CN117898476A - Aerosol delivery subsystem - Google Patents

Aerosol delivery subsystem Download PDF

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Publication number
CN117898476A
CN117898476A CN202310282228.3A CN202310282228A CN117898476A CN 117898476 A CN117898476 A CN 117898476A CN 202310282228 A CN202310282228 A CN 202310282228A CN 117898476 A CN117898476 A CN 117898476A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
aerosol
open end
housing
reservoir
reservoir housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
CN202310282228.3A
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
许晓枫
刘红强
范超航
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Nicoventures Trading Ltd
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Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority to GBGB2307353.9A priority Critical patent/GB202307353D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2023/052663 priority patent/WO2024084187A1/en
Publication of CN117898476A publication Critical patent/CN117898476A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

The present application relates to a method of assembling an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir housing and a seal member, the reservoir housing defining a reservoir having an open end, the method comprising: orienting the reservoir housing to set the open end to an uppermost side of the reservoir; filling the reservoir housing with a liquid aerosol generating material via the open end; and inserting a seal member into the open end, the seal member forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the seal member is retained in the reservoir housing by an interference fit.

Description

Aerosol delivery subsystem
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems including electronic cigarettes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods of assembling aerosol delivery systems.
Background
Aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e.g., electronic cigarettes), typically contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or source liquid, which may contain an active substance and/or a fragrance, from which an aerosol or vapor is generated, such as by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Thus, the aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol-generating region comprising an aerosol generator (e.g. a heating element) arranged to vaporise or aerosolize a portion of the precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol-generating region. When a user inhales on the device and supplies power to the evaporator, air is drawn into the device through the inlet aperture and along an inlet air passage connected to an aerosol-generating region where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. An outlet channel is provided that connects the aerosol-generating region to an outlet in the mouthpiece and when a user inhales on the mouthpiece, air drawn into the aerosol-generating region continues along an outlet flow path to the mouthpiece outlet, carrying the aerosol with the air for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavor element in the airflow path through the device to impart additional flavor. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as mixing devices, and the flavour element may, for example, comprise a portion of tobacco disposed in the airflow path between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece such that aerosol/condensed aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for inhalation by a user.
It is of interest to develop methods that enable easier assembly, repair and/or recycling of aerosol delivery systems to increase production efficiency, improve sustainability and reduce wastage. Various approaches are described herein that seek to help solve or mitigate at least some of these problems.
Terminology
Conveying system
As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers at least one substance to a user in use, and includes:
combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, tobacco for pipes or for self-wrapping or for self-manufacturing cigarettes (based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable materials);
A non-combustible aerosol supply system that releases compounds from an aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material, such as an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and a mixing system, to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and
An aerosol-free delivery system for delivering at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.
Combustible sol supply system
In accordance with the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) are burned or ignited during use in order to deliver at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible sol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible sol supply system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component, such as a capsule, a thread or a bead, or a paper, such as a forming paper, tipping paper or cigarette paper.
Non-combustible sol supply system
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite and at least one substance is delivered to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible sol supply system, e.g., a powered non-combustible sol supply system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor smoke device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also referred to as a heated non-combustion system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol generating materials, wherein one or more of the aerosol generating materials may be heated. Each aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, for example, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may comprise, for example, a tobacco or non-tobacco product.
In general, a non-combustible sol supply system may include a non-combustible sol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible sol supply device.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to in this disclosure as articles of manufacture.
In some embodiments, a non-combustible sol supply system, such as a non-combustible sol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or an exothermic source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating source comprises a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or the heat-transfer material in proximity to the heat-generating source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.
In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.
No aerosol delivery system
In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance orally, nasally, transdermally, or in another manner to a user without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, products including inhalable powders, and oral products, such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. Any of the materials may include one or more active components, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.
Active substances
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropic agents, psychoactive substances. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (e.g., B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, hemp or other plants.
In some embodiments, the active comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.
As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
As described herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, husks, and the like. Or the material may comprise an active compound naturally occurring in plants, which is obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, flakes, or the like.
Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, hemp, fennel, lemon grass, peppermint, spearmint, black leaf tea, chamomile, flax, ginger, gingko, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice, green tea, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green tea or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, star anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, elder, vanilla, wintergreen, perilla plant, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange flower, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimelin, nutmeg, dammarlin, olive, lemon balm, basil, parsley, bergamot, whip, tarragon, geranium, ginseng, gin, tea, tetramic acid, tea, red sage, kums, kudzuvine, combinations of any of them. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint, egypt peppermint, basil, peppermint c.v., spearmint, peppermint, pineapple, spearmint c.v., and apple peppermint.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plants are selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plants are selected from the group consisting of camellia sinensis and fennel.
Flavoring agent
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavoring agent. As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "fragrance" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory in a product for an adult consumer, as permitted by local regulations. Which may include naturally occurring flavor materials, plants, extracts of plants, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, hemp, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, japanese mint, star anise (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, indian spice, asian spice, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, du Linbiao wine, bouillon, scotch whiskey, juniper, glory, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, bitter cardamom, nutmeg, bergamot, geranium, arabian tea leaves, blueberry, kiwi fruit, and the like) sorghum, betel leaf, coriander, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any variety of mentha plants, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemon grass, red bean, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green tea or black tea), thyme, juniper, elder, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, capsicum, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, peppermint, steak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, black currant, valerian, spanish sweet pepper, nutmeg dried skin, damianne, cinnamon, cuttlefish, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, nori onion, celery, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It may be a imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.
In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes a flavoring component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or raspberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring includes a flavoring component extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavor component extracted from cannabis.
In some embodiments, the flavoring agent may include a sensate intended to achieve a somatosensory that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in lieu of the aromatic or gustatory nerve, and these may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. Suitable thermal agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol generating material
An aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a fragrance. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within their interior. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise, for example, from about 50wt%, 60wt%, or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt%, or 100wt% amorphous solids.
The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.
Aerosol former material
The aerosol former material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetin, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, glycerol tributyrate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
Functional material
The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
Matrix body
The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a matrix. The carrier may be or comprise, for example, paper, card, cardboard, recombinant material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
Consumable product
A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which in use releases heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may for example comprise a combustible material, a material which is heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
Susceptor
A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that its penetration by a varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration thereof by a varying magnetic field results in hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor may be heated by two heating mechanisms. The device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.
Aerosol modifier
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol-generating region that is configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be disposed in an aerosol modifier release member operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier may be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifiers may include one or more of fragrances, colorants, water, and carbon adsorbents. For example, the aerosol modifier may be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, wire or particulate form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.
Aerosol generator
An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause the generation of an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol generation from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems), such as nebulizers or e-cigarettes. In the following description, the term "e-cigarette" or "e-cigarette" may be used at times, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system/device and electronic aerosol delivery system/device. Furthermore, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation," "volatilization," and "aerosolization" are often used interchangeably.
Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) typically, although not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device portion and replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge components. Typically, the replaceable cartridge component will include an aerosol generating material and a vaporizer (which may be collectively referred to as a "nebulizer"), and the reusable device portion will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on the function. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status features, and the replaceable cartridge device portion in some cases includes a temperature sensor for helping control temperature. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using threads, bayonet or magnetic coupling with suitably arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is exhausted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable component and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-piece systems/devices.
Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide specific examples, certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such generally elongate single use disposable systems. However, it will be appreciated that the basic principles described herein may equally be applied to different configurations, such as two-piece systems with disposable cartridges or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices, as well as other general shapes, such as based on so-called box-mode high performance devices that typically have a box shape. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems that are operatively configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein, and that the constructional aspects of the system configured to provide functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not of primary importance.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention also provides a method of assembling an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir housing defining a reservoir having an open end, and a seal member, the method comprising: orienting the reservoir housing to set the open end to an uppermost side of the reservoir; filling the reservoir housing with a liquid aerosol generating material via the open end; and inserting a seal member into the open end, the seal member forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the seal member is retained in the reservoir housing by an interference fit.
The present invention provides an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising: a reservoir housing defining a reservoir having an open end configured to receive a liquid aerosol generating material when the reservoir housing is oriented with the open end as an uppermost side of the reservoir; and a seal member, wherein the seal member is inserted into the open end, the seal member forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the seal member is retained in the reservoir housing by an interference fit.
The present invention also provides an aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating device, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a reservoir housing means defining a reservoir having an open end configured to receive the liquid aerosol generating means when the reservoir housing means is oriented with the open end as an uppermost side of the reservoir; and a sealing means, wherein the sealing means is inserted into the open end, the sealing means forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing means defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the sealing means is retained in the reservoir housing means by an interference fit.
The invention also provides additional embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.
Drawings
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol delivery system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2, 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views depicting the assembly of segments of an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method for assembling the aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 6 is another flow chart of a method for assembling the aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an assembly process for an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
Various aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and are not described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that various aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein, which are not described in detail, may be implemented in accordance with any suitable conventional techniques.
Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, which provides an introduction to a one-piece aerosol delivery system, components therein, and functions thereof.
The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a reservoir housing 42. Within the reservoir housing 42 is a chamber or reservoir 44 containing a liquid aerosol generating material. In the example schematically illustrated in fig. 1, the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall and an inner wall defining a portion of the airflow path 52 through the aerosol delivery system 1. Both the inner and outer walls may be defined by the reservoir housing 42 (e.g., they may be formed as a single, unitary molding). The reservoir 44 is closed at one end (by end wall 43) to contain the aerosol generating material and is open at the other end (i.e. open end 45) to allow the reservoir to be filled with aerosol generating material during assembly and to allow liquid aerosol generating material to leave the reservoir. The reservoir 44 defines a cavity or void that is empty prior to being filled with the liquid aerosol generating material. In particular, the reservoir 44 is not filled with an absorbent material (e.g., cotton) configured to absorb the liquid aerosol generating material, but rather the liquid aerosol generating material is held (prior to sealing of the open end 45) by gravity alone, thereby holding the liquid aerosol generating material reservoir within the end wall 43 and the side wall (or equivalent wall arrangement in other examples).
In examples where the reservoir housing 42 defines an annular reservoir 44, then the open end 45 may have a corresponding annular shape (e.g., a circular or oval annular shape) that defines an annular plane at the end of the annular reservoir 44 (i.e., between the inner and outer walls of the reservoir).
The assembly and construction of the aerosol delivery system 1 according to the principles set forth below allows for a faster, more convenient and less damaging assembly process, particularly with respect to filling the system with liquid aerosol generating material. Furthermore, the process is reversible, thus improving recyclability, which is particularly important for disposable devices that are typically single-use and discarded (and thus not recycled) as a complete unit.
In the example of fig. 1, the reservoir housing 42 includes an engagement portion 60. The engagement portion 60 extends from or as part of the outer wall of the reservoir 44 beyond the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42. The engagement portion 60 may be integrally molded as a single piece with the rest of the reservoir housing 42.
In the example of fig. 1, the reservoir housing 44 also defines a mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system 1. The reservoir housing 44 includes a mouthpiece outlet 50 that is fluidly connected to an airflow path 52 (e.g., at the end of the airflow path 52, at the end of the aerosol delivery system 1, as shown). The reservoir housing 44 may also be shaped to facilitate the mouth of a user. For example, by contouring or tapering the outer surface to accommodate the user's formation of a seal around the mouthpiece outlet 50 with their lips.
The reservoir housing 42 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example, it may comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded as a single piece to form the reservoir 44, a portion of the airflow path 52, the mouthpiece outlet 50, the engagement portion 60, and define the external shape of the mouthpiece. In this example, the reservoir housing 42 has a length of about 4cm and a diameter of about 1.5cm and is generally circular or oval about the longitudinal axis. However, it will be appreciated that the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shape and materials used, may be different in different implementations.
The aerosol delivery system 1 further comprises an aerosol generator 48 positioned towards the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. The aerosol generator 48 may be disposed in an aerosol generator housing 40 that retains the aerosol generator 48 within the aerosol delivery system 1.
For example, in some examples, when the aerosol generator housing 40 is engaged with the reservoir housing 42, the aerosol generator 48 (e.g., a heater, which may be in the form of a core and coil arrangement as shown, or which may be formed of a sintered metal fiber material or other porous conductive material, or any suitable alternative aerosol generator) is brought into proximity with the liquid aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44.
In some examples, the seal member (or seal member) is an aerosol generator housing 40 configured to seal the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 by interacting with the open end 45 or otherwise closing the open end 45. For example, at least a portion of the aerosol generator housing 40 may be inserted into the open end 45 such that the inserted portion of the aerosol generator housing 40 forms a seal with the perimeter of the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42. By perimeter, it is meant the inner edge or surface, or boundary defining the extent or plane of the open end.
In some examples, such as those according to fig. 1, the reservoir 44 is an annular space. In these examples, the open end includes an annular planar surface between an inner surface defining an inner perimeter of the open end and an outer surface defining an outer perimeter of the open end. In these examples, the sealing member forms a seal with both the inner surface (defining the inner perimeter) and the outer surface (defining the outer perimeter).
By engaged, it is meant that the aerosol generator housing 40 is connected, attached or otherwise held in place with respect to the reservoir housing 42. In some examples, the aerosol generator housing 40 may be inserted into the engagement portion 60 of the reservoir housing 42 such that the engagement portion 60 surrounds the aerosol generator housing 40, as shown in fig. 1. The aerosol generator housing 40 is held in the reservoir housing by an interference fit. As will be discussed in more detail below, the aerosol generator housing 40 may have an outer dimension selected relative to an inner dimension of the engagement portion 60 that ensures an interference fit between the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42. Advantageously, this prevents the need for fasteners (e.g., screws) or adhesives, which may make it easier to separate the different components during handling, which may thus facilitate recycling.
In some examples, the interference fit between the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42 is a tight fit because it requires a substantial force in order to separate the aerosol generator housing 40 from the reservoir housing 42. In particular, the dimensions of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42, as well as the materials of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42, may be selected such that a force of between 10 and 35kgf is required in order to separate the aerosol generator housing 40 from the reservoir housing 42. By a force between 10 and 35kgf is meant a force equivalent to a force applied to a mass of 10 to 35kg by gravity. In some examples, a force of between 20 and 30kgf is required in order to separate the aerosol generator housing 40 from the reservoir housing 42. In this way, the reservoir housing and aerosol generator housing 40 (which according to some embodiments provides a sealing member) are joined by an interference fit that requires a force of about 20 to 30kg to be overcome. This may ensure that the user does not inadvertently disengage the aerosol generator housing 40 from the reservoir housing 42 in use, potentially exposing the user to liquid aerosol generating material, while still allowing the aerosol generator housing 40 to be separated from the reservoir housing 42 when discarded.
Suitable interference fits may be provided by configuring the components involved in the connection to control the characteristics of the interference-generating forces, such as the size and length of the force-generating region (i.e., interference region). In some examples, the interference region may be only a portion of the overlap region (i.e., where each wall is adjacent to each other) between the connected components. For example, when the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42 are joined, the interference fit may be created by only a portion of the overlap region between the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60. For example, the interference region may be formed by a band or a different region including a portion of the overlap region in which the spacing of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60 is reduced.
For example, the overlap region may have a length of about 10 to 20mm, while the interference region may have a length of between 3 and 8mm, and preferably about 5mm. In the interference region, the spacing of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60 may be between 0.03 and 0.1mm, and is preferably about 0.05mm. The spacing of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60 outside the interference region is greater than the spacing inside the interference region. In some examples, overlapping regions that do not form part of the interference region may be used to guide the connection of the two components. For example, the surfaces may be chamfered outside the interference area to direct the connection to the narrowest spacing, or guide structures may be provided in the surface of one or both of the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60.
Furthermore, the aerosol generator housing 40 and the engagement portion 60 may be configured to balance the interference fit between the different sides of the connection. In some examples, the interference fit may be arranged by symmetrically arranged interference lines or interference regions. For example, the line or region may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 or the connection.
It will be appreciated that in other examples not shown, different attachment means may be used to engage the aerosol generator housing 40 and the reservoir housing 42. Such as adhesives, fasteners, threads, and clamps.
In the example of fig. 1, the core 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the airflow path 52, the end of which extends into a liquid conduit 47 in fluid connection with the reservoir 44. In particular, the liquid conduit 47 defines a fluid path in the aerosol generator housing 40 having a first opening aligned with the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 when the aerosol generator housing 40 is engaged with the reservoir housing 42 and a second opening through which the end of the core 46 extends. The second opening of the liquid conduit 47 is sized to substantially match the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the airflow path 52 without over-compressing the core 46, which could compromise its fluid transfer performance. In these examples, the first opening of the liquid conduit 47 is an opening configured to allow liquid aerosol generating material to flow from the reservoir 44 to the aerosol generator 48.
The core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the airflow path 52 such that the area of the airflow path 52 around the core 46 and the heater 48 effectively defines the evaporation area of the aerosol delivery system 1. The aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 permeates the core 46 through the end of the core that extends into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the core by surface tension/capillary action (i.e. wicking). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 comprises a resistive wire coiled around the core 46. In the example of fig. 1, the heater 48 comprises a nichrome (Cr 20Ni 80) wire and the core 46 comprises a glass fiber bundle, but it will be appreciated that the particular aerosol generator configuration is not important to the principles described herein. In use, electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to evaporate a quantity of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn into the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 through the core 46. The vaporized aerosol generating material may then become entrained in the air drawn along the airflow path 52 from the vaporization region toward the mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user.
As mentioned above, the rate at which the aerosol generating material is evaporated by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, and thus power may be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the reservoir 4, and furthermore the rate of aerosol generation may be varied by varying the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example by pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques.
The aerosol delivery system 1 further comprises a housing portion 12, a power source 26 (e.g., a battery) for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit/controller 22 for controlling and monitoring operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, a visual display 24, and an airflow sensor 30. The housing portion 12 is configured to contain (e.g., protect or house) a power supply 26 and control circuitry/controller 22 within the aerosol delivery system 1, as well as other components such as an airflow sensor 30. The housing portion 12, if present, may also be configured to position the first user input buttons 14, the second user input buttons 16, and the visual display 24. The housing portion 12 includes an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the aerosol delivery system 1. The housing portion 12 also defines a portion of an airflow path 52 that is connected to the air inlet 28.
Although not shown, a bracket may also be provided in (i.e., contained in) the housing portion, the bracket configured to retain the power supply and control circuitry within the aerosol delivery system (i.e., the power supply and control circuitry may be attached to the bracket). Such a mount may be a substantially tubular or cylindrical mounting mount configured to receive the power source 26. For example, the power supply 26 may have a body with a pair of electrodes extending therefrom. The bracket may include a first (upper) portion having a pair of apertures configured to receive the pair of electrodes and present it for connection at the ends of the bracket 72, and a second portion having a cavity configured to receive the power supply body. Thus, the cradle may facilitate maintaining the power supply and the connection of the power supply to components such as the control circuit 22 and the aerosol generator 48.
The housing portion 12 is configured to engage with the reservoir housing 42 and/or the aerosol generator housing 40 or an intermediate component between the housing portion 12 and the reservoir housing 42. The housing portion 12 may be formed, for example, of a plastic or metal material and in this example has a circular or oval cross-section that generally conforms to the shape and size of the reservoir housing 42 so as to provide a smooth transition. In the example from which the housing portion 12 has a length of about 8cm, the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1 is thus about 12cm when the housing portion 12 and the reservoir housing 42 are engaged. However, and as already noted, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and dimensions of the aerosol delivery system 1 embodying embodiments of the present disclosure are not important to the principles described herein.
The airflow path 52 of the aerosol delivery device 1 extends from the air inlet 28 to the mouthpiece outlet 50. Thus, when a user inhales on the mouthpiece outlet 50, air is drawn into the airflow path 52 through the air inlet 28, along a first portion of the airflow path 52 to an aerosol-generating region near the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporized aerosol-generating material becomes entrained in the airflow), and finally along a second portion of the airflow path 52 toward and through the mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user. As previously mentioned, the aerosol delivery device 1 may have a generally elongate shape. In the example of fig. 1, the mouthpiece outlet 50 is provided at one end and the air inlet 28 is provided at the opposite end (i.e., the base of the device). The end of the elongated aerosol delivery device 1 having the mouthpiece outlet 50 may be considered the downstream end and the opposite end may be considered the upstream end, in view of the direction of airflow in use. Even in other examples where the air inlet 28 is not provided at the opposite end of the mouthpiece end 50 but instead is provided on one side of the aerosol delivery device 1, the end opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50 may be considered the upstream end due to the general direction of airflow towards the mouthpiece outlet 50.
In this example, the power source or supply 26 is non-rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as those commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require relatively high current to be provided for a relatively short period of time.
In some examples, a first user input button 14 and/or a second user input button 16 may be provided. The first user input button 14 and/or the second user input button 16 may be conventional mechanical buttons, including, for example, spring-loaded components that may be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this regard, an input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, and the particular manner in which the button is implemented is not important. Buttons may be assigned to functions such as turning on and off the aerosol delivery system 1 and adjusting user settings (e.g., power supplied from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48). However, including user input buttons is optional, and in some embodiments buttons may not be included.
In some examples, the display 24 may be provided to provide a visual indication to the user of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, such as current power setting information, remaining power supply power, and the like. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example, display 24 comprises a conventional pixelated LCD screen that may be driven to display desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, arranged to display desired information, such as by a particular color and/or sequence of flashes. More generally, the manner in which the display 24 is provided and the information is displayed to the user using the display is not critical to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include a visual display and/or may include other means for providing information to a user related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example, using an audio signal, or may not include any means for providing information to a user related to the operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.
The controller 22 is suitably configured/programmed to control operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as for providing conventional operational functionality of the aerosol delivery system 1 consistent with established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuit) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units/circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In this example, the controller 22 includes power control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, as well as functionality associated with other functional units/circuitry in accordance with the principles described herein and in accordance with conventional operational aspects of an electronic cigarette, such as display drive circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the controller 22 may be provided in a variety of different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and/or one or more suitably configured application specific integrated circuits/chips/chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.
The functions of the controller 22 are further described herein. For example, the controller 22 may include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling the aerosol delivery device. The microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or microprocessor. The operation of the CPU and other electronic components is typically controlled, at least in part, by a software program running on the CPU (or other component). Such a software program may be stored in a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, which may be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component. The CPU can access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs when needed.
An airflow sensor 30 may be provided that is electrically connected to the controller 22. In most embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called "puff sensor" because the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user puffs on the device. In some embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 includes a switch in the electrical path that provides power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 typically includes a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures such that current can flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 falls below a threshold. The threshold value may be set to an experimentally determined value to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the start of a user puff. In a push button-less aerosol delivery system, the airflow sensor 30 may provide the user with a unique user input mechanism to provide input to the aerosol delivery system 1 to enable current to flow from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
In other embodiments, the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in accordance with signals received by the controller 22 from the airflow sensor 30. The particular manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may include a measurement of the capacitance, resistance, or other characteristic of the airflow sensor by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 may be performed according to any method known to those skilled in the art.
The airflow sensor 30 may include any sensor configured to determine a characteristic of the airflow in the airflow path 52 disposed between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50, such as a pressure sensor or transducer (e.g., a membrane or solid state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone that is sensitive to changes in air pressure including acoustic signals (e.g., an electret microphone). The airflow sensor 30 may be located within a sensor cavity or chamber that includes an interior space defined by one or more chamber walls. Such sensor cavities include a region within one or more chamber walls in which the airflow sensor 30 may be located, in whole or in part. The deformable membrane may be disposed across an opening communicating between a sensor cavity containing the sensor 30 and a portion of the airflow path 52 disposed between the air inlet 28 and the mouthpiece opening 50. According to the methods further described herein, a deformable membrane covers the opening and is attached to one or more chamber walls.
The aerosol delivery system 1 may further comprise a communication circuit configured to enable a connection to be established with one or more further electronic devices (e.g. a storage/charging bin and/or a refill/charging station) to enable data transfer between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the further electronic devices. In some embodiments, the communication circuit is integrated into the controller 22, and in other embodiments, it is implemented separately (including, for example, a separate application specific integrated circuit/chip/chipset). For example, the communication circuit may comprise a module separate from the controller 22 that provides dedicated data transfer functions for the aerosol delivery device when connected to the controller 22. In some embodiments, the communication circuit is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface.
The communication circuit may be configured to support wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices, such as a housing, a base, a computing device such as a smart phone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communication, a relay node providing a forward connection to the base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device supporting wireless communication. The wireless communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and the further electronic device may be configured according to a data transfer protocol, such as bluetooth, zigBee, wireless communication, or the like,Wifi direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or substantially any other wireless and/or wired network protocol or interface.
The communication circuit may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as a USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interface, and may comprise a pin or contact pad arrangement configured to engage a mating pin or contact pad on a base, housing, cable or other external device connectable to the aerosol delivery system 1. More generally, the presence of the communication circuit, or the manner in which the communication circuit is provided, is not important to the principles described herein.
Thus, the example aerosol delivery system 1 depicted in fig. 1 may provide an introduction to a one-piece aerosol delivery system, components therein, and functionality thereof. The aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a reservoir housing 42 defining a reservoir 44 containing a liquid aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator 48, a power supply 26, a control circuit 22, and an air path 52 extending between the air inlet 28 and a mouthpiece outlet 52 via an evaporation zone associated with the aerosol generator 48. Such an aerosol delivery system 1 may be considered disposable such that when the aerosol delivery system 1 is exhausted, a user disposes of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g., by deconstructing the aerosol delivery system 1 into a component for recycling) rather than attempting to refill or reuse the aerosol delivery system 1.
It will be appreciated that aspects of the invention may be applied to aerosol delivery systems having two main portions, namely a reusable portion and a replaceable/disposable consumable cartridge portion, wherein some of the aforementioned components are disposed in the reusable portion (e.g., the power supply 26 and the circuit 22) and some of the aforementioned components are disposed in the cartridge portion (e.g., the reservoir 44). In normal use, the reusable portion and the cartridge portion are releasably coupled together at the interface. The interface provides a structural, electrical and airflow connection between the two parts and may be established according to conventional techniques, for example based on screw threads, magnetic or bayonet fastening, with suitably arranged electrical contacts and openings for properly establishing the electrical and airflow path between the two parts. The particular manner in which the cartridge portion is mechanically mounted to the reusable portion is not important to the principles described herein, but for the purposes of the specific example, it is assumed here that a magnetic coupling is included. It will also be appreciated that in some implementations, the interface may not support electrical and/or airflow path connections between the respective portions. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol generator may be disposed in the reusable portion instead of the cartridge portion, or the transmission of power from the reusable portion to the cartridge portion may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction) such that an electrical connection between the reusable portion and the cartridge portion is not required. Further, in some implementations, the airflow through the e-cigarette may not pass through the reusable portion, such that an airflow path connection between the reusable portion and the cartridge portion is not required. In some cases, when the reusable portion and the cartridge portion are coupled together for use, a portion of the airflow path may be defined at an interface between the portions of the reusable portion and the cartridge portion.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through a section of an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In contrast to the aerosol delivery system 1 of fig. 1, the aerosol delivery system 1 of fig. 2 depicts an example of components involving engagement between the reservoir housing 42 and the aerosol generator housing 40 and the resulting seal of the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42. All other components are substantially as described with respect to fig. 1.
In accordance with fig. 1, the reservoir housing 42 of fig. 2 includes an engagement portion 60. The engagement portion 60 extends from or as part of the outer wall of the reservoir 44 beyond the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42. The liquid aerosol generating material 70 may be disposed in the reservoir housing 42. In an example, the reservoir housing is oriented during filling to set the open end 45 to the uppermost side of the reservoir 44. When the reservoir housing 42 is oriented such that the open end 45 is (substantially) on or toward the upper side (i.e., positioned uppermost), the liquid aerosol generating material 70 is held in the reservoir housing 42 by gravity. By upper side it is meant that the reservoir housing 42 is arranged such that the open end is vertically (with respect to gravity) higher than the side walls of the reservoir housing 42 and the base 43, which side walls contain liquid in use. It will be appreciated that the engagement portion 60 extends above the open end 45, and thus above the open end 45, with respect to gravity. Furthermore, in some examples, the reservoir 44 is provided by a void or cavity that is devoid of any absorbent material (e.g., cotton) that will be used to absorb the liquid aerosol generating material 70. Thus, in these examples, when the reservoir housing 42 is held in this orientation with the open face as the uppermost side, liquid will not spill from the reservoir housing 42.
In the example according to fig. 2, the aerosol generator housing 40 is a sealing member comprising a first sealing portion 62. The first seal portion 62 is inserted into the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 as indicated by arrow a in fig. 2. In this example, the aerosol generator housing 40 is engaged with the engagement portion 60 of the reservoir housing 42 with the first sealing portion 62 on the underside such that the first sealing portion 62 is first inserted into the engagement portion 60. In this example, the aerosol generator housing 40 is configured to be fully received within the engagement portion 60 (i.e., the length of the aerosol generator housing 40 in the direction aligned with arrow a is less than the length of the engagement portion 60 in this direction).
The first seal portion 62 is further inserted into the open end 45 and contacts (e.g., engages) the perimeter of the open end 45 (e.g., the annular inner and outer walls of the open end 45 of the annular reservoir 44 of fig. 2). The contact or engagement of the first sealing portion 62 with the open end 45 serves to seal the open end 45 to prevent the liquid aerosol generating material 70 from exiting the reservoir housing through the periphery of the open end 45 (e.g., to prevent liquid from flowing along the walls of the reservoir housing). This form of engagement may be referred to as an interference fit because the forces generated by the interaction or engagement of the reservoir housing 42 and the first seal portion 62 hold the two components together (i.e., their interference with one another generates a holding force).
The first seal portion 62 may also engage a portion of the engagement portion 60 of the reservoir housing 42 (i.e., above the open end 45). This may help to retain the aerosol generator housing 40 within the engagement portion 60 and also help to prevent leakage of liquid through the outer wall of the reservoir housing 42.
In some examples, the first sealing portion 62 may be formed from a silicone material or similar elastically deformable material (e.g., a rubber material). The first seal portion 62 is at least partially compressed when inserted into the reservoir housing 42 such that the first seal portion 62 applies a force that holds the first seal portion 62 against the reservoir housing 42, the force resulting from the resilient nature of the first seal portion 62 (i.e., the first seal portion 62 generates a force that biases the first seal portion 62 toward its initial non-compressed configuration when compressed). In some examples, engagement of the reservoir housing and the aerosol generator housing 40 via the first sealing portion 62 (i.e., an interference fit) requires overcoming a force between 10 and 35kgf, and preferably requires overcoming a force in the range between 20 and 30 kgf. By a force between 10 and 35kgf is meant a force comparable to the force applied by gravity to a mass of 10 to 35 kg.
The first seal portion 62 may include one or more protrusions 64 for enhancing engagement of the first seal portion 62 with the reservoir housing 42. For example, the projections 64 can be more easily deformed when inserted into the reservoir housing 42, while still providing a suitable retention force after insertion. In some examples, the projection 64 may include a ring or ridge extending around the circumference of the first seal portion 62. In some examples, the protrusion 64 may include (or consist of) one or more O-rings disposed around the circumference of the aerosol generator housing 40 prior to insertion of the aerosol generator housing 40 into the reservoir housing 42. Or the projection 64 may be a feature such as a ridge integrally formed in the surface of the first seal portion 62.
In some examples, engagement of the reservoir housing 42 with the aerosol generator housing 40 may also serve to hold the first seal portion 62 in place relative to the aerosol generator housing 40. In some examples, the first sealing portion 62 may be stretched over a portion of the aerosol generator housing 40, thereby creating a retention force for returning the first sealing portion 62 to its original configuration (e.g., the first sealing portion may be stretched such that the first portion is on one side of the wall providing the liquid conduit 47 and the second portion is on a different side of the wall providing the liquid conduit 47). In other examples, different attachment means may be used, for example, adhesive and/or interaction with the reservoir housing 42 may be sufficient to hold the first seal portion 62 in place relative to the aerosol generator housing 40.
Where the first sealing portion 62 overlaps the liquid conduit 47 of the aerosol generator housing 40, the first sealing portion 62 includes corresponding openings 66, each aligned with a corresponding liquid conduit 47 (it will be appreciated that in systems where there is a single liquid conduit 47, there will also be a single corresponding opening 66). Each opening 66 enables liquid aerosol generating material 70 to enter the liquid conduit 47. In other words, the opening 66 is configured to allow the liquid aerosol generating material 70 to flow from the reservoir 44 to the aerosol generator 48.
The aerosol generator housing 40 may also include a second sealing portion 68. The second sealing portion 68 may be formed of a similar material (e.g., silicone) as the first sealing portion 62. The second sealing portion 68 serves to engage the aerosol generator housing 40 with the engagement portion 60 and also provides a barrier against movement of liquid along the engagement portion 60, thereby reducing the likelihood of leakage. The second sealing portion 68 may include one or more protrusions 69. The protrusions 69 can be more easily deformed when inserted into the reservoir housing 42 while still providing a suitable retention force after insertion. In line with the projection 64 of the first sealing portion 62, the projection 69 may be provided, for example, by an integrally formed ridge or by a separate feature such as an O-ring.
The second sealing portion 68 may also be used to provide proper clamping of the core 56 in place against the remainder of the aerosol generator housing 40. For example, as described above, the aerosol generator housing 40 includes a liquid conduit 47 having a second opening through which the end of the core 46 extends. The second opening of the liquid conduit 47 is sized to substantially match the size of the core 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the airflow path 52 without over-compressing the core 46, which could compromise its fluid transfer performance. The second sealing portion 68 may form a portion of the second opening in which the core is retained. For example, the second sealing portion 68 may comprise a semi-circular cutout that aligns with an opposing semi-circular cutout in the remainder of the aerosol generator housing 40, the two cutouts forming a second opening of the liquid conduit 47. The use of the second sealing portion 68 in this example aids in the sealing of the core while avoiding over-compression of the core 46. For example, because both the core and the second sealing portion may be formed of an elastomeric material, a balance is established in which both components are compressed to a degree such that the forces balance (the materials may then be selected to ensure that the core is not over compressed).
Although not shown, a portion of the housing portion 12 may be subsequently inserted into and/or connected to the engagement portion 60. For example, the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60 may include corresponding attachment features, such as a clip or latch and corresponding recess. The attachment feature holds the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60 in place relative to each other. The attachment of the housing portion 12 to the engagement feature 60 may also fully contain the aerosol generator housing 40 within the combined housing of the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60, thereby retaining the aerosol generator housing 40 within the aerosol delivery system 1. Thus, by disengaging the housing portion 12 from the engagement feature 60, which removes all components contained within the housing portion 12, and withdrawing the aerosol generator housing 40 from within the reservoir housing 42, the system 1 may be easily disassembled without the need for tools.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view through a section of an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 depicts another example of components involved in the engagement between the reservoir housing 42 and the aerosol generator housing 40. The aerosol delivery system 1 of fig. 3 differs from the aerosol delivery system described in relation to fig. 2in that the sealing member is a first sealing portion 62 that is separated from the aerosol generator housing 40 at least prior to insertion of the sealing member into the reservoir housing 42. All other components are substantially as described with respect to fig. 1 and 2.
In the example according to fig. 3, at least the first sealing portion 62 is configured to be inserted into the reservoir housing 42 independently of the aerosol generator housing 40. Thus, the first sealing portion 62 may be considered a separate component from the aerosol generator housing 40. In these examples, the first sealing portion is inserted into the reservoir housing 42 to seal the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42. For example, substantially as described with respect to fig. 2, the first sealing portion 62 is inserted into the open end 45 (as indicated by arrow a) and forms an interference fit with the wall defining the open end 45. The resultant force resulting from the interference fit serves to hold the first seal portion 62 in place relative to the reservoir housing 42. In some examples, the reservoir housing 42 and the first seal portion 62 are joined by an interference fit, which requires overcoming a force between 10 and 35kgf, preferably between 20 and 30 kgf. The engagement of the first seal portion 62 with the perimeter of the open end 45 effectively seals the open end by preventing liquid from moving between the first seal portion 62 and the reservoir housing 42. In some of these examples, the sealing member is a sealing portion 62 formed of a silicone or rubber material.
In the example according to fig. 3, the aerosol generator housing 40 may then be inserted into the reservoir housing 42 and engaged with the first sealing portion 62 (as indicated by arrow B). For example, the aerosol generator housing 40 may be inserted into the space or void formed by the first sealing portion 62. In these examples, the aerosol generator housing 40 and the first sealing portion may have complementary shapes to facilitate engagement of the aerosol generator housing 40 with the first sealing portion 62. The aerosol generator housing 40 and the first sealing portion 62 may be configured to engage in order to align any liquid conduit 47 with a corresponding opening 64. It will be appreciated that the above-described mechanisms similarly facilitate assembly and disassembly of the components of the system 1 without the need for tools, as the retention of the various components is ensured by an interference fit rather than other attachment means (e.g., adhesive or fixing means, such as screws).
It will be appreciated that the reservoir housing 42 is generally maintained in a vertical orientation with the open end 45 being the uppermost side of the reservoir (e.g., on the upper side) until the first seal portion 62 and the aerosol generator housing 40 have been properly inserted into the reservoir housing 42. Further, although not shown, in some examples, the core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 may be inserted (or connected) in a separate step after the aerosol generator housing 40 is inserted into the first sealing portion 62. In these examples, a second sealing portion 68 is then inserted (or attached) after the core 46 and aerosol generator 48 to hold the core 46 and aerosol generator 48 in place. Only when the core 46 has been properly sealed should the orientation of the reservoir housing 42 be changed such that the open end 45 is no longer arranged as uppermost side of the reservoir.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view through a section of an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts another example of components involved in the engagement between the reservoir housing 42 and the aerosol generator housing 40. The aerosol delivery system 1 of fig. 4 differs from the aerosol delivery system described with respect to fig. 2 and 3 in that the aerosol generator 40 (including the first sealing portion 62) is combined with the housing portion 12 prior to insertion with the reservoir housing 42. All other components are substantially as described with respect to fig. 1 and 2.
In the example according to fig. 4, the aerosol generator 40 and the housing part 12 are assembled (as indicated by arrow a) before being connected to the reservoir housing 42. In addition, as shown, components contained within the housing portion 12 may also be provided prior to connection of the aerosol generator 40 and the housing portion 12 with the reservoir housing 42. For example, the power supply 26, the control circuit 22, and the airflow sensor 30 may be included in the housing portion 12. Or in some other examples not shown, the housing portion 12 and the aerosol generator 40 may be combined and then connected with the reservoir housing 42, and then at least one of the power supply 26, the control circuit 22, and the airflow sensor 30 (or other components) may be included in the housing portion 12.
The housing portion 12 may also include a groove or recess feature 80 for engagement with the engagement feature 60. For example, the groove or recess feature 80 may have an inverse shape to a portion of the engagement feature 60 such that the groove or recess feature 80 and the engagement feature 60 overlap and provide a smooth transition between the reservoir housing 42 and the housing portion 12 after connection. Although not shown, in some examples, the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60 may include corresponding attachment features, such as clips or latches, and corresponding recesses. The attachment feature holds the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60 in place relative to one another. The attachment of the housing portion 12 to the engagement feature 60 also fully encloses the aerosol generator housing 40 within the combined housing of the housing portion 12 and the engagement feature 60.
Fig. 5 is a flow chart of a method for assembling an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a reservoir housing 42 having an open end 45 and a sealing member, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method begins with step 510 in which the reservoir housing is oriented such that the open end is the uppermost side of the reservoir. In other words, the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 is positioned on or toward the upper side. For example, the reservoir housing 42 may have an elongated shape corresponding to the elongated shape of the aerosol delivery system 1, the elongated shape having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be vertically aligned with the open end 45 toward the top end of the elongated shape (e.g., the base 43 of the reservoir housing toward the bottom end of the elongated shape).
The method proceeds to step 520 wherein the reservoir housing 42 is filled with the liquid aerosol generating material 70 via the open end 45. For example, as shown in fig. 2, 3 and 4, when the reservoir is oriented vertically with the open end 45 toward the top side, the reservoir housing 42 is filled with liquid aerosol generating material 70 to a level below the location or periphery of the open end 45. During filling, the reservoir housing 42 is (substantially) maintained in the orientation selected in the previous step 510. The liquid aerosol generating material 70 is held in the reservoir housing 42 by gravity during filling.
The method continues with step 530 in which a sealing member is inserted into the open end. The sealing member forms a seal with the perimeter of the open end 45. The perimeter defines the extent or boundary of the open end 45. For example, according to fig. 1-4, the perimeter may be formed by inner and outer walls of the reservoir housing 42 defining a chamber or reservoir 44 containing liquid aerosol generating material in use. In particular, in these figures, the perimeter is defined by both the uppermost extension of the inner wall (which defines the airflow path 52 on the inside) and the corresponding height of the outer wall (which extends an extension 60 above the open end 45); the open end 45 extends in a substantially annular or ring-shaped plane between the above-mentioned locations on each wall.
In some examples, such as according to the examples of fig. 2 and 4, the sealing member includes an aerosol generator housing 40. In these examples, the aerosol generator housing 40 is inserted into the reservoir housing 42 such that a portion of the aerosol generator housing engages the perimeter of the open end and forms a seal. For example, the aerosol generator housing 40 may include a first sealing portion 62 that compresses when inserted into the open end 45; the compressed surface of the first sealing portion 62 forms a barrier against movement of the liquid aerosol generating material along the wall of the reservoir housing 42. In some other examples, such as the example according to fig. 3, the sealing member may be independent of the aerosol generator housing 40. For example, the seal member may be a separate first seal portion 62 that is inserted into the open end prior to engagement of the aerosol generator housing 40 with the reservoir housing 42 (e.g., in a different step).
The method then ends. In the case of implementing the assembly method via a computer (e.g., a computer system controlling an assembly line), the computer may be provided with software that, when implemented by the computer, implements the method.
Although not shown, in some other examples, there may be additional steps following step 530, such as a first step of connecting the aerosol generator housing to the sealing member after insertion of the sealing member into the open end (e.g., consistent with fig. 3), a second step of connecting the sealing member and/or reservoir housing to a housing portion configured to contain the power and control circuitry within the aerosol delivery system, and/or a third step of inserting the power and control circuitry into the housing portion.
Fig. 6 is a flow chart of another method for assembling an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a reservoir housing 42 having an open end 45 and a sealing member. The method begins at step 600, where a sealing component is associated with a housing portion 12 configured to hold (e.g., house, contain, or protect) a power source 26, a control circuit/controller 22, and, for example, an air flow sensor. Consistent with step 600, the method attaches the sealing member to the housing portion prior to inserting the sealing member into the open end.
The method continues with step 610 in which the reservoir housing is oriented such that the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 is the uppermost side of the reservoir. In other words, the open end 45 is made to be located on or toward the upper side (similar to step 510 of fig. 5). For example, the reservoir housing 42 may have an elongated shape corresponding to the elongated shape of the aerosol delivery system 1, the elongated shape having a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be vertically aligned with the open end 45 toward the top end of the elongated shape (e.g., the base 43 of the reservoir housing toward the bottom end of the elongated shape).
The method continues with step 620 in which the reservoir housing 42 is filled with the liquid aerosol-generating material 70 via the open end 45 (similar to step 520 of fig. 5). For example, as shown in fig. 4, when the reservoir is oriented vertically with the open end 45 toward the top side, the reservoir housing 42 is filled with liquid aerosol generating material 70 to a level below the location or periphery of the open end 45. During filling, the reservoir housing 42 is (substantially) maintained in the orientation selected in the previous step 510. The liquid aerosol generating material 70 is held in the reservoir housing 42 by gravity during filling.
The method continues with step 630 in which the combined housing portion 12 and sealing member is inserted into the open end. The combined housing portion 12 and sealing member forms a seal with the perimeter of the open end 45. The perimeter defines the extent or boundary of the open end 45. For example, according to fig. 4, the periphery may be formed by inner and outer walls of the reservoir housing 42 defining a chamber or reservoir 44 containing liquid aerosol generating material in use. In particular, in fig. 4, the perimeter is defined by both the uppermost extension of the inner wall (which defines the airflow path 52 on the inside) and the corresponding height of the outer wall (which extends an extension 60 above the open end 45); the open end 45 extends in a substantially annular plane between the above-mentioned locations on each wall.
In examples such as those according to fig. 4, the power supply 26, control circuit/controller 22 and airflow sensor 30 are disposed within the housing portion 12 prior to engaging the combined housing portion 12 and sealing member with the perimeter of the open end 45.
The method then ends. In the case of implementing the assembly method via a computer (e.g., a computer system controlling an assembly line), the computer may be provided with software that, when implemented by the computer, implements the method. It will be appreciated that step 600 is substantially independent of steps 610 and 620 in that the seal member does not interact with the reservoir housing 40 until step 630. Thus, in some examples, step 600 may occur after step 610 and step 620, or in parallel with one or both of step 610 and step 620.
Although not shown, in some other examples, additional steps may occur after step 630, wherein the power supply 26, control circuitry/controller 22, and air flow sensor 30, as well as any other desired electronics or components, may be inserted into the housing portion 12.
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an assembly process for an aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The entire system 1 can be easily assembled and disassembled because the subsystem 100 includes a rack 110 that houses the components of the aerosol delivery system 1 so that these components can be commonly installed in the system 1/removed from the system 1. In some embodiments, the various components and/or parts are held in an interference fit to provide tool-free assembly.
The process begins at step 700, where the reservoir housing is oriented such that the open end 45 of the reservoir housing 42 is the uppermost side of the reservoir. In other words, the open end 45 is made to be located on or toward the upper side. Step 700 is substantially as described with respect to step 510 of fig. 5. The process continues with step 710 in which the reservoir housing 42 is filled with the liquid aerosol generating material 70. Step 710 is substantially as described with respect to step 520 of fig. 5.
The process continues with step 720, wherein the aerosol generator housing 40 is inserted into the reservoir housing 42; the first sealing portion 62 of the aerosol generator housing 40 or the first sealing portion 62 connected to the aerosol generator housing 40 provides a sealing member configured to be inserted into the open end 45 (not shown) of the reservoir housing 42 to form a seal with the perimeter of the open end 45. In some other examples, the aerosol generator housing 40 may be a sealing member. For example, it may be formed at least in part from a material configured to form a seal with the perimeter of the open end 45 (e.g., the first sealing portion 62 may be integrally formed with another portion of the aerosol generator housing 40).
As shown in fig. 7, the aerosol generator housing 40 is attached to the bracket 72 prior to insertion of the aerosol generator housing 40 into the reservoir housing 42. The support 72 is configured to support various components of the aerosol delivery system 1 including the control circuit 22 (not shown) and the power supply 26. The support 72 may also be configured to support the location of electrodes and/or electrical contacts for connecting at least the aerosol generator 48 (not shown) to the control circuit 22 and/or the power supply 26. The second seal portion 68 is located between the bracket 72 and the aerosol generator housing 40. In some examples, the second sealing portion 68 may be configured to be attached to the bracket 72, while in some other examples, the second sealing portion 68 may be maintained between the bracket 72 and the aerosol generator housing 40 by a connection of the bracket 72 and the aerosol generator housing 40. The attachment of either the aerosol generator housing 40 and/or the second sealing portion 68 to the bracket 72 may be facilitated by an interference fit or a conventional mechanism (e.g., a clamp or latch mechanism).
In the example according to fig. 7, the assembly process or method includes connecting a sealing member (e.g., the aerosol generator housing 40 or the first sealing portion 62) to a bracket 72 configured to retain the power supply 26 and the control circuit 22 within the aerosol delivery system 1. Further, in the example according to fig. 7, the assembly process or method includes connecting a sealing member (e.g., the aerosol generator housing 40 or the first sealing portion 62) to the bracket 72 prior to inserting the sealing member into the open end 45. In other examples, the bracket 72 may be attached to the sealing member after the sealing member has been inserted into the open end 45.
The process continues to step 730 where the airflow sensor 30 is attached to the control circuit 22 via wiring 31 (or similar electrical connection) that extends through the bracket 72 or connects with an electrical connector (or electrode) provided by the bracket 72. The wiring 31 may be of sufficient length to enable the airflow sensor 30 to be positioned at the upstream end of the device (i.e., away from the aerosol generator 48 and reservoir housing 42). For example, the wiring may have a length equal to or longer than the aerosol delivery system 1 between the control circuit 22 and the upstream end of the housing portion 12 (e.g., the wiring 31 may be between 7 and 10cm, where the aerosol delivery system is about 12 cm).
The process continues with step 740 in which the power source 26 (e.g., a battery) is attached to the bracket 72. The power source 26 may also be connected to the control circuit 22 and/or the aerosol generator 40 via an electrical connection that extends through the support 72 or is provided by the support 72 (e.g., built into the support 72). In some examples, the attachment of the power source 26 to the support 72 may involve inserting an electrode provided by the support 72 into the power source 26, or vice versa (e.g., the power source 26 provides an insertable electrode).
In the example according to fig. 7, the assembly process or method includes connecting one or more of the power supply 26 and the control circuit 22 to the bracket 72 after (e.g., after) inserting the sealing member into the open end 45. In particular, in the example according to fig. 7, the assembly process or method includes connecting the control circuit 22 to the bracket 72 prior to inserting the sealing member (e.g., the aerosol generator housing 40 or the first sealing portion 62) into the open end 45, and includes connecting the power source 26 to the bracket 72 after (e.g., after) inserting the sealing member into the open end 45.
The process continues with step 750, wherein one or more portions of barrier material 74 may be attached to power source 26. The barrier material 74 may provide physical protection and electrical insulation to the power supply 26. In some examples, the barrier material 74 may be a polyethylene terephthalate material, such as a Mylar (Mylar) polyester film.
The process continues to step 760 where at least the power source 26 is surrounded by a thermal barrier 76 (e.g., a material having a high temperature resistance and/or a low thermal conductivity). In some examples, the thermal barrier 76 may be a high temperature zone that acts as a thermal insulator. In these examples, the high temperature tape may be wrapped around the power supply 76.
The process continues with step 770 wherein the housing portion 12 is attached to the reservoir housing 42. In the example according to fig. 7, the housing part 12 overlaps the reservoir housing 42 over at least a part of the reservoir housing 42. Thus, in these examples, the reservoir housing 42 is inserted into the housing portion 12. The outer surface of the reservoir housing 42 and/or the inner surface of the housing portion 12 may be provided with features in the overlap region that facilitate engagement of the reservoir housing 42 and the housing portion 12. The features may include, for example, ridges, protrusions, and corresponding recesses, which may guide or enhance the interference fit between the components, thereby securing the housing portion 12 to the reservoir housing 42. For example, the interference fit may be formed as discussed with respect to the aerosol generator and reservoir housing of fig. 1. In some examples, a clamp or latch mechanism may be used to connect the housing portion 12 to the reservoir housing 42. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 72 may also include features configured to engage with the housing portion 12 (or vice versa). For example, the housing portion 21 may be secured to the bracket using an interference fit.
Thus, in the example according to fig. 7, the assembly process or method includes connecting the housing portion 12 to one or more of the bracket 72, the reservoir housing 42, or the seal member (e.g., the aerosol generator housing 40) after connecting one or more of the power supply 26 and the control circuit 22 to the bracket 72.
The process continues with step 780 in which the sensor mount 78 is inserted into the housing portion 12 at the upstream end (not accessible at the downstream end due to the connection with the reservoir housing 42). The sensor mount 78 is configured to position and retain the airflow sensor 30 in the housing portion 12. For example, the sensor mount 78 may define at least a portion of the air path toward the upstream end of the aerosol delivery system 1, and may further retain the airflow sensor 30 in a position associated with the air path 52, which enables the airflow sensor 30 to measure the air pressure or flow rate within the air path 52. In some examples, the sensor mount 78 may be formed from a silicone material.
The process continues with step 790 in which an end cap 80 is attached to the housing portion 12 to close the upstream end of the housing portion 12. The end cap 80 may include one or more air inlets 28 configured to allow air to enter the housing portion 12. The one or more air inlets 28 may be positioned or otherwise configured to direct an air flow toward the sensor mount 78 and the air flow sensor 30. The end cap 80 may include an airflow regulator 82 configured to vary the airflow rate or resistance to suction through the end cap 80. For example, the airflow regulator 82 may be a slider that is manually operated by a user to cover or uncover one or more of the plurality of inlets 28. In other words, the user may manually adjust the slider 82 to cover or uncover a desired number of air inlets 28, thereby changing the flow rate or resistance of the suction through the end cap 80 (and the aerosol delivery system 1 as a whole). In addition, as part of or after this step, the entire aerosol delivery system 1 may be pressed with sufficient force (e.g., by squeezing the system 1 between the upstream and downstream ends) to ensure that all components have been properly inserted.
The process as described in fig. 7 then ends. It will be appreciated that there may be additional steps not shown in fig. 7, such as steps related to weighing the liquid aerosol generating material 70, performing a vapor puff check (to determine that the device is working as intended), a final check step, and/or inserting a silicone plug into the mouthpiece to prevent leakage from the device during transportation.
By providing an assembly method that avoids the need for complex filling processes and relies on interference fit to hold each component in place, the method provides a faster, more convenient and less damaging assembly process (in other words, the method does not require the use of glue or fasteners such as screws). Furthermore, the method is reversible, thus improving recyclability, which is particularly important for disposable devices that are typically single-use and discarded (and thus no longer recycled) as a whole unit. In existing arrangements, these connections will typically be welded and secured in place directly within the system one after the other, so assembly and disassembly are more time consuming and require higher precision, increasing the likelihood of damage when assembled/disassembled. Thus, the present invention not only provides a simplified filling method, but also greatly improves recyclability as various components can be easily removed and transported to an appropriate recycling center.
The various embodiments described herein are only used to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.
Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, the appropriate combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, modes, and the like, in addition to those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future. Protection may be sought for any feature disclosed in any one or more of the publications cited herein in connection with the present disclosure.

Claims (16)

1. A method of assembling an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir housing and a seal member, the reservoir housing defining a reservoir having an open end, the method comprising:
a. Orienting the reservoir housing to set the open end as the uppermost side of the reservoir;
b. Filling the reservoir housing with a liquid aerosol generating material via the open end; and
C. The seal member is inserted into the open end, the seal member forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the seal member is retained in the reservoir housing by an interference fit.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: the seal member and/or the reservoir housing are connected to a housing portion configured to contain a power supply and control circuitry within the aerosol delivery system.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises: the sealing member is connected to the housing portion prior to insertion of the sealing member into the open end.
4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the method comprises: after inserting the sealing member into the open end, the power supply and the control circuit are inserted into the housing portion.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: the sealing member is connected to a bracket configured to retain a power supply and control circuitry within the aerosol delivery system.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the method comprises: the sealing member is attached to the bracket prior to insertion of the sealing member into the open end.
7. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the method comprises: one or more of the power source and the control circuit are connected to the bracket after the sealing member is inserted into the open end.
8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the method comprises: after one or more of the power supply and the control circuit are connected to the bracket, the housing portion is connected to one or more of the bracket, the reservoir housing, or the seal member.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the reservoir housing and the seal member are joined by an interference fit that is required to overcome a force of between 10 and 35 kgf.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: after inserting the sealing member into the open end, an aerosol generator housing is connected to the sealing member.
11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing component is an aerosol generator housing.
12. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing member comprises an opening configured to allow liquid aerosol generating material to flow from the reservoir to an aerosol generator.
13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing component comprises silicone.
14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open end comprises an annular plane between an inner surface defining an inner periphery of the open end and an outer surface defining an outer periphery of the open end, wherein the step of the sealing member forming a seal with the surface of the reservoir housing defining the periphery of the open end comprises: the sealing member forms a seal with both the inner surface and the outer surface.
15. An aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising:
a reservoir housing defining a reservoir having an open end configured to receive the liquid aerosol generating material when the reservoir housing is oriented with the open end as an uppermost side of the reservoir; and
The sealing member is provided with a sealing surface,
Wherein the seal member is inserted into the open end, the seal member forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the seal member is retained in the reservoir housing by an interference fit.
16. An aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol generating device, the aerosol delivery device comprising:
A reservoir housing means defining a reservoir having an open end configured to receive the liquid aerosol generating means when the reservoir housing means is oriented with the open end as an uppermost side of the reservoir; and
The sealing device is used to seal the device,
Wherein the sealing means is inserted into the open end, the sealing means forming a seal with a surface of the reservoir housing means defining a perimeter of the open end, wherein the sealing means is retained in the reservoir housing means by an interference fit.
CN202310282228.3A 2022-10-19 2023-03-21 Aerosol delivery subsystem Pending CN117898476A (en)

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GBGB2307353.9A GB202307353D0 (en) 2022-10-19 2023-05-17 Aerosol delivery subsystem
PCT/GB2023/052663 WO2024084187A1 (en) 2022-10-19 2023-10-13 Aerosol delivery subsystem

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CN202211281430 2022-10-19

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