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
  • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
• • 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
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for 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
  • A24F40/10—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
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, an induction assembly for use in the aerosol delivery system, a cartridge comprising a susceptor, a device part for use with the induction assembly, and a method for operating the aerosol delivery system.
• the cartomiser generally includes a reservoir of liquid and an atomiser for vaporising the liquid. These parts may collectively be designated as an aerosol source.
• the atomiser generally combines the functions of porosity or wicking and heating in order to transport liquid from the reservoir to a location where it is heated and vaporised.
• the control unit generally includes a battery for supplying power to operate the system. Electrical power from the battery is delivered to activate the heater, which heats up to vaporise a small amount of liquid delivered from the reservoir. The vaporised liquid is then inhaled by the user.
• the components of the cartomiser can be intended for short term use only, so that the cartomiser is a disposable component of the system, also referred to as a consumable.
• the control unit is typically intended for multiple uses with a series of cartomisers, which the user replaces as each expires.
• Consumable cartomisers are supplied to the consumer with a reservoir pre-filled with liquid, and intended to be disposed of when the reservoir is empty.
• the reservoir is sealed and designed not to be easily refilled, since the liquid may be difficult to handle. It is simpler for the user to replace the entire cartomiser when a new supply of liquid is needed.
• cartomisers are straightforward to manufacture and comprise few parts, whilst providing a suitable amount of vapour upon activation of the heater. They can hence be efficiently manufactured in large quantities at low cost with minimum waste without comprising the user's vaping experience. Cartomisers of a simple design which allow for efficient heating are hence of interest.
• a cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate comprises an insertion portion defining at least in part an aerosol chamber and a substrate region, the insertion portion defined by a longitudinal axis corresponding to an insertion direction; and the cartridge comprises a susceptor provided within the insertion portion, the susceptor comprising a planar surface separating the aerosol chamber from the substrate region, wherein the planar surface is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis.
• the planar surface extends through a centre of a cross-section of the insertion portion which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
• the cross-section of the insertion proportion comprises an elliptical or circular periphery, wherein the planar surface is co-parallel with a diameter of the cross-section.
• the planar surface is defined by a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the length is parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the length is in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm and wherein the width is in the range of 2 mm to 15 mm.
• the susceptor comprises a plurality of apertures extending through the susceptor.
• the susceptor is formed of a material having a capillary structure configured to wick a liquid aerosol generating substrate.
• the susceptor comprises a planar element, the planar element having a thickness in the range of one or more of 20 ⁇ m to 70 ⁇ m, 30 ⁇ m to 60 ⁇ m, and 40 ⁇ m to 55 ⁇ m.
• the cartridge comprises a reservoir for a liquid aerosol generating substrate, wherein the cartridge is configured to supply liquid aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir to the susceptor.
• the substrate region comprises a liquid transport element configured to wick the liquid aerosol generating substrate towards the susceptor.
• the liquid transport element is formed of a susceptor material.
• the substrate region comprises one or more liquid flow channels for guiding liquid aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir.
• the insertion portion comprises a plurality of ribs, each of which is configured to abut a respective portion of the liquid transport element, wherein the one or more liquid flow channels are defined between respective pairs of ribs of the plurality of ribs.
• the cartridge comprises a sub-reservoir provided at or towards an opposite end of the susceptor to the reservoir, the sub-reservoir configured to hold a smaller volume of liquid aerosol generating substrate than the reservoir, and wherein the cartridge is configured to supply liquid from the sub-reservoir to the susceptor.
• a mouthpiece for use with a cartridge in accordance with the first aspect.
• the mouthpiece comprises an outlet and a cavity configured to accommodate at least a portion of the cartridge.
• an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate.
• the aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge in accordance with the first aspect, and an induction assembly in accordance with the third aspect.
• the aerosol delivery system comprises a mouthpiece in accordance with the second aspect.
• the method comprises: inserting the insertion portion into a receiving cavity of the induction assembly, wherein a susceptor is provided within the insertion portion, the susceptor comprising a planar surface separating the aerosol chamber from the substrate region, wherein the planar surface is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis; and driving the induction element to induce current flow in the susceptor to inductively heat the susceptor and so vaporise a portion of the aerosol generating substrate in the vicinity of the susceptor.
• a cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate comprising an insertion portion defining at least in part an aerosol chamber and a substrate region, the insertion portion defined by a longitudinal axis corresponding to an insertion direction; and a susceptor provided within the insertion portion, the susceptor comprising a planar surface separating the aerosol chamber from the substrate region, wherein the planar surface is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis.
• a cartridge as described above comprises a susceptor which can be efficiently heated due to the positioning of the susceptor relative to insertion direction, hence improving the position of the susceptor in an induction element when the insertion portion is inserted into an induction assembly.
• the cartridge is relatively simple to manufacture because of the side by side arrangement of the aerosol chamber and substrate region which is created by positioning the planar surface to separate the aerosol chamber and substrate region.
• delivery system is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and
• a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
• a heat-not-burn system is a tobacco heating system.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
• Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
• the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material.
• the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
• the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
• the power source may, for example, be an electric power source.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
• the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
• the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised.
• either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
• the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
• the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
• the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
• the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
• the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
• the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
• the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug.
• the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
• the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
• the active substance may be CBD or a derivative thereof.
• the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
• botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
• the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
• the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
• the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
• the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
• the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
• the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
• the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
• flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
• the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
• the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
• the flavour comprises eugenol.
• the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
• the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
• Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
• the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
• the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
• the aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
• controller 28 such as a printed circuit board and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the aerosol delivery system 10.
• the control electronics / circuitry 28 operates the induction element 42 using power from the power supply 25 when vapour is required, for example in response to a signal indicative of a user pressing a button (not shown) or from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets 14 (e.g. provided at a junction between the device part 20 and the cartridge 30).
• the induction assembly 40 comprises a ferrite shield 48, such as a film, foil or sheet, which may be retained in position by the support structure 44.
• a ferrite shield 48 such as a film, foil or sheet, which may be retained in position by the support structure 44.
• the ferrite shield may be inserted or embedded into the support structure 44, or wrapped around an outer surface of the support structure 44.
• a ferrite shield can be used to inhibit magnetic flux in the direction of the shield from the induction element 42, when power is supplied to the induction element 42.
• the ferrite shield 48 is disposed about a circumference of the induction element 42. In some examples, the ferrite shield 48 comprises a film, foil or sheet. In some examples, the ferrite shield 48 is inserted or embedded into a support 44 for the induction element 42. In some examples, the ferrite shield 48 comprises a sleeve surrounding a support 44 for the induction element 42.
• the cartridge 30 and induction assembly 40 are shaped (e.g. the cartridge housing 36 and the induction support 44, respectively) so that when they are connected, there is an appropriate exposure of the susceptor 34 to flux generated by the induction element 42 for the purpose of generating current flow in the material of the heater.
• the cartridge 30 comprises an insertion portion 61 defining at least in part an aerosol chamber 63 and a substrate region 65.
• the insertion portion 61 is defined by a longitudinal axis corresponding to an insertion direction.
• the insertion portion 61 is inserted into the induction assembly 40 by aligning the insertion portion 61 with a corresponding cavity or recess of the induction assembly 40 and moving the insertion portion 61 in the insertion direction towards the induction assembly 40.
• the insertion portion 61 may alternatively be called an engagement portion, for example.
• the cartridge 30 may be disengaged from the induction assembly 40 by moving the cartridge in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.
• a susceptor 34 is provided within the insertion portion 61.
• the susceptor comprises a planar surface 341 separating the aerosol chamber 63 from the substrate region 65.
• the planar surface 341 is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis.
• the planar surface 341 separating the aerosol chamber 63 from the substrate region 65 it is meant that the planar surface define the border of the aerosol chamber 63 which is on the side adjacent (or closest to) the substrate region 65.
• the planar surface 341 extends through a centre of a cross-section of the insertion portion 61 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
• the insertion portion 61 can be considered to be defined by a peripheral boundary or circumference, with a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e. the insertion direction).
• the outer cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 61 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may be constant for substantially the whole length of the insertion portion 61.
• the outer cross-sectional shape may be constant except for the end of the insertion portion 61 which is join or connected with the remainder of the cartridge housing 36 (e.g. the mouth-end or reservoir portion), or where the end of the insertion portion 61 that defines an end of the cartridge 30 (e.g. the end of the insertion portion 61 which is first inserted into the induction assembly 40).
• a centre of the cross-section of the insertion portion 61 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis can be defined as the geometric centre of the peripheral boundary or circumference.
• the planar element may extend through a centre of a cross-section of the insertion portion 61 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
• extends through the centre of the cross-section it is meant that the planar surface 341 (or the susceptor 34 in the form of a planar element) is positioned within the insertion portion 61 such that the centre of the cross section of the insertion portion 61 intersects the planar surface 341. This ensures that the aerosol generation zone of the susceptor 34 is substantially central to an induction element 42 which surrounds the insertion portion 61 (e.g. a spiral coil which is coiled around the longitudinal axis).
• the insertion portion 61 comprises an air inlet for introducing air into the aerosol chamber 63 and / or an outlet allowing aerosol to leave the aerosol chamber 63 (the aerosol chamber 63 providing part of the air pathway 16).
• air in the air pathway 16 is directed into the air inlet (e.g. from a channel between the induction assembly 40 and the cartridge 30) and travels through the aerosol chamber 63 in which the aerosol can be formed, before the aerosol (or vapour) entrained in the air is drawn out of the aerosol chamber 63 towards the outlet 16 of the system 10.
• an air inlet for introducing air into the aerosol chamber 63 may be provided by a different portion of the housing 36.
• An attractive feature of induction heating is that no electrical connection to the conducting item is needed; the requirement instead is that a sufficient magnetic flux density is created in the region occupied by the item.
• this is beneficial since a more effective separation of liquid and electrical current can be effected.
• Induction heating is effective for the direct heating of an electrically conductive item, as described above, but can also be used to indirectly heat non-conducting items.
• the need is to provide heat to liquid in the porous wicking part of the atomiser in order to cause vaporisation.
• the electrically conducting item is placed adjacent to or in contact with the item in which heating is required, and between the work coil and the item to be heated. The work coil heats the conducting item directly by induction heating, and heat is transferred by thermal radiation or thermal conduction to the non-conducting item.
• the conducting item is termed a susceptor.
• the heating component can be provided by an electrically conductive material (typically metal) which is used as an induction susceptor to transfer heat energy to a liquid proximal to the atomiser (e.g. held by a wick 35 and / or the susceptor 34 itself).
• an electrically conductive material typically metal
• induction susceptor to transfer heat energy to a liquid proximal to the atomiser (e.g. held by a wick 35 and / or the susceptor 34 itself).
• the susceptor 34 (sometimes called heater or susceptor heating element) may usefully be formed from a suitable material, which is electrically resistive/conductive, in other words able to carry an electrical current. This enables the heater to have its temperature increased by exposure to a magnetic field generated by a high frequency alternating current in a work coil, by induction effects as noted above, where the magnetic flux induces eddy currents in the heater material.
• the susceptor 34 comprises a sheet of an appropriate material, suitably dimensioned and shaped for making into a heater.
• a suitable element for a heater 34 is to be made from an electrically conductive material, with adequate resistance to enable heating by induction effects via induced eddy currents.
• the susceptor 34 is provided by a planar element such as a sheet.
• the susceptor 34 is a sheet or foil of a metallic material, where suitable metals include mild steel, ferritic stainless steel, aluminium, nickel, cupro-nickel, nichrome (nickel chrome alloy), and alloys of these materials.
• the sheet may be laminate of layers of two or more materials.
• the sheet thickness should be thin enough to allow a portion with a curved shape to be formed to make the heater without the requirement for excessive force, and thick enough to hold the curved shape once it has been formed without reversion of the sheet back towards its original configuration (e.g. a flat sheet).
• the susceptor comprises a planar element, the planar element having a thickness in the range of one or more of 20 ⁇ m to 70 ⁇ m, 30 ⁇ m to 60 ⁇ m, and 40 ⁇ m to 55 ⁇ m.
• the thickness of a sheet providing the susceptor 34 may be in the range of about 20 ⁇ m to about 70 ⁇ m, for example about 30 ⁇ m to about 60 ⁇ m, or about 40 ⁇ m to about 55 ⁇ m. These values may be the total thickness of the sheet including any supporting elements or coatings. If the thickness is insufficient, the heater may lack adequate structural integrity, although this may be compensated by additional components (e.g. support components).
• a susceptor for a heater 34 has a simple rectangular shape or profile.
• the susceptor 34 can be formed of a sheet having a rectangular shape with a length 5 to 50 mm) and width (e.g. 2 to 15 mm) that are significantly greater than a thickness of the sheet (e.g. 20 ⁇ m to 70 ⁇ m).
• an element providing a susceptor may have an alternative shape such as a non-rectangular, polygonal shape or a circular or elliptical shape . This may be particularly useful where heating is intended to be focussed at particular zones or portions within the cartridge 30.
• the susceptor can be provided with a shape that corresponds to zones which are incident with relatively large magnetic flux from the induction element.
• the susceptor 34 is not provided by a sheet (i.e. defined by two dimensions and a thickness of a relatively small order of magnitude in comparison to the two dimensions) and may, for example, be instead provided by a block element having a thickness of a similar order of magnitude to the two dimensions defining the planar surface of the susceptor 34; the element or block formed of a suitable electrically conductive material, with adequate resistance to enable heating by induction effects via induced eddy currents.
• the susceptor 34 may comprise an inductively heatable material such as wire wool or mesh (e.g. a (ferritic) stainless steel mesh) or a metal foam (e.g. nickel foam or cupro-nickel foam) formed into an appropriate shape.
• a block e.g. provided by stainless steel mesh or nickel foam
• a block may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm.
• the stainless steel mesh or nickel foam may have a thickness in the range of 1.5 to 3 mm.
• a block element may have a shape such as a flat slab (e.g. a cuboid), with a thickness as described above.
• a block element may be formed in the shape of a semi-circle rod (e.g. a rod having a semi-circular cross-section perpendicular to the elongation direction of the rod).
• a semi-circle rod e.g. a rod having a semi-circular cross-section perpendicular to the elongation direction of the rod.
• Such a semi-circle rod may have a profile or shape matching a corresponding cavity in the insertion portion 61 (e.g. the substrate region 65).
• a suitable block element may be formed by pressing a steel mesh into a required shape or by forming a nickel foam within a mould having a required shape.
• the susceptor 34 (sometimes called the susceptor heating element 34 or heater 34) comprises a plurality of apertures extending through the susceptor 34. Said apertures may be called perforations or holes.
• the plurality of perforations may be holes cut or punched through the material of a susceptor 34 formed from a planar element (e.g. a sheet of material). Each hole is small compared to the total external surface area of the susceptor 34 (e.g. the plane of a sheet).
• the holes are relatively closely packed and evenly distributed over the surface of the susceptor 34 so that many holes are included.
• the holes may be circular, for example, or may be elongated or slot-shaped.
• the purpose of the holes is to enable the generated vapour to more easily escape from the atomiser (e.g. wick and susceptor) into the aerosol chamber to be collected by the airflow through the aerosol chamber.
• the atomiser e.g. wick and susceptor
• the generated vapour can flow through the perforations into the free space of the air pathway 16 adjacent to the heater 34.
• a range for the total area then taken up the perforations may be in the range of about 5% to 30%, for example about 20% of the total heater material area, for example. In any case, it is useful that the total area of the perforations does not exceed about 50%, due to manufacturing restrictions. Also, too large an open area (total area of the perforations) may lead to poor inductive coupling in the event that induction heating is used, while too small an open area makes it difficult for generated vapour to escape from the wick 35.
• the planar surface 341 of the susceptor 34 is defined by a length and a width (e.g. when the planar surface is a rectangle), wherein the length is greater than the width.
• the length is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the induction element 42.
• the number density of the plurality of apertures varies along the length and / or along the width of the planar surface. By the number density it is meant the number of apertures per unit area. In some examples, the number density of the plurality of apertures increases monotonically along a length of the susceptor 34. For example, the number density may increase from an end of the susceptor 34 close to the reservoir 33 towards an end of the susceptor 34 away from the reservoir 33.
• the number density of the plurality of apertures increases or decreases along the width from edges of the planar surface 341 to a centre of the planar surface 341. In other words, the number density of the plurality of apertures increases from the edge of the susceptor 34 (perpendicular to the ends defining the length) towards the centre of the susceptor 34.
• the wick 35 comprises an inductively heatable material such as a stainless steel mesh or a nickel foam.
• Said wick 35 formed of an inductively heatable material may also provide the heater 34 component (e.g. a combined wick-heater atomiser) or may be in addition to the heater 34 (e.g. the wick part of an atomiser formed of a wick 35 and heater 34).
• the heater 34 component e.g. a combined wick-heater atomiser
• the wick 35 When the wick 35 is placed in the flux of the magnetic field, the field penetrates the item and induces electric eddy currents. These flow in the item, and generate heat according to current flow against the electrical resistance of the item via Joule heating, in the same manner as heat is produced in a resistive electrical heating element by the direct supply of current.
• a stainless steel mesh or nickel foam providing a wick 35 has a shape corresponding to the susceptor 34.
• a wick 35 and a susceptor 34 may comprise abutting surfaces which are configured to ensure reasonable contact between the wick 35 and the susceptor 34 when the wick 35 and susceptor 34 are provided in the insertion portion 61.
• the wick 35 can abut a second susceptor surface of the susceptor 34 on the opposing side of the susceptor 34 to the planar surface 341.
• the wick 35 can aid in positioning the susceptor 34 by, for example, exerting a retaining force on the susceptor 34 caused by compression of the wick 34 and positioning of the susceptor 34 between the wick 35 and an element of the housing 36 defining the insertion portion 61 to push the susceptor 34 against the element of the housing 36.
• the liquid transport element 35 comprises a semi-circle rod, wherein a flat surface of the semi-circle rod abuts the second susceptor surface.
• a semi-circle rod it is meant a rod having a semi-circular cross-section perpendicular to the elongation direction of the rod. It will be appreciated that such a rod has a flat surface defining a diameter of the circle and a curved surface defining a 180° arc of a circle.
• the curved surface is configured to correspond to a shape of the substrate region 65 such that an interference fit is provided between the liquid transport element 35 and at least a portion of the housing defining the substrate region 65, thereby aiding in retaining the liquid transport element 35 in place.
• a rod can be provided which comprises a flat surface for abutting the susceptor 34, but which does not comprise a curved surface or do not comprise a semi-circular cross section.
• a rod may be a cuboid or have a cross section defined by a plurality of curved and or linear surfaces in addition to the flat surface.
• the cartridge 30 and induction assembly 40 are shaped so that a portion of the cartridge 30 is received within a cavity or void 49 of the induction assembly 40 when the cartridge 30 and induction assembly 40 are connected.
• Said cavity or void 49 may be termed a receiving cavity 49.
• the receiving cavity 49 is defined by a housing or support 44 of the induction assembly 40.
• the support 44 may comprise an inner surface defining the shape of the receiving cavity 49.
• a portion of the support 44 defining part of the receiving cavity 49 may be a tubular support.
• the induction element 42 is provided in the form of a spiral or helical induction element 42.
• the induction element 42 is formed substantially in a coil surrounding and extending along an axis.
• the axis around which the induction element 42 is formed is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the system 10.
• the induction element 42 is formed by of a conductive element or component embedded within or provided on a surface of the support 44 defining the receiving cavity 49 (e.g. within a tubular part of the support 44).
• the induction element 42 is provided such that a portion of the cartridge 30 inserted into the receiving cavity 49 is within the coil of the induction element 42.
• a portion of the cartridge 30 comprising the susceptor 34 is provided within the coil of the induction element 32 when the cartridge 30 is received in the receiving cavity.
• an AC electric current is passed through the helical induction coil 42 which results in the generation of a varying magnetic field which generates eddy currents within a susceptor 34 of a cartridge 30 thereby rapidly heating the susceptor 34, which may result in aerosol being generated.
• a support 44 comprises a substantially tubular or annular body having a size that corresponds to the induction element 42.
• the inner diameter of a tubular support 44 may be equivalent to the required diameter of an induction element 42 which is received on the inner surface of the tubular portion of the support 44, or the outer diameter of a tubular support 44 may be equivalent to the required diameter of an induction element 42 received outer surface of the tubular portion of the support 44 (e.g. an induction element 42 deposited on a surface or embedded into grooves provided in the surface, as discussed below).
• the coil of the induction element 42 may have a constant number of turns per unit length (i.e. along the axis) or the number of turns per unit length may be different at different sections of the coil of the induction element 42.
• a coil can be considered to have a total length which can be subdivided into two or more sections.
• a coil comprises two equal sections (i.e. the length of the first section is the same as the length of the first section, and the number of turns per unit length in the first section is the same as the number of turns per unit length in the second section).
• the number of turns per unit length may be greater in the first section than the number of turns per unit length in the second section, or vice versa.
• a coil may comprise a plurality of sections and wherein at least some of the sections may have a different or the same number of turns per unit length.
• the induction element 42 comprises two or more separate and distinct coils, each of which may have a same or different number turns per unit length and / or total length. The variation in the number of turns can increase or decrease the rate at which the susceptor 34 is heated (e.g. the rate at which the susceptor can reach a maximum operating temperature). Such an arrangement may provide asymmetrical heating of susceptor materials within a cartridge 30 along the length of the cartridge which is received within the receiving cavity 49, if desired.
• the induction assembly 40 comprises a first induction element 42 and a second induction element both of which are disposed about the same longitudinal axis.
• a first portion of the susceptor 34 is located at least partly within the first induction element and a second portion of the susceptor 34 is located at least partly within the second induction element.
• the first and second induction elements are operable to induce current flow in the second portion of the susceptor to inductively heat the first and second portions of susceptor 34, respectively.
• the first and second induction elements may have a same length, diameter and number of turns per unit length (including any variation in the number of turns per unit length), or alternatively one or more of the length, diameter, number of turns per unit lengths (including variation in the number of turns per unit length) may differ between the different induction elements.
• each additional induction element may be the same as, or differ from, one or more other induction elements.
• the first portion of the susceptor 34 and the second portion of the susceptor 34 are portions of a single susceptor.
• the susceptor 34 may be a tube component extending into both the first and second induction elements.
• the portion of the induction assembly 40 containing the induction element 42 is part of the support structure 44 or housing (sometimes called the support 44 as above) of the induction assembly 40.
• the support structure 44 may surround the induction element 42 thereby providing a protective housing for the induction element and / or to support or maintain the position of the induction element 42 within the induction assembly 40.
• at least a portion of the induction element 42 may not be covered by the support structure 44. In such examples, the induction element 42 may be exposed to ambient air.
• the support 44 can provide other functionality such as facilitating the attachment of the induction assembly 40 to the control part 20.
• the susceptor 34 is configured to provide a planar surface which is received within the spiral or helical shape of the induction element 42.
• the susceptor 34 is responsive to the magnetic field generated by the induction element 42.
• the distance separating the susceptor 34 (e.g. the outer surface of the susceptor 34) from the induction element 42 (e.g. the inner diameter of the spiral shape of the induction element 42) is sometimes called the coupling distance.
• the susceptor 34 and the induction element 42 effectively form a pair in which the induction element 42 is inductively coupled to the susceptor and is able to transmit or transfer energy to the susceptor 34 when a current is applied to the induction element 42.
• the coupling distance relates to the distance across which energy is transferred from the induction element 42 to the susceptor. The further away the susceptor 34 is (i.e. the larger the coupling distance), the greater the loss in energy.
• the coupling distance is different for different portions of the susceptor 34 with the central portion of the planar surface 341 having a maximum distance from the induction element 42 and the edge portion (defining a width of the planar surface 341) having a reduced coupling distance.
• portions of the susceptor 34 away from the planar surface 341 also have a reduced coupling distance.
• the coupling distance away from the centre of the planar surface 341 may be dependent on the thickness of any surrounding housing of the insertion portion 61 and the induction element 42 (e.g. a support 44), and also the width of any air gap between the insertion portion 61 and the induction assembly 40), as these factors limit the possible width of the susceptor 34.
• different portions of the susceptor 34 with different coupling distances are therefore heated differently by the magnetic field.
• an air pathway 16 does not extend between longitudinally extending portions of the insertion portion 61 and the support 44, and the separation of the separation of the insertion portion 61 and the induction assembly 40 is in the range of up to 0.5 mm, and preferably less than 0.2mm.
• a small separation of the insertion portion 61 and the induction assembly 40 may cause an interference fit to be formed which aids in retaining the cartridge 30 with the induction assembly 40.
• system 10 may be unitary, in that the parts of the device part 20 (including the induction assembly 40) and the cartridge 30 are comprised in a single housing and cannot be separated.
• Embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.
• the induction assembly 40 is for use with a cartridge 30 in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the induction assembly 40 comprises an induction element 42 disposed about a longitudinal axis corresponding to an insertion direction of an insertion portion 61 of the cartridge 30.
• the induction element 42 is operable to induce current flow in the susceptor 34 to inductively heat the susceptor 34 to aerosolise a portion of the aerosol generating substrate in the vicinity of the susceptor 34.
• the receiving portion 46 will not comprise the spiral recess 47, and may instead comprise a recess of a different configuration or a surface upon the induction element 42 can be formed.
• the thickness of the receiving portion 46 (e.g. thickness of tubular walls) is selected to be equal or to approximately equal the width of the induction element 42 received in the spiral recess 47 (e.g. the diameter of a wire providing a spiral coil). By approximately equal it is meant that the thickness may be slightly less than the width of the induction element 42 (no less than 95% of the width), or slightly more than the support the width of the induction element 42 (no more than 105% of the width). In some examples, the thickness of the receiving portion 46 is selected to provide structural rigidity to the induction assembly 40 and / or support for the induction element 42.
• the base portion 45 comprises attachment features 43 configured to facilitate the connection of the housing 44 to a control part 20 having corresponding attachment features (i.e. the control part 20 of Figure 1 ).
• the attachment features 473 allow an induction assembly 40 to be reversibly connected to a control part, such that the induction assembly 40 can be removed and replaced without damaging the control part or the induction assembly 40.
• the attachment features 43 may be omitted (e.g. the housing 44 may be integrally formed with a housing of the control part), or the attachment features 43 may be configured to provide a permanent attachment which is not intended to be reversed (i.e. disconnected).
• the base portion 45 may also facilitate the electronic connection of the induction element 40 to the control part 20.
• the base portion 45 comprise through holes 41 for respective ends of a wire coil providing the induction element 42, or for electrodes connecting to the induction element 42.
• said through holes 41 extend from a top surface of the base portion 45 to a bottom surface in order to allow the wire ends or electrodes to pass through the base portion 45 towards the interface with the device part 20.
• the base portion 45 further comprises one or more channels providing a portion of the air pathway 16.
• the channel may for example direct, or facilitate, air flow through the base portion 45 and into the receiving cavity 49 defined by the receiving portion 46.
• a suitable channel may align with a corresponding channel provided by the cartridge 30 (i.e. a channel defined in part by the susceptor 34), such that air may flow from the induction assembly 40 into the channel of the cartridge 30.
• the channel may extend into a recessed void on the lower side of the base portion (opposite the receiving portion 46) which is configured to allow airflow between the base portion 45 and the device part (e.g. a surface of a housing of a device part as shown in Figure 1 ).
• Figure 2 depicts an induction element 42 comprising a wire coil.
• the wire coil is a length of wire which has been configured or shaped into a spiral coil.
• the wire coil may be manipulated into the required shape by winding the wire of the coil onto the outer surface of the receiving portion 46 (e.g. by winding the wire into the spiral recess 47).
• the wire coil further comprises two respective ends 421 which are configured to allow the formation of a circuit for the transmission of power through the wire coil providing the induction element 42.
• the respective ends 421 may be inserted into through holes 41 of the base portion 45 when the wire coil is combined with the support 44.
• Figure 2 depicts a ferrite shield 48.
• the ferrite shield 48 comprises a sleeve which is provided over the receiving portion 46 and induction element 42 (in other words the receiving portion 46 and induction element 42 are inserted into the sleeve of the ferrite shield 48), or the ferrite shield 48 is wrapped around the receiving portion 46 and induction element 42.
• the ferrite shield 48 acts to block or inhibit magnetic flux in an outward direction from the induction element 42 when a current is applied through the induction element 42.
• FIG 3 is a exploded perspective drawing of an example cartridge 30 in accordance with the present disclosure.
• the cartridge 30 may be for use with an induction assembly 40 comprising the support 44 of Figure 2 .
• the cartridge 30 comprises an upper housing 361, a lower housing 362, a seal 363, a susceptor 34, and a liquid transport element 35 (sometimes called a wick).
• Various aspects of the cartridge 30 may be as described in relation to Figure 1 .
• the liquid transport element or wick 35 of Figure 3 comprises a rod formed of a suitable wicking material (e.g. cotton or a synthetic material).
• the rod is a semi-circle rod in that the cross-sectional shape of the rod perpendicular to the elongation direction of the rod is a semi-circle.
• the susceptor 34 of Figure 3 is positioned adjacent to a flat surface of the wick 35 of Figure 3 (defined across the diameter of the semi-circle) such that the wick 35 is able to supply liquid to a surface of the susceptor 34, opposite to the planar surface 341.
• the planar surface 341 of the susceptor 34 opposite to the surface which is supplied with liquid, defines a portion of the aerosol chamber 63 (not shown) within the insertion portion 61.
• the upper housing 361 defines an internal volume which is configured to retain a liquid aerosol generating material. In other words, the upper housing 361 provides a reservoir.
• the lower housing 362 defines a volume (or void) which is configured to receive the susceptor 34 and liquid transport element 35. Said volume is divided into the substrate region 65 and the aerosol chamber 63 by a planar surface 341 of the susceptor 34 provided in the volume (and aligned with a longitudinal axis corresponding to the insertion direction. As such the lower housing 362 defines or comprises the insertion portion 61.
• each liquid flow channel 37 is configured to cause a capillary effect on the liquid aerosol generating material to draw liquid into the liquid flow channel 37.
• a liquid flow channel 37 may have a width in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm (the width being perpendicular to an direction of elongation of the channel 37).
• the capillary effect of a channel 37 on the liquid aerosol generating material may be defined by capillary drive force of the channel 37 which relates to the ability of the liquid flow channel 37 to draw liquid aerosol generating material into by the capillary effect.
• ribs 39 can be configured to provide liquid flow channels 37 and to positon the liquid transport element 35, even where the liquid transport element 35 is not a semi-circle rod.
• the lower housing 361 defining the insertion portion 61 can be configured to provide ribs 39 which protrude to contact a liquid transport element 35 of a different shape (e.g. a square rod or other polygonal rod).
• the lower housing 361 comprises at least two shoulders 368 configured to support the susceptor 34 such that the planar surface spans a distance between the at least two shoulders.
• each of the at least two shoulders 368 can contact a respective portion of the susceptor 34 (such as a portion of the planar surface 341).
• the wick 35 can aid in positioning the susceptor 34 by retaining the susceptor 34 against the at least two shoulders 368.
• the ribs 39 may position the liquid transport element 35 within the insertion portion 61, which in turn may position the susceptor 34 against the shoulders 368.
• the liquid transport element 35 and susceptor 34 may be retained by an interference fit and / or by a compressive fit.
• the liquid transport element 35 is compressed such that it exerts a force against the ribs 39 and also the susceptor 34 thereby retaining the susceptor 34 in place.
• the sub-reservoir 33 sometimes called a secondary reservoir or supplementary reservoir, comprises a cavity or void which is configured to retain an amount of liquid aerosol generating material.
• the sub-reservoir 331 is provided at an opposing end of the liquid transport element 35 (or susceptor 34 where the susceptor 34 is configured to provide the function of the liquid transport element 35) to the reservoir 33.
• the sub-reservoir 331 is positioned such that after vaporisation of aerosol generating material, the liquid transport element 35 is able to absorb, or receive, liquid from both the reservoir 33 and the sub-reservoir 331. This may improve the distribution of liquid aerosol generating material along the length of liquid transport element 35 (e.g. in contact with the susceptor 34).
• the sub-reservoir 331 may be provided by the housing 36 of the cartridge 30 or a different structural component of the cartridge 30.
• the sub-reservoir 331 can be provided by injection moulding the housing 36 to have a shape defining the sub-reservoir 331.
• the sub-reservoir 331 may be an annular reservoir extending around the air pathway 16, similarly to the reservoir 33.
• there may be more than one sub-reservoir 331 e.g. two sub-reservoirs on opposing sides of the cartridge 30).
• the sub-reservoir 331 is configured to hold a volume of liquid corresponding to an amount of liquid aerosol generating material vaporised in a number of puffs (or fractions of a puff). For example, an example system could vaporise approximately 0.09ml of liquid aerosol generating material during an average puff (e.g. over a 3 second period in which the induction element 42 is activated to heat the susceptor 34). As such a sub-reservoir 331 configured to hold a volume of liquid in the range of 0.015 ml to 0.02 ml can hold enough liquid for approximately 2 puffs.
• the sub-reservoir 331 is configured to hold a volume of liquid corresponding to the amount of liquid aerosol generating material vaporised, on average, in 0.5 to 5 puffs. In some examples, the sub-reservoir 331 is configured to hold a volume of liquid corresponding to the amount of liquid aerosol generating material vaporised, on average, in 1 to 3 puffs.
• one or more liquid flow channels 37 fluidly connect the reservoir 33 to the sub-reservoir 331.
• the liquid flow channels 37 may be connected to the reservoir via the liquid passage 367.
• liquid aerosol generating material can flow between the reservoir 33 and the sub-reservoir 331 via the one or more liquid flow channels 37.
• the housing 36 may be a body having a passage extending between two openings in opposing end faces of the body.
• the passage provides a portion of the air pathway 16 of the system 10 and includes the aerosol chamber 63.
• the susceptor 34 provides a planar surface 341 defining a boundary of the aerosol chamber 63.
• the susceptor 34 can comprise a planar element aligned to intersect a centre of the cartridge 30 and parallel to a longitudinal axis corresponding to an insertion direction.
• the openings in the opposing end faces of the body may be circular or elliptical apertures or may be any other shape (e.g. polygonal, or a combination of curved and straight edges), and the outer surface of the passageway may be defined by walls (including the planar surface 341 provided by the susceptor 34) which extend between the periphery of each of the openings.
• the housing comprises two portions.
• a first, upper, downstream or mouth-end portion 52 (which also defines the external shape of the mouthpiece which is configured for a user to form a seal with when the user is inhaling) and a second, lower, upstream or device-end portion 54 (which is configured to be inserted at least partially into the receiving cavity 49 of the induction assembly 40).
• the cavity 51 may be formed by one or both of the upper and lower portions 52,54.
• the mouthpiece 50 may comprise an opening mechanism 56 and a connection mechanism 58.
• the opening mechanism 56 is configured to allow for movement of the first portion 52 with respect to the second portion 54, or vice versa.
• the opening mechanism 56 is a hinge or flexible connector. Where the opening mechanism 56 is a hinge, the opening mechanism 56 can allow for rotation of the first portion 54 with respect to the second portion 52. In some examples, the rotation can be with respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the system 1, while in some other examples the rotation with respect to an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the system 1.
• the opening mechanism 56 allows the mouthpiece 50 to be moved between a first configuration in which the cavity 51 is at least partially exposed in order to allow a cartridge 30 to be inserted and / or removed, and a second configuration in which the cavity 51 is substantially closed (except for via openings for the air pathway 16) in order to retain and / or protect a cartridge 30 provided within the cavity 51.
• the first configuration may be termed an open or accessible configuration because the cavity 51 is open and accessible to a user
• the second configuration may be termed a closed or inaccessible configuration because the cavity 51 is closed and inaccessible to a user.
• a mouthpiece comprises an opening mechanism configured to allow the mouthpiece to be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the cavity is at least partially exposed in order to allow a cartridge to be inserted and / or removed, and wherein the second configuration is configured to retain a cartridge provided within the cavity.
• the opening mechanism 56 allows a user to open the cavity 51 without a full disconnection of the first portion 52 from the second portion 54, thereby improving user accessibility because a user does not have to hold each portion 52,54 separately whilst inserting or removing a cartridge 30 from the cavity 51.
• an opening mechanism 56 may not be included and instead the first portion 52 and the second portion 54 may fully detach from each other when changing the mouthpiece configuration from the second configuration to the first configuration.
• connection mechanism 58 acts to retain the first portion 52 in contact with the second portion 54 of the housing.
• the connection mechanism 58 may be a latch or lock which prevents or inhibits the first portion 52 from moving relative to the second portion 54, or vice versa.
• the connection mechanism 58 is configured to prevent or inhibit the mouthpiece 50 from moving from the closed configuration to the open configuration in order to prevent a cartridge 30 from inadvertently being leaving the cavity 51 prior to a user intending to remove the cartridge 30.
• connection mechanism 58 comprises a first magnet in the first portion 52, and a second magnet (attractive to the first magnet) in the second portion 54, the two magnets generating a force that needs to be overcome to move the first portion 52 relative to the second portion 54.
• connection mechanism 58 is user actuatable such that a user can interact directly with the connection mechanism 58 to inhibit the connection mechanism 58 from retaining the mouthpiece in the second configuration.
• connection mechanism 58 is user actuatable such that a user can interact directly with the connection mechanism 58 to allow the first portion 52 to move relative to the second portion 54 (e.g. the user may move or bend a latch out of a position with respect to a corresponding clip, or may apply force to overcome the attraction between two magnets).
• connection mechanism 58 is electronically controlled (e.g. electrically operated by the control circuitry 28).
• the connection mechanism 58 may be electrically connected to the control circuitry 28 and may be operable (e.g. in response to electrical signals) by the control circuitry 28 to activate or deactivate the connection mechanism 58.
• the connection mechanism 58 may comprise an electromagnet and a permanent magnet, where the electromagnet is configured to generate a magnetic field when a current is supplied through the electromagnet, which causes an attractive force to be generated between the permanent magnet and electromagnet.
• the connection mechanism 58 comprises an actuator which is movable in response to an electric signal to engage a latch or similar (such a latch and actuator may be positioned to not be visible to a user when the mouthpiece 50 is in the second configuration).
• connection mechanism 58 delays the user from accessing the cartridge 30 immediately, and instead allows heat (thermal energy) to dissipate throughout the cartridge 30 and surrounding elements of the system 10. It will be appreciated that even where the connection mechanism 58 is a simple mechanical mechanism such as a latch, this may still delay the user from accessing the cartridge by a few seconds (e.g. at least 2 to 3 seconds).
• the control circuitry 28 may implement a timer preventing the connection mechanism 58 from being disengaged for a period of time after a most recent activation of the induction element 42 (e.g. the period of time is in a range of greater than 3 seconds, and preferably greater than 5 seconds). In some examples the period of time may be fixed, whereas in other examples the period of time may be calculated based on the usage of the system up to the last puff (e.g. increased usage prior to the last activation causing the period of time to be greater).
• a device part 20 for use with an induction assembly 40 (which is for use with a cartridge 30) in accordance with the present disclosure contains control circuitry 28 configured to perform method 100.
• the device part 20 comprises control circuitry 28 for controlling the supply of power to the induction element 42, wherein the control circuitry 28 is configured to drive an induction element 42 of the induction assembly 40 to induce current flow in a susceptor 34 to inductively heat the susceptor 34 and so vaporise a portion of the aerosol generating substrate in the vicinity of the susceptor 34.
• the first step 110 may alternatively be termed as engaging the receiving cavity 49 of the induction assembly with the cartridge 30 to surround at least a portion of the susceptor 34.
• the relative movement (i.e. insertion) of the susceptor 34 into the receiving cavity 49 can also be described as the relative movement of the receiving cavity 49 with respect to the susceptor 34.
• the first step 110 may further be termed as providing (at least a portion of) the susceptor 34 within the receiving cavity 49.
• the method 100 continues with a step 120 of driving the induction element 42 to induce current flow in the susceptor 34 to inductively heat the susceptor 34 to inductively heat the susceptor to a first temperature, and so vaporise a portion of the aerosol generating substrate in the vicinity of the susceptor 34.
• the induction element 42 may be driven to heat the susceptor 34 to at least a vaporisation temperature of an aerosol forming component of the aerosol generating substrate (e.g. a liquid from a reservoir 33).
• the temperature to which the susceptor is driven to vaporise a portion of the aerosol generating substrate in the vicinity of the susceptor 34 can be considered a first temperature or a vaporisation or aerosolisation temperature.
• the first temperature is in the range of between 150°C and 300°C. In some examples, the first temperature is in the range of between 190°C and 220°C.
• the method ends after driving the induction element 42 to induce current flow in the susceptor to inductively heat the susceptor to a first temperature.
• the control circuitry 120 can cease to drive the induction element 42 to induce current flow in the susceptor 34 to inductively heat the susceptor 34 to a first temperature after a period of time corresponding to a user's puff, and / or corresponding to a predicted amount of aerosol generation (e.g. based on knowledge of the energy input to the system and energy required to vaporise the aerosol generating substrate, and either actively calculated during use or based on predetermined data, such as a look-up table, for a particular system 10 configuration).
• action indicating activity may be a button press or a puff (measured by a puff sensor) indicating that the user is inhaling, or intends to inhale) on the system 10.
• the period of inactivity is in the range of 10 seconds to 120 seconds. In some examples, the period of inactivity is in the range of between 20 seconds to 60 seconds.
• the method 100 may, in some examples, end after step 125.
• connection mechanism 58 configured to retain a cartridge 30 as part of the aerosol delivery system 10.
• the method can additionally comprise engaging and disengaging the connection mechanism 58, wherein the connection mechanism 58 is electronically operable (e.g. by the control circuitry 28).
• the connection mechanism 58 connects different portions of a mouthpiece 50 which define a cavity 51
• the connection mechanism 58 connects a mouthpiece 50 to the device part 20 and/or the induction assembly 40 (a cavity 51 for the cartridge 30 being provided by one or more of the mouthpiece 50, device part 20 and induction assembly 40)
• the connection mechanism 58 connects the cartridge directly to the device part 20 and/or the induction assembly 40 (e.g. there is no separate mouthpiece 50).
• the method 100 further comprises (not shown) engaging a connection mechanism 58 configured to retain a cartridge as part of an aerosol delivery system, and disengaging the connection mechanism.
• a connection mechanism 58 configured to retain a cartridge as part of an aerosol delivery system
• disengaging the connection mechanism a user is able to remove and / or attach a cartridge 30 (e.g. by inserting a cartridge 30 into a cavity 51 as described in relation to Figure 5 ).
• a connection mechanism 58 a risk to a user of injury or a risk of damage to the surroundings can be reduced, because disabling or disengaging the connection mechanism can delay the user from removing the cartridge for a few seconds; in which time the susceptor 34 can cool to a lower temperature.
• the method comprises disengaging the connection mechanism 58 in response to the control circuitry 28 receiving an input from a user indicating the connection mechanism 58 should be disengaged (e.g. a button press or combination of button presses). In some examples, the method comprises disengaging the connection mechanism 58 in response to the control circuitry 28 entering a standby mode or a low power sleep mode. In some examples, the method comprises disengaging the connection mechanism 58 in response to the control circuitry 28 ceasing to drive the induction element 42 after a period of inactivity. In some examples, the method comprises disengaging the connection mechanism 58 in response to the control circuitry 28 determining that an amount of time has passed since a last activation (e.g.
• the method comprises disengaging the connection mechanism 58 in response to the control circuitry 28 determining that the susceptor 34 is below a threshold temperature.

Landscapes

• Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=90057557

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Citations (7)

• 2024
  • 2024-02-23 EP EP24159465.4A patent/EP4606239A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-02-20 WO PCT/GB2025/050329 patent/WO2025176991A1/en active Pending

Patent Citations (7)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events