System for testing an atomization core

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for testing an atomization core (1), wherein the system comprises: a liquid supply device (2) configured to supply a liquid to an atomization core (1) via absorption; a power supply (3) configured to energise the atomization core (1) to evaporate liquid supplied to the atomization core (1); at least one sensor (4) configured to weigh the atomization core (1); and a control module (5) configured to receive a signal from the or each sensor (4) to determine an absorption rate of the atomization core (1) based on a determined rate of weight change of the atomization core (1) during the supply of liquid thereto. The control module (5) determines an evaporation rate of the atomization core (1) based on a determined rate of weight change of the atomization core (1) during energisation of the atomization core (1). The control module (5) compares the absorption rate and the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

Description

[0001] System for Testing an Atomization Core

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for performance testing of an atomization core.

[0004] Background

[0005] In order to evaluate the atomization of different atomization cores, it is important to evaluate the absorption rate of the atomization core. This is relevant for vapour products (commonly known as "electronic cigarettes" or "e-cigarettes") which comprise an aerosol generator comprising an atomization core for absorbing liquid, whereby the liquid is evaporated upon energising of the atomization core.

[0006] Summary

[0007] The present invention provides a system for testing an atomization core, wherein the system comprises: a liquid supply device configured to supply a liquid to an atomization core via absorption, a power supply configured to energise the atomization core to evaporate liquid supplied to the atomization core, at least one sensor configured to weigh the atomization core, and a control module configured to receive a signal from the or each sensor to determine an absorption rate of the atomization core based on the rate of weight change of the atomization core during the supply of liquid thereto. The control module determines an evaporation rate of the atomization core based on the rate of weight change of the atomization core during energisation of the atomization core. The control module compares the absorption rate and the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

[0008] The liquid supply device and the atomization core may be moveable relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core.

[0009] The system may comprise a drive mechanism configured to control the relative movement of the atomization core and the liquid supply device. Preferably the drive mechanism may comprise a motor. The or each sensor may be configured to be attached to the atomization core via at least one connector and / or an adhesive.

[0010] The power supply may be an adjustable power supply.

[0011] The control module may be configured to determine a weight-time curve during the supply of liquid to the atomization core and / or during energisation of the atomization core.

[0012] The control module may be configured to determine the absorption rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weight-time curve when the liquid is supplied to the atomization core and / or determine the evaporation rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weight-time curve when the atomization core is energized.

[0013] The predetermined comparison requirement may be that the absorption rate is in the range of 1% and 30% higher than the evaporation rate, preferably in the range of 1% and 20% higher than the evaporation rate.

[0014] The control module may be configured to generate an alert and / or vary the power supply if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

[0015] The present invention further provides a method of testing an atomization core. The method comprises: supplying a liquid to the atomization core via absorption; measuring the weight change of the atomization core during the supply of liquid to the atomization core and determining an absorption rate of the atomization core; energising the atomization core to evaporate liquid supplied to the atomization core; measuring the weight change of the atomization core during energising of the atomization core and determining an evaporation rate of the atomization core; and, comparing the absorption rate to the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

[0016] Supplying the liquid to the atomization core may comprise moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core and, preferably, such that the atomization core contacts the liquid. The method may comprise moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core such that the atomization core is out of contact with the liquid. Preferably the method may comprise moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core such that the atomization core is out of contact with the liquid once the atomization core is saturated with the liquid.

[0017] Determining an absorption rate and / or determining an evaporation rate may comprise generating a weight-time curve. Preferably the method may comprise determining the absorption rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weight-time curve when the liquid is supplied to the atomization core and / or determining the evaporation rate from the gradient of the weight-time curve when the atomization core is energized.

[0018] The method may comprise removing generated aerosols from the atomization core.

[0019] The method may comprise generating an alert and / or rejecting the atomization core and / or adjusting the electrical power supplied to the atomization core if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

[0020] The present invention further provides computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform (at least) any method as described herein (including the method set out above).

[0021] The present invention further provides a computer-readable medium (such as a non- transitory computer-readable medium) comprising computer program instructions stored thereon for performing (at least) any method as described herein (including the method set out above).

[0022] Brief Description of the Figures

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, in relation to accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic figure of the system according to a first embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic figure of the system according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic graph showing a weight time curve of an exemplary atomization core undergoing absorption and atomization; and

[0026] Figure 4 shows a method for using the system shown in Figure 1 according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 shows an alternative method using the system shown in Figure 2 according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a processing system that may be used to implement one or more example embodiments.

[0029] Detailed Description

[0030] 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.

[0031] The non-combustible aerosol provision system may be an electronic cigarette (e- cigarette), also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END). It is noted that the present on nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0032] These devices contain an aerosolisable substance, typically a liquid, which is heated to be vaporised to produce an inhalable vapour or aerosol. The liquid may contain nicotine and / or flavourings and / or aerosol- generating substances, such as glycerol and / or glycerine. Such known e-cigarette devices typically do not contain or use tobacco. The non-combustible aerosol provision system may be 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. The hybrid system may comprise a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0033] The non-combustible aerosol provision system, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. The exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolgenerating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0034] 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 semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavourants.

[0035] 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.

[0036] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generator may be 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. The aerosol generator may be configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating 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.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, a schematic figure of a system for testing an atomization core is shown. An atomization core is a component configured for absorbing a liquid, and further configured to atomise the liquid when the atomization core is energized. This atomization core can be a porous ceramic atomizer or may comprise a cotton wick or any other porous materials. The atomization core may also comprise a heating wire, heating layers, an atomization bracket, an oil-absorption cotton, a metal mesh or a coil. The atomization core may be suitable for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0038] The system comprises the atomization core 1 to be tested, a liquid supply device 2, a power supply 3, a sensor 4 and a control module 5.

[0039] The liquid supply device 2 is configured to supply a liquid to the energization core 1 via absorption. The liquid supply device 2 may comprise a liquid storage unit, such as a reservoir, in which a portion of the atomization core 1 is submersed in the liquid storage unit 2 to initiate absorption of liquid into the atomization core 1. In other embodiments, the liquid supply device 2 may comprise a pump configured to pump liquid into the liquid storage unit. This pump may be controllable by a user or may be configured to pump liquid into the liquid storage unit upon the volume of liquid in the liquid storage unit depleting to a certain value.

[0040] The liquid provided by the liquid supply device may comprise an aerosol-generating material.

[0041] The power supply 3 is configured to energise the atomization core 1 such that the atomization core 1 initiates evaporation of the liquid in the atomization core 1 to generate aerosols. The power supply 3 can be an electric power source or an exothermic power source, and the liquid in the atomization core 1 can be evaporated, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.

[0042] The sensor 4 is configured to weigh the atomization core 1 at least when the atomization core 1 is absorbing liquid from the liquid supply device 2 and when the atomization core 1 is energized by the power supply 3 and the liquid is evaporated from the atomization core 1. It is to be appreciated that the system may comprise any number of sensors configured to weight the atomization core 1, and these sensors may work in unison to weigh the atomization core, or the sensors may work parallel to one another to separately weigh the atomization core. In some embodiments, the sensors may be configured to be securely attached to the atomization core via an adhesive, or via at least one connector, whereby the connector is connected to or fixed to the atomization core. The sensor(s) 4 may be in the form of a strain sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or any sensor suitable for measuring a change in weight of the atomisation core over the required time periods for absorption and evaporation of the liquid.

[0043] The control module 5 is configured to receive a signal from the sensor(s) 4 and determine an absorption rate of the atomization core 1 based on the rate of weight change of the atomization core during the supply of liquid from the liquid supply device 2. The control module 5 is also configured to determine an evaporation rate of the atomization core 1 based on the rate of weight change of the atomization core during energisation of the atomization core 1 by the power supply 3. The control module 5 is further configured to compare the absorption rate and the evaporation rate and determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

[0044] In some embodiments, the predetermined comparison requirement is that the absorption rate should be higher than the evaporation rate by a predetermined amount. The absorption rate may be in the range of 1 % to 30 % higher than the evaporation rate, and preferably in the range of 1 % to 20% higher than the evaporation rate.

[0045] In other embodiments, the predetermined comparison requirement is that the absorption rate and the evaporation rate are about equal. The predetermined comparison requirement may be that the evaporation rate is within 0 to 10 % of the absorption rate, or preferably within 0 to 5 % of the absorption rate.

[0046] In some embodiments, the control module 5 may be configured to generate an alert if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met. In other embodiments, the control module 5 may be configured to generate an alternative alert if the predetermined comparison requirement is met. The alert may be in the form of a noise or light or another form of an alert to notify the user that the atomization core 1 has met or not met the predetermined comparison requirement.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic figure of a system for testing an atomization core 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. As with the system shown in Figure 1, the system comprises the atomization core 1 to be tested, a liquid supply device 2, a power supply 3, a sensor 4 and a control module 5.

[0048] The system of Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1, as the atomization core 1 and the sensor 4 now form part of a testing module 6. The system of Figure 2 further comprises a drive mechanism 7 configured to control the relative movement of the testing module 6 and the liquid supply device 2. The relative movement can result in the absorption core 1 coming into contact with the liquid supply device 2 to initiate absorption, or the relative movement may involve separating the atomization core 1 from the liquid supply device 2 to stop absorption. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is provided by way of example only, and the drive mechanism may control relative movement of the atomization core 1 (i.e. without the sensor 4) and the liquid supply device 2.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the drive mechanism 7 moves the testing module 6 and the liquid supply device 2 remains stationary, but it is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the drive mechanism 7 can instead be configured to move the liquid supply device 2 whilst the testing module 6 and hence the atomization core 1 are stationary. Further, in alternative embodiments the drive mechanism 7 is configured to move both the testing module 6 and the liquid supply device 2 relative to each other simultaneously.

[0050] The drive mechanism 7 shown in Figure 2 comprises a motor 8 and a servo drive 9. The servo drive 9 is configured to control the parameters regarding the relative movement of the testing module 6 and the liquid supply device 2 such as speed and / or movement distance. It is to be appreciated that the servo drive 9 is optional and in other embodiments the drive mechanism 7 may only comprise a motor 8.

[0051] In other embodiments, the liquid supply device 2 may comprise the drive mechanism 7.

[0052] The system of Figure 2 further comprises a gas flow device 10 configured to remove generated aerosols from the system. In some embodiments the gas flow device 10 is a vacuum pumping system, whereby the system is also sealed. The vacuum pumping system comprises a vacuum pump and a series or air tubes and valves. The pump removes gas molecules and / or air particles from a sealed volume by changing the pressure in a contained space to create a full or partial vacuum either mechanically or chemically.

[0053] The gas flow device 10 may act to constantly remove generated aerosols from the system, or it may remove generated aerosols from the system only after the atomization core 1 is energized. The removal of generated aerosols from the system may be advantageous as this can prevent the aerosols from depositing on the sensor 4 which could affect the accuracy of the sensor 4. Additionally, removal of the generated aerosols reduces the risk of aerosol erosion which can reduce the lifetime of components like the sensor 4.

[0054] In embodiments whereby the atomization core 1 is configured to heat an absorbed aerosol-generating component and comprises heating wires, it may be advantageous if the vacuum pumping system is located in the vicinity of the heating wires.

[0055] The system of Figure 2 further comprises an adjustable power supply 11. The voltage and / or current of the power supply 3 can be adjusted by a user or automatically by a processor. An adjustable power supply may be advantageous as a user can test the effect of different energizing powers on the evaporation rate. Further, a user can research optimum energising powers (such as heating powers) for different liquid composition and different atomization cores whilst ensuring the predetermined comparison requirement is met.

[0056] In embodiments where the power supply 3 is adjustable, the control module 5 may also be configured to vary the power supply if the predetermined comparison is not met. This is shown in Figure 2 with a dashed arrow as this is an optional feature. This allows the system to automatically find an optimum energising power (such as heating power) which meets the predetermined comparison requirement.

[0057] Although the features of testing module 6, drive mechanism 7, gas flow device 10 and adjustable power supply 11 are shown in combination in the system of Figure 2, it is to be appreciated that in alternative embodiments these features may been seen in combination with at least one of the other features or in isolation without the other features.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a highly schematic graph showing the weight-time curve during the liquid absorption and atomization processes of the atomization core in an example embodiment, ml represents the atomization core initial weight and m2 represents the atomization core weight while the atomization core is full of liquid.

[0059] In a first stage, when time (t) is before tl (0<t< tl), the testing has not started, and the atomization core has not started the liquid absorption process. In a second stage when tl<t<t2, the liquid absorption process occurs whereby the weight of the atomization core increases gradually from ml to m2. The slope of the curve 12 represents the rate of weight change and hence also represents the absorption rate.

[0060] At time t2, the liquid absorption process has entered a saturated state, whereby the atomization core is saturated and can no longer absorb any more liquid. Hence in when t2<t<t3, the weight of the atomization core does not change. This flat region of the weight-time curve shape of the curve could also occur when the atomization core is not saturated but may be when the liquid supply device is moved relative to the atomization core such that absorption is stopped.

[0061] At time t3, the power supply 3 energizes the atomization core to initiate evaporation of the liquid such that the weight of the atomization core gradually decreases from m2 to ml when t3<t<t4 (considered as the atomization process of the atomization core). The slope of the curve 13 represents the rate of weight change and hence also represents the evaporation rate.

[0062] Time t4 represents when the liquid in the atomization core has been fully consumed (i.e. all the liquid has been evaporated). Hence at t4<t<t5, no further weight change is observed.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control module 5 is configured to determine a weight-time curve (such as the weight-time curve shown in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the control module may only determine a portion or multiple portions of the weight-time curve. The control module 5 may also be configured to determine the absorption rate from the gradient of the weight-time curve when liquid is supplied to the atomization core, and to determine the evaporation rate from the gradient of the weight-time curve when the atomization core 1 is energized.

[0064] In other embodiments, the control module 5 may determine the absorption rate and the evaporation rate by inputting the data received from the sensor 4 into a table format or any other format suitable for analysing data. The absorption rate and evaporation rate may then be calculated by selecting a time range from the data set and calculating the change in mass over that time and dividing the change in mass by the change in time to obtain an absorption / evaporation rate.

[0065] With reference to Figure 4, the operation of the system shown in Figure 1 will now be described. The first step 100 comprises supplying liquid to the atomization core 1. The second step 101 comprises measuring the weight change of the atomization core 1 during the supply of liquid to the atomization core 1 and determining an absorption rate of the atomization core. The third step 102 comprises energizing the atomization core 1. The fourth step 103 comprises measuring the weight change of the atomization core 1 during energising of the atomization core 1 and determining an evaporation rate of the atomization core 1. The fifth step 104 comprises comparing the absorption rate to the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

[0066] The first step 100 of supplying liquid to the atomization core 1 may comprise supplying liquid to the atomization core until the atomization core is saturated. The third step 102 of energizing the atomization core may comprise energizing the atomization core 1 until all the liquid has evaporated.

[0067] The first step 100 of supplying liquid to the atomization core 1 may comprise moving the liquid supply device 2 relative to the atomization core 1, and this may occur by the drive mechanism 7. This movement may result in the atomization core 1 contacting the liquid in the liquid supply device 2 such that absorption of liquid initiates.

[0068] With reference to Figure 5, the operation of the system according to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 2 will now be described. Figure 5 shows steps in dashed boxes and with dashed arrows, which are intended to represent that these features / steps are merely optional.

[0069] The method may comprise a step 105 of moving the liquid supply device 2 relative to the atomization core 1 such that the atomization core 1 is out of contact with the liquid. In some embodiments, this will occur once the atomization core is saturated with the liquid, but it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments this movement may occur before saturation of the atomisation core 1.

[0070] The determining of an absorption rate in the second step 101 and the determination of the evaporation rate in the fourth step 103 may optionally comprise generating a weight-time curve (as discussed above). In some embodiments this may also comprise determining the absorption rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weight-time curve when the liquid is supplied to the atomization core. This may comprise determining the evaporation rate from the gradient of the weight-time curve when the atomization core is energized. In some embodiments whereby the system comprises a gas flow device 1, the method may comprise the step 106 of removing generated aerosols from the atomization core. This step may only occur after step 102 of energizing the atomization core 1.

[0071] In some embodiments whereby the system comprises an adjustable power supply 3, the method may comprise a step 107 of adjusting the power in response to the values obtained for the absorption rate and / or the evaporation rate, in other embodiments, the method may include adjusting the power if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

[0072] In some embodiments the method may comprise the step 108 of generating an alert if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met. In other embodiments, the method may comprise the step 109 of rejecting the atomization core if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

[0073] It is to be appreciated that although Figure 5 shows the steps of adjusting power supply 107, generating an alert 108 and rejecting atomization core 109 as optional alternatives, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments these steps 107, 108, 109 may occur in combination with one or more of the other steps 107, 108, 109.

[0074] Comparison of the absorption rate and evaporation rate can be important to some example embodiment as these may be required to be nearly equal. Too high an absorption rate can result in poor performance of the atomization core whereas too high an evaporation rate can result in explosive decibels, a burnt smell and a reaction in the service life of the atomization core.

[0075] In practice the absorption rate should sometimes be slightly greater than the evaporation rate as there is a loss of aerosol during absorption of the atomization core due to the porous structure of the atomization core. In addition, some aerosols will be condensed on airway tubes due to temperature differences. The losses of aerosol means that an increase in absorption rate is required to still prevent the aforementioned concerns with a too high an evaporation rate.

[0076] The system and method described may be advantageous as a user can test the absorption rate and the evaporation rate in the same device and within one test, which provides a singular test for quantifying the atomization performance of an atomization core. Further, for atomization cores intended to be used for an e-cigarette , the system and method provide a test which can help research the effects on taste experience for a user.

[0077] The system and method provide a simple system which can be used to test multiple atomization cores quickly and hence test for different parameters such as liquid composition, atomization core physical parameters, the energizing in the atomization core and how these parameters affect the atomization performance. This can shorten the design cycle of atomization cores and products which use the atomization cores such as an e-cigarette

[0078] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a processing system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200, that may be used to implement one or more of the example embodiments described previously. The processing system 200 may, for example, be (or may include) the apparatus referred to in the claims below.

[0079] The processing system 200 may have a processor 204, a memory 202 coupled to the processor (e.g. comprising a random access memory (RAM) and / or a read only memory (ROM)). The processing system 200 may also comprise one or more input / output (I / O) modules 206, such as one or more user interface modules.

[0080] The memory 202 may comprise code which, when executed by the processor 204 implements aspects of the methods described herein.

[0081] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

Claims1. A system for testing an atomization core, wherein the system comprises: a liquid supply device configured to supply a liquid to an atomization core via absorption; a power supply configured to energise the atomization core to evaporate liquid supplied to the atomization core; at least one sensor configured to weigh the atomization core; and a control module configured to receive a signal from the or each sensor to determine an absorption rate of the atomization core based on a determined rate of weight change of the atomization core during the supply of liquid thereto, and to determine an evaporation rate of the atomization core based on a determined rate of weight change of the atomization core during energisation of the atomization core; and wherein the control module compares the absorption rate and the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core is moveable relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the system comprises a drive mechanism configured to control the relative movement of the atomization core and the liquid supply device and, preferably, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the or each sensor is configured to be attached to the atomization core via at least one connector and / or an adhesive.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the power supply is an adjustable power supply.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control module is configured to determine a weight-time curve during the supply of liquid to the atomization core and / or during energisation of the atomization core.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the control module is configured to determine the absorption rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weighttime curve when the liquid is supplied to the atomization core and / or determine the evaporation rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weighttime curve when the atomization core is energized.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined comparison requirement is the absorption rate being in the range of 1% and 30% higher than the evaporation rate, optionally in the range of 1% and 20% higher than the evaporation rate.

9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the control module is configured to generate an alert and / or vary the power supply if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

10. A method of testing an atomization core, wherein the method comprises: supplying a liquid to the atomization core via absorption; measuring a weight change of the atomization core during the supply of liquid to the atomization core and determining an absorption rate of the atomization core; energising the atomization core to evaporate liquid supplied to the atomization core; measuring the weight change of the atomization core during energising of the atomization core and determining an evaporation rate of the atomization core; and, comparing the absorption rate to the evaporation rate to determine if a predetermined comparison requirement is met.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein supplying the liquid to the atomization core comprises moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core and, preferably, such that the atomization core contacts the liquid.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core such that the atomization core is out of contact with the liquid and, preferably, wherein the method comprises moving one of a liquid supply device and the atomization core relative to the other one of the liquid supply device and the atomization core such that the atomizationcore is out of contact with the liquid once the atomization core is saturated with the liquid.

13. The method of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein determining an absorption rate and / or determining an evaporation rate comprises generating a weight-time curve, and preferably wherein the method comprises determining the absorption rate from information indicative of the gradient of the weight-time curve when the liquid is supplied to the atomization core and / or determining the evaporation rate from the gradient of the weight-time curve when the atomization core is energized.

14. The method of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the method comprises removing generated aerosols from the atomization core.

15. The method of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the method comprises generating an alert and / or rejecting the atomization core and / or adjusting the electrical power supplied to the atomization core if the predetermined comparison requirement is not met.

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