. More generally, certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems operatively configured to provide a function according to the principles described herein, and it will be understood that the constitutive aspects of the systems configured to provide a function according to the specific embodiments of the disclosure are of no significant importance.

[0071] As described in the background art, there is always a problem of leakage of the liquid aerosol generating substrate in cartridges equipped with heaters, and the storage capacity decreases when filled with absorbent materials. Based on this, the present invention proposes an aerosol supply system capable of preventing leakage of the aerosol generating substrate and satisfying storage requirements.

[0072] Refer to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2, which illustrate an example of an aerosol supply system. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. The aerosol supply system comprises a housing (100), the housing (100) comprising a liquid storage area (101) and an aerosol generating area (102). The liquid storage area (101) stores an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating area (102) has a heater (1021) and a liquid delivery mechanism (1022). The liquid delivery mechanism (1022) supplies the aerosol generating material to the heater (1021), causing the heater (1021) to atomize the aerosol generating material to generate aerosols for inhalation by a user. The present invention provides a liquid buffer region (103) between a liquid storage region (101) and an aerosol generation region (102) so that the aerosol generation material in the liquid storage region (101) is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through the liquid buffer region (103), thereby slowing down the speed at which the liquid aerosol generation material enters the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) and preventing liquid leakage. At the same time, the liquid storage region (101) without an absorbent material can store more liquid aerosol generation material.

[0073] It should be noted that FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely schematic diagrams illustrating a number of elements that may be included in the housing (100) and are not intended to convey specific locations and fixed structural patterns of the various elements. For example, any structure capable of decelerating the liquid flow rate may be included in the liquid buffer area (103), and the housing (100) may include an integral or detachable base, not limited to the structure illustrated. Additionally, it should be understood that the aerosol supply system and the housing (100) may include other elements not illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the aerosol supply system may further include a power supply element, and the housing (100) may be detachably or fixedly mounted to the power supply element. The housing (100) may also include a connection element for controlling heaters.

[0074] The technical solution of the present invention is described below through specific examples. For ease of understanding, in the examples of the present invention, the liquid storage area (101) and the aerosol generation area (102) are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer area (103) is arranged around the aerosol generation area (102). Other areas having the same buffering effect should be arranged within the scope of protection of the present invention without departing from the concept of the technical solution.

[0075] First embodiment

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the liquid buffer region (103) includes a barrier element (1031). The liquid storage region (101) is fluidly connected to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through the barrier element (1031), and the barrier element (1031) isolates the liquid storage region (101) from the aerosol generation region (102). At the same time, the flow design reduces the speed at which the aerosol generation material enters the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) from the liquid storage region (101), thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0077] In one embodiment, the barrier element (1031) is provided with one or more holes, and an aerosol generating material in the liquid storage area (101) is transferred through the holes to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) to achieve fluid communication.

[0078] In one embodiment, the barrier element (1031) itself can achieve liquid conduction. For example, the barrier element (1031) may be made from porous ceramic materials having a pore structure (micropores and / or intermediate pores). An aerosol generating substrate within the liquid storage area (101) is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through these micropores / intermediate pores to achieve fluid communication.

[0079] In one embodiment, a barrier element (1031) is provided with a flow guide channel (1032), and an aerosol generating material within a liquid storage area (101) is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through the flow guide channel (1032) to achieve fluid communication. It should be noted that structural parameters such as the position, length, and curvature of the flow guide channel (1032) can be designed according to actual use. FIG. 3 is merely an exemplary example and is not a specific limitation on the structure. The aerosol generating material is transferred along a predetermined path through the flow guide channel (1032). In this embodiment, the barrier element (1031) is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism (1022), and one or more interconnected grooves (1033) are provided on the outer wall of the barrier element (1031). The grooves (1033) contact the housing (100) to form the flow guide channel (1032). One end of the flow guide channel (1032) is connected to the liquid storage area (101), and the other end is connected to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). Forming the flow guide channel (1032) through the outer groove (1033) makes operation convenient and effectively reduces the fluid velocity of the aerosol generating material from the liquid storage area (101) from the periphery, improves the balance of internal and external air pressures, and prevents leakage.

[0080] Second embodiment

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the liquid buffer area (103) includes a barrier element (1031) and a liquid buffer element (1034). The barrier element (1031) can establish fluid communication between the liquid storage area (101) and the liquid buffer element (1034). The liquid buffer element (1034) absorbs an aerosol generating material from the barrier element (1031) and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). The design of the barrier element (1031) slows down the flow rate of the aerosol generating material, and the liquid buffer element (1034) has a constant liquid storage function, further slowing down the flow rate of the liquid entering the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). At the same time, it improves balance with the liquid storage area (101) and prevents liquid leakage due to internal and external pressure differences.

[0082] In one embodiment, the barrier element (1031) is provided with one or more holes, and an aerosol generating material in the liquid storage area (101) is transferred to the liquid buffer element (1034) through the holes to achieve fluid communication.

[0083] In one embodiment, the barrier element (1031) itself can achieve liquid conduction. For example, the barrier element (1031) may be made from porous ceramic materials having a pore structure (micropores and / or intermediate pores). An aerosol generating substrate within the liquid storage area (101) is transferred to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through these micropores / intermediate pores to achieve fluid communication.

[0084] In one embodiment, a barrier element (1031) is provided with a flow guide channel (1032), and an aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area (101) is transferred to a liquid buffer element (1034) through the flow guide channel (1032) to achieve fluid communication. It should be noted that structural parameters such as the position, length, and curvature of the flow guide channel (1032) can be designed according to actual use. FIG. 3 is merely an exemplary example and is not a specific limitation on the structure. The aerosol generating material is transferred along a predetermined path through the flow guide channel (1032). In this embodiment, the barrier element (1031) is arranged around the liquid buffer element (1034), and one or more interconnected grooves (1033) are provided on the outer wall of the barrier element (1031). The grooves (1033) contact the housing (100) to form the flow guide channel (1032). One end of the flow guide channel (1032) is connected to the liquid storage area (101), and the other end is connected to the liquid buffer element (1034). Forming the flow guide channel (1032) through the outer groove (1033) is convenient for the mold making process and effectively reduces the area occupied by the barrier element (1031) within the liquid buffer area (103) and increases the area of ​​the liquid buffer element (1034), thereby allowing the liquid buffer element (1034) to store more aerosol generating material, improving the balance with the liquid storage area (101), and preventing leakage.

[0085] Based on the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, regarding the flow guide channel (1032) formed by the groove (1033) on the outer side of the barrier element (1031), as shown in FIG. 5, the flow guide channel (1032) connects the liquid storage area (101) to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) or the liquid buffer element (1034). The end of the flow guide channel (1032) connected to the liquid storage area (101) is a first flow guide port (1035), and the end of the flow guide channel (1032) connected to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) or the liquid buffer element (1034) is a second flow guide port (1036). The area of ​​the second flow guide port (1036) may be designed to be larger than the area of ​​the first flow guide port (1035), which forms a fluid flow tendency with sufficient buffering from top to bottom, contributing to internal and external balance when the liquid descends and preventing liquid leakage. Additionally, the first flow guide port (1035) is arranged in a stepwise manner in which the area gradually decreases in the direction toward the flow guide channel (1032), causing the aerosol to gradually descend from the first flow guide port (1035). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the flow guide channel (1032) may have the first flow guide port (1035) at one end and two second flow guide ports (1036) for delivery on each side of the other end. This increases contact with the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) or the liquid buffer element (1034). The barrier element (1031) is arranged around the liquid buffer element (1034) or the liquid delivery mechanism (1022), and the flow guide channel (1032) may be set on both sides of the barrier element (1031) to ensure supply demand and fully utilize the space inside the housing (100), which helps with vertical balance. It should be noted that the opening direction, quantity, and size of the flow guide channels (1032) can be designed according to actual product requirements, and the drawings are for illustrative purposes only.At the same time, the orientation and size of each port can also be designed according to actual needs, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0086] Third embodiment

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the liquid buffer region (103) includes a liquid buffer element (1034), which absorbs an aerosol generating material from the liquid storage region (101) and transfers it to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). By means of the liquid buffer element (1034), the risk of liquid leakage is directly reduced while ensuring a certain amount of liquid storage.

[0088] Based on the second and third embodiments, for the liquid buffer element (1034), the contact area between the liquid buffer element (1034) and the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) can be reduced to further reduce the liquid delivery speed between the liquid buffer element (1034) and the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a barrier plate (106) is provided between the liquid buffer element (1034) and the liquid delivery mechanism (1022), and one or more flow guide holes (1061) are provided in the barrier plate (106). The liquid buffer element (1034) delivers an aerosol generating material to the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through the guide holes (1061).

[0089] In the second and third embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) is arranged around the heater (1021), and the liquid buffer element (1034) is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). The liquid buffer element (1034) may also be spaced around the liquid delivery mechanism (1022), and only one side needs to be in contact with the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). When delivering through the flow guide channel (1032) on the other side, the position of the output port of the flow guide channel (1032) needs to be matched.

[0090] In the second and third embodiments, the liquid buffer element (1034) is provided by an absorbent material having a certain liquid storage function and delivers an aerosol generating substrate through an absorption action by contact with a liquid delivery mechanism (1022). The absorbent material includes cotton or glass fibers, etc.

[0091] In the first to third embodiments, the liquid delivery mechanism (1022) is an oil guide element in contact with the heater (1021). Through contact absorption, an aerosol generating substrate from the liquid buffer element (1034) or barrier element (1031) is supplied to the heater (1021). The material of the oil guide element is one or more of natural sponge, synthetic sponge, cotton wool, glass fiber wool, porous plastic, porous polymer fiber, and nonwoven fiber. The heater (1021) includes one or more resistance wires, the resistance wires being in the form of a sheet-like porous structure or a mesh structure. The resistance wires come into contact with the oil guide element to absorb the aerosol generating substrate, thereby heating and atomizing the aerosol generating substrate to generate aerosols.

[0092] Additionally, in the first to third embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, a first sealing element (104) is provided between the liquid storage area (101) and the barrier element (1031) or the liquid buffer element (1034). The first sealing element (104) can improve the sealing between the liquid storage area (101) and the liquid buffer area (103), prevent the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area (101) from leaking out of the flow channel, and can be designed to fit the barrier element (1031); a second sealing element (105) is also provided at the lower ends of the liquid buffer area (103) and the aerosol generating area (102) that are in contact with the bottom of the housing (100), thereby preventing the aerosol generating material from leaking out of the bottom of the housing (100). The material of the first sealing element (104) and the second sealing element (105) may be silicone. It should be noted that in the examples of the present invention, the sealing element is not a specific limitation regarding its structure. The actual structure, material, and size are designed according to the product structure and requirements, as long as they satisfy the sealing conditions of the bottom.

[0093] Based on the first to third embodiments, the present invention achieves pure liquid storage at the top of the heater (1021), and the liquid storage area (101) in the upper portion, which is free of absorbent material, can be filled with more liquid aerosol generating material; and the liquid buffer area (103) is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism (1022). The liquid buffer area (103) isolates the liquid storage area (101) from the aerosol generating area (102) through a barrier element (1031) or a liquid buffer element (1034), slows down the flow rate of the aerosol generating material entering the aerosol generating area (102), and reduces the pressure difference of the liquid when it is external or during internal delivery, thereby achieving pressure balance of the liquid flow and thereby preventing leakage of the aerosol generating material. Meanwhile, the design of the flow channel is more advantageous for balancing the liquid flow pressure, so that the aerosol generating material is slowly introduced into the aerosol generating area (102).

[0094] In addition, the present invention further provides an aerosol delivery method, said method based on the aerosol delivery system described above, said method,

[0095] A step of transferring an aerosol generating material within a liquid storage area (101) to a liquid delivery mechanism (1022) through a liquid buffer area (103);

[0096] A step of supplying an aerosol generating material from a liquid buffer region (103) to a heater (1021) through a liquid delivery mechanism (1022);

[0097] The method includes the step of generating aerosols by atomizing an aerosol generating substrate through a heater (1021).

[0098] The aerosol delivery system generates aerosols through the above method, and users inhale the generated aerosols using the aerosol delivery system. The specific principles and functional effects of each part of the aerosol delivery system may be described in the first to third embodiments, and are not repeated.

[0099] Although the above embodiments describe each step in a specific order, those skilled in the art should note that the different steps do not necessarily need to be executed in this order to achieve the effects of the present invention. The steps may be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in a different order, and such modifications are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modules within the system may be adaptively divided or merged. The division or merging of specific modules will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principles of the present invention, and thus the technical solution after division or merging will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0101] In the description of this specification, the reference terms “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “examples,” “specific examples,” or “some examples” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with an embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the referential expressions of the aforementioned terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0102] Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be interpreted as implying, suggesting, or specifying the quantity of technical features of relative importance. Accordingly, features defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc.

[0103] In the present invention, terms such as “mounting,” “connecting,” “connecting,” “fixing,” etc., should be understood broadly unless explicitly defined and limited. For example, a connection may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integral; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and, unless otherwise explicitly defined, an internal connection between two components or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art may understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the invention as appropriate.

[0104] Although embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described above, it should be understood that the described embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Within the scope of the invention, those skilled in the art may make variations, modifications, substitutions, and changes to the described embodiments.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol delivery system comprising a housing, wherein the housing is, A liquid storage area configured to store an aerosol generating material; an aerosol generation zone including a heater and a liquid delivery mechanism; and An aerosol supply system comprising a liquid buffer area arranged between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generating area; wherein the liquid buffer area is configured to transfer the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism; and wherein the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol generating material from the liquid buffer area to the heater, so that the heater atomizes the aerosol generating material during use to generate aerosols. Claim 2 An aerosol providing system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid buffer region comprises a barrier element and / or a liquid buffer element, the barrier element is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage region and the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element; and the liquid buffer element is configured to aspirate the aerosol generating substrate and deliver the aerosol generating substrate to the liquid delivery mechanism. Claim 3 In claim 2, the barrier element is provided with one or more holes, and the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area is transferred to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the one or more holes, an aerosol providing system. Claim 4 In claim 2, the barrier element is provided with a flow guide channel, and the aerosol generating material within the liquid storage area is transferred to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the flow guide channel, an aerosol providing system. Claim 5 In claim 4, the barrier element is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, and one or more grooves are opened in the outer wall of the barrier element to fluidly communicate with each other, said groove(s) contact the housing to form a flow guide channel, and said aerosol generating material in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through said flow guide channel, an aerosol providing system. Claim 6 In claim 4, the end of the flow guide channel fluidly communicating with the liquid storage area is configured as a first flow guide port, and the end of the flow guide channel fluidly communicating with the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element is configured as a second flow guide port, wherein the area of ​​the second flow guide port is larger than the area of ​​the first flow guide port, an aerosol providing system. Claim 7 An aerosol providing system according to claim 6, wherein the orientation of the first flow guide port is aligned in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the housing, and the first flow guide port is arranged in a stepped manner in which the area gradually decreases in the direction toward the flow guide channel. Claim 8 An aerosol providing system according to claim 2, wherein a barrier plate is arranged between the liquid buffer element and the liquid delivery mechanism, and the barrier plate is provided with one or more flow guide holes, and the liquid buffer element delivers the aerosol generating material to the liquid delivery mechanism through the flow guide holes. Claim 9 In claim 2, the liquid delivery mechanism is arranged around the heater, and the liquid buffer element is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism, in an aerosol delivery system. Claim 10 In claim 2, an aerosol delivery system having at least two liquid buffer elements spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the liquid delivery mechanism. Claim 11 In claim 2, the aerosol providing system, wherein the liquid buffer element is provided by an absorbent material. Claim 12 In claim 11, the aerosol providing system wherein the absorbent material comprises at least one of cotton and glass fiber. Claim 13 In claim 1, the aerosol supply system, wherein the liquid delivery mechanism is configured as an oil guide element in contact with the heater. Claim 14 An aerosol providing system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid storage area and the aerosol generating area are arranged along the same longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer area is arranged around the aerosol generating area. Claim 15 As a method for providing an aerosol, the method is applied to an aerosol providing system according to claim 1, and the method is A step of transferring the aerosol generating material in the liquid storage region to the liquid delivery mechanism through the liquid buffer region; A step of supplying the aerosol generating material from the liquid buffer region to the heater through the above liquid delivery mechanism; A method for providing aerosols, comprising the step of generating aerosols by atomizing the aerosol generating substrate through the heater.

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