KR20210076104A - Cartridge for evaporator unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The evaporator device includes a cartridge for the evaporator device. For example, the evaporator cartridge and/or features thereof may include: management of leakage of evaporable material from the evaporator cartridge, control of air flow in and/or near the evaporator cartridge; heating of evaporable material in the evaporator cartridge; Condensate management, and/or other assembly features of the evaporator cartridge may be improved. Related manufacturing systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Description

Cartridge for evaporator unit

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/915,005, entitled "Cartridge for Evaporator Device", filed on October 14, 2019, and the title of the invention filed on February 28, 2019 is "Cartridge for Evaporator Device" U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,161, entitled "Wick Feed and Heating Elements of Evaporator Apparatus," U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,099, filed on October 17, 2018, filed on February 28, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,148, entitled “Reservoir Overflow Control with Retraction Points,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,055, 2018, entitled “Reservoir Overflow Control,” filed on October 17, 2018 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,130, filed October 17, entitled "Evaporator Condensate Collection and Recirculation," U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,130, filed October 9, 2019, entitled "Heating Element" 913,135, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16/653,455, entitled "Heating Element," filed on October 15, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent permitted. Included.

field of invention

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to the features of cartridges for evaporators, in some instances managing leakage of vaporizable liquid material, controlling airflow within and around the cartridge, heating the vaporizable material to cause aerosol formation, and/or or to another assembly feature of the cartridge and the device to which the cartridge may be removably connected.

An evaporator device, generally referred to herein as an evaporator, is capable of inhaling a vaporizable material (eg, liquid, plant material, some other solid, wax, etc.), one or more compounds from the vaporizable material, by a user of the evaporator Includes devices for heating to a temperature sufficient to release in the form of a gas (eg, gas, aerosol, etc.). Some evaporators, for example evaporators in which at least one of the compounds emitted from the vaporizable material is nicotine, may be useful as an alternative to smoking combustible tobacco.

For purposes of abstraction, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It should be understood that not all of these advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all the advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. Various features and items described herein may be integrated or separated together, except as impractical based on the present disclosure and the skilled artisan's understanding therefrom.

In one aspect, the evaporator includes a reservoir configured to receive a vaporizable liquid material. The reservoir is at least partially defined by at least one wall, the reservoir comprising a storage chamber and an overflow volume. The evaporator further includes a collector disposed in the overflow volume. The collector includes a capillary structure configured to maintain a volume of vaporizable liquid material in fluid contact with the storage chamber. The capillary structure includes microfluidic features configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector.

In a related aspect that may be included in the evaporator of the preceding aspect, a microfluidic gate for controlling the flow of vaporizable liquid material between the storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume of the evaporator comprises a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector; and a pinch-off point between the plurality of apertures. The plurality of openings includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel has a greater capillary drive than the second channel. Optionally, the microfluidic gate can include a rim of the aperture between the storage chamber and the collector that is flatter on the first side facing the storage compartment than on the second rounder side facing the collector.

In another interrelated aspect that may be integrated with other aspects, a collector configured to be inserted into an evaporator cartridge includes a capillary structure configured to maintain a volume of vaporizable liquid material in fluid contact with a storage chamber of the evaporator cartridge. The capillary structure includes a microfluidic function configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector.

In optional variations, one or more of the following features may also be included in any possible combination. For example, a primary passageway may be included to provide a fluid connection between the nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable liquid material to a gaseous state and the storage chamber. A primary passage may be formed through the structure of the collector.

The primary passageway may include a first channel configured to allow vaporizable liquid material to flow from the storage chamber towards a wicking element of the atomizer. The first channel may have a cross-sectional shape having at least one irregularity configured to allow liquid in the first channel to bypass air bubbles blocking the remainder of the first channel. The cross-sectional shape may resemble a cross. The capillary structure may include a secondary passageway comprising a microfluidic feature, wherein the microfluidic feature is configured such that the vaporizable liquid material can travel along the length of the secondary passageway only to a meniscus that completely covers the cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. can be The cross-sectional area may be small enough such that, with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material and the material forming the wall of the secondary passageway, the vaporizable liquid material preferentially wets the secondary passageway around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway.

The storage chamber and the collector may be configured to maintain a continuous column of vaporizable liquid material within the collector in contact with the vaporizable liquid material of the storage chamber, such that a reduction in the pressure of the storage chamber relative to ambient pressure results in an increase in the vaporizable liquid material within the collector. The continuous column is at least partially drawn back into the storage chamber. The secondary passageway may include a plurality of spaced apart retraction points having a cross-sectional area less than a portion of the secondary passageway between the retraction points. The retraction point may have a flatter surface directed towards the storage compartment along the secondary passage and a rounder surface directed away from the storage compartment along the secondary passage.

A microfluidic gate may be positioned between the collector and the storage compartment. The microfluidic gate may include a rim of the aperture between the storage chamber and the collector that is flatter on the first side facing the storage compartment than the second rounder side facing the collector. The microfluidic gate may include a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector and a pinch-off point between the plurality of openings. The plurality of apertures may include a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary actuation than the second channel. The air-evaporable liquid material meniscus reaching the pinch-off point can be routed to the second channel due to the higher capillary actuation of the first channel, thus forming a bubble to escape from the storage chamber into the vaporizable liquid material.

The vaporizable liquid material may comprise one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

The collector may include a primary passageway that provides a fluidic connection between a reservoir and a nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable liquid material to a gaseous state, wherein the primary passageway is defined through the structure of the collector. In an optional variation, the capillary structure may include a secondary passageway comprising a microfluidic feature, wherein the microfluidic feature is capable of movement along the length of the secondary passageway only through the meniscus such that the vaporizable liquid material completely covers the cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. It can be configured to The cross-sectional area may be small enough such that, with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material and the material forming the wall of the secondary passageway, the vaporizable liquid material preferentially wets the secondary passageway around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway. The storage chamber and collector may be configured to maintain a continuous column of vaporizable liquid material in the collector in contact with the vaporizable liquid material in the storage chamber, such that a reduction in the pressure of the storage chamber relative to ambient pressure results in an increase in the vaporizable liquid material in the collector. The continuous column is at least partially drawn back into the storage chamber. The secondary passageway may include a plurality of spaced apart retraction points having a cross-sectional area less than a portion of the secondary passageway between the retraction points. The retraction point may have a flatter surface directed towards the storage compartment along the secondary passage and a rounder surface directed away from the storage compartment along the secondary passage.

In yet another interrelated aspect, an evaporator cartridge comprises a cartridge housing, a storage chamber disposed within the cartridge housing and configured to receive a vaporizable liquid material, an inlet configured to allow air to enter an internal air flow path within the cartridge housing, and a vaporizable liquid material. a nebulizer configured to convert at least a portion to an inhalable state, and a collector described in the preceding aspect.

In an optional variation, such an evaporator cartridge may include one or more features described herein, such as, for example, a wicking element positioned within the internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The wicking element may be configured to draw vaporizable liquid material from the storage chamber under capillary action. The heating element may be positioned to cause heating of the wicking element to convert at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material drawn from the storage chamber to a gaseous state. The inhalable state may comprise an aerosol formed by condensation of at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material from the gaseous state. The cartridge housing may include a monolithic hollow structure having a first, an open end, and a second end opposite the first end. The collector may be insertably received within the first end of the monolithic hollow structure.

In another interrelated aspect, a reservoir for a cartridge usable with an evaporator device is provided. In one embodiment, the reservoir communicates with the storage chamber through a storage chamber (eg, a reservoir) for storing the vaporizable material, as well as a vent detachable from the storage chamber and leading to a passageway of the overflow volume. contains the overflow volume of

The passage of the overflow volume may lead to a port connected to ambient air. The storage chamber or reservoir may also include a first wick feed and optionally a second wick feed each embodied in the form of first and second cavities passing through a collector disposed within the cartridge. The collector may include one or more support structures defining passageways in the overflow volume. The first and second cavities may control the flow of vaporizable material towards the wick housing configured to receive the wicking element.

A wicking element located in the wick housing or wicking element housing may be configured to absorb vaporizable material traveling through the first and second wick feeds, such that, in thermal interaction with the atomizer, the vaporizable material absorbed by the wicking element is converted to at least one of a vapor or an aerosol and flows through an outlet tunnel structure formed through the collector and storage chamber to reach the opening of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be formed proximate the storage chamber.

The collector may have a first end and a second end. A first end may be coupled to an opening in the mouthpiece and a second end opposite the first end may be configured to receive a wick or wicking element. A wick housing according to a particular embodiment is positioned near a first or second wick feed for compressing the wicking element and has a set of prongs projecting outwardly from a second end to at least partially receive the wicking element and a second of the collector. It may include one or more compression ribs extending from the ends.

In another interrelated aspect, a vent may be provided to maintain an equilibrium pressure in the storage chamber of the cartridge and to prevent the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point that causes the vaporizable material to overflow the wick housing. The equilibrium pressure condition may be maintained by establishing a liquid seal at the opening of a vent located at the point where the storage chamber communicates with the passageway in the overflow volume of the cartridge. A liquid seal is established and maintained in the vent by maintaining sufficient capillary pressure such that a vaporizable material meniscus is formed in the portion of the vent leading to the passage of the overflow volume.

The capillary pressure for the vaporizable material meniscus is controlled by, for example, a venting structure forming a primary channel and a secondary channel that effectively constitutes a fluid valve to control at least a pinch-off point in either the primary channel or the secondary channel. can be Depending on the implementation, the primary channel and the secondary channel may have a tapered geometry such that as the meniscus continues to retract, the capillary actuation of the primary channel decreases at a faster rate than the capillary actuation of the secondary channel. As the capillary actuation of the primary and secondary channels gradually decreases, the partial headspace vacuum maintained in the storage chamber decreases.

In another interrelated aspect, the drain pressure of the primary channel drops below the drain pressure of the secondary channel as a result of a gradual decrease in capillary actuation of the primary and secondary channels relative to each other. The meniscus of the primary channel continues to drain as the drain pressure of the primary channel changes, while the meniscus of the secondary channel remains static. The drain pressure associated with the receding contact angle of the primary channel may drop below the overflow pressure associated with the forward contact angle of the secondary channel, causing the primary and secondary channels to fill with vaporizable material.

Thus, in response to the increased pressure conditions inside the storage chamber, the vaporizable material enters the passageway of the collector (ie, overflow volume) through a vent, where the vent preferably always maintains a liquid seal at the pinch-off point. configured to do In certain embodiments, the vent is configured to facilitate a liquid seal at the opening through which the vaporizable material flows between the passageway of the collector and the storage chamber of the reservoir at the overflow volume.

In another interrelated aspect, one or more wick feed channels may be implemented to control the direct flow of vaporizable material towards the wick. The first weak feed channel may be formed through a collector located in the overflow volume and independently of the primary and secondary channels of the aforementioned control valve. The collector may include a support structure defining a first channel or an additional wick feed channel. The wick may be positioned in the wick housing such that the wick is configured to absorb vaporizable material traveling through the first channel. Depending on the implementation, the first channel may have a cross-section or may have a partial dividing wall. The shape of the first channel may provide for one or more non-primary sub-channels and one or more primary sub-channels having a larger diameter compared to such non-primary sub-channels.

Depending on the implementation, when a primary sub-channel or non-primary sub-channel is restricted or blocked (eg, due to bubble formation), the vaporizable material may migrate through the alternative sub-channel or primary channel. In a criss-cross wick feed, the primary sub-channel may extend through the center of the criss-cross wick feed. When the primary sub-channel is restricted due to the formation of air bubbles in a portion of the primary sub-channel, the vaporizable material flows through at least one of the non-primary sub-channels.

In some embodiments, the collector may have a first end and a second end, the first end facing the storage chamber and the second end facing away from the storage chamber and configured to include a wick housing. The second wick feed may be embodied in the form of a second channel such that the vaporizable material stored in the storage chamber simultaneously flows towards the wick as the vaporizable material flows through the first wick feed. The second wick feed may have a cross-section.

In accordance with one or more aspects, a reservoir for a cartridge usable with an evaporator device may include a storage chamber configured to receive a vaporizable material. The reservoir may be in operative relationship with a nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable material from a liquid state to a vapor or aerosol phase for inhalation by a user of the evaporator device. The cartridge may also include an overflow volume for retaining at least a portion of the vaporizable material, for example when one or more factors cause the vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber to migrate to the overflow volume of the cartridge.

The one or more factors may include the cartridge being exposed to a pressure condition different from the initial ambient pressure condition (eg, by moving from the first pressure condition to the second pressure condition). In some aspects, the overflow volume may include an opening leading to the outside of the cartridge (ie, ambient air) or a passageway that connects to an air control port. The passageway of the overflow volume may also communicate with the reservoir chamber such that the passageway acts as an air vent allowing equalization of pressure in the reservoir chamber. In response to a negative pressure event in the environment surrounding the cartridge, the vaporizable material may be drawn from the reservoir chamber into the nebulizer and converted to a vapor or aerosol phase to reduce the volume of vaporizable material remaining in the reservoir chamber of the reservoir.

The storage chamber may be coupled to the overflow volume through, for example, one or more openings between the storage chamber and the overflow volume such that the one or more openings lead through the overflow volume to one or more passageways. The flow of vaporizable material into the passageway through the opening may be controlled by the capillary properties of the fluid vent leading to the one or more passageways or the capillary nature of the passageway itself. Moreover, the flow of vaporizable material into the one or more passageways may be reversible, allowing the vaporizable material to be displaced from the overflow volume back into the reservoir chamber.

In at least one embodiment, in response to a change in the pressure state (eg, when the second pressure state of the cartridge returns to the first pressure state), the flow of vaporizable material may be reversed. The second pressure condition may be associated with a negative pressure event. A negative pressure event may be a result of a decrease in ambient pressure relative to one or more volumes of air held within the reservoir chamber or other portion of the cartridge. Alternatively, a negative pressure event may occur due to compression of the interior volume of the cartridge due to mechanical pressure against one or more exterior surfaces of the cartridge.

The heating element may include a heating portion and at least two legs. The heating portion may include at least two tines spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be pre-formed to define an interior volume configured to receive the wicking element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wicking element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element. The at least two legs are coupled to the at least two tines and may be spaced apart from the heating portion. The at least two legs may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. Electrical power is supplied from the power source to the heating portion to generate heat, thereby evaporating the vaporizable material stored within the wicking element.

In some implementations, the at least two legs include four legs. In some implementations, the heating portion is configured to contact at least three distinct surfaces of the wicking element.

In some implementations, the at least two tines include a first side tine portion, a second side tine portion opposite the first side tine portion, and a platform tine portion connecting the first side tine portion with the second side tine portion. . The platform tine portion may be positioned approximately perpendicular to a portion of the first side tine portion and the second side tine portion. The first side tine portion, the second side tine portion and the platform tine portion define an interior volume in which the wicking element is located. In some implementations, at least two legs are positioned away from the heating portion by a bridge.

In some implementations, each of the at least two legs includes a cartridge contact located at an end of each of the at least two legs. The cartridge contact may be in electrical communication with a power source. The cartridge contacts may extend angled and away from the heating portion.

In some implementations, the at least two tines include a first pair of tines and a second pair of tines. In some implementations, the tines of the first pair of tines are equally spaced from each other. In some implementations, the tines of the first pair of tines are spaced apart by a width. In some implementations, the width is greater in the inner region of the heating element adjacent the platform tine portion than the width in the outer region of the heating element adjacent the outer edge of the first side tine portion opposite the inner region.

In some implementations, the evaporator apparatus is configured to measure the resistance of the heating element in each of the four legs to control the temperature of the heating element. In some implementations, the heating element includes a heat shield configured to insulate the heating portion from the body of the evaporator device.

In some implementations, the evaporator device further comprises a heat shield configured to enclose at least a portion of the heating element and insulate the heating portion from the body of the wick housing configured to surround the wicking element and at least a portion of the heating element.

In some implementations, the heating portion is folded between the heating portion and the at least two legs, thereby isolating the heating portion from the at least two legs. In some implementations, the heating portion further comprises at least one tab extending from the sides of the at least two tines to allow easy entry of the wicking element into the interior volume of the heating portion. In some implementations, the at least one tab extends at an angle from the interior volume.

In some implementations, the at least two legs include capillary features. The capillary feature may cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing the vaporizable material from flowing beyond the capillary feature. In some implementations, the capillary features include one or more bends in at least two legs. In some implementations, the at least two legs extend angled towards the interior volume of the heating portion, and the angled at least two legs define a capillary feature.

In some implementations, an evaporator device includes a reservoir containing the vaporizable material, a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heating element. The heating element includes a heating portion and at least two legs. The heating portion may include at least two tines spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be pre-formed such that the heating portion defines an interior volume configured to receive the wicking element to secure at least a portion of the wicking element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element. The at least two legs are coupled to the at least two tines and may be spaced apart from the heating portion. The at least two legs may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. Power is supplied to the heating portion from a power source and is configured to generate heat, thereby evaporating the vaporizable material stored within the wicking element.

A method of forming a nebulizer assembly for an evaporator device may include securing a wicking element to an interior volume of a heating element. The heating element may include a heating portion comprising at least two tines spaced apart from each other and at least two legs spaced apart from the heating portion. The leg may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source of the evaporator device. The heating portion is configured to contact at least two surfaces of the wicking element. The method may also include coupling the heating element to a wick housing configured to enclose the wicking element and at least a portion of the heating element. The securing may also include sliding the wicking element into the interior volume of the heating element.

In some implementations, the evaporator apparatus is integrally formed with a heating portion comprising one or more heater traces spaced apart from one another, the one or more heater traces configured to contact at least a portion of a wicking element of the evaporator apparatus, receiving power from a power source, and a connecting portion configured to direct electric power to the heating portion, and a plating layer having a plating material different from the material of the heating portion. The plating layer may be configured to reduce contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby confining heating of the heating element to the heating portion.

In certain aspects of the present subject matter, problems associated with condensate collecting along one or more internal channels and outlets of some evaporator devices (eg, along a mouthpiece) include one or more of the features described herein or those skilled in the art. may be addressed by including a similar/equivalent approach as understood by Aspects of this subject matter relate to systems and methods for capturing vaporizable material condensate in an evaporator apparatus.

In some variations, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any viable combination.

Aspects of this subject matter relate to cartridges for evaporator devices. The cartridge may include a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to receive a vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The cartridge may include at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow passage. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from the first position toward the second position through capillary action.

In an aspect consistent with the present disclosure, each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be tapered in size. Tapering in size may result in an increase in capillary actuation through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between a pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the air flow passageway. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

In a related aspect, the evaporator apparatus may include an evaporator body comprising a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material. The evaporator apparatus may include a cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the evaporator body. The cartridge may include a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to receive a vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The cartridge may include at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow passage. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from the first position toward the second position through capillary action.

Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be tapered in size. Tapering in size may result in an increase in capillary actuation through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between a pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the air flow passageway. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

In a related aspect, a method of a cartridge of an evaporation apparatus may include collecting condensate in a first capillary channel of at least one capillary channel of the cartridge. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from the first location toward the second location through capillary action. The cartridge may include a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to receive a vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow passage that may extend through the evaporation chamber. At least one capillary channel may be adjacent to the air flow passage. The method may include directing the collected condensate toward the evaporation chamber and along the first capillary channel.

The method may include evaporating, in an evaporation chamber, the collected condensate. The first capillary channel may be tapered in size. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between the pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the air flow passageway.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings, and from the claims. However, the disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations as provided below.
1 shows a block diagram of an example evaporator apparatus in accordance with one or more implementations.
2A illustrates a top view of an exemplary evaporator body and insertable evaporator cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations.
2B shows a perspective view of the evaporator apparatus of FIG. 2A in accordance with one or more implementations.
2C illustrates a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 2A in accordance with one or more implementations.
2D illustrates another perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 2C in accordance with one or more implementations.
2E shows a diagram of a storage system configured for an evaporator cartridge and/or evaporator device for improving airflow in the evaporator device in accordance with one or more implementations.
2F shows a diagram of a storage system configured for an evaporator cartridge or evaporator device to improve airflow in the evaporator device according to another implementation.
3A and 3B show exemplary top cross-sectional views of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume in accordance with one or more implementations.
4 shows an exploded perspective view of an example implementation of the cartridge of FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with one or more implementations.
5 illustrates a plan side cross-sectional view of a selected segmented portion of a cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations.
6A illustrates a cross-sectional top view of an example cartridge structure in accordance with one or more implementations.
6B shows a perspective side view of the example cartridge of FIG. 6A in accordance with one or more implementations.
7A-7D illustrate example embodiments for a cartridge connection port having a male or female configuration in accordance with one or more implementations.
8 depicts a top view of a cartridge with an example motif or logo in accordance with one or more implementations.
9A and 9B show perspective and top cross-sectional views of a divided portion of an example cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations.
10A and 10B show closed and exploded perspective views of an example cartridge implementation having a detachable structure for receiving a collector instrument in accordance with one or more implementations.
10C-10E illustrate perspective front and side views of an exemplary cartridge structural component having a flow management collector having one or more flow channels in accordance with one or more implementations.
11A illustrates a side plan view of an exemplary single vent single channel collector structure in accordance with one or more implementations.
11B is a side plan view of an exemplary cartridge having a translucent housing structure that houses an exemplary collector such as that shown in FIG. 11A in accordance with one or more implementations.
11C-11E illustrate perspective and plan side views of an example collector structure having a flow management retractor embedded in a flow channel in accordance with one or more implementations.
11F and 11G show front and side views of an exemplary collector structure having a flow management retractor embedded in a flow channel of the collector, in accordance with one or more implementations.
11H shows an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary collector structure having one or more vents capable of controlling liquid flow between an overflow volume and a storage chamber of a cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations.
11I-11K illustrate perspective views of example collector structures with flow management control in accordance with one or more implementations.
11L-11N show front plan and enlarged views of an exemplary flow management mechanism of a collector structure in accordance with one implementation.
11O-11X show that the flow of vaporizable material collected in the exemplary collector of FIGS. 11L-11N achieves proper venting as the meniscus of vaporizable material stored in the overflow volume continues to retract, according to one implementation. It shows snapshots over time when managed to accommodate.
12A and 12B show examples of single vent multi-channel collector structures in accordance with one or more implementations.
13 illustrates an example dual vent multi-channel collector structure in accordance with one or more implementations.
14A and 14B show perspective and cross-sectional plan side views of an example collector structure for a cartridge having a dual wick feed in accordance with one or more implementations.
15A-15C show additional perspective and cross-sectional top side views of an example collector structure for a dual wick feed structure in accordance with one or more implementations.
16A-16C illustrate a cross-sectional top side view of an exemplary cartridge, a top side view of an exemplary wicking element received in a collector structure, and a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge having a collector structure, respectively, in accordance with one or more implementations.
17A and 17B show a perspective view of a first side of a cartridge and a cross-sectional view of a second side of the cartridge having a wicking element protruding into a storage chamber, in accordance with one or more implementations.
18A-18D illustrate examples of heating elements and air flow passages within an evaporator cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations.
19A-19C illustrate examples of heating elements and air flow passages within an evaporator cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations.
20A-20C illustrate examples of heating elements and air flow passages within an evaporator cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations.
21A and 21B show side views of an exemplary collector structure including one or more rib or sealing bead profiles to support certain manufacturing techniques for securing the collector to the storage chamber of a cartridge.
22A-22B illustrate examples of heating elements in accordance with one or more implementations.
23 shows an example of a portion of a wick housing in accordance with one or more implementations.
24 illustrates an example of an identification chip in accordance with one or more implementations.
25 shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the cartridge.
26A shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view and a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a collector having a V-vent.
26B and 26C are perspective views of an exemplary collector structure from different viewing angles with focus on structural details for securing placement of a wicking element and a wick housing relative to the atomizer toward one end of the cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations; and a cross-sectional view.
26D-26F show top views of example wick feed mechanisms formed or structured through a collector in accordance with one or more implementations.
27A and 27B show front views of an example flow management mechanism of a collector structure in accordance with one or more implementations.
28 illustrates a front view of an exemplary cartridge housing an exemplary collector structure.
29A-29C show a perspective view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge;
30A-30F show perspective views of example cartridges at different fill levels in accordance with one or more embodiments.
31A-31C show front views of an exemplary cartridge filled and assembled in accordance with one embodiment.
32A-32C show a front, top, and bottom view of an exemplary cartridge air path.
33A and 33B show front and top views of an exemplary cartridge having an air flow path, a liquid feed channel, and a condensate collection system.
34A and 34B show front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external air flow path.
35 and 36 show perspective views of a portion of an exemplary cartridge having a collector structure with an air gap in the bottom rib of the collector structure.
37A-37C show top views of various exemplary wick feed configurations for cartridges.
37D and 37E show an exemplary embodiment of a collector with a dual wick feed implementation.
38 illustrates an enlarged view of an end of a wick feed positioned proximate to the wick and configured to at least partially receive the wick.
39 shows a perspective view of an exemplary collector structure having a square design wick feed combined with an air gap at one end of the overflow passage.
40A shows a rear view of a collector structure with, for example, four separate outlet sites.
FIG. 40b shows a side view of the collector structure, particularly showing a clamp-shaped end portion of the wick feed capable of holding the wick rigidly in the path of the wick feed, for example.
40C is a collector structure having a wick feed channel for receiving vaporizable material from the storage chamber of the cartridge and directing the vaporizable material towards the wick held in place at the end of the wick feed channel by a projecting end of the wick feed channel; shows a plan view of
40D illustrates a front plan view of a collector structure. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed in the lower portion of the collector structure at an end of the lower rib of the collector structure where an overflow passage of the collector leads to an air control vent in communication with ambient air;
40E illustrates a bottom view of a collector structure having a wick feed channel terminating in a clamp-shaped protrusion configured to hold the wick in place at each end.
41A and 41B show top and side views of a collector structure with two clamp-shaped end portions of two corresponding wick feeds.
42A and 42B show various perspective, top, and side views of an exemplary collector having different structural implementations.
43A illustrates various perspective, top, and side views of an exemplary wick housing in accordance with one or more embodiments.
43B illustrates the collector and wick housing components of an exemplary cartridge, wherein the protruding tabs are configured into the structure of the wick housing to be insertably received into a receiving notch or cavity of a corresponding bottom portion of the collector.
44A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
44B shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
44C shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
45 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator apparatus consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
46 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator apparatus consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
47 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator apparatus consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
48 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element positioned in an evaporator cartridge for use in an evaporator apparatus consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
49 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
50 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
51 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
52 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
53 illustrates a heating element positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
54 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
55 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
56 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
57 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
58 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
59 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
60 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
61 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
62 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
63 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
64 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
65 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
66 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
67 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
68 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
69 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
70 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
71 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
72 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
73 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
74 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
75 illustrates a heating element coupled with a portion of an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
76 illustrates a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
77 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
78 shows a heating element and a wicking element in a partially bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
79 illustrates a heating element having a plated portion in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
80 illustrates a heating element having a plated portion in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
81 illustrates a heating element having a plated portion positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
82 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
83 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
84 shows a front view of the heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
85 shows a perspective view of a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
86 illustrates a heating element positioned within an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
87 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
88 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
89 shows a top view of the heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
90 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
91 shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
92 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
93A shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
93B shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
94 shows a side view of the heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
95 shows a top view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
96 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
97A shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
97B shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
98A shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
98B shows a top view of the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
99 shows a top perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
100 shows a bottom perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
101 shows an exploded perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
102 shows a perspective view of a heat shield consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
103A shows a cross-sectional side view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
103B shows another cross-sectional side view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
104 schematically illustrates a heating element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
105 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
106 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
107 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
108 illustrates a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
109 shows a top view of a substrate material having a heating element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
110 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
111A shows a top perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
111B shows an enlarged view of a portion of a wick housing of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
112 shows a bottom perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
113 shows an exploded perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
114A-C show a process for assembling a nebulizer consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
115A-C show a process for assembling a nebulizer consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
116 shows a process flow diagram illustrating features of a method of forming and implementing a heating element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter.
117 illustrates an embodiment of an evaporator cartridge.
118 shows an embodiment of an evaporator cartridge and/or mouthpiece of an evaporator device.
119A shows a cross-sectional side view of the condensate recirculator system of the evaporator cartridge.
119B shows a first perspective view of the condensate recirculator system of FIG. 119A;
119C shows a second perspective view of the condensate recirculator system of FIG. 119A;
In practical cases, identical or similar reference numbers indicate identical, similar, or equivalent structures, features, aspects, or elements according to one or more implementations.

An evaporator configured to convert a vaporizable liquid material into a gaseous and/or aerosol phase (eg, a suspension of gaseous and particulate matter in air at a relative local equilibrium between the phases) generally contains a volume of vaporizable liquid material a reservoir or storage vessel (also referred to herein as a reservoir, storage compartment, or storage space), a nebulizer (also referred to as a nebulizer assembly), a heater element that heats the vaporizable liquid material to convert at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material into a gas phase (e.g., an electrically resistive element through which an electric current is passed to convert the electric current into thermal energy), and a wicking element (which may be simply referred to as a wick, but generally where a vaporizable liquid material is heated by the action of a heating element from a reservoir means an element or a combination of elements that applies a capillary force to attract The resulting vapor-evaporable liquid material in some cases (depending on a variety of factors) after (and optionally almost immediately) at least partially begins to condense into an aerosol in air passing through, over, near, and around the nebulizer. can form.

As the vaporizable liquid material of the wicking element is heated and converted to a vapor phase (and optionally into an aerosol), the volume of vaporizable liquid material in the reservoir is reduced. Air or a portion of the void space created inside the reservoir (e.g., a portion of the reservoir volume not occupied by the vaporizable liquid material) when the volume of the vaporizable liquid material therein is reduced by conversion to the gas/aerosol phase. In the absence of a mechanism to accept other substances, a depressurized state (eg, at least partial vacuum) occurs within the reservoir. This reduced pressure condition can adversely affect the effectiveness of the wicking element to draw vaporizable material from the storage compartment or reservoir to the vicinity of the heating element so that it evaporates into the gas phase as the partial vacuum pressure opposes the capillary pressure created within the wicking element .

More specifically, the reduced pressure in the reservoir can result in insufficient saturation of the wick and ultimately a shortage of sufficient vaporizable material delivered to the atomizer for reliable operation of the evaporator. To counter the reduced pressure condition, ambient air may enter the reservoir to equalize the pressure between the internal and ambient pressures of the reservoir. Allowing air to refill the void space of the reservoir created by the vaporized vaporizable liquid material may be achieved in some evaporators by passing air into the reservoir through a wicking element. However, such processes may generally require that the wicking element be at least partially dry. As a dry wicking element may not be easily achieved and/or may not be desirable for reliable operation of the evaporator, another typical approach is to provide a vent to equalize the pressure between the ambient conditions and the inside of the reservoir .

The presence of air in the void space of a reservoir, whether through a wick or through some other vent or venting structure, can cause one or more other problems. For example, if the air pressure in the void space of a reservoir equalizes (or at least approaches equalization) with the ambient pressure, in particular if the void space filled with air is increased in volume relative to the total reservoir volume, the air in the void space and the ambient conditions The creation of a negative pressure difference between (eg, the air in the void space being at a higher pressure than the atmosphere) may cause the vaporizable liquid material to leak from the reservoir, for example through a wick, any vent provided, etc. The negative pressure difference between the air in the reservoir and the current ambient pressure can be created by one or more of several factors, for example, (e.g., holding the reservoir on hand, or taking the evaporator from a cold to a warm place). heating of the air in the void space, etc.), mechanical forces capable of distorting the shape of the reservoir and thus reducing the internal volume of the reservoir (e.g., squeezing a portion of the evaporator causing distortion of the reservoir volume, etc.); A sudden drop in ambient pressure (such as may occur on board an airplane during air travel, for example, when a car or train enters or exits a tunnel, or when a window is opened or closed while the vehicle is moving at high speed ), etc.), etc.

Leakage of vaporizable liquid material from the reservoir of the evaporator, such as those described above, is generally undesirable, as the leaked vaporizable liquid material can create an unwanted mess (e.g., clothes or other items near the evaporator). may contaminate the evaporator), enter the suction path of the evaporator and may be swallowed by the user (e.g., contaminate the pressure sensor, affect the operability of electrical circuits and/or switches, or otherwise affect the charging port and/or cartridge and the function of the evaporator (eg by contaminating the connection between the evaporator and the evaporator body). Thus, leakage of vaporizable liquid material can interfere with the function and cleanliness of the evaporator.

Examples of evaporators include, without limitation, electronic evaporators, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or devices and systems having the same, similar or equivalent structural or functional features or capabilities. 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary evaporator 100 . The evaporator 100 may include an evaporator body 110 and an evaporator cartridge 120 (referred to simply as an evaporator cartridge 120 ). The evaporator body 110 may include a power source 112 (eg, a battery that may be rechargeable), in which a vaporizable material (not shown) is in a condensed form (eg, a solid, liquid, solution, transfer of heat to the nebulizer 141 to convert it from a suspension, at least partially untreated plant material, etc.) to the gas phase, or, more generally, to convert the vaporizable material into an inhalable form or a precursor in an inhalable form. may include a controller 104 (eg, a programmable logic device, processor, or circuit capable of executing logic code) for controlling. In this context, the inhalable form may be a gas or aerosol, or some other airborne form. The precursor in an inhalable form is a gaseous state of a vaporizable material that at least partially condenses to form an aerosol at a specified time (optionally immediately or nearly immediately or alternatively with a slight delay or after an amount of cooling) after the formation of the vapor phase. may include. The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with a particular implementation, and may be used to control certain features of the evaporator body 110 in association with one or more sensors 113 .

As shown, the evaporator body 110, in some implementations of the present subject matter, includes one or more of the sensors 113 , the evaporator body contacts 125 , the seal 115 , and, optionally, one or more of various attachment structures. and a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to receive at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 for engagement with the evaporator body 110 via. As discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7D , a male or female receptacle structure or some combination thereof may be used to couple the evaporator cartridge 120 with the evaporator body 110 . For example, in some implementations of the present subject matter, the inner portion of the first end of the cartridge may be received in the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 , and the outer portion of the first end of the cartridge may be received in the cartridge receptacle 118 . ) at least partially cover a portion of the outer surface of the structure on the evaporator body 110 . This arrangement for coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 provides a convenient and easy-to-use bonding method that provides sufficient mechanical bond strength to avoid unwanted separation of the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 . may allow the use of This configuration may also provide desirable resistance to bending of the evaporator formed by coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 . With respect to the evaporator body contacts 125 , these are in particular on a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 where a corresponding cartridge contact 124 (discussed below) is inserted into a receptacle or receptacle-shaped structure of the evaporator body 110 . It will be understood that in some implementations it may also be referred to as "receptacle contact 125". However, the terms “evaporator body contact 125” and/or “receptacle contact 125” refer to aspects of the present subject matter such that the electrical coupling between the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 is on the evaporator body 110 . and since it is not limited to those made between contacts in the cartridge receptacle 118 on the portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 that is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 (which may be used to provide various advantages in these and other systems) It is also used here.

In some examples, the evaporator cartridge 120 may include a reservoir 140 for receiving the vaporizable liquid material and a mouthpiece 130 for delivering a dose of the vaporizable material in an inhalable form. The mouthpiece may optionally be a separate component from the structure forming the reservoir 140 , or alternatively may be formed from the same part or component forming at least a portion of one or more walls of the reservoir 140 . . The vaporizable liquid material in the reservoir 140 may be a carrier solution in which the active or inactive component may be suspended, dissolved, or held in solution or in the pure liquid form of the vaporizable material itself.

According to one implementation, the evaporator cartridge 120 may include a nebulizer 141 that may include a heater (eg, a heating element) as well as a wick or wicking element. As noted above, the wicking element may comprise any material capable of causing fluid absorption by capillary pressure through the wick to deliver an amount of vaporizable liquid material to the portion of the atomizer 141 that includes the heating element. have. The wick and heating element are not shown in FIG. 1 , but are disclosed and discussed in greater detail herein with reference to at least FIGS. 3A , 3B and 4 . Briefly, the wicking element may be configured to draw vaporizable liquid material from a reservoir 140 configured to receive vaporizable liquid material such that the vaporizable liquid material is drawn from the heating element into the wicking element and the wicking element. It can be evaporated (ie converted to a gaseous state) by heat transferred to a possible liquid material. In some implementations, air is passed through the reservoir 140 through a wicking element or other opening to at least partially equalize the pressure within the reservoir 140 in response to vaporizable liquid material being removed from the reservoir 140 during vapor and/or aerosol formation. ) can be entered.

1 , a pressure sensor (and any other sensors) 113 is located in or coupled to the controller 104 (eg, electrically, electronically, physically, or via a wireless connection). can be The controller 104 may be a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board. To accurately perform measurements and maintain durability of the evaporator 100 , it may be advantageous to provide a resilient seal 115 to isolate the air flow path from other parts of the evaporator 100 . A seal 115 , which may be a gasket, at least partially surrounds the pressure sensor 113 such that the connection of the pressure sensor 113 to the internal circuitry of the evaporator can be separated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the airflow path. can be configured.

The vaporizable liquid material used with the evaporator 100 may be provided in an evaporator cartridge 120 that can be either disposable or refilled when empty, in favor of a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of the same or a different type. have. The evaporator may be a cartridge use evaporator or a multi-use evaporator that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a multi-use evaporator may contain a cartridge or other replaceable material having a reservoir, volume or other functional or structural equivalent to receive the vaporizable material directly in the heating chamber and also to at least partially contain a usable amount of the vaporizable material. may include a heating chamber (eg, an oven) configured to receive the device.

In the example of a cartridge-enabled evaporator, the seal 115 may separate portions of one or more electrical connections between the evaporator body 110 and the evaporator cartridge 120 . This arrangement of the seals 115 in the evaporator 100 is such that one or more such as condensed water, a vaporizable material that leaks from a reservoir and/or condenses after evaporation, to reduce air escaping from an air flow path designed for the evaporator or the like. It can help mitigate potential destructive effects on evaporator components due to their interaction with environmental factors.

Undesired air, liquid, or other fluid passing through or in contact with the circuitry of the evaporator 100 may cause various undesirable effects, such as altered pressure readings, or unwanted substances may cause a poor pressure signal, pressure sensor or other electrical or may cause accumulation of unwanted materials (eg, moisture, vaporizable materials, etc.) in portions of the evaporator 100 , which may cause degradation of electronic components and/or shortening of the life of the evaporator. Leakage of the seal 115 may also cause a user to inhale air that has passed through a portion of the evaporator 100 that contains or is made of material that is not suitable for inhalation.

An evaporator configured to generate at least a portion of an inhalable capacity of the non-evaporable liquid material through heating the non-evaporable liquid material may also be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, instead of or in addition to the vaporizable liquid material, the evaporator cartridge 120 may be in direct contact with at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 or one or more resistive heating elements that may optionally be included in a portion of the evaporator body 110 . The bulk of the plant material or other non-liquid material that is processed and formed (or to be radiatively and/or convectionally heated by a heating element) (eg, the solid form of the vaporizable material itself, such as "wax"). can A solid vaporizable material (eg, a material comprising plant material) is a vaporizable material (eg, such that after the vaporizable material is released for inhalation, a portion of the plant material remains as waste) and only a portion of the plant material is may be released or may eventually cause all solid material to evaporate for inhalation. The vaporizable liquid material may likewise be completely evaporated or may comprise a portion of the liquid material remaining after all material suitable for inhalation has been consumed.

When comprised of a heating element and a vaporizable material in the evaporator cartridge 120, the evaporator cartridge 120 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the evaporator body 110, which includes a processor, a power source 112, and one or more evaporator body contacts 125 for connection to corresponding cartridge contacts 124 to complete a circuit with the resistive heating element included in the evaporator cartridge 120 . Various evaporator configurations may be implemented with one or more features described herein.

In some implementations, the evaporator 100 may include a power source 112 as part of the evaporator body 110 , and a heating element may be disposed in an evaporator cartridge 120 configured to engage the evaporator body 110 . When so configured, the evaporator 100 may include electrical connection features to complete a circuit including a controller 104 , a power source 112 , and a heating element included in the evaporator cartridge 120 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the connection features include at least two cartridge contacts 124 on the bottom surface of the evaporator cartridge 120 and at least two contacts 125 disposed near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the evaporator 100 . may include, the cartridge contacts 124 and receptacle contacts 125 form an electrical connection when the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into and engaged with the cartridge receptacle 118 . In some implementations of the present subject matter, the evaporator body contact 125 is a compressible pin (eg, a pogo pin) that retracts under the pressure of a corresponding cartridge contact 124 when the evaporator cartridge is inserted and secured in the cartridge receptacle 118 . ) can be Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, brush contacts in electrical connection with corresponding contacts on mating portions of the evaporator cartridge may be used. These contacts need not be electrically connected to the cartridge contacts at the bottom end of the evaporator cartridge 120, but instead are in the evaporator cartridge (120) within the receptacle when the evaporator cartridge 120 is properly inserted into the cartridge receptacle (118). may be engaged by being pressed outward from one or more sidewalls of the cartridge receptacle 118 against the cartridge contacts 124 on a portion of the sides of 120 .

The circuit completed by the electrical connection is capable of passing a current to the resistive heating element and also measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element for use in determining or controlling the temperature of the resistive heating element based on the coefficient of thermal resistance of the resistive heating element. It may further be used for additional functions, such as measuring, to identify the evaporator cartridge 120 based on one or more electrical characteristics of a resistive heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge 120 .

In some examples, at least two cartridge contacts 124 and at least two evaporator body contacts 125 (e.g., receptacle contacts for implementations in which a portion of evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into cartridge receptacle 118) are and may be configured to be electrically connected to one of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits configured for operation of the evaporator 100 (eg, around an axis where the end of the evaporator cartridge having the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 ) of) inserting (or otherwise engaging) at least a portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a first rotational orientation, such that the first cartridge contacts of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 are at least two The two receptacle contacts 125 are electrically connected to the first receptacle contacts and the second cartridge contacts of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to the second receptacle contacts of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 .

Further, one or more circuits configured for operation of the evaporator 100 may be completed by inserting (or otherwise coupling) the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation, such that at least two cartridge contacts ( The first cartridge contacts of 124 are electrically connected to the second receptacle contacts of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 , and the second cartridge contacts of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 are of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 . electrically connected to the first receptacle contact. The evaporator cartridge 120 may be reversibly inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 as provided in more detail herein.

In one example of an attachment structure for coupling the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 , the evaporator body 110 has a detent (eg, a dimple; protrusions, etc.). One or more outer surfaces of the evaporator cartridge 120 may include a corresponding recess (not shown in FIG. 1 ), wherein the end of the evaporator cartridge 120 is a cartridge receptacle on the evaporator body 110 ( 118 may fit or otherwise snap into this detent when inserted.

The evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 may be coupled, for example, by inserting the end of the evaporator cartridge 120 into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 . The detent of the evaporator body 110 may fit and/or otherwise be retained in a recess of the evaporator cartridge 120 to hold the evaporator cartridge 120 in place when assembled. This detent recess assembly can provide sufficient support to hold the evaporator cartridge 120 in place to ensure sufficient contact between the at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two receptacle contacts 125. and allows the release of the evaporator cartridge 120 from the evaporator body 110 when the user pulls the evaporator cartridge 120 with a reasonable force to separate the evaporator cartridge 120 from the cartridge receptacle 118 .

In addition to the above discussion of the electrical connection between the reversible evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 such that at least two rotational orientations of the evaporator cartridge 120 in the cartridge receptacle 118 are possible, the evaporator 100 is The shape of the evaporator cartridge 120 , or the shape of at least an end of the evaporator cartridge 120 configured to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 , may have at least a second order rotational symmetry. In other words, the evaporator cartridge 120 or at least the mechanical mating features and electrical contacts on the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge 120 may rotate 180° about the axis through which the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 . can be symmetrical when In this configuration, the circuitry of the evaporator 100 can support the same operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the evaporator cartridge 120 is achieved. It will be appreciated that the entire insertable end of the cartridge need not be symmetrical in all implementations of the present subject matter. For example, having rotationally symmetrical mechanical features for cooperatively engaging a corresponding feature on the inside or outside of a cartridge receptacle 118 that is shaped and sized to fit within a cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 and likewise Evaporator cartridge 120 having cartridge electrical contacts 124 having rotational symmetry and internal circuitry compatible with inversion of the electrical contacts (which may optionally be in one or both of evaporator cartridge 120 and evaporator body 110) ) is consistent with the present disclosure even if the overall shape and appearance of the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge 120 is not rotationally symmetrical.

As noted above, in some exemplary embodiments, the evaporator cartridge 120 or at least an end of the evaporator cartridge 120 is configured to be inserted into a cartridge receptacle 118 , and the evaporator cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 . It may have a non-circular cross-section transverse to an axis inserted into it. For example, a non-circular cross-section may be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (eg, having an approximately elliptical shape), non-rectangular but two sets of parallel or approximately parallel opposing sides (eg, a parallelogram) shape), or other shapes with at least second order rotational symmetry. In this context, having an approximate shape indicates that although basic similarities to the described shape are evident, the faces of the shape need not be perfectly linear and the vertices need not be perfectly sharp. Some amount of rounding of either or both of the edges or vertices of the cross-sectional shape is contemplated in the description of any non-circular cross-section referred to herein.

The at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two receptacle contacts 125 may take a variety of forms. For example, one or two sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes for pins or posts, and the like. Some types of contacts may include springs or other biasing features that cause better physical and electrical contact between the contacts of the evaporator cartridge and the evaporator body. The electrical contacts may be plated with gold and/or may include other materials.

Evaporator 100 consistent with implementations of the disclosed subject matter may be configured to connect (eg, via a wireless or wired connection) to one or more computing devices in communication with evaporator 100 . To this end, the controller 104 may include communication hardware 105 . The controller 104 may also include a memory 108 . The computing device may also be a component of an evaporator system including the evaporator 100 , and may include independent communication hardware capable of establishing a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of the evaporator 100 .

Computing devices used as part of the evaporator system may include general-purpose computing devices (eg, other portable devices such as smart phones, tablets, personal computers, smart watches, etc.), which devices allow the user of the device to use the evaporator 100 . Run the software to create a user interface that allows you to interact with it. In other implementations, the device used as part of the evaporator system may be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device with one or more physical or soft interface controls (eg, to be configured on a screen or other display device). may be selected through user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor button, etc.). Evaporator 100 may also include one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to a user.

A computing device that is part of an evaporator system as defined above includes dosing control (eg, capacity monitoring, capacity setting, capacity limiting, user tracking, etc.), sessioning control (eg session monitoring, session establishment, session limiting, user tracking, etc.) tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between vaporizable nicotine material and vaporizable non-nicotine material, adjusting the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.), obtaining location information (e.g., location of other users, retail business/commercial location, vaping location, relative or absolute location of the evaporator itself, etc.), personalizing the evaporator (e.g. naming the evaporator, locking/password protecting the evaporator, adjusting one or more parental controls, evaporator one or more such as linking with a group of users, registering the evaporator with the manufacturer or warranty maintenance body, etc.), engaging in social activities with other users (e.g., social media communication, interaction with one or more groups, etc.) It can be used for any of the functions. The terms “sessioning”, “session”, “evaporator session” or “steam session” may be used to refer to a period of time allotted for use of an evaporator. This period may include a period of time, number of doses, amount of vaporizable material, and the like.

In examples where the computing device provides a signal related to activation of a resistive heating element, or in other examples of coupling the computing device and the evaporator 100 to implement various controls or other functions, the computing device may execute one or more sets of computer instructions. run to provide a user interface and basic data processing. In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements signals the evaporator 100 to activate the heating element to a full operating temperature for the computing device to generate an inhalable dose of vapor/aerosol. can send Other functions of the evaporator 100 may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on a computing device that communicates with the evaporator 100 .

In some embodiments, the evaporator cartridge 120 usable with the evaporator body 110 may include a nebulizer 141 having a wicking element and a heating element. Alternatively, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element may be part of the evaporator body 110 . In implementations where any portion of the nebulizer 141 (eg, a heating element or a wicking element) is part of the evaporator body 110 , the evaporator 100 wicks and releases the vaporizable liquid material from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cartridge. It may be configured to feed other atomizer parts, such as, for example, wicking elements, heating elements, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that capillary structures including wicking elements are but one potential embodiment for use with other features described herein.

Activation of the heating element may be, for example, a pressure sensor or a sensor arranged to detect pressure along an air flow path relative to ambient pressure (or capable of measuring a change in absolute pressure), one or more motion sensors of the evaporator 100 , by automatic detection of the puff based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113 , such as one or more flow sensors of the evaporator 100 , a capacitive lip sensor of the evaporator 100 ; responsive to detecting an interaction of a user with one or more input devices 116 (eg, buttons or other tactile control devices on evaporator 100 ), receive a signal from a computing device in communication with evaporator 100 , or It can be triggered through a different approach to determining whether a puff is occurring or imminent.

The heating element may be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater, and a convection heater. One type of heating element may be a resistive heating element, which is a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, eg nickel-chromium alloys or non-metallic resistors) or at least include these materials.

In some implementations, a nebulizer 141 is wrapped around, positioned within, incorporated into, and compressed into thermal contact therewith, and positioned near the wicking element, and heats air to cause convective heating thereof. vaporizable liquid material configured or otherwise drawn by the wicking element from reservoir 140 into a gas and/or condensed (eg, aerosol particles or droplets) phase evaporates for subsequent inhalation by a user a heating element or other heating element comprising a resistance coil arranged to transfer heat to the wicking element to cause As discussed further below, other wicking element, heating element or atomizer assembly configurations may be possible.

After converting the vaporizable material into a gas phase, at least a portion of the vaporizable gaseous material is condensed and removed by the evaporator 100 for a given puff, depending on the type of evaporator, physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, or other factors Particulate matter may form in at least partial local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of an aerosol that may be drawn up in an evaporator or may form part or all of the inhalable dose provided.

Ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry (e.g. acid-base interactions, lack of compounds released from vaporizable materials by protonation or heating, etc.), airflow (inside the evaporator and in the airways of humans or other animals) Since factors such as flow conditions in the path, vaporizable gaseous material or mixing of aerosol phase materials with other air streams, etc. may affect one or more physical and/or chemical parameters of the aerosol, gases and It will be appreciated that the interactions between the condensed phases can be complex and dynamic. In some evaporators, especially evaporators for the delivery of more volatile vaporizable material, the aspirated capacity may be primarily in the gas phase (ie the formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited).

As noted elsewhere herein, certain evaporators may also (or alternatively) include, for example, vaporizable solid material (eg, wax, etc.) or plant material containing vaporizable material (eg, To produce an inhalable dose of vaporizable material that is at least in part gaseous and/or aerosol phase through heating of a non-evaporable liquid material, such as a tobacco leaf or part of a tobacco leaf). In such evaporators, the resistive heating element may be part of or otherwise integrated into or in thermal contact with the wall of an oven or other heating chamber in which the non-evaporable liquid material is disposed.

Alternatively, the resistive heating element or elements may be used to heat air passing through or passing through the non-evaporable liquid material to cause convective heating of the non-evaporable liquid material. In another example, the resistive heating element or elements may be placed in intimate contact with the plant material such that direct conductive heating of the plant material from inside the mass of plant material occurs (eg, conducting inward from the wall of an oven opposite to that).

The heating element may be activated by a controller 104 which may be part of the evaporator body 110 . The controller 104 may allow current to pass from the power source 112 through a circuit that includes a resistive heating element that may be part of the evaporator cartridge 120 . The controller 104 controls the user puffing (eg, suction, inhalation, etc.) against the mouthpiece 130 of the evaporator 100 to allow air to flow from the air inlet, along the air flow path through the nebulizer 141 . ) can be activated in relation to The atomizer 141 may include, for example, a wick in combination with a heating element.

The air flow induced by user puffing may pass through one or more condensation zones or chambers inside and/or downstream of the nebulizer 141 and then toward the air outlet of the mouthpiece. Thus, incoming air passing along the air flow path may pass through, through, near, around, etc. the nebulizer 141 so that the vaporizable gaseous material (or some other inhalable form of the vaporizable material) is It is entrained in the air due to the atomizer 141 which converts some amount of vaporizable material into the gas phase. As noted above, the entrained vaporizable gaseous material may condense as it passes through the remainder of the airflow path, so that the inhalable capacity of the vaporizable material in aerosol form (e.g., for inhalation by the user through the mouthpiece 130) from the air outlet.

The temperature of the resistive heating element of the evaporator 100 depends on the amount of power delivered to the resistive heating element or the duty cycle over which the power is delivered, the conductive and/or radiant heat transfer to other parts of the evaporator 100 or the environment, (e.g., Specific heat transfer to air and/or vaporizable liquid or gaseous material that raises the temperature of the vaporizable material to its vaporization point or raises the temperature of air and/or a gas such as air mixed with the vaporized vaporizable material , latent heat loss due to evaporation of vaporizable material from the wick and/or nebulizer 141 as a whole, convective heat loss due to air flow (e.g., heating element or atomizer as a whole as the user inhales over evaporator 100) 141), and the like).

As described above, to reliably activate the heating element or to heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the evaporator 100 may in some implementations use a signal from a pressure sensor to determine when a user inhales. The pressure sensor may be located in the airflow path or in the airflow path (eg, by a path or other path) connecting an inlet through which air enters the device and an outlet through which a user inhales vapor and/or aerosol. ), the pressure sensor experiences a pressure change as the air passing through the evaporator 100 passes from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some implementations, the heating element may be activated in relation to the user's puff, for example by means of a pressure sensor that detects a change in pressure in the airflow path, such as by detection of an automatic puff.

1 , 2A and 2B , the evaporator cartridge 120 may be detachably inserted into the evaporator body 110 through the cartridge receptacle 118 . As shown in FIG. 2A , which shows a top view of the evaporator body 110 next to the evaporator cartridge 120 , the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cartridge 120 is a vaporizable liquid material 102 within the evaporator cartridge 120 . It may be formed of a translucent material wholly or partially so that the level of can be seen. The evaporator cartridge 120 ensures that when the evaporator cartridge 120 is received in the cartridge receptacle 118 , the level of the vaporizable material 102 in the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cartridge 120 passes through the window of the evaporator body 110 . It can be configured to remain visible. Alternatively or additionally, the level of vaporizable liquid material 102 in reservoir 140 may be viewed through a transparent or translucent outer wall or window formed in the outer wall of evaporator cartridge 120 .

air flow path embodiment

2C and 2D, there is shown an exemplary evaporator cartridge 120 in which an air flow path 134 is created during a puff by a user on the evaporator 100. The air flow path 134 also includes an evaporation chamber 150 (e.g., an evaporation chamber 150) contained in a wick housing where air is coupled with an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user through a mouthpiece 130, which may be part of an evaporator cartridge 120. For example, see Figure 2d). Evaporation chamber 150 may include and/or at least partially enclose atomizer 141 consistent with the remainder of the present disclosure. For example, when a user puffs the evaporator 100 , the air flow path 134 is located on the outer surface of the evaporator cartridge 120 (eg, the window 132 ) and the cartridge receptacle on the evaporator body 110 ( 118). Air is then drawn into the insertable end 122 of the cartridge, through an evaporation chamber 150 containing or receiving a heating element and a wicking element, and a mouthpiece for delivering the inhalable aerosol to the user. It may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 136 of the 130). Other airflow path configurations, including but not limited to those discussed in greater detail below, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

2D illustrates additional features that may be included in an evaporator cartridge 120 consistent with the present subject matter. For example, the evaporator cartridge 120 may include a plurality of cartridge contacts (such as cartridge contacts 124 ) disposed on an insertable end 122 configured to be inserted into a cartridge receptacle 118 of an evaporator body 110 . may include The cartridge contacts 124 may optionally be part of a single piece of metal each forming a conductive structure (eg, conductive structure 126 ) connected to one of the two ends of the resistive heating element. The conductive structure may optionally form opposite sides of the heating chamber, and may optionally act as a heat shield and/or heat sink to reduce the transfer of heat to the outer wall of the evaporator cartridge 120 . Further details of this aspect are set forth below.

FIG. 2D also shows an air flow path 134 passing between the mouthpiece 130 and a heating chamber (also referred to herein as a nebulizer chamber, an evaporation chamber, etc.) that may be formed at least in part by a conductive structure 126 It shows a cannula 128 within the evaporator cartridge 120 defining a portion (an example of a more general concept also referred to herein as an air flow passage). This configuration allows air to flow into the cartridge receptacle 118 around the insertable end 122 of the evaporator cartridge 120 and then into the cartridge body towards the vaporization chamber 150 into the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge 120 . After passing through 122 (eg, the opposite end of the end containing the mouthpiece 130 ), flow again in the opposite direction. The air flow path 134 then passes through the interior of the evaporator cartridge 120 , for example, through one or more tubes or interior channels (eg, cannula 128 ) and one or more formed in the mouthpiece 130 . It travels through an exit (eg, exit 136 ).

pressure equalization vent

As noted above, removal of vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 (eg, via capillary attraction by a wicking element) may result in an at least partial vacuum ( For example, reduced pressure created in the portion of the reservoir evacuated by consumption of the vaporizable liquid material), this vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wicking element. This reduced pressure may in some instances be large enough to reduce the effect of the wicking element to draw the vaporizable liquid material 102 into the evaporation chamber 150 , whereby, for example, a user ), reducing the effectiveness of the evaporator 100 to evaporate the desired amount of vaporizable material 102 . In extreme cases, the vacuum created in the reservoir 140 may prevent all of the vaporizable material 102 from being drawn into the evaporation chamber 150 , thus resulting in incomplete use of the vaporizable material 102 . One or more vent features may be included with respect to the evaporator reservoir 140 (regardless of locating the reservoir 140 within the evaporator cartridge 120 or elsewhere within the evaporator), such that ambient pressure (e.g., to at least partially equalize (and optionally fully equalize) the pressure within the reservoir 140 by, for example, the pressure of the ambient air outside the reservoir 140 .

In some cases, allowing pressure equalization within the reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of delivering the vaporizable liquid material to the atomizer 141 , but this increases the efficiency of other empty void volumes within the reservoir 140 (eg, vaporizable liquid). This is done by allowing the space vacated by the use of the material) to be filled with air. As will be discussed in more detail below, this air-filled void volume can then undergo a pressure change with respect to the ambient air, which, under certain conditions, causes the vaporizable liquid material to move out of the reservoir 140 and ultimately into the evaporator. to leak out of the cartridge 120 and/or other parts of the evaporator containing the reservoir 140 . Implementations of the subject matter may also provide advantages and benefits with respect to these issues.

Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features are described herein for controlling the flow of vaporizable material as well as air flow, which provides advantages and improvements over existing approaches, while also introducing the additional benefits described herein. . The evaporator device and/or cartridge described herein may include one or more features to control and improve airflow in the evaporator device and/or cartridge, thus introducing additional features that may lead to leakage of vaporizable liquid material It is possible to improve the efficiency and effect of evaporating the vaporizable liquid material by the evaporator device without

2E and 2F show a storage system configured for an evaporator cartridge (e.g., evaporator cartridge 120) and/or an evaporator device (e.g., evaporator 100) to improve pressure equalization and airflow in the evaporator, respectively; The diagrams of the first and second embodiments of 200A, 200B) are shown. More specifically, the storage systems 200A, 200B shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F improve the regulation of the pressure in the reservoir 240 so that the vacuum created in the reservoir 240 is relieved after the user has puffed the evaporator. At the same time, the occurrence of leakage of vaporizable liquid material through the venting structure may be reduced or even eliminated. This means that the capillary action of the porous material (eg, wicking element) associated with the reservoir 240 and the evaporation chamber 242 continues the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 to the evaporation chamber 242 after each puff. so that it can be pulled effectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F , the reservoir systems 200A, 200B include a reservoir 240 configured to receive a vaporizable liquid material 202 . Reservoir 240 is sealed on all sides by reservoir wall 232 except through the wick housing area extending between reservoir 240 and evaporation chamber 242 . A heating element or heater may be accommodated within the evaporation chamber 242 and coupled to the wicking element. The wicking element is configured to provide a capillary action that draws the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the evaporation chamber 242 to be evaporated into an aerosol by the heater. The aerosol is then combined with an air stream 234 that travels along an air flow passage 238 of the evaporator for inhalation by a user.

The storage systems 200A, 200B also include an air flow restrictor 244 that restricts the passage of the air flow 234 along the air flow passage 238 of the evaporator, for example when a user puffs the evaporator. Restriction of airflow 234 caused by airflow restrictor 244 may cause a vacuum to build along a portion of airflow passageway 238 downstream from airflow restrictor 244 . The vacuum created along the airflow passageway 238 is formed in the evaporation chamber 242 (eg, a chamber containing at least a portion of the nebulizer 141 ) along the airflow passageway 238 for inhalation by a user. It can help attract the aerosol. At least one airflow restrictor 244 may be included in each of the storage systems 200A, 200B, the airflow restrictor 244 being any for restricting the airflow 234 along the airflow passageway 238 . may include the number of features of

2E and 2F , each storage system 200A, 200B also has a vent 246 configured to selectively allow the passage of air into the reservoir 240 to increase the pressure within the reservoir 240 . may include, for example, as discussed above, to relieve the reservoir 240 from negative pressure (vacuum) relative to ambient pressure resulting from the draw of the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 . . At least one vent 246 may be connected to the reservoir 240 . Vent 246 may be an active or passive valve, and vent 246 may include any number of features for allowing air to pass into reservoir 240 to relieve negative pressure generated in reservoir 240 .

For example, one embodiment of vent 246 may include a vent passage extending between reservoir 240 and air flow passage 238 , when pressure is equalized across vent 246 (eg, For example, the pressure in the reservoir 240 is approximately equal to the pressure in the airflow passageway 238) and the fluid tension (also referred to as surface tension) of the vaporizable material 202 is the same as the pressure in the vaporizable material 202 passing through the passageway. include a diameter (or more generally, cross-sectional area) sized to prevent However, the diameter (or more generally the cross-sectional area) of the vent 246 and/or vent passage is such that the vacuum pressure generated in the reservoir 240 overcomes the surface tension of the vaporizable material 202 in the vent 246 or vent passage. It is sized to allow air bubbles to be released into the reservoir 240 through the vent in response to a sufficiently low pressure in the reservoir 240 relative to ambient pressure.

Thus, a volume of air may pass from the air flow passage 238 to the reservoir 240 to relieve the vacuum pressure. Once an amount of air is added to reservoir 240 , the pressure is again more closely equalized across vent 246 so that the surface tension of vaporizable material 202 prevents air from entering reservoir 240 . as well as preventing the vaporizable material from leaking out of the reservoir 240 through the vent passage.

In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the vent 246 or vent passage may range from about 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and may also include a diameter in the range of from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm. In some examples, vent 246 and/or vent passageway may be non-circular, such that they may be characterized by a non-circular cross-section along the direction of fluid flow within the vent passageway. In this example, the cross-section is defined by the cross-sectional area, not the diameter. Generally speaking, whether the cross-sectional shape of the vent 246 and/or vent passageway is circular or non-circular, in certain implementations of the present subject matter, the cross-sectional area of the vent 246 is exposed to ambient air pressure and reservoir 240 . ) may be advantageous to vary along the path between the interiors of For example, the portion of the vent 246 closer to the external ambient pressure advantageously has a smaller cross-sectional area (eg, the vent 246 ) compared to the portion of the vent 246 closer to the interior of the reservoir 240 . smaller diameter in the example with a circular cross-section). A smaller cross-sectional area closer to the exterior of the system may provide greater resistance to the outflow of vaporizable liquid material, and a larger cross-sectional area closer to the interior of the reservoir 240 may result in a flow from the vent 246 to the reservoir 240 . It can provide a relatively reduced resistance to the outflow of air bubbles. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the transition between the smaller cross-sectional area and the larger cross-sectional area may advantageously not be continuous, but instead comprises a discontinuity along the length of the vent 246 and/or the vent passage. Such a structure may be useful in providing greater overall resistance to the outflow of liquid material rather than equilibration of the reservoir pressure by venting air bubbles from the vent 246, since a larger cross-sectional area near the reservoir is more exposed to ambient air. This is because it can have a lower capillary actuation compared to a small cross-sectional area.

The material of the vent 246 and/or the vent passage may also be determined by, for example, affecting the contact angle between the vent 246 and/or the wall of the vent passage and the vaporizable material 202 , thereby affecting the vent 246 and/or the vent passage. can help you control The contact angle may affect the surface tension created by the vaporizable material 202 and thus, as described above, the vent 246 and/or vent 246 before a volume of fluid is allowed to pass through the vent 246 . It can affect the critical pressure differential that can be created across the passage. Vent 246 may include a variety of shapes/sizes and configurations that are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, various embodiments of cartridges and cartridge parts that include one or more of various vent features are described in greater detail below.

Positioning the vent 246 (eg, a passive vent) and airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 assists in the effective functioning of the storage systems 200A, 200B. For example, improperly positioning the vent 246 or airflow restrictor 244 may result in unwanted leakage of the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 . This disclosure addresses the effective positioning of the vent 246 and airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 (including the wick). For example, a small or no pressure differential between the passive vent and the wick can form an effective reservoir system that creates an effective capillary action of the wick while relieving the vacuum pressure in the reservoir and preventing leakage. The configuration of the reservoir system with effective positioning of the vent 246 and airflow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 is described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2E , an airflow restrictor 244 may be located upstream of the evaporation chamber 242 along an airflow passageway 238 , and a vent 246 may be located along the reservoir 240 . , provide fluid communication between the reservoir 240 and a portion of the air flow passage 238 downstream of the evaporation chamber 242 . As such, when the user puffs the evaporator, a negative pressure is created downstream from the airflow restrictor 244 , causing the evaporation chamber 242 to experience the negative pressure. Similarly, the side of the vent 246 in communication with the air flow passage 238 is also subjected to negative pressure.

As such, a small or non-existent positive pressure differential is created between the vent 246 and the evaporation chamber 242 during the puff (eg, when the user draws or inhales air from the evaporation device). However, the capillary action of the wick after the puff will draw the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the vaporization chamber 242 to replenish the vaporized material 202 that has evaporated as a result of the previous puff and aspirated. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240 . A pressure differential will then occur between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passageway 238 . As discussed above, the vent 246 allows the pressure difference (eg, a critical pressure differential) between the reservoir 240 and the airflow passageway 238 to reduce the volume of air from the airflow passageway 238 to the reservoir 240 . ), thereby relieving the vacuum in reservoir 240 and returning the pressure equalized across vent 246 and stable reservoir system 200A.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F , an air flow restrictor 244 may be located downstream of the evaporation chamber 242 along an air flow passage 238 , and a vent 246 may be disposed in the evaporation chamber ( Can be positioned along reservoir 240 to provide fluid communication between reservoir 240 and a portion of airflow passageway 238 upstream from 242 . As such, when the user puffs the evaporator, the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent 246 experience little or no suction or negative pressure as a result of the puff, and thus the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent 246 are located between the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent 246. Little or no pressure difference occurs. Similar to the case of FIG. 2E , the pressure differential created across the vent 246 will be the result of the capillary action of the wick pulling the vaporizable material 202 into the evaporation chamber 242 after the puff. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240 . This creates a pressure differential across the vent 246 .

As discussed above, the vent 246 allows a pressure difference (eg, a critical pressure differential) between the reservoir 240 and the air flow passage 238 or atmosphere to pass a volume of air into the reservoir 240 accordingly. It may be configured to relieve a vacuum within the reservoir 240 . This allows the pressure to equalize and stabilize across vent 246 and storage system 200B. Vent 246 may include a variety of configurations and features, for example, may be positioned at various locations along evaporator cartridge 120 to achieve various results. For example, one or more vents 246 may be positioned adjacent to or form part of the evaporation chamber 242 or the wick housing. In this configuration, the one or more vents 246 may provide fluid (eg, air) communication between the reservoir 240 and the evaporation chamber 242 (through which the air stream passes as the user puffs the evaporator). thus becoming part of the airflow path).

Similarly, as described above, a vent 246 disposed adjacent to or forming part of the vaporization chamber 242 or wick housing allows air inside the vaporization chamber 242 to pass through the vent 246 to the reservoir 240 . ) to increase the pressure inside the reservoir 240 , thereby effectively relieving the vacuum pressure created as a result of the vaporizable material 202 being drawn into the evaporation chamber 242 . As such, the relief of the vacuum pressure allows for continuous, efficient and effective capillary action of the vaporizable material 202 through the wick into the vaporization chamber 242 to produce an inhalable vapor during subsequent puffs of the vaporizer by the user. The following provides various exemplary embodiments of a venting evaporation chamber element (eg, a nebulizer assembly), which achieves the above effective venting of the reservoir 140 and the wick housing 1315 , 178 (which houses the evaporation chamber) at least one vent 596 coupled to or forming part of a portion of the wick housing 1315 , 178 .

Open Cartridge Assembly Example

3A and 3B, an illustration of an alternative cartridge embodiment 1320 in which cartridge 1320 includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece area 1330, a reservoir 1340, and a nebulizer (not individually shown). A flat cross-sectional view is shown. The nebulizer may include a heating element 1350 and a wicking element 1362 together or separately depending on the implementation, such that the wicking element 1362 is a vaporizable material drawn from or stored therein. Thermally or thermodynamically coupled to heating element 1350 to evaporate 1302 .

Plate 1326 may be included in one embodiment to provide an electrical connection between heating element 1350 and power source 112 (see FIG. 1 ). An air flow passageway 1338 defined through or on the side of the reservoir 1340 may define an area within the cartridge 1320 that receives a wicking element 1362 (eg, the wick housing is not shown separately) into the mouthpiece or It can connect to an opening leading to the mouthpiece region 1330 , providing a path for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 traveling from the heating element 1350 region to the mouthpiece region 1330 .

As provided above, the wicking element 1362 may be coupled to an atomizer or heating element 1350 (eg, resistive heating element or coil) connected to one or more electrical contacts (eg, plate 1326). . Heating element 1350 (and other heating elements described herein, depending on one or more implementations) may have a variety of shapes and/or configurations, and as provided in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. It may include one or more heating elements 1350, 500 or features thereof.

According to one or more example implementations, the heating element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 is fabricated (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and crimped or bent around at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 to the wicking element. A preformed element configured to receive 1362 may be provided (eg, wicking element 1362 is pushed into heating element 1350 and/or heating element 1350 is held in tension such that the wicking element is (1362) Pulled Up).

The heating element 1350 can be bent such that the heating element 1350 secures the wicking element 1362 between at least two or three portions of the heating element 1350 . The heating element 1350 may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . The configuration of heating element 1350 allows for more consistent and improved quality manufacturing of heating element 1350 . Consistency of manufacturing quality of heating element 1350 may be particularly important during scaled and/or automated manufacturing processes. For example, a heating element 1350 according to one or more implementations helps to reduce tolerance issues that may arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element 1350 having multiple components.

The heating element 1350 also has improved consistency of manufacturability of the heating element 1350 with reduced tolerance issues, at least in part, due to the accuracy of measurements taken from the heating element 1350 (eg, resistance, current, temperature). etc) can be improved. A heating element 1350 that is made from a sheet of material (eg, stamped) and crimped or bent around at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 to provide a preformed element preferably helps minimize heat loss and , helps to ensure that the heating element 1350 behaves predictably to be heated to the proper temperature.

Additionally, as discussed further below with respect to included embodiments of heating elements formed of crimped metal, heating element 1350 may be made of one or more materials to enhance the heating performance of heating element 1350 . It may be plated entirely and/or selectively. Plating all or part of heating element 1350 may help to minimize heat loss. Plating may also help focus heat on a portion of the heating element 1350 , thereby providing the heating element 1350 to heat more efficiently and further reducing heat loss. Selective plating may help direct the current provided to the heating element 1350 to an appropriate location. Selective plating may also help to reduce the amount and/or cost of plating material associated with manufacturing the heating element 1350 .

In addition to or in combination with the exemplary heating elements described and/or discussed below, the heating element includes a flat heating element 1850 (FIG. 18A-18D), a folded heating element 1950 (FIGS. 19A-19C, 22A-22B, and 44A-116) positioned within an evaporator cartridge 1900 comprising two air flow passages 1938. see), and a folded heating element 2050 (see FIGS. 20A-20C ) positioned within an evaporator cartridge 2000 that includes a single airflow passageway 2038 .

As noted above, in one embodiment heating element 1350 may receive wicking element 1362 . For example, the wicking element 1362 may extend near or next to the plate 1326 and through the resistive heating element in contact with the plate 1326 . The wick housing encloses at least a portion of the heating element 1350 and may connect the heating element 1350 to the air flow passageway 1338 directly or indirectly. Evaporable material 1302 may be drawn by wicking element 1362 through one or more passageways connected to reservoir 1340 . In one embodiment, one or both of the primary passageway 1382 or the secondary passageway 1384 transfers the vaporizable material 1302 to one or both ends of the wicking element 1362 or along the length of the wicking element 1362 . It can be used to aid in routing or forwarding in the radial direction.

Overflow Collector Example

As provided in more detail below with particular reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the exchange of air and vaporizable liquid material into and out of cartridge reservoir 1340 can advantageously be controlled, and the volumetric efficiency of the evaporator cartridge (cartridge (defined as the volume of vaporizable liquid material that is eventually converted to an inhalable aerosol with respect to its total volume) can also be optionally improved through the incorporation of a structure called the collector 1313 .

According to some implementations, the cartridge 1320 has a reservoir 1340 defined at least in part by at least one wall (which may optionally be a wall shared with an outer shell of the cartridge) configured to receive the vaporizable liquid material 1302 . may include Reservoir 1340 may include an overflow volume 1344 and storage chamber 1342 that may contain or otherwise contain a collector 1313 . The storage chamber 1342 can contain the vaporizable material 1302 , and the overflow volume 1344 can cause the vaporizable material 1302 within the storage storage chamber 1342 to cause the overflow volume 1344 due to one or more factors. ) may be configured to collect or retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 . In some implementations of the present subject matter, the cartridge may be initially filled with a vaporizable liquid material such that the void space inside the collector is pre-filled with the vaporizable liquid material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the volume size of the overflow volume 1344 is the storage chamber 1342 , as the volume of the contents within the storage chamber 1342 expands due to the maximum expected pressure change that the reservoir may experience relative to ambient pressure. ) equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in volume of the contents (eg, vaporizable material 1302 and air) contained in the .

Upon changes in ambient pressure or temperature or other factors, cartridge 1320 may undergo a change from a first pressure state to a second pressure state (eg, a first relative pressure between the interior of the reservoir and the ambient pressure). difference and a second relative pressure difference between the internal and ambient pressures of the reservoir). In some aspects, overflow volume 1344 can have an opening to the outside of cartridge 1320 and can communicate with reservoir storage chamber 1342 , such that overflow volume 1344 is pressure in cartridge 1320 . the role of the venting channel to collect, at least temporarily retain and optionally reversibly return vaporizable liquid material that may migrate out of the storage chamber in response to changes in the pressure differential between the storage chamber and ambient air and/or can do. As used herein, the pressure differential refers to the absolute pressure differential between the interior portion of the reservoir and the ambient air. Evaporable material 1302 may be drawn from storage chamber 1342 into the atomizer and converted to a vapor or aerosol phase, reducing the volume of vaporizable material remaining in storage chamber 1342 and reducing ambient and internal pressures. The absence of some mechanism to return air to the storage chamber for equalization may lead to the at least partial vacuum previously discussed herein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the reservoir 1340 includes first and second separable regions such that the volume of the reservoir 1340 is divided into a reservoir storage chamber 1342 and a reservoir overflow volume 1344 . can be implemented to do so. The storage chamber 1342 may be configured to store the vaporizable material 1302 , and may be further coupled to the wicking element 1362 via one or more primary passageways 1382 . In some examples, primary passageway 1362 may be very short in length (eg, a through hole from a space that receives a wicking element or other portion of the atomizer). In another example, the primary passageway may be part of a longer containment fluid pathway between the storage chamber and the wicking element. The overflow volume 1344 is a vaporizable material that can overflow from the storage chamber 1342 at a second pressure state where the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is greater than the ambient pressure, as provided in more detail below. 1302) may be configured to store and receive.

At the first pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 may be stored in a storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340 . The first pressure condition may exist, for example, when the ambient pressure is approximately equal to or greater than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 . In this first pressure state, the structural and functional properties of the primary passage 1382 and the secondary passage 1384 allow the vaporizable material to be drawn in proximity to a heating element that serves to convert the vaporizable liquid material into a vapor phase 1302 is such that it can flow from the storage chamber 1342 through the primary passageway 1382 towards the wicking element 1362, eg, under capillary action of the wicking element.

In one embodiment, in the first pressure state, the amount of vaporizable material 1302 flowing into the secondary passageway 1384 is absent or limited. At the second pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 is removed from the storage chamber 1342 to prevent or limit the undesirable (eg, excessive) flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from, for example, the reservoir. may flow into overflow volume 1344 of reservoir 1340 containing collector 1313 . The second pressure condition may exist or be induced, for example, when the bubble expands in the storage chamber 1342 (eg, due to the ambient pressure being lower than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 ).

Advantageously, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 may be controlled by routing vaporizable material 1302 driven from storage chamber 1342 by an increase in pressure to overflow volume 1344 . The collector 1313 in the overflow volume does not allow the vaporizable liquid material to reach the outlet of the collector 1313 and at least some (and advantageously all) of the excess vaporizable liquid material pushed out of the storage chamber 1342 . ) can contain one or more capillary structures. The collector 1313 is also advantageously pushed into the collector 1313 by excess pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure when the pressure equalizes or otherwise decreases in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure. The egg contains a capillary structure that allows the vaporizable liquid material to be reversibly drawn back into the storage chamber 1342 . That is, the secondary passageway 1384 of the collector 1313 may have microfluidic features or properties that prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector 1313 . That is, the microfluidic feature can be used to manage the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 (ie, provide a flow reversal feature), resulting in leakage of vaporizable material 1302 or storage chamber 1342 . ) or to prevent or reduce entrapment of air bubbles into the overflow volume 1344 .

Depending on the implementation, the microfluidic characteristics or properties mentioned above may relate to the size, shape, surface coating, structural features, and capillary properties of the wicking element 1362 , the primary passageway 1382 , and the secondary passageway 1384 . For example, secondary passageway 1384 in collector 1313 may optionally allow a specified volume of vaporizable material 1302 to pass from storage chamber 1342 to overflow volume 1344 during the second pressure state. It may have different capillary properties than the primary passage 1382 leading to the wicking element 1362 .

In one exemplary implementation, the overall resistance of the collector 1313 to permit the outflow of liquid is such that, for example, the vaporizable material 1302 moves toward the wicking element 1362 through the primary passage 1382 during the first pressure state. It is primarily greater than the total wick resistance to allow it to flow.

The wicking element 1362 may provide a capillary path through or into the wicking element 1362 for the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the reservoir 1340 . The capillary pathway (eg, primary passage 1382 ) may be large enough to allow for wicking or capillary action to displace vaporizable material 1302 evaporated from wicking element 1362 , during a negative pressure event in the cartridge. It may be small enough to prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 from 1320 . The wick housing or wicking element 1362 may be treated to prevent leakage. For example, cartridge 1320 may be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through wicking element 1362 . Any suitable coating can be used, including, for example, a thermally evaporable coating (eg, wax or other material).

For example, when a user inhales from mouthpiece area 1330 , air flows into cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening in operative relationship with wicking element 1362 . The heating element 1350 may be activated in response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (see FIG. 1 ). The one or more sensors 113 may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a flow sensor, or other mechanism capable of detecting a change in the air flow passageway 1338 . When heating element 1350 is activated, heating element 1350 may have a temperature rise as a result of the current flowing through plate 1326 . or through some other electrically resistive portion of the heating element that serves to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

In one embodiment, the generated heat is transferred to at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 of the wicking element 1362 via conductive, convective, or radiative heat transfer, such that the vaporizable material 1302 is drawn into the wicking element 1362 . At least some of it is evaporated. Depending on the implementation, the air entering the cartridge 1320 flows over (or around, near, etc.) the wicking element 1362 and the heated element of the heating element 1350 and collects the evaporated vaporizable material 1302. Moving into the air flow passageway 1338 , where the vapor can be selectively condensed and delivered in an aerosol form, for example, through an opening in the mouthpiece region 1330 .

3B, the storage chamber 1342 is configured to allow vaporizable liquid material driven from the storage chamber 1342 by an increase in pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to its surroundings to be retained without escaping from the evaporator cartridge ( That is, it can be connected to the airflow passageway 1338 (via the secondary passageway 1384 of the overflow volume 1344 ). While the implementations described herein relate to an evaporator cartridge containing a reservoir 1340 , it will be understood that the described approach is also compatible and contemplated for use in an evaporator that does not have a removable cartridge.

Returning to the above example, the air introduced into the storage chamber 1342 may expand due to a pressure difference with respect to the surrounding air. This expansion of air in the void space of the storage chamber 1342 may cause the vaporizable liquid material to travel through at least a portion of the secondary passageway 1384 in the collector 1313 . The microfluidic nature of the secondary passageway 1384 is such that the length of the secondary passageway 1384 in the collector 1313 is only a meniscus such that the vaporizable liquid material completely covers the cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway 1384 transverse to the direction of flow along its length. You can make it move as long as you can.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the microfluidic characteristic is such that, with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material and the material forming the wall of the secondary passageway, the vaporizable liquid material preferentially surrounds the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway 1384. ) may contain a cross-sectional area small enough to wet the For examples in which the vaporizable liquid material comprises one or more propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the wetting properties of such liquid are advantageously considered in combination with the geometry of the secondary passageway 1384 and the material form forming the walls of the secondary passageway. do. In this way, as the sign (eg, positive, negative, or equal) and magnitude of the pressure difference between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure changes, the meniscus is formed between the liquid in the secondary passage and air entering the atmosphere. held in the air, and liquid and air cannot move past each other. As the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 drops sufficiently relative to the ambient pressure, if there is sufficient void volume in the storage chamber 1342 to allow this, the liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 will displace the preceding liquid- Sufficient air meniscus may be returned to the storage chamber 1342 to cause it to reach a gate or port between the secondary passageway 1384 of the collector 1313 and the storage chamber 1342 . At that time, if the pressure differential in the storage chamber 1342 to ambient pressure is negative enough to overcome the surface tension holding the meniscus at the gate or port, the meniscus is freed from the gate or port wall and form one or more air bubbles that are discharged into the storage chamber 1342 in a volume sufficient to equalize the storage chamber pressure to

(For example, in an airplane cabin or other high-altitude location, when the windows of a moving vehicle are opened, when a train or vehicle leaves a tunnel, etc., the ambient pressure drop, or localized heating, that can distort the shape of the storage chamber ( introduced into (or otherwise be present in) the storage chamber 1340 as discussed above), such as due to an increase in internal pressure within the storage chamber 1340, such as may occur due to mechanical pressure reducing the volume of 1340 or the like. When the air is subjected to elevated pressure relative to its surroundings, the above-described process can be reversed. The liquid passes through a gate or port into the secondary passageway 1384 of the collector 1313, and a meniscus is formed at the tip of the liquid column passing into the secondary passageway 1384 so that air flows bypassing the flow of the liquid. prevent that By maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the aforementioned microfluidic properties, when the elevated pressure in the storage chamber 1340 is later reduced, the liquid column is optionally stored until the meniscus reaches a gate or port. is returned to the chamber. If the pressure differential sufficiently favors the ambient pressure over the pressure in the storage chamber, the bubble formation process described above occurs until the pressure equalizes. In this way, the collector acts as a reversible overflow volume to receive the vaporizable liquid material pushed out of the storage chamber under transient conditions of greater storage chamber pressure compared to its surroundings, and later into the nebulizer for conversion to an inhalable form. Allow at least a portion (preferably all or most) of this overflow volume to be returned to the storage compartment for delivery.

Depending on the implementation, the storage chamber 1342 may or may not be coupled to the wicking element 1362 via the secondary passageway 1384 . In embodiments where the second end of the secondary passageway 1384 leads to the wicking element 1362 , the secondary passageway 1384 at the second end (opposite the first end defining the connection point to the storage chamber 1342 ) Any vaporizable material 1302 that can escape may further saturate the wicking element 1362 .

Reservoir chamber 1342 may optionally be positioned closer to the end of reservoir 1340 proximate mouthpiece area 1330 . The overflow volume 1344 may be located near the end of the reservoir 1340 closer to the heating element 1350 , for example between the storage chamber 1342 and the heating element 1350 . The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter with respect to the location of the various components disclosed herein. For example, overflow volume 1344 may be located at a top, middle, or bottom portion of cartridge 1320 . The position and positioning of the storage chamber 1342 may be adjusted relative to the position of the overflow volume 1344 such that the storage chamber 1342 may be located at the top, middle, or bottom of the cartridge 1320 according to one or more variations. have.

In one implementation, when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is filled to capacity, the volume of vaporizable liquid material may be equal to the internal volume of the storage chamber 1342 plus the overflow volume 1344 (in some examples, the secondary passageway ( may be the volume of secondary passageway 1384 between the gate or port connecting 1384 to storage chamber 1340 and the outlet of secondary passageway 1384). In other words, an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter may be originally filled with a vaporizable liquid material, such that all or at least a portion of the internal volume of the collector may be filled with the vaporizable liquid material. In this example, the vaporizable liquid material is delivered to a nebulizer as needed for delivery to a user. The transferred vaporizable liquid material may be drawn from the storage chamber 1340 , thus held by the microfluidic properties of the secondary passageway 1384 preventing air from flowing past the vaporizable liquid material in the secondary passageway 1384 . This causes the liquid in the secondary passageway 1384 of the collector 1313 to be drawn back into the storage chamber 1340 because air cannot enter through the secondary passageway 1384 due to the meniscus becoming. After sufficient vaporizable liquid material has been delivered from the storage chamber 1340 to the nebulizer (eg, for evaporation and user inhalation) to cause the original volume of the collector 1313 to be drawn into the storage chamber 1340 , the discussion above As more vaporizable liquid material is used, bubbles may be released from the gate or port between the secondary passage 1384 and the storage chamber to equalize the pressure in the storage compartment. When the air thus introduced into the storage compartment is subjected to an elevated pressure relative to its surroundings, the vaporizable liquid material becomes vaporizable in the secondary passageway 1384 at this point until the elevated pressure condition of the storage compartment is no longer present. The liquid material may be drawn back into the storage chamber 1340 - it travels from the storage chamber 1340 past a gate or port to a secondary passageway.

In certain embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 is large enough to accommodate the percentage of vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342, optionally up to about 100%. In one embodiment, the collector 1313 is configured to receive at least 6% to 25% of the volume of the vaporizable material 1302 that may be stored in the storage chamber 1342 . Other ranges are possible.

The structure of the collector 1313 may be configured, structured, shaped, fabricated, or positioned to have different shapes and different properties in the overflow volume 1344 such that the overflow portion of the vaporizable material 1302 ( Allow at least temporarily accommodated, contained, or stored in overflow volume 1314 in a controlled manner (eg, by capillary pressure), whereby vaporizable material 1302 leaks from cartridge 1320 . prevent or prevent excessive saturation of the wicking element 1362 . It will be understood that the above description of referring to secondary passageways is not intended to be limited to such a single secondary passageway 1384 . One or optionally more than one secondary passageway may connect to the storage chamber 1340 through one or more than one gate or port. In some implementations of the present subject matter, a single gate or port may be connected to more than one secondary passageway, or a single secondary passageway may be divided into more than one secondary passageway to provide additional overflow volume or other benefits.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the air vent 1318 can connect the overflow volume 1344 to an air flow passage 1338 that ultimately leads to the ambient air environment outside the cartridge 1320 . These air vents 1318 allow air or bubbles to form or become trapped in the collector 1313 during secondary pressure conditions, for example, as the secondary passageway 1384 fills with overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 . It may allow a path to exit through the air vent 1318 .

According to some aspects, the air vent 1318 can act as a reverse vent, wherein when the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 returns from the overflow volume 1344 back to the storage chamber 1342, may provide equalization of the pressure within the cartridge 1320 during a return from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state. In this implementation, as the ambient pressure becomes greater than the internal pressure of the cartridge 1320 , ambient air may flow through the air vent 1318 to the secondary passageway 1384 , and vapor temporarily stored in the overflow volume 1344 . It can effectively help push possible material 1302 back into storage chamber 1342 in the reverse direction.

In one or more embodiments, the secondary passageway 1384 at the first pressure condition may include air. At the second pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 may enter the secondary passageway 1384 through an opening (ie, a vent), for example, at an interface point between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 . . As a result, air in secondary passageway 1384 can be displaced and escape through air vent 1318 . In some embodiments, the air vent 1318 may act as or include a control valve (eg, selective osmotic membrane, microfluidic gate, etc.), which prevents air from exiting the overflow volume 1344 . Allow, but prevent vaporizable material 1302 from escaping from secondary passageway 1384 into airflow passageway 1338 . As previously mentioned, the air vent 1318 may, for example, be filled during a negative pressure event and emptied after the collector 1313 is emptied (ie, between the first and second pressure conditions as previously described). may act as an air exchange port to allow air to enter and exit the collector 1313 (during transition).

Thus, the vaporizable material 1302 may be released until the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 is stabilized (eg, when the pressure returns to atmosphere or meets a specified equilibrium) or until the vaporizable material 1302 is released (eg, may be stored in the collector 1313 until removed from the overflow volume 1344 (eg, via evaporation in a nebulizer). Thus, the level of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow volume 1344 can be controlled by managing the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 as the ambient pressure changes. In one or more embodiments, overflow of vaporizable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 may be reversed or may be reversible upon a detected environmental change (eg, , when the pressure event that caused the vaporizable material 1302 to overflow subsides or terminates).

As noted above, in some implementations of the subject matter, when the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 is relatively lower than the ambient pressure (eg, when moving from the aforementioned second pressure state back to the first pressure state) ), the flow of vaporizable material 1302 may be reversed in a direction that causes vaporizable material 1302 to flow back from overflow volume 1344 to storage chamber 1342 of reservoir 1340 . Thus, depending on the implementation, the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to temporarily contain an overflow portion of the vaporizable material 1302 during the second pressure state. Depending on the implementation, during or after reversing to the first pressure state, at least a portion of the overflow of vaporizable material 1302 retained in the collector 1313 is returned back to the storage chamber 1342 .

In another implementation of the present subject matter, to control vaporizable material 1302 flow in cartridge 1320 , collector 1313 permanently prevents overflow of vaporizable material 1302 traveling through secondary passageway 1384 . or an absorbent or semi-absorbent material for collecting or receiving semi-permanently (eg, a material having properties similar to a sponge). In the exemplary embodiment where the absorbent material is included in the collector 1313 , the backflow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342 is without (or as much as) the absorbent material in the collector 1313 may or may not be feasible compared to the implemented embodiments. Accordingly, the reversibility or reversibility ratio of the vaporizable material 1302 to the storage chamber 1342 may be controlled by including more or less density or volume of the absorbent material in the collector 1313 or by controlling the texture of the absorbent material. where these properties result in higher or lower absorption rates either immediately or over a long period of time.

4 is an exploded perspective view of an example implementation of cartridge 1320 . As shown, the body of the cartridge 1320 has a first portion 1422 (eg, upper housing) and a second portion (eg, upper housing) that can be fitted together according to, for example, a top-down architecture implementation model or assembly process. 1424) (eg, lower housing). This separable architecture simplifies the assembly and manufacturing process and may or may not involve assembling several smaller pieces to construct a larger piece. Instead, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the larger pieces (eg, first portion 1422 and second portion 1424 ) may include, for example, an external cartridge feature (eg, siding) and opposing rib shapes that form one or more of a smaller, more inner cartridge component (eg, collector 1313 , reservoir 1340 , storage chamber 1342 , overflow volume 1344 , etc.) elements) can be connected.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a heating element 1450 may be positioned in a housing or cavity embodied between a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 of the cartridge 1420 body. In one example, the sponge or other absorbent material 1460 travels through the air flow passageway 1438 (eg, formed by condensation of vaporized material and/or water vapor to create an unpleasant sensation when swallowed during inhalation) It may also be positioned in the mouthpiece area 1430 for the purpose of collecting excess vaporizable liquid material (such as capable of forming larger droplets that may be inflamed). Accordingly, assembly or disassembly of additional components (eg, heating element 1450 or sponge 1460 ) can be performed in a simple and efficient manner, where in the exemplary implementations disclosed herein, small sets of configurations A large number of mechanical or assembly automation parts may not be required to construct the cartridge 1320 into a detachable two-piece housing united from the elements.

The detachable two-piece configuration described herein may provide one or more of the following exemplary advantages or improvements over alternative implementations: reduced number of parts, reduced assembly or manufacturing costs (eg, FIG. 4 ). (requires 4 parts to be manufactured and assembled), no or reduced tooling requirements, no or limited deep, brittle, low draft tooling core, relatively shallow rib construction. Depending on the implementation, ultrasonic or laser welding techniques may be used to create a solid state weld between the first portion 1422 and the second portion 1424 of the cartridge 1420 .

Ultrasonic welding is a process commonly used for plastics, in which high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld (eg, a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424). applied locally to Laser welding is a welding process used to join pieces of metal or thermoplastic resin using a laser beam that provides a focused heat source (eg, a laser beam), allowing narrow and deep welding at high welding speeds.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a top cross-sectional side view of a selected portion of cartridge 1320 is shown. 4 and 5 , a first portion 1422 (not shown in FIG. 5 ) and a second portion 1424 of the cartridge 1420 are injection molded (eg, in a top-down implementation model). ) can be molded into plastic parts. In one exemplary embodiment, the mold halves (eg, first portion 1422 and second portion 1424 as shown in FIG. 4 ) are used using a line of draw tooling technique. )) can be separated, each part can be ejected without interfering with creating undercuts, and substantial mold cavitation is possible, helping to shorten tooling cycles and allow for more efficient manufacturing times and processes

6A and 6B , a cross-sectional plan view and a side perspective view of a cartridge 1320 are shown, respectively. As shown, fill port 610 may be implemented in one or more embodiments of cartridge 1320 to allow filling reservoir storage chamber 1342 , for example by way of a filling needle 622 . As shown, the filling needle 622 is easily and conveniently inserted into the filling port 610 through a filling passageway 630 leading to the storage chamber 1342 (or overflow volume 1344 ), for example, depending on the implementation. can be inserted. Accordingly, the vaporizable material 1302 may be injected into the reservoir 1340 through the filling passageway 630 using, for example, a filling needle 622 . In some embodiments, the fill passage 630 may be configured or located on the side of the cartridge 1320 , eg, opposite the side on which the air flow passage 1338 is located.

7A-7D show design alternatives for the cartridge connection port. 7A and 7B are perspective views, and FIGS. 7C and 7D are plan side cross-sectional views of alternative connection port embodiments that may include, for example, male or female coupling portions. 1, 2, and 7A to 7D, the cartridge 1320 may be implemented in a different configuration at the end where the cartridge 1320 is coupled to the evaporator body 110. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the evaporator body 110 may include a cartridge receptacle 118 for removably receiving a cartridge 1320 having a male configuration port 710 . 7A and 7C ), in the attached state, the cartridge contacts 124 located in the male ports of the cartridge 1320 , for example in a snap-lock manner, with the corresponding receptacle contacts 125 in the cartridge receptacle 118 . ) is accepted by A corresponding configuration may be for a cartridge 1320 having a female configured port 712 (see FIGS. 7B and 7D ) for receiving an end of the evaporator body 110 that includes a receptacle contact 125 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , a top view of a cartridge 1320 is shown. In one example, cartridge 1320 may be implemented using a separable two-piece structure, wherein a relief (eg, owner's trademark, serial number, patent number, etc.) or optionally a decorative or decorative feature is molded. It may be engraved on the outer wall of the cartridge 1320 through the process. An externally displayable logo or external shape without affecting the positioning or formation of internal functional components (eg, reservoir 1340 , storage chamber 1342 , or overflow volume 1344 ) through the molding process Alternatively, it may allow flexibility in designing decorative designs

In particular, as shown in FIG. 8 , the mark JUUL® is a registered trademark of JUUL LABS, Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California. All rights reserved by the owner or assignee of the trademark. The use of the exemplary marks in FIG. 8 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter to include such exclusive designs or markings. Certain embodiments may not be marked or include no decorative or exterior design features. Accordingly, FIG. 8 provides an illustration of a molded relief that may appear as a mark or design on one or more sides of the cartridge 1320 without limitation.

9A and 9B, a perspective and top cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge 1320 is shown, wherein a first portion 1422 of the cartridge 1320 is split from a second portion 1424 (Fig. see 4). In one or more embodiments, cartridge 1320 may be designed and manufactured by part division. That is, depending on the implementation, multiple divided sections of a part are joined together to become a whole part as illustrated in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 9A , the part splitting may allow for mold compliance for retaining electrical contact and heating elements in the wick housing area 910 of the cartridge 1320 . As shown in more detail in FIG. 9B , one or more vent holes 920 may be drilled or positioned by injection molding or other suitable method in the body of cartridge 1320 in an area proximate to wick housing area 910 . , for example, may allow precise vapor evacuation or airflow into the wick to help control condensation within the cartridge 1320 or affect capillary forces therein.

10A and 10B , an assembled and exploded perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1320 is shown, respectively. As mentioned above, for example, a top-down implementation model is implemented to construct an open cartridge structure having two attachable (or detachable) housings comprising a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 . can be used As shown, the first portion 1422 (eg, the upper housing) and the second portion 1424 (eg, the lower housing) may include a heating element 1350 , a wicking element 1362 , or a plate 1326 . ) may provide a two-piece construction having one or more interior cavities that may be used to receive at least one of. It will be appreciated that alternative assembly methods may be used to allow structures to have some or all of the features described herein.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , instead of or in addition to forming the internal structure of the cartridge (eg, reservoir 1340 of FIG. 3A ) using molded cavities and walls. Thus, some features, such as secondary passageway 1384 (see FIG. 3A ), can be independently constructed as separate pieces and later encapsulated between first and second portions 1422 and 1424 (e.g., For example, see FIGS. 10A and 10B ) or alternatively ( FIGS. 10C , 10D , 11B , 13 , which can be inserted into an optionally monolithic hollow cartridge body configured to receive a collector 1313 from an open end. 16c, 17a, 22f) may be implemented in a removable or attachable collector 1313.

10A-43B, various implementations are disclosed that may utilize a collector 1313 that is constructed, designed, manufactured, fabricated, or configured completely or partially independently of the cartridge 1320 housing. It is noteworthy that the disclosed implementations are provided by way of example. In an alternative implementation or embodiment, the collector 1313 is formed to have a configuration that is at least structurally semi-independent or completely independent of the configuration of the other components of the cartridge 1320, as shown in FIGS. 10A-14B . can be

In certain interchangeable implementations, various embodiments or types of collectors 1313 may be encapsulated or inserted into, for example, a standardized cartridge 1320 housing, as shown in FIGS. 10A-14B . As provided herein in greater detail, some of the primary functions for controlling the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in cartridge 1320 may be achieved by manipulating collector 1313 structure or its material properties, such as Cost savings and other efficiencies and benefits can be derived from having a structure that allows, for example, an interchangeable collector 1313 model that can fit into different cartridge housings.

For example, referring to FIGS. 10C and 10D , in some implementations, instead of the separable two-piece structure shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , cartridge 1320 is a monolith having a first end and a second end. It may have a cartridge housing formed in a hollow structure. The first end (ie, the first end also referred to as the receiving end of the cartridge housing) may be configured to insertably receive at least the collector 1313 . In one embodiment, the second end of the cartridge housing may act as a mouthpiece having an orifice or opening. The orifice or opening may be located opposite the receiving end of the cartridge housing into which the collector 1313 may be insertably received. In some embodiments, the opening may be connected to the receiving end via an air flow passage 1338 that may extend through the body of the cartridge 1320 and collector 1313, for example. As with other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the atomizer may include, for example, a wicking element and a heating element as discussed elsewhere herein, adjacent or at least partially adjacent to the air flow passageway 1338 . may be positioned within the airflow passageway such that a precursor in an inhalable or optionally inhalable form of vaporizable liquid material may be discharged from the nebulizer into the air passing through the airflow passageway 1338 towards an orifice or opening. .

air exchange port embodiment

11A and 11B , an exemplary top plan side view of a single gate, single channel collector 1313 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a gate 1102 may be provided in an opening facing a first portion (eg, upper portion) of a collector 1313 , where the collector 1313 is a storage chamber 1342 of a reservoir is in contact with or in communication with (see FIGS. 3A and 3B discussed above). The gate 1102 can dynamically connect the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 formed by the second portion (eg, the middle portion) of the collector 1313 .

In one embodiment, the second portion of the collector 1313 is spiraled, tapered, or beveled over in a direction away from the gate 1102 and toward the air exchange port 1106 as shown in FIG. 11A . It may have a rib-like or multi-fin-shaped structure that forms a flow channel 1104 , such that the vaporizable material 1302 enters the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102 . may induce or cause movement towards the air exchange port 1106 . The air exchange port 1106 may be connected to ambient air through an air path or air flow path connected to the mouthpiece. This air path or air flow path is not explicitly shown in FIG. 11A .

In some implementations, the collector 1313 is configured to have a central opening or tunnel through which an airflow channel leading to the mouthpiece is implemented, which is provided in more detail below (see, eg, number 1100 in FIG. 11D ). see opening). The air flow channel can be connected to the air exchange port 1106 so that the volume inside the overflow passage of the collector 1313 is connected to ambient air through the air exchange port 1106 and also through the gate 1102 to the storage chamber ( 1342). As such, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the gate 1102 may be utilized as a control fluid valve to primarily control liquid and air flow between the overflow volume 1344 and the storage chamber 1342 . The air exchange port 1106 may be used to primarily control the air flow (and sometimes liquid flow) between the overflow volume 1344 and the air path leading to the mouthpiece, for example. The overflow channel 1104 may be diagonal, vertical, or horizontal with respect to the elongate body of the cartridge 1320 .

The vaporizable material 1302 may have at least an initial interface with the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 when the cartridge 1320 is filled. This means that the initial interface between the vaporizable material 1302 and the gate 1102 is air trapped in an overflow channel 1104, for example, in a cartridge area (e.g., a storage chamber) in which the vaporizable material 1302 is stored. 1342)), because it can prevent the possibility of entering Also, such an interface may initiate a first capillary interaction between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 at equilibrium, such that a limited amount of vaporizable material to achieve or maintain an equilibrium state. Allow material 1302 to flow into overflow channel 1104 .

The equilibrium state means a state in which the vaporizable material 1302 does not enter or exit the overflow volume 1344 or such a forward or reverse flow is negligible. In at least some embodiments, the capillary action (or interaction) between the walls of the overflow channel 1104 and the vaporizable material 1302 is a function of the cartridge 1320 when the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure. ) is made such that the equilibrium state can be maintained when it is in the first pressure state.

The establishment of equilibrium and additional capillary interactions between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 are established by adapting or adjusting the volumetric size of the overflow channel 1104 along the length of the channel or or may be configured. As provided in greater detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 (wherein the size of the cross-sectional area of the overflow channel 1104, including implementations of the present subject matter wherein the overflow channel generally does not have a circular cross-section) (used to refer to measurement) to allow for sufficiently strong capillary interactions to provide direct and reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 upon a change in pressure and also overflow channel 1104 can be deflated at predetermined intervals or points or over the length of the entire channel to allow a large overall volume of the overflow channel while still maintaining the gate point for meniscus formation to prevent air from flowing past the liquid. have.

As provided in more detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is determined by the surface tension caused by agglomeration within the vaporizable material 1302 and between the vaporizable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 . may act to cause the formation of a meniscus that separates liquid from air in a dimension transverse to the flow axis of overflow channel 1104 so that it cannot be small or narrow enough so that air and liquid cannot pass through each other. have. It should be understood that the meniscus has an intrinsic curvature, so references to dimensions transverse to the flow direction are not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is planar in these or other dimensions.

The wicking element 1362 may be in thermal or thermodynamic connection with the heating element 1350 (see, eg, FIGS. 3B and 11B ) such that, as discussed in detail above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the vaporizable material Steam generation can be derived from heating 1302 . Alternatively, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to provide an outgassing path but prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from flowing out of the overflow channel 1104 .

11A and 11B , a direct or reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 in collector 1313 may have capillary properties that may exist between vaporizable material 1302 and the retention wall of overflow channel 1104 . may be controlled (eg, enhanced or reduced) by implementing an appropriate structure (eg, micro-channel configuration) to introduce or utilize. For example, length, diameter, inner surface texture (e.g., rough versus smooth), overhangs, directional tapering of channel structures, gates 1102, overflow channels 1104, or air exchange ports 1106. The materials used to construct or coat the surface or factors related to shrinkage are factors that cause the liquid to be drawn into or travel through the overflow channel 1104 by capillary action or other influencing forces acting on the cartridge 1320 . It can affect speed either positively or negatively.

Depending on the implementation, one or more of the factors mentioned above may be caused by the vaporizable material 1302 being collected in the channel structure of the collector 1313 , so as to introduce a desirable degree of reversibility in the overflow channel 1104 . ) can be used to control the displacement of Thus, in some embodiments, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to collector 1313 is fully reversible by selectively controlling the various factors mentioned above and upon changes in pressure conditions inside or outside cartridge 1320 or It may be semi-reversible.

3A, 3B, 11A, and 11B, in one or more embodiments, the collector 1313 may be formed, structured, or configured to have a single channel single vent structure. In such embodiments, overflow channel 1104 may be a continuous passage, tube, channel, or other structure for connecting gate 1102 to air exchange port 1106 , optionally located near wicking element 1362 . (see, eg, FIGS. 3A and 3B , which show a single elongate overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344 ). Thus, in this embodiment, the vaporizable material 1302 may enter or exit the collector 1313 from the gate 1102 through a single constituent channel, where the vaporizable material 1302 is the collector 1313 . It flows in the first direction when it is filled and flows in the second direction when the collector 1313 is drained.

Overflow channel 1104 , gate 1102 , or air exchange port to help maintain equilibrium or, depending on implementation, control the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow channel 1104 . The shape and structural configuration of 1106 may be adapted or modified to balance the flow rate of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow channel 1104 at different pressure conditions. In one example, the overflow channel 1104 may be tapered such that a tapered end (ie, an end having a smaller opening or diameter) leads to the gate 1102 .

In one implementation, the non-tapered end (ie, the end of the overflow channel 1104 having a larger opening or diameter) allows the ambient environment outside the cartridge 1320 or the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 to pass to the mouthpiece. air exchange port 1106 , which may be connected to an air flow path (eg, FIG. 3A , air vent 1318 connected to air flow path 1338 ). In one embodiment, the non-tapered end may also run into an area near the wick housing such that once the vaporizable material 1302 exits the overflow channel 1104 , the vaporizable material 1302 moves into the wicking element 1362 . can be used to saturate

The tapered channel structure may reduce or increase the restriction on flow to the collector 1313 , depending on the implementation. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 tapers towards the gate 1102, a capillary pressure favorable to backflow is induced in the overflow channel 1104 such that the direction of vaporizable material 1302 flow is the pressure. It is directed from the collector 1313 to the storage chamber 1342 when the state changes (eg, when the negative pressure event is removed or subsided). In particular, implementing the overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening may prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from flowing freely into the collector 1313 . The non-tapered configuration for the overflow channel 1104 in the direction towards the air exchange port 1106 allows the vaporizable material 1302 to move from a narrower section of the overflow channel 1104 to a larger portion of the overflow channel 1104. Provides efficient storage of the vaporizable material 1302 at the collector 1313 during a second pressure state (eg, a negative pressure state) when flowing into the collector 1313 in a volumetric section.

As such, the diameter and shape of the collector structure 1313 prevents the vaporizable material 1302 from flowing too freely (eg, above a certain flow rate or threshold) into the collector 1313, and also prevents the first pressure The flow of the vaporizable material 1302 through the gate 1102 into the overflow channel 1104 is stopped in a manner that favors backflow into the storage chamber 1342 in the state (eg, when the negative pressure event is relieved) It can be implemented to be controlled at a desired rate during two pressure states (eg, negative pressure events). Notably, the combination of interaction between the vent 1002 , the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 that constitutes the overflow volume 1344 , and the air exchange port 1106 , in one embodiment, It provides for controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of flow channel 1104 as well as adequate venting of air bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors.

Mouthpiece Example

Referring to FIG. 11B (see also FIGS. 10C and 10D ), in some embodiments, the portion of the cartridge 1320 including the storage chamber 1342 may also be provided to the user to inhale the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . can be configured to include a mouthpiece that can be used by An air flow passage 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342 and connect the evaporation chamber. Depending on the implementation, the airflow passageway 1338 can be, for example, a hollow cylinder or straw-shaped structure that forms a channel inside the storage chamber 1342 to allow passage of the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . . Although the air flow passage may have a circular or at least approximately circular cross-sectional shape, it will be understood that other cross-sectional shapes for the air flow passage may be within the scope of the present disclosure.

A first end of the airflow passageway 1338 may be connected to an opening at a first “mouthpiece” end of the reservoir chamber 1342 through which a user may inhale the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . The second end (opposite the first end) of the air flow passageway 1338 may be received in an opening in the first end of the collector 1313 as provided in more detail herein. Depending on the implementation, the second end of the airflow passageway 1338 may extend fully or partially through a receiving cavity passing through the collector 1313 and connected to a wick housing in which the wicking element 1362 may be received. .

In some configurations, the airflow passageway 1338 can be an integral part of a monolithic molded mouthpiece that includes a storage chamber 1342 through which the airflow passageway 1338 extends through the storage chamber 1342 . In other configurations, the air flow passages 1338 may be independent structures that may be individually inserted into the storage chamber 1342 . In some configurations, the airflow passageway 1338 may be a structural extension of the body of the collector 1313 or cartridge 1320 , such as, for example, extending inwardly from an opening in the mouthpiece portion.

Without limitation, a variety of different structural configurations may be possible to connect the mouthpiece (and the airflow passageway 1338 within the mouthpiece) to the air exchange port 1106 of the collector 1313 . As provided herein, a collector 1313 may be inserted into the body of a cartridge 1320 , which may also act as a storage chamber 1342 . In some embodiments, the airflow passageway 1338 may be comprised of an inner sleeve that is an integral part of the monolithic cartridge body such that the opening at the first end of the collector 1313 forms the airflow passageway 1338 . and receive the first end of the structure.

18A-18D , certain embodiments may include an evaporator cartridge 1800 that includes a dual barrel mouthpiece 1830 coupled with two air flow passages 1838 . In such an embodiment, a greater amount of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may be delivered compared to a single barrel mouthpiece. Depending on the implementation, the double barrel mouthpiece 1830 may also advantageously provide a smoother and more satisfying vaping experience.

Fluid gate embodiment

10A-11H , depending on the implementation, various factors may be considered to help monitor and control the forward and reverse flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 . Some of these factors may include configuring capillary actuation of a fluid vent, referred to herein as gate 1102 . The capillary actuation of gate 1102 may be less than that of wicking element 1362 , for example. Also, the flow resistance of the collector 1313 may be greater than the flow resistance of the wicking element 1362 . The overflow channel 1104 may have a smooth or wavy inner surface to control the flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 through the collector 1313 . The overflow channel 1104 may be formed in a tapering curve to provide adequate capillary interactions and forces to limit the rate of flow through the gate 1102 into the overflow volume 1344 during the first pressure condition, Facilitates a rate of backflow out of the overflow volume 1344 through the gate 1102 during the second pressure state.

Further modifications to the shape and structure of the collector 1313 components may be possible to further regulate or help fine-tune the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 . For example, a smoothly curved helical channel configuration (i.e., as opposed to a channel having sharp turns or edges) as shown in FIGS. 1313) may allow for additional features, such as one or more vents, channels, apertures, or constricted structures. As provided in more detail herein, such additional features, structures, or configurations may provide a higher level of flow control for vaporizable material 1302 , for example, along overflow channel 1104 or through gate 1102 . can help to provide

Notably, regardless of the various structural elements and implementations discussed throughout this disclosure, certain features and functions (eg, capillary interactions between the various components) may be implemented in the collector 1313 structure, e.g. For example, it may be helpful to control the flow of vaporizable material 1302 through (1) a single vent, single channel structure, (2) a single vent, multichannel structure, or (3) a multivent, multichannel structure will be.

10E , 11A , 11C , 11D and 11E , exemplary structural configurations for a collector 1313 are presented in accordance with certain variations. As shown, a fully or partially inclined helical surface may be implemented to define one or more sides of the interior volume of the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 such that the vaporizable material 1302 is a vaporizable material. When 1302 enters overflow channel 1104 it can flow freely through overflow channel 1104 due to capillary pressure (or gravity). One or more, optionally central, channels or tunnels, such as central tunnel 1100 , may be constructed through the longitudinal height of collector 1313 having two opposite ends.

At the first end, a central shaft or central tunnel 1100 passing through the collector structure 1313 may interact with or be coupled to a wicking element 1362 or a housing area in which the atomizer may be located. At the second end, the central tunnel 1100 may interact with, connect to, or receive one end of a duct or tube that forms an air flow passage 1338 in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1320 . . A first end of the airflow passageway 1338 may be connected (eg, by insertion) to a second end of the central tunnel 1100 . The second end of the air flow passageway 1338 may include an opening or orifice formed in the mouthpiece region.

According to one or more embodiments, the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 produced by the atomizer may enter through the first end of the central tunnel 1100 at the collector 1313, through the central tunnel 1100, and passes further from the second end of the central tunnel 1100 into the first end of the airflow passageway 1338 . The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may then travel through the airflow passageway 1338 and exit through a mouthpiece opening formed at the second end of the airflow passageway 1338 .

Collector 1313 may be configured as an independent piece having a configuration or structure that may be inserted into the body of cartridge 1320 (see, eg, FIGS. 10C , 11B , 11C-11E ). Upon insertion, a hermetic seal may form between the inner wall of the shell body of the cartridge 1320 and the outer rim of the rib-shaped structure of the collector 1313 defining a spirally inclined surface. That is, the three walls of the overflow channel 1104 surrounded by the surface of the inner wall of the shell body of the cartridge 1320 form the overflow channel 1104 when the collector 1313 is inserted into the body of the cartridge 1320 . do.

Accordingly, the overflow channel 1104 may be formed through the inner wall of the body of the cartridge 1320 surrounding the inner wall of the rib-shaped structure. As shown, the gate 1102 faces where the storage chamber 1342 is located, to control and provide the inflow and outflow of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 . It may be located at one end of the overflow channel 1104 . The air exchange port 1106 may be located towards the other end of the overflow channel 1104 , preferably opposite the end at which the gate 1102 is located.

The gate 1102 may control the flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the overflow channel 1104 at the collector 1313 . The air exchange port 1106 controls the flow of air into and out of the overflow channel 1104 through a connection path to ambient air, in turn within the collector 1313 and in turn into the cartridge 1320 as provided in greater detail herein. ) can adjust the air pressure in the storage chamber 1342 . In a particular embodiment, the air exchange port 1106 has a vaporizable material 1302 capable of filling the collector 1313 overflow channel 1104 (eg, as a result of a negative pressure event) in the overflow channel 1104 . It can be configured to prevent escape.

In certain implementations, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured such that the vaporizable material 1302 exits towards a path leading to the area where the wicking element 1362 is received. Such an implementation may help prevent leakage of vaporizable material 1302 into an airflow passageway (eg, central tunnel 1100 ) leading to the mouthpiece during negative pressure events, for example. In some implementations, the air exchange port 1106 allows the inflow and outflow of gaseous substances (eg, air bubbles) while the vaporizable material 1302 enters or exits the collector 1313 through the air exchange port 1106 . It may have a membrane that prevents it.

11C-11H , the flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 into or out of the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 may be directly related to the volumetric pressure inside the overflow channel 1104 . Thus, the inflow and outflow rates of collector 1313 through gate 1102 can be controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of overflow channel 1104 (eg, by introducing uniformly or multiple retraction points). ) Reducing the overall volume of the overflow channel 1104 can increase the pressure in the overflow channel 1104 and adjust the flow rate to the collector 1313 . Accordingly, in at least one implementation, the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 may be reduced uniformly along the length of the helical path of the overflow channel 1104 or by introducing one or more retraction points 1111a (eg, may be narrowed, pinched, constricted or restricted, for example).

11C-11E show two partial lengths and three configured on one or more sides of a collector 1313 with each full length level, in the side shown in the figure, for example having three retraction points 1111a The full-length level is shown as an example. It is noteworthy that in different implementations, more or fewer levels or retraction points 1111a may be implemented, defined, configured, or introduced to adjust the volume pressure of the collector 1313 . For illustrative purposes, the retraction point 1111a is prominently marked with a circle at the middle level of the collector 1313 .

The retraction point 1111a may be formed or introduced along the length of the overflow channel 1104 in a variety of ways and shapes. In the following, exemplary embodiments with different retraction points or shapes are disclosed to better illustrate certain features. It should be noted, however, that these exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter to any particular configuration or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 11C , in one embodiment, the retraction point 1111a is a ceiling or floor or sidewall (or Any or all of these ) may be formed extending from the surface (ie, the blades of the collector 1313 ). The shape of the protrusion may be defined as a bump, finger, prong, pin, edge, or any other shape that constricts the cross-sectional area transverse to the flow direction in the overflow channel. In the illustration of FIG. 11C , a cross-sectional side view of the protrusion is shown similar to the shape of a shark fin, for example, with the distal end of the protrusion tapering to an edge.

As shown in FIG. 11C , the sharp or cantilevered edges of the shark fin shape may be rounded. However, in other embodiments, the cantilevered edge may be tapered to a sharp end. The sharpness, size, relative position, and frequency of placement of the protrusions in the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated to further fine-tune the tendency of the meniscus to separate liquid and air forming within the overflow channel 1104 . have.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11C , the protrusion may have a round surface on one side and a flat surface on the opposite side. The rounded side of the protrusion may face (ie, directed toward) an outward flow of vaporizable material 1302 (ie, flow from the collector 1313 to the storage chamber 1342 ), while the flat side of the protrusion is the gate 1102 may direct an inward flow of vaporizable material 1302 (ie, flow into collector 1313 and out of storage chamber 1342 ).

As noted, in other implementations, the formation of the protrusions along the overflow channel 1104 is the number, size, shape, location, to fine-tune the hydraulic flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 . and frequency. For example, if instead it is desired to maintain the inlet flow in the overflow channel 1104 at a higher velocity than the outlet flow, in this case the protrusion has a flat surface towards the outlet stream and a rounded surface towards the inlet stream. molded (eg, away from storage chamber 1340 ) to facilitate formation and maintenance of a meniscus that resists outward flow of liquid, the meniscus being readily available from the side of the protrusion toward storage compartment 1340 . to be separated. In this way, a series of such protrusions can function as a kind of “hydraulic ratchet” system, wherein the return flow of liquid into the storage compartment is caused microfluidically compared to the outward flow from the storage compartment. This effect may be achieved, at least in part, by the relative tendency of the meniscus to rupture on the storage chamber side of the protrusion rather than on the opposite side.

Referring again to FIG. 11C , in one exemplary implementation, in addition to (or instead of) the projections extending from the floor or ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 , some projections extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 . can be As shown more clearly in FIG. 11F , the projections may extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same retraction point 1111a , where two additional projections are the floor and ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 . extends from and forms a C-shaped constriction point 1111a. The example implementation illustrated in FIGS. 11D and 11F can more effectively tune the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 to cause the liquid flow to retract towards the storage chamber 1340 compared to the implementation of FIG. 11C , This is because the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is further constricted (ie, narrowed) at the retraction point 1111a shown in FIGS. 11D and 11F .

The protrusions formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be uniform in shape, size, frequency, or symmetry. That is, depending on the implementation, different retraction points 1111a or 1111b may be implemented with different sizes, designs, shapes, locations, or frequencies along the overflow channel 1104 . In one example, the shape of the retraction point 1111a or 1111b may be similar to the shape of the letter C with a round inner diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming the inner diameter into a round C-shape, the inner wall of the retraction point may have an edge (eg, a sharp edge) such as those shown in FIGS. 11F and 11G .

In some examples, the overflow channel 1104 at a first level may have a protrusion extending from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 , while at a second level the protrusion will extend from the bottom of the overflow channel 1104 . can At a third level, the protrusion may for example extend from the inner wall. Alternatives to the above implementation are microfluidic effects on flow in two directions within the overflow channel 1104 by adjusting or changing the number of protrusions and the shape of the protrusions, or adjusting or changing the positioning of the protrusions in a different order or level. can help control In one example, the retraction point 1111a may be implemented, for example, at one or more (or all) levels, sides, or widths of the collector 1313 .

11E and 11G , in addition to defining the retraction point 1111a along the longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or the wider side of the collector 1313, one or more additional retraction points 1111b It can be defined along the narrower side of the collector 1313 . Accordingly, the example implementation illustrated in FIGS. 11E and 11G may improve the adjustment or inducement of resistance to meniscus separation in a desired direction in the overflow channel 1104 over the implementation of FIG. 11D , because overflow This is because the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow rate) of the channel 1104 is further contracted with the addition of the additional retraction point 1111b.

11F and 11G , for greater clarity, each full level of the illustrated example has three retraction points 1111a on each side, for example in addition to two more retraction points 1111b. may include Thus, the collector 1313 of FIG. 11D may include a total of 18 retraction points, while the collector 1313 of FIG. 11E may include a total of 26 retraction points. In this example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11E provides improved microfluidic flow control (eg, in an outward direction) because capillary pressure is intensified at multiple retraction points 1111a and 1111b.

Referring to FIG. 11H , in some embodiments, gate 1102 is configured to include an aperture or opening configuration with a tapered edge, rim, or flange that is flatter in one direction, similar to retraction points 1111a or 1111b. can be For example, the rim of the aperture of the gate 1102 may be flat on one side (eg, the side facing the storage chamber 1342 ) and on the other side (eg, the side facing away from the storage chamber 1342 ). can be formed round. In this configuration, the microfluidic forces that cause a backflow towards the storage chamber 1340 over the flow away from the storage chamber 1340 may be enhanced due to easier meniscus separation on the less rounded side compared to the more rounded side. .

Thus, depending on the implementation and modification of the retraction point and the structure or configuration of the gate 1102 , the resistance to the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the collector 1313 is the collector 1313 and the storage chamber 1340 . may be higher than the resistance to flow of vaporizable material 1302 towards In certain implementations, the gate 1102 is configured such that the storage chamber 1342 maintains a liquid seal such that a layer of vaporizable material 1302 is present in the medium in communication with the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344 . do. The presence of the liquid seal may help to maintain a pressure equilibrium between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 to promote a sufficient level of vacuum (eg, partial vacuum) in the storage chamber 1342 . This prevents the vaporizable material 1302 from completely draining into the overflow volume 1344 as well as depriving the wicking element 1362 of adequate saturation.

In one or more exemplary implementations, a single passage or channel in the collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 through two vents, such that the two vents maintain a liquid seal regardless of positioning of the cartridge 1320 . do. Forming a liquid seal at the gate 1102 allows air from the collector 1313 to flow into the storage chamber, even when the cartridge 1320 is held diagonally to a horizontal line or when the cartridge 1320 is positioned with the mouthpiece facing down. 1342) can help prevent it from entering. This is because when the bubbles from the collector 1313 enter the reservoir, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 equalizes the pressure of the ambient pressure. That is, the partial vacuum inside the storage chamber 1342 (eg, created as a result of the vaporizable material 1302 draining through the wick feed 1368 ) will be canceled out when ambient air flows into the storage chamber 1342 . will be.

11I-11K , perspective views of an alternative gate 1102 configuration for a collector 1313 structure are provided. Such an alternative configuration may provide advantages related to air and/or vaporizable liquid material 1302 flow management and control. In some scenarios, the headspace vacuum may not be maintained when the empty space of the storage chamber 1342 (ie, the headspace above the vaporizable material 1302 ) contacts the gate 1102 . As a result, as previously mentioned, the liquid seal established on gate 1102 may break. This effect may be because the gate 1102 is unable to maintain the fluid film when the collector 1313 drains and the headspace comes into contact with the gate 1102 resulting in a loss of partial headspace vacuum.

In certain embodiments, the headspace of the storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure, and if there is a hydrostatic pressure offset between the nebulizer and the gate 1102 in the cartridge 1320, the contents of the storage chamber 1342 may drain into the wick, causing overflow and leakage of the wick box. To prevent leakage, one or more embodiments are implemented to eliminate the hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer and to maintain the function of the gate 1102 when the storage chamber 1342 is nearly drained.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11I and 11J , a miniaturized divider wall or labyrinth-shaped structure 1190 is constructed around the gate 1102 , to maintain a liquid seal at the gate 1102 , the collector. A high-drive connection between the gate 1102 and the overflow channel 1104 may be established at 1313 . In the example of FIG. 11J , a moat-shaped structure 1190 is shown as a means for further improving the retention of the liquid seal at the gate 1102 in accordance with one or more implementations.

Controlled Fluid Gate Embodiments

11L-11N show top and enlarged views of a controlled fluid gate 1102 of a collector 1313 structure in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the passage or overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 via, for example, a V- or horn-shaped controlled fluid gate 1102 . Thus, the V-shaped gate 1102 includes at least two (preferably three) openings that connect to the storage chamber 1342 . As provided in more detail herein, the liquid seal may be maintained at the gate 1102 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of the cartridge 1320 .

As shown in FIG. 11L , on the first side of the vent, a vent passage may be maintained between the overflow channel 1104 and the gate 1102 through which air bubbles are drawn from the overflow channel 1104 of the collector to the reservoir. can be exited with In a second aspect, the one or more high-actuation channels connected to the reservoir not only prevent premature venting of air bubbles from the overflow channel 1104 into the reservoir, but also prevent undesirable air flow from the reservoir into the overflow channel 1104 or It may be implemented to cause a pinch off at the pinch off point 1122 to maintain a liquid seal that prevents the ingress of the vaporizable material 1302 .

Depending on the implementation, the high-actuation channel, shown by way of example on the right side of FIG. 11L , preferably remains sealed due to the capillary pressure exerted by the vaporizable liquid material 1302 in the cartridge reservoir. The low-actuation channel formed on the opposite side (ie, shown on the left side of FIG. 11L ) has a relatively low capillary actuation compared to the high-actuation channel but still, in the first pressure state, the liquid seal separates the high-actuation channel and the low-actuation channel. It can be configured to have sufficient capillary actuation to be maintained in both actuation channels.

Thus, in a first pressure state (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is approximately equal to or higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure), a liquid seal is maintained in both the low-actuation channel and the high-actuation channel so that air bubbles are drawn into the reservoir. prevent spillage Conversely, at the second pressure state (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is lower than ambient atmospheric pressure), bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (eg, by inflow through the air exchange port 1106 ). , or more generally, the leading meniscus edge of the vaporizable liquid material-air interface may move upward towards the controlled fluid gate 1102 . When the meniscus reaches the pinch-off point 1122 located between the low-drive channel and the high-drive channel of the vent 1104 , there is a higher capillary resistance in the high-drive channel(s), so the air is preferentially routed through the low-drive channel or channels.

As the bubble passes through the low-actuation channel portion of the gate 1102, it enters the reservoir and equalizes the pressure inside the reservoir with the pressure of the ambient air. As such, the air exchange port 1106 coupled with the controlled fluid gate 1102 allows ambient air entering through the overflow channel 1104 to pass through the reservoir until an equilibrium pressure condition is established between the reservoir and the ambient air. allow to do As mentioned earlier, this process can be referred to as storage venting. Once an equilibrium pressure state is established (eg, transitioning from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state), in this case the high-actuation channel and the low-actuation channel supplied by the vaporizable liquid material 1302 stored in the reservoir. Since liquid is present in both, the liquid seal is re-established at pinch off point 1122 .

11O-11X show the flow of air collected in the exemplary collector 1313 of FIGS. 11L-11N over time when managed to accommodate adequate venting as the meniscus of vaporizable material 1302 continues to retract. The following snapshot is shown.

11O illustrates a retracting meniscus where the partial headspace vacuum increases in intensity as vaporizable material 1302 is removed from the reservoir into the wick. This is sufficient to overcome the receding capillary actuation of the meniscus, moving the meniscus back through the collector towards the retraction point where the meniscus will see the highest pressure differential as dictated by the geometry.

11P illustrates how the meniscus intersects the first joint of the gate 1102 as it approaches the gate 1102 . In this first joint, the headspace partial vacuum is maximized as it corresponds to the smallest geometry in the gate 1102 structure, and the partial vacuum in the reservoir continues to increase to this point.

11q shows how the plurality of meniscus retracts as the headspace reaches a maximum partial vacuum. The meniscus is at its tightest curvature across the major plane, at which point the drain pressures of the three channels are equal, and the three meniscus retract simultaneously and not just in one channel. As the curvature of these meniscuses now increases as they retract, the pressure differential maintained across them decreases, and thus the headspace partial vacuum begins to decrease.

11r shows how the secondary meniscus begins to fill the capillary channel. The taper of this channel shape is such that as the meniscus continues to retract, the capillary actuation of the primary channel decreases at a faster rate than the secondary channel. This gradual reduction in capillary actuation will reduce the partial headspace vacuum being maintained. When the drain pressure of the primary meniscus falls below the drain pressure of the secondary channel, this meniscus continues to drain and the other meniscus remains stationary. The drain pressure associated with the receding contact angle of the primary channel may drop below the overflow pressure associated with the forward contact angle of the secondary channel, causing them to refill as shown in the figure.

11S illustrates how a secondary meniscus from one of the two meniscus in each secondary channel arrives at the point of contact where the two meniscus merge into one. This combined meniscus has an increased curvature resulting in lower capillary actuation. A higher actuation of the primary meniscus may make the primary meniscus an advancing meniscus, causing the system to respond temporarily. Subsequent retraction of the primary meniscus will most likely occur with the secondary meniscus held in this position.

11T shows how the secondary meniscus moves towards the collector. In a scenario where the storage chamber is full of liquid, the primary meniscus continues to retreat, further reducing the headspace partial vacuum as the curvature increases. When the partial vacuum drops below the advancing capillary pressure of the secondary meniscus, the secondary meniscus begins to advance once more, driving the gap to close. In a scenario where the storage chamber is empty or nearly empty, the liquid seal of the gate 1102 is stable until the bubble bursts, bridging the headspace to its surroundings.

11U shows how the secondary meniscus closes the joint at gate 1102 . As the secondary meniscus advances until it meets the corner apex in the primary channel, the geometry is designed to cause the secondary meniscus to split and fill both the gate 1102 and collector 1313 channels. These two newly formed meniscus can serve to isolate the headspace from the ambient air, so that the headspace partial vacuum can be re-established, ensuring that leakage through the liquid feed channel is mitigated. Since the newly formed meniscus has less curvature than before splitting, the newly formed meniscus continues to progress into the channel due to increased capillary actuation.

11V-11X illustrate bubble release into storage chamber 1342 . At this point, the pressure in the cartridge 1320 reaches stability as the air bubbles trapped in the main meniscus channel are released by the imbalance created by the advancing and retracting meniscus. Evaporable material 1302 is then allowed to displace by introducing a bubble through the upper right channel. Thus, although a high-actuation channel structure may be provided through a closed moat near the gate 1102, a shorter moat may be used instead to reduce the risk of air bubbles being trapped.

In some implementations, tapered channels can be designed to increase drive towards the controlled vent. Given the pinch off of the two advancing meniscus, the tank wall and channel bottom of the reservoir can be configured to provide continuous actuation, and the sidewall provides a pinch off position relative to the meniscus. In one configuration, the net actuation of the advancing meniscus does not exceed the net actuation of the receding meniscus, thus keeping the system statically stable.

Multi-Gate Multi-Channel Collector Embodiments

12A and 12B , an exemplary side perspective view and an exemplary plan side view of an embodiment of a single vent, multi-channel collector 1200 structure are shown. 12A, the collector 1200 is formed to have a single gate 1202 and multiple channels 1204(a) to 1204(j). 12A , in accordance with one or more implementations, gate 1202 may be positioned, for example, at a midpoint or midpoint of the longitudinal width of collector 1313 such that vaporizable material 1302 is 1313) to allow it to gradually diffuse into and through additional channels 1204(b)-1204(j) by entering at least the first channel 1204(a).

The location of the gate 1202 may be modified depending on the implementation to be in the middle, side or corner, or any other location along the length or width of the collector 1313 . The single vent, multi-channel collector 1200 structure allows the vaporizable material 1302 to enter the collector 1200 at a first flow rate through a single gate 1202 and at a second flow rate (eg, a flow rate greater than the first flow rate). ) may have the added advantage of allowing spreading through multiple channels 1204(a)-1204(j).

Advantageously, the single gate, multi-channel collector 1200 structure allows a controlled flow (eg, restricted flow) of vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 and (See FIG. 3A ), also allowing less controlled (eg, less restricted) flow if the vaporizable material 1302 is in the overflow volume 1344 . In certain embodiments, a multi-layered multi-channel structure may be implemented, such as, for example, vaporizable material 1302 in a first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f), as shown in FIG. 12B . The flow of vapable material 1302 in the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k) is at a third rate. The third rate may be faster or slower than the second rate.

Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12B , the vaporizable material 1302 passes through the gate 1202 at a first rate and through the channels 1204(a)-1204(f) at a second rate, and may flow through channels 1204(g)-1204(k) at a third rate. In one or more embodiments, the second rate may be faster than both the first rate and the third rate such that, for example, the vaporizable material 1302 may have limited flow through the gate 1202, a first set of channels (e.g., For example, it may have less restricted flow through layer 1) and relatively more restricted flow in a second set of channels (eg, layer 2). This multi-tiered configuration may help improve flow rate through the collector 1200 , but once vaporizable material 1302 enters the collector 1200 , the vaporizable material 1302 is directed towards the wicking element 1362 . can maintain controllable limits on the rapid flow of

In the dual tier embodiment shown in FIG. 12B , a first set of channels 1204(a) - 1204(f) (eg, tier 1) contains a reservoir of vaporizable material 1302 collected in the first set of channels. It can have a reversible configuration so that it can flow back to 1340 . Conversely, the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k) (eg, layer 2) may not have a reversible configuration. In this embodiment, because of the proximity of the second set of channels to the wicking element 1362 , the vaporizable material 1302 is primarily from the second set of channels and then serves as a first set of channels (eg, a spare compartment). is drawn from layer 1). As discussed above, having reversible and irreversible structures can help provide further improvements over other embodiments discussed herein.

In some multi-layer embodiments, by irreversibly configuring the second set of channels 1204(g) - 1204(k), the vaporizable material 1302 may flow through the second set of channels 1204(g)- 1204(g)- during an overflow event. There may be an additional guarantee that the wicking element 1362 will not be empty as it may be available in close proximity to the wicking element 1362 when stored at 1204(k). Additionally, the possibility of a strong flow of vaporizable material 1302 into the wick housing during a negative pressure event may be avoided in a multi-layered implementation, since as previously provided the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k) may This is because it can be configured to have a more restrictive flow compared to the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f). Also, due to reversibility, the first set of channels 1204(a) - 1204(f) may not receive a relatively large volume of vaporizable material 1302 . In some embodiments, increasing the reversibility or flow of the vaporizable material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) or the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k); To limit, an absorbent material (eg, a sponge) may be introduced into one or both channel regions.

Referring to FIG. 13 , an exemplary side perspective view of a multi-vent, multi-channel collector 1300 structure in accordance with one or more implementations is shown. As shown, the collector 1300 may be positioned inside the cartridge such that the collector 1300 has a double vent 1301 . This implementation may allow the vaporizable material 1302 to flow into the channel 1204 at a relatively faster rate, particularly as compared to the single vent collector 1200 shown in FIGS. 21A and 12B .

Weak Feed Example

Referring again to FIGS. 10C , 10D , and 11B , in certain variations, the collector 1313 may be configured to be insertably received by the receiving end of the storage chamber 1342 . The end of the collector 1313 opposite the end received by the storage chamber 1342 may be configured to receive the wicking element 1362 . For example, a fork-shaped protrusion may be formed to securely receive the wicking element 1362 . The wick housing 1315 may be used to further secure the wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the protrusions. This configuration may also help prevent the wicking element 1362 from substantially expanding and weakening due to oversaturation.

11C , 11D and 11E , according to an implementation, one or more additional ducts, channels, tubes, or cavities traveling through the collector 1313 are vaporizable stored in the storage chamber 1342 in the wicking element 1362 . It may be structured or configured as a pathway for supplying material 1302 . In certain configurations, such as those discussed in greater detail herein, the wick feeding duct, tube or cavity (ie, wick feed 1368 ) may run approximately parallel to central tunnel 1100 . In at least one configuration, there may be multiple wick feeds running diagonally along the length of the collector 1313 , eg, independently or in connection with a wick exchange that includes one or more other wick feeds.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of wick feeds may be operatively connected in a multi-connection configuration such that an exchange of feeding paths possibly intersecting each other may lead to the wick housing area. Such a configuration may help prevent complete clogging of the wick feeding mechanism, for example, if one or more feeding paths within the wick feed interchange are blocked by the formation of air bubbles or other types of blockage. Advantageously, even when some or specific paths of the weak feed interchange are completely or partially blocked or blocked, the metering of multiple feeding paths allows the vaporizable material 1302 to cross one or more paths (or different but open paths). ) to safely move towards the wick housing area.

Depending on the implementation, the wick feed path may be formed, for example, in a tubular shape with a circular or multi-sided cross-sectional shape. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other suitable geometric shape. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional perimeter of the wick feed may be, for example, a hollow cross, such that the arms of the cross have a narrower width relative to the diameter of the central crossover portion of the cross from which the arms extend. More generally, the wick feed channel (also referred to herein as the first channel) has a cross-section having at least one irregularity that provides an alternative path for vaporizable liquid material to pass through even if air bubbles block the remainder of the cross-sectional area of the wick feed. shape (eg, protrusions, side channels, etc.). The cross-section of this example is an example of such a structure, but one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other shapes are also contemplated and feasible in accordance with the present disclosure.

A crisscross duct or tube implementation formed through a wick feed path is such that the crisscross tube essentially comprises five separate paths (e.g., a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross) The clogging problem can be overcome because it can be considered as In this implementation, blockage of the feeding tube, for example by gas bubbles, will most likely form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, leaving the sub-path (ie, the passage through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) open to flow.

According to one or more aspects, the wick feeding path may be wide enough to allow the vaporizable material 1302 to move freely through the feeding path towards the wick. In some embodiments, flow through the wick feed may be enhanced or accommodated by devising the relative diameter of a particular portion of the wick feed to force capillary traction or pressure on the vaporizable material 1302 traveling through the wick feed path. have. In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some wick feed paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to induce movement of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick housing portion.

For example, in a crisscross tube implementation, the feeding path through the arms of the crisscross tube may be configured to feed the wick by capillary pressure instead of relying on gravity. In such implementations, the central portion of the cross-shaped tube may feed the wick due to gravity, for example, while the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the arms of the cross-shaped tube may be supported by capillary pressure. It is noted that the cross-shaped tube disclosed herein is intended to provide an exemplary embodiment. The concepts and functions implemented in these exemplary embodiments may extend to wick feed paths having other cross-sectional shapes (eg, a hollow star shape with two or more arms extending from a central tunnel running along the wick feed path). tube with a cross section of ).

Referring to FIG. 11C , an example of a collector 1313 configuration is shown, wherein two wick feeds 1368 are other of the collector 1313 into which a vaporizable material 1302 enters the feed to form a housing for the wick. Located on the two opposite sides of the central tunnel 1100 so that the ends can flow directly towards the cavity area.

A wick feed mechanism may be formed through the collector 1313 such that at least one wick feed path in the collector 1313 may be formed as a hollow tube of multi-faceted cross-section. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed may be in the shape of a plus sign (eg, a hollow cross-shaped wick feed when viewed from the top cross-section), such that the arms of the cross are relative to the diameter of the central intersection of the crosses from which the arms extend. has a narrower width.

A duct or tube having a cross-diameter formed through a wick feed path is such that a tube having a cross-diameter has 5 separate paths (e.g., a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and 4 additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross). The clogging problem can be overcome because it can be considered to contain. In this implementation, there is a possibility that blockage of the feeding tube by gas bubbles (eg, air bubbles) will form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube.

If the gas bubble is centrally located in this way, even if the central path is blocked by the gas bubble, it will ultimately remain open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in a sub-path (i.e., through the arm of the cross-shaped tube). path) will be left. Other implementations of the wick feed passage structure are possible that may achieve the same or similar purpose as described above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or preventing the trapped gas bubbles from completely blocking the wick feed passage.

Adding more vents to the structure of the collector 1300 may, depending on the implementation, allow for a faster flow rate, which will result in a relatively larger aggregate volume of vaporizable material 1302 displaced when additional vents are available. because it can As such, although not explicitly shown, embodiments having more than two vents (eg, triple vent implementations, quadruple vent implementations, etc.) are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

14A and 14B , certain embodiments may include a collector 1400 structure with dual feeds for wicks. In such an embodiment, the wick may have a higher saturation level and less chance of depletion compared to an embodiment in which a single feed is provided.

15A , 15B and 15C , perspective and cross-sectional plan side views of an exemplary collector structure for a double feed wick 1562 are provided. As shown, a wick or wick 1562 may be disposed or received in the cartridge 1500 such that the vaporizable material 1302 moves towards the area of the cartridge 1500 in which the wick 1562 is received. At least two separate wick feeds 1566 and 1568 may be provided to allow.

As noted above, a double wick feed may have the advantage of providing a wick 1562 with twice the flow of vaporizable material 1302 compared to, for example, a single wick feed alternative. Advantageously, the dual wick feed implementation provides sufficient feed to the wick 1562 and helps prevent dried wick 1562 if, for example, one of the wick feeds becomes clogged. As shown, a lower portion of the wick 1562 may extend down into an area of the cartridge 1500 forming a heating chamber or atomizer.

Referring to FIG. 16A , a cross-sectional plan side view of an exemplary cartridge in which a double horn or double feed wick 1562 is positioned within a collector structure is provided. 16B is a top, cross-sectional side view of an exemplary collector structure in which a wick 1562 may be received. 16C provides an example perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the first end of the wick 1562 may have two or more feed, horn, or flanged ends for at least partially coupling two or more wick openings in the septum 1513, for example At least one of the planar ends tangentially engages or extends, for example, at least partially into the volume of the storage chamber 1542 .

According to one or more implementations, cartridge 1500 may include a reservoir having a storage chamber 1542 for storing vaporizable material 1302 . A secondary volume 1510 separable from the storage chamber 1542 may also be formed within the cartridge 1500 . Secondary volume 1510 may communicate with storage chamber 1542 via one or more wick feeds 1590 . Secondary volume 1510 may be configured to receive at least wick 1562 . The wick 1562 may be configured to absorb the vaporizable material 1302 traveling through the wick feed 1590 such that upon thermal interaction with the atomizer, the vaporizable material 1302 is absorbed into the wick 1562 and converted to at least one of a vapor or an aerosol.

The wick 1562 may be confined at least in part by one or more heating elements of the atomizer positioned within the secondary volume 1510 . A septum 1513 is provided for at least partially separating the storage chamber 1542 from the secondary volume 1510 so that the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 through the wick feed 1590 can be controlled. At least a first portion of the wick feed 1590 may be formed by at least one or more openings of the partition wall 1513 .

At least a second portion of the wick feed 1590 may include a vaporizable material passageway connecting one or more openings in the septum 1513 to the second volume 1510 . The air flow passage 1538 is configured to connect the secondary volume 1510 to the mouthpiece such that the vaporizable material 1302 converted to vapor travels from the secondary volume 1510 through the air flow passage 1538 toward the mouthpiece. may be provided.

16A, 16B, 16C, 17A and 17B, a perspective view of a first side of the cartridge and a cross-sectional view of a second side of the cartridge having a wick 1562 protruding into a storage chamber 1542 are provided . The wick 1562 may include at least a first end 1592 and a second end 1594 , the first end 1592 proximate the septum 1513 and the second end 1592 proximate the septum 1513 . It extends in the distal direction in the opposite direction to the

A first end 1592 of the wick 1562 may protrude at least partially through a wick opening in the septum 1530 to extend at least partially into the volume of the storage chamber 1542 . In one aspect, the first end 1592 of the wick 1562 may at least partially protrude through the wick opening of the septum 1530 to engage at least tangentially with the volume of the storage chamber 1542 .

26A shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a collector 1313 having a V-shaped gate 1102 . 25-26, collector 1313 is hollow of cartridge 1320 with additional components (eg, wicking element 1362, heating element 1350, and wick housing 1315). It can fit inside the cavity. The wicking element 1362 may be positioned between the second end of the collector 1313 with the heating element 1350 wrapped around the wicking element 1362 . During assembly, the collector 1313 , the wicking element 1362 , and the heating element 1350 can be fitted together and covered by the wick housing 1315 before being inserted into the cavity inside the cartridge 1320 .

The wick housing 1315, along with the other mentioned components, can be inserted into the end of the cartridge 1320 opposite the mouthpiece to hold the components therein in a pressure-sealed or press-fit manner. The sealing or fitting of the collector 1313 and the wick housing 1315 within the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 is preferably to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 held in the reservoir of the cartridge 1320. tight enough In some embodiments, the pressure seal between the wick housing 1315 and the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the collector 1313 and cartridge 1320 is also tight enough to prevent manual disassembly of the component by the user's bare hands.

With reference to FIGS. 10C , 10D , 11B , 26B and 26C , in certain variations, the collector 1313 may be configured to be insertably received by the receiving end of the storage chamber 1342 . 26B and 26C , the end of the collector 1313 opposite the end received by the storage chamber 1342 may be configured to receive the wicking element 1362 . For example, the fork-shaped protrusion 1108 may be formed to securely receive the wicking element 1362 . As shown in the bottom-facing cross-sectional views of FIGS. 26B and 26C , the wick housing 1315 may be used to further secure the wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the fork-shaped protrusions 1108 . This configuration may also help prevent wicking element 1362 from substantially expanding and weakening due to oversaturation.

Referring to FIG. 26B , in one embodiment, wicking element 1362 is a bell of wicking element 1362 positioned along its length through compression rib 1110 (eg, just below wick feed 1368 ). It can be contracted or compressed in a specific location (towards the directional distal end) to help prevent leakage, for example by maintaining a larger saturated area of vaporizable material 1302 towards the end of the wicking element 1362 . This allows the central portion of the wicking element 1362 to remain drier and less likely to leak. Additionally, use of the compression rib 1110 may further press the wicking element 1362 into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

26D-26F , shown are top views of an exemplary wick feed mechanism formed by or structured through a collector 1313 , in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 26D , the at least one wick feed 1368 path within the collector 1313 may be shaped as a hollow tube of multi-faceted cross-section. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed 1368 path may be in the form of a plus sign (eg, a hollow cross-shaped wick feed when viewed from a top cross-sectional view) such that the arms of the cross are the central intersection portion of the cross from which the arms extend. has a narrower width compared to the diameter of

Referring to FIG. 26E , a duct or tube having a cross-diameter formed through a wick feed 1368 path is a tube having a cross-diameter formed in five separate paths (eg, a central path formed in the center of a cross-shaped hollow and a cross-shaped hollow). The blocking problem can be overcome because it can be considered to contain 4 additional pathways formed in the arm). In this implementation, blockage of the feeding tube by gas bubbles (eg, air bubbles) is likely to form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube as shown in FIG. 26E . If the gas bubble is centrally located in this way, even if the central path is blocked by the gas bubble, it will ultimately remain open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in a sub-path (i.e., through the arm of the cross-shaped tube). path) is left.

Referring to FIG. 26F , the wick feed 1368 may achieve the same or similar purpose as described above with respect to catching gas bubbles or preventing the trapped gas bubbles from completely blocking the path of the wick feed 1368 . ) other implementations of the path structure are possible. As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 26F , one or more droplet-shaped protrusions 1368a / 1368b (e.g., similar in shape to one or more discrete nipples having a wick feed 1368 path therebetween) In addition, vaporizable material 1302 may form at the end of the path of the wick feed 1368 flowing from the storage chamber 1342 to the collector 1313 such that gas bubbles are trapped in the central region of the path of the wick feed 1368 . If so, help the vaporizable material 1302 pass through the wick feed 1368 path. In this way, a reasonably controllable consistent flow of vaporizable material 1302 can flow towards the wick, avoiding a scenario in which the wick is improperly saturated with vaporizable material 1302 .

heating element embodiment

18A-18D , the evaporator cartridge 1800 may also include a heating element 1850 (eg, a flat heating element as noted above). The heating element 1850 includes a first portion 1850A positioned approximately parallel to the air flow passage 1838 and a second portion 1850B positioned approximately perpendicular to the air flow passage 1838 . As shown, a first portion 1850A of a heating element 1850 may be positioned between opposing portions of a collector 1813 . When heating element 1850 is activated, the temperature rises to generate heat, for example due to current flowing through heating element 1850 .

Heat may be transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 evaporates. Heat transfer is performed with the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, the vaporizable material 1302 drawn from the collector 1813 , and/or the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wick held by the heating element 1850 . can be Air passing to the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 1850 and displaces the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 1850 and/or the wick. As the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., it exits the mouthpiece 1830 through at least one of the air flow passages 1838 as an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

19A-19C , the evaporator cartridge 1900 may include a folded heating element 1950 and two air flow passages 1938 . As noted above, the heating element 1950 may be crimped around the wick 1962 or preformed to receive the wick 1962 . Heating element 1950 may include one or more tines 1950A. A tine 1950A may be positioned in the heating portion of the heating element 1950, the resistance of the tine 1950A heating element 1950 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material 1302 from the wick 1962 It is designed to match the appropriate amount of resistance to affect the local heating of

The tines 1950A form thin path heating segments or traces in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. The particular geometry of tine 1950A may be preferably selected to create a particular local resistance for heating heating element 1950 . For example, tine 1950A may include one or more of the various tine configurations and features described and discussed in greater detail below.

When the heating element 1950 is activated, the current flowing through the heating element 1950 causes the temperature to rise to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 via conductive, convection, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is evaporated. Heat transfer is achieved by transferring the vaporizable material 1302 within the reservoir, the vaporizable material 1302 drawn from the collector 1913 , and/or the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wick 1962 held by the heating element 1950 . ) can be performed. In some implementations, vaporizable material 1302 may be vaporized along one or more edges of tine 1950A.

Air passing into the evaporator apparatus flows along an air path across the heating element 1950 and displaces the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 1950 and/or wick 1962. The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., exiting the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow passages 1938 as an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

20A-20C , the evaporator cartridge 2000 may include a folded heating element 2050 and a single (eg, central) airflow passageway 2038 . As noted above, the heating element 2050 may be crimped around the wick 2062 or preformed to receive the wick 2062 . Heating element 2050 may include one or more tines 2050A. The tines 2050A may be positioned in the heating portion of the heating element 2050 , wherein the resistance of the tines 2050A causes localized heating of the heating element 2050 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material from the wick 2062 . It is designed to match the appropriate amount of resistance to affect

The tines 2050A form thin path heating segments or traces in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. The specific geometry of the tine 2050A may be preferably selected to create a specific local resistance for heating the heating element 2050 . For example, tines 2050A may include one or more of the various tine configurations described in greater detail below.

When the heating element 2050 is activated, the current flowing through the heating element 2050 causes the temperature to rise to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 via conductive, convection, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is evaporated. The heat transfer is the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, the vaporizable material 1302 drawn from the collector 2013, and/or the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wick 2062 held by the heating element 2050. ) can be done.

In some implementations, vaporizable material 1302 may be vaporized along one or more edges of tine 2050A. Air passing to the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 2050 and displaces the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 2050 and/or wick 2062 . The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., exiting the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow passages as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

10C, 11B, and 21A , in some embodiments, the collector 1313 is inserted into the receiving cavity or receptacle of the storage chamber 1342, after the collector 1313 is inserted into the storage chamber ( may be configured to include a flat rib 2102 extending around the lower perimeter of the collector 1313 to create a surface suitable for welding to the inner wall of 1342 .

Depending on the implementation, full perimeter welding or tack welding options may be used to securely secure the collector 1313 within the receiving cavity or receptacle of the storage chamber 1342 . In some embodiments, an anti-friction and leak-tight bond may be established without the use of welding techniques. In certain embodiments, an adhesive material may be used instead of or in addition to the bonding techniques mentioned above.

11B and 21B , in accordance with one or more aspects, a sealing bead profile 2104 may be formed around a collector 1313 helical rib defining an overflow channel 1104 such that the sealing bead profile 2104 may be formed. ) can support the fast rotational injection molding process. As the sealing bead profile 2104 geometry can be designed in a variety of ways, the collector 1313 can be inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle of the storage chamber 1342 in an anti-friction manner, where the vaporizable material 1302 is It can flow through the overflow channel 1104 without any leakage along the sealing bead profile 2104 .

22A , 22B and 82-86 , evaporator cartridge 2200 may include a folded heating element, such as heating element 500 , and two air flow passages 2238 . As noted above, heating element 500 may be crimped around wick 2262 or preformed to receive wick 2262 . The heating element 500 may include one or more tines 502 . A tine 502 may be positioned in the heating portion of the heating element 500 , such that the resistance of the tine 502 is matched from the wick 2622 with an appropriate amount of resistance to affect localized heating of the heating element 500 . It is designed to heat the vaporizable material 1302 more efficiently and effectively.

The tines 502 form thin path heating segments or traces in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. The specific geometry of the tines 502 may be preferably selected to create a specific local resistance for heating the heating element 500 . For example, tine 502 and heating element 500 may include one or more of the various tine configurations and features described in greater detail below.

In some implementations, tines 502 include platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 . A platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the wick 2262 , and a side tine portion 526 is configured to contact an opposite side of the wick 2262 . Platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 define pockets that receive and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of wick 2262 . The pocket allows the wick 2262 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket.

In some implementations, side tine portion 526 and platform tine portion 524 retain wick 2262 through compression. Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact wick 2262 to provide multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wick 2262 . The multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick 2262 provides for a more efficient and/or faster transfer of the vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir of the evaporator cartridge to be vaporized to the heating portion (via the wick 2262 ). do.

The heating element 500 may include one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion and/or as part of at least one of the one or more legs 506 . . The heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 22A-22B and 82-86 includes by way of example four legs 506 . At least one of the legs 506 may include and/or define one of the cartridge contacts 124 configured to contact a corresponding one of the receptacle contacts 125 of the evaporator. In some implementations, the pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124 ) may contact a single one of the receptacle contacts 125 .

Leg 506 may be spring loaded to allow leg 506 to maintain contact with receptacle contact 125 . Legs 506 may include curved portions to help maintain contact with receptacle contacts 125 . Spring loading the leg 506 and/or the curvature of the leg 506 may help increase and/or maintain a consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, leg 506 is coupled with support 176 to help increase and/or maintain a consistent pressure between leg 506 and receptacle contact 125 . Support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other material to help maintain contact between leg 506 and receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the support 176 is formed as part of the legs 506 .

Legs 506 may contact one or more wiping contacts configured to clear the connection between cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or power source 112 . For example, the wiping contact includes at least two parallel but offset bosses that are frictionally engaged with and slid relative to each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

In some implementations, the legs 506 include a retainer portion 180 configured to bend around at least a portion of the wick housing 178 surrounding at least a portion of the wick 2262 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wick 2262 to wick housing 178 (and evaporator cartridge).

When the heating element 500 is activated, the current flowing through the heating element 500 causes the temperature to rise to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 via conductive, convection, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is evaporated. The heat transfer is the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, the vaporizable material 1302 drawn from the collector 2213 , and/or the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wick 2262 held by the heating element 500 . ) can be done.

In some implementations, the vaporizable material 1302 may be vaporized along one or more edges of the tines 502 . Air passing to the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 500 and displaces the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 500 and/or wick 2262 . Evaporable vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., thus exiting the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow passages 2238 as an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

23 shows a cross-sectional view of a wick housing 178 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. The wick housing 178 may include wick support ribs 2296 that, when assembled, extend from the outer shell of the wick housing 178 towards the wick 2262 . The wick support ribs 2296 help prevent deformation of the wick 2262 during assembly.

24 shows an example of a wick housing 178 that includes an identification chip 2295 . The identification chip 2295 may be held at least in part by the wick housing 178 . The identification chip 2295 may be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the evaporator.

25 shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1320 having press-fit components. As shown, cartridge 1320 may include a mouthpiece-reservoir combination formed in the form of a sleeve having an air flow passage 1338 defined therethrough. The area of the cartridge 1320 houses the collector 1313 , the wicking element 1362 , the heating element 1350 , and the wick housing 1315 . An opening at the first end of the collector 1313 leads to an air flow passage 1338 of the mouthpiece, through which evaporated vaporizable material 1302 travels from the heating element 1350 area to the mouthpiece inhaled by the user. provide a path

Additional and/or Alternative Fluid Vent Embodiments

27A-27B , shown is an enlarged front plan view of an exemplary flow management mechanism of a collector 1313 structure. Similar to the flow management mechanism discussed with reference to FIGS. 11M and 11N , the flow management vent mechanism 2701 or 2702 may be implemented in a variety of shapes in different embodiments. In the example of FIG. 27A , the passage or overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber by a fluid vent 2701 such that, for example, the vent 2701 is at least two connected to the storage chamber of the cartridge. It contains dog openings.

As provided above, the liquid seal may remain in the vent 2701 regardless of the positioning of the cartridge. In one aspect, a vent path may be maintained between the overflow channel and vent 2701 . In another aspect, a high-actuation channel can be implemented to cause a pinch off to maintain the liquid seal.

27B shows an alternative vent 2702 configuration having three openings connected to the storage chamber of the cartridge by a pinch off path that prevents the liquid seal between the vent 2701 and the storage chamber from breaking.

28 depicts a snapshot over time as the flow of vaporizable material collected in the exemplary collector of FIG. 27A or 27B is managed to accommodate adequate venting in the cartridge storage chamber, according to one implementation. As shown, the vent 2701 structure of Fig. 27A is different from the vent 2702 structure of Fig. 27B in that the vent 2702 structure provides an open area on one side instead of the wall structure shown in Fig. 27A. can be distinguished. This more open implementation provides improved microfluidic interaction between the vaporizable material 1302 and the open side of the vent 2702 .

29A-29C, perspective, front, and side views of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge are shown. A cartridge as shown may be assembled from a plurality of components including a collector, a heating element, and a wick housing for holding the cartridge component in place when the component is inserted into the cartridge body. In one embodiment, laser welding may be implemented at a circumferential joint located approximately at the point where one end of the collector structure meets the wick housing. Laser welding prevents flow of vaporizable liquid material 1302 from the collector to the heating chamber in which the atomizer is placed.

30A-30F, perspective views of exemplary cartridges at different fill capacities are shown. As noted above, the volumetric size of the overflow volume may be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in the volume of contents contained in the storage chamber. If the volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber is X when the volume of the contents of the storage chamber expands due to one or more environmental factors, then when the pressure inside the storage chamber increases to Y, the amount of Z of the vaporizable material 1302 It can be displaced from this storage chamber to the overflow volume. As such, in one or more embodiments, the overflow volume is configured to be large enough to receive at least a Z amount of vaporizable material 1302 .

30A shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge body having a reservoir that, when filled, accommodates storage of, for example, a volume of vaporizable material 1302 of about 1.20 mL. 30B shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge of the entire assembly, wherein the storage chamber and collector overflow passage contain a combined volume of vaporizable material 1302 of, for example, about 1.20 mL when both are filled. 30C shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge of the entire assembly, for example, when the collector overflow passage is filled to a volume of approximately 0.173 mL. 30D shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge of the entire assembly, for example, when the storage chamber is filled to a volume of approximately 0.934 mL. 30E shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge of the entire assembly having a wick feed channel and an air flow passage in the mouthpiece shown in cross-section, the wick feed channel having a volume of, for example, about 0.094 mL. 30F shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge of the entire assembly with an overflow air channel integrated into a portion of the collector towards the bottom rib, the airflow air channel having an approximate volume of, for example, 0.043 mL.

31A-31C show front views of an exemplary cartridge according to one embodiment, wherein the collector and surrounding plug are inserted into the cartridge body (FIG. 31B) to form a fully assembled cartridge (FIG. 31C); A double needle filling application is implemented to fill the reservoir ( FIG. 31A ).

34A and 34B show front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external air flow path. In some embodiments, one or more gates, also referred to as air inlet holes, may be provided on the evaporator body 110 . The inlet holes may be positioned inside the air inlet channels with a width, height and depth sized to prevent the user from unintentionally blocking individual air inlet holes when the user is holding the evaporator 100 . In one aspect, the air inlet channel configuration can be long enough so as not to significantly block or restrict air flow through the air inlet channel, for example when a user's finger blocks an area of the air inlet channel.

In some configurations, the geometry of the air inlet channel may provide, for example, at least one of a minimum length, a minimum depth, or a maximum width so that the user may completely cover the air inlet aperture of the air inlet channel with a hand or other body part or Or ensure that it cannot be prevented. For example, the length of the air inlet channel may be longer than the width of an average human's finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel are determined so that when the user's finger presses the top of the channel, the skin folds created are inside the air inlet channel It can be made so as not to come into contact with the air inlet hole of the.

The air inlet channels may be configured or formed to have rounded edges, or may be shaped to surround one or more corners or regions of the evaporator body 110 so that the air inlet channels are not easily covered by the user's fingers or body parts. can't In certain embodiments, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet channel such that a user's fingers cannot block or completely restrict air flow to the air inlet channel. In one embodiment, an air inlet channel may be formed at the interface between the evaporator cartridge 120 and the evaporator body 110 (eg, in the receptacle area - see FIG. 1 ). In this implementation, the air inlet channel may be protected from clogging due to the air inlet channel being formed inside the receptacle area. Such an implementation may allow for a configuration in which the air inlet channel is not visible.

32A-32C show a front, top, and bottom view, respectively, of an exemplary cartridge body having a condensate collector 3201 integrated within the air passage.

Referring to FIG. 33A , air or vapor may flow into the air flow path of the cartridge. An air flow path may extend longitudinally from an aperture or opening in the mouthpiece internally along the body of the cartridge such that vaporizable material 1302 drawn through the mouthpiece passes through the condensate collector 3201 . 33B, in addition to the condensate collector 3201, a condensate recirculator channel 3204 (eg, a microfluidic channel) may be formed to move, for example, from an opening in the mouthpiece to the wick. have.

The condensate collector 3201 acts on the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 that cools and turns into droplets at the mouthpiece, collecting the condensed droplets and routing them to the condensate recirculator channel 3204 . The condensate recirculator channel 3204 collects condensate and large vapor droplets and returns them to the wick, where vaporizable liquid material formed in the mouthpiece deposits in the user's mouth while the user puffs or inhales from the mouthpiece. to prevent The condensate recirculator channel 3204 may be implemented as a microfluidic channel to trap any liquid droplet condensate to eliminate direct suction of vaporizable material in liquid form and to avoid undesirable sensations or tastes in the user's mouth. can Additional and/or alternative embodiments of condensate recirculator channels, and/or one or more other features for controlling, collecting, and/or recirculating condensate in an evaporator apparatus are described with respect to FIGS. and is shown The condensate recirculator channel (and/or one or more other features described and shown with respect to FIGS. 117-119C ), alone or in combination with one or more features of the evaporator cartridge, controls and collects condensate in the evaporator apparatus. and/or helps to recycle.

35 and 36, there is shown a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary cartridge in which the collector structure 1313 includes an air gap 3501 in the bottom rib of the collector structure. The positioning of the air gap 3501 may coincide with the location where the air exchange port is located in the collector structure 1313 . As provided above, the collector structure 1313 may be configured to have a central opening through which an air flow channel leading to the mouthpiece is implemented. The air flow channel is connected to the air exchange port so that the volume inside the overflow passage of the collector 1313 is connected to the ambient air through the air exchange port and also to the volume of the storage chamber through the vent.

According to one or more embodiments, the vent may be used as a control valve to primarily control liquid flow between the overflow passage and the storage chamber. The air exchange port may be used, for example, to primarily control the air flow between the overflow passage and the air passage leading to the mouthpiece. The combination of interactions between the vents, the collector channels of the overflow passages, and the air exchange ports is responsible for the proper release of air bubbles that may enter the cartridge due to the controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the collector channels as well as various environmental factors. Provide venting and adequate wick saturation. The presence of an air gap 3501 at the air exchange port allows for a more robust venting process as it prevents the vaporizable liquid material 1302 stored in the collector from seeping into the wick housing area.

37A-37C illustrate top views of various exemplary wick feed shapes and configurations for cartridges in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, FIG. 37A shows a cross-section of a wick feed cross-section according to an exemplary embodiment. 37B illustrates a wick feed having a generally rectangular cross-section. 37C illustrates a wick feed having an approximately square cross-section. As provided above, depending on the implementation, one or more wick feeds 3701 are ducts, channels, tubes, or cavities that travel through the collector structure 1313 as a path for supplying the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber to the wick. can be configured as In certain configurations, the weak feed 3701 may run approximately parallel to the central channel 3700 of the collector 1313 .

Depending on the implementation, the wick feed path may be formed into a tubular shape with a substantially rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, for example as shown in FIGS. 37B and 37C . A duct or tube of variable width cross-sectional shape formed through a wick feed path provides a multi-path configuration that allows the vaporizable material 1302 to travel through the wick feed even if air bubbles form in certain areas of the wick feed. In this case, the blocking problem can be overcome. In such implementations, it is possible that a blockage of the wick feed tube may form in a portion of the wick feed tube, leaving it open for downstream passageways (eg, alternative routes) to flow.

According to one or more aspects, the wick feeding path may be wide enough to allow the vaporizable material 1302 to move freely through the feeding path towards the wick. In some embodiments, flow through the wick feed may be enhanced or accommodated by devising the relative diameter of a particular portion of the wick feed to force capillary traction or pressure on the vaporizable material 1302 traveling through the wick feed path. have. In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, some wick feeding paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to induce movement of vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick housing portion.

37D and 37E show an exemplary embodiment of a collector 1313 having a dual wick feed 3701 implementation. At least one of the wick feed 3701 may be formed to include a partially demising wall. The partially demining wall may be configured to divide the volume inside the wick feed 3701 into two separate volumes (ie, the ventricles) as shown in the cross-sectional perspective views of FIGS. 37D and 37E . Partial wall implementations can saturate the wick by allowing vaporizable liquid material 1302 to flow easily from the reservoir towards the wick housing area.

In certain implementations, the partial walls of a single wick feed essentially form two ventricles in a single wick feed. The ventricles of the wick feed can be separated through the partial walls and used individually to flow the vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick housing. In such an embodiment, once gas bubbles are removed from one of the ventricles of the weak feed, the other ventricle may remain open. The ventricle may be large in volume to provide sufficient flow of vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick for adequate saturation.

Thus, in embodiments where two wick feeds 3701 are used, effectively four ventricles may be available to carry the vaporizable material 1302 flow towards the wick. Thereby, when gas bubbles form in one, two or even three ventricles, at least the fourth ventricle will be used to direct the vaporizable material 1302 flow towards the wick, thereby reducing the chance of wick dehydration. can

Referring to FIG. 38 , an enlarged view of an end of a wick feed positioned proximate to a wick (eg, at an end configured to at least partially receive a wick) is shown, wherein optionally at least a portion of the wick is a portion of the wick feed. It is sandwiched between two or more prongs extending from the ends.

39 shows a perspective view of an exemplary collector structure having a square design wick feed combined with an air gap at one end of the overflow passage.

40A-40E , a rear view, a side view, a top view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively, of an exemplary collector structure are shown. For example, FIG. 40A shows a rear view of a collector structure having four separate outlet sites. 40B shows a side view of the collector structure specifically showing, for example, a clamp-shaped end portion 4002 of a wick feed capable of holding the wick securely in the path of the wick feed. 40C , the portion of the cartridge body extending inwardly from the mouthpiece to the cartridge body is the central portion of the collector structure defining an airway passageway for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to exit from the nebulizer toward the mouthpiece. may be received through channel 3700 .

40C shows that the wick feed channel 4001 is held in place at the end of the wick feed channel 4001 by a projecting end of the wick feed channel 4001 that receives the vaporizable material from the storage chamber of the cartridge and forms a clamp-shaped end portion 4002. A top view of a collector structure is shown with a wick feed channel 4001 for directing vaporizable material towards the wick.

40D shows a front plan view of the collector structure. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed in the lower portion of the collector structure at the end of the lower rib of the collector structure where the overflow passage of the collector leads to an air control vent 3902 that communicates with ambient air. The portion of the cartridge body extending from the mouthpiece may be received through a central channel 3700 of the collector structure defining an airway passageway for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to exit from the nebulizer towards the mouthpiece.

FIG. 40E shows a bottom view of a collector 1313 structure with two wick feed channels terminating in two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 configured to hold the wick in place at the bottom end of the collector 1313 . As shown, optionally, a divided ridge, flange or lip 4003 may be formed on the surface of the bottom end of the collector 1313 , wherein the collector 1313 is the upper portion of the plug 760 when assembled. is connected to The lip 4003 provides a pressure-tight fit between the upper portion of the plug 760 and the lower portion of the collector 1313, and functions in a manner similar to a flexible O-ring, so that an appropriate seal can be established during assembly. . In one embodiment, the bottom end of the collector 1313 may be laser welded to the upper portion of the plug 760 .

41A and 41B show top and side views of an alternative embodiment of a collector structure having two of the clamp-shaped end portions 4002 and corresponding two wick feeds. As shown, this alternative embodiment is shorter in height compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A . This reduced height provides improved functionality by structurally changing the shape of the collector 1313 and the length of the passageway of the collector 1313 through which the vaporizable material 1302 flows. As such, depending on the implementation, the length of the vaporizable material 1302 passageway through the collector 1313 provides a more effective capillary pressure and better manages the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 into the collector 1313 passageway. can be shorter to

42A and 42B show various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an exemplary collector 1313 having different structural implementations. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 42A includes a retraction point comprising a vertically positioned C-shaped wall. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 42B , the C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally to promote a more controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 along the collector 1313 passageway. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 42B , the C-wall is positioned diagonally with respect to the bottom blade of the collector, and positioned perpendicular to the downwardly inclined blade portion of the collector.

As previously mentioned, the inflow and outflow rates of the collector 1313 introduce one or more retraction points that effectively reduce the overall volume of the overflow channel 1104, thereby introducing one or more points of retraction to the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 within the collector 1313. controlled by manipulating As shown, the introduction of multiple constriction points in the overflow channel 1104 divides the overflow channel into multiple segments, where the vaporizable material 1302 can flow in either a first or a second direction, e.g. For example, the air may flow towards or away from the air control vent 3902 , respectively.

The introduction of a retraction point helps to establish or control a capillary pressure condition in the overflow channel 1104 , so that the hydraulic flow of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the air control vent 3902 causes the pressure in the cartridge reservoir to be reduced to ambient pressure. The pressure state is minimized when it is equal to or lower than air. At a pressure condition where the pressure in the reservoir is below ambient pressure (eg, above a first threshold), the retraction point is configured to control capillary pressure or hydraulic flow of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow channel 1104 . Configured, ambient air may enter the overflow channel 1104 through the air control vent 3904 and travel to the reservoir towards the controlled fluid gate 1102 to vent the cartridge (i.e., establish an equilibrium pressure condition within the cartridge). established).

In certain embodiments or scenarios, the aforementioned venting process may or may not include or require the introduction of ambient air through an air control vent 3904 . In some example scenarios, instead of or in addition to air entering through the air control vent 3904 , any bubbles or gases trapped inside the overflow channel 1104 may move upward towards the controlled fluid gate 1102 . For example, by venting the reservoir as bubbles are introduced into the reservoir from the overflow channel 1104 through the controlled fluid gate 1102 , as provided in more detail herein with reference to FIGS. 11M-11N , for example. It helps to establish an equilibrium pressure state in the cartridge. The design of the C-shaped wall and the retraction point formed in the path of the overflow channel 1104 as shown in FIGS. 42A and 42B allows better management of capillary pressure through the path of the overflow control channel 1104 and thereby the overflow channel. Facilitates a more controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 through 1104 .

43A illustrates various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an exemplary wick housing 1315 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, one or more perforations or holes may be formed in the lower portion of the wick housing 1315 to accommodate air flow through the wick located in the wick housing 760 of the wick housing 1315 . A sufficient number of apertures facilitate adequate airflow through the wick housing 760 and provide an appropriate and timely amount of the vaporizable material 1302 absorbed into the wick in response to heat generated by a heating element located near or about the wick. This will provide adequate evaporation.

43B illustrates the collector 1313 and wick housing 760 components of an exemplary cartridge 1320 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the wick housing 1315 (which includes the wick housing portion of the cartridge) may be implemented to include a protruding member or tab 4390 . Tab 4390 may be configured to extend from an upper end of wick housing 1315 that mates with a receiving end of collector 1313 during assembly. Tab 4390 may include, for example, one or more faces corresponding to or coincident with one or more faces in receiving cavities 1390 or receiving notch in the bottom portion of collector 1313 . Receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive tab 4390, for example, for a snap-fit engagement. The snap-fit arrangement can help hold the collector 1313 and wick housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

In certain embodiments, the tab 4390 may be used to direct the orientation of the wick housing 1315 during assembly. For example, in one embodiment one or more vibrating mechanisms (eg, vibrating bowls) may be used to temporarily store or stage the various components of cartridge 1320 . According to some implementations, the tab 4390 may help orient the upper portion of the wick housing 1315 for a mechanical gripper for the purpose of easy mating and accurate automatic assembly.

Additional and/or alternative heating element embodiments

As noted above, an evaporator cartridge consistent with implementations of the present subject matter may include one or more heating elements. 44A-116 illustrate embodiments of heating elements consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. The features described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 44A-116 may be included in various embodiments of an evaporator cartridge described above and/or may include one or more features of various embodiments of an evaporator cartridge described above, although FIG. 44A -116 features of the heating element may additionally and/or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary embodiments of an evaporator cartridge, such as those described below.

A heating element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter may preferably be shaped to receive the wicking element and/or may be at least partially crimped or pressed around the wicking element. The heating element may be curved such that the heating element is configured to secure the wicking element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. Heating elements can be manufactured more easily than conventional heating elements. Heating elements consistent with implementations of the present subject matter may also be made of electrically conductive metals suitable for resistance heating, and in some implementations, the heating elements may be made of other materials so that the heating element (and thus the vaporizable material) can be heated more efficiently may include selective plating of

44A shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the evaporator cartridge 120 , FIG. 44B shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the evaporator cartridge 120 , and FIG. 44C shows a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the evaporator cartridge 120 . do. 44A-44C , the evaporator cartridge 120 includes a housing 160 and a nebulizer assembly (or nebulizer) 141 .

The nebulizer assembly 141 (see FIGS. 99-101 ) may include a wicking element 162 , a heating element 500 , and a wick housing 178 . As described in more detail below, at least a portion of the heating element 500 is positioned between the housing 160 and the wick housing 178 and is adapted to engage a portion of the evaporator body 110 (eg, a receptacle contact). (125) and electrically coupled) are exposed. The wick housing 178 may include four sides. For example, the wick housing 178 may include two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides. Each of the two opposing long sides may include at least one (two or more) recesses 166 (see FIG. 99 , FIG. 111A ). Recesses 166 may be located along the long side of the wick housing 178 and adjacent to each intersection between the long side and the short side of the wick housing 178 . The recess 166 is configured to releasably engage a corresponding feature (eg, a spring) on the evaporator body 110 to secure the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110 in the cartridge receptacle 118 . can be shaped. Recess 166 provides a mechanically stable securing means for coupling evaporator cartridge 120 to evaporator body 110 .

In some implementations, the wick housing 178 also includes an identification chip 174 that can be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the evaporator. The identification chip 174 may be glued and/or otherwise attached to the wick housing 178 , for example on a short side of the wick housing 178 . The wick housing 178 may additionally or alternatively include a chip recess 164 (see FIG. 100 ) configured to receive an identification chip 174 . The chip recess 164 may be surrounded by two, four or more walls. The chip recess 164 may be formed to secure the identification chip 174 to the wick housing 178 .

As noted above, the evaporator cartridge 120 may generally include a reservoir, an air path, and a nebulizer assembly 141 . In some configurations, the heating element and/or atomizer described in accordance with implementations of the present subject matter may be embodied directly in and/or not removed from the evaporator body. In some implementations, the evaporator body may not include a removable cartridge.

Various advantages and benefits of the present subject matter may relate to improvements to the present evaporator construction, manufacturing method, and the like. For example, the heating element of an evaporator apparatus consistent with implementations of the present subject matter is preferably made of (eg, stamped on) a sheet of material, crimped around at least a portion of the wicking element, or configured to receive the wicking element It can be bent to provide a configured preformed element (eg, pushing the wicking element into the heating element and/or the heating element being held in tension and pulled over the wicking element). The heating element may be bent such that the heating element secures the wicking element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. The configuration of the heating element allows for more consistent and improved quality manufacturing of the heating element. Consistency of the manufacturing quality of heating elements may be particularly important during scaled and/or automated manufacturing processes. For example, a heating element consistent with implementations of the present subject matter helps to reduce tolerance issues that may arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element having multiple components.

In some implementations, the accuracy of measurements taken from heating elements (eg, resistance, current, temperature, etc.) can be improved, at least in part, due to improved consistency of manufacturability of heating elements with reduced tolerance issues. Higher measurement accuracy can provide an improved user experience when using the evaporator unit. For example, as noted above, the evaporator 100 may trigger a signal to activate the heating element to full operating temperature to produce an inhalable volume of vapor/aerosol or to a lower temperature to begin heating the heating element. can receive The temperature of the heating element of the evaporator can depend on a number of factors, as mentioned above, some of these factors can be made more predictable by eliminating potential variations in the manufacture and assembly of the nebulizer components. A heating element made from a sheet of material (eg stamped) and crimped around at least a portion of the wicking element or curved to provide a preformed element preferably helps to minimize heat loss, and the heating element is It helps to ensure that it behaves predictably to heat to the right temperature.

Additionally, as noted above, the heating element may be entirely and/or selectively plated with one or more materials to enhance the heating performance of the heating element. Plating all or part of the heating element can help minimize heat loss. Plating may also help to focus the heated portion of the heating element in an appropriate location, providing a more efficiently heated heating element and further reducing heat loss. Selective plating can help direct the current provided to the heating element to the proper location. Selective plating may also help to reduce the amount of plating material and/or the cost associated with manufacturing the heating element.

Once the heating element is formed into a suitable shape via one or more processes discussed below, the heating element may be crimped around the wicking element and/or bent into an appropriate position to receive the wicking element. In some implementations, the wicking element may be a fibrous wick formed at least as a generally flat pad or other cross-sectional shape, such as a circle, an oval, or the like. The flat pad allows the rate at which the vaporizable material is drawn into the wicking element to be more precisely and/or precisely controlled. For example, the length, width and/or thickness may be adjusted for optimal performance. The wicking element forming the flat pad may also provide a greater transfer surface area, which results in an increased flow of vaporizable material (i.e., from the reservoir to the wicking element and from the wicking element to the air passing therethrough for evaporation by the heating element). greater mass transfer of the vaporizable material). In such a configuration, the heating element is contacted with the wicking element in multiple directions (eg, from at least two sides of the wicking element), thereby attracting the vaporizable material to the wicking element and increasing the efficiency of the process of evaporating the vaporizable material. can do it The flat pad can also be more easily molded and/or cut and thus can be more easily assembled with the heating element. In some implementations, as discussed in more detail below, the heating element may be configured to contact the wicking element on only one side of the wicking element.

The wicking element may comprise one or more rigid or compressible materials such as cotton, silica, ceramic, and the like. Compared to some other materials, the cotton wicking element may allow an increased and/or more controllable flow rate of vaporizable material from the reservoir of the evaporator cartridge to the wicking element to be evaporated. In some implementations, the wicking element forms at least a generally flat pad configured to contact and/or secure between at least two portions of the heating element. For example, the at least approximately planar pad may have at least a first pair of opposing sides that are approximately parallel to each other. In some implementations, the at least approximately planar pad may also have at least a second pair of opposing sides that are approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the first pair of opposing sides.

45-48 show schematic views of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. For example, FIG. 45 illustrates a schematic view of a heating element 500 in an unfolded position. As shown, in the unfolded position, the heating element 500 forms a planar heating element. The heating element 500 may initially be formed of a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut and/or stamped into an appropriate shape through various mechanical processes including, but not limited to, stamping, laser cutting, photo etching, chemical etching, and the like.

The substrate material may be made of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating. In some implementations, the heating element 500 includes a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel alloy, stainless steel, or the like. As discussed below, the heating element 500 is configured to enhance, limit, or otherwise alter the resistance of the heating element at one or more locations in the substrate material (which may be all or part of the heating element 500 ). The coating may be plated at one or more locations on the surface of the substrate material.

Heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 (eg, heating segments) located in heating portion 504 , one or more connecting portions or legs 506 (eg, heating segments) located in transition region 508 . , one, two, or more), and cartridge contacts 124 positioned at electrical contact areas 510 and formed in end portions of each of the one or more legs 506 . The tines 502 , the legs 506 , and the cartridge contacts 124 may be integrally formed. For example, tines 502 , legs 506 , and cartridge contacts 124 form portions of heating element 500 that are stamped and/or cut from the substrate material. In some implementations, heating element 500 also extends from one or more legs 506 and has a heat shield 518 that may be integrally formed with tines 502 , legs 506 and cartridge contacts 124 . includes

In some implementations, at least a portion of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 is configured to interface with the vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cartridge 120 into the wicking element. The heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise processed to create a desired resistance. For example, a tine 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 may be configured such that the resistance of the tine 502 matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect localized heating of the heating portion 504 to draw vaporizable material from the wicking element. It can be designed to heat more efficiently and effectively. The tines 502 form thin path heating segments or traces in series and/or in parallel to provide a desired amount of resistance.

The tines 502 (eg, traces) may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations. In some configurations, one or more tines 502 may be spaced apart such that the vaporizable material is wicked from the wicking element and therefrom, from the side edge of each of the tines 502 . The shape, length, width, composition, etc. of the tine 502 may be optimized to maximize aerosol generation efficiency and maximize electrical efficiency by evaporating vaporizable material from within the heating portion of the heating element 500 , among other properties. The shape, length, width, composition, etc., of the tine 502 , among other properties, may additionally or alternatively be configured to heat over the length of the tine 502 (or, for example, a portion of the tine 502 in the heating portion 504 ) can be optimized to uniformly distribute For example, the width of the tine 502 may be uniform or variable along the length of the tine 502 to control the temperature profile across at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . In some examples, the length of the tines 502 may be controlled to achieve a desired resistance along at least a portion of the heating element 500 , for example in the heating portion 504 . 45-48, the tines 502 each have the same size and shape. For example, tine 502 includes an outer edge 503 that is approximately aligned and has a generally rectangular shape, with a flat or square outer edge 503 (see also FIGS. 49-53) or a rounded outer edge ( 503) (see FIGS. 54 and 55). In some implementations, one or more tines 502 may include an outer edge 503 that is not aligned and/or may be of a different size or shape (see FIGS. 57-62 ). In some implementations, the tines 502 may be equally spaced or may have variable spacing between adjacent tines 502 (see FIGS. 87-92 ). The specific geometry of the tines 502 is preferably selected to create a specific local resistance for heating the heating portion 504 and to maximize the performance of the heating element 500 for heating the vaporizable material and generating an aerosol. can be

The heating element 500 may include portions of a wider and/or thicker geometry and/or a different composition than the tines 502 . These portions may form electrical contact areas and/or more conductive portions, and/or may include features for mounting the heating element 500 within the evaporator cartridge. Legs 506 of heating element 500 extend from the end of each outermost tine 502A. Legs 506 form a portion of heating element 500 that generally has a width and/or thickness that is greater than the width of each tine 502 . However, in some implementations, the legs 506 have a width and/or thickness equal to or less than the width of each of the tines 502 . Legs 506 couple heating element 500 to wick housing 178 or other portion of evaporator cartridge 120 such that heating element 500 is at least partially or completely surrounded by housing 160 . Legs 506 provide stiffness to cause heating element 500 to be mechanically stable during and after manufacturing. Legs 506 also connect cartridge contacts 124 with tines 502 located in heating portion 504 . The legs 506 are shaped and sized such that the heating element 500 can maintain the electrical requirements of the heating portion 504 . 48 , the legs 506 space the heating portion 504 from the end of the evaporator cartridge 120 when the heating element 500 is assembled with the evaporator cartridge 120 . As discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 82-98 and 103-104 , the legs 506 also restrict or restrict fluid flow from the heating portion 504 to other portions of the heating element 500 . or capillary features 598 that prevent it.

In some implementations, one or more of the legs 506 include one or more positioning features 516 . The positioning features 516 may be used to relatively position the heating element 500 or a portion thereof during and/or after assembly by interfacing with other (eg, adjacent) components of the evaporator cartridge 120 . can In some implementations, the positioning features 516 are fabricated to properly position the substrate material for cutting and/or stamping the substrate material to form the heating element 500 or for post processing of the heating element 500 . It can be used during or after manufacture. The positioning features 516 may be sheared and/or cut prior to crimping or otherwise bending the heating element 500 .

In some implementations, heating element 500 includes one or more heat shields 518 . The heat shield 518 forms a portion of the heating element 500 extending laterally from the legs 506 . When folded and/or crimped, the heat shield 518 is positioned offset from the tines 502 in a first direction and/or in a second direction opposite the first direction in the same plane. When heating element 500 is assembled to evaporator cartridge 120 , heat shield 518 is coupled to tine 502 (and heating portion 504 ) of evaporator cartridge 120 and a body (eg, a plastic body). ) is configured to be located between The heat shield 518 may help insulate the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 . A heat shield 518 emanates from the heating portion 504 to the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 to protect the structural integrity of the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 and to prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cartridge 120 . It helps to minimize the effects of heat. Heat shield 518 may also help maintain a consistent temperature in heating portion 504 by retaining heat within heating portion 504 , thus preventing or limiting heat loss while evaporation occurs. have. In some implementations, the evaporator cartridge 120 may also or alternatively include a heat shield 518A separate from the heating element 500 (see FIG. 102 ).

As noted above, the heating element 500 includes at least two cartridge contacts 124 forming an end portion of each leg 506 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 45-48 , cartridge contact 124 may form part of leg 506 folded along fold line 507 . The cartridge contacts 124 may be folded at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the legs 506 . In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 are at other angles relative to leg 506 , such as, for example, about 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or other ranges in between. can be folded with The cartridge contacts 124 may be folded toward or away from the heating portion 504 depending on the implementation. Cartridge contacts 124 may also be formed on other portions of heating element 500 along the length of at least one of legs 506 , for example. The cartridge contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to the environment when assembled to the evaporator cartridge 120 (see FIG. 53 ).

Cartridge contacts 124 may form conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes, or surfaces for pins or posts, or other contact features. Some types of cartridge contacts 124 may include springs or other pressing features to cause better physical and electrical contact between the cartridge contacts 124 on the evaporator cartridge and the receptacle contacts 125 on the evaporator body 110. have. In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 include wiping contacts configured to clean the connection between cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or power sources. For example, the wiping contact includes two parallel but offset bosses that are frictionally engaged and slid relative to each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

The cartridge contact 124 is configured to interface with a receptacle contact 125 disposed near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the evaporator 100 such that the cartridge contact 124 and the receptacle contact 125 allow the evaporator cartridge 120 to connect to the cartridge receptacle. When inserted into 118 and coupled thereto, it forms an electrical connection. The cartridge contacts 124 may be in electrical communication with the power source 112 of the evaporator device (eg, via receptacle contacts 125 , etc.). The circuit completed by this electrical connection can deliver current to the resistive heating element to heat at least a portion of the heating element 500 and can also be used for additional functions, such as the coefficient of thermal resistance of the resistive heating element. identifying the cartridge based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistive heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge, etc., to measure the resistance of the resistive heating element for use in determining and/or controlling the temperature of the resistive heating element based on can be used for Cartridge contacts 124 may be treated as described in more detail below to provide improved electrical properties (eg, contact resistance) using, for example, conductive plating, surface treatment, and/or laminated materials. have.

In some implementations, the heating element 500 may be processed through a series of crimping and/or bending operations to shape the heating element 500 into a desired three-dimensional shape. For example, the heating element 500 wicks between at least two portions (eg, approximately parallel portions) of the heating element 500 (eg, between opposing portions of the heating portion 504 ). It may be preformed to receive or crimp around the wicking element 162 to secure the element. To crimp heating element 500 , heating element 500 may be bent towards each other along fold line 520 . Folding heating element 500 along fold line 520 includes platform tine portion 524 defined by the area between fold line 520 and between fold line 520 and outer edge 503 of tine 502 . form a side tine portion 526 defined by the area of The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the wicking element 162 . The side tine portions 526 are configured to contact opposite sides of the wicking element 162 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form pockets that receive and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of wicking element 162 . The pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket. Platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 . Multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 causes evaporation of the vaporizable material (via wicking element 162) from reservoir 140 of evaporator cartridge 120 to heating portion 504 such that evaporation is performed. more efficiently and/or faster.

In some implementations, portions of legs 506 of heating element 500 may also be bent away from each other along fold line 522 . When the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 are folded away from each other along the fold line 522 , the legs 506 are separated from the heating portions 504 (and tines 502 ) of the heating element 500 . located at a distance (eg, in the same plane) in a first direction and/or in a second direction opposite the first direction. Accordingly, folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 space the heating portions 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 . 46 shows a schematic view of a heating element 500 folded along a fold line 520 and a fold line 522 around the wicking element 162 . 46 , the wicking element is positioned within a pocket formed by folding the heating element 500 along fold lines 520 and 522 .

In some implementations, heating element 500 may also bend along fold line 523 . For example, the cartridge contacts 124 may bend toward each other (in and out of the page shown in FIG. 47 ) along the fold line 523 . The cartridge contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment to contact the receptacle contacts, and the remainder of the heating element 500 is located within the evaporator cartridge 120 (see FIGS. 48 and 53 ).

In use, when a user puffs the mouthpiece 130 of the evaporator cartridge 120 when the heating element 500 is assembled to the evaporator cartridge 120 , air flows into the evaporator cartridge and along the air path. With respect to user puffs, the heating element 500 may include signals generated from motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive lip sensors, for example by automatic detection of the puff via a pressure sensor, detection of a press of a button by the user, and/or in another approach that can detect that a user is puffing or just puffing or otherwise inhaling to introduce air into the evaporator 100 and at least travel along an air path. can be activated by When the thermal element 500 is activated, power may be supplied from the evaporator apparatus to the heating element 500 of the cartridge contact 124 .

When the heating element 500 is activated, the current flowing through the heating element 500 causes the temperature to rise to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of the vaporizable material through conductive, convection and/or radiative heat transfer, such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material is evaporated. Heat transfer may be performed with the vaporizable material in the reservoir and/or the vaporizable material drawn to the wicking element 162 held by the heating element 500 . In some implementations, the vaporizable material may be vaporized along one or more edges of the tines 502 as described above. Air passing into the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 500 and displaces the vaporized vaporizable material from the heating element 500 . The evaporated vaporizable material may condense due to cooling, pressure change, etc., and thus exit the mouthpiece 130 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

As noted above, heating element 500 may be made of a variety of materials, such as nichrome, stainless steel, or other resistive heater materials. Combinations of two or more materials may be included in heating element 500 , including any uniform distribution of the two or more materials throughout the heating element or other configurations in which the relative amounts of the two or more materials are spatially heterogeneous. can do. For example, the tines 502 may have portions that are more resistive, and thus may be designed to be hotter than other sections of the tines or heating element 500 . In some implementations, at least the tines 502 (eg, within the heating portion 504 ) may include a material having high conductivity and thermal resistance.

Heating element 500 may be fully or selectively plated with one or more materials. Because the heating element 500 is made of a thermally and/or electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, nichrome, or other thermally and/or electrically conductive alloy, the heating element 500 is configured to include a heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . may experience electrical or heating losses in the path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the tines 502 . To help reduce heating and/or electrical losses, at least a portion of the heating element 500 may be plated with one or more materials to reduce the resistance of the electrical path leading to the heating portion 504 . In some implementations consistent with the present subject matter, it is advantageous for the heating portion 504 (eg, tine 502 ) to remain unplated, at least of the legs 506 and/or cartridge contacts 124 . A portion is plated with a plating material that reduces resistance (eg, either or both bulk and contact resistance) in that portion.

For example, heating element 500 may include various portions plated with different materials. In another example, the heating element 500 may be plated with a layered material. Plating at least a portion of the heating element 500 helps focus the current flowing into the heating portion 504 to reduce electrical and/or heat losses in other portions of the heating element 500 . In some implementations, low resistance is maintained in the electrical path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the tines 502 of the heating element 500 to reduce electrical and/or heat loss in the electrical path and focus across the heating portion 504 . It is desirable to compensate for the resulting voltage drop.

In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 may be optionally plated. Selective plating of cartridge contacts 124 with a specific material may minimize or eliminate contact resistance at the point where measurements are made and electrical contact is made between cartridge contacts 124 and receptacle contacts. Providing a lower resistance at the cartridge contact 124 may provide more accurate voltage, current and/or resistance measurements and readings, which accurately determine the current actual temperature of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . can be useful to

In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be plated with one or more external plating materials 550 . For example, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be plated with at least gold or other material that provides low contact resistance, such as platinum, palladium, silver, copper, or the like.

In some implementations, in order for the low resistance external plating material to be secured to the heating element 500 , the surface of the heating element 500 may be plated with an adherent plating material. In this configuration, an attach plating material may be deposited on the surface of the heating element 500 , and an outer plating material may be deposited on the attach plating material forming the first and second plating layers, respectively. The attachment plating material includes a material having adhesive properties when an external plating material is laminated on the attachment plating material. For example, the attachment plating material may include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, alloys thereof, and the like. 79-81 show examples of heating element 500 in which cartridge contacts 124 are optionally plated with an attach plating material and/or an outer plating material.

In some implementations, the surface of the heating element 500 may be primed such that an external plating material is deposited on the heating element 500 using non-plating priming rather than plating the surface of the heating element 500 with an adherent plating material. can For example, the surface of the heating element 500 may be primed using etching rather than depositing an adherent plating material.

In some implementations, all or a portion of the legs 506 and cartridge contacts 124 may be plated with an attach plating material and/or an external plating material. In some examples, the cartridge contacts 124 may include at least a portion having an outer plating material having a greater thickness than the cartridge contacts 124 of the heating element 500 and/or the remainder of the legs 506 . . In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 and/or legs 506 may have a greater thickness relative to tines 502 and/or heating portions 504 .

In some implementations, instead of forming the heating element 500 of a single substrate material and plating the substrate material, the heating element 500 is made of various materials joined together (eg, via laser welding, a diffusion process, etc.) can be formed. The material of each portion of the heating element 500 joined together provides a lower resistance or no resistance at the cartridge contacts 124 compared to the other portions of the heating element 500 tines 502 or heating portion 504 . ) can be selected to provide high resistance.

In some implementations, heating element 500 may be electroplated with silver ink and/or spray coated with one or more plating materials, such as an attach plating material and an outer plating material.

As noted above, the heating element 500 may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and geometries to more efficiently heat the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and more efficiently vaporize the vaporizable material. .

49-53 show examples of heating elements 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , and an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506 . cartridge contacts 124 formed therein, and a heat shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, each of the tines 502 has the same or similar shape and size. The tine 502 has a square and/or flat outer edge 503 . 49-52 , tines 502 are crimped around wicking elements 162 (eg, flat pads) to secure wicking elements 162 within pockets of tines 502 .

54-55 show other examples of heating elements 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter in an unbent position ( FIG. 54 ) and a bent position ( FIG. 55 ). As shown, heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tines 502 , and one or more legs 506 at each end. formed cartridge contacts 124 , and a heat shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, each of the tines 502 has the same or similar shape and size, and the tines 502 have rounded and/or semicircular outer edges 503 .

56 depicts another example of a heating element 500 in a bent position consistent with implementations of the present subject matter similar to the exemplary heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 54-55 , however, in this example, the tine Each of 502 has the same or similar shape and size, and tines 502 have square and/or flat outer edges 503 .

57-62 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 in which at least one of the tines 502 has a different size, shape, or location than the other tines 502 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 57-58 , heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tines 502 , and a cartridge contact 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506 . In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 505A and a second set of tines 505B. The first and second sets of tines 505A, 505B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of tines 505A, 505B are not aligned with each other. 58 , when the heating portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of tines 505A are shorter than the second set of tines 505B in the first portion of the heating element 500 . It appears that the first set of tines 505A are longer than the second set of tines 505B in the second portion of the heating element 500 .

59-60 , heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tines 502 , and one or more legs. and 506 cartridge contacts 124 formed at each end portion. In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 509A and a second set of tines 509B. The first and second sets of tines 509A, 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of tines 509A, 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, the second set of tines 509B includes a single outermost tine 502A. 59-60 , when the heating portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of tines 509A appear longer than the second set of tines 509B. Also, in Figs. 59 to 60, the tines 502 are not bent. Rather, the tines 502 are positioned on a first portion of the heating element 500 and a second portion positioned approximately parallel to and opposite the first portion. A first set of tines located in a first portion of heating element 500 is positioned between and spaced apart from both of the first and second sets of tines to support the heating element 500 by means of a platform portion 530 positioned away from them. separated from a second set of tines positioned on the second portion. The platform portion 530 is configured to contact an end of the wicking element 162 . The platform portion 530 includes a cutout portion 532 . The cutout portion 532 may provide an additional edge through which the vaporizable material may evaporate when the heating element 500 is activated.

61-62, heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from tines 502, and one or more legs. and 506 cartridge contacts 124 formed at each end portion. In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 509A and a second set of tines 509B. The first and second sets of tines 509A, 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of tines 509A, 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, each of the first and second sets of tines 509A, 509B includes two tines 502 . 61-62, when the heating portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of tines 509A appear shorter than the second set of tines 509B. Also, in Figs. 61 to 62, the tines 502 are not bent. Rather, tines 502 are positioned at first and second portions (ie, parallel to and opposite the first portion) of heating element 500 . The first set of tines located in the first portion are separated from the second set of tines located in the second portion by a platform portion located between and spaced apart from both the first and second sets of tines. The platform portion is configured to contact an end of the wicking element 162 . The platform portion includes a cutout portion. The cutout portion may provide an additional edge through which the vaporizable material may evaporate when the heating element 500 is activated.

63-68 show other examples of heating elements 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter in an unbent position ( FIG. 63 ) and a bent position ( FIGS. 64-68 ). As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , and an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506 . cartridge contacts 124 formed therein, and a heat shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, the heating element 500 is configured to be crimped and/or bent around to receive a wicking element 162 having a cylindrical shape or a wicking element 162 having a circular cross-section. Each of the tines 502 includes an aperture 540 . Aperture 540 may provide an additional edge through which vaporizable material may evaporate when heating element 500 is activated. Aperture 540 also reduces the amount of material used to form heating element 500 , thereby reducing the weight of heating element 500 and the amount of material used in heating element 500 , thus Reduce material cost.

69-78 show a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter in which the heating element 500 is pressed against one side of the wicking element 162 . As shown, heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tines 502 , and an end of each of the one or more legs 506 . and a cartridge contact 124 formed in the portion. In this example, leg 506 and cartridge contact 124 are configured to bend in a third direction rather than in a first-second direction perpendicular to the third direction. In this configuration, the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 face outward from the heating element 500 and are configured to be pressed against the wicking element 162 (eg, at one side of the wicking element 162 ). to form a flat platform.

71-74 show several examples of heating elements 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter including tines 502 configured in various geometries. As noted above, the tines 502 form a flat platform that is pressed against one side of the wicking element 162 during use. The leg 506 rather than the tine 502 is bent in the bent position.

75 shows the heating element shown in FIG. 71 assembled with components of the evaporator cartridge 120, such as a wicking element 162 and a wick housing (eg, wick housing 178) housing the heating element 500. An example of 500 is shown, and FIG. 76 shows a heating element 500 assembled with an exemplary evaporator cartridge 120 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the cartridge contacts 124 are laterally bent towards each other.

77 and 78 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 forming a platform configured such that a tine 502 is pressed against a wicking element 162 . Here, the legs 506 may form a spring-like structure that forces the tines 502 to be pressed against the wicking elements 162 when a lateral inward force is applied to each of the legs 506 . For example, FIG. 78 illustrates an example of tine 502 being pressed against wicking element 162 when power (eg, current) is applied to heating element 500 , for example via cartridge contact 124 . shows

82-86 show another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , and one or more legs and/or at the end portion. and cartridge contacts 124 formed as part of each of 506 . In this example, each of the tines 502 have the same or similar shape and size, and are spaced apart from each other at the same distance. The tine 502 has a rounded outer edge 503 .

85 , a tine 502 is crimped around a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) to secure the wicking element 162 within a pocket formed by the tine 502 . . For example, the tines 502 may be folded and/or crimped to form a pocket in which the wicking element 162 is located. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a side tine portion 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 , and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form pockets that receive and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of wicking element 162 . The pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket.

In some implementations, side tine portions 526 and platform tine portions 524 hold the wicking element 162 through compression (eg, at least a portion of the wicking element 162 has opposing side tine portions 526 ). ) and/or between platform tine portions 524). Platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 . Multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 causes evaporation of the vaporizable material (via wicking element 162) from reservoir 140 of evaporator cartridge 120 to heating portion 504 such that evaporation is performed. more efficiently and/or faster.

One or more legs 506 of the exemplary heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 82-86 include four legs 506 . Each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124 ) may contact a single receptacle contact 125 . Leg 506 may be spring loaded to allow leg 506 to maintain contact with receptacle contact 125 . Legs 506 may include portions extending along the length of curved legs 506 to help maintain contact with receptacle contacts 125 . Spring loading the leg 506 and/or the curvature of the leg 506 may help increase and/or maintain a consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the leg 506 is coupled with a support 176 that helps to increase and/or maintain a consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the receptacle contact 125 . Support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other material to help maintain contact between leg 506 and receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the support 176 is formed as part of the legs 506 .

Legs 506 may contact one or more wiping contacts configured to clean the connection between cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or power sources. For example, the wiping contact includes at least two parallel but offset bosses that are frictionally engaged and slid relative to each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

82-98 , one or more legs 506 of heating element 500 include four legs 506 . 91-92, 97A-98B and 109-110 show examples of heating element 500 in an unbent position. As shown, heating element 500 has an H-shape defined by four legs 506 and tines 502 . Using this configuration, the resistance of the heater can be measured more accurately, and the variability of the resistance measurement is reduced, resulting in more efficient aerosol generation and high-quality aerosol generation. The heating element 500 includes two pairs of opposing legs 506 . The tines 502 engage (eg, intersect) each pair of opposing legs 506 at or near the center of each pair of opposing legs 506 . A heating portion 504 is positioned between a pair of opposing legs 506 .

109 shows an example of heating element 500 before heating element 500 is stamped and/or otherwise formed with substrate material 577 . Excess substrate material 577A may be coupled with heating element 500 at one, two or more engagement locations 577B. For example, as shown, excess substrate material 577A may be combined with two bonds near opposing lateral ends 173 of heating portion 504 of heating element 500 and/or a platform portion of heating element 500 . It may engage the heating element 500 at location 577B. In some implementations, heating element 500 is first stamped from substrate material 577 and then at bonding location 577B (eg, by twisting, pulling, stamping, cutting, etc., heating element 500 ). Excess substrate material 577A may be removed.

As noted above, to crimp heating element 500 , heating element 500 is bent or otherwise bent toward or away from one another along fold lines 523 , 522A, 522B, 520 . It can be folded (see, eg, FIG. 98A ). 98A, the exemplary heating element 500 described and illustrated in FIGS. 44A-115C may also be crimped, folded, or otherwise bent along the fold line. When heating element 500 is folded along 520 , lateral tine portions defined by the area between fold line 520 and/or the area between fold line 520 and outer edge 503 of tine 502 ( A platform tine portion 524 is defined by the area between 526. The platform tine portion 524 may contact and/or support one end of the wicking element 162. Side tine portions 526 may contact opposite sides of wicking element 162. Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 receive wicking element 162 and/or at least of wicking element 162. define an interior volume of the heating element defining a pocket shaped to conform to the shape of the portion.The interior volume allows the wicking element 162 to be held and secured by the heating element 500 within the pocket. 524 and side tine portions 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162. Between heating element 500 and wicking element 162, The multi-dimensional contact transfers the vaporizable material (via the wicking element 162) from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cartridge 120 to the heating portion 504 more efficiently and/or faster so that evaporation is performed.

In some implementations, portions of legs 506 of heating element 500 may bend along fold lines 522A, 522B. Fold portions of legs 506 of heating element 500 away from each other along fold line 522 , with legs 506 away from heating portion 504 (and tines 502 ) of heating element 500 . located at a distant location (eg, coplanar) in a first direction and/or in a second direction opposite the first direction. Accordingly, folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 space the heating portions 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 . Folding portions of leg 506 along fold lines 522A and 522B form bridge 585 . In some implementations, bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate overflow of vaporizable material from heating portion 504 due to, for example, capillary action. Bridge 585 may also help isolate heating portion 504 from leg 506 so that heat generated in heating portion 504 does not reach leg 506 . This also helps confine the heating of the heating element 500 into the heating portion 504 .

In some implementations, heating element 500 may also be bent along fold line 523 to form cartridge contact 124 . The cartridge contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment or otherwise accessible to contact the receptacle contacts (which may be located within the interior of a portion of the cartridge, such as an outer shell), and a heating portion of the heating element 500 . Other portions, such as 504, are located within inaccessible portions of the evaporator cartridge 120, such as the wick housing.

In some implementations, the legs 506 are configured to bend around at least a portion of the wicking housing 178 surrounding at least a portion of the wicking element 162 and the heating element 500 (eg, the heating portion 504 ). and a retainer portion 180 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to wick housing 178 (and evaporator cartridge 120 ). The retainer portion 180 may alternatively be curved away from at least a portion of the wick housing 178 .

87-92 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , and one or more legs and/or at the end portion. and cartridge contacts 124 formed as part of each of 506 .

The tines 502 may be folded and/or crimped to form a pocket in which a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) is located. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a side tine portion 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 , and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form pockets that receive and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of wicking element 162 . The pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket.

In this example, the tines 502 have a variety of shapes and sizes and are spaced from each other the same or varying distances. For example, as shown, each side tine portion 526 includes at least four tines 502 . In a first pair 570 of adjacent tines 502 , each adjacent tine 502 comprises an outer area located near an outer edge 503 from an inner area 576 located near the platform tine portion 524 . 578) are spaced the same distance apart. In a second pair 572 of adjacent tines 502 , adjacent tines 502 are spaced a variable distance from an inner region 576 to an outer region 578 . For example, adjacent tines 502 of the second pair 572 are spaced apart by a greater width in the inner region 576 than in the outer region 578 . This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 . Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the tines 502 may provide a higher quality aerosol as the maximum temperature may be maintained more uniformly throughout the entire heated portion 504 .

As noted above, each leg 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124 ) may contact a single receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the legs 506 include a retainer portion 180 that is configured to bend and extends generally away from the heating portion 504 . The retainer portion 180 is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess of the wick housing 178 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to wick housing 178 (and evaporator cartridge 120 ). The retainer portion 180 may have a tip portion 180A extending from an end of the retainer portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact other portions of the evaporator cartridge 120 or a cleaning device for cleaning the evaporator cartridge 120 .

The outer edge 503 of the tine 502 of the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tab 580 may include one, two, three, four or more tabs 580 . Tab 580 extends outwardly from outer edge 503 and may extend away from the center of heating element 500 . For example, tab 580 may be positioned along an edge of heating element 500 surrounding an interior volume defined by at least side tine portion 526 to receive wicking element 162 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly away from the interior volume of wicking element 162 . Tab 580 may also extend in a direction opposite to platform tine portion 524 . In some implementations, tabs 580 located on opposite sides of the interior volume of wicking element 162 may extend away from each other. This configuration helps widen the opening leading into the interior volume of the wicking element 162 , thereby reducing the likelihood of being trapped, tearing, and/or damaging the wicking element 162 when assembled with the heating element 500 . help to Due to the material of the wicking element 162 , the wicking element 162 is easily captured, torn, and/or otherwise easily captured when assembled (eg, positioned therein or inserted therein) with the heating element 500 . can be damaged in some way. Contact between the wicking element 162 and the outer edge 503 of the tine 502 may also damage the heating element. The shape and/or positioning of the tab 580 will allow the wicking element 162 to more readily be positioned within or into a pocket defined by the tine 502 (eg, the interior volume of the heating element 500 ). thus avoiding or reducing the likelihood of damage to the wicking element 162 and/or the heating element. Accordingly, the tab 580 prevents or reduces damage caused to the heating element 500 and/or the wicking element 162 when the wicking element 162 enters into thermal contact with the heating element 500 . help The shape of the tab 580 also helps to minimize its effect on the resistance of the heating portion 504 .

In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may include one or more external plating materials to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 500 contacts the receptacle contacts 125 . 550 may be plated.

93A-98B illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , and one or more legs and/or at the end portion. and cartridge contacts 124 formed as part of each of 506 .

The tines 502 may be folded and/or crimped to form a pocket in which a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) is located. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a side tine portion 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 , and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form pockets that receive and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of wicking element 162 . The pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained by the heating element 500 within the pocket.

In this example, the tines 502 have the same shape and size and are spaced from each other the same distance. Here, the tine 502 includes a first side tine portion 526A and a second side tine portion 526B spaced apart by a platform tine portion 524 . Each of the first and second side tine portions 526A, 526B includes an inner area 576 located near the platform tine portion 524 to an outer area 578 located near the outer edge 503 . In outer region 578 , first side tine portion 526A is positioned approximately parallel to second tine portion 526A. In interior region 576, first side tine portion 526A is positioned offset from second tine portion 526B, and first and second side tine portions 526A, 526B are non-parallel. This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 . Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the tine 502 may provide a higher quality aerosol as the maximum temperature may be maintained more uniformly throughout the entire heated portion 504 .

As noted above, each leg 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding receptacle contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124 ) may contact a single receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the legs 506 include a retainer portion 180 that is configured to bend and extends generally away from the heating portion 504 . The retainer portion 180 is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess of the wick housing 178 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to wick housing 178 (and evaporator cartridge 120 ). The retainer portion 180 may have a tip portion 180A extending from an end of the retainer portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact other portions of the evaporator cartridge 120 or a cleaning device for cleaning the evaporator cartridge 120 .

The outer edge 503 of the tine 502 of the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tab 580 extends outwardly from outer edge 503 and may extend away from the center of heating element 500 . Tab 580 may be formed so that wicking element 162 can be more easily positioned within a pocket formed by tine 502 , thereby reducing the possibility of wicking element 162 being captured on outer edge 503 . can be prevented or reduced. The shape of the tab 580 helps to minimize its effect on the resistance of the heating portion 504 .

In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may include one or more external plating materials to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 500 contacts the receptacle contacts 125 . 550 may be plated.

99-100 show an example of a nebulizer assembly 141 with a heating element 500 assembled with a wick housing 178, and FIG. 101 shows an example of a nebulizer assembly 141 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. An exploded view is shown. The wick housing 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick housing 178 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each leg 506 of the heating element 500 can be positioned and secured. As shown, the wick housing 178 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to the interior volume 594 , including at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and the wicking element 162 . ) is located.

The wick housing 178 may also include a separate heat shield 518A shown in FIG. 102 . Heat shield 518A is located within interior volume 594 within wick housing 178 between heating element 500 and a wall of wick housing 178 . The heat shield 518A is shaped to at least partially surround the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and space the heating element 500 away from the sidewalls of the wick housing 178 . Heat shield 518A may help insulate heating portion 504 from the body of evaporator cartridge 120 and/or wick housing 178 . The heat shield 518A helps to minimize the effect of heat dissipated from the heating portion 504 on the body of the evaporator cartridge 120 and/or the wick housing 178, and thus the evaporator cartridge 120 and/or Protect the structural integrity of the body of the wick housing 178 and prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cartridge 120 and/or the wick housing 178 . Heat shield 518A may also help maintain a consistent temperature in heating portion 504 by retaining heat within heating portion 504 , thereby preventing or limiting heat loss.

The heat shield 518A may include one or more slots (eg, one, two, three, four) formed in a portion of the wick housing 178 opposite the opening 593 , such as the base of the wick housing 178 . , 5, 6, or 7 or more slots) 596 and one or more slots 590 (eg, 3 slots) at one end (see FIGS. 100 and 112 ). The one or more slots 590 , 596 allow the flow of vaporizable liquid material within the heating portion 504 and the release of pressure caused by evaporation of the vaporizable material without affecting the liquid flow of the vaporizable material. .

In some implementations, flooding may occur between the heating element 500 (eg, the legs 506 ) and the outer wall of the wick housing 178 (or between portions of the heating element 500 ). For example, as indicated by liquid path 599 , vaporizable liquid material may accumulate due to capillary pressure between the legs 506 of the heating element 500 and the outer wall of the wick housing 178 . In this case, there may be sufficient capillary pressure to draw the vaporizable liquid material from the reservoir and/or heating portion 504 . To limit and/or prevent vaporizable liquid material from escaping the interior volume of wick housing 178 (or heating portion 504), wick housing 178 and/or heating element 500 may It can include capillary features that cause abrupt changes, thereby forming a liquid barrier that prevents the vaporizable liquid material from passing through the features without the use of an additional seal (eg, hermetic seal). The capillary features may define capillary breaks formed by sharp points, bends, curved surfaces, or other surfaces of the wick housing 178 and/or heating element 500 . The capillary feature allows a conductive element (eg, heating element 500 ) to be positioned in both wet and dry regions.

Capillary features may be located on and/or form part of heating element 500 and/or wick housing 178 , causing a sudden change in capillary pressure. For example, capillary features may include bends, sharp points, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, or other surfaces that cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick housing along the length of the heating element or other component of the evaporator cartridge. It may include features. The capillary features may also include a portion of the heating element, between a portion of the heating element, sufficient to lower the capillary pressure within the capillary channel such that the capillary channel does not draw liquid into the capillary channel (eg, the capillary feature separates the heating element from the wick housing); heating elements that widen the capillary channels, such as capillary channels formed between the wick housings, etc., and/or projections or other portions of the wick housings. Accordingly, the capillary features prevent or restrict liquid from flowing along the liquid path beyond the capillary features, at least in part due to abrupt changes and/or reductions in capillary pressure. The size and/or shape of the capillary features (e.g., bends, sharp points, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, protrusions, etc.) may vary such as the heating element and the wick housing, or other walls of the capillary channel formed between the components. with a heating element and/or wick housing defining, among other properties, a capillary channel, which may be a function of the wetting angle formed between the materials, may be a function of the material of the heating element and/or wick housing or other component, and/or may be a function of the material of the heating element and/or wick housing or other component It may be a function of the size of the gap formed between the same two components.

By way of example, FIGS. 103A and 103B show a wick housing 178 having a capillary feature 598 that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure. Capillary feature 598 prevents or restricts liquid from flowing along liquid path 599 beyond capillary feature 598 and prevents liquid from pooling between leg 506 and wick housing 178 . help to The capillary features 598 on the wick housing 178 are removed from the heating element 500 (eg, a component made of metal, etc.) from the wick housing 178 (eg, a component made of plastic, etc.). spaced apart, thereby reducing the capillary strength between the two components. The capillary feature 598 shown in FIGS. 103A and 103B also includes a sharp edge at the end of the angled surface of the wick housing that restricts or prevents liquid from flowing beyond the capillary feature 598 .

As shown in FIG. 103B , the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also angled inwardly towards the interior volume of the heating element 500 and/or the wick housing 178 . The angled legs 506 may form capillary features that help restrict or prevent liquid from flowing over the outer surface of the heating element and along the legs 506 of the heating element 500 .

As another example, heating element 500 is formed of one or more legs 506 and can include capillary features (eg, bridges 585 ) that space legs 506 away from heating portion 504 . There is (see FIGS. 82 to 98). Bridge 585 may be formed by folding heating element 500 along fold lines 520 and 522 . In some implementations, bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate overflow of vaporizable material from heating portion 504 due to, for example, capillary action. In some examples, such as the exemplary heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 93A-98B , the bridge 585 is angled to help restrict fluid flow from the heating portion 504 and/or includes a bend.

As another example, the heating element 500 may include a capillary feature 598 that defines a sharp point that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure, such that the vaporizable liquid material causes the capillary feature 598 . overflow can be prevented. 104 shows an example of a heating element 500 having capillary features 598 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 104 , capillary features 598 may form the end of bridge 585 extending outwardly from heating portion 504 by a distance greater than the distance between leg 506 and heating portion 504 . have. The end of the bridge 585 may be a sharp edge to further help prevent the vaporizable liquid material from passing into the legs 506 and/or out of the heating portion 504 , thereby reducing leakage and heating. Increases the amount of vaporizable material remaining in portion 504 .

105 to 106 show variants of the heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 87 to 92 . In this variant of the heating element 500 , the legs 506 of the heating element 500 include bends in the inflection region 511 . The bends in the legs 506 may form capillary features 598 , which help prevent vaporizable liquid material from flowing beyond the capillary features 598 . For example, the bend can create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which limits or prevents vaporizable liquid material from flowing over the bend and/or pooling between the leg 506 and the wick housing 178 . and may help restrict or prevent the vaporizable liquid material from flowing out of the heating portion 504 .

107 to 108 show variants of the heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 93a to 93b. In this variant of the heating element 500 , the legs 506 of the heating element 500 include bends in the inflection region 511 . The bends in the legs 506 may form capillary features 598 , which help prevent vaporizable liquid material from flowing beyond the capillary features 598 . For example, the bend can create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which limits or prevents vaporizable liquid material from flowing over the bend and/or pooling between the leg 506 and the wick housing 178 . and may help limit or prevent the vaporizable liquid material from flowing out of the heating portion 504 .

111A-112 illustrate another example of a nebulizer assembly 141 in which a heating element 500 is assembled with a wick housing 178 and a heat shield 518A, and FIG. 113 is consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. An exploded view of the nebulizer assembly 141 is shown. The wick housing 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick housing 178 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each leg 506 of the heating element 500 can be positioned and secured. Inside the recess 592 , the wick housing 178 is heated, for example, via a snap-fit arrangement between the wick housing retention feature 172 and at least a portion of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 . one or more wick housing retention features 172 (see FIG. 115A ) that help secure element 500 to wick housing 178 . The wick housing retention features 172 also space the heating element 500 from the surface of the wick housing 178 to help prevent heat from acting on the wick housing and melting portions of the wick housing 178 . can help

As shown, the wick housing 178 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and the interior volume 594 in which the wicking element 162 is located. do.

The wick housing 178 may also include one or more other cutouts to help space the heating element 500 away from the surface of the wick housing 178 to reduce the amount of heat in contact with the surface of the wick housing 178 . . For example, the wick housing 178 may include a cutout 170 . A cutout 170 may be formed along the outer surface of the wick housing 178 proximate the opening 593 . Cutout 170 may also include capillary features, such as capillary features 598 . The capillary features of the cutout 170 may define a surface (eg, a curved surface) that breaks the point of contact between adjacent (or intersecting) walls (eg, the walls of the wick housing). The curved surface may have a radius sufficient to reduce or eliminate capillaries formed between adjacent outer walls of the wick housing.

111A to 112 , the wick housing 178 may include a tab 168 . Tabs 168 may assist in properly positioning and/or orienting the wick housing during assembly of the evaporator cartridge relative to one or more other components of the evaporator cartridge. For example, the added material forming the tab 168 shifts the center of mass of the wick housing 178 . Due to the shifted center of mass, the wick housing 178 can rotate or slide in a particular orientation during assembly to align with corresponding features of other components of the evaporator cartridge.

114A-C are exemplary methods of forming an atomizer assembly 141 of an evaporator cartridge 120 including a wick housing 178 , a wicking element 162 and a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. shows As shown in FIG. 114A , the wicking element 162 may be inserted into a pocket formed in the heating element 500 (eg, formed by the side tine portion 526 and the platform tine portion 524 ). In some implementations, when the vaporizable material is introduced into the wicking element 162 , the wicking element 162 expands after being secured to the heating element 500 .

114B shows the wicking element 162 and heating element 500 coupled to the wick housing 178 , and FIG. 114C shows an example of the wicking element 162 and heating element 500 assembled with the wick housing 178 . shows At least a portion of the heating element 500 , such as the heating portion 504 , may be located within the interior volume of the wick housing 178 . Legs 506 (eg, retainer portion 180 ) of heating element 500 may engage an outer wall of wick housing 178 via, for example, a snap-fit arrangement. In particular, the retainer portion 180 of the leg 506 may engage and at least partially be positioned within the recess of the wick housing 178 .

115A - 115C are other exemplary forming a nebulizer assembly 141 of an evaporator cartridge 120 including a wick housing 178 , a wicking element 162 and a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. show how As shown in FIG. 115A , the heating element 500 may for example insert or otherwise position at least a portion of the heating element 500 , eg, the heating portion 504 , within the interior volume of the wick housing 178 . By doing so, it can be coupled to the wick housing 178 . Legs 506 (eg, retainer portion 180 ) of heating element 500 may engage an outer wall of wick housing 178 via, for example, a snap-fit arrangement. In particular, retainer portion 180 or other portion of leg 506 may be coupled and positioned at least partially within a recess of wick housing 178 , for example, by engaging with wick housing retaining feature 172 .

115B , the wicking element 162 may be inserted into a pocket formed in the heating element 500 (eg, formed by the side tine portion 526 and the platform tine portion 524 ). In some implementations, the wicking element 162 is compressed when the wicking element 162 is coupled with the heating element 500 . In some implementations, the wicking element 162 fits within the heating element 500 and expands after being secured to the heating element 500 when the vaporizable material is introduced into the wicking element 162 .

115C shows an example of a wicking element 162 and heating element 500 assembled with a wick housing 178 to form a nebulizer assembly 141 .

116 shows an example process 3600 for assembling a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. Process flow diagram 3600 illustrates features of a method that may optionally include some or all of the following. At block 3610, a planar substrate having resistive heating properties is provided. At block 3612, the planar substrate may be cut and/or stamped into the desired geometry. At block 3614 , at least a portion of the heating element 500 may be plated. For example, as noted above, one or more layers of plating material (eg, attach plating material and/or outer plating material) may be deposited on at least a portion of the exterior surface of heating element 500 . At block 3616, heating portion 504 (eg, tine 502) conforms to the shape of the wicking element and is bent around the wicking element to secure the wicking element to the heating element and/or otherwise cream can be pinged. At block 3618 , the cartridge contact 124 , which in some implementations forms an end portion of the leg 506 of the heating element 500 , is in a first or second direction along a plane or perpendicular to the first or second direction. may be bent in the third direction. At block 3620 , heating element 500 may be assembled into evaporator cartridge 120 , and fluid communication between wicking element 162 and a reservoir of vaporizable material may be brought about. At 3622 , the vaporizable material may be drawn into a wicking element 162 that may be positioned in contact with at least two surfaces of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . At block 3624 , heating means may be provided at the cartridge contact 124 of the heating element 500 to heat at least the heating portion 504 . Heating causes evaporation of the vaporizable material. At block 3626, the vaporized vaporizable material is entrained in the air flow to the mouthpiece of the vaporization cartridge in which the heating element is located.

Condensate Control, Collection and Recirculation Examples

117-119C illustrate an embodiment of an evaporator cartridge including one or more features for controlling, collecting and/or recirculating condensate in the evaporator apparatus. The features described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 117- 119C may be included in various embodiments of the evaporator cartridge described above and/or may include one or more features of various embodiments of the evaporator cartridge described above, although FIG. The features of the evaporator cartridge described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 119C may additionally and/or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary embodiments of the evaporator cartridge, such as those described below.

A common approach for an evaporator device to generate an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in an evaporation chamber (or heater chamber) to cause the vaporizable material to be converted into a gas (or vapor) phase. Evaporation chambers generally include a heat source (e.g., conductive, convection and/or radiation) that heats the vaporizable material to produce a mixture of vaporized vaporizable material and air to form a vapor for inhalation by a user of the vaporization apparatus. Indicates the area or volume of the evaporator device.

Since evaporator devices have been placed on the market, evaporator cartridges containing free liquid (ie, liquid held in a reservoir and not held by a porous material) have become popular. Commercially available products may have cotton pads or may not have any features for collecting condensate produced by the generation of steam in the evaporator unit.

The liquid from the condensation forms a film on the walls of the airways and can travel to the mouthpiece where it is likely to leak into the user's mouth, which can lead to an unpleasant experience. Even if the wall membrane does not leak from the mouthpiece, it can create large droplets that can be entrained by the airflow and drawn into the user's mouth and throat, resulting in an unpleasant user experience. Problems with using cotton pads to absorb this condensate include the inefficiencies as well as the additional manufacturing and assembly costs of incorporating the cotton pads into part of the evaporator apparatus. Moreover, the accumulation and loss of condensate and/or non-evaporable material can ultimately prevent all vaporizable material from being drawn into the evaporation chamber, resulting in wasted vaporizable material. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved evaporation apparatus and/or evaporation cartridge.

Evaporating the vaporizable material into an aerosol may cause condensate to collect along one or more interior channels and outlets (eg, along the mouthpiece) of some evaporators, as described in more detail below. For example, such condensate may comprise vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir to form an aerosol and condensed into condensate before exiting the evaporator. Additionally, vaporizable material avoiding the evaporation process may also accumulate along one or more internal channels and/or air outlets. This may cause condensate and/or non-evaporable vaporizable material to exit the mouthpiece outlet and deposit into the user's mouth, creating an unpleasant user experience as well as otherwise reducing the amount of inhalable aerosol available. Moreover, the buildup and loss of condensate can ultimately prevent all vaporizable material from being drawn from the reservoir into the evaporation chamber, wasting vaporizable material. For example, as vaporizable material particulates accumulate in the inner channel of an air tube downstream of the evaporation chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the air flow passageway narrows, thus increasing the flow rate of air to apply drag to the accumulated fluid and consequently It amplifies the potential to entrain fluid from internal channels and mouthpiece outlets. Various features and devices that ameliorate or overcome these problems are described below.

As noted above, drawing the vaporizable material from the reservoir and evaporating the vaporizable material into an aerosol may cause vaporizable material condensate to collect adjacent to and/or within one or more outlets formed in the mouthpiece. . This can result in condensate exiting the outlet and depositing in the user's mouth, thereby creating an unpleasant user experience as well as reducing the amount of consumable vapors that are otherwise available. Various evaporator device features that ameliorate or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features for controlling condensate in an evaporator apparatus are described herein, which may provide advantages and improvements over existing approaches, while introducing the additional advantages described herein. For example, an evaporator device feature is described that is configured to collect and receive condensate that forms or collects adjacent to the outlet of the mouthpiece, thereby preventing the condensate from exiting the outlet.

Alternatively or additionally, drawing the vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 140 and evaporating the vaporizable material into an aerosol causes condensate to form within one or more tubes or internal channels (eg, air tubes) of the evaporator device. can be collected in As described in greater detail below, an evaporator device feature is described that is configured to trap condensate and prevent vaporizable material particulates from escaping the air outlet of the evaporator cartridge.

117 shows a finned condensate collector 352 configured to collect and receive condensate that forms or collects adjacent the outlet of the mouthpiece or other areas of the evaporator cartridge 120, thereby preventing the condensate from exiting the outlet. ) shows an embodiment of an evaporator cartridge 120 comprising 117 , the finned condensate collector 352 is a chamber proximal to the outlet 136 at the mouthpiece 130 such that the aerosol passes through the finned condensate collector 352 before exiting through the outlet 136 . can be placed in

118 shows an embodiment of a mouthpiece 330 including an embodiment of a finned condensate collector 352 having a plurality of microfluidic fins 354 . Mouthpiece 330 may be configured for an evaporator cartridge (eg, evaporator cartridge 120) and/or an evaporator device (eg, evaporator 100), and microfluidic fins 354 are finned condensation It is received in the water collector 352 to improve the collection and reception of condensate in the evaporator cartridge. 118 , the microfluidic pin 354 includes a set of walls 355 or other protrusions and narrow grooves 353 having microfluidic properties. In an exemplary embodiment, each wall in the wall set 355 may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to each other such that the space between each wall creates a groove 353 defining a capillary channel. Walls 355 define or otherwise define one or more capillary channels or grooves configured to collect fluid or other condensate.

The mouthpiece 330 shown in FIG. 118 may improve or otherwise modify the collection and containment of condensate within the reservoir, such that an air tube outlet 332 (eg, an air tube as shown in FIG. 117 or Condensate flowing out of the cannula 128 may be trapped or otherwise collected between the microfluidic fins 354 as the user inhales onto the evaporator device. As mentioned, the microfluidic pins define one or more capillary channels through which the fluid is collected via capillary forces that are formed when the fluid is positioned within the capillary channel(s). To keep the fluid trapped by the finned condensate collector 352 without being extracted by the drag force of the airflow, the capillary force of the microfluidic fin is greater than the airflow drag by providing a narrow groove or channel in which the fluid is located. can For example, the effective groove width may range from 0.3 mm, and/or from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm.

One advantage of this configuration is that the manufacture of additional parts is not required, reducing the number of parts without loss of function. In one embodiment, the finned condensate collector and mouthpiece may be manufactured as a monolithic body using one mold (eg, a plastic mold). Additionally, the finned condensate collector and the mouthpiece may be separate structures that are welded together to collectively form the finned condensate collector. Other methods and materials of manufacture are within the scope of this disclosure.

In other embodiments, the microfluidic pin may be formed as a separate component and fit into the mouthpiece. For example, microfluidic fins may be formed on any part of the evaporator device or evaporator cartridge to collect and receive condensate. The microfluidic pin may be formed into a mouthpiece or may be formed as a second plastic piece and fit into the mouthpiece.

In addition to collecting in the mouthpiece, vaporizable material condensate may accumulate in one or more air flow passages or internal channels of the evaporator device. Various features and devices that ameliorate or overcome these problems are described below. Various features for recirculating condensate in an evaporator apparatus, such as, for example, embodiments of a condensate recirculator system, are described herein and are described in greater detail below.

119A-C show an embodiment of a condensate recirculator system 360 of an evaporator cartridge (eg, evaporator cartridge 120) and/or an evaporator apparatus (eg, evaporator 100). Condensate recirculator system 360 may be configured to collect vaporizable material condensate and direct the condensate back to the wick for reuse.

The condensate recirculator system 360 may include an internally grooved air tube 334 that creates an air flow passage 338 extending from the mouthpiece toward the evaporation chamber 342, and any vaporizable material. It can be configured to collect the condensate of the wick and send it (via capillary action) back to the wick for reuse.

One of the functions of the groove may include allowing the vaporizable material condensate to be trapped or otherwise located within the groove. Condensate, once placed inside the groove, drains into the wick due to the capillary action created by the wicking element. Drainage of the condensate in the grooves may be achieved at least in part through capillary action. If any condensation is present inside the air tube, vaporizable material particulates fill the grooves instead of forming or building up a wall of condensate inside the air tube if there are no grooves. When the groove is filled sufficiently to establish fluid communication with the wick, the condensate can drain therefrom through the groove and be reused as a vaporizable material. In some embodiments, the groove may be tapered such that the groove narrows towards the wick and widens toward the mouthpiece. This tapering can cause the fluid to move towards the evaporation chamber as more condensate collects in the grooves through higher capillary action at a narrower point.

119A shows a cross-sectional view of air tube 334 . The air tube 334 includes an air flow passage 338 and one or more interior grooves having a decreasing hydraulic diameter towards the evaporation chamber 342 . The grooves are sized and shaped such that a fluid (eg, condensate) disposed within the grooves can be transported from the first location to the second location through capillary action. The inner groove includes an air tube groove 364 and a chamber groove 365 . The air tube groove 364 may be disposed inside the air tube 334 , the cross section of the air tube groove 364 at the air tube first end 362 being the air tube groove at the air tube second end 363 . It may be tapered to be larger than the cross-section of 364 . The chamber groove 365 may be disposed proximate the air tube second end 363 and engage the air tube groove 364 . The inner groove may be in fluid communication with the wick and configured to allow the wick to continuously drain vaporizable material condensate from the inner groove to prevent build-up of a condensate film in the air flow passageway 338 . Condensate may preferentially enter the inner groove due to the capillary actuation of the inner groove. The gradient of capillary actuation in the inner groove directs fluid movement into the wick housing 346, where vaporizable material condensate is recycled by re-saturating the wick.

119B and 119C show interior views of condensate recirculator system 360 as viewed from air tube first end 362 and air tube second end 363, respectively. The air tube first end 362 may be disposed proximate the mouthpiece and/or the air outlet. The air tube second end 363 may be disposed proximate the evaporation chamber 342 and/or the wick housing 346 and may be in fluid communication with the chamber groove 365 and/or the wick. The air tube groove 364 may have a first diameter 366 and a second diameter 368 . The second diameter 368 may be narrower than the first diameter 366 .

As discussed above, either by accumulation of condensate in the air flow passage or by design as discussed herein, as the effective cross-section of the air flow passage narrows, the flow rate of air moving through the air tube increases, A drag force is applied to the accumulated fluid (eg, condensate). Fluid exits the air outlet when the drag force pulling the fluid towards the user (eg, in response to suction on the evaporator) is higher than the capillary force pulling the fluid towards the wick.

In order to overcome this problem and to direct condensate away from the mouthpiece outlet and back towards the evaporation chamber 342 and/or the wick, the cross section of the air tube groove 364 proximate the evaporation chamber 342 should be positioned close to the mouthpiece. A tapered air flow passage is provided to be narrower than the cross section of the air tube groove 364 . Also, each inner groove may be narrowed so that the width of the inner groove proximate the air tube first end 362 is wider than the width of the inner groove proximate the air tube second end 363 . As such, the narrowing passage increases the capillary actuation of the air tube groove 364 and promotes fluid movement of the condensate towards the chamber groove 365 . Also, the chamber groove 365 proximate the air tube second end 363 may be wider than the width of the chamber groove 365 proximate the wick. That is, each groove channel gradually narrows as it approaches the wick in addition to the airflow passage itself that narrows towards the end of the wick.

To maximize the effect of capillary action provided by the condensate recirculator system design, the air tube cross-sectional size relative to the groove size can be considered. Capillary actuation can increase as the groove width narrows, but if the groove size is small, condensate can overflow the groove and block the air tube. Accordingly, the groove width may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves may vary. For example, the groove need not necessarily have a hydraulic diameter that decreases towards the wick. In some embodiments, decreasing hydraulic diameter towards the wick may improve the performance of capillary actuation, although other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the interior grooves and channels may have a substantially straight configuration, a tapered configuration, a helical configuration, and/or other arrangements.

In some embodiments, the features necessary to generate capillary actuation include the housing structure of the aerosol generating unit (eg, evaporation chamber), the mouthpiece, and/or of a separate plastic component (such as the finned condensation collector described herein). It can be integrated with some.

Terms

When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element, or intermediate features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “immediately on” another feature or element, the intervening feature or element may not be present. Also, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to, or intervening, the other feature or element. It will be understood that there may be In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another feature or element, the intervening feature or element may not be present.

Although described or illustrated in connection with one embodiment, features and elements so described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that reference to a structure or feature disposed "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" as used herein designate the presence of a recited feature, step, operation, element, and/or component, but not one or more other features, steps, operations. , it will be understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items, and may be abbreviated with "/".

In the above description and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may be followed by a list of combinations of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrases refer to any of the recited elements or features individually or in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. or any of the features. For example, "at least one of A and B"; The phrases "at least one of A and B" and "A and/or B" are intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B together", respectively. A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing three or more items. for example "at least one of A, B and C"; The phrases "at least one of A, B and C" and "A, B and/or C" respectively refer to "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together". The use of the term “based on” above and in the claims is intended to mean “based at least in part on” such that features or elements not recited are also permitted.

Spatially relative terms such as “anteriorly”, “posteriorly”, “below”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “above”, etc. refer to one element or feature as shown in the figures and It may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of different element(s) or feature(s). It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include other orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “below” or “below” another element or feature would in this case be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Accordingly, the exemplary term “below” may include both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, terms such as "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes unless specifically stated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), such features/elements are limited by these terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. it shouldn't be These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below may be referred to as a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below may be referred to as a first feature/element without departing from the teachings provided herein. may be referred to.

As used in the examples, and as used herein in the specification and claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers refer to the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term is not explicitly indicated. It can be read as before. The phrases “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing a size and/or location to indicate that the stated value and/or location is within a reasonable expected range of the value and/or location. For example, a numerical value is a value of +/- 0.1 % of a specified value (or range of values), +/- 1 % of a specified value (or range of values), +/- 2 % of a specified value (or range of values), +/- 5 % of the specified value (or range of values), +/- 10 % of the specified value (or range of values), and the like. Any numerical value provided herein is to be understood as including about or approximately that value, unless the context dictates otherwise.

For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that, where a value is disclosed, a value "less than or equal to" that value, a value "greater than or equal to" that value, and possible ranges between values are also disclosed as suitably understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, if a value “X” is disclosed, not only “less than or equal to X” values, but also “greater than or equal to X” values (eg, X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. Also, throughout this application, data is presented in a variety of different formats, and it should be understood that the data represents endpoints and starting points and ranges for any combination of data points. For example, where a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" may be disclosed, greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, or equal to, 10 and 15. It is understood that not only values, but also values between 10 and 15 may be considered disclosed. Also, it is understood that each unit between two specific units may also be disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 can be disclosed, 11, 12, 13 and 14 can also be disclosed.

While various exemplary embodiments have been described above, numerous changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may all be omitted. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may include digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. can be implemented as These various aspects or features provide for at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general, coupled to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions thereto. may include implementation in one or more computer programs that may be executable and/or interpreted on a programmable system comprising A programmable system or computing system may include a client and a server. The client and server may be remote from each other and may interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises due to computer programs running on each computer and having a client-server relationship to each other.

Such a computer program, which may also be referred to as a program, software, software application, application, component, or code, comprises machine instructions for a programmable processor and comprises a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and/or implemented in assembly/machine language.

As used herein, the term "machine readable medium" includes a machine readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine readable signal, for example, for providing machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. used to mean any computer program product, apparatus, and/or device, such as magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLCs).

The term “machine readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. A machine-readable medium may non-transitory store such machine instructions, such as, for example, a non-transitory solid state memory or magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium may alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transitory manner, such as, for example, a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

The examples and examples included herein illustrate, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As noted, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, and structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are provided for convenience only and, where more than one invention is actually disclosed, individually or collectively, without the intention of voluntarily limiting the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept. may be referred to by the term “invention”.

Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description.

The presently disclosed subject matter has been presented herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that, notwithstanding the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments provided herein, changes and modifications may be applied to the embodiments without generally limiting or departing from the intended scope. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full set of equivalents.

Part of the disclosure of this patent document may include material that is subject to copyright protection. Owners have no objection to facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent documents or patent disclosures, as set forth in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but retains all copyrights. Certain trademarks mentioned herein may be common law or registered trademarks of Applicant, assignee, or third parties associated with or unrelated to Applicant or assignee. Use of these trademarks is for the purpose of enabling disclosure by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter only to materials related to such trademarks.

Claims (106)

As an evaporator,
a reservoir configured to receive a vaporizable liquid material, the reservoir being at least partially defined by at least one wall, the reservoir comprising a storage chamber and an overflow volume;
a collector disposed within the overflow volume, the collector comprising a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of the vaporizable liquid material in fluid contact with the storage chamber, the capillary structure comprising air and liquid during filling and emptying of the collector and a microfluidic feature configured to prevent them from bypassing each other.
Containing, the evaporator. The method of claim 1,
a primary passageway providing a fluid connection between the nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable liquid material to a gaseous state and the storage chamber
Further comprising a, evaporator. 3. The method of claim 2,
and the primary passage is formed through the structure of the collector. 4. The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The primary passageway comprises a first channel configured to allow the vaporizable liquid material to flow from the storage chamber towards a wicking element of the nebulizer, the first channel being configured to allow the liquid in the first channel to flow through the An evaporator having a cross-sectional shape having at least one irregularity configured to allow bypass of air bubbles clogging the remainder of the first channel. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the cross-sectional shape resembles a cross. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The capillary structure includes a secondary passageway comprising the microfluidic feature, the microfluidic feature extending along the length of the secondary passageway only to a meniscus in which the vaporizable liquid material completely covers a cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. an evaporator configured to be movable. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the cross-sectional area is small enough that, with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material and the material forming the wall of the secondary passage, the vaporizable liquid material preferentially wets the secondary passageway around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway. Phosphorus, evaporator. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The storage chamber and the collector are configured to maintain a continuous column of the vaporizable liquid material in the collector in contact with the vaporizable liquid material in the storage chamber, wherein a decrease in the pressure of the storage chamber with respect to ambient pressure results in the causing the continuous column of vaporizable liquid material in a collector to be drawn back at least partially back into the storage chamber. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
and the secondary passageway comprises a plurality of spaced apart retraction points having a cross-sectional area smaller than portions of the secondary passageway between the retraction points. 10. The method of claim 9,
and the retraction point has a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage towards the storage compartment and a rounder surface directed away from the storage compartment along the secondary passage. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A microfluidic gate between the collector and the storage compartment
further comprising a rim of an aperture between the storage chamber and the collector, wherein the microfluidic gate is flatter on a first side facing the storage compartment than a second rounder side facing the collector. ), comprising an evaporator. 12. The method of claim 11,
The microfluidic gate includes a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector and a pinch-off point between the plurality of openings, the plurality of openings connecting a first channel and a second channel. wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel. 13. The method of claim 12,
An air-liquid vaporizable material meniscus reaching the pinch-off point is routed to the second channel due to the higher capillary actuation of the first channel, so that the storage chamber and bubbles are formed to escape into the vaporizable liquid material in the evaporator. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the vaporizable liquid material comprises at least one of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. A microfluidic gate for controlling the flow of vaporizable liquid material between a storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in an evaporator, comprising:
The microfluidic gate is
a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector, the plurality of openings comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having a higher capillary actuation than the second channel. ;
a pinch off point between the plurality of openings
A microfluidic gate comprising a. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the microfluidic gate comprises a rim of the aperture between the storage chamber and the collector that is flatter on a first side facing a storage compartment than a second rounder side facing the collector. A collector configured to be inserted into an evaporator cartridge, comprising:
the collector,
a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of vaporizable liquid material in fluid contact with a storage chamber of the evaporator cartridge, the capillary structure comprising a microfluidic feature configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector the capillary structure that
Which will include, a collector. 18. The method of claim 17,
The microfluidic gate of claim 15 or 16
Further comprising, a collector. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18,
a primary passageway providing a fluid connection between a reservoir and a nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable liquid material to a gaseous state
further comprising, wherein the primary passageway is formed through the structure of the collector. 20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19,
The capillary structure includes a secondary passageway comprising the microfluidic feature, wherein the microfluidic feature is such that the vaporizable liquid material can travel along a length of the secondary passageway only through a meniscus that completely covers a cross-sectional area of the secondary passageway. a collector configured to do so. 21. The method of claim 20,
wherein the cross-sectional area is small enough that, with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material and the material forming the wall of the secondary passage, the vaporizable liquid material preferentially wets the secondary passageway around the entire perimeter of the secondary passageway. phosphorus, collector. 22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21,
The storage chamber and the collector are configured to maintain a continuous column of the vaporizable liquid material in the collector in contact with the vaporizable liquid material in the storage chamber, such that a decrease in the pressure of the storage chamber with respect to ambient pressure comprises: causing the continuous column of vaporizable liquid material in the collector to be drawn back at least partially back to the storage chamber. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22,
wherein the secondary passageway comprises a plurality of spaced apart retraction points having a cross-sectional area less than portions of the secondary passageway between the retraction points. 24. The method of claim 23,
wherein the retraction point has a flatter surface directed towards the storage compartment along the secondary passage and a rounder surface directed away from the storage compartment along the secondary passage. An evaporator cartridge comprising:
cartridge housing;
a storage chamber disposed within the cartridge housing and configured to receive a vaporizable liquid material;
an inlet configured to allow air to enter an internal air flow path within the cartridge housing;
a nebulizer configured to convert at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material into an inhalable state;
The collector according to any one of claims 17 to 24
Containing, the evaporator cartridge. 26. The method of claim 25,
the nebulizer,
a wicking element positioned within the internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir, the wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable liquid material from the reservoir chamber under capillary action;
a heating element positioned to cause heating of the wicking element to convert at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material drawn from the storage chamber to a gaseous state
Which will include, the evaporator cartridge. 27. The method of claim 26,
and the inhalable state comprises an aerosol formed by condensation of at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material from the gaseous state. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27,
wherein the cartridge housing comprises a monolithic hollow structure having a first open end and a second end opposite the first open end. 29. The method of claim 28,
and the collector is insertably received within the first open end of the monolithic hollow structure. 30. An evaporator comprising an evaporator body and the evaporator cartridge of any one of claims 25-29, comprising:
and the evaporator body and the evaporator cartridge are detachably attachable to form an evaporator. 31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 30,
The heating element is
A heating portion comprising at least two tines spaced apart from each other, the heating portion being pre-formed to define an interior volume configured to receive the wicking element, the heating portion allowing at least a portion of the wicking element to pass through the a heating portion secured to the heating element, wherein the heating portion is configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element;
at least two legs coupled to the at least two tines and spaced apart from the heating portion, the at least two legs being configured to be in electrical communication with a power source
including,
and configured to supply power from the power source to the heating portion to generate heat, thereby evaporating the vaporizable material stored within the wicking element. 32. The method of claim 31,
wherein said at least two legs comprise four legs. 33. The method of claim 32,
and the heating portion is configured to contact at least three distinct surfaces of the wicking element. 34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33,
the at least two tines,
a first side tine portion;
a second side tine portion opposite the first side tine portion;
a platform tine portion connecting the first side tine portion and the second side tine portion, wherein the platform tine portion is positioned approximately perpendicular to a portion of the first side tine portion and the second side tine portion tine part
including,
wherein the first side tine portion, the second side tine portion, and the platform tine portion define an interior volume in which the wicking element is located. 35. The method of claim 34,
and the at least two legs are positioned away from the heating portion by a bridge. 36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35,
each of the at least two legs includes a cartridge contact positioned at an end of each of the at least two legs, the cartridge contact being configured to be in electrical communication with the power source, the cartridge contact extending angled and distal from the heating portion What becomes, the evaporator cartridge. 37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36,
wherein the at least two tines include a first pair of tines and a second pair of tines. 38. The method of claim 37,
wherein the tines of the first pair of tines are equally spaced from each other. 39. The method of claim 37 or 38,
and the tines of the first pair of tines are spaced apart by a predetermined width. 40. The method of claim 39,
wherein the width is greater than a width in an inner region of the heating element adjacent the platform tine portion is greater than a width in an outer region of the heating element adjacent an outer edge of the first side tine portion opposite the inner region. That is, the evaporator cartridge. 41. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 40,
and the evaporator device is configured to measure the resistance of the heating element in each of the four legs to control the temperature of the heating element. 42. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 41,
a heat shield configured to insulate the heating portion from the body of the evaporator device
Further comprising a, evaporator cartridge. 43. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 42,
The evaporator device comprises a heat shield configured to surround at least a portion of the heating element, the heat shield configured to insulate the heating portion from the wicking element and a body of a wick housing configured to surround at least a portion of the heating element Which will include, the evaporator cartridge. 44. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 43,
and the heating portion is folded between the heating portion and the at least two legs, thereby isolating the heating portion from the at least two legs. 45. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 44,
wherein the heating portion further comprises at least one tab extending from the sides of the at least two tines to allow the wicking element to more readily enter the interior volume of the heating portion. 46. The method of claim 45,
and the at least one tab extends at an angle away from the interior volume. 47. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 46,
wherein the at least two legs include capillary features, wherein the capillary features cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing the vaporizable material from flowing beyond the capillary features. 48. The method of claim 47,
and the capillary features include one or more bends in the at least two legs. 49. The method of claim 47 or 48,
and the at least two legs extend angled towards the interior volume of the heating portion, and wherein the at least two angled legs define the capillary feature. 31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 30,
The heating element is
a heating portion comprising one or more heater traces integrally formed and spaced apart from each other, wherein the one or more heater traces are configured to contact at least a portion of a wicking element of the evaporator apparatus;
a connection portion configured to receive power from a power source and direct the power to the heating portion;
a plating layer having a plating material different from that of the heating portion, the plating layer being configured to reduce a contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby confining heating of the heating element to the heating portion Plating layer to let
Which will include, the evaporator cartridge. 51. The method of claim 50,
and the plating layer comprises one or more layers laminated on the connecting portion. 52. The method of claim 50 or 51,
wherein the plating layer is integrally formed with the connecting portion. 53. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 52,
wherein the plating layer comprises an attach plating layer and an outer plating layer. 54. The method of claim 53,
and at least the outer plating layer is configured to reduce contact resistance between the heating element and the power source. 55. The method of claim 53 or 54,
and the attach plating layer is laminated on the heating element to attach the outer plating layer to the heating element. 56. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 55,
and the material of the heating portion comprises nichrome. 57. The method according to any one of claims 50 to 56,
wherein the plating layer comprises gold. 58. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 57,
wick housing
further comprising,
The wick housing,
outer wall;
an interior volume defined by the exterior wall, the interior volume being configured to receive a portion of a heating element and a wicking element of the evaporator device
Which will include, the evaporator cartridge. 59. The method of claim 58,
The heating element includes a heating portion and a connecting portion, the heating portion being configured to heat the vaporizable material stored in the wicking element to generate an aerosol, the connecting portion being a power source for providing power to the heating portion and wherein the portion of the heating element is the heating portion. 60. The method of claim 58 or 59,
and the outer wall is configured to be positioned between the heating portion and the connecting portion. 61. The method of any one of claims 58 to 60,
and the outer wall comprises two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides. 62. The method of claim 61,
and each of the two opposed long sides includes a recess configured to releasably couple the evaporator cartridge to a corresponding feature of the evaporator body. 63. The method of claim 62,
and the recess is located proximate to the intersection between the long side of one of the two opposing long sides and the short side of one of the two opposing short sides. 64. The method of claim 63,
and each of said two opposite long sides comprises two recesses. 65. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 64,
and the outer wall further comprises a base positioned approximately perpendicular to the two opposing short sides and the two opposing long sides. 66. The method of claim 65,
wherein the base includes one or more slots and wherein air pressure induced by the flow of vaporizable material within the heater portion is configured to escape through the one or more slots. 62. The method of claim 61,
and at least one of the two opposing short sides includes a chip recess configured to receive an identification chip. 68. The method of claim 67,
and the chip recess includes at least two walls configured to surround and retain the identification chip. 69. The method of claim 68,
wherein said at least two walls comprise at least four walls. 70. The method according to any one of claims 58 to 69,
The outer wall is
2 opposing short sides;
two opposite long sides;
a base positioned approximately perpendicular to the two opposing short sides and the two opposing long sides;
the opening opposite the base
Which will include, the evaporator cartridge. 71. The method of claim 70,
an outer rim surrounding the opening and extending away from the opening
Further comprising a, evaporator cartridge. 72. The method of claim 71,
wherein the outer wall comprises a capillary feature, wherein the capillary feature causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick housing, preventing the vaporizable material from flowing beyond the capillary feature. cartridge. 73. The method of claim 72,
and the capillary feature comprises a curved surface formed at the intersection between the outer rim and at least one of the two opposing long sides. 74. The method of claim 73,
and the curved surface has a radius sufficient to break a tangency point between the outer surface and the outer rim. 75. The method according to any one of claims 72 to 74,
wherein the capillary feature is located within a cutout of the exterior wall, the cutout configured to space the heating element away from the exterior wall, thereby preventing excessive heat from contacting the exterior wall. 76. The method according to any one of claims 58 to 75,
a cutout in the exterior wall configured to space the heating element away from the exterior wall to prevent excessive heat from contacting the exterior wall
Further comprising a, evaporator cartridge. A collector component of an evaporator for use with a vaporizable liquid material, comprising:
The collector part is
fluid passage;
an external port disposed at a first end of the fluid passageway and configured to be in fluid communication with ambient air external to the evaporator;
a control vent disposed at a second end of the fluid passageway distal to the first end and configured to manage flow between the fluid passageway and a reservoir of the evaporator configured to receive the vaporizable liquid material As, the control vent is at least,
a first fluid resistance to pinching off of a bubble into the reservoir when air is in the fluid passage adjacent the control vent and the void volume in the reservoir is at a lower pressure than ambient air outside the evaporator;
a second fluid resistance to allowing the vaporizable liquid material to pass through the control vent into the fluid passageway when the void volume in the reservoir is at a higher pressure than ambient air outside the evaporator
a control vent that is configured to provide;
at least a first wick feed embodied in the form of a first channel to allow the vaporizable material stored in the storage chamber to flow towards a wick disposed in a wick housing located in an overflow volume
including,
and the control vent maintains an equilibrium in the storage chamber, thereby preventing the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point where the vaporizable material overflows the wick housing. 78. The method of claim 77,
and the equilibrium condition is maintained by establishing a liquid seal at the opening of the control vent through which the storage chamber communicates with the passageway of the overflow volume. 79. The method of claim 78,
wherein the liquid seal is established and maintained in the control vent by maintaining a capillary pressure sufficient to form the meniscus of vaporizable material in a portion of the control vent leading to the passageway of the overflow volume. . 80. The method of claim 79,
The capillary pressure on the vaporizable material meniscus is induced by a V-shaped structure defining the secondary channel and the primary channel configuring the control vent to control at least a pinch-off point in one of the primary channel or the secondary channel. a controlled one, a collector part. 81. The method of claim 80,
wherein the primary channel and the secondary channel have tapered geometries such that as the meniscus continues to retract, the capillary actuation of the primary channel decreases at a greater rate than the capillary actuation of the secondary channel. Thing, collector parts. 82. The method of claim 81,
and a gradual decrease in the capillary actuation of the primary channel and the secondary channel decreases the partial headspace vacuum maintained in the storage chamber. 83. The method of claim 82,
wherein the drain pressure of the primary channel falls below the drain pressure of the secondary channel as a result of the capillary actuation of the primary channel and the secondary channel gradually decreasing relative to each other. 84. The method of claim 83,
and the meniscus of the primary channel continues to drain as the drain pressure of the primary channel changes while the meniscus of the secondary channel remains stationary. 85. The method of claim 84,
and the drain pressure associated with the receding contact angle of the primary channel may fall below an overflow pressure associated with the forward contact angle of the secondary channel, causing the primary and secondary channels to be filled with vaporizable material. 86. The method of claim 85,
in response to increased pressure within the storage chamber, vaporizable material flows through the control vent into a passageway of the collector, the control vent configured to maintain the liquid seal at all times. A cartridge for an evaporator device, comprising:
The cartridge is
a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir configured to receive a vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber;
an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir, the evaporation chamber including a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by a heating element;
an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber;
at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow passageway, each of the at least one capillary channel configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid through capillary action from a first location to a second location; capillary channel
A cartridge comprising a. 88. The method of claim 87,
wherein each of said at least one capillary channel is tapered in size. 89. The method of claim 88,
wherein said tapering in size results in an increase in capillary actuation through each of said at least one capillary channel. 90. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 89,
wherein each of said at least one capillary channel is defined by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 91. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 90,
wherein the at least one capillary channel is in fluid communication with the wick. 92. The method of claim 91,
and the first position is adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the airflow passageway. 93. The method according to any one of claims 87 to 92,
wherein the at least one capillary channel collects fluid condensate. An evaporator device comprising:
an evaporator body comprising a heating element configured to heat the vaporizable material;
a cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the evaporator body
including,
The cartridge is
a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir configured to receive the vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber;
an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir, the evaporation chamber including a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by the heating element;
an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber;
at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow passageway, each of the at least one capillary channel configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid through capillary action from a first location to a second location; capillary channel
The evaporator device comprising a. 95. The method of claim 94,
wherein each of said at least one capillary channel is tapered in size. 96. The method of claim 95,
wherein said tapering in size results in an increase in capillary actuation through each of said at least one capillary channel. 97. The method according to any one of claims 94 to 96,
wherein each of said at least one capillary channel is formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 98. The method according to any one of claims 94 to 97,
and the at least one capillary channel is in fluid communication with the wick. 99. The method of claim 98,
and the first position is adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the airflow passageway. 101. The method according to any one of claims 94 to 99,
and the at least one capillary channel collects fluid condensate. As a method,
collecting condensate in a first capillary channel of at least one capillary channel of a cartridge of an evaporation apparatus, each of the at least one capillary channel receiving a fluid and transferring the fluid from a first position to a second position through capillary action is configured to send toward, the cartridge,
a reservoir comprising a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier, the reservoir configured to receive a vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber;
an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir, the evaporation chamber including a wicking element configured to draw the vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber to be evaporated by the heating element;
an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber, wherein the at least one capillary channel is adjacent the air flow passage
a step comprising;
directing the collected condensate towards the evaporation chamber and along the first capillary channel.
A method comprising 102. The method of claim 101,
evaporating the collected condensate in the evaporation chamber;
further comprising a method. 103. The method of claim 101 or 102,
wherein the first capillary channel is tapered in size. 104. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 103,
wherein each of the at least one capillary channel is formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. 105. The method according to any one of claims 101 to 104,
wherein the at least one capillary channel is in fluid communication with the wick. 107. The method of claim 105,
and the first location is adjacent the mouthpiece and the end of the airflow passageway.

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