WO2023066979A1

WO2023066979A1 - Multi-liquid cartridge assembly for inductively heated aerosol-generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023066979A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/079067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA; Alexandra SEREDA
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-19
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: CN118019468A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge assembly comprises an airflow channel. The cartridge assembly further comprises a first tubular liquid storage portion and a second tubular liquid storage portion. The first tubular liquid storage portion is arranged upstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The airflow channel is spaciously circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and the cartridge assembly. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the cartridge assembly.

Description

MULTI-LIQUID CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY FOR INDUCTIVELY HEATED AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge assembly. The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge or in an aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the article or cartridge.

Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporises to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid form or in liquid form. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be comprised in a liquid storage portion and may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge assembly.

It would be desirable to have a cartridge that provides customizable aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that provides the aerosolization of a plurality of liquid aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that provides the aerosolization of a plurality of liquid aerosol-forming substrates simultaneously. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that provides the aerosolization of a plurality of liquid aerosol-forming substrates individually. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge that can be used within the cavity of existing induction heating aerosol-generating devices. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that can be used in the cavity of existing induction heating aerosol-generating devices, without the need of relevant changes. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that can be used in the cavity of existing induction heating aerosol-generating devices, without the need of changes. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge with compact design. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge with compact design and with an improved air management. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge with a simplified design. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge comprising only a few parts.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge assembly may comprise an airflow channel. The cartridge assembly may further comprise a first tubular liquid storage portion and a second tubular liquid storage portion. The first tubular liquid storage portion may be arranged upstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The airflow channel may be spaciously circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge assembly comprises an airflow channel. The cartridge assembly further comprises a first tubular liquid storage portion and a second tubular liquid storage portion. The first tubular liquid storage portion is arranged upstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The airflow channel is spaciously circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may provide improved aerosolization. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow the aerosolization of two different liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof individually. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow the aerosolization of two different liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof simultaneously. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow flavor modification of the aerosol. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow adjusting the amount of nicotine contained in the aerosol. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow a flexible aerosol modification. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may provide a compact design. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may allow a flexible aerosol modification while having a compact design.

Aerosol-generating devices with cylindrical cavities for insertion of an aerosolgenerating article or a cartridge are known. The cylindrical cavity may comprise multiple inductor coils for heating the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. The multiple inductor coils may be powered individually. The cavity may have only limited space. The consumer longs for variety and modification of the generated aerosol. Variation of the aerosol may provide an improved customized experience. However, providing customization is difficult with devices comprising a cavity having only limited space. Providing a cartridge assembly that comprises two tubular liquid storage portions may provide customization of the generated aerosol within existing aerosol-generating devices.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may not be directly fluidly connected. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise the same liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise different liquid aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a liquid sensorial media. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid sensorial media. The first and second tubular liquid storage portion of the cartridge assembly may comprise one or both of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid sensorial media, or mixtures thereof independently. The liquid sensorial media may comprise a flavourant. The liquid sensorial media may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensorial media may comprise a flavouring, for example menthol or herbal compounds. The liquid aerosolforming substrate or the liquid sensorial media may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosolforming substrate or the liquid sensorial media may comprise a botanical content, for example CBD. By using different liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof within the first and second tubular liquid storage portions the user may vary the amount of flavourant, nicotine or CBD. For example, one of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions comprises a flavourant and the other of the tubular liquid storage portions comprises nicotine, thereby the user may vary between the generation of two aerosols containing either flavourant or nicotine or can decide to mix those two aerosols. Alternatively, the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise the same aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof and the user can modify the intensity of the aerosol generated. Thereby the user may vary the amount of for example nicotine or flavourant.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have the same capacity. The first tubular liquid storage portion may have a larger capacity than the second tubular liquid storage portion, or vice versa. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge assembly. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have the same length. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have a different length. One or both of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have a circular cross-section. One or both of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have an elliptical, rectangular or polygonal cross-section. A diameter of the cross-sections may be the same along the length of first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The diameter of the cross-section may vary along the length of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. One or both of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have an elongate shape. One or both of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have a cylindrical shape. The length of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be greater than the dimeter of the cross-section. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise an outer tubular wall. The outer tubular wall may extend radially to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The outer tubular wall may be sectioned in a first outer tubular wall and a second outer tubular wall. The first outer tubular wall may confine the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second outer tubular wall may confine the second tubular liquid storage portion. Alternatively, the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may share one single outer tubular wall.

One or both of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may have the same external diameter. Thereby a compact design may be provided. An external diameter of the outer tubular wall or the first and second outer tubular walls of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

The airflow channel may be a straight airflow channel. The airflow channel may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The airflow channel may be coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The airflow channel may be a central airflow channel. The airflow channel may have the same longitudinal axis than the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The airflow channel may have the same longitudinal axis than the cartridge assembly.

The first tubular liquid storage portion may comprise a first inner tubular core element. The first inner tubular core element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the first tubular liquid storage portion. The second tubular liquid storage portion may comprise a second inner tubular core element. The second inner tubular core element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The first and second inner tubular core elements may be coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The first and second inner tubular core elements may have a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge assembly. The length of the first and second inner tubular core elements may be the same than the length of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, respectively.

The first and second inner tubular core elements may be hollow. The first and second inner tubular core elements may have a circular cross-section. The first and second inner tubular core elements may have the same cross-section than the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, respectively.

A diameter of the cross-sections of the first and second inner tubular core elements may be smaller than the diameter of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The diameter of the first and second inner tubular core elements may be about half the diameter of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The diameter of the first and second inner tubular core elements may be about one third or about one quarter of the diameter of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The first inner tubular core element may comprise a first inner tubular wall. The second inner tubular core element may comprise a second inner tubular wall. The first and second inner tubular walls may confine the airflow channel. The first and second inner tubular core elements may be one single element. The first and second inner tubular core elements may be two separated elements.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be separated by a transversal wall. The transversal wall may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The transversal wall may separate the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The transversal wall may be liquid impermeable. The transversal wall may prevent a liquid exchange of liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The transversal wall may have the same cross-section than the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The transversal wall may have a perimeter that is the same than an inner perimeter of the outer tubular wall or of the first and second outer tubular walls of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The transversal wall may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The diameter of the transversal wall may be the same than an inner diameter of the outer tubular wall or of the first and second outer tubular walls of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The transversal wall may comprise an opening. The opening may be a central opening. The opening may be a central bore. The airflow channel may extend through the opening. The first and second inner tubular core elements may be connected to the transversal wall. The transversal wall may position the first and second inner tubular core elements within the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The transversal wall may provide a stabilization of the outer tubular wall. Alternatively, the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be two separated elements which comprise two of the transversal walls, respectively.

The cartridge assembly may comprise a distal air inlet and a proximal air outlet. The airflow channel may fluidly connect the distal air inlet with the proximal air outlet. The airflow channel may comprise a Venturi element. The Venturi element may link the first inner tubular core element with the second inner tubular core element. The Venturi element may be arranged between the first and second inner tubular core elements. The Venturi element may fluidly connect the first and second inner tubular core elements. The Venturi element may provide a mixture of the aerosols generated within the first and second inner tubular core elements. The airflow channel may be arranged within the Venturi element. The Venturi element may comprise a contracting inlet portion and an expanding outlet portion. The first and second inner tubular core elements may be one single element comprising the Venturi element in a centred position between the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The Venturi element may be aligned with the transversal wall.

The first inner tubular wall may comprise a first tubular fluid permeable portion. The second inner tubular wall may comprise a second tubular fluid permeable portion. The first and second fluid permeable portions may be liquid permeable. The first and second fluid permeable portions may have the same permeability. The first and second fluid permeable portions may have a different permeability. The permeability of the first and second fluid permeable portions may depend on the liquid aerosol-forming substrates sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The first tubular fluid permeable portion may be arranged at a distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion. The second tubular fluid permeable portion may be arranged at a distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion. A part of the first and second inner tubular walls may be the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions. For example, 20 percent of the surface area of the first inner tubular wall may be the first tubular fluid permeable portion, preferably 25 percent. For example, 20 percent of the surface area of the second inner tubular wall may be the second tubular fluid permeable portion, preferably 25 percent.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise a high retention and release material. During use of the cartridge assembly the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof may not be in contact with the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions. The high retention and release material may keep the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions wet. The high retention and release material may provide a uniform distribution of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The high retention and release material may provide a more uniform aerosol generation.

The first tubular fluid permeable portion may be at least partly circumscribed by a first high retention and release material. The second tubular fluid permeable portion may be at least partly circumscribed by a second high retention and release material. The first and second high retention and release materials may be configured to prevent a direct contact of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, stored in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, with the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions. The first and second high retention and release materials may provide a controlled supply of aerosol-forming substrates.

The high retention and release material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. Preferably, the high retention and release material includes a web, mat or bundle of fibers. The fibers may be generally aligned to convey the liquid in the aligned direction. Alternatively, the high retention and release material may include sponge-like or foam-like material. The high retention and release material may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam material, ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, a fibrous material, for example made of spun or extruded fibers, or ceramic or glass.

The first and second tubular fluid permeable portions may be porous. The porosity of the first and second fluid permeable portions may be between 35 percent to 80 percent, preferably of between 45 percent to 65 percent, most preferably of between 50 percent to 60 percent.

As used herein, the ‘porosity’ is defined as the percentage of a unit volume which is void of material. The porosity is may be derived using standard method and equation giving a decimal value for porosity. Knowing the pore volume of a defined volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt), porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percent, that decimal is simply multiplied by 100%. For example, Pt = 0.51, therefore 0.51 x 100% = 51%.

The first and second tubular porous portions may have a porosity suitable to allow a controlled flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The first and second tubular porous portions may have the same porosity. The first and second tubular porous portions may have a different porosity. The porosity may depend on the viscosity of the liquid aerosolforming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof contained in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions and the airflow channel may be integrally formed. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions and the airflow channel may be comprised in a single cartridge assembly element. The single cartridge element may comprise the outer tubular wall, the transversal wall and the first and second inner tubular core elements, comprising the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions. The single cartridge element may further comprise the Venturi element.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise a first heating element and a second heating element. The airflow channel may comprise the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. Thereby the first and second heating elements may be arranged at an inner position of the cartridge assembly. During use with an aerosol-generating device overheating of an outer wall of the aerosol-generating device may be prevented. The first inner tubular core element may comprise the first heating element. The first heating element may be arranged at the first tubular fluid permeable portion. The second inner tubular core element may comprise the second heating element. The second heating element may be arranged at the second tubular fluid permeable portion.

The first and second heating elements may be inductive heating elements. The first and second heating elements may comprise susceptor material. The first heating element may comprise a first susceptor. Preferably the first susceptor may be a first hollow tubular shaped susceptor. More preferably the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor may be in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed first hollow tubular wick. The second heating element may comprise a second susceptor. Preferably the second susceptor may be a second hollow tubular shaped susceptor. More preferably the second hollow tubular shaped susceptor may be in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed second hollow tubular wick.

The first and second heating elements may be identical. Alternatively, the first and second heating elements may be different. For example, the first heating element may comprise more susceptor material than the second heating element or vice versa. The first heating element may comprise a different susceptor material than the second heating element or vice versa. A heating element comprising different susceptor material may have a different heating profile. It might be advantageous to provide a cartridge assembly comprising different heating elements. The first heating element may be a heating element which generates higher temperatures than the second heating element. Liquid aerosolforming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof contained in the second tubular liquid storage portion may be exposed to lower temperatures than the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof contained in the first tubular liquid storage portion.

The first tubular fluid permeable portion may provide a fluid connection from the first tubular liquid storage portion to the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor by the capillarity of the first hollow tubular wick. The second tubular fluid permeable portion may provide a fluid connection from the second tubular liquid storage portion to the second tubular shaped susceptor by the capillarity of the second hollow tubular wick. The first hollow tubular shaped susceptor, the first hollow tubular wick, the first fluid permeable portion and the first tubular liquid storage portion may comprise the same longitudinal axis. The second hollow tubular susceptor, the second hollow tubular wick, the second porous portion and the second tubular liquid storage portion may comprise the same longitudinal axis.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise a polymeric compound. Preferably the polymeric compound may be an anti-static compound. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions may comprise a material that reduces sticking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof to inner walls of the first and second liquid storage portions. Thereby unwanted capillarity effects of the inner walls of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be reduced. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sensorial medias or mixtures thereof may be kept in a distal position inside the first and second liquid storage portions, even when the liquid aerosolforming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof is almost depleted. The liquid aerosolforming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof may be kept in a distal position of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions when the cartridge assembly is in an upright position. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof may be kept close to the first and second tubular fluid permeable portion, respectively.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be attached at a proximal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The mouthpiece may be a tubular mouthpiece. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may have a tubular distal portion and a converging proximal section. The mouthpiece may be hollow. The mouthpiece may comprise a tubular outer wall. The outer tubular wall may have an external and an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The external diameter of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece may be the same than the external diameter of the outer wall of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

The mouthpiece may comprise a tubular core element. The tubular core element may be configured for reducing condensation formation. The tubular core element may comprise a tubular wall. The tubular core element may be arranged in the centre of the mouthpiece. The tubular core element may be arranged at the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The tubular core element may be aligned with the first and second inner tubular core elements of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The tubular core element may have an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The inner diameter of the tubular core element of the mouthpiece may be larger than the inner diameter of the second inner tubular core element. The inner diameter of the tubular core element of the mouthpiece may be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The inner diameter of the tubular core element may be about a third of the diameter of the mouthpiece. The tubular core element of the mouthpiece may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The length of the tubular core element may be smaller than a length of the mouthpiece, measured in the same direction. The length of the tubular core element may be about half the length of the mouthpiece. After exiting the tubular core element, the speed of the aerosol flow may decrease. The aerosol may be further homogenized after exiting the tubular core element. The inner side of the tubular wall of the tubular core element may be exposed to higher temperatures than the outside of the tubular wall. The tubular core element may prevent or reduce condensation formation. Condensation of the aerosol and droplet formation on the inside of the tubular wall of the tubular core element may be prevented or reduced. During use, the tubular wall of the tubular core element may have a higher temperature than the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. Thereby, condensation formation may be prevented or reduced.

The mouthpiece may comprise a high retention material configured for condensation prevention. As used herein, a “high retention material” is a material that is capable of absorbing and/or storing liquid (for example, aqueous liquid) and is capable of conveying the liquid (for example, by capillary action). For example, the liquid may be conveyed away from the inner side of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid residues of the aerosol-forming substrate may condensate on an inner side of the outer tubular wall. The high retention material may surround the tubular core element of the mouthpiece. The high retention material may surround a distal portion of the tubular core element of the mouthpiece. Thereby, condensate may be absorbed when the cartridge assembly is oriented an upright position with the distal end facing towards the centre of gravity. The high retention material may for example be cotton.

The mouthpiece may comprise a distal wall. The distal wall is configured to seal the second liquid storage portion. The distal wall may seal a proximal opening of the second tubular liquid storage portion. By providing the distal wall of the mouthpiece as sealing element of the second tubular liquid storage portion no additional sealing element is needed.

The distal wall may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge assembly. The diameter of the distal wall may be smaller than the external diameter of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The distal wall may have the same diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The distal wall may have the same external diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tubular wall or the second outer tubular wall of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

The distal wall of the mouthpiece may provide a fluid impermeable sealing of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The distal wall may be connectable to the second tubular liquid storage portion by a press-fit connection, a form-fit connection, snap-fit or bayonet type connection.

The distal wall may comprise an opening. The opening may be a central opening. The opening may have the same diameter than an external diameter of the second inner tubular core element. The opening may be configured to receive a proximal portion of the second inner tubular core element. The opening may position the second inner tubular core elements within the second tubular liquid storage portion.

The distal wall may be configured to receive the proximal portion of the second inner tubular core element from a distal side. The tubular core element of the mouthpiece may be connected to the distal wall at a proximal side of the distal wall.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise a distal sealing element. The distal sealing element may be configured to seal a distal opening of the first tubular liquid storage portion. The distal sealing element may have a diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge assembly. The distal sealing element may have the same external diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tubular wall or the first tubular wall of the first tubular liquid storage portion.

The distal sealing element may provide a fluid impermeable sealing of the first tubular liquid storage portion. The distal sealing element may be connected to the first tubular liquid storage portion by a press-fit connection, a form-fit connection, snap-fit or bayonet type connection.

The distal sealing element may comprise an opening. The opening may be a central opening. The opening may have the same inner diameter than an external diameter of the first inner tubular core element. The opening may be configured to receive a distal portion of the first inner tubular core element. The opening may position the first inner tubular core elements within the first tubular liquid storage portion.

The distal sealing element may be configured to receive the distal portion of the fist inner tubular core element from a proximal side. The distal sealing element may comprise the distal air inlet. The opening of the distal sealing element may be the distal air inlet.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise a first tubular core air management element and a second core air management element.

The cartridge assembly may have a cylindrical shape with an external diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The diameter may be between 5 millimetres to 10 millimetres, preferably between 6 millimetres to 8 millimetres. The cartridge assembly may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The length may be between 35 millimetres to 75 millimetres, preferably between 45 millimetres to 60 millimetres.

The outer wall of the cartridge assembly may have a thickness between 0.1 millimetre to 0.9 millimetre, preferably between 0.3 millimetre to 0.5 millimetre. The first and second outer walls of the cartridge assembly may have a thickness between 0.1 millimetre to 0.9 millimetre, preferably between 0.3 millimetre to 0.5 millimetre.

The length of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions may be between 8 millimetres to 20 millimetres, preferably between 10 millimetres to 15 millimetres.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise a third tubular liquid storage portion. The third liquid storage portion may be arranged downstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion. An additional transversal wall may seal the proximal opening of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The additional transversal wall may have the same characteristics than the transversal wall described above. A proximal end of the third tubular liquid storage portion may be sealed by the distal wall of the mouthpiece. The third liquid storage portion may comprise a third inner tubular core element, having the same characteristics than the first and second inner tubular core elements. There may be an additional Venturi element linking the second and third inner tubular core elements. The third liquid storage portion may comprise a third liquid aerosol-forming substrate different from the first and second aerosol-forming substrates. This may enable further customization of the generated aerosol.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge assembly as described herein and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise a heating chamber for insertion of the cartridge assembly. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise at least one inductor coil. The aerosolgenerating device may be configured for inductively heating the cartridge assembly. The inductor coil may at least partly circumscribe the heating chamber.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge assembly as described herein and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device comprises a heating chamber for insertion of the cartridge assembly. The aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one inductor coil. The aerosolgenerating device is configured for inductively heating the cartridge assembly. The inductor coil at least partly circumscribes the heating chamber.

The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may comprise a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil. The first inductor coil may be arranged upstream of the second inductor coil. The first and second inductor coils may be powered simultaneously. The first and second inductor coils may be powered separately. The first inductor coil may be arranged at the distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion. The second inductor coil may be arranged at the distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion. The first inductor coil may be configured to inductively heat the first susceptor. The second inductor coil may be configured to inductively heat the second susceptor. The first and second inductor coils may be identical. Alternatively, the first and second inductor coils may be different. For example, one of the two inductor coils may comprise more turns than the other.

The heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may not comprise susceptor material.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The method may comprise the step of providing a cartridge assembly component comprising an airflow channel, a first tubular liquid storage portion and a second tubular liquid storage portion. The airflow channel of the provided cartridge assembly may be coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The first tubular liquid storage portion of the provided cartridge assembly may be upstream from the second tubular liquid storage portion. The first tubular liquid storage portion of the provided cartridge assembly may comprise a first inner tubular wall and the second tubular liquid storage portion may comprise a second inner tubular wall. The first inner tubular wall of the provided cartridge assembly may comprise a first fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall may comprise a second fluid permeable portion. The method may further comprise the step of inserting a first susceptor-and-wick element into the first fluid permeable portion from a distal end of the cartridge assembly and inserting the second susceptor-and-wick element into the second fluid permeable portion from a proximal end of the cartridge assembly. The method may further comprise the step of inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the first tubular liquid storage portion from a distal end of the cartridge assembly. The method may further comprise the step of sealing the distal end of the cartridge assembly with a distal sealing element. The method may further comprise the step of turning the cartridge assembly around 180 degrees. The method may further comprise the step of inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the second tubular liquid storage portion from a proximal end of the cartridge assembly. The method may further comprise the step of sealing the second tubular liquid storage portion by a distal end of a mouthpiece.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The method comprises the step of providing a cartridge assembly component comprising an airflow channel, a first tubular liquid storage portion and a second tubular liquid storage portion. The airflow channel of the provided cartridge assembly is coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The first tubular liquid storage portion of the provided cartridge assembly is upstream from the second tubular liquid storage portion. The first tubular liquid storage portion of the provided cartridge assembly comprises a first inner tubular wall and the second tubular liquid storage portion comprises a second inner tubular wall. The first inner tubular wall of the provided cartridge assembly comprises a first fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall comprises a second fluid permeable portion. The method further comprises the step of inserting a first susceptor-and-wick element into the first fluid permeable portion from a distal end of the cartridge assembly and inserting the second susceptor-and-wick element into the second fluid permeable portion from a proximal end of the cartridge assembly. The method further comprises the step of inserting liquid aerosolforming substrate into the first tubular liquid storage portion from a distal end of the cartridge assembly. The method further comprises the step of sealing the distal end of the cartridge assembly with a distal sealing element. The method further comprises the step of turning the cartridge assembly around 180 degrees. The method further comprises the step of inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the second tubular liquid storage portion from a proximal end of the cartridge assembly. The method further comprises the step of sealing the second tubular liquid storage portion by a distal end of a mouthpiece.

The hollow tubular wicks may comprise cotton. The hollow tubular wicks may be made of cotton.

The hollow tubular wicks may be a porous element. The hollow tubular wicks may be capable of absorbing liquid from the airflow. The hollow tubular wicks may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibres or threads or other fine bore tubes. The fibres or threads may be generally aligned to convey liquid from the distal part of the hollow tubular wicks to the proximal part of the hollow tubular wicks. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of small bores or tubes, through which the liquid can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam material, ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form of fibres or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastics materials, a fibrous material, for example made of spun or extruded fibres, such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity so as to be used with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point and vapour pressure, which allow the liquid to be transported through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to convey the aerosolforming substrate to the proximal part of the wick element and to the susceptor element. The capillary material may extend into interstices in the susceptor element.

As used herein the term ‘liquid sensorial media’ relates to a liquid composition capable of modifying an airflow in contact with the liquid sensorial media. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or a vapor, cooling an airflow, and filtering an airflow. For example, the liquid sensorial media may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or a vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensorial media is a flavorant or comprises a flavorant. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid sensorial media may comprise one or both of a cooling substance for cooling an airflow passing through the liquid sensorial media and a filter substance for capturing unwanted components in the airflow. Water may be used as a cooling substance. Water may be used as a filtering substance for capturing particles such as dust particles from the airflow. The liquid sensorial media may serve as one or more of a nicotine providing liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a volume enhancer.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or a vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form or may be in liquid form. The terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ are used synonymously.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in the liquid storage portions of the cartridge assembly. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid sensorial media held in the liquid storage portions of the cartridge assembly. The liquid storage portions may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid storage portions may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portions may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portions contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor/flavorant containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portions of the cartridge assembly.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. Homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. An aerosolformer is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerine. Where present, the homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ refers to a device that interacts with the cartridge assembly to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating system’ refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with the cartridge assembly. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge assembly cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may have a total length between 30 millimetres and 150 millimetres. The aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between 5 millimetres and 30 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle. The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of the user’s puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air that is drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device per time by the user. The initiation of the puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected upon a user activating a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface to activate the aerosolgenerating device, for example a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display to indicate a state of the aerosol-generating device or of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may include additional components, such as, for example a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the cartridge assembly, aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the heating chamber, the term ‘proximal’ refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity and the term ‘distal’ refers to the region closest to the closed end.

As used herein, the terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the cartridge assembly in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the cartridge assembly during use thereof with the aerosol-generating device.

The term ‘airflow path’ as used herein denotes a channel suitable to transport gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

As used herein, a ‘susceptor’ or ‘susceptor element’ means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device or cartridge assembly. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.

The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features concerning the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge assembly, a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, and a susceptor of an aerosol-generating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously the susceptor material may comprise or consists of a ferromagnetic or ferri-magnetic material, for example, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material may be, or comprise, aluminium. The susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

The susceptor material may be formed from a single material layer. The single material layer may be a steel layer.

The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor material may comprise metallic tracks formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be arranged on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer construction. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer. Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be made by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating and cladding.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium- iron-phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC/AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

The power supply may be adapted to power an inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductor coil(s). The power supply and the controller may be connected to the first and second inductor coils. The power supply and the controller may be connected individually to the first and second inductor coils.

The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management. The first and second inductor coils may be controlled individually by the controller.

The controller may be configured to control the inductor coils to facilitate a heating regime. The heating regime may be customizable by the user. The heating regime may for example provide a time shifted start of the first and second inductor coils. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise an interface for customization of the heating regime. The aerosol-generating device may be customized via an external device, for example a smartphone. The aerosol-generating device may comprise connection ports configured to be connected to a smartphone.

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.

Example A: A cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device, comprising an airflow channel; a first tubular liquid storage portion; and a second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion is arranged upstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion, and wherein the airflow channel is spaciously circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

Example B: The cartridge assembly according to Example A, wherein the airflow channel is coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

Example C: The cartridge assembly according to Examples A or B, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion comprises a first inner tubular core element extending along the longitudinal axis of the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second tubular liquid storage portion comprises a second inner tubular core element extending along the longitudinal axis of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

Example D: The cartridge assembly according to Example C, wherein the first inner tubular core element comprises a first inner tubular wall and the second inner tubular core element comprises a second inner tubular wall, and wherein the first and second inner tubular walls confine the airflow channel.

Example E: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the airflow channel is a central airflow channel.

Example F: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions are separated by a transversal wall, and wherein the transversal wall is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

Example G: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a distal air inlet and a proximal air outlet.

Example H: The cartridge assembly according to Example G, wherein the airflow channel fluidly connects the distal air inlet with the proximal air outlet.

Example I: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions comprise the same liquid aerosolforming substrate or different liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

Example J: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the airflow channel comprises a Venturi element, preferably wherein the Venturi element is linking the first inner tubular core element of Example C with the second inner tubular core element of Example C.

Example K: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first inner tubular wall of Example D comprises a first tubular fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall of Example D comprises a second tubular fluid permeable portion.

Example L: The cartridge assembly according to Example K, wherein the first tubular fluid permeable portion is arranged at a distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second tubular fluid permeable portion is arranged at a distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

Example M: The cartridge assembly according to Examples K or L, wherein 20 percent of the surface area of the first inner tubular wall are the first tubular fluid permeable portion, preferably 25 percent, and wherein 20 percent of the surface area of the second inner tubular wall are the second tubular fluid permeable portion, preferably 25 percent.

Example N: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples K to M, wherein the first tubular fluid permeable portion is at least partly circumscribed by a first high retention and release material and the second tubular fluid permeable portion is at least partly circumscribed by a second high retention and release material, wherein the first and second high retention and release materials are configured to prevent a direct contact of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates, stored in the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, with the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions.

Example O: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples K to N, wherein the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions are porous.

Example P: The cartridge assembly according to Example O, wherein the porosity of the first and second fluid permeable portions is between 35 percent to 80 percent, preferably of between 45 percent to 65 percent, most preferably of between 50 percent to 60 percent.

Example Q: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions and the airflow channel are integrally formed.

Example R: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a first heating element and a second heating element.

Example S: The cartridge assembly according to example R, wherein the airflow channel comprises the first and second heating elements.

Example T: The cartridge assembly according to examples R or S, wherein the first inner tubular core element of Example C comprises the first heating element arranged at the first tubular fluid permeable portion, and wherein the second inner tubular core element of Example C comprises the second heating element arranged at the second tubular fluid permeable portion.

Example II: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples R to T, wherein the first heating element comprises a first susceptor, preferably a first hollow tubular shaped susceptor, wherein more preferably the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor is in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed first hollow tubular wick, and wherein the second heating element comprises a second susceptor, preferably a second hollow tubular shaped susceptor, wherein more preferably the second hollow tubular shaped susceptor is in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed second hollow tubular wick.

Example V: The cartridge assembly according to Example U, wherein the first tubular fluid permeable portion of Example K provides a fluid connection from the first tubular liquid storage portion to the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor by the capillarity of the first hollow tubular wick, and wherein the second tubular fluid permeable portion of Example K provides a fluid connection from the second tubular liquid storage portion to the second tubular shaped susceptor by the capillarity of the second hollow tubular wick.

Example W: The cartridge assembly according to Examples II or V, wherein the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor, the first hollow tubular wick, the first fluid permeable portion of Example K and the first tubular liquid storage portion comprise the same longitudinal axis, and wherein the second hollow tubular susceptor, the second hollow tubular wick, the second fluid permeable portion of Example K and the second tubular liquid storage portion comprise the same longitudinal axis.

Example X: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions comprise a polymeric compound, preferably an anti-static compound.

Example Y: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a mouthpiece.

Example Z: The cartridge assembly according to Example Y, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a tubular core element configured for reducing condensation formation.

Example AA: The cartridge assembly according to Example Y or Z, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a high retention material configured for condensation prevention.

Example AB: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples Y to AA, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a distal wall and wherein the distal wall is configured to seal the second liquid storage portion.

Example AC: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a distal sealing element that is configured to seal a distal opening of the first tubular liquid storage portion.

Example AD: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a first tubular core air management element and a second core air management element.

Example AE: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge assembly has a cylindrical shape, wherein an external diameter of the cartridge assembly is between 5 millimetres to 10 millimetres, preferably between 6 millimetres to 8 millimetres.

Example AF: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding Examples, wherein the cartridge assembly has a length between 35 millimetres to 75 millimetres, preferably between 45 millimetres to 60 millimetres.

Example AG: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding Examples, wherein the outer walls of the cartridge assembly have a thickness between 0.1 millimetre to 0.9 millimetre, preferably between 0.3 millimetre to 0.5 millimetre.

Example AH: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the length of each of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions is between 8 millimetres to 20 millimetres, preferably between 10 millimetres to 15 millimetres. Example Al: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a third tubular liquid storage portion.

Example AJ: An aerosol-generating system, comprising the cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples; and an aerosol-generating device, comprising a heating chamber for insertion of the cartridge assembly and at least one inductor coil at least partly circumscribing the heating chamber for inductively heating the cartridge assembly.

Example AK: The aerosol-generating system of Example AJ, wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, wherein the first inductor coil is arranged upstream of the second inductor coil and wherein the first and second inductor coils can be powered simultaneously or separately.

Example AL: The aerosol-generating system of Example AK, wherein the first inductor coil is arranged at the distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second inductor coil is arranged at the distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

Example AM: The aerosol-generating system of any one of examples AJ to AL, wherein the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device does not comprise susceptor material.

Example AN: A method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly for an aerosolgenerating device comprising

(i) providing a cartridge component comprising an airflow channel; a first tubular liquid storage portion; and a second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the airflow channel is coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion is upstream from the second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion comprises a first inner tubular wall and the second tubular liquid storage portion comprises a second inner tubular wall and wherein the first inner tubular wall comprises a first fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall comprises a second fluid permeable portion;

(ii) inserting a first susceptor-and-wick element into the first fluid permeable portion from a distal end of the cartridge and inserting the second susceptor- and-wick element into the second fluid permeable portion from a proximal end of the cartridge;

(iii) inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the first tubular liquid storage portion from the distal end of the cartridge; (iv) sealing the distal end of the cartridge with a distal sealing element;

(v) turning the cartridge around 180 degrees;

(vi) inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the second tubular liquid storage portion from the proximal end of the cartridge;

(vii) sealing the second tubular liquid storage portion by a distal end of a mouthpiece.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1A and 1B show a cartridge assembly with an aerosol-generating device;

Fig. 2 shows the cartridge assembly; and

Figs. 3A and 3B show a method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device.

Figs 1A shows a perspective view of a cartridge assembly 10. The cartridge assembly 10 comprises an airflow channel 12. The airflow channel is coaxially circumscribed by a first tubular liquid storage portion 14 and a second tubular liquid storage portion 16.

The cartridge assembly 10 further comprises a mouthpiece 18 with a proximal air outlet 20. Adjacent the airflow channel 12, a first susceptor-and-wick element 22 and a second susceptor-and-wick element 24 are arranged. The first and second susceptor-and- wick elements 22 and 24 each comprise a hollow tubular shaped susceptor (not shown). Each hollow tubular shaped susceptor is in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed hollow tubular wick (not shown).

Fig. 1 B shows an aerosol-generating device 26 comprising the cartridge assembly 10. The cartridge assembly 10 can be received within a heating chamber 28 of the aerosolgenerating device 26. The aerosol-generating device 26 comprises a first inductor coil 30 and a second inductor coil 32. The two inductor coils 30 and 32 at least party circumscribe the heating chamber 28. When the cartridge assembly 10 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 28 the first and second susceptor-and-wick elements 22 and 24 are aligned with the inductor coils 30 and 32, respectively.

The aerosol-generating device 26 comprises a bottom portion 34. The bottom portion 34 can comprise a battery and a controller. Alternatively or additionally the bottom portion can comprise connecting elements to be connected to a main body comprising a battery and a controller.

Fig 2 shows a cross-section of a cartridge assembly 10. The first tubular liquid storage portion 14 comprises a first inner tubular core element 36. The second tubular liquid storage portion 16 comprises a second inner tubular core element 38. The first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38 comprise first and second inner tubular walls 40 and 42, respectively. The first and second inner tubular walls 40 and 42 confine the airflow channel 12. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions 14 and 16 circumscribe the first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38. The first and second inner tubular walls 40 and 42 comprise at their distal ends first and second tubular fluid permeable portions 44 and 46, respectively. The first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38 comprise the first and second susceptor-and-wick elements 22 and 24 surrounded by the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions 44 and 46, respectively. The first and second tubular fluid permeable portions 44 and 46 can be porous portions. The first and second tubular fluid permeable portions 44 and 46 provide a fluid connection from the first and second tubular liquid storage portions 14 and 16 to the first and second susceptor-and- wick elements 22 and 24, respectively.

The cartridge assembly further comprises a distal air inlet 48. The airflow channel 12 fluidly connects the distal air inlet and the proximal air outlet 20. The airflow channel 12 comprises a Venturi element 50. The Venturi element 50 is located between the first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38. The Venturi element connects the first and second inner tubular core elements. Alternatively, the airflow channel 12 is one single element, comprising the first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38 and the Venturi element 50.

When the cartridge assembly 10 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 26 and the user draws at the mouthpiece, the air flows from a proximal opening of the heating chamber 28 along its inner walls to a distal end of the heating chamber 28. Then the air enters the cartridge assembly 10 through the distal air inlet 48 and exits the cartridge assembly at the proximal air outlet as an aerosol.

The hollow mouthpiece 18 comprises a tubular core element 52. The tubular core element 52 has a shorter length than the mouthpiece 18. For example, half of the length of the mouthpiece 18. The tubular core element 52 can have a larger diameter than the first and second inner tubular core elements 36 and 38. The tubular core element can be surrounded by a high retention material 54. The mouthpiece further comprises a distal wall 56. The distal wall is configured to seal a proximal opening of the second tubular liquid storage portion 16. The distal wall 56 has the same diameter than the diameter of the proximal opening of the second tubular liquid storage portion 16. The distal wall comprises a central opening 58. The central opening can receive a proximal portion of the second inner tubular core element 38. The diameter of the central opening 58 is about the same than an external diameter of the second inner tubular core element 38. The tubular core element 52 is connected to the distal wall 56 at a proximal side of the distal wall 56.

The first and second tubular liquid storage portions are separated by a transversal wall 60. The transversal wall is connected to an outer tubular wall 62. Alternatively, the first and second tubular liquid storage portions can have separated first and second outer tubular walls and transversally walls, respectively.

The cartridge assembly 10 further comprises a distal sealing element 64. The distal sealing element 64 has a proximal portion having the same diameter than a distal opening of the first tubular liquid storage portion 14. A distal portion of the sealing element 64 may have the same diameter than the outer tubular wall 62.

Figs. 3A and 3B show a method for manufacturing the cartridge assembly shown in Fig 2. In the first step (i) of the method a cartridge component is provided. The cartridge component comprises the airflow channel and the first and second tubular liquid storage portions. The first and second tubular liquid storage portions comprise the first and second inner tubular walls, comprising the first and second fluid permeable portions, respectively. In the next step (ii) the first and second susceptor-and-wick elements are inserted into the first and second fluid permeable portions, respectively. The first susceptor-and-wick element is inserted from a distal end of the cartridge. The second susceptor-and-wick element is inserted from a proximal end of the cartridge. The two susceptor-and-wick elements can be added simultaneously or one after the other. In step (iii) liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof is or are added into the first tubular liquid storage portion from the distal end of the cartridge. Then in step (iv) the distal end of the cartridge is sealed with the distal sealing element. In step (v) the cartridge is turned around 180 degrees around the sagittal axis of the cartridge. The sagittal axis is the axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal and transversal axes of the cartridge. In step (vi) liquid aerosol-forming substrate, sensorial media or mixtures thereof is or are added into the second tubular liquid storage portion from a proximal end of the cartridge. In the next step (vii) the second tubular liquid storage portion is sealed by a distal end of the mouthpiece. The distal end of the mouthpiece can be the distal wall discussed above.

Claims

-28- CLAIMS

1. A cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device, comprising an airflow channel; a first tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion comprises a first inner tubular core element extending along the longitudinal axis of the first tubular liquid storage portion; and a second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the second tubular liquid storage portion comprises a second inner tubular core element extending along the longitudinal axis of the second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion is arranged upstream of the second tubular liquid storage portion, and wherein the airflow channel is spaciously circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions.

2. The cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein the airflow channel is coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions

3. The cartridge assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the first inner tubular core element comprises a first inner tubular wall and the second inner tubular core element comprises a second inner tubular wall and the first and second inner tubular walls confine the airflow channel.

4. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions are separated by a transversal wall, and wherein the transversal wall is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

5. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions comprise the same liquid aerosol-forming substrate or different liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

6. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow channel comprises a Venturi element, preferably wherein the Venturi element is linking the first inner tubular core element with the second inner tubular core element.

7. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first inner tubular wall comprises a first tubular fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall comprises a second tubular fluid permeable portion, preferably wherein the first tubular fluid permeable portion is arranged at a distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second tubular fluid permeable portion is arranged at a distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion, more preferably wherein the first and second tubular fluid permeable portions are porous.

8. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second tubular liquid storage portions and the airflow channel are integrally formed.

9. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first heating element and a second heating element, preferably wherein the airflow channel comprises the first and second heating elements, more preferably wherein the first inner tubular core element comprises the first heating element arranged at the first tubular fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular core element comprises the second heating element arranged at the second tubular fluid permeable portion.

10. The cartridge assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first heating element comprises a first susceptor, preferably a first hollow tubular shaped susceptor, wherein more preferably the first hollow tubular shaped susceptor is in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed first hollow tubular wick, and wherein the second heating element comprises a second susceptor, preferably a second hollow tubular shaped susceptor, wherein more preferably the second hollow tubular shaped susceptor is in direct contact with a coaxially circumscribed second hollow tubular wick.

11. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a mouthpiece.

12. The cartridge assembly according to claim 11, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a distal wall and wherein the distal wall is configured to seal the second liquid storage portion.

13. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge assembly has a cylindrical shape, wherein an external diameter of the cartridge assembly is between 5 millimetres to 10 millimetres, preferably between 6 millimetres to 8 millimetres, wherein the cartridge assembly has a length between 35 millimetres to 75 millimetres, preferably between 45 millimetres to 60 millimetres, wherein the outer walls of the cartridge assembly have a thickness between 0.1 millimetre to 0.9 millimetre, preferably between 0.3 millimetre to 0.5 millimetre, and wherein the length of each of the first and second tubular liquid storage portions is between 8 millimetres to 20 millimetres, preferably between 10 millimetres to 15 millimetres.

14. An aerosol-generating system, comprising the cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims; and an aerosol-generating device, comprising a heating chamber for insertion of the cartridge assembly and at least one inductor coil at least partly circumscribing the heating chamber for inductively heating the cartridge assembly, preferably wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, wherein the first inductor coil is arranged upstream of the second inductor coil and wherein the first and second inductor coils can be powered simultaneously or separately, more preferably wherein the first inductor coil is arranged at the distal end of the first tubular liquid storage portion and the second inductor coil is arranged at the distal end of the second tubular liquid storage portion.

15. A method for manufacturing a cartridge assembly for an aerosol-generating device comprising

(i) providing a cartridge component comprising an airflow channel; a first tubular liquid storage portion; and a second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the airflow channel is coaxially circumscribed by the first and second tubular liquid storage portions, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion is upstream from the second tubular liquid storage portion, wherein the first tubular liquid storage portion comprises a first inner tubular wall and the second tubular liquid storage portion comprises second inner tubular wall and wherein the first inner tubular wall comprises a first fluid permeable portion and the second inner tubular wall comprises a second fluid permeable portion;

(ii) inserting a first susceptor-and-wick element into the first fluid permeable portion from a distal end of the cartridge and inserting the second susceptor- and-wick element into the second fluid permeable portion from a proximal end of the cartridge; (iii) inserting liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the first tubular liquid storage portion from the distal end of the cartridge;

(iv) sealing the distal end of the cartridge with a distal sealing element;

(v) turning the cartridge around 180 degrees;