EP4531614A1

EP4531614A1 - Aerosol generating system

Info

Publication number: EP4531614A1
Application number: EP23729316.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alec WRIGHT
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-05-26
Filing date: 2023-05-18
Publication date: 2025-04-09
Also published as: WO2023227466A1; US20250311770A1

Abstract

An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) comprising an aerosol generating device (12, 68) and an aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74). The aerosol generating device (12, 68) comprises a heating chamber (14) and a heater (16). The aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) is positioned in the heating chamber (14). The aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) comprises a porous liquid storage material (20) for storing an aerosol generating liquid. The heater (16) is arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid. The aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) spaced apart from the first electrode (22) so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24). The aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises a controller (26) configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) and to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate in particular to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (hand-held) aerosol generating device.

Technical Background

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as aerosol generating devices or vapour generating devices or personal vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. These devices heat, rather than bum, an aerosol generating substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol. In some instances, the aerosol generating substrate is provided by an aerosol generating article comprising a porous liquid storage material that stores or holds an aerosol generating liquid.

Currently available aerosol generating devices can use one of a number of different approaches to provide heat to the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material. One such approach is to employ an induction heating system. In such a device, an induction coil is provided in the device and an inductively heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol generating liquid. Electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat, which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material and an aerosol is generated as the aerosol generating liquid is heated. Another approach is to employ a resistive heating system, in which current is supplied directly to a heating element. The heating element generates heat, which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material. In most such aerosol generating devices, the heater operates in a predetermined manner when commanded to start, for example in response to the user pushing a start button or in response to the device determining by means of a puff detector (such as an airflow sensor or microphone) that the user has inhaled a puff through the device. With continued use of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article becomes depleted, as the aerosol generating liquid is consumed, and no longer releases sufficient volatile components to generate an aerosol with acceptable qualities.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that enables the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material to be monitored, and the present disclosure seeks to address this need.

Summary of the Disclosure

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heater; and an aerosol generating article positioned in the heating chamber, the aerosol generating article comprising: a porous liquid storage material for storing an aerosol generating liquid, wherein the heater is arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid; wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material is received between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a controller configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode and the second electrode and to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material based on the measured electrical load.

The aerosol generating system enables the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material to be monitored. Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect of the present disclosure.

The electrical load measured by the controller may be a capacitive load or a resistive load.

Possibly, the aerosol generating device includes a power source and the controller is configured to control a supply of power from the power source to the heater based on the measured electrical load. In this arrangement, the amount of heat is adjustable to maximise vapour generation and efficiency. The controller may be configured to terminate the supply of power from the power source to the heater when the measured electrical load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Possibly, the first electrode is arranged to contact an in use upper face of the aerosol generating article and the second electrode is arranged to contact an in use lower face of the aerosol generating article.

Possibly, the aerosol generating device comprises a mouthpiece portion. The mouthpiece portion may be moveably connected to a device body, wherein the mouthpiece portion is moveable to open and close the heating chamber, wherein the first electrode is provided on an underside of the mouthpiece portion and the second electrode is provided on, or towards, the base of the heating chamber, wherein in a closed condition of the heating chamber the aerosol generating article positioned in the heating chamber is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. This arrangement improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes and the aerosol generating article based on mechanical stress being applied on the aerosol generating article between the mouthpiece portion and base of the heating chamber.

Possibly, the first electrode is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use upper face of the aerosol generating article and the second electrode is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use lower face of the aerosol generating article. This arrangement can allow more accurate monitoring of the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in each and every portion of the porous liquid storage material because each and every portion is provided between the first and second electrodes.

Possibly, the heater comprises an elongate heating element which projects into the heating chamber and the aerosol generating article comprises an opening in which the elongate heating element is positioned, wherein the elongate heating element is in thermal contact with an inner surface of the porous liquid storage material defined by the opening.

Possibly, the heating chamber includes a chamber wall defining a cavity in which the aerosol generating article is positioned, wherein the first electrode is positioned on the elongate heating element and the second electrode is positioned on the chamber wall. Alternatively, the first and second electrodes may be positioned on the elongate heating element.

Possibly, the aerosol generating device includes a plurality of pairs of said first and second electrodes and each pair of first and second electrodes is positioned in the heating chamber so that a different portion of the porous liquid storage material is received between each pair of first and second electrodes. In one example, the first electrode of each pair is positioned on the elongate heating element and the second electrode of each pair is positioned on the chamber wall. The first and second electrodes of each pair may be concentric, e.g., with respect to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. This arrangement can allow more accurate monitoring of the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in each of the different portions of the porous liquid storage material.

Possibly, the controller is configured to measure the electrical load between the first electrode and the second electrode between successive user inhalations to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material based on the measured electrical load. The controller may be configured to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the measured electrical load. The number of remaining user inhalations, i.e., ‘puffs’ can thus be determined based on this measurement.

Possibly, the controller is configured to compare the measured electrical load with a reference electrical load determined from a measurement of the electrical load between the first and second electrodes when the porous liquid storage material does not contain an aerosol generating liquid, and to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the comparison of the measured electrical load with the reference electrical load.

Possibly, the aerosol generating device comprises a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the aerosol generating article, and the controller is configured to adjust the measured electrical load based on the measured temperature. It is known that dielectric response is partly temperature-dependent so measuring the temperature allows an adjustment (i.e., correct! on/compensati on) to be made to the measured electrical load and thereby enables a more reliable determination of the electrical load (and hence the remaining quantity of aerosol generating liquid in the porous liquid storage material) to be made.

The aerosol generating device may be configured so that, during a user inhalation, air flows through the porous liquid storage material. For example, the aerosol generating device may include an air inlet and an air outlet, e.g., in the mouthpiece portion. The aerosol generating device may include an airflow path through the heating chamber, between the air inlet at the air outlet. When a user inhales via the mouthpiece portion, air may flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, along the airflow path through the porous liquid storage material. This airflow through the porous liquid storage material facilitates the release of vapour due to heating and vaporisation of the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material.

Possibly, the aerosol generating article comprises one or more electrodes arranged to correspond with the position of the first electrode and/or the second electrode. This arrangement improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes and the aerosol generating article.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure la is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generating system comprising a first example of an aerosol generating device and a first example of an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure lb is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the first example of the aerosol generating system of Figure la, showing the aerosol generating article prior to being positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure 2a is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generating system comprising the first example of the aerosol generating device and a second example of an aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure 2b is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the second example of the aerosol generating system of Figure 2a, showing the aerosol generating article prior to being positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure 3a is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generating system comprising a second example of an aerosol generating device and the second example of the aerosol generating article, showing the aerosol generating article positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure 3b is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the third example of the aerosol generating system of Figure 3a, showing the aerosol generating article prior to being positioned in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a third example of an aerosol generating article;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fourth example of an aerosol generating article; and

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fifth example of an aerosol generating article. Detailed Description of Embodiments

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to Figures la and lb, there is shown diagrammatically a first example of an aerosol generating system 10. The aerosol generating system 10 comprises a first example of an aerosol generating device 12 and a first example of an aerosol generating article 18 for use with the aerosol generating device 12. The aerosol generating device 12 is electrically operated.

The aerosol generating device 12 has a proximal end 56 and a distal end 58 and comprises a device body 32 which includes a power source 28 and a controller 26. The power source 28 typically comprises one or more batteries which could, for example, be inductively rechargeable. The controller 26 includes circuitry.

The power source 28 and circuitry may be configured to operate at a high frequency in the case of an inductively heated aerosol generating device 12. The power source and circuitry may be configured to operate at a frequency of between approximately 80 kHz and 500 kHz, possibly between approximately 150 kHz and 250 kHz, and possibly at approximately 200 kHz. The power source 28 and circuitry could be configured to operate at a higher frequency, for example in the MHz range. In such examples, the power source 28 and circuitry may be configured to operate at a frequency of between approximately 1 and 2 MHz.

The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a heating chamber 14. The heating chamber 14 may have one or more air inlets (not shown). In the illustrated example, the heating chamber 14 is substantially cylindrical.

The heating chamber 14 is positioned at the proximal end 56 of the aerosol generating device 12. The aerosol generating device 12 may include a plurality of air inlets (not shown) formed in the device body 32 which deliver air to the heating chamber 14 via the air inlets. In Figure la, the aerosol generating article 18 is shown positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 12. In Figure lb, for illustrative purposes the aerosol generating article 18 is shown prior to being positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 12.

The aerosol generating article 18 is a consumable article and may be regarded as a capsule or cartridge. In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating article 18 is substantially cylindrical. The circular cross-section facilitates handling of the aerosol generating article 18 by a user and insertion of the aerosol generating article 18 into a heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 12. It should, however, be noted that a circular cross-section is not essential and that other cross-sectional shapes, such as square, hexagonal, or tetrahedral, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The aerosol generating article 18 comprises a porous liquid storage material 20 that stores or holds an aerosol generating liquid. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article 18 comprises a porous liquid storage material 20 for storing an aerosol generating liquid. The aerosol generating liquid may comprise an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol and may contain other substances such as nicotine and acids. The aerosol generating liquid may also comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourings, e.g., tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavour. The aerosol generating liquid may comprise a suspension of tobacco within a liquid. The term “aerosol generating liquid” used herein includes any non-solid material, e.g., a semiliquid material such as a gel or a wax, capable of generating a vapour or aerosol when heated.

The porous liquid storage material 20 typically comprises a high retention material, for example a porous ceramic, which enables the aerosol generating liquid to be readily absorbed and retained by the porous liquid storage material 20 without any leakage. The porous ceramic material is a high retention material and, thus, allows a sufficient quantity of aerosol generating liquid to be stored for a desired period of use. The porous liquid storage material 20 typically comprises a non-inductively heatable material, for example an electrically non-conductive and non-magnetic material, meaning that it is not inductively heated in the presence of an electromagnetic field.

The porous liquid storage material 20 may comprise a self-supporting material.

The aerosol generating device 12 includes a mouthpiece portion 30 including an outlet (not shown). The mouthpiece portion 30 is moveably connected to the device body 32. The mouthpiece portion 30 is moveable to open and close the heating chamber 14. In the illustrated example, the mouthpiece portion 30 is connected to the device body 32 by a hinged connection 60, but any kind of connection may be used, such as a snap-fit connection, a bayonet connection, or a screw fitting.

The aerosol generating device 12 further comprises a heater 16 arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid.

In some examples, the heater comprises a heating element 62 which surrounds the porous liquid storage material 20. The heating element 62 is mounted on, or defined by, a side wall 48 (i.e., a chamber wall 48) of the heating chamber 14 and thermally contacts an outer surface 64 of the porous liquid storage material 20. Accordingly, the heating element 62 is in thermal contact with the outer surface 64 of the porous liquid storage material 20. This ensures that an efficient and uniform transfer of heat, e.g., by conduction, is achieved from the heating element 62 to the porous liquid storage material 20. The chamber wall 48 of the heating chamber 14 defines a cavity 50 in which the aerosol generating article 18 is positioned.

In some examples, the heating element 62 may be a resistance heating element. In such examples, the resistance heating element is operatively connected to the power source 28 and controller 26. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, when an electric current is passed through the resistance heating element, heat is generated by virtue of Joule heating. Heat from the resistance heating element is transferred to the porous liquid storage material 20, primarily by conduction but possibly also by radiation and/or convection. The aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material 20 is thereby heated to a temperature at which one or more volatile components are released, causing the aerosol generating liquid to be vaporised and a vapour to be generated.

In other examples, the heating element 62 may be an inductively heatable susceptor, which typically comprises a metal, and is inductively heatable in the presence of a time varying (alternating) electromagnetic field.

The inductively heatable susceptor may comprise an electrically conductive material and may comprise a metal. The metal is typically selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and carbon steel. The inductively heatable susceptor could, however, comprise any suitable material including one or more, but not limited, of aluminium, iron, nickel, stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloys thereof, e.g., Nickel Chromium or Nickel Copper. With the application of an electromagnetic field in its vicinity during use of the aerosol generating article 18 in an aerosol generating device 12, the inductively heatable susceptor may generate heat due to eddy currents and/or magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in a conversion of energy from electromagnetic to heat.

In such examples, the aerosol generating device 12 further comprises an induction heating arrangement (not shown) for generating an alternating electromagnetic field that is capable of penetrating (i.e., coupling with) the inductively heatable susceptor to thereby inductively heat the inductively heatable susceptor. The induction heating arrangement comprises a substantially helical induction coil. The induction coil has a circular cross-section and extends around the substantially cylindrical heating chamber 14. The induction coil may, for example, extend around an outer wall of the heating chamber 14. The induction coil may have a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the heating chamber 14. For example, the induction coil may be a helical coil.

The induction coil may comprise a Litz wire or a Litz cable. It will, however, be understood that other materials could be used. The induction coil can be energised by the power source 28 and controller 26. The controller 26 includes, amongst other electronic components, an inverter which is arranged to convert a direct current from the power source 28 into an alternating high- frequency current for the induction coil.

The induction coil may be arranged to operate in use with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between approximately 20mT and approximately 2.0T at the point of highest concentration.

As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, when the aerosol generating article 18 is positioned in the heating chamber 14 as shown in Figure la and the induction coil is energised during use of the aerosol generating system 10, an alternating and time-varying electromagnetic field is produced. This couples with and penetrates the inductively heatable susceptor and generates eddy currents and/or magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor causing it to heat up. The heat is then transferred from the inductively heatable susceptor to the porous liquid storage material 20, primarily by conduction but possibly also by radiation and/or convection. The aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material 20 is thereby heated to a temperature at which one or more volatile components are released, causing the aerosol generating liquid to be vaporised and a vapour to be generated.

Accordingly, the heater 16 may comprise an inductively heatable susceptor and the aerosol generating device 12 may further comprise an induction heating arrangement for generating an alternating electromagnetic field for penetrating the inductively heatable susceptor to thereby inductively heat the inductively heatable susceptor.

By using an inductively heatable susceptor as the heating element 62 in combination with an induction heating arrangement, efficient and rapid heating of the porous liquid storage material 20 is achieved, thereby improving both the aerosol generation capabilities and the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating device 12. The vaporisation of the aerosol generating liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material 20 is facilitated by the addition of air from the surrounding environment through the air inlets. The vapour generated by heating the aerosol generating liquid is released from the porous liquid storage material 20 thanks to its porosity and may cool and condense to form an aerosol.

The vapour or aerosol passes through the outlet in the mouthpiece portion 30 and is inhaled by a user. It will be understood that the flow of air through the aerosol generating device 12, i.e., from the air inlets, along an airflow path through the porous liquid storage material 20, and through the outlet of the mouthpiece portion 30, is aided by negative pressure created by a user drawing air from the outlet side of the aerosol generating device 12 through the mouthpiece portion 30.

Prior to using the aerosol generating system 10, a user must first pivot the mouthpiece portion 30 to the open position shown in Figure lb and insert an aerosol generating article 18 into the heating chamber 14. The user can then pivot the mouthpiece portion 30 to the closed position as shown in Figure la so that the aerosol generating system 10 is ready for use. The aerosol generating device 12 can then be activated (e.g., by a button press) to activate the heater 16 in the manner described above to generate an inhalable aerosol.

With continued use of the aerosol generating device 12, the aerosol generating article 18 becomes depleted, as the aerosol generating substrate liquid is consumed, and no longer releases sufficient volatile components to generate an aerosol with acceptable qualities. When the aerosol generating article 18 becomes depleted it can be easily removed from the heating chamber 14 after pivoting the mouthpiece portion 30 to the open position, and a replacement aerosol generating article 18 can be inserted into the heating chamber 14 in its place.

The aerosol generating device 12 further comprises a first electrode 22 and a second electrode 24. The first electrode 22 is spaced apart from the second electrode 24 so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material 20 is received between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24.

The controller 26 is configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The controller 26 is also configured to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material 20 based on the measured electrical load. The aerosol generating system 10 therefore enables the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material 20 to be monitored. A user may be notified that the porous liquid storage material 20 is empty or near empty by LED or haptic feedback.

In some examples, the electrical load measured by the controller 26 is a capacitive load. As described above, the porous liquid storage material 20 typically comprises a high retention material, for example a porous ceramic. The capacitance of such materials changes according to the amount of aerosol generating liquid present. In other examples, the electrical load measured by the controller 26 is a resistive load. Generally, the greater the resistance, the less aerosol generating liquid present.

In some examples, the controller 26 is configured to control a supply of power from the power source 28 to the heater 16 based on the measured electrical load. In this arrangement, the amount of heat is adjustable to maximise vapour generation and efficiency. For example, initial vapour generation at the start of a vaping session requires less heat than the heat required towards the end of a vaping session when aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material 20 is located at or towards the core of the material 20. The controller 26 may be configured to terminate the supply of power from the power source 28 to the heater 16 when the measured electrical load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In the example illustrated in Figures la and lb, the first electrode 22 is provided on an underside 34 of the mouthpiece portion 30 and the second electrode 24 is provided on a base 36 of the heating chamber 14. In other examples, the second electrode 24 may be provided towards, i.e., close to, the base 36 of the heating chamber 14. In a closed condition of the heating chamber 14 (as illustrated in Figure la) the aerosol generating article 18 positioned in the heating chamber 14 is disposed between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. In the closed condition of the heating chamber 14 the first electrode 22 contacts an in use upper face 38 of the aerosol generating article 18 and the second electrode 24 contacts an in use lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 18. Accordingly, the first and second electrodes 22, 24 are respectively arranged to contact the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 18 positioned in the heating chamber 14. This arrangement improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes 22, 24 and the aerosol generating article 18 based on mechanical stress being applied on the aerosol generating article 18 between the mouthpiece portion 30 and base 36 of the heating chamber 14.

In the example illustrated in Figures la and lb, the first electrode 22 is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use upper face 38 of the aerosol generating article 18 and the second electrode 24 is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 18. Accordingly, the first and second electrodes 22, 24 are respectively configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 18. This arrangement can allow more accurate monitoring of the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in each and every portion of the porous liquid storage material 20 because each and every portion is provided between the first and second electrodes 22, 24.

In other examples, only one of the first or second electrodes 22, 24 may be configured to correspond in shape and size respectively with the in use upper face 38 or lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 18.

In some examples, the controller 26 is configured to measure the electrical load between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 between successive user inhalations to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material 20 based on the measured electrical load. In such examples, the controller 26 is configured to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the measured electrical load. The number of remaining user inhalations, i.e., ‘puffs’ can thus be determined based on this measurement.

The controller 26 may be configured to compare the measured electrical load with a reference electrical load determined from a measurement of the electrical load between the first and second electrodes 22, 24 when the porous liquid storage material 20 does not contain an aerosol generating liquid. In such examples, the controller 26 is configured to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the comparison of the measured electrical load with the reference electrical load. Depletion of aerosol generating liquid can thus be monitored irrespective of the type of aerosol generating liquid.

In some examples, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises a temperature sensor 52 for measuring a temperature of the aerosol generating article 18. The controller 26 is configured to adjust the measured electrical load based on the measured temperature. It is known that dielectric response is partly temperature-dependent so measuring the temperature allows an adjustment (i.e., correction/compensation) to be made to the measured electrical load and thereby enables a more reliable determination of the electrical load (and hence the remaining quantity of aerosol generating liquid in the porous liquid storage material 20) to be made.

Referring now to Figures 2a and 2b, there is shown diagrammatically a second example of an aerosol generating system 100. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises the first example of the aerosol generating device 12 and a second example of an aerosol generating article 66 for use with the aerosol generating device 12. The aerosol generating system 100 is similar to the aerosol generating system 10 described above and corresponding components are identified using the same reference numerals.

In Figure 2a, the aerosol generating article 66 is shown positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 12. In Figure 2b, for illustrative purposes the aerosol generating article 66 is shown prior to being positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 12. In the aerosol generating system 100, the porous liquid storage material 20 has a substantially annular shape and defines a centrally positioned opening 44. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article 66 comprises an opening 44. In such examples, in use at least some of the vapour may be released into the centrally positioned opening 44 and, indeed, some vaporization of the stored aerosol generating liquid may take place in the centrally positioned opening 44. Accordingly, the opening 44 may act as a vaporization chamber and/or vapour outlet channel.

In the aerosol generating system 100, the first and second electrodes 22, 24 do not correspond in shape and size with the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 66.

Referring now to Figures 3a and 3b, there is shown diagrammatically a third example of an aerosol generating system 200. The aerosol generating system 200 comprises a second example of an aerosol generating device 68 and the second example of the aerosol generating article 66 for use with the aerosol generating device 68. The aerosol generating system 200 is similar to the aerosol generating systems 10, 100 described above and corresponding components are identified using the same reference numerals.

In Figure 3a, the aerosol generating article 66 is shown positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 68. In Figure 3b, for illustrative purposes the aerosol generating article 66 is shown prior to being positioned in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol generating device 68.

In the aerosol generating system 200, the heater 16 of the aerosol generating device 68 comprises an elongate heating element 42 which projects into the heating chamber 14.

The porous liquid storage material 20 has a substantially annular shape and defines a centrally positioned opening 44. As illustrated in Figure 3a, the elongate heating element 42 is positioned in the opening 44. In such examples, in use at least some of the vapour may be released into the centrally positioned opening 44 and, indeed, some vaporization of the stored aerosol generating liquid may take place in the centrally positioned opening 44. Accordingly, the opening 44 may act as a vaporization chamber and/or vapour outlet channel.

The provision of a centrally positioned opening 44 also ensures that there is a uniform transfer of heat from the elongate heating element 42 to the liquid stored in the porous liquid storage material 20 and, thus, facilitates vapour generation. The centrally positioned opening 44 may also help to facilitate the correct positioning of the aerosol generating article 66 in the heating chamber 14.

By providing an opening 44 in the porous liquid storage material 20 for receiving the elongate heating element 42 of an aerosol generating device 68, efficient and rapid heating and vaporization of the aerosol generating liquid is achieved, thereby improving both the aerosol generation capabilities and the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating device 68.

In the illustrated example, the elongate heating element 42 is in thermal contact with an inner surface 46 of the porous liquid storage material 20 defined by the opening 44. This further ensures that an efficient and uniform transfer of heat, e.g., by conduction, is achieved from the elongate heating element 42 to the porous liquid storage material.

The elongate heating element 42 may comprise a pin heater or a blade heater. This shape of heating element 42 is particularly suitable for insertion into the opening 44 of the porous liquid storage material 20 and provides a good thermal contact with an inner surface 46 of the porous liquid storage material 20 defined by the opening 44.

In some examples, the elongate heating element 42 may be a resistance heating element as described above in relation to the heating element 62.

In other examples, the elongate heating element 42 may be an inductively heatable susceptor as described above in relation to the heating element 62. In such examples, the cooperation between the elongate inductively heatable susceptor 42 and the centrally positioned opening 44 in the porous liquid storage material 20 facilitates the correct positioning of the aerosol generating article 66 in the heating chamber 14. The correct positioning of the aerosol generating article 66 may also be facilitated by contact between the outer surface 64 of the porous liquid storage material 20 and the side wall 48 of the heating chamber 14. The correct positioning ensures that the inductively heatable susceptor is positioned correctly with respect to the induction coil so that a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 66 is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 14. The ensures that the inductively heatable susceptor is heated efficiently by the generated alternating electromagnetic field.

In the example illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the first electrode 22 is positioned on the elongate heating element 42 and the second electrode 24 is positioned on the chamber wall 48. In other examples, the first and second electrodes 22, 24 may be positioned on the elongate heating element 42.

In the illustrated example, the aerosol generating device 68 includes a plurality of pairs of said first and second electrodes 22, 24. Each pair of first and second electrodes 22, 24 is positioned in the heating chamber 14 so that a different portion of the porous liquid storage material 20 is received between each pair of first and second electrodes 22, 24. In the illustrated example, the first and second electrodes 22, 24 of each pair are concentric with respect to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 14, i.e., the first and second electrodes 22, 24 of each pair are positioned at a corresponding longitudinal position within the heating chamber 14. Thus, the second electrode 24 of each pair is positioned radially outwardly of the corresponding first electrode 22 of each pair. This arrangement can allow more accurate monitoring of the amount of aerosol generating liquid remaining in each of the different portions of the porous liquid storage material 20.

Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, there is shown third, fourth and fifth example aerosol generating articles 70, 72, 74. Each aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74 comprises one or more electrodes 54 arranged to correspond with the position of the first electrode 22 and/or the second electrode 24 of the first example aerosol generating device 12. This arrangement improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes 22, 24 and the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74.

In the illustrated examples, at least one electrode 54 is arranged on each of the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74. Regarding Figure 4, one electrode 54 is arranged on each of the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the third aerosol generating article 70. Concerning Figure 5, two electrodes 54 are arranged on each of the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the fourth aerosol generating article 72. Referring to Figure 6, three electrodes 54 are arranged on each of the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 74.

The at least one electrode 54 on each of the upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74 is arranged to correspond respectively with the position of the first and second electrodes 22, 24 comprised in the aerosol generating device 12. For example, as described above, in the aerosol generating system 10 or 100, in the closed condition of the heating chamber 14 the first electrode 22 contacts the in use upper face 38 of the aerosol generating article 18, 66, 70, 72, 74 and the second electrode 24 contacts the in use lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 18, 66, 70, 72, 74. In such examples, the electrode 54 of the third example aerosol generating article 70 of Figure 4 (or the electrodes of the fourth or fifth example aerosol generating article 72, 74 of Figures 5 and 6) correspond respectively with the position of the first and second electrodes 22, 24 comprised in the aerosol generating device 12. Accordingly, in the closed condition the first and second electrodes 22, 24 contact the electrode(s) 54 of the in use upper and lower faces 38, 40 of the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74 positioned in the heating chamber 14. The electrode(s) 54 are therefore complementary electrodes, that is, complementary to the respective first and second electrodes 22, 24.

In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the aerosol generating article 72, 74 includes a plurality of pairs of electrodes 54 and each pair of electrodes 54 is positioned so that a different portion of the porous liquid storage material 20 is disposed between each pair of electrodes 54. In some examples, the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74 may comprises a number of electrodes 54 respectively corresponding to the number of first electrodes 22 and/or second electrodes 24.

For instance, the aerosol generating device 12 may comprise one first electrode 22 and one second electrode 24 as per the example illustrated in Figures la, lb and 2a, 2b. In such examples, the arrangement may further comprise the third aerosol generating article 70 comprising in total two electrodes 54 arranged to correspond with the positions of the first and second electrodes 22, 24 (which also number two in total). In such an arrangement, in the closed condition the position of the electrode 54 on the in use upper face 38 of the aerosol generating article 70 corresponds to the position of the first electrode 22 provided on the underside 34 of the mouthpiece portion 30. The position of the electrode 54 on the in use lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 70 corresponds to the position of the second electrode 24 provided on the base 36 of the heating chamber 14. In the closed condition of the heating chamber 14, the first electrode 22 contacts the electrode 54 on the in use upper face 38 of the aerosol generating article 70 and the second electrode 24 contacts the electrode 54 on the in use lower face 40 of the aerosol generating article 70.

In other examples, an aerosol generating device 12 may comprise a plurality of pairs of first and second electrodes 22, 24. In such examples, the arrangement may further comprise an aerosol generating article comprising a corresponding number of electrodes 54 arranged to correspond with the positions of the plurality of pairs of first and second electrodes 22, 24. For example, an aerosol generating device 12 comprising two pairs of first and second electrodes 22, 24 (not illustrated) may be useable with the fourth aerosol generating article 72. An aerosol generating device 12 comprising three pairs of first and second electrodes 22, 24 (not illustrated) may be useable with the fifth aerosol generating article 74.

In other (not illustrated) examples, an aerosol generating article may comprise one or more electrodes 54 arranged to correspond with the position of the first electrode 22 and/or the second electrode 24 of the second example aerosol generating device 68. This arrangement improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes 22, 24 and the aerosol generating article. An aerosol generating article may comprise one or more electrodes 54 arranged to correspond with the position of one or more of the pairs of first and second electrodes 22, 24 of the second example aerosol generating device 68. The aerosol generating article may comprises a number of electrodes 54 respectively corresponding to the number of first electrodes 22 and/or the second electrodes 24 of the second example aerosol generating device 68.

The electrodes 54 on the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74 may comprise printed electrodes. This arrangement further improves electrical contact between the first and second electrodes 22, 24 and the aerosol generating article 70, 72, 74.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

For example, the heater 16 may comprise an elongate heating element 42 and further comprise a heating element 62. The elongate heating element 42 extends into the centrally positioned opening 44 in the porous liquid storage material 20 as shown in Figure 3a where it thermally contacts the inner surface 46 of the porous liquid storage material 20. The heating element 62 surrounds the porous liquid storage material 20 and thermally contacts the outer surface 64 of the porous liquid storage material 20 as shown in Figures la and 2a. This arrangement further enhances the heating of the porous liquid storage material 20, because the porous liquid storage material 20 is heated both internally by the elongate heating element 42 and externally by the heating element 62, and may thus enhance the vapour or aerosol generation capabilities of the aerosol generating device.

In such examples, the heating element (i. e. , the elongate heating element 42 and/or the heating element 62) may comprise a resistance heating element. The aerosol generating device 12, 68 may, thus, have a simple and compact design. Alternatively, the heating element (i.e., the elongate heating element 42 and/or the heating element 62) may comprise an inductively heatable susceptor. By using an inductively heatable susceptor as the heating element in combination with an induction heating arrangement, efficient and rapid heating of the porous liquid storage material 20 is achieved, thereby improving both the aerosol generation capabilities and the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating device 12, 68.

The annular porous liquid storage material 20 may have a circular, square, hexagonal, or tetrahedral cross-sectional shape.

There is thus described an aerosol generating system 10, 100, 200 with a number of advantages as described above, and as follows. The aerosol generating article 18, 66, 70, 72, 74 comprised in the system has a simple construction that uses a small number of component parts and materials, thereby facilitating its manufacture and minimising its environmental impact. The aerosol generating article 18, 66, 70, 72, 74 can be easily stored and handled by a user.

The Figures also illustrate a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 10, 68 and an aerosol generating article 18, 66, 70, 72, 74 according to examples of the disclosure. The Figures also illustrate a method of providing an aerosol generating system 10, 100, 200 according to examples of the disclosure.

Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) comprising: an aerosol generating device (12, 68) comprising a heating chamber (14) and a heater (16); and an aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) positioned in the heating chamber (14), the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) comprising: a porous liquid storage material (20) for storing an aerosol generating liquid, wherein the heater (16) is arranged for heating and vaporising the stored aerosol generating liquid; wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) further comprises: a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) spaced apart from the first electrode (22) so that at least a portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24); and a controller (26) configured to measure an electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) and to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load.

2. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) includes a power source (28) and the controller (26) is configured to control a supply of power from the power source (28) to the heater (16) based on the measured electrical load.

3. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the controller (26) is configured to terminate the supply of power from the power source (28) to the heater (16) when the measured electrical load exceeds a predetermined threshold.

4. An aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrode (22) is arranged to contact an in use upper face (38) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) and the second electrode (24) is arranged to contact an in use lower face (40) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74).

5. An aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) comprises a mouthpiece portion (30) moveably connected to a device body (32), wherein the mouthpiece portion (30) is moveable to open and close the heating chamber (14), wherein the first electrode (22) is provided on an underside (34) of the mouthpiece portion (30) and the second electrode (24) is provided on, or towards, the base (36) of the heating chamber (14), wherein in a closed condition of the heating chamber (14) the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) positioned in the heating chamber (14) is disposed between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24).

6. An aerosol generating system (10, 100) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first electrode (22) is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use upper face (38) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74) and the second electrode (24) is configured to correspond in shape and size with the in use lower face (40) of the aerosol generating article (18, 66, 70, 72, 74).

7. An aerosol generating system (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (16) comprises an elongate heating element (42) which projects into the heating chamber (14) and the aerosol generating article (66, 70, 72, 74) comprises an opening (44) in which the elongate heating element (42) is positioned, wherein the elongate heating element (42) is in thermal contact with an inner surface (46) of the porous liquid storage material (20) defined by the opening (44).

8. An aerosol generating system (200) according to claim 7 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating chamber (14) includes a chamber wall (48) defining a cavity (50) in which the aerosol generating article (66, 70, 72, 74) is positioned, wherein the first electrode (22) is positioned on the elongate heating element (42) and the second electrode (24) is positioned on the chamber wall (48).

9. An aerosol generating system (10) according to claim 7 when dependent on any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second electrodes (22, 24) are positioned on the elongate heating element (42).

10. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) includes a plurality of pairs of said first and second electrodes (22, 24) and each pair of first and second electrodes (22, 24) is positioned in the heating chamber (14) so that a different portion of the porous liquid storage material (20) is received between each pair of first and second electrodes (22, 24).

11. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (26) is configured to measure the electrical load between the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) between successive user inhalations to determine the quantity of aerosol generating liquid remaining in the porous liquid storage material (20) based on the measured electrical load.

12. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 11, wherein the controller (26) is configured to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the measured electrical load.

13. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to claim 12, wherein the controller (26) is configured to compare the measured electrical load with a reference electrical load determined from a measurement of the electrical load between the first and second electrodes (22, 24) when the porous liquid storage material (20) does not contain an aerosol generating liquid, and to determine the remaining number of user inhalations based on the comparison of the measured electrical load with the reference electrical load.

14. An aerosol generating system (10, 100, 200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generating device (12, 68) is configured so that, during a user inhalation, air flows through the porous liquid storage material (20).

15. An aerosol generating system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating article (70, 72, 74) comprises one or more electrodes (54) arranged to correspond with the position of the first electrode (22) and/or the second electrode (24).