Heater assembly for an aerosol provision system, and an aerosol provision system

Abstract

A heater assembly for an aerosol provision system comprising an oil-guide body, configured to absorb aerosol-generating material; a heating body, having a heating wire, the heating wire in contact with the oil-guide body and heating the aerosol-generating material, wherein at least a portion of the heating wire along the circumferential direction of the cross-section has successively connected contact and vaporizing surfaces end-to-end to form a closed loop; the contact surface contacting the oil-guide body to receive and transfer the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the oil-guide body to the vaporizing surface; and the heating wire comprising up to two of said vaporizing surfaces.

Description

[0001] HEATER ASSEMBLY FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM, AND AN AEROSOL

[0002] PROVISION SYSTEM

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] This invention is related to the field of aerosol provision, particularly relating to a heater assembly for an aerosol provision system and the aerosol provision system.

[0005] Technical Background

[0006] An aerosol provision system refers to a system that contains aerosol-generating material and produces aerosol by heating aerosol-generating material (like tobacco), rather than burning, for user puffs.

[0007] An aerosol provision system generally comprises a housing, a containment chamber within the housing, a cartomizer, a power source, and a controller. The containment chamber serves to contain the aerosol-generating material. The cartomizer comprises an atomization chamber and a heater assembly located in this chamber, the heater assembly comprises a heating body and an oil-guide body. The oil-guide body receives liquid aerosol-generating material (such as e-liquid) from the containment chamber and transfers it to the heating body. Powered by the power source under the controller's management, the heating body heats the aerosol-generating material to produce aerosol.

[0008] A commonly used heater assembly features a heating body and oil-guide body in a stacked arrangement. The heating body is a net formed of heating wires. These wires have a contact surface that touches the oil-guide body and a vaporizing surface that is away from it. The aerosol-generating material absorbed by the contact surface must be efficiently transferred to the vaporizing surface for aerosol production. Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section of the heating wire, typically rectangular, featuring a contact surface 11 and three vaporizing surfaces 12, 13, 14. The material on contact surface 11 must traverse two bends (marked A and B in the figure) to reach the entire vaporizing surface (all three surfaces). The slow movement of the material at these bends, along with the multiple bends between the vaporizing surfaces, leads to a reduced oil-guiding rate across the heating wire's entire vaporizing surface. Consequently, the material on the contact surface may not be promptly transferred to the entire vaporizing surface, potentially causing dry burning and failure of the heating wire's vaporizing surface.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new heater assembly and aerosol provision system to address one or more of these technical issues.

[0010] Summary of Invention

[0011] The invention addresses at least one of the technical issues present in the existing technology. Therefore, it introduces a heater assembly for an aerosol provision system, designed to address problems such as the low oil transfer rate of the heating wire's atomizing surface, which can lead to the issue of dry burning failure in the existing technology.

[0012] The first aspect of an embodiment of this invention discloses a heater assembly for an aerosol provision system, comprising: an oil-guide body, configured to absorb aerosol-generating material; a heating body, having a heating wire, the heating wire in contact with the oil-guide body and heating the aerosol-generating material, wherein at least a portion of the heating wire along the circumferential direction of the cross-section has successively connected contact and vaporizing surfaces end-to-end to form a closed loop; the contact surface contacting the oil-guide body to receive and transfer the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the oil-guide body to the vaporizing surface; and the heating wire comprising up to two of said vaporizing surfaces.

[0013] Having up to two vaporizing surfaces on the heating wire allows the aerosol-generating material on the contact surface of the heating wire to pass through at most two vaporizing surfaces for complete transfer across the entire vaporizing surface. This design improves the oil guiding rate and reduces the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0014] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, each of the vaporizing surfaces has no bend angles. The aerosol-generating material on the contact surface of the heating wire passes through at most one bend angle or no bend angle at all to complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface, thus improving the oil guiding rate and reducing dry burn failures. In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the heating wire comprises a vaporizing surface forming a closed loop with the ends of the contact surface, with the vaporizing surface being curved. The entire vaporizing surface of the heating wire being a curve without bend angles allows the aerosol-generating material on the contact surface to transfer across the entire vaporizing surface without passing through any bend angles, further improving the oil guiding rate and reducing dry burn failures.

[0015] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the curved surface is either a partial cylindrical surface or an S-shaped surface.

[0016] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the heating wire comprises a first vaporizing surface and a second vaporizing surface, with the contact surface, the first vaporizing surface, and the second vaporizing surface successively connected end-to-end to form a closed loop.

[0017] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the junction between the first vaporizing surface and the second vaporizing surface has no bend angles. This design allows the aerosol-generating material on the contact surface to complete its transfer across the entire vaporizing surface without passing through any bend angles, further improving the oil guiding rate and reducing dry burn failures.

[0018] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the junction between the first vaporizing surface and the second vaporizing surface forms a bend angle.

[0019] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the first and second vaporizing surfaces on the cross-section have a first side at their junction and a second side connected to the contact surface, with equal distances from the first to the second side on both the first and second vaporizing surfaces. This ensures that the aerosol-generating material from both ends of the contact surface reaches the bend angle simultaneously, avoiding passing through the bend angle and further improving the oil transfer rate.

[0020] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the cross-sectional shape of the first and second vaporizing surfaces is axially symmetrical, with the axis of symmetry passing through their junction and perpendicular to the contact surface. This symmetry ensures that the path of the aerosol-generating material transferred from both ends of the contact surface to the junction of the two vaporizing surfaces is identical, arriving simultaneously at the junction. Even if the connection point of the two vaporizing surfaces forms an angle, the aerosol-generating material doesn’t need to pass through this angle, thus further enhancing the oil transfer rate.

[0021] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the first and second vaporizing surfaces are configured as any of the following: both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are planar; one of the first and second vaporizing surfaces is planar and the other is curved; or both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are curved.

[0022] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the tangential angles at both ends of the junction between the vaporizing surface and the contact surface are acute. Compared to obtuse or right angles, acute angles can transfer the aerosol-generating material more quickly, thereby further improving the oil transfer rate from the contact surface to the vaporizing surface.

[0023] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the tangential angles at both ends of the junction between the vaporizing surface and the contact surface are equal.

[0024] In one embodiment of the heater assembly for the aerosol provision system, the heating wire forms a heating zone of the heating body, with the heating zone having a net-like structure with hollow holes.

[0025] The second aspect of an embodiment of this invention discloses an aerosol provision system, the system comprising an airflow channel and an atomization chamber for housing a heating assembly as described in the first aspect, the airflow channel passing through the atomization chamber; and the heating body being parallel to the airflow direction of the airflow channel.

[0026] The aerosol provision system with the aforementioned heater assembly improves the oil transfer rate of the heating wire, reducing the likelihood of dry burn failures on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire. The parallel orientation of the heating element to the airflow direction facilitates the transport of the aerosol from the heating element by the airflow, increasing the contact area and time between the heating element and the airflow. This enhances the delivery of more aerosol to the user, increasing the puffable aerosol amount and improving user experience.

[0027] In one embodiment of the aerosol provision system, the system comprises a mouthpiece end and a distal end located at opposite ends of the height direction, the airflow channel at the position of the heating component extends parallel to the height direction, and the extension direction of the heating body is parallel to the height direction. The vertical airflow channel allows for smoother airflow and is the shortest path for transporting the aerosol quickly to the user, preventing condensation of the aerosol into liquid due to prolonged travel in the airflow channel.

[0028] In one embodiment of the aerosol provision system, the heating component is flat and parallel to the height direction.

[0029] In one embodiment of the aerosol provision system, the system comprises an aerosol outlet located at the mouthpiece end and an air inlet located at the distal end, and the airflow channel formed from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet is in a straight line. The vertical airflow channel allows for smoother airflow and is the shortest path for transporting the aerosol quickly to the user, preventing condensation of the aerosol into liquid due to prolonged travel in the airflow channel.

[0030] In one embodiment of the aerosol provision system, it comprises: a housing having a containment chamber; and the aerosol-generating material contained within the containment chamber.

[0031] According to the embodiments of the invention, by limiting the vaporizing surfaces of the heating wire to a maximum of two, the aerosol-generating material on the contact surface of the heating wire needs to pass through at most two vaporizing surfaces to complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface. Compared to existing technologies, the aerosol-generating material does not have to navigate through multiple bend angles between multiple vaporizing surfaces. This increases the oil transfer rate, reduces the likelihood of dry burn failures on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire, and thus enhances user experience and the lifespan of the heater assembly.

[0032] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be partly given in the following description, will become apparent from the following description, or will be learned through the practice of the invention.

[0033] Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosed content of the present invention will become more understandable. It is easily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Moreover, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components, among which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating wire with a known structure;

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a heater assembly for an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heating element for an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figures 4-7 are schematic cross-sectional views of heating wires for an aerosol provision system provided in different embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figures 9-10 are sectional views from different perspectives of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the liquid intake structure of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 is a perspective schematic view of a cartomizer of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a cartomizer of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 is a perspective schematic view of the airflow channel in the atomization chamber of an aerosol provision system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 15 is a sectional view from a perspective of Figure 14 of the present invention.

[0046] Description of Drawing Labels

[0047] 100: Housing; 101 : Mouthpiece End; 102: Aerosol Outlet; 103: Air Inlet; 104: First Seal Cap; 105: Second Seal Cap; 110: Upper housing; 120: Lower housing; 200: Containment Chamber; 300: Atomizer; 310: Atomization Chamber; 320: Atomizer Bracket; 321 : Structural Component; 330: Air Channel Component; 340: Heater Assembly; 341 : Heating Element; 3410: Heating Wire; 34101 , 11 : Contact Surface; 34102, 12, 13, 14: Vaporizing Surfaces; 342: Oil-guide Body; 350: Base Assembly; 352: Electrode; 353: Bottom Cover of Atomization Chamber; 354: First Air Channel Seal; 360: Airflow Channel; 400: Power Source; 500: Controller; 600: Liquid Intake Structure; 610: Support Frame; 611 : Accommodation Groove; 620: Liquid Intake Channel; 621 : Annular Groove; 622: Liquid Guide Groove; 6211 : First Side Wall; 630: First Liquid Intake Hole; 640: Vent Hole; 700: Second Air Channel Seal; 710: Second Liquid Intake Hole.

[0048] Detailed Description

[0049] The following describes some embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only for explaining the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0051] According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0052] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

[0053] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper.

[0054] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0055] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality 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 comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0059] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0061] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol-modifying agent.

[0063] In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0064] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0065] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The 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 for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.

[0066] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

[0067] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

[0068] As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.

[0069] Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), 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, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.

[0070] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

[0071] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0072] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, 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, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea 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, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and / or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

[0074] In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

[0075] Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants. 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. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

[0076] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

[0077] The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0078] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0079] The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0080] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0081] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

[0082] An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.

[0083] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0084] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

[0085] Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser (which may collectively be called a “cartomizer”) and the reusable device part will comprise the power provision (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge 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.

[0086] It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

[0087] As described in the background, current heating wires are set with multiple vaporizing surfaces, requiring liquid aerosol generating materials to pass through multiple vaporizing surfaces and their connecting bend angles to complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface, resulting in low oil guiding rates. To address this, an embodiment of the present invention innovatively proposes setting the vaporizing surfaces of the heating wire to a maximum of two. This allows the aerosol generating material on the contact surface of the heating wire to complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface by passing through at most two vaporizing surfaces, enhancing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0088] The following will provide a detailed introduction to the structure of the heating assembly for the aerosol provision system and the aerosol provision system, through specific embodiments.

[0089] Embodiment one

[0090] The heater assembly is a component in the aerosol provision system that heats the aerosol generating material to produce aerosol. Embodiment one of the present invention introduces a heating assembly used for heating liquid aerosol generating material (such as e-liquid).

[0091] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the heater assembly for an aerosol provision system provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the heating element of the aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] As shown in Figure 2, the heater assembly 340 comprises a heating element 341 and an oil-guide body 342. The oil-guide body 342 is configured to absorb liquid aerosol generating material. In one embodiment of the invention, the oil-guide body 342 can be cotton or ceramic, while in another embodiment, it can have a multi-layer porous structure.

[0093] As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the oil-guiding rate of the oil-guide body 342 near the side of the heating element 341 is lower than that of the side away from the heating element 341 , and the oil absorption rate of the oil-guide body 342 near the heating element 341 is higher than that of the side away from the heating element 341 . This arrangement increases the oil-guiding rate near the heating element 341 , enhancing its efficiency, while the part away from the heating element 341 has a higher absorption rate, increasing the amount of oil at the heating element 341 .

[0094] The heating element 341 comprises a heating wire 3410 that forms its heating area to heat the aerosol generating material. The heating area is net-like with hollow holes, which can be circular or any polygonal shape. The heating element 341 can be flat or wound into a tubular shape. In one embodiment of the heating assembly for the aerosol provision system, the heating wire 3410 comprises a contact surface 34101 and a vaporizing surface 34102 that are sequentially connected end-to-end along the circumferential direction of its cross-section to form a closed loop. The contact surface 34101 contacts the oil-guide body 342 to receive the aerosol generating material absorbed in the oil-guide body 342 and transfers it to the vaporizing surface 34102 for vaporization. In this embodiment of the invention, the heating wire 3410 comprises at most two vaporizing surfaces 34102.

[0095] The heating element 341 comprises multiple heating wires 3410, and at least some of the heating wires 3410 in this embodiment of the invention have the aforementioned arrangement.

[0096] Having a maximum of two vaporizing surfaces on the heating wire allows the aerosol generating material on the contact surface of the heating wire to complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface by passing through at most two vaporizing surfaces, thereby increasing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0097] Figures 4-7 are cross-sectional views of the heating wire for the aerosol provision system provided by different embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments of the present invention, the heating wire 3410 comprises a vaporizing surface 34102 that forms a closed loop connected to both ends of the contact surface 34101. The vaporizing surface 34102 is a curved surface without any bend angles. Specifically, the curve can be part of a cylindrical surface or an S-shaped surface. As shown in Figure 4, the vaporizing surface 34102 is an S-shape, smoothly curved in cross-section. As shown in Figure 5, the vaporizing surface 34102 is part of a cylindrical surface, forming a circular arc in cross-section. Other forms of curves without bend angles can also be implemented in other embodiments of the invention, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0099] In the embodiments of the present invention, by setting the vaporizing surface of the heating wire as a curve without any bend angles, the aerosol generating material needs to pass through only one vaporizing surface without encountering any bend angles, thereby further increasing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0100] It should be noted that in this invention, a bend angle refers to an intersection where two surfaces or lines meet at a bend angle with a non-smooth transition. A smooth curve does not have bend angles. In Figure 6, the connection between the two surfaces is a smooth transition and does not have a bend angle. In contrast, the connections at points A and B in Figure 1 , and point C in Figure 7, have bend angles. The rate of the liquid aerosol generating material slows down when passing through these bend angles.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, unlike Figures 4 and 5, this embodiment of the aerosol provision system's heating wire 3410 has two vaporizing surfaces 34102, namely the first and the second vaporizing surfaces. The contact surface 34101 , the first vaporizing surface, and the second vaporizing surface are sequentially connected end-to-end to form a closed loop. In Figure 6, each vaporizing surface 34102 is bend angle-free, and the connection point D between the two vaporizing surfaces 34102 is smoothly transitioned without any bend angles. With no bend angles on each vaporizing surface and at their connection, the liquid aerosol generating material can complete the transfer across the entire vaporizing surface without encountering any bend angles, increasing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, unlike Figures 4-6, this embodiment of the aerosol provision system's heating wire has two vaporizing surfaces 34102, namely the first and the second vaporizing surfaces. The contact surface 34101 , the first vaporizing surface, and the second vaporizing surface are sequentially connected end-to-end to form a closed loop. Each vaporizing surface 34102 is angle-free, but the connection point C between the two vaporizing surfaces 34102 has a bend angle. Compared to the existing technology, the reduction in the number of vaporizing surfaces and bend angles can increase the oil guiding rate on the vaporizing surface, reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire. When there are two vaporizing surfaces, they can be set as one of the following: both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are flat; one of the first and second vaporizing surfaces is flat and the other is curved; both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are curved. The present invention does not specifically limit these configurations.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second vaporizing surfaces have, on their cross-section, a first side at their connecting point and a second side connecting to the contact surface. The distances from the first side to the second side on both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are equal. As shown in Figure 7, the overall cross-section of the heating wire 3410 is an isosceles triangle, meaning the distances from both ends of the contact surface 34101 to the connecting point C (the apex of the triangle) are equal. Even if there are bend angles between the two vaporizing surfaces, if the liquid aerosol generating material transferred from both ends of the contact surface can simultaneously reach the bend angle, then the material does not need to pass through the bend angle to complete its transfer across the entire vaporizing surface. By setting the distances from both ends of the contact surface to the connecting point of the two vaporizing surfaces as equal, the likelihood of the liquid aerosol generating material simultaneously reaching the bend angle is increased, further enhancing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0104] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sections of the first and second vaporizing surfaces form an axisymmetric shape, with the axis of symmetry passing through their connecting point and perpendicular to the contact surface. This ensures that the distance and path of the aerosol generating material transferred from both ends of the contact surface to the connecting point of the two vaporizing surfaces are exactly the same. The liquid aerosol generating material is more likely to simultaneously reach the connecting point of the two vaporizing surfaces, further increasing the oil guiding rate and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the tangent angles 0 at both ends of the vaporizing surface 34102 where it connects to the contact surface 34101 are acute angles, such as 30°, 45°, etc. Compared to obtuse and right angles, acute angles can transfer the aerosol generating material more quickly, thus increasing the oil guiding rate from the contact surface to the vaporizing surface and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the tangent angles at both ends where the vaporizing surface connects to the contact surface are equal. This increases the probability of the liquid aerosol generating material simultaneously reaching the connecting point of the two vaporizing surfaces, thereby further increasing the oil guiding rate on the vaporizing surface and reducing the occurrence of dry burns on the vaporizing surface of the heating wire.

[0107] Embodiment two

[0108] Corresponding to the heater assembly described in embodiment one, Embodiment two of the present invention provides an aerosol provision system incorporating the heater assembly from embodiment one.

[0109] Figure 8 shows the structural diagram of the aerosol provision system provided in this embodiment of the invention, while Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views of the system from different perspectives. Referring to Figures 8 through 10, the aerosol provision system is an elongated structure extending along the longitudinal axis. Along the height direction, the system comprises opposing proximal and distal ends and a housing 100 extending between them. The housing 100 at the proximal end has a mouthpiece end 101 , which opens into an aerosol outlet 102. The housing 100 also features an air inlet 103, which can be positioned at the distal end as shown in Figures 9 and 10 or at other locations on the housing 100.

[0110] In one embodiment of the invention, the system also comprises a first seal cap 104 to seal the aerosol outlet 102 and a second seal cap 105 to seal the air inlet 103. When the aerosol provision system is not in use, the first and second seal caps 104 and 105 can be applied for safety and hygiene.

[0111] Inside the housing 100, there is a containment space and an airflow channel. The containment space houses the aerosol generating material (such as e-liquid) in a containment chamber 200, an atomizer 300, a power source (battery component) 400, and a controller (control circuit) 500. The containment chamber 200, atomizer 300, controller 500, and power source 400 are generally arranged along the height direction of the system. The power source 400 is configured to supply power to the heater assembly 340 in the atomizer 300 under the control of the controller 500. The atomizer 300 houses the heater assembly 340 in the atomization chamber 310. The atomization chamber 310 is fluidly connected to the containment chamber 200, allowing the aerosol generating material to enter the atomization chamber 310 through the liquid intake structure 600 and be heated by the heater assembly 340.

[0112] The air inlet 103, atomization chamber 310, and aerosol outlet 102 form an airflow channel within the housing. When the user inhales, external air enters through the air inlet 103, passes through the atomization chamber 310, carrying the aerosol within, and exits through the aerosol outlet 102 to the user.

[0113] In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises an aerosol outlet 102 located at the mouthpiece end 101 and an air inlet 103 at the distal end of the system. The airflow channel runs in a straight line from the air inlet 103 to the aerosol outlet 102. This configuration of a vertical airflow channel ensures smoother flow of air and, being the shortest path, allows for rapid delivery of aerosol to the user, thus preventing the aerosol from condensing into a liquid due to prolonged stay in the airflow channel.

[0114] Referring to Figures 8 through 10, the housing 100 comprises two separate parts: the upper housing 110 with the mouthpiece end 101 , and the lower housing 120. The upper housing 110 accommodates the containment chamber 200 and the atomizer 300, while the lower housing 120 houses the power source 400 and the controller 500. The lower part of the upper housing 110 fits within the lower housing 120. In a replaceable embodiment, the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 do not substantially overlap along the height of the system, and the lower end of the upper housing 110 connects to the upper end of the lower housing 120 to form the complete housing 100.

[0115] In one embodiment, the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 are designed to be detachably connected, allowing for the replacement of the aerosol generating material or the atomizer 300 in the upper housing 110 or for connecting the atomizer 300 to different power sources 400. It should be understood that in other embodiments, once assembled, the upper housing 110 and the lower housing 120 are permanently connected.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment, different from the structure with independently set upper and lower housings as shown in Figures 8-10, the housing 100 can also be configured as a single, integrated structure. Considering internal component assembly and reusability, the configuration of separate upper and lower housings offers more advantages compared to a single, integrated housing.

[0117] In other embodiments of the invention, the aerosol provision system can be a box-type structure, with the atomizer 300 and the power source 400 arranged along a horizontally extending lateral direction. The housing 100 can be configured as a one-piece box-type housing. Alternatively, the housing 100 may comprise two connectable housings, with one housing accommodating the containment chamber 200 and the atomizer 300, and the other housing accommodating the power source 400 and the controller 500. These two housings can be designed for detachable connection. Of course, in replaceable embodiments, once the two housings are assembled, they may be permanently connected.

[0118] The mouthpiece end 101 can be integrally formed with the housing 100 or detachably separated from it. A detachable mouthpiece end 101 facilitates cleaning and also aids in accessing the interior of the housing 100 for replacing the aerosol generating material inside.

[0119] The power source 400 is configured to supply power to the atomizer 300 and may typically be a battery assembly. In other examples, the battery can be replaced by a portable power source (such as capacitive energy storage devices like supercapacitors or ultracapacitors), mechanical power sources (like spring-powered or generator-based systems), or alternative chemical sources (like fuel cells).

[0120] The aerosol generating material can be solid, powder, or liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the containment chamber 200 is used to contain liquid aerosol generating material. The containment chamber 200 comprises an outer wall, which may be integrally formed with the housing 100, such that the outer wall forms part of the housing. Alternatively, the outer wall and the housing 100 can be two separate components, with the housing set outside the outer wall. The outer wall covers at least part of the exterior of the atomizer 300, and the containment chamber 200 is formed by the outer wall and part of the surface of the atomizer 300.

[0121] To achieve aerosolization, the liquid aerosol generating material in the containment chamber 200 needs to be transported to the atomization chamber 310. For this purpose, the system also comprises a liquid intake structure 600 for transferring liquid aerosol generating material from the containment chamber 200 to the atomization chamber 310.

[0122] Figure 11 in the provided embodiment of the invention shows a schematic of the liquid intake structure of the aerosol provision system. Referring to Figures 9, 10, and 11 , the liquid intake structure 600 comprises a support frame 610, a liquid intake channel 620, a first liquid intake hole 630, and a vent hole 640, with the liquid intake channel 620 being in fluid communication with both the containment chamber 200 and the atomization chamber 310.

[0123] The support frame 610 has interconnected liquid guide grooves 622 and an annular groove 621. Understandably, the annular groove 621 is situated on the upper surface of the support frame 610, facing the containment chamber 200. The liquid guide grooves 622 can consist of multiple sections, with at least some of these grooves extending longitudinally along the aerosol provision system. The liquid guide grooves 622 and the annular groove 621 together form the aforementioned liquid intake channel 620. The liquid guide grooves 622 extending longitudinally are arranged adjacent to the atomization chamber 310 in the transverse direction of the system. The liquid guide grooves 622 have a first side wall 6211 that forms part of one side of the atomization chamber 310. Both the first liquid intake hole 630 and the vent hole 640 are located on this first side wall 6211 , penetrating through it and connecting the liquid guide grooves 622 with the atomization chamber 310. The aerosol generating material from the containment chamber 200 enters the atomization chamber 310 through the liquid guide grooves 622 and the first liquid intake hole 630, where it is absorbed by the oil-guide body 342 placed against the wall opposite the first side wall 6211. The vent hole 640 is designed to communicate with the external atmosphere. Therefore, during the use of the system, when the internal pressure in the containment chamber 200 decreases due to the consumption of the aerosol generating material, the external atmosphere enters the atomization chamber 310 due to the pressure difference and then enters the liquid guide grooves 622 through the vent hole 640, subsequently entering the containment chamber 200 to maintain liquid pressure balance.

[0124] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the vent hole 640 is positioned above the first liquid intake hole 630 in the vertical direction of the system, ensuring that bubbles generated in the aerosol generating material do not get stuck at the first liquid intake hole 630, preventing blockage and allowing smooth transfer of the aerosol generating material from the containment chamber 200 to the atomization chamber 310 without affecting the system's operation.

[0125] Figure 12 shows a schematic of the atomizer structure in the aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the invention, and Figure 13 is an exploded view of the same. Referring to Figures 9, 12, and 13, the atomizer 300 comprises the atomization chamber 310, the atomizer bracket 320 forming the atomization chamber 310, the air channel component 330, and the heater assembly 340 located within the atomization chamber 310. The heater assembly 340 comprises the heating element 341 and the oil-guide body 342. The atomizer bracket 320 comprises a structural component 321 and a support frame 610 that together form the atomization chamber. The support frame 610 has an accommodation groove 611, with the air channel component 330 fitted within it. Both the heater assembly 340 and the air channel component 330 are clamped and fixed in the accommodation groove 611 by the support frame 610 and the air channel component 330.

[0126] The atomizer 300 also comprises a base assembly 350, detachably assembled on the atomizer bracket 320, defining the bottom surface of the atomization chamber. The base assembly 350 has electrode holes for the electrodes 352 to extend into the atomization chamber 310.

[0127] As shown in Figure 6, the base assembly 350 comprises a bottom cover 353 of the atomization chamber and a first air channel seal 354 positioned on the side of the bottom cover 353 facing the atomization chamber 310. Both the bottom cover 353 and the first air channel seal 354 have corresponding electrode holes for the electrodes 352.

[0128] The system also comprises a second air channel seal 700 for sealing between the support frame 610 and the containment chamber 200. In implementation, the shape and size of the second air channel seal 700 are adapted to match the size and shape of the end of the support frame 610 nearest to the containment chamber 200, but specific restrictions are not provided here. The outer wall of the containment chamber 200 is covered around the periphery of the second air channel seal 700, and the part of the outer wall in contact with the second air channel seal 700 is assembled with an interference fit. This prevents the aerosol generating material in the containment chamber 200 from leaking and contaminating other components in the aerosol provision system, such as the battery components. At the same time, to achieve fluid communication between the containment chamber 200 and the liquid guide grooves 622, the second air channel seal 700 is provided with a second liquid intake hole 710, allowing the aerosol generating material in the containment chamber 200 to enter the liquid guide grooves 622 through this second liquid intake hole 710.

[0129] Figure 14 is a schematic of the airflow channel inside the atomization chamber of the aerosol provision system provided by an embodiment of the invention, and Figure 15 is a sectional view from a perspective of Figure 14. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the air channel component 330 has an air channel groove, forming an airflow channel 360 over the atomization chamber 310 between it and the heating element 341. The oil-guide body 342 is positioned on the side of the heating element 341 that is away from the airflow channel 360.

[0130] In one embodiment of the invention, the heating element 341 is parallel to the airflow direction of the airflow channel 360. Their parallel arrangement increases the contact area and time between the heating element and the airflow, facilitating the transfer of more aerosol from the heating element to the user, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol that can be inhaled and enhancing the user experience.

[0131] In one embodiment of the invention, the extension direction of the airflow channel 360 at the location of the heater assembly 340 is parallel to the vertical direction of the system, and the extension direction of the heating element 341 is also parallel to the vertical direction of the system.

[0132] More preferably, the heater assembly 340 is flat and parallel to the vertical direction of the system.

[0133] The parallel arrangement of the extension direction of the airflow channel with the vertical direction of the system forms a vertical airflow channel within the atomization chamber, making the airflow smoother. This vertical airflow channel, being the shortest path, quickly delivers the aerosol to the user, preventing the aerosol from condensing into a liquid if it remains too long in the airflow channel.

[0134] In a further embodiment of the invention, multiple grooves are set on the surface of the air channel component 330 to collect condensate formed from aerosol condensation in the atomization chamber 310, preventing leakage of the condensate outside the atomization chamber.

[0135] In the description of this specification, the referential terminology "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are comprised in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the indicative expression of the above-mentioned terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable way in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0136] Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used merely for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the characteristics defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such characteristic. In the description of this invention, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0137] In this invention, unless explicitly defined and limited, terms such as "mounting," "connecting," "connection," "fixing," etc., should be understood broadly. For instance, the connection can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary medium, it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0138] Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of these terms in the context of the invention based on the circumstances.

[0139] Although the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described above, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and should not be considered as limiting the invention. Those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention can make variations, modifications, replacements, and variations to the above-described embodiments.

Claims

Claims1. A heater assembly for an aerosol provision system, the heater assembly comprising: an oil-guide body, configured to absorb aerosol-generating material; and a heating body, having a heating wire, the heating wire in contact with the oil-guide body to heat the aerosol-generating material, wherein at least a portion of the heating wire along the circumferential direction of the cross-section has successively connected contact and vaporizing surfaces end-to-end to form a closed loop, the contact surface contacting the oil-guide body to receive and transfer the aerosol-generating material absorbed in the oil-guide body to the vaporizing surfaces; wherein the heating wire comprises up to two said vaporizing surfaces.

2. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 1, wherein each vaporizing surface has no bend angles.

3. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the heating wire comprises a vaporizing surface forming a closed loop connected at both ends to the contact surface, wherein the vaporizing surface is curved.

4. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein the curved surface is either a partial cylindrical surface or an S-shaped surface.

5. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 2, wherein the heating wire comprises a first vaporizing surface and a second vaporizing surface, and the contact surface, the first vaporizing surface, and the second vaporizing surface being successively connected end-to-end to form a closed loop.

6. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein a junction between the first vaporizing surface and the second vaporizing surface has no bendangles.

7. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein a junction between the first vaporizing surface and the second vaporizing surface forms a bend angle.

8. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 5, wherein the first and second vaporizing surfaces on the cross-section have a first side at their junction and a second side connected to the contact surface, with equal distances from the first to the second side on both the first and second vaporizing surfaces.

9. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first and second vaporizing surfaces is axially symmetrical, with the axis of symmetry passing through their junction and perpendicular to the contact surface.

10. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first and second vaporizing surfaces are configured as any of the following: both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are planar; one of the first and second vaporizing surfaces is planar and the other is curved; both the first and second vaporizing surfaces are curved.

11. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the tangential angles at both ends of the junction between the vaporizing surface and the contact surface are acute.

12. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the tangential angles at both ends of the junction between the vaporizingsurface and the contact surface are equal.

13. The heater assembly for an aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the heating wire forms a heating zone of the heating body, with the heating zone having a net-like structure with hollow holes.

14. An aerosol provision system, comprising: an airflow channel; and an atomization chamber housing a heater assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13; wherein the airflow channel passes through the atomization chamber; and the heating body is parallel to the airflow direction of the airflow channel.

15. The aerosol provision system according to claim 14, further comprising a mouthpiece end and a distal end located at opposite ends of a height direction of the aerosol provision system, the airflow channel at the position of the heater assembly extends parallel to the height direction, and the extension direction of the heating body is parallel to the height direction.

16. The aerosol provision system according to claim 15, wherein the heating assembly is flat and parallel to the height direction.

17. The aerosol provision system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the system comprises an aerosol outlet located at the mouthpiece end and an air inlet located at the distal end, and the airflow channel formed from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet is in a straight line.

18. The aerosol provision system according to claim 14, further comprising:a housing having a containment chamber; and aerosol-generating material contained within the containment chamber.

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