KR20210138066A - Housings and cartomizers for aerosol delivery systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol delivery system. the housing comprises a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material, wherein a potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposed surfaces of one or more metal components held in the housing is between 0 mV and about 35 mV; The surfaces of the dog may be in contact with the aerosolizable material at the same time. Also disclosed is a cartomizer comprising a reservoir having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and one or more metal components, the two surfaces of which are electrically conductive aerosolizable. The change in dissolved metal content of an aerosolizable material that is capable of simultaneous contact with the material and is electrically conductive after storage of the cartomizer at about 40° C. for about 1 week to about 8 weeks is from 0% to about 20%.

Description

Housings and cartomizers for aerosol delivery systems

The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol delivery system. The present disclosure also relates to a cartomizer comprising a housing, a cartomizer for an aerosol delivery system, and an aerosol delivery system comprising a housing.

BACKGROUND Electronic aerosol delivery systems or devices, such as electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), generally have a cartomizer having a reservoir for an aerosolizable material, from which the aerosolizable material, vapor or aerosol This, for example through thermal vaporization, is created for the user to inhale. Generally, nicotine and often flavorants or flavoring agents are present in the aerosolizable material of the reservoir, and the vapor or aerosol generating element is used in the reservoir to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material. downstream or integrated into the reservoir. Cartomizers whose reservoirs are not refillable with aerosolizable material are often referred to in the industry as “closed” systems, whereas cartomizers that allow refilling of aerosolizable material are generally “open” systems. (open)" systems.

In open or closed systems, the vapor or aerosol generating element is typically located downstream of a reservoir, eg, in an aerosol generating chamber, when a user inhales in the system and electrical power is supplied to eg a heater. , air is drawn into the system through the inlet holes and mixed with the vaporized material in the aerosol generating chamber. Thereafter, there is a flow path connecting the opening in the mouthpiece of the device and the aerosol generating chamber, so that the incoming air drawn through the aerosol generating chamber continues along the flow path so that the air and at least a portion of the aerosol are together It is carried and discharged out through an opening in the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user. Thus, the term "downstream" is understood to mean the direction of aerosol flow from a reservoir holding an aerosolizable material to the mouthpiece of an aerosol delivery system, through the aerosol generating chamber, in which the aerosol is inhaled by the user. do.

In open systems, the aerosol-generating element is generally intended to be replaceable, in that a user can enter the aerosol-generating element and replace it where appropriate. In a closed system, the vapor or aerosol generating element is generally not intended for replacement and may be integrated with the reservoir to form a single unit with the aerosol generating chamber and the aerosolizable material. When a user inhales from the system and power is applied to the element, air is drawn into the system and mixed with the vaporized material in the aerosol generating chamber. Thereafter, there is a flow path connecting the integrated system with the opening in the mouthpiece of the device so that the generated aerosol or vapor can be inhaled by the user.

An aerosolizable material may also be referred to in the art as an aerosol or vapor precursor material and is typically a solvent with acids, bases and/or salts such that the material is electrically conductive. includes

According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided a housing for an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material, wherein any two exposed and /or the potential difference between the exposable surfaces is between 0 mV and about 35 mV. The two surfaces are further defined as being capable of simultaneous contact with the aerosolizable material.

The one or more metal components may be part of the aerosol generating element, and the aerosol generating element may be integrated with the reservoir. Alternatively, the aerosol generating element may be downstream of the reservoir. The electrically conductive aerosolizable material may be a liquid and may further contain nicotine or a nicotine salt.

At least one of the metal components held in the housing may be a plated metal, and the exposable surface of the component may be a plated metal. For example, the component may be gold plated such that the exposeable surface is a metal that is plated with gold, eg brass. The metal components held in the housing may also be identical in the sense that they consist of a single metal. This metal may be selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, titanium and aluminum. Alternatively, the metal components may be identical in the sense that they consist of the same metals, for example an alloy or a plated alloy. For example, the metal components held in the housing may include nickel plated with gold or may consist solely of nickel. The potential difference between the exposed and/or exposable surfaces of the one or more metal components may be between 0 mV and about 20 mV.

Also provided is a cartomizer comprising a housing described herein, wherein the cartomizer is a closed or open system, ie, non-fillable or refillable with an aerosolizable material.

Also provided is an aerosol comprising an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and a reservoir having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components capable of simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable material. A cartomizer for a system is provided, wherein the dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storing the cartomizer at 40° C. for about 1 week to about 8 weeks, for example, about 2 weeks or 14 days. The change in is from 0% to about 20%.

Also provided is an aerosol delivery system comprising a housing described herein or one of the cartomizers described herein.

Finally, there is provided the use of one or more metallic components in an aerosol providing system for reducing galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metallic components are simultaneously exposed to an electrically conductive aerosolizable material in the aerosol providing system. It has two surfaces that are exposed and/or exposed, with the surfaces having a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV.

In the described use, the potential difference of the exposed and/or exposable surfaces can be from 0 mV to about 20 mV. Additionally, the electrically conductive aerosolizable material may be liquid and/or may comprise nicotine or a nicotine salt.

These embodiments are presented in the appended independent and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with each other and in combinations other than those expressly set forth in the claims and the features of the independent claims. Moreover, the approaches described herein encompass and contemplate any suitable combinations of features provided herein, such as and not limited to the specific embodiments presented below. For example, a housing, a cartomizer comprising a housing, a cartomizer defined by a metal content dissolved in an aerosolizable material that is electrically conductive after storage, an aerosol delivery system comprising a housing or cartomizer, and as described herein A given use may be provided in accordance with the approaches described herein, including, where appropriate, any one or more of the various features described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only.
1 is a highly schematic diagram of an aerosol generating element in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; As discussed in more detail below, FIG. 1 shows a substrate 1 having a heating surface 4 and a wire each independently connected to two electrical contacts (eg an electrical connector 3 ). (2)) are shown.
2-5 show from the ICP-MS values obtained in Example 3 for dissolved nickel, copper, zinc and gold content after use of each of the heating elements analyzed in this example, together with a liquid control. These are plotted graphs. These drawings are discussed in more detail below.

Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed and described herein. Some aspects and features of the specific examples and embodiments may be implemented in a conventional manner, and these have not been discussed or described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein, not described in detail, may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol delivery system, wherein any two exposed and/or exposeable surfaces of one or more metal components of the aerosol delivery system have a voltage of 0 mV to about 35 mV. With a potential difference, the two surfaces can contact the aerosolizable material simultaneously. Also provided is an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartomizer, or a housing with a cartomizer, which after storage at 40° C. for about 1 week to about 8 weeks, from 0% to about in an electrically conductive aerosolizable material. It represents a change in dissolved metal content of 20%.

In arriving at the present disclosure, we observed discoloration at the bottom of the cartomizer and then, after use, in the e-liquid and on the aerosol generating element (heater). Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors found that, when both metal components were in contact with a conductive e-liquid, the combination of nickel contact at the heater and gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors produced a galvanic cell. considered to form The galvanic cell then causes corrosion of the metal components, potentially releasing metal ions into the solution, thereby causing the observed discoloration.

After further experiments detailed in the examples, the discoloration was confirmed to include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and at least the following metals: gold, nickel, copper and zinc. Comparing the discolored sample to the control sample, at least an increase in the dissolved copper, nickel and zinc content of the e-liquid was specifically identified.

As is known in the art, the basis for galvanic cells is always a redox reaction comprising two half-reactions (ie, oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode). Electricity is generated due to the potential difference between the two electrodes, which is created as a result of the difference between the individual potentials of the two metal electrodes with respect to the electrolyte. In other words, it is a measure of the reducing power of any element or compound. More specifically, a galvanic cell involves a spontaneous redox reaction because the Gibbs free energy is negative, according to the following equation:

은 >0 이어야 하다는 결론에 이르게 되며, 여기서,

이고,

은 애노드에서의 표준 전위이고,

은 캐소드에서의 표준 전위이다. 표준 전극 전위들은 업계에 알려져 있다.where n is the number of moles of electrons per mole of products, and F is the Faraday constant of approximately 96485 C/mol. With negative Gibbs free energy, a spontaneous redox reaction causes the cell to develop an electrical potential. For galvanic cells,

leads to the conclusion that must be >0, where

ego,

is the standard potential at the anode,

is the standard potential at the cathode. Standard electrode potentials are known in the art.

For example, the standard electrode potential of zinc is -0.76V. Thus, zinc will be oxidized by any electrode with a standard electrode potential greater than -0.76V, for example copper (0.34V) and any electrode with a standard electrode potential less than -0.76V, for example sodium (- 2.71V).

To identify a possible source of the galvanic cell, the potential difference between the respective metal components of the heating element was measured. Results are 101 mV ± 10 mV for nickel contacts and gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors; 8mV±10mV for two nickel heater wires; 2mV ± 10mV for two gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors; and 25mV ± 10mV for the two combinations of gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors and nickel contacts. In view of these results, at least between a nickel contact and a gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector, the hypothesis that a galvanic cell occurs when both are in contact with the e-liquid, i.e., when the two metal surfaces have the highest potential difference. this was built

The present disclosure provides a solution to this galvanic corrosion problem by incorporating the same or similar metals into the housing, where "similar" metals are understood to have a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV. In particular, a defined potential difference exists between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components of the housing, the surfaces of which may be in simultaneous contact with the aerosolizable material. Thus, advantageously, the present disclosure can reduce the levels of metals found in aerosolizable materials and/or aerosols, thereby improving the consistency of aerosol delivery and user experience.

For ease of reference, these and additional features of the present disclosure are now discussed under appropriate section headings. However, the teachings under each section are not limited to the section in which they are found.

housing

The present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material. The housing may be formed of plastic materials as well as support other components, the housing providing a mechanical interface when integrated into the cartomizer so that the cartomizer can be connected to the control unit of the aerosol delivery system when required can do. The manner in which the housing interfaces with the control unit is not critical to the present disclosure. This may include, for example, a screw thread fitting, or any other attachment or connection means known to those skilled in the art. The shape of the housing is also not limited and may be any shape known in the art.

A reservoir for the electrically conductive aerosolizable material may be held in or in fluid communication with the aerosol generating chamber. The term "fluid communication" means that the aerosolizable material held in the reservoir can readily flow or move from the reservoir towards or in the direction of the aerosol generating chamber. Where the reservoir is held in the aerosol generating chamber, the reservoir may comprise a majority of the interior volume of the aerosol generating chamber. The reservoir may generally conform to the interior of the aerosol generating chamber.

In some examples, at least the outer wall of the reservoir may be integrally molded with the aerosol generating chamber. In other examples, the reservoir may be a component formed separately from the aerosol generating chamber but supported in position by the aerosol generating chamber. In examples, the reservoir may have a tapered circular cross-section, but along one side to create a space between the outer wall of the reservoir and the inner wall of the aerosol generating chamber to define a flow path through the cartomizer. It may have a flat face running in the longitudinal direction, through which the aerosol generated in the cartomizer is drawn during use towards an opening or outlet at the end of the cartomizer. In other examples, the reservoir may have an annular shape, an outer annular surface defined by the aerosol generating chamber, and an inner annular surface defining a flow path. It will be appreciated that there are many configurations that make it possible to provide a liquid reservoir with a flow path within the cartomizer.

The reservoir may be, for example, molded plastics material, machined plastic components, cast plastic components, machined metal components, cast or drawn metal components, other metal materials It may be formed according to conventional techniques involving metal components formed from and subsequently plated with, or mixtures thereof.

electrically conductive aerosolization possible ingredient

Any reference to “aerosolizable material” herein relates to an electrically conductive aerosolizable material. The term "aerosolizable material" may be used interchangeably with the terms "aerosol generating material", "vapor generating material", "aerosol precursor material" and/or "vapor precursor material". The term “aerosolizable material” means a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner. Suitably, the aerosolizable material comprises one or more active agents, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials. can do.

Aerosolizable materials may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not retain nicotine and/or flavoring agents.

The term "electrically conductive" means that an aerosolizable material is capable of transporting an electric charge. As mentioned above, the electrical conductivity of an aerosolizable material may arise due to the presence of acids, bases and/or salts. In various embodiments, the electrical conductivity of the aerosolizable material may occur due to the presence of salts or other ionic compounds. Accordingly, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material is an electrolyte due to such ionic compounds and/or salts. Those skilled in the art are aware of suitable techniques for determining the electrical conductivity or ionic content of an aerosolizable material, and are also able to provide a suitably electrically conductive aerosolizable material.

Aerosolizable materials may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not retain active agents and/or flavorants. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is a liquid. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material may comprise an “amorphous solid,” which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fibrous). . In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding any fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, from about 50 wt %, 60 wt %, 70 wt % amorphous solids to about 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or 100 wt % amorphous solids.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material comprises a vapor generating agent or an aerosol generating agent; Otherwise referred to as an aerosol-former material. The aerosol former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. Examples of such agents/components include glycerine/glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol ( tetraethylene glycol), 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl Diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrine (tributyrin), lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the aerosol former material is glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanylate, ethyl one or more of laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrine, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate may include

One or more other functional materials may include pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants. (antioxidant) may include one or more.

The aerosolizable material may be present on or within the support to form the substrate. The support is, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy or may include them. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration by a variable magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, such that penetration of the susceptor by the variable magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration of the material by the variable magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be magnetic as well as electrically-conductive, and thus the susceptor is heatable by both of these heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a variable magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

The aerosolizable material may also include at least one “flavor,” “flavour,” or “flavoring agent.” The terms "flavour," "flavoring agent," and "flavoring agent," are used, where local regulations permit, added to an ingredient to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. Used interchangeably to refer to materials. Reference herein to “flavor”, “flavoring agent” or “flavoring agent” includes both single and multi-component flavors. These include naturally occurring flavor ingredients, botanicals, extracts of botanical drugs, synthetically obtained ingredients or combinations thereof (eg, tobacco, cannabis, licorice (licorice candies), hydrangea) (hydrangea), eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint ), anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, hepatica, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple , orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie , bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, casca cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, Rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang ylang-ylang), sage, fennel, wasabi, pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, octagonal, cocoa, Lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive , carbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators (sensorial receptor site activators) or stimulators, between sugars and/or sugar substitutes (eg, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, It may contain minerals, herbal remedies or breath freshening agents. These may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

Flavoring, flavoring or flavoring agents include, for example, extracts (eg, licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, tobacco, chamomile, fenugreek, Clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach , apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery , cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil ( lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel ), bell pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin (sa) ccharine), cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and charcoal, chlorophyll, It may be selected from the group consisting of minerals, herbal medicines or other additives such as breath freshening agents. These may be synthetic, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example oil, liquid or powder.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavoring ingredients of cucumber, blueberry, citrus and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor ingredients extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor ingredients extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, a flavor is a sense intended to achieve somatosensory sensing that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of scent or taste nerves. sensates, which may include agents that provide a heating, cooling, tingling, and numbing action. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3. .

The aerosolizable material may also include other components. Such other components may be conventional in the sense that they are typically included in aerosolizable materials for e-cigarettes. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material further comprises an active agent. The term "active agent" means any agent that exerts a biological or physiological action on a subject when the vapor carrying the active agent is inhaled. An active agent may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active agent may be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, or psychoactives. The one or more active agents may be selected from nicotine, herbal medicines, salts thereof and mixtures thereof. One or more active agents or salts thereof may be of synthetic or natural origin. The active agent or salt thereof may be an extract from a plant, such as a plant of the Tobacaceae family. An example of an active agent is nicotine.

In some embodiments, the active agent is, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components thereof, derivatives (eg, salts), or combinations. The active agent may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other herbal medicinal products. Components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis may contain one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, an active agent may include or be derived from one or more herbal medicinals or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "herbal herbal medicine" refers to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk. , shells, and the like, including any material derived from plants. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally present in herbal medicines, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, powder, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, and the like. Examples of herbal medicines include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax ), ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (licorice), matcha, mate, orange skin ), papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaf (bay leaves), cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elder Elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom Blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm ), lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine ( theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll yll), baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha cv, Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata cv ( Mentha piperita citrata cv), Mentha piperita cv (Mentha piperita cv), Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveorens variegated (Mentha suaveolens variegata), Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata cv (Mentha spicata cv) and Mentha suaveolens (Mentha suaveolens).

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises, or is derived from, one or more herbal medicines or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the herbal medicine is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises, or is derived from, one or more herbal medicines or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the herbal medicine is selected from eucalyptus, octagonal, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises, or is derived from, one or more herbal medicines or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the herbal medicine is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine and/or a nicotine salt. In some embodiments, the active agent includes caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material comprises nicotine and/or a nicotine salt. Nicotine may be provided in any suitable amount depending on the desired dosage when inhaled by the user. Depending on the other components of the aerosolizable material, nicotine may be in salt form in the aerosolizable material. For example, when an acid (eg, an organic acid) is added, typically the nicotine is protonated, leaving a residual anion of the acid in solution. Consequently, there may be nicotine salts that give rise to the electrically conductive properties of the aerosolizable material. However, the present invention is not limited to aerosolizable materials comprising nicotine and/or nicotine salts, and those skilled in the art will be able to generate electrically conductive aerosolizable materials due to the formation of ionic compounds and/or salts. Other components (eg, other actives or aerosol-generating agents) will be appreciated.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, nicotine is present in the aerosolizable material in an amount not to exceed about 6 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. The expression "total weight of aerosolizable material" means the total weight of aerosolizable material in which nicotine is present.

In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.4 wt % to about 6 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.8 wt % to about 6 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 1 wt % to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 1.8 wt % to about 6 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material.

In other embodiments, the nicotine is present in an amount not to exceed about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.4 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.8 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 1 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 1.8 wt % to about 3 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material.

In other embodiments, the nicotine is present in an amount of less than about 1.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of less than about 1.8 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.4 wt % to less than about 1.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.4 wt % to less than about 1.8 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.5 wt % to less than about 1.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.5 wt % to less than about 1.8 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.8 wt % to less than about 1.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 0.8 wt % to less than about 1.8 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount from about 1 wt % to less than about 1.9 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 wt % to less than about 1.8 wt %, based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material may retain one or more acids. The aerosolizable material may retain one or more acids, for example, in addition to nicotine (as an active agent). The one or more acids may be selected from one or more organic acids, such as benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid. , lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof may be one or more organic acids selected from the group consisting of. As noted above, when included in an aerosolizable material in combination with nicotine, the one or more acids can be present in which the nicotine is at least partially protonated (eg, monoprotonated and/or diprotonated). Formulations may be provided.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material comprises nicotine or other active agent, optionally a flavoring or flavoring agent, and one or more acids. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable material comprises nicotine in an amount of one of the amounts described above, optionally a flavoring or flavoring agent, and benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid , citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. In various embodiments, a flavoring or flavoring agent is present in the aerosolizable material, as defined above.

potential difference

In the present disclosure, the potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components held in the housing is limited to be between 0 mV and about 35 mV; The two surfaces may be in contact with the aerosolizable material at the same time.

The term "potential difference" means the electrical potential difference between two points. As is known in the art, the potential difference is measured with a voltmeter at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure in a suitable electrolyte. In the present disclosure, the potential difference is measured under atmospheric pressure and at room temperature (approximately 20° C.) in an aerosolizable material to be used with a housing in an aerosol delivery system.

Whether a particular combination of metals will generate a potential difference within the present disclosure can also be estimated based on galvanic or electrical potential sequences. This series ranks metals (and other materials) in order of standard electrode potential, and extracts from this series are shown in the following table:

A nickel surface and a cobalt surface in contact with an electrically conductive aerosolizable material will have, for example, a potential difference of approximately 0.023 V or 23.0 mV. In contrast, the nickel surface and the gold surface will have a potential difference of at least approximately 1.755V.

A potential difference, the subject of this disclosure, exists between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components held in a housing, wherein the surfaces are capable of simultaneous contact with the aerosolizable material. The term “exposed” means a surface that is not covered or hidden, ie the surface is visible from the housing. The term “exposable” means a surface that is hidden or covered, for example by plating, but which is not covered or can be seen during use of the housing in an aerosol delivery system. For example, a component made of plated metal will have an exposed surface - the plating - and an exposed surface - the metal under the plating. During use of the housing in an aerosol delivery system, as the plating deteriorates, the metal underneath the plating may be exposed.

The expression “capable of simultaneously contacting the aerosolizable material” means an exposed and/or exposable surface of one or more metal components on which the aerosolizable material is such that the surfaces are in electrical contact and an electric charge can flow between the surfaces. This means that a contact junction can be formed between them. Accordingly, the position of the one or more metal components in the housing is not limited; The metal components must be isolated from each other but in electrical contact.

A contact junction may be, for example, in a reservoir, in an aerosol-generating element integrated with the reservoir, in an aerosol-generating element separate from the reservoir, or in an aerosol-generating element formed from an aerosolizable material in two appropriate portions of the flow path to the mouthpiece of the device. Forming deposits on the surfaces may be formed by the aerosol generating element and/or the aerosolizable material downstream of the reservoir. However, in the present disclosure, two exposed/exposed surfaces of one or more metal components and a contact junction formed by an aerosolizable material form a galvanic cell because the potential difference between the surfaces is between 0 mV and about 35 mV. I never do that.

For example, both exposed and/or exposable surfaces of a first metal component are retained in the housing, which can contact an aerosolizable material that is electrically conductive simultaneously with the first exposed and/or exposeable surfaces. and a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV relative to any other exposed and/or exposable surface of the second metal component. In this way, the housing prevents metal deterioration.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact junction formed by the aerosolizable material and the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces is in an aerosol generating element integrated with the reservoir. In such embodiments, the exposed and/or exposable surface of the first metal component of the aerosol-generating element is between 0 mV and about any other exposed and/or exposeable surface of the second metal component of the aerosol-generating element. It has a potential difference of 35mV. Of course, the surfaces may simultaneously contact the electrically conductive aerosolizable material.

The potential difference between the surfaces is 0 mV to about 35 mV. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 30 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 25 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 20 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 18 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 15 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 12 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 10 mV.

In various embodiments, the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 10 mV.

aerosol generation element

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are part of the aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element may generate an aerosol from an aerosolizable material by any suitable means, such as heat, irradiation, or any other method of energizing the material to form a vapor or aerosol. .

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating element is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator/aerosol generating element is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-generating material.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element comprising a wick and a heater. Other known arrangements may of course be used. A wick and a heater are arranged in a space within the housing, for example in an aerosol generating chamber, such that the wick extends transversely across the chamber, the ends of the wicks having an aerosolizable material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir. extended into the reservoir of The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir can be sized to match the dimensions of the wick widely, thereby avoiding over-compressing the wick (which can be detrimental to the fluid transfer performance of the wick). It provides a reasonable seal against leakage from the flow path. Aerosolizable materials, such as liquids, can permeate the wick through surface tension or capillary action. The heater then includes one or more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces capable of simultaneous contact with the aerosolizable material, as described herein.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or more metal components are part of the aerosol generating element shown in FIG. 1 . The aerosol generating element shown in FIG. 1 may be positioned within the reservoir of the housing or as a separate component relative to the reservoir. When positioned in the reservoir, the aerosol generating element may be integrated with the reservoir and positioned within the aerosol generating chamber as described above, such that the reservoir and the aerosol generating chamber are formed as a single molded component. The aerosol generating element of Figure 1 comprises a porous wicking substrate 1, for example a ceramic disc, through which the aerosolizable material in the reservoir can permeate through the disc into the heating substrate 4 for vaporization. (see). Electrical connectors, for example contacts 2 connected to electrode pins 3 , are attached to the substrate 1 .

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , one or more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces capable of simultaneous contact with the aerosolizable material may include contacts ( 2 ), electrode pins or electrical connectors ( 3 ); heating substrate 4 and/or combinations thereof. The contacts 2 may have exposed surfaces, the electrical connectors 3 may have exposed and/or exposed surfaces made of plated metal, and/or the heating substrate may have exposed or exposed surfaces. It may include a surface. Alternatively, contacts 2 may have exposed surface(s), electrical connectors 3 may have exposed surface(s), and/or heating substrate 4 may have exposed surface(s). surface(s). One skilled in the art will recognize suitable techniques for making an aerosol generating element as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the heated substrate may be applied to the surface of the wicking substrate via known printing techniques for applying conductive inks to surfaces and the like.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, contacts 2 , electrical connectors 3 and/or heating substrate 4 are capable of simultaneous contact with an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and are capable of being in a range from 0 mV to about 0 mV. It has exposed and/or exposed surfaces with a potential difference of 35 mV. This potential difference may be 0mV to about 30mV, 0mV to about 25mV, 0mV to about 20mV, 0mV to about 18mV, 0mV to about 15mV, 0mV to about 12mV, or 0mV to about 10mV.

In various embodiments, contacts 2 , connectors 3 , and heating substrate 4 comprise the same metal or metal alloy, for example nickel or a nickel alloy, titanium or titanium alloy, or stainless steel. . Exemplary nickel alloys and titanium alloys will be known to those skilled in the art; The nickel alloy may be NiCrFe or NiCr. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating element is composed of a single conductive material, ie a single metal or metal alloy.

cartomizer

Also provided by the present disclosure is a cartomizer comprising a housing as defined herein. As is known in the art, cartomizers may also be referred to as cartridges. Accordingly, throughout the description herein, the term “cartridge” may be used interchangeably with “cartomizer”.

The cartomizer of the present disclosure may be a closed or open system as defined herein. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartomizer is a closed system in which an aerosol generating element is integrated into a reservoir as already described herein. As described above, an aerosol generating element having potential difference values between metallic components having exposed or exposable surfaces capable of simultaneous contact with an electrically conductive aerosolizable material may be as shown in FIG. 1 . .

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cartomizer comprising a housing is a closed system having an aerosol generating element in fluid contact with a reservoir, wherein one or more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are It is part of the aerosol generating element. In such embodiments, the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces may simultaneously contact the electrically conductive aerosolizable material and have a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV. The potential difference may be 0mV to about 30mV, 0mV to about 25mV, 0mV to about 20mV, 0mV to about 18mV, 0mV to about 15mV, or 0mV to about 10mV.

Additionally, the present disclosure provides a cartomizer for an aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir having two exposed and/or exposed surfaces of an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and one or more metal components, The two surfaces may be in simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable material. In such a cartomizer, the change in the dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer at 40° C. for about 1 week to about 8 weeks, for example, about 2 weeks or 14 days, is zero. % to about 20%.

Features common to the housing described above are defined according to the description already provided. For example, a reservoir, an electrically conductive aerosolizable material, two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, and simultaneous contact of these surfaces with the aerosolizable material. The cartomizer may also be a closed or open system. In various embodiments, the cartomizer may be a closed system.

The characteristic "change in the dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer for about 1 week to about 8 weeks at 40°C" is at the time of filling the cartomizer (T=0) And it means that the level of dissolved metals measured in the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is about 20% or less when the cartomizer is removed from storage. In other words, any change or increase is related to the background or baseline level of metals in the electrically conductive aerosolizable material (eg, e-liquid). The dissolved metal content is determined according to methods known in the art. In particular, the dissolved metal content is determined by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry). The metal content of all measurable metals in the e-liquid, for example nickel, copper, zinc, gold, titanium, beryllium, silver, aluminum, manganese, lead, chromium, arsenic, molybdenum, cobalt, iron and/or tin Refers to any metals that may be present due to product construction, including

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in the dissolved metal content may be performed by subjecting the cartomizer to about 1 week to about 6 weeks or about 1 week to about 4 weeks, such as about 2 weeks or 14 days, at 40°C. determined after storage. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is further from 0% to about 15%. In other embodiments, the change in dissolved metal content is from 0% to about 10% or from 0% to about 5%. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is substantially no change in dissolved metal content. The expression "substantially no change" means less than 5%. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a change in the dissolved metal content is an indication that galvanic corrosion is not occurring.

aerosol delivery system

The present disclosure further provides an aerosol delivery system comprising one of the cartomizers as described herein or a housing as described herein.

As is customary in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" and related terms such as "vaporization", "volatization" and "aerosolization" may generally be used interchangeably. Thus, aerosol providing systems/devices are referred to herein as "vapor providing systems/devices", "aerosol delivery devices/systems", "electronic vapor providing devices/systems", "electronic aerosol providing devices" /systems", or "e-cigarettes/electronic cigarettes". These terms may be used interchangeably and are intended to refer to combustible or non-combustible aerosol delivery systems/devices. In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a heating device, that releases compounds from the aerosolizable material(s) without burning or burning the aerosolizable material(s).

According to the present disclosure, a “flammable” aerosol delivery system is one in which a component aerosol-generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or a component thereof) is combusted or burned during use to enable delivery of at least one substance to a user. it is a system In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarets, cigarillos and cigars. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a filter, filter rod, filter segment, tobacco rod, spill, aerosol-modifying agent release component, such as a capsule , thread, or bead, or a component for use in paper, such as plug wrap, tipping paper or cigarette paper.

A non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a system that facilitates delivery of at least one substance to a user because a component aerosol-generating material (aerosolizable material) of the aerosol delivery system (or a component thereof) is not combusted or burned, and , and the system includes electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes that generate an aerosol from aerosol precursor materials by heating or other techniques, such as vibration; and hybrid systems that provide an aerosol via a combination of aerosol precursor materials and solid substrate materials, eg, hybrid systems that hold liquid or gel precursor materials and a solid substrate material.

In some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as a non-combustible aerosol delivery device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic power source.

An aerosol delivery system may include a cartomizer or housing of the present disclosure, and generally a control unit. The control unit of the aerosol delivery system generally includes an outer housing, an electrical power source (eg, a battery), control circuitry for controlling and monitoring operation of the aerosol delivery system, a user input button, and optionally a mouthpiece. (which may be removable). The battery is rechargeable and may be, for example, a conventional type of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require the provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods of time. Similarly, user input buttons (or other aerosol generating functions) and control circuitry may be conventional. The outer housing can be formed, for example, of plastic or metallic material. Other suitable materials are known in the art. As will be appreciated, an aerosol delivery system will generally include various other elements associated with the operational function of the aerosol delivery system. For example, a port for charging a battery, such as a USB port, etc. and these other elements may be conventional.

When a user inhales/inhales the aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure, air must be drawn into the system from the environment, and at least a portion of this air enters the housing or cartomizer. Typically, incoming air flows past an aerosol generating component (eg, a heater) while the heater is receiving power from a battery in the control unit to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor material. The aerosolized material is then entrained/entrained in the airflow and withdrawn through and out of the cartomizer for inhalation by the user. Aerosols may be produced or released in a variety of ways depending on the nature of the device, system or product. These modes include heating to cause evaporation, heating to release compounds, and vibration of the liquid or gel to generate droplets.

During normal use, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor various aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to monitor the level of power remaining in the rechargeable battery, which may be performed according to conventional techniques. Additionally, the control circuitry may be configured to control the aerosol precursor material or consumable in the cartomizer, for example based on accumulated use time since the new cartomizer or consumable was installed or based on sensing levels in the cartomizer or consumable. and estimating the remaining amount of the substrate material present. This may be done according to any conventional technique(s). This may be based, for example, on sensing the number of puffs for the aerosol delivery system according to any conventional technique(s).

When it is determined through monitoring of operating aspects of the aerosol delivery system that a specific operating condition has occurred, for example, the cartomizer is approaching depletion or the battery level has fallen below a predetermined threshold (predefined or user configurable). , the aerosol delivery system may be configured to provide a user notification according to any conventional technique(s). Although described with reference to control circuitry, other user notifications are known in the art and may be implemented in the aerosol delivery system of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be appreciated that there are many other situations in which user notification may be desired, and the present disclosure is not limited to providing notification of low levels of liquid or substrate material or remaining battery power.

In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic non-combustible aerosol delivery system. Note that in some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement. do.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is an aerosolizable material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

In one embodiment, the aerosol delivery system (eg, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system) is a hybrid system for providing an aerosol by heating but not burning a combination of aerosolizable materials. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form, and may or may not retain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. Solid aerosolizable materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Typically, a non-combustible aerosol providing system may include a non-combustible aerosol providing device and a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol providing device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol generating material and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol providing devices. Such consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol providing device is an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper. ), filters, mouthpieces and/or aerosol modifiers.

galvanic reduction of corrosion

The present disclosure also provides for the use of one or more metal components in an aerosol delivery system to reduce galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components are simultaneously exposed to an electrically conductive aerosolizable material in the aerosol delivery system. and/or two exposed surfaces, the surfaces having a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV.

Features common to the housing described above are defined according to the description already provided. For example, an electrically conductive aerosolizable material, two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, a potential difference, and simultaneous contact of these surfaces with the aerosolizable material. In particular, the potential difference values described above are equally applicable to the use of the present disclosure for housings and cartomizers. Additionally, one or more metal components in use of the present disclosure may be part of an aerosol generating element according to the description above.

The term “galvanic corrosion” is known in the art and may also be referred to as bimetallic corrosion. This is an electrochemical process in which, in the presence of an electrolyte, one metal is preferentially corroded when it comes into electrical contact with another metal. The reduction in galvanic corrosion provided by the present disclosure can be measured by determining the dissolved metal content in the aerosolizable material after use of the aerosol providing system and/or by determining the metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol providing system. can

The determination of the metal content in an aerosolizable material can be performed according to ICP-MS as mentioned above. The measurement of the metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery system can be performed according to any fully quantitative method using calibration standards suitable for the values expected in the test liquids. Any increase in the metal content of the aerosolizable material relative to the control value of the original aerosolizable material is indicative of transport of the metal(s) and thus galvanic corrosion.

The present disclosure will now be illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

Examples: Example One

Observations were made on a set of cartomizers comprising a heating element with nickel contacts connected to gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors. Discoloration of the liquid (e-Liquid) held in the reservoir is observed after use in an aerosol delivery system in cartomizers where leakage or seepage of e-Liquid from the reservoir onto the heater element of the cartomizer has occurred. became As discussed in Examples 2 and 3 below, this correlates with elevated metal content in the aerosolizable material.

Thus, the contact of the e-liquid with the metal components of the heater element (gold and nickel plated brass electrical connectors and nickel contacts (eg wire)) was to form a galvanic cell, whereby galvanic corrosion of the heating element was It is hypothesized that it will be induced and release the metal into the system. Corrosion was confirmed visually by observation of cracks in the electrical connector plating. Quantitative confirmation was then obtained by performing analysis of the discolored e-liquid and the discolored e-liquid using ICP-MS. The results of this analysis are presented in Table 1 below.

Table I

From these results, it can be seen that the discoloration of the e-liquid is due to an increase in the copper, nickel, and/or zinc content. Given that the heating element had nickel contacts and gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors, along with the brass surface of the connector, the nickel surface of the contact and/or the nickel plating of the connector appears to corrode.

Example 2: potentiometric experiments

It is known in the art that galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals contact each other in the presence of an electrolyte. _{This contact forms a galvanic cell that induces the formation of H 2} on the more noble metal, and then the resulting electrochemical potential converts the less noble material into an electrolysis furnace ( develops an electrical current that dissolves it. Thus, in order to confirm that the corrosion observed in Example 1 was galvanic corrosion and to isolate the surfaces forming the galvanic cell, experiments were performed to measure the potential difference between the various components of the heating element. The combinations measured are:

(i) Nickel Contact to Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical Connectors;

(ii) nickel contacts to nickel contacts;

(iii) gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors and nickel contacts to gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors and nickel contacts; and

(iv) Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical Connectors to Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical Connectors.

The potential difference was measured with a voltmeter.

The e-liquid was prepared by diluting a commercially available e-liquid with 15% water wt/wt. The e-Liquid had flavor, 5% nicotine, and 1MeQ lactic acid.

To determine the potential difference between the metal surfaces, each of the combinations of (i) to (iv) was placed in the e-liquid, and the potential difference was measured with a voltmeter. The results are shown in Table II below.

Table II

From these values, it can be seen that the highest voltage was recorded in e-liquid using a gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector on one probe and a nickel contact on the second probe. This suggests that the increase in copper, nickel and zinc content shown in Table 1 was due to the galvanic cells occurring between the exposed nickel contacts and the exposed brass electrical connector surfaces. The lowest voltages were seen with nickel contacts on both probes and gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors on both probes, i.e. metal components. This suggests that removing the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector from the cartomizer and replacing it with a nickel electrical connector will reduce the risk of galvanic cell effects.

Example 3: Dissolved metal content test

Example 3 is accompanied by an aerosol generating element (otherwise referred to as a heating element) as follows:

Nickel/Copper/Zinc Heating Element : Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate - Nickel Contacts - Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical Connectors

Nickel/Nickel Heating Element : Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate - Nickel Contacts

- Nickel Electrical Connectors

Nickel/Gold Heating Element : Wick Substrate - Heating Substrate - Nickel Contacts

- Nickel/Au plated electrical connectors

Referring to FIG. 1 , all elements include a wick substrate 1 , a heating substrate 4 , nickel legs or contacts 2 , and gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors 3 , nickel electrical connectors ( 3) or nickel/Au electrical connectors (3).

Three samples of each heating element were placed in bottles with 2 ml of e-liquid, and the bottles were gently shaken so that the liquid completely covered the nickel contacts and electrical connectors. The heating element and the bottles containing the e-liquid were then stored at accelerated conditions of 40° C./75% RH for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. The e-liquid was the same as in Example 2.

At each time point, the required samples were removed from the reservoir, visually assessed for any discoloration, gently shaken to homogenize the liquid, and then the liquid was sampled directly from the bottles. Samples of the liquid were analyzed by ICP-MS for the presence of various metals. A liquid control (ie, without any heating element) was also analyzed. ICP-MS results for the various metals tested were averaged and then normalized to the maximum measured value for that particular metal. 2-5 are graphs showing results for each of the heating elements analyzed with a liquid control.

Figure 2 shows the average dissolved nickel content for each of the liquid control and heating elements for the maximum measured value for nickel (set to 100.00). It can be seen that moving from a nickel/copper/zinc heating element to a nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved nickel in the e-liquid. This is an indication that galvanic corrosion is reduced and even eliminated in nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. The difference between nickel/gold and nickel/nickel heating elements is simply due to the higher level of nickel in the system. This is not evidence of an increase in galvanic corrosion.

3 and 4 show the average dissolved copper and zinc content for each of the liquid control and heating elements, respectively, for the maximum measured value for each metal (set to 100.00). As for the nickel content, it can be seen that switching from a nickel/copper/zinc heating element to a nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved copper and zinc in the e-liquid. This is further evidence that galvanic corrosion is significantly reduced or even eliminated in nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. In summary, by replacing the electrical connector with a component having an exposable surface having an electrode potential that differs from the electrode potential of the electrical contact by 0 mV to about 35 mV, copper and zinc degradation is eliminated.

Finally, Figure 5 shows the average dissolved gold content for each of the liquid control and heating elements for the maximum measured value for gold (set to 100.00), compared to the nickel/copper/zinc heating element, the average dissolved gold. It can be seen that the gold content decreased for the nickel/nickel heating element and increased for the nickel/gold heating element.

All things considered, therefore, the metal components for an aerosol-generating element having an exposed and/or exposable surface with a potential difference of 0 mV to about 35 mV when the surfaces are capable of simultaneous contact with an electrically conductive aerosolizable material. It can be concluded that the use reduces galvanic corrosion in an aerosol providing system comprising an aerosol generating element. More specifically, at least, if the electrical contact of the aerosol generating element and the electrical connector are made of the same metal (eg, nickel), then galvanic corrosion is substantially eliminated; Nickel, copper, zinc and gold levels, especially in the e-liquid, are significantly reduced compared to current heating elements.

The various embodiments described herein are presented merely to aid understanding and to teach the claimed features. These examples are provided merely as representative samples of the examples, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. Advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein are equivalent to the claims or limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is not to be considered as limitations on the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention suitably comprise, constitute or comprise suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those detailed herein. They may consist essentially of. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

The aerosol delivery system described herein may be implemented as a combustible aerosol delivery system as defined above, or a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

Claims (15)

A housing for an aerosol delivery system, comprising:
a reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material;
The potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components held in the housing is between 0 mV and about 35 mV, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously contacting the aerosolizable material. Housing for the delivery system. According to claim 1,
wherein the one or more metallic components are part of an aerosol generating element. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
wherein the aerosol generating element is integrated with the reservoir. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A housing for an aerosol delivery system, wherein the at least one metal component is a plated metal and the exposable surface of the component is a metal underlying the plating material. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The housing for an aerosol delivery system, wherein the metal components within the housing are comprised of a single metal or metal alloy. 6. The method of claim 5,
wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium, or the metal alloy comprises nickel, stainless steel, aluminum or titanium. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the potential difference is between 0 mV and about 20 mV. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is a liquid. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the electrically conductive aerosolizable material contains nicotine or a nicotine salt. As a cartomizer,
It comprises the housing of any one of claims 1 to 9,
The cartomizer is a closed or open system. A cartomizer for an aerosol delivery system, comprising:
a reservoir holding two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and one or more metal components;
The two surfaces are capable of simultaneously contacting the electrically conductive aerosolizable material and the electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer at about 40° C. for about 1 week to about 8 weeks. The change in the dissolved metal content of the cartomizer for an aerosol delivery system is 0 to about 20%. An aerosol delivery system comprising the housing of any one of claims 1 to 9 or the cartomizer of claims 11 or 12. The use of one or more metal components in an aerosol providing system to reduce galvanic corrosion, comprising:
wherein the one or more metal components have two surfaces that are simultaneously exposed and/or exposed to an aerosolizable material that is electrically conductive in the aerosol delivery system, the surfaces having a potential difference between 0 mV and about 35 mV. The use of one or more metal components in 14. The method of claim 13,
The use of one or more metal components in an aerosol delivery system, wherein the potential difference of the exposed and/or exposable surfaces is between 0 mV and about 20 mV. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14,
wherein the electrically conductive aerosolizable material comprises nicotine or a nicotine salt.

Images