KR20210132010A - Evaporator Device With Evaporator Cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The cartridge may include a cartridge housing, a reservoir and wick housing disposed within the cartridge housing, a heating element, and a wicking element. The cartridge housing may be configured to extend below the open top of a receptacle in the evaporator device when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device. The reservoir may be configured to receive the vaporizable material. The heating element may include a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing. The contact portion may include a cartridge contact that forms an electrical coupling with the receptacle contact in the receptacle. The wicking element may be disposed within the wick housing and adjacent the heating portion of the heating element. The wicking element may be configured to draw vaporizable material into the wick housing for evaporation by the heating element.

Description

Evaporator Device With Evaporator Cartridge

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/913,135, filed on October 9, 2019, entitled "HEATING ELEMENT", and a U.S. Provisional Application No. No. 62/812,148, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,161, filed on February 28, 2019 under the name "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE", filed on October 14, 2019 under the name "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE" U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/915,005, filed on November 4, 2019 under the name "VAPORIZER DEVICE" Claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/947,496, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/981,498, filed February 25, 2020, entitled "VAPORIZER DEVICE WITH VAPORIZER CARTRIDGE." The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

technical field

The subject matter described herein relates generally to vaporizer devices, and more particularly, to a vaporizer device configured for engagement with a vaporizer cartridge.

Evaporator devices, which may also be referred to as evaporators, electronic evaporator devices, or e-evaporator devices, are an aerosol (or “vapor”) containing one or more active ingredients by inhalation of an aerosol by a user of the evaporating device. can be used for the delivery of For example, electronic cigarettes, which may also be referred to as e-cigarettes, are typically battery powered and are a type of evaporator device that can be used to simulate the experience of smoking a cigarette without burning tobacco or other materials. admit.

In use of an evaporator device, a user vaporizes a vaporizable material, which may be a liquid, solution, solid, wax, or any other form compatible with the use of a particular evaporator device (liquid or solid being in a gaseous phase). Inhale an aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor, which can be generated by a heating element that causes at least a partial transition into the gas phase. The vaporizable material used with the evaporator may be provided in a cartridge (eg, the portion of the evaporator that receives the vaporizable material in a reservoir) that includes a mouthpiece (eg, for inhalation by a user).

To receive the inhalable aerosol generated by the evaporator device, the user may activate the evaporator device, in some examples, by putting on a puff, pressing a button, or by some other approach. A puff is, as the term is generally used (and also used herein), in such a way that a volume of air is drawn into the evaporator device, such that an inhalable aerosol is produced by the combination of air and vaporized vaporizable material. refers to inhalation by the user of

A typical approach for an evaporator device to generate an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in an vaporization chamber (or heater chamber) to cause the vaporizable material to be converted into a gas (or vapor) phase. Evaporation chamber generally refers to a region or volume in an evaporator device, within which a heat source (eg, conductive, convective, and/or radiative) transports a mixture of air and vaporized vaporizable material. causing heating of the vaporizable material to form vapor for inhalation by a user of the vaporization device.

In some vaporizer device embodiments, the vaporizable material may be withdrawn from the reservoir into the vaporization chamber via a wicking element (wick). This withdrawal of vaporizable material into the evaporation chamber may be due, at least in part, to capillary action provided by the wick, which pulls the vaporizable material along the wick in the direction of the evaporation chamber. However, as the vaporizable material is withdrawn from the reservoir, the pressure inside the reservoir is reduced, thereby creating a vacuum and acting against capillary action. This may reduce the effectiveness of the wick to draw vaporizable material into the vaporization chamber, whereby the effectiveness of the vaporization device to vaporize a desired amount of vaporizable material, eg, when a user puffs on the vaporization device. reduces the Also, the vacuum created in the reservoir may ultimately result in not being able to withdraw all of the vaporizable material into the evaporation chamber, thereby wasting the vaporizable material. As such, improved evaporation devices and/or evaporation cartridges that improve or overcome these issues are desired.

The term evaporator device, as used herein consistent with this subject matter, generally refers to portable, self-contained devices that are convenient for personal use. Typically, a number of devices capable of wirelessly communicating with an external controller (eg, a smartphone, smart watch, other wearable electronic devices, etc.) have recently become available, but these devices are located on the evaporator (generally referred to as controls). may be) one or more switches, buttons, touch sensitive devices, or other user input functionality, or the like. Control, in this context, generally refers to causing a heater to be on and/or off, adjusting the minimum and/or maximum temperature to which the heater is heated during operation, which the user can access on the device. Refers generally to the ability to affect one or more of a variety of operating parameters, which may include, without limitation, any of a variety of games or other interactive features, and/or other operations.

Various vaporizable materials having various contents and ratios of contents may be contained within the cartridge. Some vaporizable materials may have a smaller percentage of active ingredients per total volume of vaporizable material, for example due to regulations requiring certain active ingredient percentages. As such, a user may need to evaporate a large amount of vaporizable material (eg, compared to the overall volume of vaporizable material that may be stored within the cartridge) to achieve a desired effect.

In certain aspects of the present subject matter, the challenges associated with the presence of vaporizable liquid materials in or near certain sensitive components of an electronic evaporator device may be overcome by the features described herein or as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. may be addressed by inclusion of one or more of similar/equivalent approaches as described above. In one aspect, a cartridge for an evaporator device is provided. The cartridge comprises a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the evaporator device when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device; a reservoir disposed within the cartridge housing, the reservoir configured to receive the vaporizable material; a wick housing disposed within the cartridge housing; heating element, the heating element comprising a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing, the contact portion being in electrical coupling with one or more receptacle contacts in a receptacle of the evaporator device one or more cartridge contacts configured to form a; and a wicking element disposed within the wick housing and adjacent a heating portion of the heating element, the wicking element configured to withdraw vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wick housing for evaporation by the heating element.

In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein, including the following features, may be optionally included in any practicable combination. The contact portion may be further configured to form a mechanical coupling with a receptacle of the evaporator device. The mechanical coupling may secure the cartridge in the receptacle of the evaporator device.

In some variations, the receptacle may be a first portion of the body of the evaporator device having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than a second portion of the body of the evaporator device. A recessed area may be formed between the cartridge housing and the second portion of the body of the evaporator device when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device.

In some variations, the receptacle may include one or more air inlets that form fluidic engagement with one or more slots in the lower portion of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device. The one or more slots may be configured to allow air entering the one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing. One or more air inlets may be disposed in the recessed area. The one or more air inlets may have a diameter of approximately 0.6 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters.

In some variations, the interior of each of the one or more slots can include at least one step defined by an interior dimension of the one or more slots that is smaller than a dimension of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing. The at least one step may provide a constriction point at which a meniscus is formed to prevent evaporable material in the wick housing from escaping from the one or more slots. The dimensions of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing may be approximately 1.2 millimeters long by 0.5 millimeters wide. The internal dimensions of the one or more slots may be approximately 1 millimeter long by 0.3 millimeters wide.

In some variations, the heating portion of the heating element and the contact portion of the heating element may be formed by folding the substrate material. The substrate material may be cut to include one or more tines for forming the heating portion of the heating element. The substrate material may be further cut to include one or more legs for forming a heating portion of the heating element.

In some variations, the contact portion of the heating element may be formed by folding each of the one or more legs to form at least a first joint, a second joint, and a third joint. The first joint may be disposed between the second joint and the third joint. The second joint may be disposed between the tip of each of the one or more legs and the first joint.

In some variations, one or more cartridge contacts may be disposed at the second joint. The heating element may be secured to the wicking housing by a first mechanical coupling between a portion of each of the one or more legs between the first joint and the third joint and an exterior of the wick housing. The cartridge may be secured to the receptacle of the evaporator device by a second mechanical coupling between the second joint and the receptacle of the evaporator device.

In some variations, one or more cartridge contacts may be disposed at the first joint. The heating element may be secured to the wick housing by a first mechanical coupling between a portion of each of the one or more legs between the tip and the second joint and an exterior of the wick housing. The cartridge may be secured to the receptacle of the evaporator device by a second mechanical coupling between the first joint and the receptacle of the evaporator device.

In some variations, the reservoir may include a storage chamber and a collector. The collector may include an overflow channel configured to retain a volume of vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber. One or more microfluidic features may be disposed along the length of the overflow channel. Each of the one or more microfluidic features may be configured to provide a retraction point at which a meniscus is formed to prevent air entering the reservoir from passing through the vaporizable material in the overflow channel.

In some variations, the cartridge housing may include an airflow passageway leading to an outlet for an aerosol formed by a heating element that vaporizes the vaporizable material. The collector may include a central tunnel in fluid communication with the airflow passageway. The lower surface of the collector may include a flow controller configured to mix the aerosol generated by the heating element to vaporize the vaporizable material.

In some variations, the inner surface of the airflow passageway may include one or more channels extending from the outlet to the wicking element. The one or more channels may be configured to collect condensate formed by the aerosol and direct at least a portion of the collected condensate toward the wicking element.

In some variations, the flow controller can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel may be offset from the second channel. The first inner surface of the first channel directs a first column of aerosol entering the central tunnel through the first channel in a different direction than a second column of aerosol entering the central tunnel through the second channel. For this purpose, the second inner surface of the second channel may be inclined in a different direction.

In some variations, the lower surface of the controller may further include one or more wick interfaces. The one or more wick interfaces may be in fluid communication with one or more wick feeds at the collector. The one or more wick feeds may be configured to deliver at least a portion of the vaporizable material contained within the storage chamber to a wicking element disposed within the wick housing.

In some variations, the wick housing can be disposed at least partially within a receptacle of the evaporator device when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device. A flange is disposed at least partially around an upper perimeter of the wick housing. The flange may extend over at least a portion of a rim of the cartridge receptacle.

In another aspect, an evaporator device is provided. The evaporator cartridge is a receptacle comprising a first portion of a body of an evaporator device, the receptacle including one or more receptacle contacts, the receptacle to receive a wick housing of the cartridge that, when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, receives a vaporizable material wherein the housing of the cartridge extends below the open top of the receptacle when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device, the one or more receptacle contacts being in electrical engagement with the one or more cartridge contacts including a contact portion of a heating element in the cartridge. wherein the contact portion is disposed at least partially outside the wick housing; a power source disposed at least partially within the second portion of the body of the evaporator device; and a controller configured to control the discharge of an electrical current from the power source to the heating element contained within the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, wherein the electrical current is disposed within the wick housing and adjacent the heating portion of the heating element. discharged to the heating element to evaporate at least a portion of the vaporizable material that saturates the

In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein, including the following features, may be optionally included in any practicable combination. The receptacle may be further configured to form a mechanical coupling with the contact portion of the heating element, wherein the mechanical coupling secures the cartridge in the receptacle of the evaporator device.

In some variations, the first portion of the body of the evaporator device may have a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second portion of the body of the evaporator device. The recessed region may be formed between the cartridge housing and the second portion of the body of the evaporator device when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device.

In some variations, the receptacle may include one or more air inlets that form fluidic engagement with one or more slots in the lower portion of the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device. The one or more slots may be configured to allow air entering the one or more air inlets to further enter the wick housing. One or more air inlets may be disposed in the recessed area. The one or more air inlets may have a diameter of approximately 0.6 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters.

In some variations, the receptacle may be disposed in the first portion of the body of the evaporator device such that the top rim of the receptacle is substantially flush with the top rim of the first portion of the body of the evaporator device.

In some variations, the receptacle is configured such that a flange at least partially disposed about an upper perimeter of the wick housing extends over a top rim of the cartridge receptacle and/or at least a portion of a top rim of a first portion of the body of the evaporator device. may be configured to accommodate a portion of The receptacle may be approximately 4.5 millimeters deep.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. One feature and advantage of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

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 description, serve to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations.
1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of an evaporator consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
2A shows a top cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
2B shows a top cross-sectional view of an example of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3A shows a perspective view of a cartridge having one example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3B shows a perspective view of a cartridge having another example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3C shows a top cross-sectional view of a cartridge having one example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3D shows a top cross-sectional view of a cartridge having another example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3E shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a cartridge having an example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
3F shows a top plan view of a cartridge having an example of a connector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
4A shows a closed perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
4B shows an exploded perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
4C shows another closed perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
4D shows a closed side view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
5A shows a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5B shows a side plan view of a cartridge including an example of a collector, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5C shows a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5D shows a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5E shows a perspective view and a side plan view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5F shows a side view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5G shows a front view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5H shows a perspective view of a portion of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5I shows a top perspective view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5J shows a side perspective view of a portion of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5K shows a top perspective view of a portion of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5L shows an example of a fluid flow management mechanism at a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5M shows an example of a fluid flow management mechanism at a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
5N shows an example of a fluid flow management mechanism at a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
6A shows a side view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
6B shows a side view of another example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
7 shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and an exploded view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
8A shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a top view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
8B shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
8C shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
8D shows a top plan view of an example of a wick feed mechanism consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
8E shows a top plan view of an example of a wick feed mechanism consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
8F shows a top plan view of an example of a wick feed mechanism consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
9A shows a perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
9B shows a front view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
9C shows a side view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
10A shows a front view of a cartridge having an example of a condensate recirculation system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
10B shows a top view of a cartridge having an example of a condensate recirculation system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
10C shows a bottom view of a cartridge having an example of a condensate recirculation system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
10D shows another front view of a cartridge having an example of a condensate recirculation system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
10E shows another top view of a cartridge having an example of a condensate recirculation system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
11A shows a front view of a cartridge with an example of an external airflow path, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
11B shows a front view of a cartridge with an example of an external airflow path, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
12A shows perspective, top, bottom, and various side views of an example of a wick housing consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
12B shows perspective views of an example of a collector and wick housing consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
13A shows a perspective exploded view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
13B shows a top perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
13C shows a bottom perspective view of an example of a cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
14 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
15 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
16 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
17 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element positioned in an evaporator cartridge for use in an evaporator device, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
18A shows a perspective view of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
18B shows a side view of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
18C shows a front view of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
18D shows a perspective view of a heating element and a wicking element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
18E shows a bottom perspective view of a wick housing including a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
19 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
20 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
21 shows a top view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
22 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
23 shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
24 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
25A shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
25B shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
26 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
27 shows a top view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
28 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
29A shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
29B shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
30A shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
30B shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
31 shows a top perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
32 shows a bottom perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
33 shows an exploded perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
34A shows a side cross-sectional view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
34B shows another cross-sectional side view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
35 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
36 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
37 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
38 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
39 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
40 shows a top view of a substrate material having a heating element, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
41 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
42A shows a top perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
42B shows an enlarged view of a portion of a wick housing of a nebulizer assembly, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
43 shows a bottom perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
44 shows an exploded perspective view of a nebulizer assembly consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
45A shows a side cross-sectional view of an example of a condensate recirculator system consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
45B shows a first perspective view of an example of a condensate recirculator system consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
45C shows a second perspective view of an example of a condensate recirculator system consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
46 shows an exploded view of an evaporator device consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
47A shows an example of receptacle contacts consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
47B shows another example of receptacle contacts consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
47C shows another example of receptacle contacts consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
47D shows a perspective view of an example of a cartridge receptacle consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
47E shows a top perspective view of an evaporator body including an example of a cartridge receptacle, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
48A shows a side cutaway view of a cartridge disposed within a cartridge receptacle consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
48B shows another side cutaway view of a cartridge disposed within a cartridge receptacle consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
48C shows a partial view of the side of an evaporator cartridge coupled with an evaporator body, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
48D shows another partial view of a side view of an evaporator cartridge coupled with an evaporator body, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
48E shows another partial view of a side view of an evaporator cartridge coupled with an evaporator body, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
48F shows heat maps illustrating the distribution of air pressure and airflow velocity around air inlets, consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
49A shows a top perspective view of an example of a vaporizer body shell consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
49B shows a cross-sectional view of an example of an assembled evaporator body shell consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
50A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a wick housing consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
50B shows another cross-sectional view of a wick housing consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
51A shows a perspective view of another example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
51B shows a side view of another example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
51C shows a front view of another example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
51D shows a top view of another example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;
52A shows a bottom view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
52B shows a cross-sectional front view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
52C shows another front cross-sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
52D shows a side cross-sectional view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
52E shows a perspective view of an example of a collector consistent with implementations of the present subject matter;
52F shows an example of laminar flow and an example of turbulent flow consistent with implementations of the present subject matter; and
53 shows resistance measurements for an example of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter.
When practical, like reference numbers indicate like structures, features, or elements.

Implementations of the present subject matter include devices that relate to the evaporation of one or more materials for inhalation by a user. The term “evaporator” is used generically in the following description to refer to an evaporator device. Examples of evaporators consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter include electronic evaporators, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and the like. These evaporators are generally portable hand-held devices that heat the vaporizable material to provide an inhalable dose of the material.

The vaporizable material used with the evaporator is optionally used with a cartridge (eg, containing the vaporizable material in a reservoir or other container, and when empty or disposable, in favor of a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of the same or a different type). part of the evaporator that can be refilled). The evaporator may be a cartridge-less evaporator, a cartridge-less evaporator, or a multi-use evaporator that may be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a multi-use evaporator contains a cartridge or other replaceable device having a reservoir, volume, etc., for containing the vaporizable material directly in the heating chamber and at least partially containing an available amount of the vaporizable material. and a heating chamber (eg, an oven) configured to

In various embodiments, the evaporator is a vaporizable liquid material (eg, a carrier solution in which the active and/or inactive ingredient(s) is suspended or held in the form of a solution or neat liquid of the vaporizable material itself). or for use with a vaporizable solid material. The vaporizable solid material releases a portion of the plant material as vaporizable material (eg, such that after the vaporizable material is released for inhalation by a user, the portion of the plant material remains as waste), or optionally, It may include plant material, which may be in a solid form (eg, “wax”) of the vaporizable material itself such that all of the solid material may ultimately be evaporated for inhalation. The vaporizable liquid material may likewise be completely evaporated or may comprise some portion of the liquid material remaining after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been consumed.

In some aspects, leakage of vaporizable liquid material from the evaporator cartridge and/or other portion of the evaporator may occur. Additionally, the consistency of the manufacturing quality of the heating element of the evaporator may be particularly important during scaled and/or automated manufacturing processes. Also, evaporator utilization may result in shorter battery operating time, may result in shorter operating time at lower temperatures, may result in faster battery aging, and may affect battery performance. It can operate with specific power requirements.

Implementations of the present subject matter may also provide advantages and advantages with respect to these issues. For example, various features are described herein for controlling the flow of vaporizable material as well as airflow, which has advantages over existing approaches, while also introducing additional advantages as described herein. improvements can be provided. The evaporator devices and/or cartridges described herein include one or more features to control and improve airflow in the evaporator device and/or cartridge, thereby causing leaks or one or more internal channels of vaporizable liquid material. It improves the efficiency and effectiveness of evaporating the vaporizable liquid material by the evaporator device without introducing additional features that may lead to the accumulation of condensate collecting along the fields and outlets.

For example, the heating element may be stamped from a sheet of material and bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. The configurations of the heating element may allow for more consistent and improved quality manufacturing of the heating element, and may help reduce tolerance issues that may arise during manufacturing processes when assembling a heating element having multiple components. The heating element may also improve the accuracy of measurements (eg, resistance, current, temperature, etc.) taken from the heating element due at least in part to improved consistency in the manufacturability of the heating element with reduced tolerance issues. A stamped and shaped heating element can preferably help minimize heat losses and help ensure that the heating element can predictably behave to be heated to an appropriate temperature.

To further illustrate, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of an evaporator 100 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the evaporator 100 is a power source 112 (eg, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, a fuel cell, and/or the like, and the like). ) and a controller 104 (eg, a processor, circuitry, etc. capable of executing logic). The controller 104 is configured to cause the vaporizable material to be converted from a condensed form (eg, a solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least partially unprocessed portion of plant material, etc.) to a gaseous phase to the atomizer 141 . and may be configured to control the transfer of heat to the furnace. For example, the controller 104 may control the transfer of heat to the atomizer 141 by at least controlling the discharge of current from the power source 112 to the atomizer 141 . The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with some implementations of the present subject matter.

After conversion of the vaporizable material to the gas phase, and depending on the type of evaporator, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, and/or other factors, at least a portion of the vapor-phase vaporizable material is separated from the gas phase and at least a portion At local local equilibrium, particulate matter can condense to form as part of the aerosol. The vaporizable material in the condensed phase (eg, particulate matter) in at least partial local equilibrium with the vaporizable material in the gas phase is an inhalable dose provided by the evaporator 100 for a given puff or draw on the evaporator 100 . may form part or all of Ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemical reaction, flow conditions in airflow paths (both inside the evaporator and in human or other animal airways), vaporizable gaseous material or aerosol with other air streams The interaction between the vaporizable material in the gaseous and condensed phases, which is the aerosol generated by the evaporator 100 , is complex and dynamic, as factors such as mixing of phase materials, etc., can affect one or more physical parameters of an aerosol. It will be understood that there may be In some evaporators, and particularly for evaporators for the delivery of more volatile vaporizable materials, the inhalable dose may be predominantly in the gaseous phase (ie the formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited). ).

To enable the evaporator 100 to be used with vaporizable liquid materials (eg, stock solutions, suspensions, solutions, mixtures, etc.), the nebulizer 141 may cause fluid motion by capillary pressure. It may include a wicking element (also referred to herein as a wick) formed from one or more materials. The wicking element may deliver a quantity of vaporizable liquid material to the portion of the atomizer 141 that includes a heating element (also not shown in FIG. 1 ). The wicking element generally draws the vaporizable liquid material from a reservoir configured to receive (and in use can contain) the vaporizable liquid material such that the vaporizable liquid material can be evaporated by heat generated by the heating element. configured to do The wicking element may also optionally allow air to enter the reservoir and displace the volume of liquid removed. In other words, capillary action may draw the vaporizable liquid material to the wicking element for evaporation by the heating element (described below), and the air may, in some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least partially draw on the pressure in the reservoir. can be returned to the reservoir through the wick to equilibrate to Other approaches to allowing air back into the reservoir to equalize the pressure are also within the scope of this subject matter, as discussed in more detail below.

The heating element may be or include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater, and a convective heater. One type of heating element is a resistive heating element, wherein the resistive heating element is a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy or a non-metallic resistor) or may comprise at least this material. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the atomizer is enclosed around the wicking element, positioned within the wicking element, integrated into the bulk shape of the wicking element, pressed into thermal contact with the wicking element, or otherwise from the reservoir. Transfer heat to the wicking element to cause the vaporizable liquid material drawn by the wicking element to evaporate for later inhalation by the user as a gas and/or condensed (eg, aerosol particles or droplets). a heating element or other heating element comprising a resistive coil, arranged to Other wicking element, heating element, and/or atomizer assembly configurations are also possible, as discussed further below.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the evaporator 100 may be, for example, a solid-phase vaporizable material (eg, wax, etc.) or plant material containing the vaporizable material (eg, tobacco leaves and/or parts of tobacco leaves). ) to generate an inhalable dose of gas-phase and/or aerosol-phase vaporizable material through heating of the vaporizable non-liquid material, such as Accordingly, the heating element (or elements) may be part of the walls of an oven or other heating chamber upon which the vaporizable non-liquid material is disposed, or otherwise incorporated into or in thermal contact with such walls. have. Alternatively, a heating element (or elements) may be used to heat air passing or passing through the vaporizable non-liquid material to cause convective heating of the vaporizable non-liquid material. In still other examples, the resistive heating element or elements are in intimate contact with the plant material, such that direct conductive heating of the plant material occurs from within the mass of plant material (as opposed to, for example, by inward conduction from the walls of the oven). can be placed.

The heating element causes air to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet at the mouthpiece along the airflow path through the atomizer (eg, the wicking element and the heating element), optionally through one or more condensation regions or chambers. To do so, it may be activated in association with user puffing (eg, withdrawal, suction, etc.) on the mouthpiece 130 of the evaporator (eg, optionally a controller that is part of the evaporator body as discussed below). current may be passed from the power source, optionally through a circuit comprising a resistive heating element that is part of the evaporator cartridge as discussed below). Inlet air passing along the airflow path passes over the atomizer, through the atomizer, and the like, where the vapor phase vaporizable material is entrained into the air. As noted above, entrained gas-phase vaporizable material such that an inhalable dose of vaporizable material in the form of an aerosol can be delivered from an air outlet (eg, at the mouthpiece 130 for inhalation by a user). can condense as this material passes through the remainder of the airflow path.

The heating element may be activated in response to detecting a puff and/or determining that a puff is imminent. For example, puff detection may include, for example, one or more pressure sensors, a motion sensor (eg, configured to measure pressure along an airflow path relative to ambient pressure, changes in absolute pressure, and/or the like). to one or more sensors 113 included in the evaporator 100 , such as motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive sensors (eg, configured to detect contact between a user's lips and the evaporator 100 ). based on one or more of the signals generated by Alternatively and/or additionally, the puff (or impending puff) may be configured such that the user interacts with one or more input devices 116 (eg, buttons or other tactile control devices of the evaporator 100 ) included within the evaporator 100 . may be detected in response to detecting that, receiving signals from a computing device in communication with the evaporator 100 , and/or the like. It should be appreciated that puff detection, including determination of the impending occurrence of puff, may be performed using a variety of techniques.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the evaporator 100 may be configured to connect (eg, wirelessly or via a wired connection) to a computing device (or optionally two or more devices) in communication with the evaporator. For this purpose, the controller 104 may include communication hardware 105 . The controller 104 may also include a memory 108 . The computing device may be a component of an evaporator system that also includes the evaporator 100 , and may include its own communication hardware capable of establishing a wireless communication channel with the communication hardware 105 of the evaporator 100 . For example, a computing device utilized as part of an evaporator system may be a general-purpose computing device (eg, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, some other portable device such as a smart watch, etc.). In other implementations of the present subject matter, such a device used as part of an evaporator system may include one or more physical or soft (eg, configurable on a screen or other device device, a touch-sensitive screen, or a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor It may be a dedicated piece of hardware such as a remote control with interface controls or other wireless or wired device (selectable through user interaction with some other input device, such as buttons, etc.). The evaporator may also include one or more output 117 features or devices for providing information to a user.

A computing device that is part of an evaporator system as defined above may control dosing (eg, dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.), sessioning (e.g., session monitoring, session establishment, session limiting, user tracking, etc.), controlling nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable material, modulating the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.) , obtaining location information (eg, location of other users, retailer/commercial venue locations, vaping locations, relative or absolute location of the evaporator itself, etc.), evaporator personalization (eg evaporator naming, Evaporator lock/password protection, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating an evaporator with a group of users, registering the evaporator with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), social activity with other users (eg, gaming , social media communication, interacting with one or more groups, etc.), and the like). The terms “sessioning”, “session”, “evaporator session”, or “steam session” are used generically to refer to a period of time dedicated to the use of an evaporator. The period may include a period of time, a number of doses, an amount of vaporizable material, and/or the like.

In the example in which the computing device provides signals related to activation of a heating element, or in other examples of coupling the computing device with the evaporator 100 for the implementation of various control or other functions, the computing device may be configured with a user interface and basic data processing. may execute one or more sets of computer instructions to provide In one example, detection by the computing device of user interaction with the one or more user interface elements may result in the computing device activating the heating element to the full operating temperature for generation of an inhalable dose of vapor/aerosol ( 100) can be signaled. Other functions of the evaporator may be controlled by a user's interaction with a user interface on a computing device in communication with the evaporator 100 .

The temperature of the heating element of the evaporator depends on the amount of electrical power delivered to the heating element and/or the duty cycle over which the electrical power is delivered, conductive heat transfer to other parts of the electronic evaporator and/or the environment, wicking as a whole. Latent heat losses due to evaporation of the vaporizable material from the element and/or branch, and airflow (e.g., when a user inhales on an electronic evaporator, the air as a whole moves across the heating element or atomizer). ) can depend on a number of factors including convective heat losses due to As noted above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or to heat the heating element to a desired temperature, the evaporator 100, in some implementations of the present subject matter, is a pressure sensor to determine when the user is inhaling. signals from The pressure sensor may be positioned in the airflow path and/or the inlet for air to enter the device and the user to experience pressure changes at the same time as air passes through the evaporator device from the air inlet to the air outlet. It may be connected (eg, by a passageway or other route) to an airflow path connecting an outlet through which the resulting vapors and/or aerosols are inhaled. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the heating element is to be activated in association with the user's puff, eg, by automatic detection of the puff, eg, by a pressure sensor that detects a change in pressure in the airflow path. can

Typically, a pressure sensor (as well as any other sensors 113 ) may be located on or coupled to the controller 104 (eg, a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board). electrically or electronically connected either physically or via a wireless connection). In order to make measurements accurately and maintain the durability of the evaporator 100 , the resilient seal 150 may optionally isolate the airflow path from other parts of the evaporator 100 . The seal 150 , which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially enclose the pressure sensor such that connections of the pressure sensor to the internal circuitry of the evaporator are isolated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the airflow path. . In the example of a cartridge-based evaporator, the seal 150 is also one between the evaporator body 110 and the evaporator cartridge 1320 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) from one or more other portions of the evaporator body 110 . It is possible to separate portions of the above electrical connections. These arrangements of the seal 150 in the evaporator 100 protect the evaporator components from interactions with environmental factors such as water in the vapor or liquid phases, other fluids such as vaporizable material. It can help in mitigating potentially destructive effects on the evaporator, and/or to reduce the escape of air from a designated airflow path in the evaporator. Undesired air, liquid, or other fluid passing through and/or contacting circuitry of the evaporator may cause various undesirable effects, such as altering pressure readings, and/or Poor pressure signal, deterioration of the pressure sensor or other components, and/or may result in the accumulation of unwanted material such as moisture, vaporizable material, etc. in parts of the evaporator which may result in a shorter lifespan of the evaporator. Leaks in seal 150 may also result in user intake air passing over portions of the evaporator device containing or structured with materials that may not be desirable for inhalation.

Evaporator 100 may be a cartridge-based evaporator, as mentioned. Thus, in addition to the controller 104 , a power source 112 (eg, a battery), one or more sensors 113 , one or more charging contacts 124 , and a seal 150 , FIG. 1 shows an evaporator ( The evaporator body 110 of 100 is shown as including a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to receive at least a portion of an evaporator cartridge 1320 for coupling with the evaporator body 110 via one or more of a variety of attachment structures. do. In some examples, the evaporator cartridge 1320 may include a reservoir 140 for receiving a vaporizable liquid material, and a mouthpiece 130 for delivering an inhalable dose to a user. For example, an atomizer 141 comprising a wicking element and a heating element may be disposed at least partially within the evaporator cartridge 1320 . Optionally, the heating element and/or wicking element can be configured such that when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is fully connected to the evaporator body 110, the walls enclosing the cartridge receptacle 118 protect all or at least a portion of the heating element and/or wicking element. may be disposed within the evaporator cartridge 1320 to enclose it. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the portion of the evaporator cartridge 1320 that is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 may be located inside another portion of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . For example, the insertable portion of the evaporator cartridge 1320 may be at least partially surrounded by some other portion, such as, for example, an outer shell of the evaporator cartridge 1320 .

Alternatively, at least a portion of the atomizer 141 (eg, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element) may be disposed within the evaporator body 110 of the evaporator 100 . In embodiments where the portion of the nebulizer 141 (eg, the heating element and/or the wicking element) is part of the evaporator body 110 , the evaporator 100 transfers the liquid evaporator material to the reservoir 140 in the evaporator cartridge 1320 . ) to the nebulizer portion(s) contained within the evaporator body 110 .

As noted above, the removal of the vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 140 (eg, via capillary withdrawal of the wicking element) results in an at least partial vacuum (eg, evaporation) relative to the ambient air pressure in the reservoir 140 . reduced pressure created in the portion of the reservoir emptied by the consumption of possible liquid material), and this vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wicking element. This reduced pressure may, in some examples, be large enough in size to reduce the effectiveness of the wicking element to draw the vaporizable liquid material 102 , whereby when the user puffs on the evaporator 100 . As such, it may reduce the effectiveness of the evaporator 100 for evaporating a desired amount of the vaporizable material 102 . In extreme cases, the vacuum created in the reservoir 140 may result in the inability to withdraw all of the vaporizable material 102 from the reservoir 140 , thereby causing an incomplete vaporization of the vaporizable material 102 . may lead to use. One or more venting features may indicate that at least partial equilibration (optionally complete equilibration) of the ambient pressure (eg, the pressure in the ambient air outside of the reservoir 140 ) and the pressure in the reservoir 140 , addresses this issue. To facilitate mitigation, it may be included in association with the evaporator reservoir 140 (regardless of positioning of the reservoir 140 in the evaporator cartridge 1320 or elsewhere in the evaporator).

In some cases, allowing pressure equilibration within reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of delivery of vaporizable liquid material to atomizer 141 , but otherwise void volume within reservoir 140 . It can do so by allowing the space (eg, the space vacated by the use of vaporizable liquid material 1302 ) to be filled with air. As discussed in more detail below, this air-filled void volume may later experience pressure changes relative to ambient air, which under certain conditions, from reservoir 140 and ultimately evaporator cartridge 1320 . and/or leakage of vaporizable liquid material 1302 from the outside of another portion of the evaporator containing reservoir 140 . For example, a negative pressure event in which the pressure inside the evaporator cartridge 1320 is sufficiently high to displace at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir 140 may be, for example, the cartridge 1320 ) may be triggered by various environmental factors, such as changes in ambient temperature, altitude, and/or volume. Implementations of the present subject matter may also eliminate or at least minimize leakage of vaporizable material 1302 .

2A-2B show top cross-sectional views of an example of an evaporator cartridge 1320 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. 2A-2B, the cartridge 1320 includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece region 1330, a reservoir 1340 containing a vaporizable material 1302, and a nebulizer (not individually shown). may include 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 element withdrawn from the wicking element 1362 or stored within the wicking element 1362 . Thermally or thermodynamically coupled to heating element 1350 for the purpose of evaporating material 1302 .

Contact 1326 may be included, in one embodiment, to provide an electrical connection between heating element 1350 and a power source (eg, power source 112 shown in FIG. 1 ). An airflow passage 1338 defined on the side of or through the reservoir 1340 is a route for the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to pass from the heating element 1350 region to the mouthpiece region 1330 . In order to provide .

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

According to one or more exemplary implementations, the heating element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 may be made (eg, stamped) from a sheet of material and cream around at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . It may be crimped or bent to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wicking element 1362 . For example, the wicking element 1362 can be pushed into the heating element 1350 . Alternatively and/or additionally, the heating element 1350 can be held in tension and pulled over the wicking element 1362 .

The heating element 1350 may 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 . Further, the heating element 1350 may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . The configurations of the heating element 1350 may allow for a more consistent and improved quality manufacturing of the 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 can help reduce tolerance issues that may arise during manufacturing processes when assembling a heating element 1350 having multiple components.

Additionally, as further discussed below with respect to included embodiments relating to heating elements formed of crimped metal, heating element 1350 may be made of one or more materials to improve the heating performance of heating element 1350 . It may be fully and/or selectively plated. Plating all or a portion of heating element 1350 can help minimize heat losses. Plating may also help focus heat to a portion of heating element 1350 , thereby providing heating element 1350 that heats more efficiently and may further reduce heat losses. Selective plating may help direct the current provided to the heating element 1350 to the proper location. Selective plating may also help reduce the amount and/or costs of plating material associated with manufacturing the heating element 1350 .

As noted above, heating element 1350 is, in one embodiment, wicking such that wicking element 1362 is disposed at least partially within heating element 1350 (eg, a heating portion of heating element 1350 ). may be configured to receive at least a portion of element 1362 . For example, the wicking element 1362 may extend near or next to the plate 1326 and through resistive heating elements in contact with the plate 1326 . The wick housing may enclose at least a portion of the heating element 1350 and may connect the heating element 1350 directly or indirectly to the airflow passageway 1338 . Vaporizable material 1302 may be withdrawn by wicking element 1362 through one or more passageways connected to reservoir 1340 . In one embodiment, one or both of the primary passage 1382 or the overflow channel 1104 (see FIG. 5A ) transports the vaporizable material 1302 to the ends of one or both of the wicking elements 1362 . may be used to aid in routing or propagation, either raw or radially along the length of the wicking element 1362 .

In particular, as provided in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B , the exchange of air and vaporizable liquid material 1302 to and from the reservoir 1340 of the evaporator cartridge 1320 is advantageous. Unfortunately, it can be controlled by incorporating a structure referred to as collector 1313 . The inclusion of a collector 1313 also includes a vaporizable liquid material that is ultimately converted into an inhalable aerosol for the total volume of vaporizable liquid material contained within the cartridge 1320 (which may correspond to the capacity of the cartridge 1320 itself). can improve the volumetric efficiency of cartridge 1320 , defined as the volume of

According to some implementations, cartridge 1320 is a reservoir 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 vaporizable liquid material 1302 . (1340) may be included. Reservoir 1340 may include an overflow volume 1344 and a storage chamber 1342 that may or may not contain a collector 1313 . The storage chamber 1342 can contain the vaporizable material 1302 , and the overflow volume 1344 is one or more factors that the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage storage chamber 1342 overflows the volume 1344 . may be configured to collect and/or retain at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 when passing through In some implementations of the present subject matter, cartridge 1320 may be initially filled with vaporizable material 1302 such that the void space within collector 1313 is pre-filled with vaporizable material 1302 .

In some demonstrative embodiments, the volume size of the overflow volume 1344 is due to a change in the maximum expected pressure that the volume of contents in the storage chamber 1342 may be subjected to relative to the ambient pressure of the reservoir 1340 . When inflated, it may be configured to equal, approximately equal, or greater than the increase in the volume of contents (eg, vaporizable material 1302 and air) contained within the storage chamber 1342 .

In response to changes in ambient pressure, temperature, and/or other factors, cartridge 1320 may 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). differential, and a second relative pressure differential between the interior and ambient pressures of the reservoir). For example, in the first pressure state, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may be less than the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 . In contrast, in the second pressure state, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may exceed the ambient pressure. When cartridge 1320 is in equilibrium, the pressure inside cartridge 1320 may be substantially equal to the ambient pressure outside cartridge 1320 .

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 can be removed from cartridge 1320 . Vaporizable material 1302 that provides pressure equilibration and enters overflow volume 1344 (eg, from storage chamber 1342 in response to variations in the pressure differential between storage chamber 1342 and ambient pressure) .

As used herein, “pressure differential” may refer to the difference between the pressure within the interior portion of the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 . Drawing the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 into the atomizer for conversion to vapor or aerosol phases may reduce the volume of vaporizable material 1302 remaining within the storage chamber 1342 . Without a mechanism to return air to the storage chamber 1342 (eg, to increase the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 to achieve substantial equilibrium with the ambient pressure), a low pressure or even a vacuum may be generated within the cartridge 1320 . can be advanced in The low pressure or vacuum may interfere with the capillary action of the wicking element 1362 to draw additional quantities of vaporizable material 1302 into the heating element 1350 .

Alternatively, the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 may also increase due to various environmental factors, such as, for example, changes in the ambient temperature, altitude, and/or volume of the cartridge 1320 and 1320) may exceed the external ambient pressure. This increase in internal pressure may occur, for example, after air is returned to the storage chamber 1342 to achieve an equilibrium between the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 . However, sufficient variation in one or more environmental factors is sufficient for cartridge 1320 without any additional air entering cartridge 1320 to first achieve an equilibrium between the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure. It should be appreciated that the pressure in V may cause an increase from below ambient pressure to above ambient pressure (eg, transitioning from a first pressure state to a second pressure state). The resulting negative pressure event in which the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 undergoes a sufficient increase may displace at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber 1342 . If there is no mechanism for collecting and/or retaining the displaced vaporizable material 1302 within the cartridge 1320 , the displaced vaporizable material 1302 may leak from the cartridge 1320 .

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B , the reservoir 1340 may be embodied to include a first region and a second region separable from the first region such that the volume of the reservoir 1340 is the storage chamber 1342 . ) and an overflow volume 1344 . 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, the primary passageway 1382 can be very short in length (eg, a through hole from the space that receives the wicking element 1362 or other portions of the atomizer). In other examples, primary passage 1382 may be part of a longer fluid path between storage chamber 1342 and wicking element 1362 . The overflow volume 1344 may enter the overflow volume 1344 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. may be configured to collect and at least temporarily hold one or more portions of vaporizable material 1302 .

At the first pressure state, vaporizable material 1302 may be stored within storage chamber 1342 of reservoir 1340 . As noted, the first pressure condition may exist, for example, when the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 is approximately equal to the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 or is 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 overflow channel 1104 are such that the vaporizable material 1302 moves from the storage chamber 1342 through the primary passage 1382 into the wicking element ( 1362) to be able to flow. For example, capillary action of the wicking element 1362 may draw the vaporizable material 1302 adjacent to the heating element 1350 . Heat generated by heating element 1350 may act on vaporizable material 1302 to convert vaporizable material 1302 to a gas phase.

In one embodiment, in the first pressure state, none of the vaporizable material 1302 may flow to the collector 1313 , eg, into the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 , or evaporate A limited quantity of possible material 1302 may flow to the collector 1313 , for example into the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 . In contrast, when the cartridge 1320 transitions from the first pressure state to the second pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 can flow from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 of the reservoir 1340 . have. By collecting and at least temporarily holding the vaporizable material 1302 entering the collector 1313 , the collector 1313 prevents an undesirable (eg, excessive) flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir 1340 . can be prevented or limited. As mentioned, the second pressure condition may exist when the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 is less than the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 . This pressure differential may cause an expanding air bubble inside the storage chamber 1342 , which may displace a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 inside the storage chamber 1342 . The displaced portion of vaporizable material 1302 may be collected and at least temporarily retained by collector 1313 instead of exiting the cartridge to cause undesirable leakage.

Advantageously, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 may be controlled via routing the driven vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 at the second pressure state. For example, the collector 1313 in the overflow volume 1344 is a collector through which the vaporizable liquid material 1302 may exit the collector 1313 so that the vaporizable liquid material 1302 causes an undesirable leakage. to receive, collect and at least temporarily retain at least a portion (and advantageously all) of excess vaporizable liquid material 1302 pushed from storage chamber 1342 without allowing it to reach the outlet of 1313 . may comprise one or more capillary structures constructed. The collector 1313 is also advantageously configured when the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is reduced and/or equilibrated relative to the ambient pressure (eg, by excessive pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure). It may include capillary structures that allow the vaporizable liquid material pushed to the collector 1313 to be reversibly drawn back into the storage chamber 1342 . In other words, the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 may have microfluidic features or properties that prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying the collector 1313 . That is, the microfluidic features can be used to manage the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to and from the collector 1313 (ie, to provide flow reversal features). . In doing so, these microfluidic features may prevent or reduce leakage of vaporizable material 1302 , as well as trapping of air bubbles in storage chamber 1342 and/or overflow volume 1344 . .

Depending on the implementation, the above-mentioned microfluidic features or properties may include the size, shape, surface coating, structural features, and /or capillary properties. For example, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 may optionally be such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 inside the storage chamber 1342 is a volume of the vaporizable material 1302 in the storage chamber ( have different capillary properties than the primary passage 1382 leading to the wicking element 1362 such that passage from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 may be permitted during the second pressure state displaced from 1342 . can

In one exemplary implementation, the overall resistance of the collector 1313 to allow liquid to flow from the collector 1313 is, for example, the vaporizable material 1302 passing through the primary passageway 1382 during the first pressure state. ) may be greater than the total resistance of the wicking element 1362 to allow flow primarily towards the wicking element 1362 .

A primary passageway 1382 provides a capillary path through or to the wicking element 1362 for the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the reservoir 1340 to the reservoir 1340 . can do. The capillary path (eg, primary passage 1382 ) may be large enough to allow a wicking action or capillary action to displace vaporizable material 1302 evaporated in wicking element 1362 , but inside cartridge 1320 . When the excessive pressure of the vaporizable material 1302 displaces at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 , it may be small enough to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 from the cartridge 1320 . The wick housing or wicking element 1362 may be handled to prevent leakage. For example, cartridge 1320 may be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through wicking element 1362 . Any suitable coating may be used, including, for example, heat-evaporable coatings (eg, waxes or other materials) and/or the like.

When a user inhales from the mouthpiece area 1330 of the cartridge 1320 , air may flow into the cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening in operational relationship with the wicking element 1362 . The heating element 1350 may be activated in response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (shown in FIG. 1 ). As noted, the one or more sensors 113 may detect a puff and/or an impending puff, including by means of a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a flow sensor, or, for example, detection of changes in the airflow passageway 1338 . It may include at least one of the other devices capable of detecting. When the heating element 1350 is activated, the heating element 1350 causes current to flow through the plate 1326 or through another electrically resistive portion of the heating element 1350 that acts to convert electrical energy to thermal energy. As a result, it may undergo a temperature rise. Activating the heating element 1350 may include the controller 104 (eg, shown in FIG. 1 ) controlling the power source 112 to discharge an electrical current from the power source 112 to the heating element 1350 . It should be recognized that it can

In one embodiment, the generated heat is directed to the wicking element 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 evaporates. may be transferred to at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in Depending on the implementation, air entering the cartridge 1320 may flow over (or around, near, etc.) the heated elements at the wicking element 1362 and the heating element 1350, and the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 may be stripped into airflow passageway 1338 , where vapor may optionally be condensed and delivered in an aerosol form, for example, through an opening in mouthpiece region 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 2B , the storage chamber 1342 is an evaporator cartridge 1320 in which portions of the vaporizable liquid material 1302 driven from the storage chamber 1342 by the increased pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the surroundings. For the purpose of allowing retention in the overflow volume 1344 without escaping from the . Although the implementations described herein relate to an evaporator cartridge 1320 that includes a reservoir 1340, the approaches described are also compatible with and for use in an evaporator not having a separate cartridge. It will be understood that contemplated

Returning to the example, when the pressure inside the evaporator cartridge 1320 is lower than the ambient pressure, the air that can be introduced into the storage chamber 1342 can increase the pressure inside the evaporator cartridge 1320, and the evaporator cartridge 1320 may cause the pressure inside the evaporator cartridge 1320 to transition to a second pressure state that exceeds the ambient pressure outside the evaporator cartridge 1320 . Alternatively and/or additionally, the evaporator cartridge 1320 may contain changes in ambient temperature, changes in ambient pressure (eg, due to changes in external conditions such as altitude, weather, and/or the like), and / or (eg, when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is compacted by an external force such as squeezing) may transition to the second pressure state in response to a change in the volume of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . An increase in the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 may at least inflate the air occupying the void space of the storage chamber 1342 , for example in the case of a negative pressure event, thereby causing the storage chamber 1342 . ) can displace at least a portion of the vaporizable liquid material 1302 . The displaced portion of the vaporizable material 1302 may pass through at least a portion of the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 . The microfluidic features of the overflow channel 1104 are separated from the collector 1313 with only the meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the overflow channel 1104 transverse to the direction of flow along the length of the vaporizable liquid material 1302. may move along the length of the overflow channel 1104 of

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the microfluidic features are such that the vaporizable liquid material 1302 overflows with respect to the composition of the vaporizable liquid material 1302 and the material from which the walls of the overflow channel 1104 are formed. It may include a cross-sectional area small enough to preferentially wet the overflow channel 1104 around the entire perimeter of the channel 1104 . For the example in which the vaporizable liquid material 1302 comprises one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the wetting properties of this liquid are advantageously dependent on the materials from which the walls of the overflow channel 1104 are formed and the second passageway ( 1384) is considered a combination of geometries. In this way, as the sign (eg, positive, network, or equal) and magnitude of the pressure differential between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure varies, the meniscus causes the vaporizable material 1302 and air to pass past each other. To prevent migration, it is held between vaporizable liquid material 1302 present in overflow channel 1104 and air entering from the surrounding atmosphere. As the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 drops sufficiently relative to ambient pressure, and when there is sufficient void volume in the storage chamber to allow for it, the vaporizable vapor present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 Material 1302 may be sufficiently withdrawn into storage chamber 1342 to allow the leading liquid-air meniscus to reach a gate or port between overflow channel 1104 of collector 1313 and storage chamber 1342 . can At this time, if the pressure differential in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure is negative enough to overcome the surface tension holding the meniscus at the gate or port, one or more bubbles are formed. The meniscus can be removed from the gate or port walls to do so, and one or more air bubbles are then released into the storage chamber 1342 having a sufficient volume to equalize the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 to ambient pressure. do.

(e.g., a drop in ambient pressure, or localized heating, shape as may occur when the window of a moving vehicle is opened, when a train or vehicle exits a tunnel, etc., in an airplane cabin or other high altitude locations) storage chamber 1340 as discussed above (due to rise in internal pressure in the storage chamber 1340, etc.) as may occur due to mechanical pressure, etc. that distorts the storage chamber 1340 and thereby reduces the volume of the storage chamber 1340 ). The process described above can be reversed when the air introduced into the furnace (or otherwise being otherwise present therein) experiences elevated pressure conditions relative to its surroundings. The liquid passes through a gate or port into the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 , and the meniscus overflows to prevent air from flowing against and bypassing the propagation of the vaporizable material 1302 . Formed at the leading edge of the column of vaporizable material 1302 passing into channel 1104 .

By maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the microfluidic properties described above, the column of vaporizable material 1302 flows into the storage chamber 1340 when the elevated pressure in the storage chamber 1340 is subsequently reduced. , and optionally, the meniscus may be withdrawn again until it reaches the gate or port. If the pressure differential sufficiently favors the ambient pressure over the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342, the bubbling process described above may occur until the two pressures have equilibrated. In this way, the collector 1313 allows at least a portion (and preferably all or most) of this overflow volume of the vaporizable material 1302 to be transferred to the storage chamber 1340 for further delivery, for example, Evaporable material 1302 pushed from storage chamber 1342 under instantaneous conditions of greater storage chamber pressure compared to ambient pressure while allowing return to heating element 1350 for conversion to an inhalable aerosol It can act as an accepting reversible overflow volume.

Depending on the implementation, the storage chamber 1342 may or may not be connected to the wicking element 1362 via the overflow channel 1104 . In embodiments where the overflow channel 1104 includes a first end coupled with the storage chamber 1342 , and a second end of the overflow channel 1104 leading to the wicking element 1362 , overflow at the second end Any of the vaporizable material 1302 that may exit the flow channel 1104 may further saturate the wicking element 1362 .

Reservoir chamber 1342 may optionally be located closer to the end of reservoir 1340 proximate mouthpiece area 1330 . The overflow volume 1344 may be located, for example, between the storage chamber 1342 and the heating element 1350 , near the end of the reservoir 1340 closer to 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 can be located in an upper portion, a middle portion, or a lower 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 comprises an upper portion, a middle portion, and a middle portion of the cartridge 1320 according to one or more variations. Or it may be located in the lower part.

In one implementation, when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is filled to capacity, the volume of the vaporizable liquid material 1302 may be equal to the interior volume of the storage chamber 1342 plus the overflow volume 1344 . The interior volume of the overflow volume is, in some example implementations, the overflow channel 1104 between the outlet of the overflow channel 1104 and the gate or port that connects the overflow channel 1104 to the storage chamber 1340 . can correspond to the volume of In other words, the evaporator cartridge 1320 may be initially filled with the vaporizable liquid material 1302 such that all or at least a portion of the interior volume of the collector 1313 is occupied with the vaporizable liquid material 1302 . In this example, the vaporizable liquid material 1302 may be delivered to a nebulizer (eg, including a wicking element 1362 and a heating element 1350 ) as needed for delivery to a user. For example, to deliver a portion of vaporizable material 1302 , a portion of vaporizable material 1302 may be withdrawn from storage chamber 1340 , thereby allowing (air to pass in overflow channel 1104 ). Due to the meniscus maintained by the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 (preventing flow past the vaporizable material 1302 present), air cannot enter through the overflow channel 1104. As such, any vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 may be withdrawn back into the storage chamber 1340 . To allow the original volume of collector 1313 to be withdrawn into storage chamber 1340 , a sufficient quantity of vaporizable material 1302 has been delivered from storage chamber 1340 to the nebulizer (eg, for evaporation and user inhalation). Afterwards, the action discussed above takes place. For example, when a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is removed from the storage chamber 1340 (eg, relative to ambient pressure), to equalize the pressure within the storage chamber 1340 , the one or more air bubbles may pass through the secondary passageway. from a gate or port between 1384 and storage chamber 1340 . The pressure inside the storage chamber 1340 (eg, the inflow of air at a first pressure state, a change in temperature, a change in ambient pressure, a change in the volume of the evaporator cartridge 1320 , and/or the like) (due to) increasing above ambient pressure, a portion of the vaporizable liquid material 1302 inside the storage chamber 1340 may displace, thus subsidizing the elevated pressure condition in the storage compartment, with , from the storage chamber 1340 past the gate or port into the overflow channel 1104 until the vaporizable liquid material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 can be withdrawn back into the storage chamber 1340 . can

In some embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 is sufficient to accommodate the percentage of vaporizable material 1302 stored within the storage chamber 1342 , including at most approximately 100% of the capacity of the storage chamber 1342 . can be large In one embodiment, the collector 1313 may be configured to receive at least 6% to 25% of the volume of the storable vaporizable material 1302 within the storage chamber 1342 . Other ranges are also within the scope of this subject matter.

The structure of the collector 1313 allows the overflow portions of the vaporizable material 1302 to be contained, contained, or stored at least temporarily within the overflow volume 1314 in a controlled manner (eg, via capillary pressure). may be constructed, structured, molded, fabricated, or positioned in the overflow volume 1344 in different shapes and with different properties to This may prevent the vaporizable material 1302 from leaking from the cartridge 1320 or oversaturating the wicking element 1362 . It will be understood that the above description with reference to overflow channel 1104 is not intended to be limited to a single such overflow channel 1104 . One or optionally more than one overflow channel 1104 may be coupled 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 coupled to more than one overflow channel 1104 , or a single overflow channel 1104 may be connected to more than one overflow channel 1104 to provide additional overflow volume or other advantages. may be divided into overflow channels 1104 .

In some implementations of the subject matter, an air vent 1318 can connect the overflow volume 1344 to an airflow passage 1338 that ultimately leads to the ambient air environment outside the cartridge 1320 . . This air vent 1318 provides a path for air or bubbles that may have formed or trapped in the collector 1313 , for example the vaporizable material 1302 from which the overflow channel 1104 has been displaced from the storage chamber 1342 . During a second pressure state that fills with a portion of

According to some aspects, the air vent 1318 can act as a reverse vent, and when the overflow of the vaporizable material 1302 returns from the overflow volume 1344 back to the storage chamber 1342 , the second pressure may provide equilibration of the pressure within the cartridge 1320 during the return from the state to the equilibrium state. In this embodiment, when the ambient pressure exceeds the internal pressure in the cartridge 1320 , ambient air may flow through the air vent 1318 into the overflow channel 1104 , and within the overflow volume 1344 . It can effectively help push the temporarily stored vaporizable material 1302 back into the storage chamber 1342 in the reverse direction.

In one or more embodiments, at the first pressure state, the overflow channel 1104 may be at least partially occupied with air. In the second pressure state, the vaporizable material 1302 flows through the overflow channel 1104 at the point of the interface between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 , for example, through an opening (ie, a vent). ) can be entered. As a result, air in overflow channel 1104 may be displaced (eg, by incoming vaporizable material 1302 ) and may exit through air vent 1318 . In some embodiments, the air vent 1318 allows air to exit the overflow volume 1344 , while the vaporizable material 1302 exits the overflow channel 1104 into the airflow passageway 1338 . may act as or include a control valve (eg, selective osmosis membrane, microfluidic gate, etc.) As mentioned earlier, for example, the collector 1313 is filled with the vaporizable material 1302 displaced by excessive pressure in the storage chamber 1342 and the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is reduced to ambient pressure. As it empties when substantially equilibrated with , the air vent 1318 can act as an air exchange port to allow air to enter the collector 1313 and exit the collector 1313 . That is, the air vent 1318 is a first pressure state in which the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 is less than the ambient pressure, a second pressure state in which the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 exceeds the ambient pressure, and the cartridge 1320 inside may allow air to enter the collector 1313 and exit the collector 1313 when it is during the transition between the equilibration states where the pressure of , and the ambient pressure are substantially equal.

Thus, the vaporizable material 1302 may become vaporizable until the pressure within the cartridge 1320 stabilizes (eg, when the pressure within the cartridge 1320 is substantially equal to the ambient pressure or meets a specified equilibrium), or until the vaporizable material 1302 is vaporizable. Material 1302 may be stored in collector 1313 until it is removed from overflow volume 1344 (eg, by drawing it to the atomizer for evaporation). Thus, the level of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow volume 1344 is controlled by managing the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to and from collector 1313 as the ambient pressure changes. can be In one or more embodiments, overflow of vaporizable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 to overflow volume 1344 is dependent upon detected changes in the environment (eg, vaporizable material 1302 overflows). when the pressure event that caused the flow to subside or terminate) may be reversed or reversible.

As noted above, in some implementations of the subject matter, with the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 being lower than the ambient pressure (eg, transitioning back from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state), evaporation The flow of fusible material 1302 may be reversed in a direction to cause vaporizable material 1302 to flow back from the overflow volume 1344 to the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340 . Thus, depending on the implementation, the overflow volume 1344 is filled with the vaporizable material during a second pressure state in which the high pressure inside the cartridge 1320 displaces at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 . may be configured for temporary retention of overflow portions of 1302 . Depending on the implementation, during or after reversal to a first pressure state in which the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 is substantially equal to or less than ambient pressure, the amount of vaporizable material 1302 retained within the collector 1313 is At least a portion of the overflow may be returned back to the storage chamber 1342 .

To control vaporizable material 1302 flow in cartridge 1320 , in other implementations of the present subject matter, collector 1313 optionally has vaporizable material 1302 passing through overflow channel 1104 . ) absorbent or semi-absorbent material (eg, a material having sponge-like properties) to permanently or semi-permanently collect or retain the overflow of. In one exemplary embodiment where an absorbent material is included within the collector 1313 , the reverse flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the overflow volume 1344 back to the storage chamber 1342 is the absorbent material at the collector 1313 . It may not be practical or possible compared to embodiments implemented without (or not as much). That is, the presence of the absorbent or semi-absorbent material may at least partially inhibit the return of the vaporizable material 1302 collected in the overflow volume 1344 back to the storage chamber 1342 . Accordingly, the reversibility and/or reversibility rate of the vaporizable material 1302 into the storage chamber 1342 may be determined by including more or less densities or volumes of the absorbent material in the collector 1313 . , or by controlling the texture of the absorbent material, where these properties result in a higher or lower rate of absorption either immediately or over longer periods of time.

3A-3D show various design alternatives for connectors to form a coupling between the cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 of the evaporator 100 . 3A-3B show perspective views, respectively, of various examples of connectors, while FIGS. 3C-3D show top cross-sectional side views of various examples of connectors. Examples of connectors shown in FIGS. 3A-3D may include complementary male connectors (eg, protrusions) and female connectors (eg, receptacles). 1, 2A-2B, and 3A-3D, one end of the cartridge 1320 enables coupling between the cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 of the evaporator 100. It may include one or more connectors to allow For example, one end of the cartridge 1320 may include one or more mechanical connectors, electrical connectors configured to provide electrical coupling, mechanical coupling, and/or fluid coupling between the cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 , and fluid connectors. It should be appreciated that these connectors may be implemented in a variety of configurations.

In one implementation of the subject matter shown in FIGS. 1 , 3A, and 3C , one end of the cartridge 1320 is configured to engage a female connector (eg, a cartridge receptacle 118 ) in the evaporator body 110 . and a male connector 710 (eg, a protrusion) that is disposed on the male connector 710. In this example, when the cartridge 1320 is coupled with the evaporator body 110, the contact 1326 disposed on the male connector 710 is It may form an electrical coupling with a corresponding receptacle contact 125 in the cartridge receptacle 118. Also, the contact 1326 on the male connector 710 may be connected to the cartridge ( To secure 1320, for example, in a snap-lock manner, it may mechanically engage cartridge contacts 125 in the cartridge receptacle. Alternatively, Figures 3B and 3D show the cartridge ( Another example is shown in which one end of 1320 includes a female connector 712. The female connector 712 is a receptacle configured to receive a corresponding male connector (eg, a protrusion) on the evaporator body 110 . In this exemplary implementation, the contacts 1326 may be disposed within the female connector 712 , to form a mechanical as well as electrical coupling with corresponding contacts on the male connector on the evaporator body 110 . can be configured.

3E-3F show additional views of the cartridge 1320 having the male connector 710 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C . Referring to FIG. 3E , which illustrates an example isometric cross-sectional view of a cartridge 1320 , the cartridge 1320 includes a wick housing area 910 configured to receive at least a heating element 1350 and a wicking element 1362 of the cartridge 1320 . may include As shown in FIG. 3E , the wick housing area 910 may be disposed, at least partially, within the male connector 710 at one end of the cartridge 1320 . As such, when the male connector 710 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 , the wick housing region 910 comprising the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 is the evaporator body 110 . ) is disposed at least partially within the cartridge receptacle 118 , such that a cartridge receptacle 118 may provide additional insulation for the heating element 1350 . Meanwhile, FIG. 3F shows a top plan view of the cartridge 1320 . In particular, FIG. 9B shows that the male connector 710 may include one or more vent holes 920 disposed in or adjacent to the wick housing region 910 . One or more vent apertures 920 pinpoint to wicking element 1362, for example, to help control condensation within cartridge 1320, to improve capillary action, and/or the like. It may be configured to provide pinpoint vapor evacuation and/or airflow.

4A-4D show examples of cartridges 1320 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. 4A-4D , cartridge 1320 may include a collector 1313 , a heating element 1350 , a wicking element 1362 , a contact 1326 , and an airflow passage 1338 . . Collector 1313 may be configured to control the exchange of air and vaporizable material 1302 to and from reservoir 1340 of evaporator cartridge 1320 , as noted. Collector 1313 may be disposed within a housing of cartridge 1320 . In some implementations of the present subject matter, the collector 1313 may be constructed, designed, manufactured, fabricated, or structured completely or partially independently from the housing of the cartridge 1320 . have. Collector 1313 may also include, for example, a storage chamber 1342 , an airflow passage 1338 , a storage chamber 1342 , a heating element 1350 , a wicking element 1362 , and/or the like. It may be formed completely or partially independently of other components of the cartridge 1320 .

For example, in one embodiment of the present subject matter, cartridge 1320 may have a cartridge housing formed of a monolithic hollow structure having a first end and a second end. 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 an orifice or mouthpiece with an opening. The orifice or opening may be located opposite the receiving end of the cartridge housing into which the collector 1313 may be reinserably received. In some embodiments, the opening may be connected to the receiving end, for example, through an airflow passage 1338 that may extend through the collector 1313 and the body of the cartridge 1320 . As with other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, a nebulizer, eg, including a wicking element 1362 and a heating element 1350 as discussed elsewhere herein, is a vaporizable liquid an airflow passageway ( 1338 , or at least partially located in the air passage 1338 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the collector 1313 will have one or more gates and one or more channels configured to control the flow of air and vaporizable material 1320 to and from the reservoir 1340 . can To further illustrate, FIG. 5A shows a side plan view of an example of a collector 1313 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. A side plan view of a cartridge 1320 including an example of a collector 1313 is shown in FIG. 5B . Alternative implementations of collector 1313 may include additional gates and/or channels, although the example collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B includes a single gate 1102 and a single overflow channel 1104 . ) may be included. In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B , gate 1102 is a first portion of collector 1313 (e.g., in the opening facing the upper part). The gate 1102 can provide fluid coupling between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 formed by the second portion (eg, the middle portion) of the collector 1313 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the second portion of the collector 1313 can have a ribbed or multi-fin-shaped structure that forms the overflow channel 1104 . . The overflow channel 1104 may spiral away from the gate 1102 and towards the air exchange port 1106 , may be tapered, and/or may be inclined. 5A-5B , the overflow channel 1104 guides at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 collected in the overflow volume 1344 moving towards the air exchange port 1106 or can be configured to cause Evaporable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 may enter overflow volume 1344 through gate 1102 . The air exchange port 1106 may be connected to ambient air through an air path or airflow path that connects to the mouthpiece. This air path or airflow path is not explicitly shown in Figs. 5A-5B.

As shown in FIG. 6A , in some implementations of the present subject matter, the collector 1313 is inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342 after the collector 1313 is inserted into the receptacle. ) may be configured to include a flat rib 2102 extending outwardly around the lower perimeter of the collector 1313 to create a suitable surface for welding the inner walls of the storage chamber 1342 . A perimeter weld or tack weld option may be employed to securely secure the collector 1313 within a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342 . Alternatively, a friction-tight and leak-proof bond may be established without employing a welding technique, and/or an adhesive material may be used instead of the above-mentioned bonding techniques or It can be used in addition to this.

Referring now to FIG. 6B , a seal bead profile 2104 may be made around the helical ribs of the collector 1313 defining the overflow channel 1104 such that the seal bead profile 2104 is It can support a quick turn injection molding process. The sealing bead profile 2104 geometry can be designed in a variety of ways so that the collector 1313 can be inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342 in a friction-tight manner, where the vaporizable material ( 1302 can flow through the overflow channel 1104 without any leakage along the seal bead profile 2104 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the collector 1313 may include a central tunnel 1100 (eg, shown in FIG. 5D ) that may be configured to serve as an airflow channel leading to the mouthpiece. The airflow channel can be connected to an air exchange port 1106 such that the volume inside the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 is connected to ambient air through an air exchange port 1106 and through a gate 1102 . It is also connected to a volume in the storage chamber 1342 . As such, in accordance with some implementations of the present subject matter, the gate 1102 may be used 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, for example, to control the flow of air and vaporizable material 1302 between the overflow volume 1344 and the air path leading to the mouthpiece. It should be appreciated that the overflow channel 1104 may be diagonal, vertical, or horizontal in relation 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 is because the initial interface between the vaporizable material 1302 and the gate 1102 may prevent, for example, air trapped in the overflow channel 1104 from entering the storage chamber 1342 . Also, this interface allows a limited quantity of vaporizable material 1302 to flow without disrupting the negligible equilibrium state of vaporizable material 1302 to and from overflow volume 1344 . Capillary interaction between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 may be initiated to allow entry into the overflow channel 1104 . The capillary action (or interaction) between the walls of the overflow channel 1104 and the vaporizable material 1302 causes the cartridge 1320 to move to the first pressure when the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure. While in the state, it is possible to maintain the aforementioned equilibrium state.

Equilibrium and additional capillary interactions between the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 may be established through adapting or adjusting the volumetric size of the overflow channel 1104 along the length of the channel. may or may be configured. As provided in more detail herein, the size of the cross-sectional area of the overflow channel 1104 (including implementations of the subject matter in which the overflow channel 1104 does not have a circular cross-section) of the overflow channel 1104, as provided in greater detail herein. Diameter (used herein to refer generically to a measure) is a diameter that, depending on changes in pressure, provides direct and reverse flows of vaporizable material 1302 to and from collector 1313 . A large overall volume of the overflow channel while still maintaining the gate points for meniscus formation to allow for sufficiently strong capillary interactions and to prevent air from flowing past the liquid in the overflow channel 1104 . To further allow, it may be retracted at predetermined intervals or points, or over the entire length of the channel.

The diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the overflow channel 1104 is determined by the surface tension caused by cohesion within the vaporizable material 1302 and the walls of the vaporizable material 1302 and the overflow channel 1104 . The combination of wetting forces therebetween may act to cause the formation of a meniscus that separates vaporizable liquid material 1302 from air in a dimension transverse to the axis of flow in overflow channel 1104 . This meniscus may prevent air and vaporizable liquid material 1302 from passing through each other. Since the meniscus has an intrinsic curvature, it will be understood that reference to a dimension transverse to the direction of flow is not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is planar in this or any other dimension.

2B and 5B , the wicking element 1362 is configured such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 can be evaporated by the heat generated by the heating element 1350 . , may be thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the heating element 1350 . On the other hand, the air exchange port 1106 allows the flow of air (and/or other gases) from the overflow channel 1104 while preventing the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the overflow channel 1104 . can be structured to do so.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5B , direct or reverse flows of vaporizable material 1302 in collector 1313 are capillary tubes that may exist between vaporizable material 1302 and the retention walls of overflow channel 1104 . It can be controlled (eg, can be improved or weakened) through implementing a suitable structure (eg, microchannel configuration) to introduce and/or exploit the properties. For example, length, diameter, inner surface texture (eg, rough versus smooth), retraction points, directional tapering of channel structures, constrictions, gate 1102 , overflow channel 1104 , or air exchange port. Factors associated with the material used to structure or coat the surface of 1106 are dependent on the fact that liquid is drawn into the overflow channel 1104 by capillary action or other influencing forces acting on the cartridge 1320 or the overflow channel ( 1104) can positively or negatively affect the rate of travel.

One or more of the factors mentioned above, according to an implementation, may cause displacement of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 as it collects in the channel structures of the collector 1313 . control can be used to introduce a desired degree of reversibility. As such, in some embodiments, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to collector 1313 is through selectively controlling the various factors mentioned above and at pressure conditions inside or outside of cartridge 1320 . It may be fully reversible or semi-reversible depending on the changes.

5A-5B and 11A-11B , in one or more embodiments, the collector 1313 may be formed, structured, or configured to have a single-channel single-vent structure. can be In such embodiments, the overflow channel 1104 comprises a continuous passage, tube, channel, etc. for connecting the gate 1102 to an air exchange port 1106 that may be optionally located near the wicking element 1362 . or other structures. Thus, in such embodiments, the vaporizable material 1302 may enter or exit the collector 1313 from the gate 1102 and through a specially structured channel, where it evaporates. Possible material 1302 flows in a first direction when overflow volume 1344 is being filled and flows in a second direction when overflow volume 1344 is being drained.

To help maintain equilibrium and/or control flow of vaporizable material 1302 into overflow channel 1104 , overflow channel 1104 , gate 1102 , and/or air exchange port 1106 . ) may be adapted or modified to balance the rate of flow of vaporizable material 1302 in overflow channel 1104 at different pressure conditions. In implementations of the present subject matter, for example, the overflow channel 1104 is such that the cross-sectional dimension (eg, diameter, area, and/or the like) of the overflow channel 1104 decreases toward the gate 1102 . On the other hand, the cross-sectional dimensions (eg, diameter, area, and/or the like) of the overflow channel 1104 may be tapered to increase toward the air exchange port 1106 . That is, the cross-sectional dimensions of the overflow channel 1104 may be minimal at the gate 1102 at which the overflow channel 1104 is coupled with the storage chamber 1342 , while the cross-sectional dimensions of the overflow channel 1104 are the overflow channels. Channel 1104 may be maximal at air exchange port 1106 coupled to the surrounding environment outside cartridge 1320 . It should be appreciated that the tapering of the overflow channel 1104 may be continuous or discrete. Alternatively and/or additionally, one or more retraction points may be disposed along the length of the overflow channel 1104 .

The non-tapered end of the overflow channel 1104 at which the cross-sectional dimensions of the overflow channel 1104 are minimal is shown in FIG. 2A , where the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 is connected to a mouthpiece (eg, an airflow passageway 1338 ). It can be coupled to the air flow path delivered to the air vent (1318) shown in. Further, the non-tapered end of the overflow channel 1104 may also lead to an area near the wick housing 1315 (see, eg, FIG. 7 ), such that the vaporizable material 1302 exiting the overflow channel 1104 . ) may saturate the wicking element 1362 .

The tapered structure of the overflow channel 1104 may reduce or increase the confinement to the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to the collector 1313 , as desired. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 tapers towards the gate 1102, a favorable capillary pressure towards the reverse flow is induced in the overflow channel 1104 by the tapering, such that the vaporizable material 1302 The direction of flow is from the collector 1313 to the storage chamber 1342 when the pressure condition changes (eg, when the negative pressure event is removed or subsided). In particular, implementing the overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening may prevent free flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to the collector 1313 . That is, the tapering of the overflow channel 1104 towards the gate 1102 causes the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to flow from the gate 1102 (eg, back to the storage chamber 1342 ). and prevent flow of the vaporizable material 1302 through the gate 1102 and into the overflow channel 1104 (eg, from the storage chamber 1342 ). On the other hand, the non-tapered configuration for the overflow channel 1104 in the direction leading towards the air exchange port 1106 is such that the increased pressure in the cartridge 1320 causes the vaporizable material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 to in the collector 1313 during a second pressure state that causes at least a portion of Provides efficient storage of vaporizable material 1302 .

As such, the dimensions (eg, diameter) and shape of the collector 1313 may be implemented such that the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 through the gate 1102 and into the overflow channel 1104 is controlled at a desired rate. For example, during the second pressure state, the dimensions and shape of the collector 1313 (e.g., when the pressure inside the cartridge 1320 and the ambient pressure outside the cartridge 1320 achieve a substantial equilibrium) back to the storage chamber ( Evaporable material 1302 is too free (e.g., due to excessive pressure inside cartridge 1320 displacing it from storage chamber 1342 with at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302), favoring reverse flow to 1342. It may be configured to prevent flow to the collector 1313 (eg, past a certain flow rate or threshold). The combination of interactions between the vent 1318 , the overflow channel 1104 at the collector 1313 that constitutes the overflow volume 1344 , and the air exchange port 1106 is, in one embodiment, factors, as well as the controlled flow of vaporizable material 1302 to and from overflow channel 1104 , can provide adequate ventilation of air bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge. It is noteworthy

Referring back to FIG. 5B , the portion of the cartridge 1320 that includes the storage chamber 1342 may also be configured to include a mouthpiece that may be used by a user to aspirate the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . have. An airflow passage 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342 , thereby connecting the evaporation chamber. Depending on the implementation, the airflow passageway 1338 is, for example, a straw-shaped structure defining a channel within the storage chamber 1342 to allow passage of the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . Or it may be a hollow cylinder. The airflow passageway may have a circular or at least approximately circular cross-sectional shape, although it will be understood that other cross-sectional shapes for the airflow passageway are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

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

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the airflow passageway 1338 is an integral part of a monolithically molded mouthpiece that includes a storage chamber 1342 through which the airflow passageway 1338 extends through the storage chamber 1342 . can be negative In other configurations, the airflow passageway 1338 may be a separate structure that may be separately 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 internally from an opening in the mouthpiece portion.

Without limitation, a variety of different structural configurations may be possible for connecting the mouthpiece (and the airflow passageway 1338 within the mouthpiece) to the air exchange port 1106 at the collector. As provided herein, the collector 1313 ) may also include a storage chamber 1342 and/or may be inserted into the body of a cartridge 1320, which may act as a storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the airflow passageway 1338 may include: It may be structured as an inner sleeve that is an integral part of the monolithic cartridge body such that an opening at a first end of the collector 1313 receives a first end of the sleeve structure defining an airflow passageway 1338 . The mouthpiece may be a single barrel mouthpiece as shown in Figure 5B, or a multi-barrel mouth in which multiple airflow passages are provided to deliver a higher dose of evaporated vaporizable material 1302. It should be appreciated that it may be a piece, for example a double barrel mouthpiece.

As noted, the collector 1313 includes various mechanisms for controlling the forward and reverse flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to and from the collector 1313 (eg, overflow volume 1344 ). may include Some of these factors may include configuring the capillary actuation of the fluid vent referred to herein as the gate 1102 . The capillary actuation of the gate 1102 may be, for example, less than that of the wicking element 1362 , while the flow resistance of the collector 1313 may be greater than that of the wicking element 1362 . The overflow channel 1104 may have smooth and/or wavy interior surfaces for controlling the flow rate of the vaporizable material 1302 through the overflow channel 1104 . As noted, the overflow channel 1104 provides adequate capillary interactions and forces to limit flow through the gate 1102 and into the overflow volume 1344 during the first pressure state to provide for the second pressure state. may be beveled and/or tapered to facilitate reverse flow through gate 1102 and from overflow volume 1344 during operation.

Additional modifications to the shape and structure of the collector 1313 components may be possible to help further tune or fine-tune the flow of vaporizable material 1302 to or from the collector 1313 . For example, a smoothly curved helical channel configuration (ie, as opposed to a channel having sharp turns or edges) as shown in FIGS. 5A-5H may provide one or more vents, channels, aperture Additional features, such as poles, and/or constricted structures, may allow for inclusion in the collector 1313 at predetermined intervals along the overflow channel 1104 . As provided in greater detail herein, these additional features, structures, and/or configurations may be applied to the vaporizable material 1302 , for example, along the overflow channel 1104 or through the gate 1102 . It can help provide a higher level of flow control.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5E , the fully or partially inclined helical surface may be configured to define one or more sides of the interior volume of the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 to define one or more sides of the overflow channel 1104 . ), such that the vaporizable material 1302 is driven by capillary pressure (or gravity) through the overflow channel 1104 when the vaporizable material 1302 enters the overflow channel 1104 allowing it to flow freely. The central tunnel 1100 may traverse the length of the collector 1313 . At a first end, a central tunnel 1100 through a collector 1313 can interact with a wick housing 1315 (see, eg, FIG. 7 ) in which a wicking element 1362 and a heating element 1350 are disposed and the wick housing (1315) can be connected. At the second end, the central tunnel 1100 may interact with, or be connected to, one end of a duct or tube defining an airflow passage 1338 in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 1320 , or , can accommodate one such end. A first end of the airflow passageway 1338 may be connected (eg, via insertion) to a second end of the central tunnel 1100 . The second end of the airflow passageway 1338 may include an opening or orifice formed in the mouthpiece region.

Evaporated vaporizable material 1302 produced by heating element 1350 that heats vaporizable material 1302, according to one or more embodiments, is at one end of central tunnel 1100 at collector 1313 . It can enter through, can pass through the central tunnel 1100, can further pass from the second end of the central tunnel 1100 to the first end of the air flow passage (1338). The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 can then pass through the airflow passageway 1338 and exit through a mouthpiece opening formed at the second end of the airflow passageway 1338 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the gate 1102 can control the flow of the vaporizable material 1302 to and from the overflow channel 1104 at the collector 1313 . The air exchange port 1106 is a connection to ambient air, as provided in greater detail herein, to adjust the air pressure at the collector 1313 and ultimately in the storage chamber 1342 of the cartridge 1320 . Through the path, it is possible to control the flow of air to and from the overflow channel 1104 . In some embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 is the vaporizable material 1302 present in the overflow channel 1104 of the collector 1313 (eg, due to being displaced by excessive pressure inside the cartridge 1320 ). ) from exiting the overflow channel 1104 and from leaking into the airflow passageway (eg, the central tunnel 1100 ).

The air exchange port 1106 may be configured to allow the vaporizable material 1302 to exit towards a route leading to the area where the wicking element 1362 is mounted. This embodiment avoids leakage of vaporizable material 1302 into an airflow passageway leading to the mouthpiece (eg, central tunnel 1100 ) when vaporizable material 1302 is displaced from storage chamber 1342 . can help In some implementations, the air exchange port 1106 allows the inflow and outflow of gaseous material (eg, bubbles), while the vaporizable material 1302 enters the collector 1313 through the air exchange port 1106 . It may have a membrane preventing it from entering or exiting the collector 1313 .

Referring now to FIGS. 5C-5H , the flow rate of vaporizable material 1302 to and from collector 1313 through gate 1102 is directly proportional to the volumetric pressure inside overflow channel 1104 . can be related to Thus, the flow rate to and from collector 1313 through gate 1102 is the flow rate of overflow channel 1104 (either uniformly, or either through introducing multiple retraction points, for example). Through manipulating the hydraulic diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the overflow channel 1104 and adjusting the flow rate to the collector 1313 so that reducing the overall volume can lead to increased pressure in the overflow channel 1104 . can be controlled. Thus, in at least one implementation, the hydraulic diameter (or cross-sectional area) of the overflow channel 1104 is uniform along the length of the helical path of the overflow channel 1104 , or introduces one or more retraction points 1111a . may be reduced (eg, may be narrowed, pinched, retracted, or confined) either through For example, in the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 5C-5E , overflow channel 1104 is between gate 1102 and air exchange port 1106 along the length of overflow channel 1104 . It may include a number of downward sloping spirals having various retraction points 1111a and 1111b disposed. The quantity of spirals in the overflow channel 1104 as well as the number of retraction points along the length of the overflow channel 1104 can determine the volumetric pressure at the collector 1313 . Also, the volumetric pressure inside the collector 1313 may be determined by the configuration of retraction points disposed along the length of the overflow channel 1104 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 5C , the point of retraction 1111a is from bumps, raised edges, protrusions, or the inner surface of the overflow channel 1104 (ie, the blade of the collector 1313 ). It may be formed through extending retraction points. The shape of the retraction point 1111a may be defined as a bump, finger, prong, fin, edge, or any other shape that constricts the cross-sectional area transverse to the flow direction in the overflow channel. . In the example shown in FIG. 5C , the retraction point 1111a can be, for example, in the shape of a shark fin with the distal end of the retraction point 1111a tapering to an edge. Also, as shown in FIG. 5C , a pointed or cantilevered edge of a shark fin shape may be rounded, although the cantilevered edge may also be tapered to a sharp end. The shape, size, relative location, and total number of retraction points disposed along the length of the overflow channel 1104 fine-tune, for example, the tendency of the meniscus to form within the overflow channel 1104 . (eg, separating vaporizable liquid material 1302 and air) to further control the inflow and outflow of vaporizable liquid material 1302 to and from overflow channel 1104 . can be adjusted.

For example, if it is desirable to instead maintain the incoming flow in the overflow channel 1104 at a higher rate than the outgoing flow, the meniscus faces back towards the storage compartment 1340 . To facilitate the formation and retention of a meniscus that resists outward flow of liquid (eg, away from storage chamber 1340 ) while making it easier to exit the side of the retraction point, the retraction points are aligned with the outgoing flow and It can be shaped to have a flat surface facing and a round surface facing the incoming flow. In this way, a series of such retraction points can function as a kind of "hydraulic ratchet" system in which the return flow of liquid to the storage compartment is microfluidically facilitated relative to outward flow from the storage compartment. This effect may be achieved at least in part by the relative tendency of the meniscus to rupture from the storage chamber side of the retraction points than from the opposite side.

Referring back to FIG. 5C , in one exemplary implementation, in addition to (or instead of) retraction points extending from the floor or ceilings of the overflow channel 1104 , some retraction points are located in the overflow channel 1104 . ) from the inner walls of As shown more clearly in FIG. 5F , the retraction point may extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same retraction point 1111a, where two additional retraction points are C-shaped retraction points ( 1111a) extend from the floor and ceiling of the overflow channel 1104. Some implementations illustrated in FIGS. 5D and 5F more effectively modify the microfluidic properties of overflow channel 1104 to promote liquid flow retracting towards storage chamber 1340 compared to the implementation in FIG. 5C . This is tunable because the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 is more constricted (ie, narrowed) at the retraction point 1111a shown in FIGS. 5D and 5F .

The constriction points 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 as a rounded C shape, the inner wall of the retraction point may have a corner (eg, a sharp corner) such as those shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G .

In some examples, the overflow channel 1104 may have, at a first level, retraction points extending from a ceiling of the overflow channel 1104 , while at a second level, the retraction points are of the overflow channel 1104 . It may extend from the floor. At a third level, the retraction points may extend from the interior walls, for example. Alternatives to the above implementations help to control the microfluidic effect on flow in two directions within the overflow channel 1104 or by adjusting or changing the number and shapes of the retraction points. may be possible by the positioning of the retraction points in different sequences or levels. In one example, the retraction point 1111a may be implemented, for example, on one or more (or all) levels, sides, or widths of the collector 1313 .

Referring now to FIGS. 5E-5G , in addition to defining a retraction point 1111a along a longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or a wider side of the collector 1313, one or more extra retraction points ( 1111b) may be defined along the narrower side of the collector 1313 . As such, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5E-5G may improve the regulation of resistance to meniscus separation or promotion of meniscus separation, compared to the embodiment in FIG. 5D , because This is because the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow volume) of the overflow channel 1104 shrinks more due to the addition of the extra retraction point 1111b.

Referring now to FIG. 5H , in some implementations of the subject subject matter, gate 1102 has a tapered edge, rim, or flange that is flatter in one direction, similar to retraction point 1111a or 1111b . It may be structured to include an aperture or opening configuration. For example, the rim of the gate 1102 aperture may be flat on one side (eg, the side facing towards the storage chamber 1342 ) and on another side (eg, the side facing away from the storage chamber 1342 ). ) can be shaped in a round shape. In this configuration, the microfluidic forces that promote flow back to storage chamber 1340 for flow away from storage chamber 1340 are improved due to easier meniscus separation on the less rounded side compared to the more rounded side. can be

Thus, depending on the retraction points and implementations and variations in the structure or configuration of the gate 1102 , the resistance to flow of the vaporizable material 1302 from the collector 1313 to the collector 1313 and storage It may be higher than the resistance to the flow of vaporizable material 1302 towards chamber 1340 . In some implementations, the gate 1102 is liquid-tight such that there is a layer of vaporizable material 1302 in the medium where the storage chamber 1342 communicates with the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344 . It is structured to hold a liquid seal. The presence of the liquid seal promotes a sufficient level of vacuum (eg, partial vacuum) in the storage chamber 1342 so that the vaporizable material 1302 drains completely into the overflow volume 1344 , as well as the wicking element ( To prevent 1362 from being deprived of adequate saturation, it may help to maintain a pressure equilibrium between storage chamber 1342 and overflow volume 1344 .

In one or more exemplary implementations, a single passageway or channel in the collector 1313 may be connected to the storage chamber 1342 through two vents such that the two vents are liquid regardless of the positioning of the cartridge 1320 . keep sealed. Formation of the liquid seal at gate 1102 also occurs at collector 1313 when cartridge 1320 is held diagonally to horizontal, or when cartridge 1320 is positioned with the mouthpiece facing down. It can help prevent air from entering the storage chamber 1342 . This is because when the bubbles from the collector 1313 enter the reservoir, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 will equalize with 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 being drained through the wick feed 1368 ) will cause ambient air to flow into the storage chamber 1342 . will be offset to

In some scenarios, a headspace vacuum may not be maintained when the empty space in 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 at gate 1102 may be broken. This effect may be due to the inability of the gate 1102 to maintain a fluid film as the collector 1313 drains and the headspace comes into contact with the gate 1102 , leading to a loss of partial headspace vacuum.

In some embodiments, the headspace in the storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure, and if there is a hydrostatic offset between the nebulizer in the cartridge 1320 and the gate 1102 , the storage The contents of chamber 1342 may drain to the atomizer, resulting in wick-box overflow and leakage. To avoid leakage, one or more embodiments may be implemented to eliminate the static offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer and to maintain the gate 1102 functionality when the storage chamber 1342 is nearly drained.

5I-5K show gates to establish a high-drive connection between gate 1102 and overflow channel 1104 at collector 1313 to maintain a liquid seal at gate 1102. 1102 shows a maze-shaped structure 1190 that may be structured around. In the example shown in FIG. 5J , a moat-shaped structure 1190 may be included as a means to further improve the maintenance of a liquid seal at the gate 1102 in accordance with one or more implementations.

5L-5N show various views of a gate 1102 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 is to be connected to the storage chamber 1342 via, for example, a V-shaped or horn-shaped controlled fluid gate 1102 . In some cases, the V-shaped gate 1102 includes at least two (and preferably three) openings that connect to the storage chamber 1342 . As provided in greater 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. 5L , on the first side of the vent, a vent passage can be maintained between the overflow channel 1104 and the gate 1102 , through which air bubbles are trapped in the overflow channel 1104 at the collector. can be evacuated to storage. On the second side, the one or more high-drive channels connected to the reservoir are configured to provide premature ventilation of air bubbles from and to the reservoir, as well as air or vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir to the overflow channel 1104 . ) may be implemented to facilitate pinch-off at pinch-off point 1122 to maintain a liquid seal that prevents undesirable entry of .

Depending on the implementation, the high-actuation channels shown by way of example on the right side of FIG. 5L are preferably kept sealed due to the capillary pressure exerted by the vaporizable liquid material 1302 in the cartridge reservoir. Low-drive channels formed on the opposite side (ie, shown on the upper left in FIG. 5L ) have relatively lower capillary actuation compared to high-drive channels, but the first pressure In this state, it can be configured to still have sufficient capillary actuation such that the liquid seal is maintained in both the high-actuation channels and the low-actuation channels.

Thus, in a first pressure state (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is approximately above ambient air pressure), the liquid seal is maintained in both the low-actuation and high-actuation channels, preventing any air bubbles from flowing into the reservoir. prevent. Conversely, at the second pressure state (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is below ambient air pressure), bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (eg, via entry through the air exchange port 1106 ), or more The generally leading meniscus edge of the vaporizable liquid material-air interface may pass toward and up the controlled fluid gate 1102 . When the meniscus reaches the pinch-off point 1122 located between the low-actuation and high-actuation channels of the vent 1104 , a higher capillary resistance is found to be present in the high-actuation channel(s). Because of this, air is preferentially routed through the low-drive channel or channels.

Once the bubbles have passed through the low-drive channel portion of the gate 1102, they enter the reservoir and equalize the pressure inside the reservoir with the pressure of the ambient air. As such, the air exchange port 1106 in combination with the controlled fluid gate 1102 allows ambient air entering through the overflow channel 1104 into the reservoir until an equilibrium pressure condition is established between the reservoir and the ambient air. allow to pass As mentioned earlier, this process may be referred to as reservoir ventilation. Once an equilibrium pressure state is established (eg, transitioning from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state), the high-drive channels and the low-drive channels fed by the vaporizable liquid material 1302 stored in the reservoir. Due to the presence of liquid in both, the liquid seal is re-established at pinch-off point 1122 .

In some implementations, tapered channels can be designed to increase drive towards controlled ventilation. Given the pinch-off of the two advancing meniscus, the tank wall and channel bottom of the reservoir can be configured to continue providing actuation, while the sidewalls provide a pinch-off position for 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.

Referring again to FIGS. 4C-4D and 5B , in some variations, the collector 1313 may be configured to be removably 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, fork-shaped retraction points 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 retraction points. This configuration may also help prevent significant swelling and weakening of the wicking element 1362 due to oversaturation.

5C-5E , according to an embodiment, one or more additional ducts, channels, tubes, or cavities passing through the collector 1313 may carry the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 13420 . It may be structured or configured as routes that feed to wicking element 1362. In some configurations, such as those discussed in more detail herein, a wick feeding duct, tube, or cavity (ie, wick feed 1368) )) may run approximately parallel to the central tunnel 1100. In at least one configuration, for example, independently or optionally, either in combination with a wick exchange comprising one or more other wick feeds, There may be one or more wick feeds running diagonally along the length of the collector 1313 .

In some embodiments, a plurality of wick feeds may be interactively connected in a multi-linked configuration, such that the junction of the feeding paths possibly intersecting each other may lead to the wick housing area. This configuration can help prevent complete blockage of the wick feeding mechanism, for example, if one or more feeding paths at the wick feed junction are obstructed through the formation of gas bubbles or other types of clogging. . Advantageously, the means of multiple feeding paths allows the vaporizable material 1302 to pass through one or more paths (or different but open intersection) to allow safe passage towards the wick housing area.

Depending on the embodiment, the wick feed path may be shaped as a tube having, for example, a circular or faceted cross-diameter 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 can be, for example, in the shape of a hollow cross such that the arms of the cross are related to the diameter of the central cross section of the cross from which the arms extend. has a narrower width in More generally, the wick feed channel (also referred to herein as the first channel) provides an alternative path for vaporizable liquid material to flow therethrough when the bubble blocks the remainder of the cross-sectional area of the wick feed. It may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregular portion (projection, side channel, etc.). Although the cross-shaped cross-section of this example is an example of such a structure, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other shapes are also contemplated and feasible in accordance with the present disclosure.

A cross-shaped duct or tube implementation formed through a wick feed path can overcome clogging problems because the cross-shaped tube has five separate passages (e.g., a central passage formed in the hollow center of the cross, and 4 additional passageways formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In this embodiment, for example, a blockage in the feeding tube through gas bubbles would likely be formed in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, such that a sub-passage (ie, passageway through the arm of the cross-shaped tube) would be formed. ) is open to flow.

According to one or more aspects, the wick-feeding passages may be wide enough to allow vaporizable material 1302 to freely pass through and towards the wick. In some embodiments, flow through the wick feed may be improved through devising the relative diameter of certain portions of the wick feed to force capillary traction or pressure against the vaporizable material 1302 passing through the wick feed path. may or may be accepted. In other words, depending on shape or other structural or material factors, some wick feeding passages may rely on gravity or capillary forces to induce movement of vaporizable material 1302 towards the wick-housing portion.

In a cross-shaped tube embodiment, for example, the feeding paths passing through the arms of the cross-shaped tube may be configured to feed the wick through capillary pressure instead of dependence on gravity. In this embodiment, the central portion of the cross-shaped tube can feed the wick due to gravity, for example, while the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the arms of the cross-shaped tube is driven by capillary pressure. can be supported. It is noted that the cross-shaped tube disclosed herein is for the purpose of providing exemplary embodiments.

It will be appreciated that the cross-shaped cross-section of the wick feed path is a number of potential configurations consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. In other words, the concepts and functionality implemented in this exemplary embodiment may extend to wick feed paths having different cross-sectional shapes (eg, tubes having hollow star-shaped cross-sections having two or more arms are wick feed extending from the central tunnel that runs along the route). A general feature consistent with this aspect of the present subject matter is that, with respect to the wetting angle of the material forming the wick feed path and of the vaporizable liquid material to be used, preferentially, the bubble cannot completely block, for example, the entirety of the cross-section. A cross-sectional shape that results in a cross-sectional shape in which one or more protruding shapes in the cross-section maintain a continuous liquid flow path around any such bubble (eg, in the portion of the wick feed path that forms the protruding portion of the cross-section). This is because the meniscus is sized to form over the protruding shape.

Referring again to FIG. 5C , an exemplary collector 1313 configuration is shown, wherein two wick feeds 1368 are a collector through which vaporizable material 1302 can enter the feed and a housing for the wick is formed. 1313) are located on the two opposite sides of the central tunnel 1100, so as to be able to flow directly towards the cavity area at the other end.

The wick feed mechanisms may be formed through the collector 1313 such that at least one wick feed path in the collector 1313 may be shaped as a faceted cross-diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed can 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 the diameter of the central cross section of the cross from which the arms extend. has a narrower width in relation to

This central positioning of the gas bubble ultimately results in a sub-passage (i.e., through the arm of the cross-shaped tube) that remains open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302, even when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble. passage) will be left behind. Other implementations for the wick feed passage structure are possible, which may achieve the same or similar purpose as disclosed above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or avoiding the entrapped gas bubbles completely blocking the wick feed passage.

The addition of more vents in the structure of the collector 1313 may allow for faster flow rates depending on the implementation, since when additional vents are available, a relatively larger aggregate of vaporizable material 1302 This is because the volume can be displaced. 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.

8A shows a perspective view, a front view, a side view, a bottom view, and a top view of an example of a collector 1313 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIG. 8A , gate 1102 may be V-shaped. The collector 1313, along with additional components (eg, the wicking element 1362 , the heating element 1350 , and the wick housing 1315 ), can fit within the hollow cavity in the cartridge 1320 . A wicking element 1362 may be positioned between the second end of the collector 1313 and a 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, is a cartridge on the opposite side of the mouthpiece to hold the components therein in a pressure-sealed or pressure-fit manner. It can be inserted into the end of 1320 . The sealing or fitting of the collector 1313 and the wick housing 1315 within the inner walls of the receiving sleeve of the cartridge 1320 preferably prevents leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 held in the reservoir of the cartridge 1320 . tight enough to In some embodiments, the pressure seal between the inner walls of the receiving sleeve of the wick housing 1315 and collector 1313 and cartridge 1320 is also tight enough to prevent manual disassembly of the components with bare hands by the user. .

Referring now to FIGS. 8B-8C , in some implementations of the present subject matter, for example, maintaining a larger area of saturation of the vaporizable material 1302 towards the ends of the wicking element 1362 to ( With compression ribs 1110 to help prevent leakage by keeping the central portion of 1362 drier and less prone to leaking, wicking element 1362 extends along its length (e.g., wick feed 1368). It may be constrained or compressed in some position (towards the longitudinal distal ends of the wicking element 1362 positioned immediately below it). Also, use of the compression rib 1110 may further press the wicking element 1362 into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

8D-8F show top plan views of examples of wick feed mechanisms that may be formed by or structured through the collector 1313 . In the example shown in FIG. 8D , the at least one wick feed 1368 path at the collector 1313 may be shaped as a multifaceted cross-diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed 1368 path can be in the shape of a plus sign (eg, a hollow cross-shaped wick feed when viewed from the top cross-section) so that the arms of the cross are at the center of the cross from which the arms extend. It has a narrower width in relation to the diameter of the intersection. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8E , a duct or tube having a cross-shaped diameter formed through the wick feed 1368 path can overcome the clogging problems, because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter is five This is because it can be considered to include separate passages (eg, a central passage formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional passages formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such implementations, a blockage in the feeding tube through gas bubbles (eg, bubbles) will likely be formed in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube as shown in FIG. 8E . The central positioning of the bubble ultimately results in a sub-passage that remains open to the flow of vaporizable material 1302 (ie, the passage through the arm of the cross-shaped tube), even when the central path is blocked by the bubble. will leave

Referring now to FIG. 8F , the wick feedback mechanism may also be a weak feed 1368 path structure that can trap gas bubbles or avoid trapped gas bubbles completely blocking the wick feed 1368 path. . As shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 8F , one or more separate nipples having one or more droplet-shaped retraction points 1368a and/or 1368b (eg, a wick feed 1368 path therebetween) (similar in shape to nipple) may be formed at the end of the wick feed 1368 path, through the wick feed 1368 path, the vaporizable material 1302 gas bubbles in the wick feed 1368 path. When captured in the central region of , flow from the storage chamber 1342 to the collector 1313 to help guide the vaporizable material 1302 through the wick feed 1368 path. In this way, a reasonably controllable and consistent flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be streamed towards the wick, avoiding a scenario in which the wick is improperly saturated with vaporizable material 1302 .

7 shows perspective, front, side, and exploded views of an example of a cartridge 1320 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, cartridge 1320 can include a mouthpiece-reservoir combination shaped in the form of a sleeve having an airflow passageway 1338 defined through the sleeve. Regions in cartridge 1320 mount collector 1313 , wicking element 1362 , heating element 1350 , and wick housing 1315 . An opening at the first end of the collector 1313 leads to an airflow passage 1338 in the mouthpiece, through which evaporated vaporizable material 1302 passes from the heating element 1350 area to the mouthpiece inhaled by the user. provides a route for

9A-9C show perspective, front, and side views of an example of a cartridge 1320 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. 9A-9C , a cartridge 1320 as shown includes a collector 1313 , a heating element 1350 , and for holding the cartridge components in place as they are inserted into the body of the cartridge. It can be assembled from a number of components including the wick housing 1315 . In one embodiment, laser welding may be implemented at a circumferential junction approximately located at the point where one end of the collector 1313 meets the wick housing 1313 . Laser welding between the collector 1313 and the heating chamber 1315 may prevent the vaporizable liquid material 1302 at the collector 1313 from flowing into the heating chamber 1315 in which the atomizer is disposed.

Evaporating the vaporizable material into an aerosol may result in condensate collecting along one or more internal channels and outlets of some evaporators (eg, along the mouthpiece). For example, such condensate may comprise vaporizable material withdrawn from the reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into condensate prior to exiting the evaporator. Additionally, vaporizable material avoiding the evaporation process may also accumulate along one or more interior channels and/or air outlets. This may result in condensate and/or non-evaporated vaporizable material exiting the mouthpiece outlet and depositing into the user's mouth, thereby creating an unpleasant user experience as well as otherwise available inhalation. It is possible to reduce the amount of possible aerosols. Further, accumulation and loss of condensate can ultimately result in the inability to withdraw all of the vaporizable material from the reservoir to the evaporation chamber, thereby wasting vaporizable material. For example, as vaporizable material particulates accumulate in the inner channels of the air tube downstream of the evaporation chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the airflow passage narrows, thus increasing the flow rate of air, thereby causing drag. forces) onto the accumulated fluid, and consequently amplifies the potential to entrain the fluid from the internal channels and through the mouthpiece outlet. As such, in some implementations of the present subject matter, the evaporator cartridge 1320 includes, for example, a condensate collector 3201, and a condensate recirculation channel 3204 extending from the opening of the mouthpiece to the wicking element 13620. (e.g., microfluidic channels.) To further illustrate, Figures 10A-10E include an example of a condensate recycle system, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Various views of a cartridge 1320 are shown.

10A-10E , the condensate collector 3201 is cooled and evaporated to be converted into droplets at the mouthpiece to collect the condensed droplets and route the condensed droplets to the condensate recirculator channel 3204 . may act on the vaporizable material 1302 . A condensate recirculator channel 3204 collects condensate and large vapor droplets and returns them to the wick and prevents vaporizable liquid material formed in the mouthpiece from depositing into the user's mouth while the user is puffing or inhaling from the mouthpiece. prevent. The condensate recirculator channel 3204 is microscopic to trap any liquid droplet condensate, thereby eliminating direct inhalation of the vaporizable material in liquid form and avoiding undesirable sensations or tastes in the user's mouth. It can be implemented as a fluid channel.

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 device are shown with respect to FIGS. 45A-C. do. For example, FIGS. 45A-45C show another example of a condensate recirculator system 360 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Condensate recirculator system 360 may be configured to collect vaporizable material condensate and return the condensate to the wick for reuse. 45A-45C , the condensate recirculator system 360 has an internally grooved air tube 334 that creates an airflow passageway 338 that extends from the mouthpiece toward the evaporation chamber 342 . ), and can be configured to collect any vaporizable material condensate and return it (via capillary action) back to the wick for reuse.

One function of the grooves may include that the vaporizable material condensate is trapped or otherwise located within the grooves. Condensate, once placed inside the grooves, drains down 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, the vaporizable material particulates may fill into the grooves, rather than forming or building up a wall of condensate inside the air tube if the grooves were not present. When the grooves are filled enough to establish fluid communication with the wick, the condensate drains through and from the grooves and can be reused as a vaporizable material. In some embodiments, the grooves may be tapered such that the grooves are narrower towards the wick and wider towards the mouthpiece. This tapering may promote fluid movement towards the evaporation chamber as more condensate collects in the grooves through higher capillary action at a narrower point.

45A shows a cross-sectional view of air tube 334 . The air tube 334 includes an airflow passage 338 , and one or more interior grooves having a decreasing hydraulic diameter toward the evaporation chamber 342 . The grooves are sized and shaped such that a fluid (such as condensate) disposed within the grooves can be transported through capillary action from the first location to the second location. The inner grooves include an air tube groove 364 and a chamber groove 365 . The air tube groove 364 may be disposed inside the air tube 334 , wherein the cross section of the air tube groove 364 at the air tube first end 362 is the air at the air tube second end 363 . It may be tapered to be larger than the cross-section of the tube groove 364 . The chamber groove 365 may be disposed adjacent the air tube second end 363 and may engage the air tube groove 364 . The interior groove may be in fluid communication with the wick and configured to allow the wick to continuously drain vaporizable material condensate from the interior groove, thereby reducing the build-up of a film of condensate in the airflow passageway 338 . can be prevented Condensate may preferentially enter the inner grooves due to capillary actuation of the inner grooves. The gradient of capillary actuation in the inner groove directs fluid migration towards the wick housing 346 , where the vaporizable material condensate is recycled by re-saturating the wick.

45B and 45C show internal views of the condensate recirculator system 360 as seen from air tube first end 362 and air tube second end 363, respectively. The air tube first end 362 may be disposed adjacent the mouthpiece and/or the air outlet. The air tube second end 363 may be disposed adjacent 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 the effective cross-section of the airflow passage narrows, either by accumulation of condensate in the airflow passage or by design as discussed herein, the flow rate of air moving through the air tube increases, causing the accumulated fluid ( For example, the application of drag forces on the condensate). When the drag forces pulling the fluid towards the user (eg, in response to suction on the evaporator) are higher than the capillary forces pulling the fluid towards the wick, the fluid exits the air outlet.

To overcome these issues and promote condensate away from the mouthpiece outlet and back towards the evaporation chamber 342 and/or the wick, a tapered airflow passageway is provided with an air tube groove 364 adjacent the evaporation chamber 342. is provided to be narrower than the cross-section of the air tube groove 364 adjacent the mouthpiece. Also, each of the inner grooves may be narrowed so that the width of the inner groove adjacent the air tube first end 362 may be wider than the width of the inner groove adjacent the air tube second end 363 . As such, the narrowing passage increases capillary actuation of the air tube grooves 364 and promotes fluid movement of the condensate towards the chamber grooves 365 . Further, the chamber groove 365 adjacent the air tube second end 363 may be wider than the width of the chamber groove 365 adjacent the wick. That is, in addition to the airflow passage itself narrowing toward the end of the wick, each groove channel gradually narrows as it approaches the wick.

To maximize the effectiveness of the capillary action provided by the condensate recirculator system design, the air tube cross-sectional size relative to the groove size may be considered. Capillary actuation can increase as the groove width narrows, but smaller groove sizes can result in condensate overflowing the grooves and clogging the air tube. As such, the groove width may range from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.8 mm.

In some embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves may vary. For example, the grooves need not necessarily have a decreasing hydraulic diameter 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 structure, a tapered structure, a helical structure, and/or other arrangements.

11A-11B show front and side views of a cartridge 1310 having an example of an external airflow path, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B , one or more gates, also referred to as air inlet holes, may be provided on the evaporator body 110 . The inlet apertures have an air inlet having a width, height, and depth sized to prevent a user from unintentionally blocking the individual air inlet apertures when the user is holding the evaporator 100 coupled with the cartridge 1320 . It may be located inside the channel. In one aspect, the air inlet channel configuration can be long enough so as not to significantly block or restrict airflow through the air inlet channel, for example, when a user's fingers block an area of the air inlet channel.

In some implementations of the subject matter, the geometry of the air inlet channel means that the user cannot completely cover or block the air inlet holes in the air inlet channel with, for example, a finger, hand, and/or another body part. At least one of a minimum length, a minimum depth, or a maximum width may be provided to ensure. For example, the length of the air inlet channel may be greater than the width of an average human finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel is such that when a user's finger is pressed on the top of the channel, the resulting skin folds are It may not be interfacing with the internal air inlet holes.

The air inlet channel may be structured or formed as having rounded edges, or it may be shaped to wrap around one or more corners or regions of the evaporator body 110 so that the air inlet channel can be placed on a user's finger or body part. cannot be easily covered by In some implementations of the present subject matter, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet channel such that a user's fingers cannot block or completely restrict airflow to the air inlet channel. Alternatively and/or additionally, an air inlet channel may be disposed at the interface between the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 . For example, the air inlet channel is a recessed area, e.g., a shim, formed between the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is coupled with the evaporator body 110. seams, cavities, grooves, gaps, and/or the like. This recessed area is such that a user's finger (or other body part) can cover only a portion of the recessed area and air still enters the air inlet channel through the uncovered portion of the recessed area. , at least partially around the circumference of the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 .

12A shows perspective, top, bottom, and various side views of an example of a wick housing 1315 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, one or more perforations, holes, Alternatively, the slot 596 may be formed in the lower portion of the wick housing 1315 . A sufficient number of slots 596 can facilitate adequate airflow through the wick housing 1315 , which in response to heat generated by the heating element 1350 positioned near or around the wicking element 1362 . It may be necessary to provide adequate and timely evaporation of the absorbed vaporizable material 1302 into the wicking element 1362 .

To prevent vaporizable material 1302 present in wick housing 1315, eg, vaporizable material 1302 drawn into wicking element 1362, from flowing out of wick housing 1315, slot 596 ) (eg, cross-sectional area, diameter, width, length, and/or the like) of the meniscus, eg, one or more shrinkage, that may be formed to prevent further outflow of vaporizable material 1302 . It may be stepped to provide a point. To further illustrate, FIGS. 50A-50B show cross-sectional views of a wick housing 1315 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. 50A-50B , the inner dimension of the slot 596 is greater than the dimension of the slot 596 at the bottom of the wick housing 1315 so that the inside of the slot 596 exhibits at least one step. In that it may be smaller, the slot 596 may be stepped.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the dimension of the slot 596 at the bottom of the wick housing 1315 may be between 1.0 and 1.4 millimeters long by 0.3 and 0.7 millimeters wide. For example, slot 596 may be 1.2 millimeters long by 0.5 millimeters wide at the bottom of wick housing 1315, but may represent a stepped interior such that the internal dimensions of the slot are approximately 1.0 millimeter long by 0.3 millimeters wide. . The step may provide a point of retraction, at which point the meniscus may be formed to prevent further outflow of vaporizable material 1302 from slot 596 . In particular, maintaining the air-liquid interface within the stepped interior of the slot 596 means that the vaporizable liquid material 1302 punctures the bottom of the wick housing 1315, e.g., the evaporator cartridge 1320. Contamination of the external environment including the evaporator body 110 at a location adjacent to where the evaporator body 110 engages (eg, the cartridge receptacle 118 ) can be prevented.

12B shows, for example, a perspective view of a collector 1313 and a wick housing 1315 that may be coupled to form at least a portion of a cartridge 1320 . As shown, the wick housing 1315 (including the wick-housing portion of the cartridge) may be implemented to include one or more protruding members. 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 that correspond to or coincide with a receiving notch in the lower portion of collector 1313 or one or more facets in receiving cavity 1390 . Receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive tab 4390, for example, for snap-fit engagement. The snap-fit arrangement can help hold the collector 1313 and wick housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

In some embodiments, tab 4390 may be used to direct orientation of 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 various components of cartridge 1320 . According to some implementations, tab 4390 may assist in orienting an upper portion of wick housing 1315 for a mechanical gripper for purposes of easy engagement and accurate automated assembly.

In some implementations of the subject matter, the collector 1313 can include one or more features configured to facilitate mixing of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in the airflow passageway 1338 . As mentioned, the central tunnel 1100 includes a collector 1313 to form a fluid connection between the airflow passageway 1338 and the wick housing 1315 in which the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 are disposed. can cross Thus, the aerosol generated by the heating element 1350 that heats the vaporizable material 1302 withdrawn from the wicking element 1362 prior to flowing into the airflow passage 1338 for delivery to the user, the wick housing ( 1315 to the central tunnel 1100 at the collector 1313 . Collector 1313 and wick housing 1315 to facilitate mixing of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 as vaporized vaporizable material 1302 passes through central tunnel 1100 and airflow passageway 1338 . ), the bottom surface of the collector 1313 may include one or more features configured to direct a flow of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 .

To further illustrate, FIGS. 52A-52E show a collector 1313 with an example of a flow controller 5220 , consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. 52A-52E , the collector 1313 may include, on its lower surface, a flow controller 5220 . The bottom surface of the collector 1313 may include one or more coupling mechanisms for securing the collector 1313 to the wick housing 1315, including, for example, a first coupling mechanism 5210a and a second coupling mechanism 5210b. may include more. The first mating mechanism 5210a and the second mating mechanism 5210b are inserted into a corresponding female connector (eg, a receptacle) in the wick housing 1315 and a male connector configured to frictionally engage the corresponding female connectors. For example, it may be a fork). In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 52A-52E , the bottom surface of collector 1313 has one or more wick interfaces including, for example, a first wick interface 5230a and a second wick interface 5230b. may include more. The first wick interface 5230a and the second wick interface 5230b may be coupled with the wick feed 1368 . For example, a first wick interface 5230a may be disposed between the end of the first wick feed 1368a and the wick housing 1315 , while a second wick interface 5230b may be disposed between the second wick feed 1368b and the second wick interface 5230b. It may be disposed between the end of the wick housing (1315). The first wick interface 5230a and the second wick interface 5230b each have at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 flowing through the wick feed 1368 , a wicking element 1360 disposed within the wick housing 1315 . ) can be configured to serve as a conduit for delivery to

52A-52E , flow controller 5220 may be fluidly coupled with central tunnel 1100 , which in turn is in fluid communication with airflow passageway 1338 . In some implementations of the present subject matter, flow controller 5220 is configured to facilitate mixing of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 in central tunnel 1100 and/or airflow passageway 1338 in a manner that facilitates mixing of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 . may be configured to direct a flow of material 1302 . Mixing of the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may be desirable for a variety of reasons including, for example, to adjust the temperature and/or distribution of vaporized particulates in the aerosol delivered to the user.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, flow controller 5220 may include one or more channels including, for example, a first channel 5225a and a second channel 5225b. In the example of collector 1313 shown in FIGS. 52A-52E , the first opening of the first channel 5225a to the central tunnel 1100 is the second opening of the second channel 5226b to the central tunnel 1100 . The relative positions of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b may be offset (or staggered) such that they are at least partially offset from . Also, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b may be tapered, for example, to form separate funnel-like structures. The cross-sectional dimensions of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b may also taper towards the end where the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b meet the central tunnel 1100 . For example, first channel 5225a and second channel 5225b may each taper over a height of approximately 2.25 millimeters from 2.62 millimeters x 5.85 millimeters (at the bottom of collector 1313) to 1.35 millimeters x 0.70 millimeters. can Also, the inner walls of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b may be inclined toward the center of the central tunnel 1100 . Accordingly, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b are respectively separated from the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 entering the flow controller 5220 from the wick housing 1315 , and the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 . can form a separate column of

Further, each column of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may flow in a direction that is offset to the beveled inner contours of the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b. For example, instead of passing straight up towards the airflow passageway 1338 , columns of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may be directed towards the walls of the central tunnel 1100 and the airflow passageway 1338 . . That is, flow controller 5220 may be configured to disrupt a laminar flow of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 , in which each layer of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 passes at its own rate. and with their own temperature, the layers of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 pass independently without any collapse or mixing between the layers. Transverse mixing between the layers of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 in a laminar flow can be slow (eg, via diffusion mixing) as well as minimal. As such, without the disruption introduced by the flow controller 5220, the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 will not undergo sufficient mixing before entering the airflow passageway 1338 for delivery to a user.

In contrast, the first channel 5225a and the second channel 5225b are configured to offset the flow of the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 , so that the flow controller 5220 introduces turbulence through the flow controller 5220 . It can be introduced into the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 . For example, offsetting the flow direction of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 means that each column of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 interacts with each other as well as the walls of the central tunnel 1100 and airflow passageway 1338 . You can force them to interact. These interactions may disrupt layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 passing at different velocities and having different temperatures to promote mixing of the layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 .

To further illustrate, FIG. 52F shows an example of laminar flow and an example of turbulent flow through central tunnel 1100 and airflow passageway 1338 . On the left side of FIG. 52F , the columns of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 remain separate as the columns of evaporated vaporizable material 1302 pass through the central tunnel 1100 and airflow passageway 1338 . As such, the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 maintains a significant laminar flow with minimal mixing occurring between the layers of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 . In contrast, on the right side of FIG. 52F , columns of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 are of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to interact with each other as well as walls of central tunnel 1100 and airflow passageway 1338 . Flow controller 5220 introduced turbulence into vaporized vaporizable material 1302 , including by offsetting the flow direction of the columns. As mentioned, the turbulence of the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 is such that the resulting aerosol delivered to the user may exhibit more homogeneity in the temperature and/or distribution of vaporized particulates. Mixing of the different layers of material 1302 may be facilitated.

As noted above, an evaporator cartridge 1320 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may include one or more heating elements, such as, for example, heating element 1350 . According to some implementations of the present subject matter, the heating element 1350 may preferably be shaped to receive the wicking element 1362 and/or to be at least partially crimped or pressed around the wicking element 1362 . can The heating element 1350 may 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 . Heating element 1350 can be manufactured more easily than typical heating elements. A heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may also be made of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating, and in some implementations, the heating element may be heated more efficiently by the heating element (and thus the vaporizable material). It may include selective plating of other materials to allow for

13A illustrates an exploded view of an example of evaporator cartridge 1320 , FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of evaporator cartridge 1320 , and FIG. 13C shows a bottom perspective view of an example of evaporator cartridge 1320 . 44A-44C , the evaporator cartridge 1320 houses a collector 1313 (disposed at least partially within the wiki housing 1315), a wick housing 1315, and a heating element 1350. It may include a housing 160 configured to do so. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the wick housing 1315 , the heating element 1350 , and the wicking element 1362 can form the atomizer assembly 141 shown in FIG. 1 .

As will be described in greater detail below, at least a portion of the heating element 1350 is positioned between the housing 160 and the wick housing 1315 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 1315 may include four sides. For example, the wick housing 1315 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. Recesses may be located along the long side of the wick housing 1315 and adjacent to respective intersections between the long side and the short side of the wick housing 1315 . The recess may be shaped to releasably engage a corresponding feature (eg, a spring) on the evaporator body 110 to secure the evaporator cartridge 1320 to the evaporator body 110 in the cartridge receptacle 118 . The recess provides a mechanically stable securing means for coupling the evaporator cartridge 1320 to the evaporator body 110 .

In some implementations, the wick housing 1315 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 1315 , for example on a short side of the wick housing 1315 . The wick housing 1315 may additionally or alternatively include a chip recess configured to receive an identification chip 174 . The chip recess may be surrounded by two, four, or more walls. The chip recess may be shaped to secure the identification chip 174 to the wick housing 1315 .

14-17 illustrate schematic views of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic view of heating element 1350 in an unfolded position. As shown, in the unfolded position, heating element 1350 forms a planar heating element. The heating element 1350 may be initially formed of a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut and/or stamped into a suitable shape through various mechanical processes including, but not limited to, stamping, laser cutting, photo etching, chemical etching, and/or the like.

The substrate material may consist of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating. In some implementations, heating element 1350 includes a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel alloy, stainless steel, and/or the like. As discussed below, the heating element 1350 improves, limits, or otherwise improves 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 1350 ). The coating may be plated at one or more locations on the surface of the substrate material to alter.

The heating element 1350 may include one or more tines 502 (eg, heating segments) positioned in the heating portion 504 , one or more (eg, one, two, or more) connecting portions or legs 506 , and cartridge contacts 124 positioned in the electrical contact area 510 and formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506 . The tine 502 , the leg 506 , and the cartridge contact 124 may be integrally formed. For example, tines 502 , legs 506 , and cartridge contacts 124 form portions of heating element 1350 that are stamped and/or cut from the substrate material. In some implementations, heating element 1350 also includes a heat shield that extends from one or more legs 506 and may be integrally formed with tines 502 , legs 506 , and cartridge contacts 124 . (518).

In some implementations, at least a portion of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 is configured to interface with the vaporizable material drawn into the wicking element from the reservoir 1340 of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . The heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise handled to create a desired resistance. For example, a tine 502 located in the heating portion 504 may evaporate from the wicking element such that the resistance of the tine 502 matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect localized heating in the heating portion 504 . It can be designed to heat possible materials 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 and evaporated from the side edges of each of the tines 502 from the wicking element. 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 1350 , among other properties of the tine 502 . The shape, length, width, composition, etc., among other properties of the tine 502 , may additionally or alternatively be determined by heat over the length of the tine 502 (or a portion of the tine 502 , such as 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 1350 . In some examples, the length of tine 502 may be controlled to achieve a desired resistance along at least a portion of heating element 1350 , for example at heating portion 504 . 45-48, the tines 502 each have the same size and shape. For example, the tines 502 include an outer edge 503 that is either a flat or square outer edge 503 or a rounded outer edge 503, which is approximately aligned and has a generally rectangular shape. In some implementations, one or more tines 502 may include an outer edge 503 that may be unaligned and/or differently sized or shaped. In some implementations, the tines 502 may be equally spaced, or may have variable spacing between adjacent tines 502 . The specific geometry of the tines 502 preferably determines the performance of the heating element 1350 to create a specific localized resistance to heat the heating portion 504 and to heat the vaporizable material and generate an aerosol. can be selected to maximize

Heating element 1350 may include portions of a wider and/or thicker geometry and/or different composition than tine 502 . These portions may form an electrical contact area and/or a more conductive portion, and/or may include features for mounting the heating element 1350 within the evaporator cartridge. Legs 506 of heating element 1350 extend from the end of each outermost tine 502A. Legs 506 typically form a portion of heating element 1350 having a width and/or thickness greater than the width of each of tines 502 . However, in some implementations, the legs 506 have a width and/or thickness that is less than or equal to the width of each of the tines 502 . Legs 506 couple heating element 1350 to wick housing 1315 or another portion of evaporator cartridge 1320 such that heating element 1350 is at least partially or fully enclosed by housing 160 . Legs 506 provide stiffness to facilitate heating element 1350 to be mechanically stable during and after fabrication. Legs 506 also connect cartridge contacts 124 with tines 502 located in heating portion 504 . Legs 506 are shaped and sized such that heating element 1350 can maintain the electrical requirements of heating portion 504 . 18 , legs 506 space heating portion 504 from the end of evaporator cartridge 1320 when heating element 1350 is assembled with evaporator cartridge 1320 . Legs 506 may also include capillary features configured to restrict and/or prevent vaporizable material 1302 from flowing from heating portion 504 to other portions of heating element 1350 .

In some implementations, one or more of the legs 506 include one or more locating features 516 . The positioning feature 516 may be used for relative positioning of the heating element 1350 or a portion thereof during and/or after assembly by interfacing with other (eg, adjacent) components of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . In some implementations, the locating feature 516 is a substrate material for cutting and/or stamping the substrate material to form the heating element 1350 , or for post-processing of the heating element 1350 . can be used during or after manufacture to properly position the The locating features 516 may be sheared and/or cut prior to crimping or otherwise bending the heating element 1350 .

In some implementations, the heating element 1350 includes one or more heat shields 518 . Heat shield 518 forms a portion of heating element 1350 extending laterally from leg 506 . When folded and/or crimped, the heat shield 518 is positioned offset from the tine 502 in a first direction and/or in a second direction opposite the first direction in the same plane. When heating element 1350 is assembled in evaporator cartridge 1320 , heat shield 518 is positioned between tine 502 (and heating portion 504 ) of evaporator cartridge 1320 and a body (eg, a plastic body). is configured to be located in A heat shield 518 may help insulate the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . The heat shield 518 emanates from the heating portion 504 to the body of the evaporator cartridge 1320 to protect the structural integrity of the body of the evaporator cartridge 1320 and prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cartridge 1320. Helps minimize the effects of heat. The heat shield 518 may also help maintain a consistent temperature in the heating portion 504 by retaining heat within the heating portion 504 , thereby preventing or limiting heat loss while evaporation occurs. can In some implementations, the evaporator cartridge 1320 may also or alternatively include a heat shield 518A that is separate from the heating element 1350 .

As noted above, the heating element 1350 includes at least two cartridge contacts 124 forming an end portion of each of the legs 506 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 14-17 , cartridge contact 124 may form a portion of legs 506 that are folded along fold line 507 . The cartridge contacts 124 may be folded at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the legs 506 . In some implementations, cartridge contact 124 is at an angle with respect to leg 506, such as approximately 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or other ranges in between. It can be folded at different angles. The cartridge contacts 124 may be folded toward or away from the heating portion 504 , depending on implementations. Cartridge contacts 124 may also be formed on another portion of heating element 1350 , for example, along the length of at least one of legs 506 . The cartridge contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to the environment when assembled in the evaporator cartridge 1320 .

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 contact 124 includes a wiping contact configured to clean the connection between cartridge contact 124 and another contact or power source. For example, the wiping contact may include two parallel but offset bosses that are frictionally engaged and slid relative to each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

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 1320 to connect to the cartridge receptacle. An electrical connection is made when inserted into 118 and engaged therewith. The cartridge contact 124 may be in electrical communication with the power source 112 of the evaporator device (eg, via receptacle contact 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 1350 and can also be used for additional functions, such as, for example, the thermal resistance of the resistive heating element. based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistive heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge, 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 the coefficient; It can be used to identify the cartridge, and the like. 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. can

In some implementations, heating element 1350 may be processed through a series of crimping and/or bending operations to shape heating element 1350 into a desired three-dimensional shape. For example, heating element 1350 secures the wicking element between at least two portions (eg, approximately parallel portions) of heating element 1350 (such as between opposing portions of heating portion 502 ). may be carried out to receive or crimped around the wicking element 1362 in order to To crimp heating element 1350 , heating element 1350 may be bent towards each other along fold line 520 . Folding heating element 1350 along fold lines 520 includes platform tine portion 524 defined by the area between fold lines 520 , and the outer edge of fold line 520 and tine 502 . A side tine portion 526 defined by the area between 503 is formed. The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one end of the wicking element 1362 . The side tine portions 526 are configured to contact opposite sides of the wicking element 1362 . The platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form a pocket that receives the wicking element 1362 and/or is shaped to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . The pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and retained by the heating element 1350 within the pocket. Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact wicking element 1362 to provide multidimensional contact between heating element 1350 and wicking element 1362 . Multidimensional contact between the heating element 1350 and the wicking element 1362 of the vaporizable material from the reservoir 1340 of the evaporator cartridge 1320 to the heating portion 504 (via the wicking element 1362) to be evaporated. It provides for more efficient and/or faster delivery.

In some implementations, portions of legs 506 of heating element 1350 may also be bent away from each other along fold line 522 . Folding portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 away from each other along the fold line 522 may include in a first direction (eg, in the same plane) and/or in a second direction opposite the first direction. Position the legs 506 at a location spaced away from the heating portion 504 (and tines 502 ) of the heating element 1350 . Accordingly, folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 away from each other along the fold line 522 space the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . 15 shows a schematic view of a heating element 1350 folded along a fold line 520 and a fold line 522 around the wicking element 1362 . As shown in FIG. 15 , the wicking element is positioned within a pocket formed by folding the heating element 1350 along fold lines 520 and 522 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, heating element 1350 can also be bent along fold line 523 . For example, the cartridge contacts 124 may be bent toward each other (into and out of the page shown in FIG. 16 ) along the fold line 523 . The contact portion of the heating element 1350 including the cartridge contact 124 is at least partially external to the wick housing 1315 such that the cartridge contact 124 is exposed to the external environment and engages the receptacle contact 125 . can be placed. On the other hand, the heating portion of the heating element 1350 may be disposed at least partially within the wick housing 1350 .

In the use of a user puffing the mouthpiece 130 of the evaporator cartridge 1320 , when the heating element 1350 is assembled into the evaporator cartridge 1320 , air flows into the evaporator cartridge and along the air path. In connection with the user puff, the heating element 1350 can be configured to respond to signals generated from motion sensors, flow sensors, capacitive lip sensors, eg, by automatic detection of the puff via a pressure sensor, detection of a press of a button by the user, and/or another approach capable of detecting that a user is puffing, just puffing, or otherwise inhaling to cause air to enter the evaporator 100 and at least travel along an air path. can When the heating element 1350 is activated, power may be supplied from the evaporator device to the heating element 1350 at the cartridge contact 124 .

When the heating element 1350 is activated, a temperature rise occurs due to the current flowing through the heating element 1350 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to some amount of the vaporizable material through conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer, such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material evaporates. Heat transfer may occur to the vaporizable material in the reservoir and/or the vaporizable material drawn into the wicking element 1362 held by the heating element 1350 . In some implementations, the vaporizable material may evaporate along one or more edges of the tines 502 as noted above. Air passing to the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 1350 and strips the vaporized vaporizable material from the heating element 1350 . The vaporized vaporizable material may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., such that the vaporized vaporizable material exits the mouthpiece 130 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

As noted above, heating element 1350 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 1350, such combinations producing homogeneous distributions 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 include all of them. For example, the tine 502 may have portions that are more resistive, and thereby may be designed to be hotter than other sections of the tine or heating element 1350 . 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 1350 may be fully or selectively plated with one or more materials. As the heating element 1350 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 1350 may be configured to include the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . may experience electrical or heating losses in the path between cartridge contact 124 and tine 502 . To help reduce heating and/or electrical losses, at least a portion of the heating element 1350 may be plated with one or more materials to reduce resistance in 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, the tine 502 ) to remain unplated, at least of the legs 506 and/or cartridge contacts 124 . The portion is plated with a plating material that reduces resistance (eg, either or both bulk and contact resistance) in the portion.

For example, heating element 1350 may include various portions that are plated with different materials. In another example, heating element 1350 may be plated with a layered material. Plating at least a portion of heating element 1350 helps focus current flowing into heating portion 504 to reduce electrical and/or heat losses in another portion of heating element 1350 . In some implementations, maintaining a low resistance in the electrical path between the cartridge contact 124 and the tine 502 of the heating element 1350 reduces electrical and/or heat losses in the electrical path and transverses the heating portion 504 . It is desirable to compensate for the voltage drop concentrated across the

In some implementations, cartridge contacts 124 may be selectively plated. Selective plating of cartridge contacts 124 with a 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 1350 . can be useful for

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 1350 , the surface of the heating element 1350 may be plated with an adherent plating material. In such configurations, an attach plating material may be deposited on the surface of the heating element 1350 and an outer plating material may be deposited on the attach plating material defining a first plating layer and a second plating layer, respectively. The attach plating material includes a material having adhesive properties when an outer plating material is laminated on the attach plating material. For example, the attachment plating material may include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, alloys thereof, and the like.

In some implementations, the surface of the heating element 1350 is coated with an external plating material using non-plating priming rather than plating the surface of the heating element 1350 with an attach plating material. 1350) may be primed to be stacked. For example, the surface of heating element 1350 may be primed using etching rather than depositing an adherent plating material.

In some implementations, all or a portion of leg 506 and cartridge contact 124 may be plated with an attach plating material and/or an outer plating material. In some examples, the cartridge contact 124 may include at least a portion having an outer plating material having a greater thickness than the cartridge contact 124 of the heating element 1350 and/or the remainder of the leg 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 1350 of a single substrate material and plating the substrate material, the heating element 1350 is made of various materials that are joined together (eg, via laser welding, a diffusion process, etc.). can be formed. The materials of each portion of the heating element 1350 coupled together provide a lower resistance or no resistance at the cartridge contact 124 compared to other portions of the heating element 1350 tines 502 or heating portion 504. ) can be selected to provide high resistance.

In some implementations, heating element 1350 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 1350 includes a variety of shapes, sizes, and geometries to more efficiently heat the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and more efficiently vaporize the vaporizable material. can do.

19-24 show another example of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, heating element 1350 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tine 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 define a pocket in which a wicking element 1362 (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 1362 , and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite sides of the wicking element 1362 . The platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 form pockets that receive the wicking element 1362 and/or are shaped to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . The pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and retained by the heating element 1350 within the pocket.

In this example, the tines 502 have various shapes and sizes, and are spaced apart from each other by the same or varying distances. For example, as shown, each of the side tine portions 526 includes at least four tines 502 . In a first pair 570 of adjacent tines 502 , each of adjacent tines 502 has 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 apart by a varying distance from the inner region 576 to the 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 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 . In some implementations, the leg 506 includes 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 in the wick housing 1315 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 1350 and wicking element 1362 to wick housing 1315 (and evaporator cartridge 1320 ). 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 1350 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact other portions of the evaporator cartridge 1320 or a cleaning device for cleaning the evaporator cartridge 1320 .

The outer edge 503 of the tine 502 at the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tab 580 may include one, two, three, four, or more tabs 580 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly from outer edge 503 and may extend away from the center of heating element 1350 . For example, tab 580 may be positioned along an edge of heating element 1350 surrounding at least an interior volume defined by side tine portion 526 to receive wicking element 1362 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly away from the interior volume of wicking element 1362 . Tab 580 may also extend away 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 1362 may extend away from each other. This configuration helps widen the opening leading to the interior volume of the wicking element 1362 , thereby reducing the likelihood of being caught, torn and/or damaged when the wicking element 1362 is assembled with the heating element 1350 . help to Due to the material of the wicking element 1362 , the wicking element 1362 is readily captured, torn, and/or otherwise readily captured when assembled (eg, positioned or inserted therein) with the heating element 1350 . may be damaged. Contact between the wicking element 1362 and the outer edge 503 of the tine 502 may also cause damage to the heating element. The shape and/or positioning of the tab 580 may allow the wicking element 1362 to be more readily positioned within or into a pocket defined by the tine 502 (eg, the interior volume of the heating element 1350 ). , thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood that the wicking element 1362 and/or the heating element may be damaged. Accordingly, the tab 580 helps to reduce or prevent damage caused to the heating element 1350 and/or the wicking element 1362 when the wicking element 1362 enters into thermal contact with the heating element 1350 . . The shape of the tab 580 also helps to minimize the effect on the resistance of the heating portion 504 .

In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contact 124 and/or at least a portion of the leg 506 is at least one external to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 1350 contacts the receptacle contact 125 . It may be plated with a plating material 550 .

25A-25B, 26-28, and 30A-30B illustrate another example of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. As shown, heating element 1350 includes one or more tines 502 positioned in heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from tine 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 define a pocket in which a wicking element 1362 (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 1362 , and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 1362 . The platform tine portions 524 and side tine portions 526 form pockets that receive the wicking element 1362 and/or are shaped to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 1362 . The pocket allows the wicking element 1362 to be secured and retained by the heating element 1350 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 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 . In some implementations, the leg 506 includes 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 in the wick housing 1315 . Retainer portion 180 forms an end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 1350 and wicking element 1362 to wick housing 1315 (and evaporator cartridge 1320 ). 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 1350 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact other portions of the evaporator cartridge 1320 or a cleaning device for cleaning the evaporator cartridge 1320 .

The outer edge 503 of the tine 502 at the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly from outer edge 503 and may extend away from the center of heating element 1350 . Tab 580 may be shaped so that wicking element 1362 can be more easily positioned within a pocket formed by tine 502 , thereby reducing the likelihood of wicking element 1362 being caught on outer edge 503 . can be prevented or reduced. The shape of the tab 580 helps to minimize the effect on the resistance of the heating portion 504 .

In some implementations of the present subject matter, at least a portion of the cartridge contact 124 and/or at least a portion of the leg 506 is configured to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 1350 contacts the receptacle contact 125 . It may be plated with one or more external plating materials 550 .

24 and 30A-30B, the geometry of heating element 1350, in an unfolded state, is the letter "H" with heating portion 504 disposed substantially over the center of leg 506 . may be similar to The temperature of the heating element 1350 may, for example, correspond to the resistance of the heating element 1350 across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . For example, the temperature of the heating element 1350 may be determined based on a resistivity of the heating element 1350 and a thermal coefficient of resistance. Accordingly, the temperature of the heating element 1350 can be determined (eg, by the controller 104 ) by at least measuring the resistance across the heating element 1350 , eg, over the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . may be determined and/or controlled. It should be appreciated that in some implementations of the present subject matter, the geometry of the heating element 1350 may enable measurement of resistance across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . That is, the resistance across the heating portion 504 may be measured in isolation (eg, from another portion of the heating element 1350 ), thereby increasing the accuracy of the resistance measurement as well as the accuracy of the corresponding resistance determination. can

To further illustrate, FIG. 53 shows a resistance measurement for an example of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. Referring to FIG. 53 , the resistance across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 is, for example, a first point located at the respective tip portions 180A of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 It can be measured by at least applying a current from 1a) to the second point 2b. A current may flow from the first point 1a to the second point 2b, but no current may flow between the third point 2a and the fourth point 1b.

The resulting voltage drop between the first point 1a and the third point 2a may correspond to the voltage drop between the fifth point C and the sixth point D. 53 , a fifth point C and a sixth point D are located at respective end portions of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . Accordingly, the voltage drop across the fifth point C and the sixth point D may correspond to a voltage drop across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 . Also, measuring the voltage drop across the first point 1a and the third point 2a may correspond to measuring the voltage drop across the fifth point C and the sixth point D. The resistance R across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 can be determined based on Equation (1) below, wherein Equation (1) is the resistance R across the heating portion 504 voltage (V) and current (I) across heating portion 504 of heating element 1350 .

R=VI (One)

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the first point 1a and the third point 2a located at the tip portion 180a of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 are the cartridge receptacle of the evaporator body 110 . at 118 , at least partially coincident with cartridge contacts 124 forming electrical coupling with receptacle contacts 125 . As such, the geometry of the heating element 1350 is a leg 506 disposed outside of the wick housing 1315 and more accessible than a heating portion 504 disposed at least partially inside of the wick housing 1315 . An isolated measurement of the resistance across the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 by measuring the voltage drop across the tip portions 180a (eg, the first point 1a and the third point 2a) of can make possible

31-32 show an example of a nebulizer assembly 141, with a heating element 1350 assembled with a wick housing 1315, and FIG. 33 is a nebulizer assembly 141 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. ) is an exploded view of The wick housing 1315 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick housing 1315 includes four recesses 592 in which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 can be positioned and secured. As shown, the wick housing 1315 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to the interior volume 594, in which opening 593, at least the heating portion of the heating element 1350 ( 504 and a wicking element 1362 are located.

The wick housing 1315 may also include a separate heat shield 518A. Heat shield 518A is positioned within interior volume 594 within wick housing 1315 between heating element 1350 and walls of wick housing 1315 . The heat shield 518A is shaped to at least partially surround the heating portion 504 of the heating element 1350 and space the heating element 1350 away from the side walls of the wick housing 1315 . The heat shield 518A may help insulate the heating portion 504 from the body and/or wick housing 1315 of the evaporator cartridge 1320 . The heat shield 518A helps to minimize the effects of heat dissipated from the heating portion 504 on the body and/or wick housing 1315 of the evaporator cartridge 1320, and thus the body of the evaporator cartridge 1320 and Protect the structural integrity of the wick housing 1315 and/or prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cartridge 1320 and/or the wick housing 1315. 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 losses.

The heat shield 518A may include one or more slots (e.g., one, one or more slots 590 (eg, three slots) aligned with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 or more slots) 596 at one end. The one or more slots 590 , 596 allow the flow of vaporizable liquid material within the heating portion 504 and 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 1350 (eg, the leg 506 ) and the outer wall of the wick housing 1315 (or between a portion of the heating element 1350 ). For example, as indicated by liquid path 599 , the vaporizable liquid material may accumulate due to capillary pressure between the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 and the outer wall of the wick housing 1315 . In such cases, there may be sufficient capillary pressure to draw the vaporizable liquid material from the reservoir and/or heating portion 504 . To help limit and/or prevent vaporizable liquid material from escaping the interior volume of wick housing 1315 (or heating portion 504), wick housing 1315 and/or heating element 1350 may may include a capillary feature that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby forming a liquid barrier that prevents vaporizable liquid material from passing through the feature without using an additional seal (eg, hermetic seal). can The capillary features may define capillary breaks formed by sharp points, bends, curved surfaces, or other surfaces in the wick housing 1315 and/or heating element 1350 . The capillary features allow the conductive element (eg, heating element 1350 ) to be positioned in both wet and dry regions.

The capillary features may be located on and/or form part of the heating element 1350 and/or the wick housing 1315 , causing an abrupt change in capillary pressure. For example, the capillary features may include bends, sharp points, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, or other surface features, the other surface features wicking with the heating element along the length of the heating element or other component of the evaporator cartridge. It causes a sharp change in the capillary pressure between the housings. The capillary features may also be sufficient to lower the capillary pressure within the capillary channels such that the capillary channels do not draw liquid into the capillary channels (eg, the capillary features space the heating elements from the wick housing) between a portion of the heating elements, between the heating elements and the wicks. heating elements that widen the capillary channels, such as capillary channels formed between the housings, and/or projections or other portions of the wick housing. Accordingly, the capillary features prevent or limit the flow of liquid along the liquid path past 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 (eg, bends, sharp points, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, protrusions, etc.) may vary between materials such as the heating element and the wick housing, or other walls of the capillary channels formed between the components. Two components, such as a heating element and/or a wick housing, which may be a function of a wetting angle formed in the heating element and/or a function of the material of the wick housing or other component, and/or define a capillary channel, among other properties. It may be a function of the size of the gap formed therebetween.

By way of example, FIGS. 34A and 34B show a wick housing 1315 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 past capillary feature 598 and prevents liquid from pooling between leg 506 and wick housing 1315 . help to Capillary features 598 on wick housing 1315 space heating element 1350 (eg, a component made of metal, etc.) from wick housing 1315 (eg, a component made of plastic, etc.), thereby allowing two Reduces the capillary strength between components. The capillary feature 598 shown in FIGS. 34A and 34B also includes a sharp edge at the end of the angled surface of the wick housing that restricts or prevents liquid from flowing past the capillary feature 598 .

As shown in FIG. 34B , the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 may also angled inwardly towards the interior volume of the heating element 1350 and/or the wick housing 1315 . The angled legs 506 can 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 1350 .

As another example, heating element 1350 can be formed of one or more legs 506 and include capillary features (eg, bridge 585 ) that space legs 506 away from heating portion 504 . . Bridge 585 may be formed by folding heating element 1350 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 example heating elements 1350 shown in FIGS. 25A-30B , the bridge 585 includes an angled and/or bend to help restrict fluid flow from the heating portion 504 . do.

As another example, the heating element 1350 can include a capillary feature 598 that defines a sharp point for causing an abrupt change in capillary pressure, whereby the vaporizable liquid material is transferred to the capillary feature 598 . ) can be prevented from flowing through. Capillary feature 598 can form an end of bridge 585 that extends outwardly away from heating portion 504 by a distance greater than the distance between leg 506 and heating portion 504 . The end of the bridge 585 may be a sharp edge to further help prevent passage of vaporizable liquid material to and/or from the heating portion 504, thereby reducing leakage and preventing the heating portion 504 from passing. 504) increases the amount of vaporizable material remaining in it.

35-37 illustrate a variant of the heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 19-24 . In this variant of heating element 1350 , legs 506 of heating element 1350 include bends in bend region 511 . Bends in leg 506 can form capillary features 598 , which help prevent vaporizable liquid material from flowing past capillary features 598 . For example, the bend can create a sharp change in capillary pressure, which limits or prevents vaporizable liquid material from flowing past the bend and/or pooling between the leg 506 and the wick housing 1315. and may help restrict or prevent the vaporizable liquid material from flowing out of the heating portion 504 .

35, leg 506 can be bent to create one or more joints including, for example, a first joint 534a, a second joint 534b, and a third joint 534c. have. In the example of the heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 35-37 , the leg 506 is a second joint 534a, while a first joint 534a may be disposed between a second joint 534b and a third joint 534c. The two joints can be bent so that they can be placed between the tip 180a (of the legs 506 ) and the first joint 534a . Further, the plating material 550 and the cartridge contact 124 may be disposed at the second joint 534b. Bending the leg 506 in this manner allows the leg 506 to form a mechanical engagement (eg, frictional engagement) with the receptacle contact 125 at the receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 . ) can be at least spring loaded.

38-39 illustrate other variations of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. In this variant of heating element 1350 , legs 506 of heating element 1350 include bends in bend region 511 . Bends in leg 506 can form capillary features 598 , which help prevent vaporizable liquid material from flowing past capillary features 598 . For example, the bend can create a sharp change in capillary pressure, which limits or prevents vaporizable liquid material from flowing past the bend and/or pooling between the leg 506 and the wick housing 1315. It can also help to help restrict or prevent vaporizable liquid material from flowing out of the heating portion 504 .

18A-18E show other variations of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the tip portion 180A of the retainer portion 180 of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 is bent outwardly (eg, in the manner shown in FIGS. 19-22 ). instead of being) bent inward. 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 . For example, 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 leg 506 that are curved 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 materials to help maintain contact between leg 506 and receptacle contact 125 . In some implementations, the support 176 is formed as part of the leg 506 .

51A-51D illustrate another variation of a heating element 1350 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the tip portion 180A of the retainer portion 180 of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 is bent outwardly (eg, in the manner shown in FIGS. 19-22 ). instead of being) bent inward. While retainer portion 180 of leg 506 is positioned within a corresponding recess in wick housing 1315 , tip portion 180A of retainer portion 180 may contact wick housing 1315 . As shown in FIG. 51B , folding leg 506 in this manner results in one or more joints including, for example, a first joint 534a , a second joint 534b , and a third joint 534c . can form. Also, as shown in FIG. 51B , the first joint 534a may be disposed between the second joint 534b and the third joint 534c, while the second joint 534b may be disposed between the tip 180a and the tip 180a. It may be disposed between the first joints 534a. In the example of heating element 1350 shown in FIGS. 51A-51D , cartridge contact 124 and plating material 550 may be disposed at first joint 534a in leg 506 . Bending the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 in this manner causes the leg 506 to form a mechanical engagement (eg, frictional engagement) with the receptacle contact 125 at the receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 . The legs 506 may be at least spring loaded to enable this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 51B , the first fold in the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 can bend the tip portion 180A of the retainer portion 180 of the leg 506 inwardly. and may form a second joint 534b. The retainer portion 180 of the leg 506 may secure the heating element 1315 to the wick housing 1315 (eg, by being disposed in corresponding recesses in the wick housing 1315 ), but the first joint A second fold in leg 506 of heating element 1350 , which may form 534a , may provide spring tension to further secure evaporator cartridge 1320 to evaporator body 110 . That is, the cartridge contact 124 is electrically coupled with the receptacle contact 125 , but the first joint 534a formed by the second fold in the leg 506 connects the evaporator cartridge 1320 to the evaporator body 110 . Sufficient pressure can be applied against the cartridge receptacle 118 to secure it to the . This configuration of the heating element 1350 allows the heating element 1350 to be folded a third time due to the force of the leg 506 on the cartridge receptacle 118 being more evenly distributed along the length of the leg 506 . ) may be associated with the minimum stress at the third joint 534c.

42A-42B, and 43 show another example of a nebulizer assembly 141 in which a heating element 1350 is assembled with a wick housing 1315 and a heat shield 518A, and FIG. 44 is of the present subject matter. Illustrated is an exploded view of a nebulizer assembly 141 consistent with embodiments. The wick housing 1315 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick housing 1315 includes four recesses 592 in which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heating element 1350 can be positioned and secured. Inside the recess 592 , the wick housing 1315 is heated, for example, via a snap-fit arrangement between the wick housing retention feature 172 and at least a portion of the leg 506 of the heating element 1350 . one or more wick housing retention features 172 configured to secure element 1350 to wick housing 1315 . The wick housing retention features 172 also space the heating element 1350 from the surface of the wick housing 1315 to help prevent heat from acting on the wick housing and melting portions of the wick housing 1315 . can help you do

As shown, the wick housing 1315 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to the interior volume 594, in which opening 593, at least the heating portion of the heating element 1350 ( 504 and a wicking element 1362 are located.

The wick housing 1315 also has one or more other cutouts that help space the heating element 1350 away from the surface of the wick housing 1315 to reduce the amount of heat in contact with the surface of the wick housing 1315 . may include. For example, the wick housing 1315 may include a cutout 170 . A cutout 170 may be formed along the outer surface of the wick housing 1315 adjacent the opening 593 . Cutout 170 may also include capillary features, such as capillary features 598 . The capillary feature of cutout 170 may define a surface (eg, a curved surface) that breaks tangent points between adjacent (or intersecting) walls (such as the walls of a wick housing). The curved surface may have a radius sufficient to reduce or eliminate capillaries formed between adjacent outer walls of the wick housing.

Referring to FIG. 42A , the wick housing 1315 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 1315 . Due to the shifted center of mass, the wick housing 1315 can rotate or slide in any orientation to align with corresponding features of other components of the evaporator cartridge during assembly.

46 illustrates an exploded view of an example of an evaporator body 110 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the evaporator body 110 includes, for example, a cartridge 1320 having a collector 1313 , a finned condensate collector 352 , and/or the like as described above. It may be configured to receive and/or engage cartridges having various features.

46 , the evaporator body 110 includes a shell 1220 including a cosmetic sheath 1219 , a battery 1212 , a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 1203 ), antenna 1217 , skeleton 1211 , charge badge 1213 , cartridge receptacle 118 , and end cap 1201 , and LED badge 1215 . In some aspects, assembly of the evaporator body 110 includes placing the battery 1212 within the skeleton 1211 at the inferior end of the skeleton 1211 (left side of FIG. 46 ). Antenna 1217 may be coupled to the inner end of battery 1212 . Cartridge receptacle 118 , PCBA 1203 , and battery 1212 may be mechanically coupled, for example, via one or more coupling means. For example, a lower end of PCBA 1203 may be coupled to a superior end of battery 1212 , and an upper end of PCBA 1203 may be coupled to a press fit, solder joint, and/or It may be coupled to the cartridge receptacle 118 using any other coupling means. Cosmetic sheath 1219 may be configured to at least partially surround cartridge receptacle 118 when cartridge receptacle 118 is disposed on cosmetic sheath 1219 .

46 , cosmetic sheath 1219 may include an aperture sized and shaped to receive charge medium 1213 on a first side of cosmetic sheath 1219 . The second side of the cosmetic sheath 1219 may include an LED medium 1215 that may be made of the cosmetic sheath 1219 or disposed in another aperture sized and shaped to receive the LED medium 1215 . can In some aspects, cosmetic sheath 1219 may include a stainless steel material and may have a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The LED badge 1215 may be molded into a black printed circuit. In some aspects, charge medium 1213 may include liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polycarbonate, and/or phosphor bronze contacts. The charge medium 1213 can minimize the distance between the charge pads by using a mylar film. Plating of the charge medium may include palladium-nickel, black nickel, physical vapor deposition (PVD), or another black plating option. In some implementations, the assembled battery 1212 , PCBA 1203 , cartridge receptacle 118 , and cosmetic sheath 1219 can be configured to fit within skeleton 1211 , and skeleton 1211 includes a shell ( 1220). In some aspects, cosmetic sheath 1219 may include a stainless steel material having a thickness of 0.2 mm. Shell 1220 has one ground pad, end cap data, LED interface, in fluid communication with slot 596 at the bottom of wick housing 1315 when cartridge 1320 is coupled with evaporator body 110 ). an above air inlet, and a skeleton snap feature that snaps into figs when the skeleton 1211 is inserted into the shell 1220 . End cap 1201 may be disposed at the lower end of shell 1220 opposite cosmetic sheath 1219 . The end cap 1201 may be configured to retain the internal components of the evaporator body 210 within the shell 1220 , and may also serve as a vent on the lower end of the shell 1220 .

In an evaporator where the power source 112 is part of the evaporator body 110 and a heating element is disposed in an evaporator cartridge 1320 configured to engage the evaporator body 110 , the evaporator 100 may include a controller 104 (eg, a printed circuit). substrate, microcontroller, etc.), a power source, and electrical connection features (eg, means for completing the circuit) for completing a circuit including a heating element. This feature includes at least two contacts on the bottom surface of the evaporator cartridge 1320 (referred to herein as cartridge contacts 124 ) and at least two contacts 125 disposed near the base of the cartridge receptacle of the evaporator 100 . (referred to herein as receptacle contact 125), such that cartridge contact 124 and receptacle contact 125 allow evaporator cartridge 1320 to be inserted into cartridge receptacle 118 and cartridge receptacle 118. Make an electrical connection when combined with The circuit completed by this electrical connection can allow for the transfer of current to the resistive heating element, and can also be used for additional functions, eg, the resistance of the resistive heating element based on the coefficient of thermal resistance of the resistive heating element. to measure the resistance of a resistive heating element for use in determining and/or controlling temperature; to identify a cartridge based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistive heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cartridge; can

In some examples of this subject matter, the at least two cartridge contacts and the at least two receptacle contacts may be configured to electrically connect in either of at least two orientations. For example, one or more circuits necessary for operation of the evaporator may be arranged in the cartridge receptacle 118 in a first rotational orientation (about an axis in which the end of the evaporator cartridge having the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 ). ), such that a first set of cartridge contacts of at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to a first set of receptacle contacts of at least two receptacle contacts 125 and a second set of cartridge contacts of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 are electrically connected to a second set of receptacle contacts of the at least two receptacle contacts 125 . Further, one or more circuits necessary for operation of the evaporator 100 may be completed by insertion of the evaporator cartridge 1320 in the cartridge receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation, such that the at least two cartridge contacts 124 A first set of cartridge contacts is electrically connected to a second set of receptacle contacts of at least two receptacle contacts 125, and a second set of cartridge contacts of at least two cartridge contacts 124 comprises at least two receptacle contacts ( 125) electrically connected to a first set of receptacle contacts. This feature of the evaporator cartridge 1320 reversibly insertable into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 is further described below.

In one example of an attachment structure for coupling the evaporator cartridge 1320 to the evaporator body 110 , the evaporator body 110 has one or more detents that protrude inwardly from the interior surface of the cartridge receptacle 118 . dimples, protrusions, spring connectors, etc.). One or more outer surfaces of the evaporator cartridge 1320 may include a corresponding recess (not shown in FIG. 1 ), the recess having an end of the evaporator cartridge 1320 into the cartridge receptacle on the evaporator body 110 ( 118) may fit and/or otherwise snap onto this detent. When the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 are coupled (eg, by insertion of the end of the evaporator cartridge 1320 into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110), the The tent may fit within and/or otherwise remain within the recesses of the evaporator cartridge 1320 to hold the evaporator cartridge 1320 in place when assembled. This detent-recess assembly allows the release of the evaporator cartridge 1320 from the evaporator body 110 when the user pulls the evaporator cartridge 1320 with reasonable force to separate the evaporator cartridge 1320 from the cartridge receptacle 118 . while providing sufficient support to hold the evaporator cartridge 1320 in place to ensure good contact between the at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two receptacle contacts 125 . For example, in one embodiment of the present subject matter, at least two detents may be disposed on the exterior of cosmetic sheath 1219 . The detent on the exterior of the cosmetic sheath 1219 is in the evaporator cartridge 1320 , for example, to cover at least a portion of the cosmetic sheath 1219 (and cartridge receptacle 118 ) to the cosmetic sheath 1219 (and cartridge). In the interior surface of the portion of the housing of the evaporator cartridge 1320 that extends below the open top of the receptacle 118 , it may be configured to engage one or more corresponding recesses.

In addition to the above discussion of electrical connections between the reversible evaporator cartridge and the evaporator body, such that at least two rotational orientations of the evaporator cartridge in the cartridge receptacle are possible, in some evaporators the shape of the evaporator cartridge 120, Alternatively, at least the shape of the end of the evaporator cartridge 120 configured for insertion into the cartridge receptacle may have at least a second order rotational symmetry. In other words, the insertable end of the evaporator cartridge, or at least the evaporator cartridge, may be symmetrical upon 180° rotation around the axis into which the evaporator cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. In this configuration, the circuitry of the evaporator can support the same operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the evaporator cartridge occurs. In some aspects, the first rotational position may be greater than or less than 180 degrees from the second rotational position.

In some examples, at least an end of an evaporator cartridge, or evaporator cartridge configured for insertion in a cartridge receptacle, may have a non-circular cross-section transverse to an axis into which the evaporator cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receptacle. For example, a non-circular cross-section may be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (eg, having an approximately oval shape), parallel or approximately parallel non-rectangular (eg, having a parallelogram shape) having two sets of opposing sides. , or other shapes having at least second order rotational symmetry. In this context, having an approximate shape indicates that the sides of the shape in question need not be perfectly linear and the vertices need not be perfectly sharp, although basic similarities to the described shape are evident. 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.

47A-47C show various examples of receptacle contacts 125 consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. 47A shows an exemplary Pod ID contact 307A extending from a Pod ID overmold 308 . The pod ID contact 307A may be configured to couple to the contact 293 of the identification chip 174 . 47B shows another exemplary Pod ID contact 307B extending from the Pod ID overmold 308 . 47C shows another exemplary Pod ID contact 307C extending from a Pod ID overmold 308 .

47A-C, cartridge 1320 may be inserted into cartridge receptacle 318 from the top of the page. In some aspects, when cartridge 1320 is being inserted into cartridge receptacle 318 , pod ID contacts 307A - 307C may include an inward or left side of the page in response to cartridge 1320 insertion. Additionally, pod ID contacts 307A-307C may be configured to engage one or more cartridge contacts 124 (eg, contacts 293 ) after cartridge 1320 is fully inserted into cartridge receptacle 318 .

47A , pod ID contact 307A includes a 180° bend in pod ID contact 307a material at position 407 . Pod ID contact 307C of FIG. 47C is similar to Pod ID contact 307B of FIG. 47B and is adapted from Pod ID contact 307B of FIG. 47B . As shown in FIG. 47C , the pod ID contact 307C includes a protective member (eg, a foot or boot) 408 that surrounds at least a portion of the pod ID contact 307C.

47D shows the assembled cartridge receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 . 47D , cartridge receptacle 118 includes, for example, pod ID contacts 307A, 307B, and 307C, on first side 404 of cartridge receptacle 418, for example. one or more Pod ID contacts. 47D further illustrates two heater/cartridge receptacle contacts 125A and 125B on the second side 402 of the cartridge receptacle 118 .

47E shows a top perspective view of an evaporator body 110 including an example of a cartridge receptacle 118 , consistent with implementations of the present subject matter. 47E , cartridge receptacle 118 may be disposed at least partially within cosmetic sheath 1219 . For example, in the example shown in FIG. 47E , the top rim of the cartridge receptacle 118 and the cosmetic sheath 1219 may be substantially coplanar. The interior of cartridge receptacle 118 may include one or more pod ID contacts (eg, pod ID contacts 307A, 307B, and 307C) and one or more receptacle contacts (eg, receptacle contacts 125A and 125B). , evaporator body 110 may also include one or more pod retention features 415 that may be disposed on the interior of cartridge receptacle 118 and/or on exterior of cosmetic sheath 1219. Pod retention features Examples of portions 415 may include pins, clips, protrusions, detents, and/or the like, etc. Pod retention features 415 may, relative to cartridge 1320, magnetic, adhesive, compressive, frictional, etc. , and/or the like, may be configured to secure cartridge 1320 within cartridge receptacle 118 .

In implementations where the pod retention feature 415 is disposed inside the cartridge receptacle 118 , the pod retention feature 415 may, for example, be at least a portion of the heating element 1350 (eg, the wick housing 1315 ). may be configured to form a mechanical coupling with a portion of the wick housing 1315 (eg, a recess in the wick housing 1315 ) and/or portions of one or more legs 506 disposed externally. Alternatively and/or additionally, in exemplary embodiments where the pod retention feature 415 is disposed on the exterior of the cosmetic sheath 1219 , the pod retention feature 415 is coupled to the housing of the evaporator cartridge 1320 and may be configured to form a mechanical bond of The pod retention feature 415 may include various means for securing the cartridge 1320 within the cartridge receptacle 118 . Further, the pod retention feature 415 may be disposed at any suitable location in the evaporator body 110 .

48A-48B show side cutaway views of a cartridge 1320 disposed within a cartridge receptacle 118 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. 48A , a pod ID contact 307 may be disposed on the first side of the cartridge receptacle 118 and may be coupled to an identification chip 174 on the cartridge 1320 . Additionally, a pod ID contact 309 may be positioned on a second side of the cartridge receptacle 118 (opposite the first side of the cartridge receptacle 118 ) and may be coupled to the cartridge 1320 . 48A further shows the pod ID contact 309 as coupled to the contact 293 of the identification chip 250 . It should be appreciated that the cartridge receptacle 118 may be sized to receive at least a portion of the cartridge 1320 including, for example, at least a portion of the wick housing 1315 . For example, the cartridge receptacle 118 may be approximately 4.5 millimeters deep, such that the wick housing 1315 having a height of approximately 5.2 millimeters, including a flange at least partially disposed about its upper perimeter, can provide the cartridge receptacle 118 . ) (eg, over the flange). The flange may remain on the exterior of the cartridge receptacle 118 when the evaporator cartridge 1320 is coupled with the evaporator body 110 , and may extend, at least in part, over the rim of the cartridge receptacle 118 and the cosmetic sheath 1219 . can

As noted, one or more air inlets may be formed and/or maintained while cartridge 1320 is engaged with evaporator body 110 , for example, by insertion into cartridge receptacle 118 . The one or more air inlets may be in fluid communication with one or more slots 596 in the wick housing 1315 such that air entering through the one or more air inlets passes through the wicking element 1362 and/or the wicking element 1362 . It may further enter the wick housing 1315 through one or more slots 596 to flow around. As noted, adequate airflow through the wick housing 1315 may be required to enable proper and timely evaporation of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wicking element 1362 . In examples where there is more than one air inlet, the plurality of air inlets may be disposed around an assembly comprising cartridge 1320 and evaporator body 110 . For example, two or more air inlets may be disposed on substantially opposite sides of the assembly including the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 . Also, having more than one air inlet disposed on the same side of an assembly including the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 , or different but not substantially opposite (eg, adjacent) sides of such an assembly. It is within the scope of the present subject matter to have an air inlet on the fields.

In some implementations of the present subject matter, the air inlets may be configured to introduce sufficient air to enable evaporation of vaporizable material 1302 and generation of an inhalable aerosol. As also noted, the one or more air inlets may be configured to resist blockage by, for example, a finger, hand, or other body part of the user. For example, one or more air inlets may be disposed at the interface between the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 . 48A-D , the recessed area 1395 (eg, a cavity, groove, gap, shim, and/or the like) is where the evaporator cartridge 1320 will be coupled with the evaporator body 110 . When, it may be formed between the evaporator cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 . The one or more air inlets are disposed within the recessed region 1395 such that a portion of the cartridge 1320 (eg, the housing 160 ) and the evaporator body 110 may extend beyond the region including the one or more air inlets. can be Further, since a user's finger (or other body part) may cover only a portion of the recessed area 1395, the recessed area 1395 may be used as an evaporator to provide clearance for one or more air inlets. It may extend at least partially around the circumference of the cartridge 1320 and the evaporator body 110 . Thus, even though the user's finger (or other body part) is covering one portion of the recessed area 1395, as shown in FIG. It is still possible to enter the above air inlet.

It should be appreciated that the air inlet may present at least some constriction to the airflow to the evaporator cartridge 1320 . For example, in the pressure maps shown in FIG. 48F , the largest localized pressure drop is observed at the air inlet, where, as noted, the ambient air causes the evaporation of vaporizable material 1320 and the vaporization of inhalable aerosols. Cartridge 1320 may be entered to provide sufficient air to facilitate production. The maximum velocity of the airflow can also be observed through the air inlet as ambient air enters the constricted space of the air inlet. A drop in the velocity of the airflow is observed following intake through the air inlet.

49A shows a perspective view of an assembled evaporator body shell 1220 with LED medium 1215 facing the front. 49A , the shell 1220 includes a cartridge receptacle 118 having a second side 402 having one or more pod retention features, cartridge receptacle contacts 125A and 125B, and a pod ID contact 307 . may include. 49A further shows the shell 1220 as including at least one air inlet 1604 on the right side of the shell 1220 , the shell 1220 has additional air disposed in different locations than shown. It should be appreciated that an inlet may be included. For example, in some implementations of the present subject matter, the air inlet 1605 may be connected to the shell 1220 under the cosmetic sheath 1219 configured to receive at least a portion of the power source 112 (eg, the battery 1212 ). may be positioned over a ridge 1387 in the shell 1220 formed by a first portion of the shell 1220 (including the cosmetic sheath 1219) having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second portion. . The air inlet 1605 may be configured to allow ambient air to enter the cartridge 1320 and mix with the vapor generated in the atomizer 141 . For example, the air inlet 1605 may be in fluid communication with an airflow passageway 1338 extending through the body of the cartridge 1320 such that ambient air is transferred when the cartridge 1320 engages the shell 1220, The air flow passage 1338 may be entered through the air vent 1605 . A mixture of ambient air and vapors generated in nebulizer 141 may be drawn through air passage 1338 for inhalation (eg, into a user's mouth) through mouthpiece 130 .

Alternatively and/or additionally, the air inlet 1605 may be in fluid communication with an air vent 1318 disposed at one end of the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344 of the collector 1313 . . As mentioned, air may pass through the air vents 1318 to and from the collector 1313 . For example, air bubbles trapped inside the collector 1313 may be released through the air vent 1318 . In addition, to increase the pressure inside the reservoir 1340 , air may also enter the collector 1313 through the air vent 1318 . Accordingly, the dimensions of the air inlet 1605 , the shape of the air inlet 1605 , and/or the location of the air inlet 1605 on the shell 1220 are such that at least a portion of the ambient air entering the air inlet 1605 is air. It is noted that at least a portion of the air that may enter the collector 1313 through the vent 1318 and that has been discharged from the collector 1313 from the air vent 1318 may be adapted to exit through the air inlet 1605 . should be The air inlet 1605 may be substantially round and may have a diameter between 0.6 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters. For example, in some implementations of the present subject matter, the air inlet 1605 may be substantially round and may have a diameter of approximately 0.8 millimeters. In some implementations of the present subject matter, the air vent 1318 may also be in fluid communication with the air passage 1338 . Thus, ambient air entering air inlet 1605 may supply collector 1313 (eg, via air vent 1318) and air passage 1338 (eg, to generate an inhalable aerosol).

49B shows a cross-sectional view of an evaporator body shell 1220 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. 49B , the shell 1220 includes a pressure sensor path 1602 , a cosmetic sheath 1219 , an air inlet 1605 , which may also include a pod identification cavity, and a pod ID spring 307 or 309 . and/or a Pod ID housing 1607 that may include connections to heater contacts 125A and 125B (or 302 ).

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 intervening 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, there are no intervening features or elements present. When a feature or element is referred to as being “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to,” another feature or element, it can be directly connected to, attached to, coupled to, or interposed with, the other feature or element. It will also be understood that specific features or elements may be present. 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 features or elements are absent.

Although described and illustrated with respect to one embodiment, features and elements so described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that references to structures or features that are disposed “adjacent” to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

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

In the above descriptions and claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear preceding a linked list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur 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. is intended to mean any of the recited elements or 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 also 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” in the foregoing and in the claims is intended to mean “based at least in part on” such that a feature or element not recited is also permitted.

Spatially relative terms such as “anteriorly”, “posteriorly”, “below”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “above”, etc. refer to one element or feature and one element or feature, as shown in the figures. 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” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Accordingly, the exemplary term “below” may encompass 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 are used herein for descriptive purposes unless specifically indicated otherwise.

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

As used in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples, and unless explicitly specified otherwise, all numbers refer to "about" or "approximately", even if the term is not explicitly indicated. Words can be read as if they were in front. The phrases “about” or “approximately” may be used in describing a size and/or location to indicate that the stated value and/or location is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or locations. For example, a numerical value is +/- 0.1 % of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1 % of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2 of the stated value (or range of values). %, +/- 5 % of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10 % of the stated value (or range of values), and the like. Any numerical values given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, where the value “10” is disclosed, “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when values are disclosed, values "less than", "above", and possible ranges between values are also disclosed as suitably understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, where the value “X” is disclosed, “below X” as well as “more than X” (eg, X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. Also, throughout this application, it is understood that data is provided in a number of different formats, and that the data represents endpoints and time points, and ranges for any combination of data points. For example, when a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" are disclosed, it is understood that 10 and greater than, greater than, less than, less than, and equal to, are contemplated as being between 10 and 15, as well as those disclosed. do. Also, it is understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, where 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are also disclosed.

While various exemplary embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which the 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 skipped. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments, but not others. Therefore, 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 circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). It may be implemented in computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features are directed to receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device and directing the data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. and implementation in one or more computer programs executable and/or readable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled to transmit. A programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communications network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on separate computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

Such computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor and include a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language. , a logical programming language, and/or an 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, to provide 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, in 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 subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, so that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments of the subject matter are presented for convenience only and, individually or collectively, without the intention of voluntarily limiting the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept where more than one invention is actually disclosed. may be referred to by the term “invention”. Accordingly, while 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 specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description.

Claims (27)

A cartridge for an evaporator device, comprising:
a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing configured to extend below an open top of a receptacle in the evaporator device when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device;
a reservoir disposed within the cartridge housing, the reservoir configured to receive a vaporizable material;
a wick housing disposed within the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing extending below a top of the wick housing to enclose at least a portion of a perimeter of the wick housing;
A heating element, the heating element comprising: a heating portion disposed at least partially inside the wick housing; and a contact portion disposed at least partially outside the wick housing, wherein the contact portion is at the receptacle of the evaporator device. a heating element comprising one or more cartridge contacts configured to form an electrical coupling with one or more receptacle contacts of a;
a wicking element disposed within the wick housing and adjacent the heating portion of the heating element, the wicking element withdrawing the vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wick housing for evaporation by the heating element a wicking element configured to
A cartridge comprising a. The method of claim 1,
and the contact portion is further configured to form a mechanical coupling with the receptacle of the evaporator device, the mechanical coupling securing the cartridge within the receptacle of the evaporator device. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The receptacle comprises a first portion of the body of the evaporator device having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than a second portion of the body of the evaporator device, wherein when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, the cartridge housing and and a recessed area is formed between the second portion of the body of the evaporator device. 4. The method of claim 3,
The receptacle includes one or more air inlets that, when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, form fluid coupling with one or more slots in a lower end of the wick housing, the one or more slots comprising the one or more air inlets. and wherein the one or more air inlets are disposed in the recessed area, configured to allow air entering the wick to further enter the wick housing. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the at least one air inlet has a diameter of approximately 0.6 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters. 6. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
The interior of each of the one or more slots includes at least one step defined by an inner dimension of the one or more slots that is smaller than a dimension of the one or more slots at the lower end of the wick housing, the at least one step provides a retraction point at which a meniscus is formed to prevent the vaporizable material in the wick housing from escaping from the one or more slots. 7. The method of claim 6,
wherein the dimensions of the one or more slots at the bottom of the wick housing are approximately 1.2 millimeters long by 0.5 millimeters wide and the inner dimensions of the one or more slots are approximately 1.0 millimeters long by 0.30 millimeters wide. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the heating portion of the heating element and the contact portion of the heating element are formed by folding a substrate material, wherein the substrate material is cut to include one or more tines for forming the heating portion of the heating element; , wherein the substrate material is further cut to include one or more legs for forming the contact portion of the heating element. 9. The method of claim 8,
The contact portion of the heating element is formed by folding each of the one or more legs to form at least a first joint, a second joint, and a third joint, wherein the first joint comprises the second joint and the third joint. and wherein the second joint is disposed between the first joint and the tip of each of the one or more legs. 10. The method of claim 9,
The one or more cartridge contacts are disposed in the second joint, and the heating element is connected by a first mechanical coupling between a portion of each of the one or more legs between the first joint and the third joint and the exterior of the wick housing. and wherein the cartridge is secured to the receptacle of the evaporator device by a second mechanical coupling between the second joint and the receptacle of the evaporator device. 10. The method of claim 9,
The one or more cartridge contacts are disposed in the first joint, and the heating element is connected to the wick by first mechanical coupling between a portion of each of the one or more legs between the tip and the second joint and an exterior of the wick housing. and wherein the cartridge is secured to the receptacle of the evaporator device by a second mechanical coupling between the first joint and the receptacle of the evaporator device. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The reservoir comprises a storage chamber and a collector, the collector comprising an overflow channel configured to hold a volume of the vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber, and wherein one or more microfluidic features comprise a length of the overflow channel. wherein each of the one or more microfluidic features is configured to provide a retraction point at which a meniscus is formed to prevent air entering the reservoir from passing through the vaporizable material in the overflow channel. One thing, the cartridge. 13. The method of claim 12,
wherein the cartridge housing comprises an airflow passage leading to an outlet for an aerosol formed by the heating element for evaporating the vaporizable material, the collector comprising a central tunnel in fluid communication with the airflow passage; and the bottom surface of the collector comprises a flow controller configured to mix the aerosol generated by the heating element to evaporate the vaporizable material. 14. The method of claim 13,
The inner surface of the airflow passage includes one or more channels extending from the outlet to the wicking element, the one or more channels collecting condensate formed by the aerosol and wicking at least a portion of the collected condensate to the wicking. A cartridge configured to be directed towards an element. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14,
wherein the flow controller comprises a first channel and a second channel, the first channel offset from the second channel, a first inner surface of the first channel such that a second column of the aerosol directs the second channel to direct the first column of aerosol entering the central tunnel through the first channel in a different direction than entering the central tunnel through One thing, the cartridge. 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
The bottom surface of the flow controller further comprises one or more wick interfaces, the one or more wick interfaces in fluid communication with one or more wick feeds at the collector, the one or more wick feeds comprising the and deliver at least a portion of the vaporizable material contained within the storage chamber to the wicking element disposed in the wick housing. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The wick housing is disposed at least partially within the receptacle of the evaporator device when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device, the flange being disposed at least partially around an upper perimeter of the wick housing, the flange comprising the and extending over at least a portion of a rim of the cartridge receptacle. 18. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall of the receptacle is disposed at least partially between the cartridge housing and the wick housing when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device. An evaporator device comprising:
a receptacle comprising a first portion of a body of said evaporator device, said receptacle comprising one or more receptacle contacts, said receptacle comprising: a wick housing of a cartridge for receiving vaporizable material when the cartridge is engaged with said evaporator device wherein the housing of the cartridge extends below an open top of the receptacle when the cartridge is engaged with the evaporator device, the housing of the cartridge enclosing at least a portion of a perimeter of the wick housing; Extending into a top wife of the wick housing, the one or more receptacle contacts are configured to form electrical coupling with one or more cartridge contacts comprising a contact portion of a heating element in the cartridge, the contact portion being external to the wick housing. a receptacle that is at least partially disposed;
a power source disposed at least partially within the second portion of the body of the evaporator device;
a controller configured to control discharge of an electrical current from the power source to the heating element contained within the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, the electrical current causing heating of the heating element and within the wick housing a controller being discharged to the heating element for evaporating at least a portion of the vaporizable material that saturates a wicking element disposed adjacent the portion.
A evaporator device comprising: 20. The method of claim 19,
and the receptacle is further configured to form a mechanical coupling with the contact portion of the heating element, the mechanical coupling securing the cartridge within the receptacle of the evaporator device. 21. The method of claim 19 or 20,
the first portion of the body of the evaporator device has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the second portion of the body of the evaporator device, wherein when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, the body of the evaporator device and a recessed region is formed between the second part and the cartridge housing. 22. The method of claim 21,
The receptacle includes one or more air inlets that, when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device, form fluid coupling with one or more slots in a lower end of the wick housing, the one or more slots comprising the one or more air inlets. configured to allow air entering the wick to further enter the wick housing, and wherein the one or more air inlets are disposed in the recessed area. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22,
and the one or more air inlets have a diameter of approximately 0.6 millimeters to 1.0 millimeters. 24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23,
wherein the receptacle is disposed within the first portion of the body of the evaporator such that a top rim of the receptacle is substantially flush with a top rim of the first portion of the body of the evaporator device. device. 25. The method of claim 24,
The receptacle is such that a flange at least partially disposed around an upper perimeter of the wick housing extends over at least a portion of the top rim of the cartridge receptacle and/or the top rim of the first portion of the body of the evaporator device. , configured to receive a portion of the wick housing. 26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25,
and the receptacle has a depth of approximately 4.5 millimeters. 27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26,
and the wall of the receptacle is disposed at least partially between the cartridge housing and the wick housing when the cartridge is coupled with the evaporator device.

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