Aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge positioning mechanism

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system (200) comprising a device (300) and a cartridge (100), the cartridge (100) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate (116). The device (300) operates with the cartridge (100) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate (116). The aerosol-generating system (200) has an open configuration in which the cartridge (100) can be inserted into the device (300) and a closed configuration in which the cartridge (100) is retained in an operating position at least partially in the device (100). The device (300) comprising a latching mechanism (316) configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating system (200) in the closed configuration and a cartridge positioning mechanism that exerts a force on the cartridge (100) as the aerosol-generating system (200) is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. An external force of between 1 and 10 Newtons is required to move the system (200) from the open to closed configuration.

Description

[0001] FTR4043 / PCT - P / 91324.WO01

[0002] 1

[0003] AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CARTRIDGE POSITIONING MECHANISM

[0004] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosolgenerating device and a cartridge for use with the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0005] Aerosol-generating systems are typically designed to produce aerosols by heating aerosolforming substrate. In some instances, the aerosol-forming substrate is pre-packaged in a cartridge which is inserted into an aerosol-generating device. If the cartridge does not include a mouthpiece, the aerosol-generating system typically comprises an open configuration, in which the cartridge can be inserted and removed from the device, and a closed configuration in which the cartridge is retained in a position where an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating substrate contained within the cartridge.

[0006] The cartridge must be securely positioned in the device so the aerosol-generating system functions consistently. In order to place the system in a closed configuration for use, a user typically applies a force to a part of the device or cartridge to press the cartridge into the device. In the closed configuration, the cartridge is typically urged against the device by a resilient member, such as a spring, or by virtue of a very tight fit between the device and cartridge, particularly if a reliable electrical contact between the cartridge and the device needs to be ensured. The force required to attain the closed configuration can be difficult for some users. This effort can lead to strain in the hand or fingers, making the device less comfortable to use.

[0007] Additionally, the mechanical components of the device are placed under strain due to the force required to press the cartridge into place in the device. Repeated application of pressure by the cartridge can lead to accelerated wear and tear of mechanical components of the device. Components of the device may deform over time, this may affect the fit of the cartridge in the device, as components could be misaligned. The overall performance of the aerosol-generating system may be negatively affected if the cartridge cannot properly fit in the correct position in the device.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system with a reliable connection between the cartridge and the device. It would be desirable to increase the mechanical durability of the aerosol-generating system. It would be desirable to provide an easy to use aerosol-generating system.

[0009] According to this disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a device and a cartridge, the cartridge comprising an aero so I -forming substrate. The device operates with the cartridge to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may have an open configuration in which the cartridge can be inserted into the device. The aerosol-generating system may have a closed configuration in which the cartridge is retained in an operating position at least partially in the device. The device may comprise a latching mechanism configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating system in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration the system may be operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The device may comprise a cartridge positioning mechanism that retains the cartridge in the operating position. The cartridge positioning mechanism may exert a force on the cartridge as the aerosolgenerating system is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. An external force of between 1 and 10 Newtons may be required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0010] Thus, according to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate; and a device that operates with the cartridge to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate; the aerosol-generating system having an open configuration in which the cartridge can be inserted into the device and a closed configuration in which the cartridge is retained in an operating position at least partially in the device; the device comprising a latching mechanism configured to releasably retain the aerosolgenerating system in the closed configuration; wherein in the closed configuration the system can be operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate; the device comprising a cartridge positioning mechanism that retains the cartridge in the operating position, the cartridge positioning mechanism exerting a force on the cartridge as the aerosol-generating system is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and wherein an external force of between 1 and 10 Newtons is required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0011] Advantageously, a user is less likely to feel discomfort when placing the system into the closed configuration. A relatively low force is required to move the aerosol-generating system from the open configuration to the closed configuration. If the user is only required to exert a relatively low force, then they are less likely to experience discomfort when repeatedly moving the system into the closed configuration.

[0012] Advantageously, the lifespan of the aerosol-generating device may be increased. The aerosolgenerating device is less likely to experience mechanical failure as quickly if a low force is exerted on it. Components within the aerosol-generating device will undergo stress due to the force exerted by the external force to position the cartridge in the operating position. A lower external force on the system may reduce the mechanical stress on the device. This may mean that mechanical components of the aerosol-generating device experience mechanical fatigue over a high number of fatigue cycles. A mechanical fatigue cycle in this regard, being the insertion of the cartridge into the operating position.

[0013] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0014] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0015] The cartridge positioning mechanism may comprise a lid. The lid may exert a force on the cartridge as the aerosol-generating system is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. For example, the cartridge may be partially received in the aerosol-generating device, but not in the operating position. A force may be exerted on the lid by a user to press the lid against the cartridge. The force applied by the user on the lid may move the system into the closed configuration, in which the cartridge is in the operating position.

[0016] The lid may comprise part of the latching mechanism. In the closed configuration, the latching mechanism may releasably retain the lid.

[0017] The lid may be configured to retain at least a portion of the cartridge.

[0018] The device may comprise a device body. The device body may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge.

[0019] The device body may comprise part of the latching mechanism.

[0020] The device body may contact the lid in the closed configuration. For example, a user may exert a force on the lid by pressing the lid and device body together in order to place the system in the closed configuration. The device body and the lid may be releasably retained in the closed configuration by the latching mechanism.

[0021] The lid may comprise a lid cavity configured to at least partially receive the cartridge. The lid cavity may be shaped to correspond to an external shape of the cartridge.

[0022] The device body may comprise a device body cavity configured to at least partially receive the cartridge. The device body cavity may be shaped to correspond to an external shape of the cartridge.

[0023] The device body cavity may form part of the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0024] The cartridge may comprise a cartridge proximal end and a cartridge distal end and a cartridge body extending between the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end. The cartridge body may comprise one or more cartridge sidewalls extending between the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end.

[0025] In the closed configuration, the aerosol-generating device extends along a longitudinal axis between a device proximal end and a device distal end. The cartridge may be inserted into the device in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cartridge may be inserted into the device in a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0026] In the closed configuration the lid and the device body may contact the cartridge.

[0027] In the closed configuration both the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end may be contacted by the cartridge positioning mechanism. Advantageously, the cartridge is securely retained by the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0028] In the closed configuration, the cartridge proximal end contacts the lid and the cartridge distal end contacts the device body.

[0029] The device may comprise a power supply.

[0030] An external force between 5 Newtons to 10 Newtons may be required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration. An external force between 5 Newtons to 8 Newtons may be required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0031] The cartridge may comprise one or more first electrical contacts. The device may comprise one or more second electrical contacts through which power from the power supply can be delivered, the one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to the one or more first electrical contacts when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism. In the closed configuration, the one or more first electrical contacts may directly contact the one or more second electrical contacts. Advantageously, a relatively low external force is required to establish electrical contact. This may increase the lifetime of the electrical contacts.

[0032] The one or more first electrical contacts may be located on the cartridge distal end. The one or more first electrical contacts may be located on the cartridge proximal end.

[0033] The one or more first electrical contacts are located on an external surface of the cartridge body. The one or more electrical contacts may be located on the one or more cartridge sidewalls.

[0034] The device body cavity may comprise a device body cavity base, wherein in the closed configuration the cartridge distal end contacts the device body cavity base. The one or more second electrical contacts may be located on the device body cavity base.

[0035] In the closed configuration, the one or more first electrical contacts may exert a force on the second electrical contacts at least a component of which is in a direction parallel to the cartridge insertion path towards the operating position. This has the advantage that the insertion force provided by the positioning mechanism may act to ensure a reliable electrical connection.

[0036] In the closed configuration, the one or more first electrical contacts may exert a force on the second electrical contacts at least a component of which in a direction perpendicular to the cartridge insertion path towards the operating position. This may have the advantage of reducing the insertion force required to reach the operating position while still ensuring a reliable electrical connection.

[0037] The one or more second electrical contacts may be configured to be retractable. Advantageously, this may reduce the risk of damage to both the first and second electrical contacts. For example, when the system is moved from the open configuration towards the closed configuration, the one or more first electrical contacts may press the one or more retractable second electrical contacts. A user may feel the initial connection between the one or more first electrical contacts and the one or more second electrical contacts, and reduce the force applied to the system as it reaches the closed configuration. Therefore, less stress may be placed on the one or more first electrical components and the one or more second electrical components. The one or more retractable second electrical contacts may be spring loaded.

[0038] The one or more second electrical contacts may retract when a force of 0.4 to 1 .4 Newtons is imposed on them. The one or more second electrical contacts may retract when a force of 0.7 to 1 .1 Newtons is imposed on them.

[0039] The cartridge positioning mechanism may comprise retaining walls configured to contact an external surface of the cartridge when the cartridge is at least partially received in the device. The retaining walls may be configured to contact the one or more cartridge sidewalls. Advantageously, the retaining walls may allow for a more reliable connection between the cartridge and the device.

[0040] The retaining walls may have a dynamic friction coefficient between 0.04 and 0.08. Advantageously, a low dynamic friction coefficient means a low external force is required to move the cartridge when it contacts the retaining walls. This in turn may make the system easier to use.

[0041] The retaining walls may have a static friction coefficient of between 0.04 and 0.08. Advantageously, a low static friction coefficient means a low external force is required to move the cartridge from a stationary position while it contacts the retaining walls. This in turn may make the system easier to use.

[0042] The retaining walls may comprise polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0043] The retaining walls may be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. The retaining walls may define at least a portion of the device body cavity. The retaining walls may be configured to correspond to at least a portion of the external shape of the cartridge.

[0044] The retaining walls may define at least a portion of the lid cavity. Alternatively, or in addition, the retaining walls define at least a portion of the device body cavity.

[0045] The cartridge positioning mechanism may further comprise a sealing member which contacts an external surface of the cartridge in the closed configuration to provide a seal between the lid and the cartridge. Advantageously, air leakage between the cartridge and the device is mitigated. This may improve the overall efficiency of the aerosol-generating system. The sealing member may be fixed to the lid or to the device body.

[0046] The sealing member may be annular in shape. The sealing member may have an O-shaped profile.

[0047] The sealing member may have a dynamic friction coefficient of between 0.5 and 0.7.

[0048] The sealing member may have a static friction coefficient of between 0.6 and 0.8. Advantageously, this may reduce the likelihood that the cartridge disengages from the sealing member due to the higher force required to overcome the static friction coefficient of the sealing element.

[0049] The cartridge positioning mechanism may comprise a closing mechanism configured to bias the aerosol-generating system from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Advantageously, this may reduce the force required by the user to move the aerosol-generating system into the closed configuration. This may enhance the user experience because they are required to exert a smaller force on the system. Advantageously, the closing mechanism may aid in maintaining the aerosol-generating system in the closed configuration. This improves the likelihood that the cartridge is properly retained in the operating position.

[0050] The closing mechanism may be configured to exert a force on the lid.

[0051] The closing mechanism may connect to the lid and to the device body. Advantageously, the closing mechanism may assist the user in closing the lid on the device body.

[0052] The closing mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism may comprise a spring latch. The spring mechanism may comprise a leaf spring. The spring mechanism may comprise a clock spring. The spring mechanism may comprise a compression spring. The spring mechanism may comprise a spring hinge.

[0053] The closing mechanism may comprise a hinge. Advantageously, the hinge may allow for a reliable and consistent path from the open configuration towards the closed configuration. This may enhance the user experience as the aerosol-generating system requires less manual alignment to move from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0054] The closing mechanism may impart a force of between 0.5 and 5 Newtons on the cartridge. The closing mechanism may impart a force between 0.5 and 5 Newtons on the lid towards the device body.

[0055] The closing mechanism may impart a force on the lid with a magnitude that is less than the force required to enter the closed configuration. This may give the user more control whether the system enters the closed configuration or not. The aerosol-generating system has a longitudinal axis. Typical aerosol-generating systems are shaped like, and have similar dimensions to, cigars and cigarettes. This means that the length along the longitudinal axis is substantially greater than the width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, there is limited available space in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for the one or more first and second electrical contacts.

[0056] The one or more first electrical contacts may be arranged on an external surface of the cartridge, wherein the external surface of the cartridge extends in a plane at an angle offset from a plane normal of the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, this may increase the contact area between the one or more electrical contacts of the cartridge and the one or more second electrical contacts of the device compared with contacts arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This may reduce the force required to establish electrical contact between the cartridge and the device.

[0057] The one or more first electrical contacts may be planar. The one or more first electrical contacts may be co-planar or parallel with the external surface of the cartridge on which they are located. Advantageously, this may simplify the connection between the one or more first and second electrical contacts.

[0058] The cartridge may comprise a chamfered surface. The one or more first electrical contacts may be located on the chamfered surface. The chamfered surface may be located at the distal end of the cartridge. The chamfered surface may be located at the proximal end of the cartridge.

[0059] The cartridge may narrow towards its distal end. An internal portion of the device is shaped to correspond to the distal end of the cartridge. A portion of the device body cavity may be shaped to correspond to the distal end of the cartridge.

[0060] The distal end of the cartridge may narrow towards a cartridge central axis. The proximal end of the cartridge may narrow towards a cartridge central axis. As used herein the term ‘cartridge central axis’ is an axis extending through the centre of the cartridge between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge.

[0061] The distal end of the cartridge may narrow to a central edge. The proximal end of the cartridge may narrow to a central edge.

[0062] The cartridge may comprise a first aligning member. The cartridge positioning mechanism may comprise a second aligning member configured to interact with the first aligning member when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism. Advantageously, the aligning members provide a controlled insertion path for the cartridge towards the operating position. This may mean that it is easier for a user to insert the cartridge in the device. Advantageously, the cartridge may be consistently positioned in the operating position. This may improve the consistency of aerosol produced by the aerosol-generating system.

[0063] The first aligning member may be located on the cartridge body. The first aligning member may be located on the one or more cartridge sidewalls.

[0064] The second aligning member may extend in a direction parallel to an insertion path of the cartridge towards the operating position in the device.

[0065] The second aligning member may be a guide rail. Advantageously, the guide rail may easily interact with the first aligning member. Advantageously, no further alignment may be required once the first alignment member interacts with a section of the guide rail. This may make it easier for the user to move the aerosol-generating system to the closed configuration. For example, when the user begins insertion of the cartridge in the device, the first aligning member will be aligned with the guide rail. Once the first aligning member interacts with the guide rail, only an axial force may be required to push the cartridge into the operating position along the guide rail.

[0066] The first aligning member may interact with the second aligning member via a jigsaw fit.

[0067] The first aligning member may comprise any one of a T-shape, U-shape, C-shape, W-shape. The first aligning member may comprise any suitable shape which is releasably connectable to another shape.

[0068] The first aligning member and the second aligning member may extend in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a cartridge insertion path into the device. For example, the insertion path of the cartridge towards the operating position of the device may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Here, the second aligning member extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Advantageously, the movement of the cartridge is simplified. This may reduce the risk of misalignment of components in the closed configuration.

[0069] The second aligning member may be profiled towards the cartridge body such that, in the closed configuration, the second aligning member is closer to the cartridge body at the distal end than at the proximal end. Advantageously, alignment of the cartridge may be more precise in the closed configuration.

[0070] The first aligning member may be one or more cartridge protrusions extending outwardly from the cartridge. The one or more protrusions may extend in the longitudinal axis along the one or more cartridge sidewalls.

[0071] The one or more protrusions may be equally spaced around the external surface of the cartridge. The one or more protrusions may be equally space around the one or more cartridge sidewalls.

[0072] The device may comprise one or more device resilient elements configured to contact the cartridge before the system reaches the operating position. The one or more device resilient elements may form part of the cartridge positioning mechanism. Advantageously, the one or more device resilient elements may assist in excess force dissipation. For example, when the cartridge is positioned in the operating position, the user may still be applying force to the system. The one or more device resilient elements may bear some of the load applied by the user. This may reduce the mechanical strain on other components of the device which are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, the device may be able to undergo a greater number of cartridge insertions.

[0073] The one or more device resilient elements may be configured to contact the cartridge before the one or more first electrical contacts contact the one or more second electrical contacts when the cartridge is inserted into the device. Advantageously, the one or more first and second contacts are less likely to receive excess force, which could lead to damage. Advantageously, the one or more device resilient elements act as a damper to reduce the cartridge speed as it approaches the operating position. The one or more device resilient elements may be arranged adjacent to the one or more second electrical contacts.

[0074] The one or more device resilient elements may be arranged around the one or more second electrical contacts.

[0075] The one or more device resilient elements may be configured to deform in a direction substantially parallel, or parallel to, the insertion path of the cartridge.

[0076] The one or more device resilient elements may be located in the device body cavity. The one or more device resilient elements may be located on the device body cavity base.

[0077] The one or more device resilient elements may be located in the lid cavity.

[0078] The one or more device resilient elements may comprise an elastic material.

[0079] The one or more device resilient elements may comprise Silicone.

[0080] The cartridge may comprise one or more cartridge resilient elements configured to contact the device before the system enters the operating position. The one or more cartridge resilient elements may form part of the cartridge positioning mechanism. Advantageously, the one or more cartridge resilient elements may assist in excess force dissipation. For example, when the cartridge is positioned in the operating position, the user may still be applying force to the system. The one or more device resilient elements may bear some of the load applied by the user. This may reduce the mechanical strain on other components of the device which are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, the device may be able to undergo a greater number of cartridge insertions.

[0081] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be configured to contact the device before the one or more first electrical contacts contact the one or more second electrical contacts when the cartridge is inserted into the device. Advantageously, the one or more first and second contacts are less likely to receive excess force, which could lead to damage. Advantageously, the one or more device resilient elements act as a damper to reduce the cartridge speed as it approaches the operating position.

[0082] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be arranged adjacent to the one or more first electrical contacts.

[0083] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be arranged around the one or more first electrical contacts.

[0084] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be configured to deform in a direction substantially parallel, or parallel to, the insertion path of the cartridge.

[0085] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be located on the cartridge distal end.

[0086] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may be located on the cartridge proximal end.

[0087] The one or more cartridge resilient elements may comprise an elastic material.

[0088] The one or more cartridge resilient elements comprise Silicone.

[0089] In the closed configuration the cartridge is located at a position along the longitudinal axis between the device proximal end and the device distal end.

[0090] The aerosol-generating device may define an airflow path extending from an air inlet to an air outlet. In the closed configuration, at least a portion of the cartridge defines the airflow path. The air outlet may be located at the device proximal end. The lid may comprise the air outlet. The lid may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise the air outlet. The mouthpiece may be located at the device proximal end. During use, a user may draw on the mouthpiece to receive aerosol generated in the cartridge.

[0091] The aerosol-generating system may comprise an atomiser. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a susceptor. The susceptor may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the presence of an alternating magnetic field.

[0092] The cartridge may comprise the atomiser. The cartridge may comprise the heating element. The cartridge may comprise the susceptor.

[0093] The device may comprise the atomiser. The device may comprise the heating element. The device may comprise the susceptor.

[0094] In the closed configuration, the heating element may be in fluid communication with the airflow path extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The heating element may be a planar heating element. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may comprise one or more heating surfaces for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol.

[0095] The heating element may be formed from an iron-based alloy. The heating element may be formed from a nickel alloy. The heating element may be formed from a ceramic. The heating element may be formed from stainless steel. The heating element may be formed from SS316L stainless steel iron aluminides. The heating element may be formed from nichrome. The heating element may be formed from a ceramic coated metal.

[0096] The heating element may be an electrical heating element. The heating element may be an electrical resistive heating element. The heating element may be a sinusoidal heating element. The heating element may have a serpentine shape.

[0097] Alternatively or in addition, the heater element may be located around the periphery of the device cavity. The heater element may circumscribe the cartridge when the cartridge is at least party received

[0098] The device may comprise a power supply. Particularly, the device body may comprise the power supply. The power supply may be configured to provide power to the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0099] The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The power supply may be rechargeable.

[0100] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heating element.

[0101] The cartridge may comprise a susceptor and the aerosol-generating device may comprise inductor coils configured to inductively heat the susceptor in the closed configuration. The susceptor may be in fluid communication with the first airflow path extending between the first air inlet and the first air outlet. The device body may comprise the inductor coils. The lid may comprise the inductor coils. The cartridge may comprise the inductor coils.

[0102] As used herein, the term “susceptor” denotes a material that is capable of being heated when penetrated by a varying magnetic field. The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal or carbon. The susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable material may be, or comprise, aluminium. The susceptor element may be formed from 400 series stainless steels, for example grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel.

[0103] The cartridge may comprise a cartridge housing. The cartridge proximal end, the cartridge distal end and the cartridge sidewalls may form the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing may comprise any material. The cartridge housing may comprise at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a composite material, or a plant based material. The housing may comprise at least one of aluminium, an aluminium alloy, magnesium, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, liquid-crystal polymer, a co-polymer, wood, and bamboo.

[0104] The cartridge housing may have an outer surface comprising a first material, and an inner surface comprising a second material. The second material may be a material which is heat resistant. The provision of a heat resistant material may advantageously prevent damage to the cartridge during use. For example, the heat resistant material may be a material which is not adversely affected by temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius.

[0105] The heat resistant material may comprise at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

[0106] The cartridge housing may comprise a transparent material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a transparent material. The cartridge housing may comprise a translucent material. The cartridge housing may be formed from a translucent material.

[0107] The provision of a transparent material may advantageously allow a user to see how much aerosol-generating substrate remains within the chamber of the cartridge.

[0108] The device may comprise a device housing. The device housing may define the device cavity. The device housing may comprise any material. The device housing may comprise at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a composite material, or a plant based material. The device housing may comprise at least one of aluminium, an aluminium alloy, magnesium, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, liquid-crystal polymer, a copolymer, wood, and bamboo.

[0109] The device housing may have an outer surface comprising a first material, and an inner surface comprising a second material. The second material may be a material which is heat resistant. The provision of a heat resistant material may advantageously prevent damage to the cartridge during use. For example, the heat resistant material may be a material which is not adversely affected by temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius.

[0110] The heat resistant material may comprise at least one of polyetheretherketone (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). The device housing may comprise a transparent material. The device housing may be formed from a transparent material. The device housing may comprise a translucent material. The device housing may be formed from a translucent material.

[0111] The aerosol-generating substrate may be a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0112] Preferably, the aerosol-generating substrate is a solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0113] As used herein, the term “solid” refers to an aerosol-generating substrate that is not a liquid or a gas and which does not flow such that it retains its shape and form at room temperature. In the context of the present invention, the term “solid” encompasses gel materials and compositions.

[0114] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of one or more sheets of a solid aerosolgenerating substrate. Preferably, the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate comprise at least one aerosol former and at least one of nicotine and tobacco.

[0115] As used herein, the term “sheet” describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof.

[0116] The one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may be provided on a suitable carrier element. For example, the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may be deposited onto at least one surface a sheet of an inert carrier material, such as paper or cardboard. This may provide improved rigidity to the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate, which may facilitate the process of filling the cartridge with the one or more sheets during production.

[0117] The one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of one or more gathered sheets. As used herein, the term “gathered” denotes that a sheet is convoluted, folded, or otherwise compressed or constricted substantially transversely to a defined axis.

[0118] Alternatively or in addition, the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of one or more crimped sheets, preferably, one or more gathered crimped sheets. As used herein, the term “crimped” denotes a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

[0119] The one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets of homogenised plant material, preferably homogenised tobacco material. The aerosol former content of the homogenised tobacco material is preferably within the ranges defined above for aerosolgenerating substrate having a relatively low aerosol former content.

[0120] Alternatively or in addition, the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets comprising an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulosic based film forming agent, nicotine and the aerosol former. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulose based strengthening agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water, preferably 30 percent by weight of less of water.

[0121] As used herein, the term “film” is used to describe a solid laminar element having a thickness that is less than the width or length thereof. The film may be self-supporting.

[0122] The aerosol former content of the aerosol-generating film is within the ranges defined above for aerosol-generating substrates having a relatively high aerosol former content.

[0123] In the context of the present invention the term “cellulose based film-forming agent” is used to describe a cellulosic polymer capable, by itself or in the presence of an auxiliary thickening agent, of forming a continuous film. Preferably, the cellulose based film-forming agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the cellulose based film-forming agent is HPMC.

[0124] Suitable aerosol-generating films for use as the aerosol-generating substrate are described in WO-A-2020 / 207733 and WO-A-2022 / 074157.

[0125] Alternatively or in addition, the one or more sheets of solid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more sheets comprising a gel composition that includes nicotine, at least one gelling agent and the aerosol former. The gel composition is preferably tobacco free.

[0126] Suitable gel compositions for use as the aerosol-generating substrate are described in WO-A- 2021 / 170642.

[0127] In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a shredded aerosol-generating substrate. Preferably, the shredded aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least one aerosol former and at least one of tobacco and nicotine.

[0128] As used herein, the term “shredded” describes an aerosol-generating substrate that is in the form of a plurality of shreds or strips. In general, the shredded aerosol-generating substrate is formed by the cutting or shredding of a larger portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, such as a sheet, leaf or other piece of plant material. The individual strips or strands are typically elongate in form, with a length that is greater than the width and thickness.

[0129] The shredded aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of shredded tobacco material, such as cut filler. Alternatively, the shredded aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a shredded sheet of homogenised plant material, such as a homogenised tobacco material. Alternatively, the shredded aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a shredded nontobacco material, as described in more detail below.

[0130] As used herein, the term “cut filler” is used to describe to a blend of shredded plant material, such as tobacco plant material, including, in particular, one or more of leaf lamina, processed stems and ribs, homogenised plant material.

[0131] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0132] Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate; and a device that operates with the cartridge to generate an aerosol from the aerosolforming substrate; the aerosol-generating system having an open configuration in which the cartridge can be inserted into the device and a closed configuration in which the cartridge is retained in an operating position at least partially in the device; the device comprising a latching mechanism configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating system in the closed configuration; wherein in the closed configuration the system can be operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate; the device comprising a cartridge positioning mechanism that retains the cartridge in the operating position, the cartridge positioning mechanism exerting a force on the cartridge as the aerosol-generating system is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and wherein an external force of between 1 and 10 Newtons is required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0133] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex1 , wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a lid.

[0134] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex1 or Ex2 wherein the device comprises a device body.

[0135] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating system according to either Example Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the lid comprises a lid cavity configured to at least partially receive the cartridge.

[0136] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating system according to any Example Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the device body comprises a device body cavity configured to at least partially receive the cartridge.

[0137] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex5, wherein the device body cavity forms part of the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0138] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge proximal end and a cartridge distal end and a cartridge body extending between the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end.

[0139] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex7, wherein in the closed configuration both the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end are contacted by the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0140] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating generating system according to Example Ex7, wherein in the closed configuration, the cartridge proximal end contacts the lid and the cartridge distal end contacts the device body.

[0141] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge comprises one or more first electrical contacts and the device comprises a power supply and one or more second electrical contacts through which power from the power supply can be delivered, the one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to the one or more first electrical contacts when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0142] Example Ex11 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex10, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are located on the cartridge distal end.

[0143] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex10, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are located on the cartridge proximal end. Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex10, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are located on an external surface of the cartridge body.

[0144] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex10 to Ex13, wherein the one or more second electrical contacts are configured to be retractable.

[0145] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex14, wherein the one or more second electrical contacts retract when a force of 0.4 to 1.4 Newtons is imposed on them.

[0146] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises retaining walls configured to contact an external surface of the cartridge when the cartridge is at least partially received in the device.

[0147] Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating system according Example Ex16, wherein the retaining walls have a dynamic friction coefficient between 0.04 and 0.08.

[0148] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the retaining walls have a static friction coefficient of between 0.04 and 0.08.

[0149] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex16 or Ex17 or Ex18, wherein the retaining walls comprise polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0150] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex19, wherein the retaining walls are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0151] Example Ex21 : An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex20, wherein the retaining walls define at least a portion of the device cavity.

[0152] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex21 , wherein the retaining walls define at least a portion of the lid cavity.

[0153] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex22, wherein the retaining walls define at least a portion of the device body cavity.

[0154] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, further comprising a sealing member which contacts an external surface of the cartridge in the closed configuration to provide a seal between the lid and the cartridge.

[0155] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex24, wherein the sealing member has a dynamic friction coefficient of between 0.5 and 0.7.

[0156] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the sealing member has a static friction coefficient of between 0.6 and 0.8.

[0157] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a closing mechanism configured to bias the aerosol-generating system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0158] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex27, wherein the closing mechanism is configured to exert a force on the lid.

[0159] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex27 or Ex28, wherein the closing mechanism connects to the lid and the device body.

[0160] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex27 or Ex28, Ex29, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a spring mechanism. Example Ex31 : An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex27 to Ex30, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a hinge.

[0161] Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex27 to Ex31 , wherein the closing mechanism imparts a force of between 0.5 and 5 Newtons on the lid towards the device body.

[0162] Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex27 to Ex32, wherein the closing mechanism imparts a force on the lid with a magnitude that is less than the force required to enter the closed configuration.

[0163] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex10 to Ex33, wherein the system has a longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are arranged on an external surface of the cartridge, wherein the external surface of the cartridge extends in a plane at an angle offset from a plane normal of the longitudinal axis.

[0164] Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are planar and are co-planar or parallel with the external surface of the cartridge on which they are located.

[0165] Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge comprises a chamfered surface, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are located on the chamfered surface.

[0166] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the distal end of the cartridge narrows, wherein an internal portion of the device is shaped to correspond to the distal end of the cartridge.

[0167] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the distal end of the cartridge narrows towards a central axis.

[0168] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the distal end of the cartridge narrows to a central edge.

[0169] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex39, wherein the central edge extends outwardly from the cartridge.

[0170] Example Ex41 : An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a first aligning member and the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a second aligning member configured to interact with the first aligning member when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism.

[0171] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex41 , wherein the first aligning member is located on the cartridge body.

[0172] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex41 or Ex42, wherein the second aligning member extends in a direction parallel to an insertion path of the cartridge towards the operating position in the device.

[0173] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex43, wherein the second aligning member is a guide rail. Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex44, wherein the first aligning member interacts with the second aligning member via a jigsaw fit.

[0174] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex45, wherein the first aligning member comprises any one of a T-shape, U-shape, C-shape, W-shape.

[0175] Example Ex47: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex46, wherein the first aligning member and the second aligning member extend in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a cartridge insertion path into the device.

[0176] Example Ex48: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex46, wherein the second aligning member is profiled towards the cartridge body such that, in the closed configuration, the second aligning member is closer to the cartridge body at the distal end than at the proximal end.

[0177] Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex41 to Ex48, wherein the first aligning member is one or more cartridge protrusions extending outwardly from the cartridge.

[0178] Example Ex50: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex49, wherein the one or more protrusions are equally spaced around an external surface of the cartridge.

[0179] Example Ex51 : An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the device comprises one or more device resilient elements configured to contact the cartridge before the system enters the operating position.

[0180] Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex51 , wherein the one or more device resilient elements are configured to contact the cartridge before the one or more first electrical contacts contact the one or more second electrical contacts when the cartridge is inserted into the device.

[0181] Example Ex53: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex51 or Ex52, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are arranged adjacent to the one or more second electrical contacts.

[0182] Example Ex54: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex53, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are arranged around the one or more second electrical contacts.

[0183] Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex54, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are configured to deform in a direction substantially parallel, or parallel to the insertion path of the cartridge.

[0184] Example Ex56: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex55, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are located in the device cavity.

[0185] Example Ex57: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex56, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are located in the lid cavity. Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex57, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are located in the device body cavity.

[0186] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex58, wherein the one or more device resilient elements comprise an elastic material.

[0187] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex51 to Ex59, wherein the one or more device resilient elements comprise Silicone.

[0188] Example Ex61 : An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the cartridge comprises one or more cartridge resilient elements configured to contact the device before the system enters the operating position.

[0189] Example Ex62: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex61 , wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements are configured to contact the device before the one or more first electrical contacts contact the one or more second electrical contacts when the cartridge is inserted into the device.

[0190] Example Ex63: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex61 or Ex62, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements are arranged adjacent to the one or more first electrical contacts.

[0191] Example Ex64: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex63, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements are arranged around the one or more first electrical contacts

[0192] Example Ex65: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Example Ex61 to Ex64, wherein the one or more device resilient elements are configured to deform in a direction substantially parallel, or parallel to the insertion path of the cartridge.

[0193] Example Ex66: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex65, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements are located on the cartridge distal end.

[0194] Example Ex67: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex66, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements are located on the cartridge proximal end.

[0195] Example Ex68: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex67, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements comprise an elastic material.

[0196] Example Ex69: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex61 to Ex68, wherein the one or more cartridge resilient elements comprise Silicone.

[0197] Example Ex70: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises an atomiser.

[0198] Example Ex71 : An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises a heating element.

[0199] Example Ex72: An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding Example, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises a susceptor. Example Ex73: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex70, wherein the cartridge comprises the atomiser.

[0200] Example Ex74: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex71 , wherein the cartridge comprises the heating element.

[0201] Example Ex75: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex24, wherein the cartridge comprises the susceptor.

[0202] Example Ex76: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex70, wherein the device comprises the atomiser.

[0203] Example Ex77: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex73, wherein the device comprises the heating element.

[0204] Example Ex78: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex74, wherein the device comprises the susceptor.

[0205] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cartridge according to the present disclosure;

[0206] Figure 2a shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

[0207] Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 2a in an open configuration;

[0208] Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system in an open configuration;

[0209] Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 3a in a closed configuration;

[0210] Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration;

[0211] Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 4a in a closed configuration;

[0212] Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration;

[0213] Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 5a in a closed configuration;

[0214] Figure 6a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration;

[0215] Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 6a in a closed configuration;

[0216] Figure 7a shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge;

[0217] Figure 7b shows a schematic top view of the device configured to receive the cartridge of Figure 7a;

[0218] Figure 7c shows a cross-section sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration; Figure 7d shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 7c in a closed configuration;

[0219] Figure 8a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration;

[0220] Figure 8b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 8a in a closed configuration.

[0221] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article 100 according to the present invention. The cartridge 100 extends in a longitudinal axis from a cartridge proximal end 101 to a cartridge distal end 102. The cartridge comprises a cartridge body 103 extending between the cartridge proximal end 101 and the cartridge distal end 102. The cartridge body 103 defines a chamber which contains aerosol-forming substrate 116. Cartridge sidewalls 115 extend between the cartridge distal end 102 and the cartridge proximal end 101. The cartridge sidewalls 115, the cartridge proximal end 101 and the cartridge distal end 102 form external surfaces of the cartridge body 103. The cartridge 100 in Figure 1 is a rectangular prism. In other embodiments, the cartridge may be a different 3D shape, for example, a hexagonal prism, or a circular prism.

[0222] A first air outlet 108 is located on the cartridge proximal end 101 . A first air inlet 107 is located on the cartridge distal end 102. The first air inlet 107 and the first air outlet 108 are aligned along a central axis of the cartridge which is parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cartridge airflow path extends between the first air inlet 107 and the first air outlet 108, so air can travel through the cartridge 100. At least a portion of the cartridge airflow path is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate 116.

[0223] The cartridge 100 comprises a heating element (not shown) which is in fluid communication with the cartridge airflow path extending between the first air inlet 107 and the first air outlet 108. The cartridge airflow path 112 is shown in Figure 2.

[0224] The cartridge 100 has a height 120 of about 18 millimetres, a length 130 of about 10 millimetres, and a width 140 of about 6 millimetres.

[0225] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 200 according to the present invention in a closed configuration. The aerosol-generating system 200 comprises an aerosolgenerating device 300 and the cartridge 100 of Figure 1 . The aerosol-generating system 200 is in a closed configuration in which the cartridge 100 is retained in an operating position in the device 300. Figure 2b shows a cross-section of the aerosol-generating system 200 of Figure 2a in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 200 has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the system 200 is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 100 when the cartridge is in the operating position.

[0226] The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises a cartridge positioning mechanism 350 configured to retain the cartridge 100 in an operating position when the aerosol-generating system 200 is in the closed configuration. The device 300 comprises a latching mechanism 316 configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating system 200 in the closed configuration. The cartridge positioning mechanism 350 exerts a force on the cartridge 100 as the aerosol-generating system moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration. An external force between 1 Newton and 10 Newtons is required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The external force may be exerted by the user.

[0227] The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises a device body 301 and a device cavity. The cartridge positioning mechanism 350 comprises a lid 302 configured to interact with the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 is configured to be received in the device cavity formed in the device body 301. In other embodiments the cartridge is received in the device cavity formed in the lid 302. The lid 302 is configured to move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the aerosol-generating system 200 is in an open configuration and in the closed position the aerosolgenerating system 200 is in the closed configuration. When the lid 302 is in the open position, the cartridge 100 can be inserted into or removed from the device body cavity 355. When the lid 302 is in the closed position, the cartridge 100 is secured within the device 300. When the lid 302 is in the closed position, the cartridge 100 is contained within and surrounded by the lid 302 and the cartridge body 302, within the device cavity. A user may exert a force on the lid 302 from the open position to the closed position, thereby moving the system 200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The latching mechanism 316 releasably retains the lid 302 in the closed position.

[0228] The lid 302 comprises a second outlet 303, a second inlet 308, and a lid airflow path 312 extending between the second outlet 303 and the second inlet 310. The lid 302 further comprises a mouthpiece 307 on which the user can draw on. The second outlet 303 is located on the mouthpiece 307. The outlet 303 is disposed at a downstream end of the device 300. The outlet 303 is an aerosol outlet. The lid 302 comprises a lid cavity 380 configured to contact the cartridge proximal end 101 and a portion of the cartridge sidewalls 115.

[0229] The device body 301 comprises a power source 304, a controller 305, and one or more second electrical contacts 306. The one or more second electrical contacts 355 are located on a bottom wall 323 of the device cavity 355. The cartridge further comprises one or more first electrical contacts 117 which correspond to the one or more second electrical contacts 306 of the device 300.

[0230] The cartridge 100 is configured for attachment to the device 300 at the distal end 102 of the cartridge 100. The cartridge 100 and the device 300 are configured such that when the device 300 and the cartridge 100 are mechanically connected, the electrical contacts 117 of the cartridge 100 are electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts 306 of the device 300. The electrical contacts 306 of the device 300 are electrically connected to the power source 304, so that power can be supplied from the power source 304 to the heating element (not shown). The power source 304 is in the form of a battery, which in this example is a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

[0231] The controller 305 is electrically connected to the power source 304. The controller 305 is configured to control the power output from the power source 304, to control whether the heating element is on or off, and to control the temperature of the heating element.

[0232] The system 200 is configured so that, in the closed position, the first outlet 108 of the cartridge 100 is aligned with the second inlet 308 of the device 300. In the closed position, the cartridge airflow path 112 and the lid airflow path 312 are in fluid communication. When a user draws on the mouthpiece 307, air in the cartridge airflow path 112 passes through the first outlet 108 and into the lid airflow path 312 through the second inlet 308. Arrows with dashed lines show the direction of air in the cartridge airflow path 112. Air in the cartridge airflow path 112 travels in a variety of directions before passing through the first air outlet 108. A portion of the cartridge airflow path 112 is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate 116.

[0233] The device body 301 comprises a third inlet (not shown) and a third outlet 317 and a device body airflow path (not shown) extending therebetween. When the system 200 is in the closed configuration, the first inlet 107 of the cartridge 100 is aligned with the third outlet 317 of the device body 301 . In the closed configuration, the device body airflow path, the cartridge airflow path, and the lid airflow path are in fluid communication with one another such that at least a portion of the air entering the aerosol-generating system through the third inlet exits the system through the second outlet.

[0234] The lid 302 comprises a compliant sealing element 311 which contacts an external surface of the cartridge 100 in the closed position to provide a seal between the lid 302 and the cartridge 100. Particularly, the compliant sealing element 311 provides an air seal between the first outlet 108 of the cartridge 100 and the second inlet 308 of the lid 302. In this embodiment, the lid 302 circumscribes the lid airflow path 312. In other embodiments, the lid 302 circumscribes the cartridge airflow path 112.

[0235] The compliant sealing element 311 contacts the cartridge proximal end 101 and a portion of the cartridge sidewalls 115 in the closed position. There may be alternative embodiments where the compliant sealing element only contacts the cartridge proximal end or only contacts the cartridge sidewalls.

[0236] Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 1200 in an open configuration. Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 1200 of Figure 3a in a closed configuration.

[0237] The device body 301 comprises one or more second electrical contacts 306 which extend from a bottom wall 323 of the device body cavity 355. The one or more second electrical contacts 306 extend outwardly into the device cavity 306. The one or more second electrical contacts 306 are configured to be retractable. The one or more second electrical contacts 306 are connected to a spring loaded mechanism (not shown) which is configured to compress when a force is applied. As the system 1200 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the one or more electrical contacts 117 on the cartridge 100 press on the one or more second electrical contacts 306. The one or more first electrical contacts 117 press the one or more second electrical contacts 306 into an electrical contact cavity 325. In the closed configuration, the one or more second electrical contacts 306 retract into the electrical contact cavity 325.

[0238] In the configuration shown in Figure 3b, the one or more first and second electrical contacts 117, 306 fully extend into the electrical contact cavity 325 so that the cartridge distal end 102 is flush with the bottom wall 323 of the device body cavity 355 in the operating position. In other embodiments, the operating position may be a position where the second electrical contacts 306 may not entirely retract below the bottom wall 323, such that the cartridge distal end 102 does not contact the bottom wall 323 of the device body cavity 355.

[0239] When the system 1200 is moved from the open configuration towards the closed configuration, the one or more first electrical contacts 117 press the one or more retractable second electrical contacts 306. A user will feel the initial connection between the one or more first electrical contacts 117 and the one or more second electrical contacts 306, and reduce the force applied to the system as it reaches the closed configuration. This configuration allows for use of the system 1200 where less stress can be placed on the one or more first electrical components 117 and the one or more second electrical components 306.

[0240] Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system 2200 in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 2200 in Figure 4a is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating system in Figure 2, so the aerosol-generating system 2200 of Figure 3a will be described with respect to its differences to the system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 1200 of Figure 4a in a closed configuration.

[0241] The device body cavity 355 is defined by retaining walls 316 and a bottom wall 323. The retaining walls 316 are configured to contact the cartridge sidewalls 115 when the cartridge 100 is inserted into the device body cavity 355. The retaining walls 316 have a dynamic friction coefficient of around 0.06 and a static friction coefficient of around 0.06. The retaining walls 316 comprise polytetrafluoroethylene. In other embodiments, the retaining walls 316 are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0242] When this system 2200 is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the cartridge sidewalls 115 slide along the retaining walls 316. A small force is required to move the system 2200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration due to the low friction coefficient of the retaining walls 316. A low friction friction coefficient means a low external force is required to move the cartridge 100 when it contacts the retaining walls 316. This in turn may make the system 2200 easier to use.

[0243] Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 3200 in Figure 5a is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating system in Figure 2, so the aerosol-generating system 3200 of Figure 5a will be described with respect to its differences to the system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 3200 of Figure 5a in a closed configuration.

[0244] The cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a closing mechanism 345 configured to bias the aerosol-generating system 3200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The closing mechanism 345 connects to the lid 302 and the device body 301 . The closing mechanism 345 is configured to move the lid 302 from the open position to the closed position by exerting a force on the lid 302 in a direction towards the device body 301 . The closing mechanism 345 assists the user in closing the lid 302 on the device body 301 , as the force exerted on the lid 302 is exerted on the cartridge 100 by the lid 301 . So, the closing mechanism 345 aids in moving the system 3200 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0245] The closing mechanism 345 comprises a hinge 347 and a spring mechanism 346. The hinge allows for a reliable and consistent path for the lid 302 to move. This allows for consistent movement between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The spring mechanism 346 is a leaf spring.

[0246] Figure 6a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system 4200 in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 4200 in Figure 6a is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating system in Figure 2, so the aerosol-generating system 4200 of Figure 6a will be described with respect to its differences to the system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 4200 of Figure 6a in a closed configuration.

[0247] The one or more first electrical contacts 117 are arranged on the cartridge distal end 102. The cartridge 100 narrows at the distal end 102. This means there are surfaces on the cartridge distal end 102 which are offset from the normal of the longitudinal axis. Each of the one or more first electrical contacts 117 is coplanar with the surface on which they are located. So, the one or more first electrical contacts 117 extend across the surface of the cartridge distal end 102 at an angle offset from the normal of the longitudinal axis.

[0248] The bottom wall 323 and the one or more second electrical contacts 306 are arranged to correspond to the cartridge distal end 102 and the one or more first electrical contacts 117.

[0249] This configuration increases the contact area available between the one or more first electrical contacts of the cartridge and the one or more second electrical contacts of the device compared with contacts arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0250] Figure 7a shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge 1000. The cartridge 1000 of Figure 7a is substantially similar to the cartridge 100 of Figure 1 , so the cartridge 1000 of Figure 7a will be described with respect to its differences to the cartridge 100 of Figure 1 .

[0251] The cartridge 1000 comprises first aligning members 165 located on the sidewalls 115. The first aligning members 165 extend along the sidewalls 115 from the cartridge proximal end 101 to the cartridge distal end 102. The first aligning members 115 extend outwardly from the cartridge body 103 and are located on opposite sides of the cartridge body 103. In the embodiment of Figure 7a, there are two first aligning members, in other embodiments, there may be one first aligning member or a plurality of first aligning members; for example four first aligning members.

[0252] Figure 7b shows a schematic top view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 5200 in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 5200 in Figure 7b is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating system in Figure 2, so the aerosol-generating system 5200 of Figure 7b will be described with respect to its differences to the system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 7c shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 5200 of Figure 7b in an open configuration. Figure 7d shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system 5200 of Figure 7c in a closed configuration.

[0253] The aerosol-generating system 5200 shown in Figures 7b, 7c, and 7d comprises a device 300 configured to receive the cartridge 1000 of Figure 7a. The device 300 comprises second aligning members 365 configured to interact with the first aligning members 165 when the cartridge 1000 is received in the device 300. The second aligning members 365 form part of the device body cavity 355. The second aligning members 365 are configured to correspond to the first aligning members 165. The first aligning member 165 and the second aligning member 365 fit together via a jigsaw fit. The aligning members 165, 365 provide a controlled insertion path for the cartridge 1000 towards the operating position. This makes it easy for a user to insert the cartridge 1000 in the device 300. The first aligning members 165 and the second aligning members 365 extend in a direction parallel to the cartridge 1000 insertion path into the device 300.

[0254] From the top-down perspective shown in Figure 7b, the second aligning member 365 is shaped to receive a first aligning member with a square cross-section. There may be other embodiments where the first aligning member cross-section is T-shape, U-shape, C-shape, W-shape, or any other suitable shape.

[0255] Figure 8a shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of an alternative embodiment of an aerosolgenerating system in an open configuration. The aerosol-generating system 6200 in Figure 6a is substantially similar to the aerosol-generating system in Figure 2, so the aerosol-generating system 6200 of Figure 8a will be described with respect to its differences to the system 200 of Figure 2. Figure 8b shows a cross-sectional sectioned view of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 8a in a closed configuration.

[0256] The device 300 comprises device resilient elements 375 configured to contact the cartridge 100 as the cartridge 100 travels towards the operating position. The device resilient elements 375 are located on the bottom wall 323 of the device body cavity 355. The device resilient elements 375 are configured to contact the cartridge distal end 102 before the cartridge 100 reaches the operating position. In particular, the device resilient elements 375 are configured to contact the cartridge distal end 102 before the first electrical contacts 117 initially contact the second electrical contacts 306.

[0257] The device resilient elements 375 assist in excess force dissipation. For example, when the cartridge 100 is positioned in the operating position, the user may still be applying force to the system 6200. The device resilient elements 375 bear some of the load applied by the user. This reduces the mechanical strain on other components of the device 300 which are more susceptible to damage. Therefore, the device 300 is potentially able to undergo a greater number of cartridge 100 insertions.

[0258] A skilled person will understand that the differentiating features of the embodiments described with reference to the Figures can be combined with other embodiments or all combined into a single embodiment. But they have been described and illustrated separately for clarity. For example, the closing mechanism 345, shown in Figure 5a, could be incorporated into any of the other embodiments; for example, the system 4200 of Figure 6a and 6b. The device resilient elements of Figures 8a and 8b can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments. The guide rails of Figures 7a and 7b can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments. The angled electrical contacts of Figures 6a and 6b can be incorporated into any of the other embodiments.

[0259] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 % of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

26CLAIMS1 . An aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge containing an aerosol-generating substrate; and a device that operates with the cartridge to generate an aerosol from the aerosolforming substrate; the aerosol-generating system having an open configuration in which the cartridge can be inserted into the device and a closed configuration in which the cartridge is retained in an operating position at least partially in the device; the device comprising a latching mechanism configured to releasably retain the aerosol-generating system in the closed configuration; wherein in the closed configuration the system can be operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate; the device comprising a cartridge positioning mechanism that retains the cartridge in the operating position, the cartridge positioning mechanism exerting a force on the cartridge as the aerosol-generating system is moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and wherein an external force of between 1 and 10 Newtons is required to move the system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a lid, and wherein the device comprises a device body which comprises a device body cavity configured to at least partially receive the cartridge.

3. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge comprises one or more first electrical contacts and the device comprises a power supply and one or more second electrical contacts through which power from the power supply can be delivered, the one or more second electrical contacts corresponding to the one or more first electrical contacts when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism.

4. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claim 3, wherein the one or more second electrical contacts are configured to be retractable.

5. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises retaining walls configured to contact an external surface of the cartridge when the cartridge is at least partially received in the device, wherein the retaining walls comprise polytetrafluoroethylene.

6. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a closing mechanism configured to bias the aerosolgenerating system from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

7. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 6, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a spring mechanism.

8. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a hinge.

9. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the closing mechanism imparts a force of between 0.5 and 5 Newtons on the lid towards the device body.

10. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the system has a longitudinal axis, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are arranged on an external surface of the cartridge, wherein the external surface of the cartridge extends in a plane at an angle offset from a plane normal of the longitudinal axis.11 . An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the one or more first electrical contacts are planar and are co-planar or parallel with the external surface of the cartridge on which they are located.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge proximal end and a cartridge distal end and a cartridge body extending between the cartridge proximal end and the cartridge distal end, wherein the distal end of the cartridge narrows, wherein an internal portion of the device is shaped to correspond to the distal end of the cartridge.

13. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a first aligning member and the cartridge positioning mechanism comprises a second aligning member configured to interact with the first aligning member when the cartridge is at least partially received in the cartridge positioning mechanism.

14. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the first aligning member interacts with the second aligning member via a jigsaw fit.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device and / or the cartridge comprises one or more device resilient elements configured to contact the cartridge before the system enters the operating position.

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