CN117915797A

CN117915797A - Aerosol supply system

Info

Publication number: CN117915797A
Application number: CN202280050937.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 肖志煌; 理查德·海恩斯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2022-07-04
Publication date: 2024-04-19
Also published as: GB202110353D0; WO2023002151A1; KR20240023437A; CO2024000245A2; AU2022315012A1; EP4373335A1; IL309688A; CA3224606A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision system (1) comprising an aerosolizable material transport element (14) for receiving aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system (1) further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess (23) for receiving a first portion (42) of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member (21) is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system (1) and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system (1), wherein the rotatable member (21) in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element (14). In some cases, the rotatable component (21) may include a fluid outlet tube (26) for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element (14).

Description

Aerosol supply system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes, etc.).

Background

Electronic aerosol supply systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) typically contain an aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of a fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material, such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapor/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example by thermal evaporation. Thus, the aerosol supply system will typically comprise a vaporiser, for example a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of the aerosolizable material to generate the vapour.

Once the vapor has been generated, the vapor may (but need not) pass through the flavouring material to add flavouring to the vapor, after which the (flavoured) vapor may then be delivered from the aerosol supply system to the user via the mouthpiece or outlet.

Aerosol supply systems typically comprise a modular assembly, typically having two main functional parts, namely a control unit/body, and a cartridge/consumable part. In some embodiments, such consumable portions may resemble cigarettes.

Various methods are described herein that seek to retrofit existing aerosol supply systems, such as those outlined above, in a number of different ways.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol provision cartridge comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision cartridge further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol provision cartridge, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of controlling formation of vaporised aerosol material in an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol transport element and a rotatable component comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosol transport element, wherein the method comprises: the rotatable member is moved between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system, wherein the second configuration of the rotatable member is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention in accordance with other aspects of the invention, and may be suitably combined with other aspects, not just in the particular combinations described herein.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A schematically illustrates an aerosol supply system in a first configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B schematically illustrates the aerosol supply system of fig. 1A in a second configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates two perspective views of an aerosol provision system movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A schematically shows a first cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision system of fig. 2.

Fig. 3B schematically shows a second cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision system of fig. 2, perpendicular to the first cross-sectional view of fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A schematically illustrates an enlarged portion of fig. 3A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4B schematically illustrates an enlarged portion of fig. 3B, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Various aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented and are not discussed/described in detail for the sake of brevity. Thus, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol supply systems (which may also be referred to as aerosol supply systems), such as electronic cigarettes. According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the component aerosol supply system (or a component thereof) is not burned or ignited for delivery to a user. An aerosolizable material (which may also be referred to herein as an aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material) is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner.

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 supply system/device and electronic aerosol supply system/device. The electronic cigarette may also be referred to as a vapor smoke device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not required.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosolizable materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosolizable materials may be heated. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosol-able material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Also, in some embodiments, the non-combustible sol supply system may include a consumable portion/cartridge, and a device/body configured to releasably engage with the consumable portion/cartridge.

The aerosol supply system may be provided with means therein for powering the vaporiser and may provide an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material to be vaporised. The aerosol supply system may also be provided with a reservoir for holding an aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments, another reservoir for holding a flavouring material for flavouring the vapour generated from the aerosol supply system may also be provided.

In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be a heater/heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form a vapor/aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer may be capable of generating a vapor/aerosol from an aerosolizable material without the need to apply heat thereto, e.g., via one or more of vibration means, mechanical means, pressurizing means, or electrostatic means.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material, which may include an active component, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional components.

The active component may include one or more physiological and/or olfactory active components included in the aerosolizable material to effect a physiological and/or olfactory reaction in the user. The active ingredient may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropic agents and psychoactive substances. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetic. The active component may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active component may comprise a component, derivative or extract of tobacco or another botanical. In some embodiments, the active component is a physiologically active component and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine bitartrate/bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids (such as caffeine), or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the active component is an olfactory active component and may be selected from "flavors" and/or "fragrances," which are materials that, where permitted by local regulations, may be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in a product for an adult consumer. In some cases, such components may be referred to as flavors, fragrances, flavoring materials, coolants, heating agents, and/or sweeteners.

Which may include naturally occurring flavor materials, plants, extracts of plants, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, japanese white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, green tea, menthol, japanese mint, star anise (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, indian spice, asian spice, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, raspberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, orange, lemon, lime, orange, green tea, and combinations thereof papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, du Linbiao wine, bouillon whiskey, scotch whiskey, juniper berry wine, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, sophora alopecuroide, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, arabian tea leaf, sorghum betel nut leaf, hookah, pine tree, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange flower, cherry flower, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any variety of mentha plants, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemon grass, leyball tea, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as 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, damine, marjoram, yen, red sage, rose, olives, lemon balms, lemon basils, north onions, caraway, 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, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, 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 oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gasoline or extracts of various species (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, japan white magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, du Linbiao wine, bortezomib, scotch whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, sophora alopecuroide, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cinnamon, coriander, cogongrass, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, green pepper, fennel, coriander, coffee or peppermint oil from any variety of mint species), a bitter taste receptor site blocker, receptor site activator or stimulus, sugar and/or sugar substitute (e.g., trichloro, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, cyclamate, sorbitol, sucrose, lactose, sucrose additives, or other minerals, and the like) and the like. It may be a imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavoring agent) may include 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 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.

The carrier component may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier component may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, glyceryl diacetate mixture, benzyl benzoate, glyceryl tributyrate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional components may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and/or an antioxidant.

As described above, aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) typically comprise a modular assembly comprising both a reusable part (body/device) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-piece modular configuration may generally be referred to as "two-piece" devices. Electronic cigarettes also typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure described herein include such a generally elongated two-piece device employing a consumable portion. However, it will be appreciated that the basic principles described herein may be equally applicable to other electronic cigarette configurations, such as modular devices comprising more than two parts, as well as devices conforming to other general shapes, such as those based on so-called box-mode high performance devices that typically have a box-like shape.

Thus, in accordance with the foregoing and with reference to the drawings, there is provided herein, in accordance with some embodiments, an aerosol supply system 1, which in some embodiments may be provided as a body 10 that may be releasably received and/or releasably attached to a cartridge 100. The aerosol supply system 1 comprises a reservoir 12 for containing an aerosolizable material for vaporization, and an aerosolizable material transport member 14 for receiving the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12.

Also provided in the aerosol provision system 1 is a vaporiser 16 for vaporising the aerosol-forming material from the aerosol-forming material transport element 14. In embodiments where the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a body 10 and a cartridge 100, the cartridge 100 may comprise a reservoir 12, an aerosolizable material transport element 14, and a vaporizer 16. In this manner, when the body 10 is releasably engaged with the cartridge 100, the evaporator 16 may be configured to receive power via the electrical contacts 18 on the body 10, which are also electrically connected to the power source 20 from the body 10. In this manner, power from the power source 20 may be used to provide power to the vaporizer 16 to vaporize the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14.

During operation of the aerosol provision system 1, inlet air from the air inlet 22 of the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to pass through the at least one inlet air passage 24. The inlet air passage 24 may be correspondingly configured to deliver air over the aerosolizable material transport element 14 to pick up vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. The vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can then pass through the fluid outlet tube 26 for delivery to the outlet 28 of the aerosol supply system 1. From there, the vaporized aerosolizable material from the vaporizer 16 can flow out through the outlet 28 into the mouth of the user for inhalation by the user (e.g., via the mouthpiece 30).

With respect to the structure and composition of any provided aerosolizable material transport element 14 (wick), it will be appreciated that the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be any element that is capable of properly drawing the aerosolizable material to a position where it can be vaporized by the vaporizer 16 during use of the aerosol supply system 1. Thus, in this regard, according to some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can comprise a porous material and/or a fibrous material or a solid material. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be made of cotton, or can be made of a ceramic material. Thus, the foregoing is understood, and in general, it will be appreciated that the specific structure and composition of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be varied in a number of different ways to best meet any intended application of the aerosol supply system 1.

With respect to the evaporator 16, as previously described, the evaporator 16 may or may not include a heater/heating element for forming vaporized aerosolizable material. Although in embodiments in which the evaporator 16 includes a heating element, according to some embodiments thereof, the heating element may include an electrically conductive material located on an outer surface of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, such as a coil wrapped around at least the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 (as shown, for example, with reference to the embodiments in fig. 3A-4B). However, as will also be appreciated, the conductive material may take other shapes, e.g., a spiral, on the surface of the aerosolizable material transport element 14; a grating shape; or zigzag shape to allow the heating element to efficiently vaporize the aerosolizable material in the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In this case, it will be appreciated that the heating element (or generally the evaporator 16, in the case where no heating element is employed) may be connected from the aerosol provision system 1to the power source 20, which in some embodiments may be a battery. In embodiments in which the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a body 10 that may releasably receive and/or releasably engage with a cartridge 100, the power source 20 may be located in the body 10 in some embodiments thereof. Power from the power source 20 may then be supplied to the evaporator 16 via the electrical contacts 18 and/or, in some embodiments, may be delivered to the evaporator 16, either wirelessly or through a non-contact power transmission system located between the power source 20 and the evaporator 16.

Thus, with an understanding of the foregoing general disclosure of the aerosol provision system 1, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided herein an aerosol provision system 1 comprising an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system 1 is movable between a first configuration in which at least a second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is uncompressed or partially compressed, and a second configuration in which the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is compressed by a greater amount than in the first configuration for limiting formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration. Such an aerosol supply system will now be described with reference to the embodiment in fig. 1A to 4B.

The purpose of the aerosol provision system 1 being movable between the first configuration and the second configuration is to better allow control of the formation of vaporised aerosol material from the aerosol material transport element 14. In particular, this control is achieved by effectively compacting the amount of aerosolizable material that can be vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the vicinity of the evaporator 16 (such as via compressing the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14). As will be described, it is envisaged that the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in a number of different ways, as will now be described.

Briefly, and with reference to the embodiment shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 configured to be compressed may include a first end portion 32 from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 and a second end portion 34 opposite the first end portion 32. In this manner, when the second portion 31 is compressed in the second configuration (or more than in the first configuration), the relative increase in compression of the second portion 31 better limits vaporization of the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12 by the evaporator 16 to form vaporized aerosolizable material.

As for such an amount of compression, it will be appreciated that the amount of compression in the second configuration is configured to be greater than the amount of compression in the first configuration. In other words, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the first configuration may not be compressed at all, or may be compressed in a first amount. In this way, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration can be compressed by a second amount that is greater than the amount of compression in the first configuration.

As to how the compression of the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be increased from the first configuration to the second configuration, it is contemplated that this can be accomplished in a number of different ways.

In this regard, for example, according to some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the aerosol provision system 1 may include at least one compression member 38 configured to be actuated for compressing the second portion 31 in the second configuration (and/or compressing each of the first and second end portions 32, 34 if such end portions 32;34 are employed). With respect to the exact configuration of any such compression member 38 employed, it will be appreciated that this configuration may vary depending on the intended application of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Although according to some embodiments, the compression member 38 may include a movable plunger for striking the second portion 31 in the second configuration, or a size adjustable collar configured to surround and compress the second portion 31 in the second configuration.

Turning to the disclosure in fig. 2-4B, other mechanisms for the aerosol provision system 1 movable between the first configuration and the second configuration include a specially configured fluid outlet tube 26 of the aerosol provision system 1 for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element, the aerosol provision system being configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration for causing the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 to be compressed in the second configuration.

According to such embodiments, the fluid outlet tube 26 may in some cases include at least one aperture 50 for holding the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In this manner, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be configured to move with the fluid outlet tube 26 as the fluid outlet tube 26 moves. In this way, by moving the fluid outlet tube 26 from the first configuration to the second configuration, this may also move the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

As to how the aerosol provision system 1 is movable between the first configuration and the second configuration, according to some embodiments, such as those shown in fig. 2-4B, it will be appreciated that the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such movement can be seen in particular in the embodiment of fig. 2, wherein rotation of the fluid outlet tube 26 causes the second portion 31 to move from the first configuration (see position 31A for the second portion 31 in the first configuration) to the second configuration (see position 31B for the second portion 31 in the second configuration).

Continuing with the embodiment in which the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration for limiting formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration, according to some narrower embodiments, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can be specifically configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration. An embodiment may be seen with reference to the embodiments in fig. 2-4B, wherein the fluid outlet tube 26 is configured to move/rotate between a first configuration and a second configuration for causing the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 to be compressed in the second configuration. In this way, by virtue of this movement of the fluid outlet tube 26, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to move/rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Where the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, the second portion may be configured to rotate at an angle of no greater than about 45 degrees, according to some embodiments, or at an angle of no greater than 40 degrees, or at an angle of no greater than 35 degrees, according to still other narrower embodiments, in accordance with some embodiments. Thus, by providing these upper angles, these upper angles may assist in inhibiting shearing/failure of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 during movement of the aerosol supply system between the first configuration and the second configuration.

As to any second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 being configured to move or rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration for limiting formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration, the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element can be configured to remain stationary between the first configuration and the second configuration in accordance with some embodiments thereof. In this way, the second portion 31 is configured to move, but the first portion 42 is configured to remain stationary, movement of the aerosol provision system 1 from the first configuration to the second configuration may be such that a shear/compression force is applied to the second portion 31 when the aerosol provision system 1 is in the second configuration. Thus, such shear/compression forces may further assist in limiting the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration. This is because the compressive force limits the ability of the aerosolizable material transport member 14 to transport the aerosolizable material from the reservoir 12 to the vaporizer 16.

With respect to any exact positioning of such first portion 42, according to some embodiments, the first portion 42 may be located between any of the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34 provided from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In this manner, and in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolizable material transport element 14 can thus define a C-shape, or be configured such that the first end portion 32 protrudes outwardly from one end of the first portion 42 and/or configured such that the second end portion 34 protrudes outwardly from the other end of the first portion 42 opposite the one end.

For the sake of completeness, it is noted that it is not explicitly necessary to provide a stationary first portion 42 from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Indeed, rather than moving the second portion 31 relative to the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, compression of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration can also be achieved by moving the entirety of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

For example, according to some specific embodiments, the second portion 31 may be configured to abut a structure from the aerosol supply system 1, such as a wall or a stopper therefrom, when the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration, which structure may be fixed/non-movable according to some embodiments. In this way, when the second portion 31 then reaches its position in the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, the structure from the aerosol provision system 1 may act to compress the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element for limiting formation of vaporised aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration. Similarly, when the aerosol supply system is then moved from the second position back to the first position, the second portion 31 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 located in the first position may then be configured to not be compressed by the structure and/or may be separated from the structure.

In very specific embodiments employing such a structure, the structure may comprise a housing of the aerosol supply system 1 (or of the cartridge 100 employing the body 10/cartridge 100 arrangement). Such a housing according to some embodiments may be configured to cover and/or surround the aerosolizable material transport element 14 when the aerosol supply system is in use.

Turning to how the aerosol provision system 1 may be moved between the first configuration and the second configuration, according to some embodiments (such as those shown in fig. 2-4B), the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to be manually moved between the first configuration and the second configuration. Such manual movement may be seen, for example, in accordance with the embodiment in fig. 2, wherein the fluid outlet tube 26 may be configured to be manually moved or rotated between the first and second configurations of the aerosol provision system 1.

However, obviously, according to some embodiments, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration in response to a signal from the controller 40 of the aerosol provision system 1.

With respect to any provided controller 40, this may be configured to receive power from the power source 20. As regards the location of any such controller 40, it will be appreciated that in embodiments in which the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a body 10 and a cartridge 100, the controller may be located in the body 10 or cartridge 100. Depending on the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, power from the power source 20 to the controller 40 may then be provided via a wired connection, and/or may obviously be delivered wirelessly, such as by a contactless power transfer system between the power source 20 and the controller 40.

With such a signal, it will be appreciated with respect to the type of signal itself, that according to some embodiments, the signal may be a wireless signal, or may be transmitted from the controller 40 to any provided compression member 38 from the aerosol provision system 1 through a wired connection 43 (as may be seen, for example, with reference to the wired connection 43 between the controller 40 and the compression member 38 in fig. 1A-1B).

Regarding how any such signals may be generated, the aerosol provision system 1 according to some embodiments may further comprise a user interface 44 and/or an actuator 46 connected to the controller 40 and configured for controlling the generation of the signals. Obviously, in terms of any actuator 46 employed, this may comprise, for example, a button or switch, which according to some embodiments may be located on any employed body 10 from the aerosol supply system 1.

By providing such a user interface 44 or actuator 46, they may then each be used to control the generation of signals, e.g., in response to user input (e.g., by way of user interaction with the user interface 44 and/or by user actuation of the actuator 46).

Thus, in light of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that described herein are a number of different configurations of the aerosol provision system 1 that may be employed to better control the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 during use of the aerosol provision system.

Based on the above disclosure, it can be seen that the present disclosure may in fact also provide an aerosol provision system 1 comprising an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system 1 further comprises a rotatable member 21 comprising a recess 23 for receiving a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, wherein the rotatable member 21 is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1. In this way, in the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, the rotatable member 21 is configured for restricting the formation of vaporised aerosol material from the aerosol material transport element 14.

In the above aspect, providing the rotatable member 21 with the recess 23 may generally assist in better controlling the formation of vaporized aerosolizable material in the aerosol supply system. In particular, this may be achieved by moving or rotating the rotatable member 21 between a second configuration (wherein vaporization of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is limited to form aerosolizable material) and a first configuration (wherein vaporization of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 is less limited than in the second configuration).

As to the use of any such rotatable member 21, it will be appreciated that the rotatable member 21 may be formed/implemented in a number of different ways. For example, according to some embodiments, such as those shown in fig. 2-4B, the rotatable component 21 may include a fluid outlet tube 26. In this way, the fluid outlet tube 26 may then be configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration, as can be seen, for example, with reference to the embodiment in fig. 2.

However, also, it will be appreciated that according to some embodiments, the rotatable member 21 may be separate from the fluid outlet tube 26 such that the fluid outlet tube 26 is then not necessarily rotatable. Thus, in such latter embodiments, the rotatable component 21 may comprise some other rotatable member configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration (such as a rotatable latch configured to strike/compress the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in the second configuration).

However, regardless of the exact structure of the rotatable member 21, to assist the rotatable member 21 in better receiving/retaining the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in use, as described above, the rotatable member 21 according to some embodiments may be provided with a recess 23 for receiving at least a portion of the aerosolizable material transport element 14, such as (but not limited to) the first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element 14. Such a recess 23 is best shown according to the embodiment shown in fig. 4A-4B.

In embodiments employing a recess 23, it can be seen that the recess 23 can be located adjacent the evaporator 16 to accommodate the aerosolizable material transport element 14 in a position proximate the evaporator 16. Also with respect to this positioning, according to some embodiments in which the rotatable member 21 includes a fluid outlet tube 26, it can be seen that the fluid outlet tube 26 can at least partially define the recess 23 according to some embodiments thereof. This can be seen, for example, with reference to fig. 3A-4B, wherein the recess is shown at the first end 26A of the fluid outlet tube 26.

With respect to any such first end 26A employing a fluid outlet tube 26, it can be seen that in some cases, the first end 26A can be positioned closer to the evaporator 16 than the first end 26A to the outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30. In other words, the fluid outlet tube 26 may include a second end 26B defining the outlet 28 or mouthpiece 30, wherein the second end 26B is positioned opposite the first end 26A. Or still in other words, the recess 23 according to some embodiments may be located between the evaporator 16 and any provided outlet 28/mouthpiece 30.

With respect to the exact shape and/or geometry of any provided recess 23, this may obviously depend on the shape of the aerosolizable material-transporting element 14, the recess 23 being configured to accommodate the aerosolizable material-transporting element. In this regard, for example, the recess 23 according to some embodiments may be elongated and/or may be configured to have a semicircular cross section (as shown in the embodiments of fig. 4A-4B) so as to accommodate or retain the cylindrical aerosolizable material transport element 14.

For completeness, it will be appreciated that where such a rotatable member 21 is employed, the rotatable member 21 according to some embodiments may be employed in embodiments (such as those schematically illustrated with reference to fig. 1A-1B) such that the rotatable member 21 may be configured to move between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to a signal from the controller 40, and according to still further narrower embodiments may be used with a user interface 44 and/or actuator 46 connected to the controller 40 for controlling generation of the signal as described above.

In view of the above, it can be seen that at least an aerosol provision system is described comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured for limiting formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

An aerosol provision cartridge is also described, comprising an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision cartridge further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol provision cartridge, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

Also described herein is a method of controlling formation of vaporized aerosolizable material in an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosolizable material transport element and a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the method comprises: the rotatable member is moved between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system, wherein the rotatable member of the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporised aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

There is also described an aerosol provision system 1 comprising an aerosolizable material transport element 14 for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol provision system 1 further comprises a rotatable member 21 comprising a recess 23 for receiving a first portion 42 of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member 21 is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system 1 and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, wherein the rotatable member 21 in the second configuration is configured for restricting formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14. In some cases, the rotatable component 21 may include a fluid outlet tube 26 for receiving vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element 14.

To solve various problems and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are only used to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. in addition to those specifically described herein, and it will therefore be understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly indicated in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

For example, while the present disclosure has been described with reference to a "liquid" or "fluid" in the reservoir 12, it will be appreciated that the liquid or fluid may be replaced with any aerosolizable material. Also, where an aerosolizable material is used, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may include a liquid or a fluid.

With respect to the evaporator 16, while the evaporator 16 has been described in some embodiments as including a heater/heating element, such as a coil wrapped around at least a portion of the aerosolizable material transport element 14 (as shown, for example, with reference to the embodiments in fig. 3A-4B), it will be appreciated that in some other embodiments the evaporator 16 may be capable of generating vapor/aerosol from the aerosolizable material in the aerosolizable material transport element 14 without the need to apply heat thereto, for example, via one or more of vibration means, mechanical means, pressurizing means, or electrostatic means as previously described.

Finally, also, while the various features described herein are described with reference to embodiments of the aerosol supply system 1, these features are provided as part of a body 10 that is releasably receivable and/or releasably attachable to the cartridge 100, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments any of the features described herein from the cartridge 100 and/or body 10 may be integrated into an aerosol supply system 1 that does not include such a cartridge/body configuration.

Claims

1. An aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol supply system further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply system and a second configuration of the aerosol supply system, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

2. The aerosol provision system of claim 1, wherein the aerosolizable material transport element comprises a second portion configured to be uncompressed or partially compressed in the first configuration, wherein the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element is configured to be compressed in the second configuration by a greater amount than in the first configuration.

3. The aerosol provision system of claim 2, further comprising a structure configured to be separated from the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element in the first configuration and configured to abut and compress the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element in the second configuration.

4. An aerosol provision system according to claim 3, wherein the structure comprises a housing of the aerosol provision system.

5. An aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second portion of the aerosolizable material transport element comprises a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion.

6. The aerosol provision system of claim 5, wherein the first portion is located between the first end portion and the second end portion.

7. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolizable material transport element is configured to move between the first configuration and the second configuration.

8. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolizable material transport element is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

9. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable component comprises a fluid outlet tube for receiving vaporised aerosol material from the aerosol material transport element.

10. The aerosol provision system of claim 9, wherein the fluid outlet tube is configured to rotate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

11. An aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the fluid outlet tube at least partially defines the recess.

12. An aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the recess is located at a first end of the fluid outlet tube.

13. An aerosol provision system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fluid outlet tube comprises a second end defining a mouthpiece, wherein the second end is positioned opposite the first end.

14. An aerosol provision system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between the first and second configurations in response to a signal from a controller of the aerosol provision system.

15. The aerosol provision system of claim 14, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises at least one of a user interface and/or an actuator connected to the controller for controlling the generation of the signal.

16. An aerosol supply cartridge comprising: an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving an aerosolizable material to be vaporized, wherein the aerosol supply cartridge further comprises a rotatable member comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosolizable material transport element, wherein the rotatable member is configured to move between a first configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge and a second configuration of the aerosol supply cartridge, wherein the rotatable member in the second configuration is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

17. A method of controlling formation of vaporised aerosol material in an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol material transport element and a rotatable component comprising a recess for receiving a first portion of the aerosol material transport element, wherein the method comprises: moving the rotatable member between a first configuration of the aerosol provision system and a second configuration of the aerosol provision system, wherein the second configuration of the rotatable member is configured to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein moving the aerosol supply system between the first configuration and the second configuration comprises: moving the rotatable member from the first configuration to the second configuration to limit formation of vaporized aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element.