EP3247234A1 - Electronic delivery unit and cartridge, an e-cigarette comprising the unit and cartridge, and method for delivering a delivery fluid - Google Patents
Electronic delivery unit and cartridge, an e-cigarette comprising the unit and cartridge, and method for delivering a delivery fluidInfo
- Publication number
- EP3247234A1 EP3247234A1 EP16710020.5A EP16710020A EP3247234A1 EP 3247234 A1 EP3247234 A1 EP 3247234A1 EP 16710020 A EP16710020 A EP 16710020A EP 3247234 A1 EP3247234 A1 EP 3247234A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cartridge
- fluid
- heater
- heater element
- ceramic layer
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 117
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 title 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 44
- 238000007745 plasma electrolytic oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 41
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 33
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 84
- 229940090045 cartridge Drugs 0.000 description 61
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 27
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 17
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 11
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 11
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 10
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910001120 nichrome Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- VNNRSPGTAMTISX-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium nickel Chemical compound [Cr].[Ni] VNNRSPGTAMTISX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000005030 aluminium foil Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 4
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910019142 PO4 Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sodium Chemical compound [Na] KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007743 anodising Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 2
- SOQBVABWOPYFQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxygen(2-);titanium(4+) Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[Ti+4] SOQBVABWOPYFQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000021317 phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 150000003013 phosphoric acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005245 sintering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002470 thermal conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910015372 FeAl Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910005582 NiC Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052787 antimony Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N antimony atom Chemical compound [Sb] WATWJIUSRGPENY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth atom Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005229 chemical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007598 dipping method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010891 electric arc Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006056 electrooxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005530 etching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052735 hafnium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N hafnium atom Chemical compound [Hf] VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005802 health problem Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229940005740 hexametaphosphate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000953 kanthal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003698 laser cutting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000006262 metallic foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052758 niobium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010955 niobium Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N niobium atom Chemical compound [Nb] GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001590 oxidative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011224 oxide ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960003903 oxygen Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000004686 pentahydrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005240 physical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007750 plasma spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007747 plating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008092 positive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium nitrate Inorganic materials [Na+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002490 spark plasma sintering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013501 sustainable material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052715 tantalum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N tantalum atom Chemical compound [Ta] GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- -1 tube Substances 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052720 vanadium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- LEONUFNNVUYDNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N vanadium atom Chemical compound [V] LEONUFNNVUYDNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/44—Wicks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/70—Manufacture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a personal electronic delivery unit capable of receiving a cartridge with a delivery fluid.
- Such unit with a cartridge includes so-called E-cigarettes.
- E-cigarettes Delivery systems, such as E-cigarettes, are known and comprise an inhaling device with an inlet and an outlet that is shaped as a mouth piece. E-cigarettes further comprise a battery and a heater that is provided with energy from the battery. The heater is winded around a so-called wicking material that acts as a buffer, wherein the heater is switched on and off with a flow detector located in the inlet, for example.
- a buffer comprises the delivery fluid, such as a so-called E-3iquid, usually being a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotine, and flavourings.
- the heater vaporises and/or atomises the E-liquid to enable inhaling of the liquid.
- E-cigarettes often comprise a first part with a batter ⁇ - and an air inlet, and a second part with the E-liquid and a heater element for atomizing and/or vaporizing the E-liquid.
- This second part is often disposable, such that a user is required to provide a new second part after having used substantially all the E-liquid.
- the present invention has for its object to provide a personal electronic delivery unit, specifically capable of receiving a cartridge and to be used as personal electronic delivery system, including E-cigarettes, that provides a more efficient unit.
- the unit comprising:
- a primary housing comprising an energy source and having a first end with an air inlet and a second end with a primary connector configured for connecting to a secondary housing configured for holding a cartridge with a delivery fluid and having an outlet or mouth piece;
- a fluid path substantially extending between the air inlet and the outlet or mouth piece; a heater element that is provided in, at or close to the fluid path configured for heating the delivery fluid such that at least a part of a delivery fluid atomises and/or vaporises in the fluid path, wherein the heater element is in use connected to the energy source configured for providing energy to the heater element, and wherein the heater element is provided in and/or attached to the primary housing; and
- a delivery fluid transfer element that is configured for transferring delivery fluid from the cartridge to the fluid path
- the heater comprises a conductor and a porous ceramic layer that is configured to control the atomizing and/or vaporizing.
- Providing a fluid path from the inlet towards the outlet, preferably embodied as a mouth piece, of the secondary housing enables inhaling at the outlet to draw/suck in ambient air, for example.
- a personal electronic delivery system such as an E-cigarette that also include so-called E-cigars,
- the heater or heater element that is included in and/or attached to the primary housing of the unit atomises and/or vaporizes the delivery fluid when the heater is switched on. Switching on the heater can be achieved with the use of a flow controller close to the inlet, for example.
- Energy is provided to the heater, by an energy source, for example a (rechargeable) battery.
- the delivery fluid can relate to a mixture of liquids and/or solids, including so-called E-liquids that may comprise a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotine and flavourings. It will be understood that other ingredients can also be applied and/or nicotine can be omitted from the mixture.
- the delivery fluid is contained in a cartridge that can be refilled or is disposable. The cartridge is optionally integrated in the secondary housing and can be refilled or be disposes as a unit.
- the heater element is provided in the primary housing of the unit. Therefore, the heater element is not provided in a disposable cartridge. This obviates the need for providing a heater element in every (disposable) cartridge and enable re-use of the heater element with a further (disposable) cartridge. This contributes to a more sustainable unit.
- the heater element By providing the heater element together with the energy source, such as a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, in the primary housing a robust connection and energy supply can be achieved. This prevents malfunctioning of the unit due to an incorrect connection of the different parts of the system, such as an E-cigarette. Such malfunction due to non-optimal coupling of circuit parts is a problem in conventional systems.
- the energy source such as a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery
- a further advantage of providing the heater element in the primary housing instead of in a secondary housing with the cartridge is that the production process of the cartridges can be performed more efficiently. In fact, filling the cartridges with deliver ⁇ ' fluid can be performed much faster when the heater element is provided in the primary housing. This renders the overall production process more efficient.
- the heater element according to the invention preferably comprises a conductor that can be shaped as a plate, wire, foil, tube, foam, rod or any other suitable shape, preferably of a so-called resistance heating material that can be heated by applying an electric current to the conductor of the heater element.
- the conductor can be of a suitable material, including aluminium, FeAl, NiC, FeCrAl (Kanthal), titanium, and their alloys. Especially the use of the metal titanium provides good results.
- the heater comprises a spiralled metal wire as the conductor with the wire being provided with the ceramic layer. Providing the heater with a spiralled metal wire an effective atomisation and/or vaporisation of deliver ⁇ ' fluid can be achieved.
- the spiralled metal wire is preferably provided in the fluid path. This achieves an effective heating of the E-fluid.
- Alternative configurations for the heater in a wire configuration include a straight wire, single or multiple layer solenoid wire, toroid single or multiple layer, and flat coil.
- Alternative configurations for the heater in a foil or plate configuration include a fiat, round, rectangular shape, spiral wound, and folded configuration.
- Further alternative configuration for the heater in a tube configuration include a metallic tube with coated porous ceramic layer and optionally provided with a (static) mixing structure or helix structure, tube shape of foil/plate, and spiral wound foil/plate.
- An even further alternative configuration of the heater in a foam configuration includes a sponge structure.
- the central axis, or longitudinal direction of the spiralled metal wire is positioned substantially transversally to the main fluid flow direction in the fluid path.
- the spiralled heater element has a central axis that is provided substantially transversely to the fluid path.
- the fluid path is designed such that the inhaled fluid passes through the spiralled wire in a direction transverse to the central axis of the heater element. This enhances the atomisation and/or vaporisation of the delivery fluid, thereby improving control of these processes and/or reducing the amount of the required energy to perform these processes. This improves the lifetime of the unit according to the invention.
- air guides are provided in the primary housing to direct the air in a substantially transverse direction towards the heater element.
- the heater element comprises a conductor and a porous ceramic layer that is conf gured to control the atomizing and/or vaporization.
- the ceramic layer that is provided on or adjacent the conductor enables effective control of heater temperature, thereby preventing burning of components in the deliver ⁇ ' fluid and/or other elements of the system, such as buffer material. This improves the quality of the inhaled fluid by preventing undesirable components being present therein.
- the ceramic layer does have a positive effect on the heating of the delivery fluid.
- the inventors found that the ceramic layer is able to even out spikes in the temperature of the conductor, thereby preventing burning of the delivery fluid.
- the pores of the ceramic layer allow the deliveiy fluid to come close to the electrical conductor, i.e. the pores can be said to reduce the effective thickness of the layer from a thermal point of view. Therefore, the pores mitigate the negative effect on the heat transfer of the normally poorly conducting ceramic.
- the pores increase the contact surface between the ceramic and the delivery fluid, thereby further enhancing the heat transfer from the heater to the fluid. Therefore, the porous ceramic layer achieves an effective heating of the delivery fluid for vaporizing and/or atomising thereof, even though the ceramic material in itself is a poor thermal conductor.
- the ceramic layer provides structure and stability to the conductor thereby increasing the strength and stability of the heater as a whole. This is especially relevant in case the system is applied as an E-cigarette. Such E-cigarette is subjected to many movements, vibrations and/or other impacts.
- the increased stability prevents malfunctioning and/or prevents contact of the heater with other components of the system, including buffer material such as a cloth that is drenched in delivery fluid such as E-liquid. This prevents undesired burning of components.
- the ceramic layer prevents the release of heavy metals.
- the heater element with a conductor and a ceramic layer enhances the possibilities for re-use of the heater element for further (disposable) cartridges. It was shown that such heater element was less sensitive to fouling as compared to convention heater elements, for example.
- the ceramic layer enables adsorption and/or absorption of the delivery fluid, such as the E-liquid, in the pores of the ceramic layer. This enables an effective transfer of energy from the conductor to the delivery fluid, including the E-liquid.
- the ceramic layer has a thickness in the range of 5-300 um, preferably 10-200 um, more preferably 1 -150 um and most preferably a thickness is about 100 um.
- the stability and strength of the heater is improved. Furthermore, the insulation is increased, enabling control of heat transfer and/or heat production.
- the thickness of the ceramic layer can be adapted to the type of E-liquid and/or the specific system and/or the desired characteristics. This flexibility during production provides a further advantage of the system according to the invention.
- the ceramic layer is provided on or at the conductor with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
- the heater element is preferably made from a titanium material and/or another suitable material, on which a porous metal oxide layer, such as titanium oxide, is grown with plasma electrolytic oxidation.
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation enables that a relatively thick titanium oxide layer is grown from the titanium (> J 30 ⁇ ) by oxidizing (part of) the titanium, to titanium oxide. Especially the use of titanium provides good results.
- the resulting layer is a porous, flexible and elastic titanium oxide ceramic.
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation (>350 - 550 V) requires much higher voltage compared to standard anodizing (15-21 V). At this high voltage, micro discharge arcs appear on the su rface of the titanium, or other material, and cau se the growth of the thick
- the structure of the heating element comprises a thin wire of titanium, aluminium, or any other valve metal, such as magnesium, zirconium, zinc, niobium, vanadium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, antimony, bismuth, or an alloy of one or more of the preceding metals.
- valve metal is capable of forming an oxide layer which forms a protective layer on its surface and then stops it to oxidize further.
- titanium is used for the heating element considering its relatively high resistance achieving a relatively fast heating process.
- the wire is coated on the other side through plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is done by placing the titanium wire in an electrolyte.
- the electrolyte comprises 15 g/1 (NaP0 3 ) 6 and 8 g/1 Na 2 Si0 3 .5H 2 0.
- the electrolyte is maintained at a temperature of 25°C through cooling.
- the wire is used as an anode and placed in a container containing the electrolyte.
- Around the wire a stainless steel cathode is positioned.
- a current density is maintained between the wire and cathode of about 0.15 A/cm 2 .
- the current is applied in a pulsed mode of about 1000 Hz.
- the potential increases rapidly to about 500 Volt between the wire and the cathode. This creates a plasma electrolytic oxidation process on the anode wire and creates a ceramic layer.
- the wire As the wire is small sized (100 micron) it has a relative high electrical resistance 61 Ohm/m. By applying a current to the wire during use of the personal electronic delivery system, the wire heats up. It will be understood that process parameters may depend on the structure of the heating element and/or the dimensions thereof.
- a plate of metal for example aluminium, titanium or other valve metal
- a ceramic layer using plasma electrolytic oxidation, for example. Due to metal plate resistance its temperature increases when a current is applied.
- a structure can be etched into the metal providing metal strips of metal having a relatively high resistance. The etching can be performed using electrochemical machining, for example.
- Alternative manufacturing methods for the heater element include sintering or spark plasma sintering, oxidation of the surface layer of the metal by heating in oxy gen rich
- anodizing and plasma spraying.
- heater element Further alternative manufacturing methods for the heater element include chemical vapour deposition, physical vapour deposition, electrochemical machining (ECM), chemical and/or electrochemical oxidation, thermo-treatment involving high temperatures of above 200°C or
- the core of the heater element can be provided with a layer of titanium or aluminium or similar material (plating) where after one or more of the foregoing manufacturing methods is performed.
- the ceramic layer is provided with porosity such that the delivery fluid is transferred from the buffer to the vicinity of the conductor.
- the ceramic layer has a porosity in the range of 10-80%, preferably 15-50%, more preferably 20-30% and most preferably the porosity is about 25%. It was shown that especially the porosity in a range of 20-30% provides an optimum in the performance of specifically the ceramic layer and the heater as a whole. Furthermore, it is shown that using plasma electrolytic oxidation to provide the ceramic layer is beneficial in that it enables control of the porosity of the produced layer.
- the delivery fluid transfer element comprises the porous ceramic layer of the heater element that is configured to control the atomizing and/or vaporizing of the delivery fluid.
- the delivery fluid transfer element comprise a cartridge penetrating element.
- the transfer means By providing the transfer means with a penetrating element the transfer means extend from the housing of the unit in the (disposable) caitridge.
- the penetrating element penetrates a seal or sealing element of the cartridge when inserting the cartridge and/or connecting the primary and secondary housings.
- the unit further comprises a power and/or current increasing circuit configured for providing a power increase when the heater is switched on.
- Such circuit may comprise one or more capacitors and/or one or more coils. The circuit enhances the effect of the heater and/or reduces the requirements for the power supply.
- a capacitor preferably a so-called super-capacitor, is included in a circuit that provides a peak current, preferably when a user of an E-cigarette starts to inhale.
- the heater temperature has to be increased.
- this temperature increase can be performed faster and almost instantaneously.
- the current increase/peak when activating the heater element leads to heat development in het heater element that is used to atomize and/or vaporize the delivery fluid.
- the heater element according to the invention comprises a porous ceramic layer that is preferably capable of absorbing and/or adsorbing delivery fluid. This enables the heater element to start directly with the atomizing and/or vaporizing. As a further advantageous effect the battery is not required to provide the peak current when activating the heater element. This enables providing a smaller battery, thereby enabling dimensioning an E-cigarette in conformity with the size of a conventional cigarette, for example. Furthermore, with the additional circuit comprising a (super) capacitor the battery is not subjected to peak demands and can, therefore, be operated at a more constant level. This improves the lifetime of the battery. The capacitor can be charged by the battery after the heater element is de- activated.
- the heater element is made from a titanium material that has a relatively low resistance at low temperature (e.g. 20°C) and a high resistance at a higher temperature. This enables providing a higher current to the heater element when activating the heater element, while after the heater element reached its optimal operating temperature the applied current is lower.
- the resistance of titanium at the vaporisation and/or atomisation temperature is optimal for the battery.
- the battery With the use of the (super) capacitor the battery is no longer limiting the (minimum) resistance of the heater element, thereby enabling an improved design of the heater element and the device comprising this heater element.
- a super capacitor with titanium wire conductor appears benef cial.
- the super capacitor is connected to a charge-connector configured for connecting the super capacitor to an external power source for charging the super capacitor.
- a charge-connector configured for connecting the super capacitor to an external power source for charging the super capacitor.
- the super capacitor supplies ail required energy and is charged from an external power supply.
- the super capacitor has a capacity of 12 Farad, or more. This reduces the number of components of the system, reduces system weight, and immediately provides energy for vaporization/atomization.
- the system is charged in the cigarette box, for example using a rechargeable battery.
- the conductor of the heater element is made of NiCr and preferably of Titanium.
- the resistance of Titanium increases more rapidly with temperature as compared to NiCr.
- the power and/or current increasing circuit can be provided, together with the heater element, in the primary housing. This guarantees an effective coupling of the circuit elements that are not hindered by connecting manoeuvres with the cartridge, for example. This provides a robust unit. Furthermore, by providing the circuit and the heater element in the primary unit re-use is made possible, thereby enabling the use of stronger en more sustainable materials, for example.
- the present invention also relates to a cartridge for a personal electronic deliver ⁇ ' unit, the cartridge comprising:
- a container configured for holding a delivery fluid
- seal configured for sealing the container, wherein the seal is configured to be
- a delivery fluid pathway arranged to transfer the delivery fluid from the cartridge to a heater element that is provided in the unit.
- the cartridge provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit.
- the cartridge comprises a cartridge fluid transfer element configured for transferring delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
- cartridge fluid transfer element may comprise a wick.
- the delivery fluid is transferred with this wick towards the heater element that is provided in the housing, preferably in the primary housing, to enable re-use of the heater element with a further (disposable) cartridge.
- the cartridge fluid transfer element comprises a swelling wick that swells when in contact with the delivery fluid . More preferably, the swelling wick is brought in contact with the fluid when inserting the cartridge in the secondary housing and/or connecting the secondary housing to the primary housing. When swelled the swelling wick is capable of transferring delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
- the cartridge container is configured such that the swelling brings the wick closer to the heater element.
- the wick comprises a seal.
- the seal preferably seals the container before inserting and/or connecting the cartridge in the unit.
- the seal is penetrated when connecting the cartridge to a housing of the unit, for example by the cartridge penetrating element mentioned earlier.
- the seal is melted when connecting the cartridge to a housing of the unit. Melting can be achieved by supplying current from the battery and/or a circuit that may comprise a (super) capacitor to the seal. This provides an efficient means to remove the seal after inserting and/or connecting the cartridge to the unit and enabling transfer of delivery fluid from the cartridge container towards the heater element.
- the present invention further also relates to an E-cigarette assembly comprising a personal electronic delivery unit and a cartridge as described earlier.
- the E-cigarette assembly provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit and/or the cartridge.
- the present invention further also relates to the use of a personal electronic delivery unit and/or cartridge as described herein for delivering the delivery fluid to a person, comprising the steps of:
- E-cigarette assembly comprising a unit and cartridge as described earlier;
- Said use provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit, cartridge and/or assembly thereof.
- the use preferably involves the use of an E-cigarette assembly.
- Said use provides effective means to deliver a delivery fluid to a person, for example to provide the feel of tobacco smoking, without increasing health problems by burning components of the delivery fluid and/or system.
- the heater comprises a conductor with a ceramic layer.
- the ceramic layer is provided using plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably used as it enables control of the porosity and/or thickness of the ceramic layer.
- the heater reaches a temperature in the range of S0-300°C, preferably 100-200 °C, and more preferably 120-180°C. As shown, at these temperatures a good atomisation and/or vaporisation of the delivery fluid can be achieved.
- the use further comprises the step of providing the delivery fluid from the cartri dge container to the heater element in the housing.
- the delivery fluid is brought from the (disposable) cartridge to the heater element that is provided in the unit and can be used also for future cartridges.
- the transfer can be achieved using a wick, for example. Examples of such wick have been described earlier in relation to the cartridge.
- the use further compri ses the step of providing a power and/or current increasing circuit comprising a super-capacitor.
- a power and/or current increasing circuit comprising a super-capacitor.
- the invention further relates to a method for producing a personal electronic delivery system and/or cartridge as described herein, the method comprising:
- E-cigarette assembly comprising a unit and cartridge as described earlier.
- Said method provides the same effects and advantages as described for the unit, cartridge, assembly and/or use thereof.
- the production method may include the steps as described herein with respect to the personal delivery system and/or the atomizing assembly.
- the production method further comprises providing an energy source configured for providing energy to the heater.
- the heater is provided as a conductor with a ceramic layer. More preferably, the ceramic layer is provided using plasma electrolytic oxidation. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably used as it enables control of the porosity and/or thickness of the ceramic layer.
- the ceramic layer produced has a thickness in the range of 5-300 ⁇ , preferably 10-200 ⁇ , more preferably 50-150 ⁇ , and most preferably the thickness is about 100 um.
- the thickness of the ceramic layer is controlled by controlling the voltage, duration of the process, current density, electrolyte concentration and composition.
- the conductor of the heater is provided as a valve metal, preferably titanium.
- the conductor is provided as a spiralled metal wire, wherein the wire is provided with the ceramic layer.
- the spiralled heater may be provided with its central axis substantially in the longitudinal direction of the fluid path.
- the ceramic layer is provided with a porosity such that the delivery fluid is transferred from the buffer to the vicinity of the conductor by the ceramic layer.
- the porosity of the ceramic layer is control led by control ling the voltage and the duration of the process.
- the ceramic layer is provided with a porosity in the range of 10-80%, preferably 15-50%, more preferably 20-30%, and most preferably the porosity is about 25%.
- the buffer is provided substantially surrounding the heater, wherein the buffer is provided with openings configured for transferring delivery fluid to the heater.
- the buffer may be formed by a tubular container, wherein the openings are provided in the wall of said container for transferring delivery fluid from the buffer to the fluid path, and to the heater.
- the openings are configured to enable a venturi effect for transferring delivery fluid to the heater.
- the openings may be provided in a groove.
- the openings or holes may be formed by laser cutting, drilling, machining, electrochemical machining, punchen, stamping, pressing, die cutting, puncturing or otherwise.
- the buffer may be produced including the opening by moulding.
- the production method may optionally comprise providing a power and/or current increasing circuit configured for providing a power and/or current increase when the heater is switched on.
- the circuit comprises a super-capacitor.
- the super-capacitor is connected to a charge -connector configured for connecting the super-capacitor to an external power source for charging.
- FIG 1 shows an E-cigarette according to the invention
- Figure 2 A-V shows configurations of the heater element according to the invention
- Figure 3 A-B shows a setup of a plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber to produce the heater element of figure 2;
- Figure 4 shows the Voltage as function of time in the manufacturing of the heater element in the chamber of figure 3;
- Figure 5 shows a heater element according to the invention
- Figure 6 A-B shows embodiments of a power/current increasing circuit
- Figure 7 A-C shows embodiments of the cartridge according to the invention
- Figure 8 shows the resistance of electric heater elements in relation to temperature titanium and iCr.
- FIG 9 an alternative embodiment of an E-cigarette according to the invention.
- E-cigarette 2 ( Figure 1) comprises primary housing 4 and secondary housing 6 with cartridge 8.
- secondaiy housing 6 is re-usable and cartridge 8 can be changed by opening and/or removing mouth piece 10.
- secondary housing 6 can be disposable, preferably together with cartridge 8.
- Primary housing 4 comprises (LED) indicator 12 with air inlet 14, air flow sensor 16, switch 18 and battery 20. Air from inlet 12 is provided along air path 22 to sensor 16. Switch 18 comprises an electronic circuit board that is connected to the relevant components of cigarette 2. From sensor 6 inhaled air follows air path 22 in air gap 24 between battery 20 and the inside of primary housing 4 towards the other end 26 of primary housing 4. Optional air guides 28 guide the air towards heater element 30, preferably such that the air is provided in a substantially transverse direction to the central axis 32 of heater element 30. Connectors 34 connect heater element 30 to battesy 20. In the illustrated embodiment current increasing circuit 36 is provided. Connector 38a of primary housing 4 connects primary housing 4 to connectors 38b of secondary housing 6. Fluid transfer element 40 enables transfer of deliver ⁇ ' fluid from cartridge 8 towards heater element 30, In the illustrated embodiment transfer element 40 is a wick 41 from wicking material such as silica, cotton, etc.
- Battery 20 can be a rechargeable battery including the required connections to enable recharging.
- Cartridge 8 comprises the delivery fluid such as the E-liquid (for example a mixture of glycerol, propylene glycol, nicotine).
- E-liquid for example a mixture of glycerol, propylene glycol, nicotine.
- heater element 3 comprises a wire of metallic titanium core 30a with ceramic titanium oxide layer 30b around metallic core.
- the E-liquid is absorbed and/or adsorbed in the porous ceramic layer.
- Wire 30 is heated by passing an electric current through metallic titanium core.
- Wire 30 is heated and the E-liquid is evaporated and/or atomized.
- the mixture is provided to outlet 10b of air path 22 at mouth piece 10.
- Heater 30 achieves an improved temperature control and the ability to control the amount of E-liquid evaporating in time by varying the characteristics of the porous ceramic layer, such as thickness, size of pores, and porosity.
- heater 30 has its longitudinal axis 32 substantially transverse to air path 22. It will be understood that other configurations are also possible in accordance with the invention.
- Heater 42 ( Figure 2A) comprises a resistance heating material 44a as conductor and porous ceramic layer 44b.
- Heater 46 ( Figure 2B) is wound as a solenoid 48 (Figure 2C) similar to heater 28 as illustrated in Figure 1.
- heater 50 is configured as a toroid ( Figure 2D), or flat coil 51 (Figure 2E), or flat spiral 52 (Figure 2F), for example.
- buffer 30 is provided around air path 28 and heater 32 (see also Figure 2G).
- liquid reservoir 54 is provided inside the solenoid of heater 56 ( Figure 2H).
- a further alternative configuration includes heater 58 ( Figure 21) wound as toroid structure with liquid passing through the inside of the toroid structure and air flow passing around toroid structure.
- Another alternative configuration includes heater 60 ( Figure 2J) formed as a flat coil.
- heater 62 ( Figure 2K) may comprise a layer of path of resistance heating material 64 as conductor on coated porous ceramic layer 66, or alternatively heater 68 may comprise a conductor layer 70 with coated porous ceramic elements or spots 72 provided thereon ( Figure 2L).
- heater 74 comprises conductor layer 76 and ceramic layer 78 (Figure 2M), and optionally additional ceramic spots 80 ( Figure 2N).
- Another embodiment comprises porous ceramic layer 82 with conductor 84 wound in a spiral configuration ( Figure 20).
- conductor tube 86 with static mixing form 86a coated with ceramic layer 88 Figure 2P and 2Q
- conductor 90 is a tube ( Figure 2R) with a ceramic layer 92.
- Tube 90a can be filled with li uid on the inside and having air flow on the outside ( Figure 2S) or tube 90b has air flow on the inside and liquid buffer on the outside ( Figure 2T).
- a ceramic layer is provided on the inside and the outside of tube 90.
- tube 90 may comprise a number of smaller tubes or wires 94 with resistance heating material and ceramic material (Figure 2U).
- a further alternative configuration (Figure 2V) involves resistance heating metallic foam or sponge 96 coated with porous ceramic material 98.
- the disclosed embodiments for heater 32 provide examples of heaters according to the invention that can be applied to systems 2.
- Heater elements according to the invention are preferably manufactured using plasma electrolytic oxidation. As an example, for illustrative reasons only , below some manufacturing methods for some of the possible configurations for the heater element according to the invention will be disclosed.
- Electrolyte 114 flows between electrode 112 and anode 106, and effectively flows upwards through honeycomb electrode 112 together with the produced oxygen and hydrogen. Electrolyte effluent 116, together with the hydrogen and oxygen, is then cooled and optionally returned to chamber 102.
- the temperature of electrolyte 114 increases from around 11°C entering plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber 102 to 25°C exiting chamber 102 and is then cooled off using a heat exchanger (not shown).
- two power supplies are connected in series: one of 350 Volt and 40 Ampere and a second of 400 Volt and 7 Ampere resulting in a maximum of 750 Volt and 7 Ampere with resulting maximum power of 5.25 kW.
- the power supplies can be connected directly to anode 106 and cathode 1 10 resulting in direct current (DC) operation of the plasma.
- An optionally added switching circuit provides the option to operate the plasma with DC pulses.
- the frequency of the pulses can be set between DC and 1 kHz and different waveforms can be chosen (block, sine, or triangle).
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation is preferably performed in a pulsed current mode with a frequency (on-off) of about 1000 Hz, preferably with the current set at a fixed value and the voltage increases in time as a result of growing of the porous oxide layer.
- Current between 1 and 7 Ampere can be used to produce a ceramic layer.
- titanium wire 202 ( Figure 3 B) is placed as work piece 104 on top of a titanium plate 204 that is connected to the stainless steel anode.
- the anode is directly connected to wire 202.
- the electrolyte comprised 8 g/1 NaSi03*5H 2 0 and 15 g/1 (NaP03) 6 .
- Titanium wire is used made from titanium grade 1, with a diameter of 0.5 mm and 60 cm in length. The wire is coiled and connected to the anode. A potential higher than 500 volts is applied between the anode and cathode resulting in micro arc discharges on the surface of the titanium wire.
- the metallic titanium is oxidized to titanium oxide with addition of silicates and phosphates from the electrolyte.
- the metallic layer is converted to a porous ceramic layer containing titanium oxides, phosphates and silicates. This results in a heater element 302 ( Figure 5) according to the invention.
- Current increasing circuit 402 ( Figure 6A) comprises battery 404, trafo 406, heater element 408 and (super) capacitor 410.
- Other components in circuit 402 include diode 412, resistance 414, switch 416 responding to inhaling, transistor 418. It will be understood that components in circuit 402 can be replaced with other components and/or additional components can be applied.
- alternative circuit 420 ( Figure 6B) comprises battery 422, heater element 424, capacitor 426, switch 428, resistor 430 and diode 432.
- the heater element When starting to inhale capacitor 410, 426 supplies additional current to heater element 408, 424 to accelerate the temperature increase of heater element 408, 424 and to start atomizing and/or vapori zing almost immediately.
- the heater element is of a titanium material that exhibits a relatively low resistance at room temperature and a higher resistance at an increased temperature thereby enabling a fast response time to the activation signal.
- cartridge 502 ( Figure 7A) is provided with container 504 filled with E-liquid. Seal 506 seals container 504 before connecting container 504 to primary housing 4. Wick element 508 penetrates seal 506 when connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6.
- wick element 508 acts as cartridge penetrating element and can be integrated with deliveiy fluid transfer element/wick 40 that is connected to heater element 30.
- wick 40 can be provided as an extension to porous layer 30b.
- edge 510 is provided to support wick element 508 after connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6.
- cartridge 602 ( Figure 7B) comprises container 604 filled with E- liquid and wick element 606.
- Wick element 606 is provided with seal 608 at least at a part of its outer surface. Seal 608 is penetrated when connecting secondary housing 6 to primary housing 8 with a penetrating element, for example provided in combination with wick 40. Optionally, seal 608 is melted by providing current from battery 20 and/or a (super) capacitor when connecting secondary housing 6 to primary housing 8.
- cartridge 702 ( Figure 7C) comprises container 704 filled with E- liquid. Swelling wick 706 is provided above seal 708 and below ball or ball valve 710. After connecting primary and secondary housings 4, 6 wick 706 comes into contact with the E-liquid swells and moves towards heater element 30 to transfer E-liquid in that direction.
- the conductor of the heater element is made of NiCr and preferably of Titanium.
- the resistance of Titanium ( Figure 8) increases more rapidly with temperature as compared to NiCr. This is illustrated with the linear relation for NiCr
- E-cigarette 802 ( Figure 9) heater 32 is supplied with energy through connector 804 from super capacitor 806.
- Capacitor 806 is charged via external connector 808.
- Capacitor 806 can be charged (semi)-directly and/or indirectly. Such indirect charging can be performed in connection with cigarette box 810 having cigarette storage compartment 812 and battery compartment 814 with battery 816.
- charge connector 818 contacts connector 808 and super capacitor 806 is being charged.
- batten' 816 is rechargeable through connector 820,
- Ceramic wires were manufactured at different process conditions, including with 5 Ampere (wire 1) and 1 Ampere (wire 2) for processing time of an hour. The results are shown in Table 2.
- a metal foil preferably an aluminium foil
- a porous metal (aluminium) oxide layer is provided, preferably in a plasma electrolytic chamber that is described earlier.
- Table 3 shows measured values of plasma electrolytic oxidation with constant current at 5 ampere for 9 minutes. Aluminium foil of 13 ⁇ thickness was oxidized with a resulting thickness of aluminium oxide of 13 ⁇ .
- Table 3 Voltage, current, temperature of electrolyte going in the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Tin) and going out the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Teff) for constant current of 5 A. t min. Voltage V Current A Tm °C Teff °C
- Table 4 shows the reproducibility of the process.
- Table 4 Voltage, current, temperature of electrolyte going in the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Tin) and going out the plasma electrolytic oxidation chamber (Teff) for constant current of 5 A. t min. Voltage V Current A Tm °C Teff °C
- Table 5 shows the voltage and cusTent for plasma electrolytic oxidation of aluminium foil at constant current of 2 A. Result was a 13 ⁇ thick aluminium oxide layer. Table 5: Voltage and current of plasma electrolytic oxidation with constant current of 2A , t min. Voltage V Current A
- Table 6 shows the voltage and current of the plasma electrolytic oxidation of aluminium foil with pulsed constant current of 1 kHz at 5 Ampere.
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation was used to provide a porous, flexible and elastic ceramic layer of >70 ⁇ on titanium foil.
- Plasma electrolytic oxidation grows a titanium oxide layer which is known to be ceramic (Ti0 2 ).
- Electrolyte was used with 8 g/1 Na 2 Si0 3 *5H 2 0 (Natrium metasilicate pentahydrate) and 15 g/1 (NaP0 3 ) 6 (Natrium
- the electrolyte is pumped into the reaction chamber to act as the electrolyte and as a coolant.
- Titanium foil was used from titanium grade 2 with a thickness of 124 ⁇ .
- the voltage increases as a function of time. This increase signifies an increased resistance and can possibly be explained by the growth of the titanium oxide (TiOx) layer.
- TiOx titanium oxide
- a thicker TiOx layer acts like an insulating layer between the metal and electrolyte.
- the resulting Voltage development in time can be seen in Table 7.
- Tabl e 7 Voltage and current as function of time for production of ceramic l ayer on titanium foil with plasma electrolytic oxidation
- the resulting foil structure can be processed further involving electrochemical machining.
- electrochemical machining ECM
- Titanium grade 2 is locally dissolved in a very controlled manner until the ceramic layer is reached.
- the finished result has to be well defined channels with squared edges and no residue on top of the ceramic layer.
- the ECM process is used with a cathode with the inverse shape of the product placed on top of a Titanium plate that serves as the anode. A potential is placed between the cathode and anode causing the anode to dissolve.
- Electrolyte concentration is 5 M NaN0 3 .
- Cuixent density can be varied from 20-150 A/cm .
- the heater element is made from a titanium wire, or less preferably from NiCr wire.
- Figure 8 shows the resistance of electric heater elements in relation to temperature for both materials. As mentioned earlier the use of titanium for the heater element is beneficial.
- the system may be provided with a solar panel on its outer surface, e.g. the outer surface of the housing.
- the solar panel may be configured for charging the battery or capacitor.
Landscapes
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
Abstract
Description
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NL2014177 | 2015-01-22 | ||
NL2014460A NL2014460B1 (en) | 2015-01-22 | 2015-03-16 | Personal electronic delivery unit and cartridge, an e-cigarette comprising the unit and cartridge, and method for delivering a delivery fluid. |
NL2015767 | 2015-11-10 | ||
PCT/NL2016/050038 WO2016118005A1 (en) | 2015-01-22 | 2016-01-18 | Electronic delivery unit and cartridge, an e-cigarette comprising the unit and cartridge, and method for delivering a delivery fluid |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN113545519A (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2021-10-26 | 莱战略控股公司 | Aerosol delivery device and control body therefor |
WO2022218913A1 (en) * | 2021-04-12 | 2022-10-20 | Jt International Sa | Heating socket system for electronic smoking devices |
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CN114073337A (en) * | 2020-08-19 | 2022-02-22 | 深圳市新宜康创新技术有限公司 | Method for manufacturing heating non-combustion device |
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CN101862038A (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-10-20 | 中国科学院理化技术研究所 | Heating atomization electronic cigarette adopting capacitor for power supply |
CN102389167B (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-05-29 | 卓尔悦(常州)电子科技有限公司 | Replaceable general atomizing head |
CN102894486A (en) * | 2012-11-07 | 2013-01-30 | 修运强 | Spirally-driven slidably-punctured electronic smoking set |
EP2810570B1 (en) * | 2013-06-03 | 2018-10-10 | Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. | System with electronic smoking device and capsule |
CN203523811U (en) * | 2013-09-29 | 2014-04-09 | 深圳市麦克韦尔科技有限公司 | Electronic cigarette |
CN103653263A (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2014-03-26 | 广东中烟工业有限责任公司 | Heating mechanism of tobacco heating device |
CN104126873A (en) * | 2014-07-07 | 2014-11-05 | 深圳市合元科技有限公司 | Atomization head for electronic cigarette, atomizer and electronic cigarette |
CN104195616A (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2014-12-10 | 攀钢集团成都钢钒有限公司 | Micro-arc oxidation treatment method of titanium alloy tubing coupling surface |
-
2016
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN113545519A (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2021-10-26 | 莱战略控股公司 | Aerosol delivery device and control body therefor |
WO2022218913A1 (en) * | 2021-04-12 | 2022-10-20 | Jt International Sa | Heating socket system for electronic smoking devices |
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