Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
  • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
  • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
  • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
  • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
• • 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
  • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an aerosol generating component for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, an airflow diverter for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, and a non-combustible aerosol provision system,.
• Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art.
• Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generating component which is capable of converting an aerosolisable material into an aerosol.
• the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosolisable material is first vaporised and then allowed to condense into an aerosol.
• the aerosol generated is an aerosol which results from the atomisation of the aerosolisable material.
• Such atomisation may be induced mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosolisable material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow.
• such atomisation may be induced electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure.
• aerosol provision system is used to simulate a smoking experience, e.g. as an e- cigarette or similar product
• control of these various characteristics is especially important since the user may expect a specific sensorial experience to result from the use of the system.
• a substantially planar aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the substantially planar aerosol generating component comprising at least two aerosol generating portions and an airflow aperture provided therebetween.
• the airflow aperture is sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 15 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture is sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of no greater than 60 mL/s.
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions is a heating element.
• the heating element is a resistive heating element.
• the heating element is an induction heating element.
• the substantially planar aerosol generating component comprises a central portion in which the airflow aperture is provided.
• the central portion is a thermal break.
• the temperature of the central portion is at least 10% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions.
• the substantially planar aerosol generating component is integrally formed.
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions is porous.
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions comprises a plurality of elongate apertures.
• the at least two longitudinally extending surfaces are arranged in a common plane. In one embodiment, the plane in which the at least two longitudinally extending surfaces is arranged is offset from the second side.
• the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as indicated by the solid arrows in Fig. 1.
• the components 20, 30 are joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30.
• cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting
• the two sections may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1 , or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement.
• planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth.
• Examples in this regard may be a mesh, web, grill and the like.
• the mesh may be formed from metal wires or fibres which are woven together, or alternatively aggregated into a non-woven structure.
• fibres may be aggregated by sintering, in which heat and/or pressure are applied to a collection of metal fibres to compact them into a single porous mass.
• the planar aerosol generating component may define a curved plane and in these instances reference to the planar aerosol generating component forming a plane means an imaginary flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.
• these structures can give appropriately sized voids and interstices between the metal fibres to provide a capillary force for wicking liquid.
• these structures can also be considered to be porous since they provide for the uptake and distribution of liquid.
• the metal is electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby electrical current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat.
• Structures of this type are not limited to metals, however.
• Other conductive materials may be formed into fibres and made into mesh, grill or web structures. Examples include ceramic materials, which may or may not be doped with substances intended to tailor the physical properties of the mesh.
• the aerosol generating component is formed from a single layer.
• the aerosol generating component has at least two layers, wherein the layers contain at least one of the following structures: a plate, foil, paper, mesh, woven structure, fabric, open-pored fiber structure, open-pored sintered structure, open-pored foam or open- pored deposition structure.
• the aerosol generating component can be formed by an electric heating resistor consisting of a metal foil combined with a structure comprising a capillary structure. Where the aerosol generating component is considered to be formed from a single layer, such a layer may be formed from a metal wire fabric, or from a non-woven metal fiber fabric.
• the aerosol generating component may be formed from sintering a plurality of individual fibers together.
• the aerosol generating component can be comprised of sintered fibers, such as sintered metal fibers.
• the aerosol generating component may comprise, for example, an electrically conductive thin layer of electrically resistive material, such as platinum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten or tantalum, said thin layer being applied to a surface of the vaporizer by a PVD or CVD process, or any other suitable process.
• the aerosol generating component may comprise an electrically insulating material, for example of ceramic.
• suitable electrically resistive material include stainless steels, such as AISI 304 or AISI 316, and heating conductor alloys-in particular NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys ("Kanthal”), such as DIN material number 2,4658, 2,4867, 2,4869, 2,4872, 1 ,4843, 1 ,4860, 1 ,4725, 1 ,4765 and 1 ,4767.
• Kananthal heating conductor alloys-in particular NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys
• the aerosol generating component may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material and may be in the form of a sheet.
• Material of this sort can be thought of a mesh or irregular grid, and is created by sintering together a randomly aligned arrangement or array of spaced apart metal fibers or strands.
• a single layer of fibers might be used, or several layers, for example up to five layers.
• the metal fibers may have a diameter of 8 to 12 pm, arranged to give a sheet of thickness 0.16 mm, and spaced to produce a material density of from 100 g/m 2 to 1500 g/m 2 , such as from 150 g/m 2 to 1000 g/m 2 , 200 g/m 2 to 500 g/m 2 , or 200 to 250 g/m 2 , and a porosity of 84%.
• the sheet thickness may also range from 0.1 mm to 0.2mm, such as 0.1 mm to 0.15mm. Specific thicknesses include 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm or 0.1 mm.
• the aerosol generating component has a uniform thickness. However, it will be appreciated from the discussion below that the thickness of the aerosol generating component may also vary. This may be due, for example, to some parts of the aerosol generating component having undergone compression. Different fiber diameters and thicknesses may be selected to vary the porosity of the aerosol generating component.
• the aerosol generating component may have a porosity of 66% or greater, or 70% or greater, or 75% or greater, or 80% or greater or 85% or greater, or 86% or greater.
• the aerosol generating component may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces.
• the generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal.
• the aerosol generating component has a uniform thickness.
• a width and/or length of the aerosol generating component may be from about 1 mm to about 50mm.
• the width and/or length of the vaporizer may be from 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.
• the width may generally be smaller than the length of the aerosol generating component. It will be understood that the dimensions of the aerosol generating component may be varied.
• the aerosol generating component is formed from an electrically resistive material
• electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generating component so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating).
• the electrical resistance of the aerosol generating component can be selected appropriately.
• the aerosol generating component may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, such as 1.0 ohm or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less.
• the parameters of the aerosol generating component can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance.
• a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolisation.
• the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator.
• the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
• the aerosol generating component may have a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector may be arranged at opposing ends of the aerosol generating component from each other. The electrical resistance may be between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector. Each of the electrical connectors may be for connection to an electrical contact such that the aerosol generating component can be energised.
• a substantially planar aerosol generating component 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system 30, the substantially planar aerosol generating component 100 comprising at least two aerosol generating portions 101 and an airflow aperture provided therebetween 102.
• an article 300 comprising the aerosol generating component 100 can exhibit improved performance.
• airflow can pass along each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 before being directed through the airflow aperture 102.
• This arrangement facilitates simplified airflow through the article 300, which in turn can improve aerosol properties.
• a more complex airflow increases pressure drop (PD) and results in airflow stalling, as well as increased condensation within the article and thus less aerosol being delivered to a user.
• a simplified airflow can provide for reduced airflow turbulence.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may comprise an axis, e.g. a longitudinal axis.
• Each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 may comprise at least one elongate aperture 103.
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 may comprise a plurality of elongate apertures 103 (not all are numbered).
• the elongate apertures 103 may be arranged in series, e.g. along an axis of the aerosol generating component 100.
• a number of the apertures 103 may have an open end.
• a number of the apertures 103 may define a closed shape.
• Each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 may comprise a plurality of elongate heating portions 104 (e.g. heating strips; not all are numbered).
• the heating portions 104 may be arranged in series, e.g. along an axis of the aerosol generating component 100. Adjacent heating portions 104 may be separated from each other by an elongate aperture 103.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may comprise at least one (e.g. two) electrical connection portions 105.
• a respective electrical connection portion 105 may be arranged at a free end/side of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101.
• Each electrical connection portion 105 may comprise an aperture 101 for receiving an electrical contact 1000.
• the at least one electrical connection portion 105 can be connected to the electrical contact 1000 by insertion of the electrical contact 1000 into the aperture 106, such that the edge of the at least one electrical connection portion 105 defining the perimeter of the aperture 106 retains the electrical contact 1000.
• the electrical contact 1000 may comprise a cylindrical pin.
• the aperture 104 may be a substantially circular aperture.
• the aperture 104 may have a closed end.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 10 mL/s.
• an airflow rate provides for an effective delivery of airflow to a user in use.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 12 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 14 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 15 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 16 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 17 mL/s.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be sized to permit an airflow rate therethrough of at least 18 mL/s.
• Each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 may be a heating element.
• Each heating element 101 may be a resistive heating element.
• each heating element 101 may be an induction heating element, i.e. act as a susceptor.
• the aerosol generating component may comprise a central portion 107.
• the airflow aperture 102 may be provided in the central portion 107.
• the central portion 107 may comprise or be a thermal break.
• the central portion 107 may have a lower thermal conductivity than the aerosol generating portions 101 (e.g. the material from which the central portion 107 is formed may have a lower thermal conductivity than the material from which each aerosol generating portion 101 is formed).
• the thermal break can reduce the risk of overheating of the aerosol generating component 100.
• the central portion 107 may comprise or be formed of a thermally insulating material.
• Thermally insulating materials are known to those skilled in the art.
• suitable thermally insulating materials include high temperature polymers, e.g. polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), and polyphthalamide (PPA).
• the central portion 107 may comprise an electrical terminal.
• This electrical terminal may be common to each of the aerosol generating portions 101.
• the common electrical terminal of the central portion 107 may be a negative electrical terminal, and the or each electrical connection portion 105 may comprise a positive electrical terminal.
• the article 300 may comprise an electrical contact (not shown) arranged to connect to this electrical terminal.
• the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be at least 150 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be at least 180 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions
• the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be at least 200 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be at least 220 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be at least 250 °C.
• the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be no greater than 320 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be no greater than 300 °C. In use, the temperature each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 in contact with an aerosolisable material may be no greater than 280 °C.
• in use may mean when power is delivered to the aerosol generating component 100, such that the aerosol generating portions 101 can aerosolise aerosolisable material.
• the temperature of the central portion 107 may be at least 10% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101. In use, the temperature of the central portion 107 may be at least 20% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101. In use, the temperature of the central portion 107 may be at least 30% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101. In use, the temperature of the central portion 107 may be at least 40% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 . In use the temperature of the central portion 107 may be at least 50% lower than the temperature of each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 .
• the aerosol generating component 100 may be integrally formed.
• integrally formed we mean the aerosol generating component 100 is formed of a single piece. This provides for a more robust aerosol generating component 100 relative those formed of multiple pieces. Moreover, this provides for more efficient and/or simplified manufacture of the aerosol generating component 100 relative to those formed of multiple pieces.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may be porous.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may comprise or be formed of a porous material.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may be as described elsewhere herein.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may be curved with respect to an axis of the aerosol generating component 100, e.g. a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating component 100, as shown in Fig. 6 particularly.
• an airflow diverter 200 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the diverter 200 having a longitudinal axis X and comprising: a first side 201 and an opposing second side 202, the first side 201 comprising at least two longitudinally extending surfaces 203 and an airflow diverting portion 204 arranged on the first side 201 and transversely between the longitudinally extending surfaces 203.
• FIG. 3 An example airflow diverter 200 is illustrated in Fig. 3.
• An article 300 comprising the airflow diverter 200 is also illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7.
• the at least two longitudinally extending surfaces 203 may be arranged in a common plane.
• the plane in which the at least two longitudinally extending surfaces 203 is arranged may be offset from the second side 202 (shown particularly in Fig. 3).
• the airflow diverter 200 may be used to create a narrow airflow channel in an article 300 in use, which may facilitate an increased airflow velocity. This may improve aerosol properties.
• the airflow diverter 200 may be substantially planar.
• the airflow diverting portion 204 may extend orthogonally from the first side 201 .
• the airflow diverting portion 204 may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis X of the airflow diverter 200.
• the airflow diverter 200 may comprise or be a thermal break.
• the airflow diverter 200 may comprise or be formed of a thermally insulating material.
• Thermally insulating materials are known to those skilled in the art.
• suitable thermally insulating materials include high temperature polymers, e.g. polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), and polyphthalamide (PPA).
• FIG. 3 An example of the article 300 is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7.
• the article 300 comprising the aerosol generating component 100 can exhibit improved performance.
• the airflow through the article 300 can be simplified, which in turn can improve aerosol properties.
• alignment of the airflow aperture 102 and the airflow channel 304 can simplify airflow through the article 300.
• a more complex airflow increases pressure drop (PD) and results in airflow stalling, as well as increased condensation within the article and thus less aerosol being delivered to a user.
• a simplified airflow can provide for reduced airflow turbulence.
• this arrangement facilitates the individual operation of each aerosol generating portion 101 , which provides for a more flexible/configurable article 100.
• the article 300 may comprise a mouthpiece outlet 301c (see Fig. 4) to which the airflow channel 304 extends.
• the mouthpiece outlet 301c may be provided at an end of the article 300 (e.g. the housing 300 such as the first portion 301a, e.g. at the end opposite from the second portion 301 b).
• the article 300 may define an axis.
• the article 300 in Figs. 4 to 7 defines a longitudinal axis.
• the longitudinal axis may extend between the mouthpiece outlet 301 c and the second portion 301 b.
• each of the aerosol generating material transfer components 305, 306 may be arranged to transfer an aerosol generating material to a respective aerosol generating portion 101.
• the at least one aerosol generating material transfer component 305, 306 may be arranged between the at least one reservoir 302, 303 and the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 (see Fig. 7).
• the at least one aerosol generating material transfer component 305, 306 may be arranged adjacent to or in direct contact with the at least two aerosol generating portions 101.
• each of the aerosol generating material transfer components 305, 306 may be arranged adjacent to or in direct contact with a respective aerosol generating portion 101 (e.g. see Fig. 7).
• the article 300 comprises at least one reservoir 302, 303 for an aerosol generating material.
• the housing 301 such as the first portion 301a, may comprise the at least one reservoir 302, 303.
• the article 300 e.g. the housing 301 or the first portion 301a
• the article 300 may comprise two reservoirs 302, 303 for an aerosol generating material.
• the at least one reservoir 302, 303 may be arranged between the mouthpiece outlet 301c and the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 (see Figs. 4 and 5).
• Each reservoir 302, 303 may comprise a respective aerosol generating material.
• each reservoir 302, 303 may be arranged to communicate an aerosol generating material to a respective aerosol generating portion 101.
• the reservoir 302 (or 303) may be arranged to communicate an aerosol generating material to each of the aerosol generating portions 101.
• a first reservoir 302 may be arranged to communicate a first aerosol generating material to one of the aerosol generating portions 101
• a second reservoir 303 may be arranged to communicate a second aerosol generating material to another of the aerosol generating portions 101.
• the first and second aerosol generating materials may be different from each other.
• the first aerosol generating material may comprise nicotine (e.g. and no flavour) and the second aerosol generating material may comprise a flavour.
• the article 300 may be tailored to deliver aerosol formed from a mixture of different aerosol generating materials, for example at varying concentrations of each in the mixture.
• the article 300 e.g. the housing 301 or the first portion 301a
• the article 300 may comprise one reservoir 302 (or 303) for an aerosol generating material.
• the reservoir 302 (or 303) may be arranged to deliver an aerosol generating material to each of the aerosol generating portions 101.
• the reservoir 302 (or 303) may form an annulus which surrounds the airflow path 304 (not illustrated).
• the or each reservoir 302, 303 may extend along at least 40% of the total length of the article 300.
• the or each reservoir 302, 303 may extend along at least 50% of the total length of the article 300. In some aspects, the or each reservoir 302, 303 may extend along at least 60% of the total length of the article 300. In some aspects, the or each reservoir 302, 303 may extend along at least 70% of the total length of the article 300. Such arrangements provide for an increased reservoir 302, 303 capacity.
• the article 300 may comprise a sealing component 307.
• the sealing component 307 may be arranged to prevent leakage of aerosol generating material from the or each reservoir 302, 303, e.g. between the first portion 301a and the second portion 301b.
• the sealing component 307 may comprise one or more sealing ribs.
• the sealing ribs may extend along an outer perimeter of the sealing component 307, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
• the sealing component 307 may comprise a through-going opening 306a.
• the article 300 comprises an airflow channel 304 extending at least partially alongside the at least one reservoir 302, 303 for an aerosol generating material. This is shown particularly in Figs. 4 to 7.
• the airflow channel 304 may extend between one or more airflow inlets 308 of the article 300 and the mouthpiece outlet 301c of the article 300.
• the manner in which the airflow channel 304 is provided may be varied.
• the airflow channel 304 comprises a longitudinal of the first portion 301a, the through-going opening 307a of the sealing component 307, and an airflow channel of the second portion 301 b.
• the portion of the airflow channel 304 extending between the airflow aperture 102 and the outlet 301c may be straight. In some aspects, the portion of the airflow channel 304 extending between the airflow aperture 102 and the outlet 301c may extend along at least 40% of the total length of the article 300. In some aspects, the portion of the airflow channel 304 extending between the airflow aperture 102 and the outlet 301c may extend along at least 50% of the total length of the article 300. In some aspects, the portion of the airflow channel 304 extending between the airflow aperture 102 and the outlet 301c may extend along at least 60% of the total length of the article 300. In some aspects, the portion of the airflow channel 304 extending between the airflow aperture 102 and the outlet 301c may extend along at least 70% of the total length of the article 300. Such arrangements provide for more effective airflow through the article 300.
• the article 300 may comprise an aerosol generation chamber 310.
• the aerosol generating component 100 may be arranged in the aerosol generation chamber 310.
• the airflow channel 304 may comprise the aerosol generation chamber 308.
• the article 300 may comprise one or more electrical contacts 309.
• the or each electrical contact 309 may be arranged to connect to a (or a respective) electrical connection portion 105 of the aerosol generating component 100 (see, e.g., Fig. 7).
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 is configured to be activated independently of the other 100. This improves the configurability/flexibility of the article 300.
• one aerosol generating portion 101 may be activated and the other not, where an aerosol formed from a specific aerosol generating material is desired.
• one aerosol generating portion 101 may be activated and the other not, where one of the aerosol generating portions 101 is overheated and/or if one of the reservoirs 302, 303 arranged in communication with that aerosol generating portion 101 is empty.
• each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 is configured to be deactivated after a predetermined operating time. This can be used when, for example, an aerosol formed from a specific aerosol generating material is desired and/or one of the aerosol generating portions 101 is overheated and/or one of the reservoirs 302, 303 arranged in communication with that aerosol generating portion 101 is empty. Airflow through the article 300 in use will now be described. In use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece outlet 301c, an airflow through the airflow channel 304 of the article 300 may be generated. The article 300 may be configured such that airflow enters the article through the at least one airflow inlet 308.
• the article 300 may be configured such that airflow passes along the second side 202 of the airflow diverter 200.
• the article 300 may be configured such that airflow passes through each of the at least two airflow orifices 205, e.g. from the second side 202 to the first side 201 of the airflow diverter 200.
• the article 300 may be configured such that airflow passes along the at least two longitudinally extending portions 203 to the airflow diverting portion 204.
• the article 300 may be configured such that the airflow diverting portion 204 diverts airflow to the airflow aperture 102.
• the airflow diverter 200 may comprise an airflow splitter. That is, the airflow diverter 200 may be configured to split incoming airflow into multiple airflows (e.g. using the airflow orifices 205).
• the article 300 may be configured such that each of the multiple airflows passes along a respective aerosol generating portion 101.
• the article 300 may be configured to combine the multiple airflows into a single airflow, e.g. at the airflow diverting portion 204 and/or the airflow aperture 102.
• the article 300 may be configured such that airflow passes through the airflow aperture 102.
• the article 300 may be configured such that airflow exiting the airflow aperture 102 is directed to the mouthpiece outlet 301c.
• an airflow through the airflow channel 304 of the article 300 is generated. That is, airflow enters the article 300 through the at least one airflow inlet 308, and then passes along the second side 202 of the airflow diverter 200 before passing through each of the airflow orifices 205, such that the airflow passes from the second side 202 to the first side 201 of the airflow diverter 200.
• the airflow exits each of the at least two airflow orifices 205 on the first side 201 passes along the respective longitudinally extending surfaces 203, before reaching the airflow diverting portion 204, which diverts the airflow towards the airflow aperture 102.
• the airflow diverter 200 splits incoming airflow into multiple airflows, and each of the multiple airflows passes along a respective aerosol generating portion 101 , which are then combined into a single airflow at the airflow diverting portion 204 and/or the airflow aperture 102.
• the thick arrow in Fig. 7 indicates the direction of airflow.
• aerosol generating material that is transferred to each of the aerosol generating portions 101 is vaporised when the aerosol generating component 100 is powered by power source.
• the generated aerosol is transported along the airflow channel 304 when a user draws on the mouthpiece outlet 301c.
• the article 300 may comprise one or more of a power source and a controller.
• an article 300 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 comprising: a housing 101 having at least one airflow inlet 308 and an airflow outlet 301c (which may be described herein as a mouthpiece outlet 301c); a substantially planar aerosol generating component 100 according to an above aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the airflow aperture 102 of the aerosol generating component 100 is arranged such that airflow travelling from the airflow inlet 308 to the airflow outlet 301c flows along each of the at least two aerosol generating portions 101 and then through the airflow aperture 102.
• the article 300 may be characterised by the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 An example of the article 300 is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7.
• an article 300 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 comprising: a housing 301 having at least one airflow inlet 308 and an airflow outlet 301c (which may be described herein as a mouthpiece outlet 301c); an airflow diverter 200 according to an above aspect of the present disclosure, the airflow diverter 200 being arranged such that airflow entering the housing 100 via the at least one airflow inlet 308 flows along the longitudinal axis of the airflow diverter 200 towards the airflow diverting portion 204.
• the article 300 may be characterised by the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 An example of the article 300 is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7.
• a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 comprising: an article 300 according to an above aspect of the present disclosure; a power source; and a controller 200.
• the non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 may be characterised by the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure
• Any aspect of the present disclosure may comprise any feature of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

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• 2024
  • 2024-03-20 EP EP24715252.3A patent/EP4683532A2/de active Pending
  • 2024-03-20 WO PCT/GB2024/050748 patent/WO2024194632A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2024-03-20 CN CN202480034055.6A patent/CN121419691A/zh active Pending

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