RU2779765C2 - Ventilation for hookah device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to hookah devices and, more specifically, to hookah devices, which heat aerosol forming substrate without burning substrate, and which improve characteristics of generated aerosol, using a ventilation hole along an aerosol tube. Hookah device (10) contains aerosol generating element (11) for accommodation of aerosol forming substrate (12). The hookah device also contains vessel (17) located at a distance from the aerosol generating element and defining an inner part for accommodation of a volume of liquid. The vessel contains outlet element (15) of a free space. The hookah device also contains aerosol tube (21) located between the aerosol generating element and the inner part of the vessel. The aerosol tube contains a near end part defining near hole (24) located for reception of an air flow from the aerosol generating element, a far end part defining far hole (26) located in the inner part of the vessel, and ventilation hole (30) located between near and far end parts. The ratio between the total area of the ventilation hole and the cross-sectional area of the aerosol tube located near the ventilation hole is no more than 1:1000. The application of negative pressure to the outlet element of the free space causes an air flow through the aerosol tube from the near hole to the far hole and causes an air flow through the aerosol tube from the ventilation hole to the far hole.

EFFECT: use of a hookah device may allow for increase in the minimum diameter of a nozzle hole, which may contribute to obtaining a lower value of resistance to drag (RTD) compared to a hookah device without a ventilation hole; as a result, hookah devices can produce significantly more visible aerosol, deliver significantly more total aerosol mass (hereinafter – TAM), or produce significantly more visible aerosol and deliver significantly more TAM than similar hookah devices without a ventilation hole; users of such devices may have sensations more similar to those of a traditional hookah device, but without burning of charcoal byproducts.

15 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to hookah devices, and more specifically to hookah devices that heat an aerosol-generating substrate without burning the substrate, and that improve the characteristics of the generated aerosol by using a ventilation opening along the aerosol tube.

Traditional hookah devices are used for smoking tobacco and are designed so that the steam and smoke pass through a container of water before being inhaled by the user. Traditional hookah devices may contain one outlet or more than one outlet, as a result of which the device can be used by more than one consumer at the same time. Many see the use of traditional hookah devices as a leisure and social experience.

The tobacco used in traditional hookah devices can be mixed with other ingredients, for example, to increase the volume of steam and smoke produced, to change the flavor, or both. To heat tobacco in a traditional hookah device, charcoal in the form of pellets is usually used, which can cause complete or partial combustion of tobacco or other ingredients. Additionally, pelleted charcoal can generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which can mix with hookah steam and smoke and pass through the water tank.

Some traditional hookah devices use electrical heat sources to heat or burn tobacco in order to, for example, avoid the by-products of charcoal combustion or to improve the consistency with which tobacco is heated or burned. However, replacing charcoal with an electric heater may result in poor aerosol production in terms of visible smoke or aerosol, total aerosol mass (TAM) or visible smoke or aerosol and TAM.

Traditional electrically heated hookah devices have been proposed that use one or more nozzles to improve aerosol production. However, the small diameters required for optimum efficiency can result in unsatisfactory draw resistance (RTD) values that are substantially greater than traditional charcoal-heated hookahs.

It is necessary to provide a hookah device that produces a satisfactory amount of one or both of the visible aerosol and the total mass of the aerosol with a sufficiently low draw resistance. It is also necessary to provide a hookah device that heats the substrate so that combustion by-products do not occur.

Various aspects of the invention relate to a hookah device that includes a vent located along the aerosol tube. One or more ventilation openings of the ventilation opening are located along the aerosol tube. The aerosol tube may comprise any or a combination of: a mouthpiece tube, a cooling element, or an accelerating element. One or more ventilation openings of the ventilation opening may be located along any of: the mouthpiece tube, the cooling element, the accelerating element of the aerosol tube. In some embodiments, the implementation of the vent is located along the accelerating element, for example, near the narrow end of the nozzle. The vent can be used to improve aerosol generation through cooling in electrically heated hookah devices or traditional hookah devices that use partial or complete combustion of tobacco or other ingredients.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hookah device comprises an aerosol generating element for receiving the aerosol generating substrate and a receptacle located at a distance from the aerosol generating element. The vessel defines an interior to contain a volume of liquid. The vessel contains an outlet element of free space. The hookah device also contains an aerosol tube located between the aerosol generating element and the inside of the vessel. The aerosol tube comprises a proximal end part that defines a proximal opening located to receive an air flow from an aerosol generating element, a distal end part defining a distal opening located in the inner part of the vessel, and a ventilation opening located between the proximal and distal end parts. The ratio between the total area of the opening of the ventilation opening and the cross-sectional area of the aerosol tube located near the ventilation opening is not more than 1:1000. Applying negative pressure to the headspace outlet causes air to flow through the aerosol tube from the proximal opening to the distal opening and causes ambient air to flow from the vent through the aerosol conduit to the distal opening of the aerosol conduit. Advantageously, with this arrangement, ambient air is mixed with the air stream containing the generated aerosol as both flow through the aerosol tube. The mixing of the ambient air provides a cooling effect to the air stream containing the generated aerosol.

In one or more embodiments, the ventilation opening comprises at least one of:

openings for ambient air; and

one or more vents in fluid communication with the ambient air port via the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol conduit comprises a cooling element positioned proximate the ambient air opening or vent and configured to cool the air stream that flows through the vent. The cooling element may be an active cooling element, a passive cooling element, or a cooling element using both active and passive cooling methods. Advantageously, the inclusion of a cooling element in combination with a ventilation opening can provide temperature control of the air flow through the aerosol tube and thus efficiency under wide range conditions. For example, in a country with hot weather, the temperature of the ambient air that mixes with the air stream containing the generated aerosol may be 40°C, which may not provide the desired cooling effect for aerosol generation. An active cooling element may be used to cool the ambient air to a temperature below the ambient temperature to provide the desired cooling effect.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol conduit comprises an accelerating element disposed along the aerosol conduit and configured to accelerate the aerosol that flows through the accelerating element.

In one or more embodiments, the implementation of the accelerating element contains one or more vents of the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the implementation of the ventilation opening is located in a relatively narrow end part of the accelerating element. Advantageously, the location of the vent in the relatively narrow end portion of the accelerating element may allow for a controlled degree of dilution of the aerosol with ambient air entering the aerosol tube.

In one or more embodiments, the acceleration element comprises a tapered portion, and the relatively narrow end portion of the accelerating element is the relatively narrower portion of the tapered portion.

In one or more embodiments, the vent opening comprises one or more vents forming an annular opening.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol tube comprises a mouthpiece tube containing one or more vent holes. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece tube may be approximately 0.30 meters long. In one or more embodiments, the mouthpiece tube may have a maximum length of 1 meter.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol conduit comprises a vent chamber located proximate one or more vents of the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the implementation of the ventilation chamber contains a vortex element. In one or more embodiments, the implementation of the vortex element may have a thread-like geometric shape. Advantageously, the swirl element increases the surface area of the refrigeration unit and increases the turbulent air flow by increasing the likelihood of collisions between the ambient air and the refrigeration unit. This helps to cool the ambient air before it enters the aerosol tube through the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the implementation of the ventilation channel contains a vortex element. The vortex element may have a filamentous geometric shape. Advantageously, the swirl element increases the surface area of the refrigeration unit and increases the likelihood of collisions between ambient air and the refrigeration unit. This helps to cool the ambient air before it enters the aerosol tube through the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol conduit comprises a cooling element configured to cool the aerosol that flows through the aerosol conduit. In one or more embodiments, the cooling element is configured to cool ambient air that flows through the cooling element. In one or more embodiments, the cooling element is configured to both cool the aerosol that flows through the aerosol tube and cool the ambient air that flows through the cooling element.

In one or more embodiments, the cooling element defines at least one of an ambient air opening of the vent and a plenum adjacent to the vent of the vent.

In one or more embodiments, the vent opening comprises one or more vents having a total opening area of 0.2 mm ² to 7 mm ² .

In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area is located in line with the center point of the ventilation opening.

In one or more embodiments, the aerosol generating element and the center of the ventilation opening are separated by no more than 30 mm.

Advantageously, the hookah devices described herein can provide low resistance to draw (RTD) while still achieving sufficient aerosol production by reducing the temperature of the aerosol-carrying air upstream of the aerosol generating element and upstream of the interior of the vessel. In particular, locating the vent to mix some ambient air with aerosol-carrying air can facilitate aerosol generation. The hookah devices described in this document may contain a cooling element to further improve aerosol production. In particular, the cooling element can advantageously be used to pre-cool the air flow entering the ventilation opening, especially in hot climates. The use of the hookah device described in this document may allow the minimum nozzle orifice diameter to be increased, which may result in a lower RTD compared to a hookah device without a vent. As a result, hookah devices described herein may produce substantially more visible aerosol, deliver substantially more total aerosol mass (TAM), or produce substantially more visible aerosol and deliver substantially more TAM than similar hookah devices without a vent. Users of such devices may experience a more similar experience to a traditional hookah device in which the aerosol generating substrate is combusted using charcoal, especially with respect to aerosol generation and RTD, but without the combustion of charcoal by-products. Additionally, if the hookah device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol generating substrate to generate the aerosol without burning the aerosol, combustion of by-products of the aerosol generating substrate can also be avoided.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate understanding of certain terms commonly used in this document.

The term "aerosol generating substrate" refers to a device or substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Suitable aerosol-forming substrates may contain plant-based material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco or a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavors. In some embodiments, the implementation of the substrate that forms the aerosol contains a liquid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a liquid solution, suspension, dispersion, or the like. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid at room temperature. For example, the aerosol forming substrate may contain tobacco or sugar. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate contains nicotine.

The term "tobacco material" refers to a tobacco-containing material or substance that contains tobacco blends or flavored tobacco, for example.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol" as used when referring to an aerosol stream may refer to an aerosol, air containing an aerosol or vapor, or air carrying an aerosol. The vapor-containing air may be the basis for the aerosol-containing air, for example, after it has cooled or after it has been accelerated.

In the context of this document, the term "cooling" refers to the reduction in internal energy in the system, which can be achieved through heat transfer, as well as due to the work performed by the system.

In the context of this document, the term "vent" refers to an opening in the aerosol tube of a hookah device. The vent is adjacent to the air flow channel and is in fluid communication with it through the aerosol tube, and may directly open into the air flow channel. The vent may be relatively small compared to the cross-sectional area of the airflow passage of the aerosol tube.

In the context of this document, the term "ambient air opening" refers to an opening in a hookah device component. The ambient air opening is adjacent to the ambient air environment and directly exits to the external environment. The ambient air port may be removed from the aerosol tube. The ambient air opening may be in fluid communication with the vent, for example through one or both of the vent duct and the plenum.

In the context of this document, the term "vent opening" refers to one or more hookah device structures used to facilitate ventilation air to enter the air flow path of the aerosol tube. The vent may include the vent and any ancillary ducts, chambers, or additional openings such as an ambient air vent leading from the vent to the outside ambient air.

After explaining some commonly used terms above, the hookah device according to the present invention will be described in more detail in this document. In general, the hookah device contains a ventilation opening located along the aerosol tube. The vent can help provide improved aerosol performance such as higher TAM, lower RTD, or both higher TAM and lower RTD. Draw resistance or RTD is the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the test object at a rate of 17.5 ml/s at a temperature of 22 °C and a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr). RTD is usually expressed in units of mmH2O. Art. and measured in accordance with ISO 6565:201 1. Preferably less than or equal to 38 mm w.c. Art. to provide a hookah experience similar to that of a traditional hookah device.

The hookah device may contain an element that generates an aerosol. An aerosol generating element may be used with an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In particular, the aerosol generating member can contain and heat the aerosol generating substrate to generate the aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate may be heated but not burned by exposure to the aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element may include a heating element. The heating element may comprise an electrical heater.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating element may comprise elements of a conventional hookah device, such as any of: a bowl to receive the aerosol generating substrate, a cover plate to cover the bowl, a foil to cover the bowl, and at least one pellet of charcoal to heat the substrate. , which forms an aerosol.

The hookah device may contain a vessel. The vessel may define the interior. The vessel may be configured to contain liquid. In particular, the interior of the vessel may contain a volume of liquid.

Air may flow through the aerosol generating element to draw aerosol from the aerosol generating element through the aerosol tube. The aerosol tube may define a channel for air flow. The aerosol, which may change as it is drawn through the liquid, may exit the hookah device through the headspace outlet of the vessel. Air can flow through the aerosol tube by applying negative pressure to the headspace outlet member. The source of negative pressure may be suction or puffing by the user. As a result, the aerosol can be drawn through the aerosol tube through the liquid contained in the interior of the vessel. The user may draw through a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the headspace outlet to generate or apply negative pressure to the headspace outlet or mouthpiece.

During use, the aerosol conduit may be in fluid communication with the headspace outlet through some liquid. The aerosol conduit may begin near or adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol conduit may terminate in the interior of the receptacle or extend, for example, at least as far as the headspace outlet or mouthpiece.

The aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. In particular, the aerosol conduit may include an air flow passage that at least partially defines fluid communication from the aerosol generating element to the interior of the container. Various components may be positioned along the airflow path or aerosol tube to improve the characteristics of the aerosol flowing through the headspace outlet to the user.

The term "downstream" refers to the direction along the aerosol tube into the interior of the vessel away from the aerosol generating element. The term "upstream" refers to a direction opposite to the direction of flow or along the aerosol tube into the aerosol generating element from the inside of the vessel.

The aerosol tube is located between the aerosol generating element and the interior of the vessel. The aerosol tube may include one or more components along the aerosol tube. The aerosol tube includes a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening positioned to receive air flow from the aerosol generating element. The aerosol tube has a distal end defining a distal opening located in the interior of the vessel. The distal end of the aerosol tube may extend into the liquid volume in the interior of the container during use of the hookah device.

The aerosol tube can be described as defining a longitudinal axis through the proximal end and the distal end. The transverse direction can be defined as being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. For example, the cross section, circumference, width, or diameter of the aerosol tube may be defined in the transverse direction or in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

The aerosol tube contains a ventilation opening located between the proximal and distal end portions of the aerosol tube. In general, the airflow through the aerosol tube will flow from the aerosol generating element to the interior of the container. Applying negative pressure to the headspace outlet causes air to flow through the aerosol tube from the proximal opening to the distal opening and causes air to flow through the aerosol conduit from the vent to the distal opening.

In some embodiments, the air flow may enter the aerosol-forming substrate receptacle of the hookah device, pass along the aerosol-forming substrate cartridge, then to the bottom of the cartridge, then to the bottom of the receptacle. The air stream may then pass through the aerosol-forming substrate, may become aerosol-carrying. The pressure of the aerosol-carrying air may decrease as it passes through one or more accelerating elements (eg, nozzles). The aerosol-carrying air can mix with the ventilation airflow from the ventilation opening, resulting in a drop in the temperature of the aerosol-carrying air, which can improve the aerosol generation process. The mixed aerosol-carrying air (eg cooled air) then moves through the accelerating element, if necessary, through the mouthpiece tube into a vessel (eg a container of water) and can then be inhaled by the user.

The hookah device may contain an accelerating element. The accelerating element may be positioned along the aerosol tube, for example along the air flow path of the aerosol tube. In particular, the accelerating element may be located along the aerosol tube. The accelerating element may be integral with a portion of the air flow path or aerosol tube. The accelerating element may be configured to accelerate the aerosol that flows through the accelerating element.

The accelerating element is adapted to accelerate the aerosol that flows through the accelerating element along the air flow channel or the aerosol tube. The accelerating element may be located downstream of the aerosol generating element, along the air flow channel or aerosol tube. The accelerating element may be positioned between the aerosol generating element and the vessel. The acceleration of the aerosol can lead to a pressure drop and atomization, which can be explained by the Venturi effect or the Bernoulli effect, and this can increase the TAM. Additionally, the accelerating element may be located adjacent or as close as possible to the delay chamber or accelerating portion of the mouthpiece tube, which may assist in rapid cooling for aerosol generation.

The accelerating element may be of any suitable shape for accelerating the aerosol, such as the shape of a nozzle. The nozzle may be tapered from a wide end to a narrow end to facilitate acceleration of the aerosol or aerosol-carrying air through a small diameter orifice. The wide end is usually proximal and the narrow end is usually distal. The accelerating element can be described as a nozzle. In some embodiments, only a portion of the accelerating element is tapered. The vent may be located on the tapered portion, the non-tapered portion, or both the tapered and non-tapered portions of the accelerating element. The acceleration element may be formed from any suitable material that can be molded to provide acceleration, such as epoxy resin or aluminum. The epoxy resin may be a high temperature epoxy resin.

The hookah device may contain a cooling element. The cooling element may be located along the air flow channel or aerosol tube. The cooling element may be integral with a portion of the air flow path or aerosol tube. The cooling element is configured to cool the aerosol in the air flow channel, especially air that flows through or past the cooling element. The cooling element may be located downstream of the aerosol generating element along the air flow path. In particular, the cooling element may be located between the aerosol generating element and the end of the air flow channel, or at least between the aerosol generating element and the container. Additionally, the cooling element may be located adjacent or as close as possible to the retardation chamber or accelerating portion of the mouthpiece tube, which may assist in rapid cooling to generate the aerosol. The cooling element may use passive cooling, active cooling, or both. The cooling element may include a tube of heat-conducting material. The cooling element may be configured to cool the aerosol that flows through the aerosol tube.

The cooling element may be configured to cool or at least control the ambient air that flows through the cooling element, which can facilitate aerosol generation in various geographic locations and climatic seasons. A passive cooling element can provide cooling to ambient temperature. The active cooling element can provide cooling, in some cases, to a temperature that is lower than the ambient air temperature. The cooling element may be configured to both cool the aerosol that flows through the aerosol tube and cool the ambient air that flows through the cooling element.

The cooling element can be used in combination with an air accelerating element. The air accelerating element may be integrally formed with at least one of the cooling element or chamber. The chamber may be an aerosol delay chamber. The cooling element may be at least partially or completely upstream of the chamber.

The cooling element may be configured to cool the aerosol before or during acceleration by the accelerating element. The accelerating element may be located downstream of the cooling element. In particular, the accelerating element may be located between the cooling element and the vessel. The accelerating element may contain the cooled aerosol.

The cooling element and the accelerating element may be a single or inseparable part. However, the cooling element and the accelerating element may also be separate parts. The cooling element may be operatively associated with the acceleration element to allow air in the airflow passage or aerosol tube to flow through both the cooling element and the acceleration element. The cooling element and the accelerating element may together form at least a portion of the aerosol tube.

In general, cooling the cavity of the cooling element or the air flow path of the aerosol tube can provide greater aerosol production compared to using an apparatus that does not provide such cooling of the aerosol. Cooling can increase the condensation of the aerosol to increase the amount of visible aerosol, total aerosol mass (TAM), or both visible aerosol and TAM. The cooling element may be integrally formed with an accelerating element, such as a nozzle, located along the air flow path or aerosol tube. The combination of aerosol cooling and acceleration can provide a significant increase in visible aerosol, TAM, or both in visible aerosol and TAM.

The chamber may be located along the air flow channel or the aerosol tube. The chamber may be configured to decelerate the air. The aerosol may be formed by slowing down the aerosol-carrying air. The chamber may be located downstream of the aerosol generating element. In particular, the chamber may be located between the aerosol generating element and the vessel, or more particularly between the accelerating element and the vessel.

The chamber may be located downstream of the cooling element. The camera can also be located downstream of the accelerating element. The accelerating element may be at least partially or completely located in the chamber. In some embodiments, the implementation of the accelerating element forms the inlet element of the chamber. The accelerating element may be integrally formed with the chamber. The cooling element may be at least partially or completely located upstream of the chamber. In some embodiments, the cooling element may be integrally formed with the acceleration element to form a nozzle that may extend at least partially into the chamber.

The aerosol tube can be used to reduce the air temperature of the aerosol-carrying air flowing through the aerosol tube. In particular, the average temperature in the nozzle cavity between puffs can be approximately 40 °C. The vent airflow through the vent opening of the aerosol tube can be used to mix with the aerosol-carrying air. Preferably, the temperature of the ventilation air stream does not exceed the temperature of the aerosol-carrying air, and it can be used to create a temperature drop in the aerosol-carrying air. Preferably, the temperature of the ventilation air stream is about 20°C or less.

The ventilation opening may include one or more ventilation openings. One or more ventilation openings of the vent opening may be formed in the side wall of the aerosol tube, such as the side wall of the mouthpiece or cooling element tube. If more than one hole is provided, the holes may be the same size or unequal size. If more than one opening is provided, the openings may be of the same or unequal shape. If more than one opening is provided, the openings may be evenly distributed or unevenly distributed. If more than one opening is provided, the openings may be arranged in an annular fashion around the circumference or perimeter of the side wall of the aerosol tube. The aerosol tube may include a mouthpiece tube which may be used to pass into the liquid in the interior of the container. In some embodiments, the implementation of the ventilation opening may be located upstream of the tube of the mouthpiece or close to it. In some embodiments, the implementation of the vent may be located on the tube of the mouthpiece. The side wall of the mouthpiece tube may define one or more ventilation holes.

One or more ventilation holes may be used to form an annular opening. The annular opening may extend around some or all of the transverse circumference of the aerosol tube. The use of an annular opening can provide more uniform or uniform mixing of the aerosol-carrying air with the ventilation air compared to a single opening that does not extend along the transverse circumference of the aerosol tube. In some embodiments, the annular opening may extend around at least about 90 degrees, at least about 180 degrees, at least about 270 degrees, or about 360 degrees.

One or more vents of a vent may define the total area of the vent. The size of the ventilation holes may vary depending on the specific application. In general, the use of smaller areas can lead to blockage over time, requiring frequent cleaning, while larger areas can affect aerosol quality due to over-dilution. In some embodiments, the implementation of the total area of the hole may be in the range from about 0.2 mm ² to about 7 mm ² . In some embodiments, the implementation of the total area of the hole is in the range from about 0.2 mm ² to about 1 mm ² . In one embodiment, the total hole area is approximately 0.8 mm ² .

Without any vent holes, aerosol-carrying air can flow at a rate of, for example, approximately 11.6 L/min through the hookah device. The flow rate may decrease as the area of the vent increases. Reducing the flow rate by about 20% (from about 11.6 L/min to about 9.2 L/min) can adversely affect aerosol production due to excessive dilution. Preferably, the one or more vents are sized such that the reduction in flow rate does not exceed about 20% reduction. In one embodiment, the decrease in flow rate is about 2% (from about 11.6 l/min to about 11.4 l/min), which corresponds to a total orifice area of about 0.8 mm ² .

Various types of vents may be included in the vent. The ventilation opening may include an opening for ambient air. The ambient air port may be in fluid communication with ambient air. In particular, the ambient air opening may be located adjacent to the outside. The vent opening may include a vent in fluid communication with the ambient air opening via a vent duct. For example, the vent may extend at least partially from the vent to the ambient air port.

External condensation nuclei can be added to the vent airflow, such as the airflow entering a vent. Condensation nuclei can be used to increase steam condensation. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that condensation nuclei contribute to the process of heterogeneous vapor nucleation as the vapor cools to form an aerosol, which increases one or both of the visible aerosol and the total mass of the aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "condensation nuclei" refers to any suspended particles that can serve as a nucleus or nucleation center on or around which vapor particles can condense to form solid particles or liquid droplets in the form of an aerosol. Condensation nuclei can be solid particles, liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

Condensation nuclei having a size in the range of about 0.01 micrometers to about 5 micrometers may be suitable to promote heterogeneous nucleation and thus may generate one or both of increased visible aerosol and total aerosol mass. The condensation nuclei may have an average size of from about 0.01 micrometer to about 5 micrometer, from about 0.05 micrometer to about 2 micrometer, from about 0.1 micrometer to about 0.3 micrometer, or about 0.2 micrometer.

The condensation nuclei may contain, for example, sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), a carbon particle, or any other suitable particulate matter.

One or more vents may be located in the reduced space or chamber. In some embodiments, the aerosol conduit may at least partially define a vent located proximate one or more vents of the vent. The use of a chamber can be used to increase the ratio of lower temperature ventilated air to higher temperature aerosol-carrying air. In some embodiments, the implementation of the ventilation chamber is located close to the narrow end part of the accelerating element (for example, the outlet of the nozzle).

The vent chamber may be used to provide an interface to one or more vents that is independent of the orientation of the mouthpiece tube or nozzle. For example, when using a vent chamber, the vent in the mouthpiece tube does not need to be radially oriented to match the vent in the cooler, which can provide a more ergonomic orientation for the mouthpiece tube relative to the cooler. The ventilation chamber may surround the ventilation opening. The vent can be on the mouthpiece tube or nozzle. The ventilation chamber may be in fluid communication with the ambient air opening remote from the ventilation opening.

As an alternative or in addition to the use of a ventilation chamber, the cooling element and the accelerating element may be integral. For example, the cooling unit may form a nozzle. The vent in the nozzle can be pre-aligned with the vent in the cooling unit. The first mouthpiece tube may fluidly connect the cooling unit to the aerosol generating element. The second mouthpiece tube may fluidly connect the cooling unit to the vessel. The first mouthpiece tube may be shorter than the second mouthpiece tube. The cooling unit may include airtight connectors for each of the mouthpiece tubes.

In some cases, the aerosol-carrying air may condense on the walls of the aerosol tube. Air entering the aerosol tube through the vent in a reasonably uniform manner can help prevent or reduce condensation on the inside walls of the aerosol tube. The vent opening may function as a feed funnel to direct the flow of vent air along the inner walls of the aerosol tube. The ventilation air flow can separate the aerosol-carrying air from the interior walls. The ventilation opening may contain an annular opening or several holes. This can help the vent to function as a feed funnel.

The accelerating element may define one or more vents of the vent. In one embodiment, one or more vent holes of the vent are located in an accelerating element such as a nozzle.

In some embodiments, the implementation of one or more vent holes of the vent are located in the narrow end portion of the accelerating element.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the total area of the vent opening and the cross-sectional area of the aerosol conduit located proximate or adjacent to the vent may be no more than about 1:1000. The cross-sectional area of the aerosol tube used in comparison to the total opening area may be located, for example, in the wide end of the accelerating element or the mouthpiece tube. The cross-sectional area may be located in line with the center point of the ventilation opening.

The cooling element may define one or more vents of the vent. In one embodiment, one or more vent holes of the vent are located on the cooling element. The cooling element may be upstream of the accelerating element.

The ventilation air entering the ventilation opening can be pre-cooled by a cooling element. The cooling element may comprise an active cooling element, which can advantageously improve the pre-cooling control of the ventilation air. The cooling element may be located near the ambient air opening or ventilation duct. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element may at least partially define the ventilation channel. In one embodiment, the aerosol conduit includes a cooling element positioned proximate the ambient air opening or vent and configured to cool the air stream that flows through the vent. Specifically, the cooling element may define at least one of a vent of the vent and a plenum adjacent to the vent of the vent.

The cooling element may comprise a passive cooling element, an active cooling element, or a passive cooling element and an active cooling element. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element includes a nozzle formed from a thermally conductive material that defines one or more vents. In some embodiments, the cooling element comprises a cooling unit defining one or more narrow air passages. In some embodiments, the cooling element comprises a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier element, for actively cooling incoming ambient air.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element may be connected to the tube for aerosol. A sealing gasket may be positioned to seal the aerosol tube from the cooling element. For example, a sealing gasket may be positioned to seal the mouthpiece tube from the cooling unit. A vent may be provided in the cooling element, the vent may be in fluid communication with the ambient air through the vent. By providing a seal around the aerosol tube from the cooling element, ambient air can advantageously be directed to flow through the vent along the vent to the ambient air port.

The vent may be located close to the aerosol generating element along the aerosol tube. For example, the aerosol generating element and the center of the ventilation opening may be separated by no more than 30 mm. Positioning the vent close to the aerosol generating element can increase the temperature gradient of the aerosol-carrying air, which can contribute to improved aerosol production. In some embodiments, the vent is located as close as possible to the aerosol generating element to dramatically increase the cooling rate of the aerosol-carrying air.

One or more components of the hookah device that form the airflow channel can affect the draw resistance (RTD) of the hookah device. RTD can refer to how easily the user can draw the aerosol through the airflow channel of the hookah device, through the liquid, through the headspace outlet to the optional mouthpiece. One or more components of the hookah device forming, defining the channel for air flow, attached to it or intersecting with it, may have a resistance to draw (RTD). The RTD of the accelerating element may at least partially contribute to the RTD of the airflow path. The accelerating element, compared to, for example, a chamber and a cooling element, can define a more restrictive cross-sectional diameter in the air flow channel. The accelerating element may determine the RTD of the airflow channel. In particular, the RTD may be less than or equal to about 45 millimeters of water (mm H2O), preferably equal to or less than about 38 millimeters of water.

In general, the operation of the cooling element can be based on heating it with an aerosol due to convection and transferring heat away from the air. The cooling element may employ various passive or active means to provide cooling to the aerosol.

The cooling element may be located near or adjacent to the ventilation opening. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element may surround the ventilation opening. In some embodiments, the cooling element may provide pre-cooled vent air to the vent. For example, the air flow may be arranged to pass through or adjacent to the cooling element before entering the ventilation opening. In some embodiments, the cooling element may be provided upstream or downstream of the vent. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element may at least partially define the ventilation opening. Parts of the ventilation opening may be formed in the cooling element, for example, any of: a ventilation chamber, a ventilation duct, and an ambient air opening. In some embodiments, more than one cooling element may be provided.

In the context of this document, the term "passive cooling" refers to cooling without additional energy consumption or power supply. The term "active cooling" refers to cooling that uses additional power consumption or power supply. The cooling element for providing active cooling may be operatively coupled to a power source such as a power supply or a battery. Cooling performance, especially passive cooling, can be affected by certain factors such as ambient temperature, temperature gradient, heat transfer, humidity, and ventilation.

The components of the cooling element may include at least one of: a tube containing a thermally conductive material, a heat sink, a heat pump, a fan, a cooling reservoir having an internal space for liquid located outside the air flow channel, a water block, and a liquid pump. Passive components may include at least one of a tube, a heat sink, a cooling reservoir, and a water block. The active components may include a heat pump, a fan and a liquid pump. Each component may be thermally bonded to an aerosol that flows through the cooling element. More than one of these components can be used together to further improve cooling.

The cooling element tube may contain material that can assist in passive cooling of the aerosol that flows through the tube cavity. The tube may contain a thermally conductive material that can be used to remove heat from the aerosol. The tube can be heated with an aerosol. The thermal diffusivity of the material may be greater than or equal to about 10 ^-6 m ² /s, 10 ^-5 m ² /s, about 5×10 ^-5 m ² /s, or even about 10 ^-4 m ² /s.

Non-exhaustive examples of the thermally conductive material include aluminum, which has a thermal diffusivity of 9.7×10 ⁻⁵ m ² /s, and copper.

In some embodiments, a portion of the tube forms an accelerating element. For example, the tube may be a nozzle containing a cooling element and an accelerating element.

The air outside the aerosol tube flowing past the aerosol tube may remove heat from the aerosol tube or air flow path. This cooling air flow can be provided by the design of the hookah device. The hookah device may include a channel for the flow of cooling air, extending from the source of ambient air (eg, external environment) to the cooling element. In one example, the cooling element may heat air that rises and causes ambient air to flow through the cooling air flow path and past the cooling element. Proper shisha device ventilation design can facilitate this airflow and may include a passive fan. In another embodiment, the flow of cooling air may be assisted by a user puff. The cooling air flow path may be designed to extend into the mouthpiece. The user's puffing may allow ambient air to flow through the cooling air flow path and past the cooling element. The same user puff to generate a cooling air flow can also draw aerosol through the air flow path of the aerosol tube.

The air heated by the cooling element can be used to provide preheated air to the aerosol generating element, which can improve the performance of the aerosol generating element. For example, ambient air may be in fluid communication with the cooling element via a cooling air flow path. The cooling element may heat the surrounding air while cooling the aerosol. The heated air may be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating element. In particular, heated air may be drawn through the aerosol generating element to generate more aerosol, which may then be drawn into the air flow path of the aerosol tube.

Typically, heaters increase the temperature of the substrate from outside to inside, which can take a long time and can create a thermal gradient in the substrate. By passing a mass of hot air along the substrate, the temperature of the substrate can increase faster, which can equalize the thermal gradient.

The use of the thermally conductive material may not be limited to the cooling element. For example, an accelerating element may be formed from a thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, both the tube and the accelerating element are formed from a thermally conductive material. For example, the tube and the accelerating element may be integrally formed together.

In some embodiments, the cooling element tube may be formed from a material that is not thermally conductive or has low thermal conductivity. For example, the tube may be formed from an epoxy resin. Other components of the cooling element may be used to provide the cooling effect.

Various types of heat sinks can be used. The heat sink may be formed from a heat-conducting material. The heat sink may be a plate heat sink. For example, a plate heat sink may contain multiple plates. One or more plates may have a surface area of at least 225 mm ² . The plates may be relatively thin. One or more of the plates may have a thickness of not more than 0.5 mm. The flow of cooling air outside the aerosol tube can remove heat from the heat sink. The heat sink may be a heat pipe. The heat pipe may contain a working fluid, which may be subjected to evaporation and then condensation.

A heat sink can be used in combination with a tube. In particular, the heat sink may be thermally coupled to the aerosol via a tube. The heat sink may be located outside the tube. For example, the heat sink may at least partially or completely surround a portion of the tube. The heat sink can remove heat from the tube.

Any suitable heat pump may be used. In one example, a heat pump may include a thermoelectric element that can use electrical energy to effect cooling. The thermoelectric element may be particularly suitable for use with a power supply. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric element is a Peltier element. The heat pump may have a heated side and a cooled side and be configured to transfer heat from the cooled side to the heated side in a direction away from the aerosol. The flow of cooling air outside the aerosol tube can remove heat from the heated side of the heat pump.

The heat pump may be used in combination with at least one tube and a heat sink. For example, a heat pump may be connected to a tube, a heat sink, or both. In particular, the cooled side of the heat pump may be located adjacent to the heat sink for cooling the ambient air. The cooled air can then flow past the heat sink, such as through the fins, to provide efficient cooling.

Any suitable fan may be used. The fan may assist in moving the cooling air flow outside the aerosol tube. The fan can be powered by a power supply. A fan may be used to provide cooling air flow in addition to or as an alternative to user puffing.

The fan may be used in combination with at least one of a tube, a heat sink, and a heat pump. In one example, the fan may direct the flow of cooling air past the heat sink, such as through multiple plates connected to the tube. In another example, the fan can be activated at will. The hookah device may contain a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor may be thermally coupled to the heated side of the heat pump. The fan may be activated in response to the measured temperature exceeding the threshold temperature. Activating the fan at will can provide better temperatures. For example, activation at will may help optimize cooling only when needed (eg, to conserve power) or may help prevent overheating of the aerosol generating element (eg, to prevent combustion of the aerosol generating substrate).

Various types of cooling tanks can be used. The interior of the cooling tank may be designed to contain liquid. The liquid may be located adjacent to the air flow channel or aerosol tube. In particular, the liquid in the cooling reservoir may not be located in the path of the aerosol from the aerosol generating element to the free space outlet element. The interior of the cooling reservoir may not be in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. However, in one or more embodiments, the interior may be in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel.

The interior space of the cooling reservoir may be greater than or equal to approximately 250 ml. Non-exhaustive examples of the liquid used in the cooling tank include water and ethylene glycol.

The user can manually place liquid into the interior space. The interior space can also be filled in other ways, for example by means of a fluid pump or by capillary action, using fluid from another source such as a vessel. The use of such methods can simplify the operation of the hookah device. The user may only need to fill a vessel that will also provide fluid to the cooling reservoir. The capillary effect can provide filling without additional energy consumption.

In general, the cooling reservoir can aerosol when the aerosol heats up the liquid. The cooling reservoir can then transfer heat from the fluid in a variety of ways.

One type of cooling tank may include one or more nozzles to allow liquid to flow into or out of the interior. The cold liquid may be directed into the interior from an external source. The heated fluid can be directed from the interior space.

Another type of cooling tank may include a thermally conductive wall around the interior. The thermally conductive wall may be formed from a thermally conductive material. The flow of cooling air outside the aerosol tube can remove heat from the heat-conducting wall.

Yet another type of cooling reservoir may be at least partially porous. The cooling reservoir may include a porous wall that allows liquid to be converted to vapor as it passes through the wall. Non-exhaustive examples of porous material include porous clay and foamed silica.

Another type of cooling tank can be described as a "pot-in-pot" type cooling tank, which also allows the liquid to turn into steam. The pot-in-pot cooling tank may include an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall may define an interior space for containing liquid and an opening through which vapor may escape. The inner wall may be porous, formed from a porous material, and located within the outer wall. The porous first wall may allow vaporization to pass through the surface of the inner wall of a liquid that may exit the cooling reservoir as vapor through an opening defined by the outer wall.

The efficiency of a pot-in-pot cooling tank can be affected by the temperature and humidity of the outside environment. In some environments with high temperatures and low humidity, the pot-in-pot cooling tank can cool the liquid down to 4.5°C.

The cooling reservoir may be used in combination with at least one of a tube, a heat sink, a heat pump, and a fan. In one example, liquid may surround a portion of the tube. In particular, the liquid may completely surround a portion of the tube. In some embodiments, the combination of at least a cooling reservoir and a heat pump can provide a temperature drop of up to about 60°C compared to a device without a cooling element. The cooled side of the heat pump may be connected to, or in contact with, the cooling reservoir. The heat sink may be at least partially located within the interior of the cooling reservoir in fluid communication with the liquid in the cooling reservoir. The heat sink may be connected to, or in contact with, the cooled side of the heat pump.

Any type of water block that is configured to cool the liquid that flows through the water block can be used. The water block can be used with any suitable liquid such as water. The water block may be formed from a thermally conductive material having at least one lumen formed therein for fluid to flow through it. The heat from the aerosol may heat the liquid and then be transferred from the liquid via the thermally conductive material. The cooling air flow outside the aerosol tube can remove heat from the water block.

The water block can be used in combination with at least one of a tube, a heat sink, a heat pump, a fan, and a cooling tank. In one example, the cooling reservoir may include one or more nozzles in fluid communication with at least one lumen of the water block. The liquid contained in the cooling reservoir can be heated by an aerosol, for example through a tube. The heated liquid may be cooled by flowing through the water block. The liquid may be directed through the loop so that the cooled liquid may return to the cooling reservoir. In some embodiments, the refrigerated side of the heat pump may be connected to, or in contact with, the water block to more efficiently cool the heated liquid. A fan may also be provided to facilitate the flow of air past the heated side of the heat pump.

The liquid pump may be of any suitable type. In one example, a fluid pump may use electrical power to move, or circulate, fluid. In another example, a fluid pump may use or be based on suction provided by a user when puffing. In this case, the characteristics of the fluid pump can be used to correct the RTD. The fluid pump may not provide cooling by itself. When used with other components, the fluid pump can be seen as an active device that aids in cooling. The pump may be used in combination with at least one of a tube, a heat sink, a heat pump, a fan, a cooling tank, and a water block. In one example, a fluid pump may be used to cause fluid to flow through the water block and reservoir. In particular, the pump may cause the heated fluid to flow from the reservoir to the water block for cooling.

In some embodiments, the combination of at least a fluid pump and a cooling reservoir may provide better cooling compared to using a cooling reservoir without a fluid pump. The fluid pump can reduce the amount of time the fluid is in contact with the tube before it is cooled. A larger pumped flow can provide more cooling for the same amount of fluid. As a result, the interior space may be smaller than that of a cooling tank without a fluid pump. Due to this, the size of the hookah device according to the present invention can be more comparable with the size of the traditional hookah device.

The hookah device may include a chamber containing an air accelerating inlet element. The chamber may be located between the element that generates the aerosol and the vessel in the path of air flow in the hookah device. The aerosol moving from the aerosol generating element or from the area close to the aerosol generating element into the vessel can pass through the chamber. The chamber may include an inlet that accelerates the aerosol as it enters the chamber. The aerosol exiting the inlet may be slowed down, which may improve the aerosol nucleation process and increase the amount of visible aerosol compared to devices that do not include a chamber containing an air accelerating inlet. The amount of visible aerosol can be increased in the main chamber of the block, in the headspace of the vessel, or in both the main chamber and the vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the total mass of aerosol delivered by the hookah device can be increased compared to devices that do not include a chamber containing an air accelerating inlet. For example, the total weight of the aerosol may increase by about 1.5 times or more, or about 2 times or more, such as about 3 times.

The accelerating element may comprise or be formed as an inlet chamber element. The description in this document of an inlet element may be applicable to a nozzle that is at least partially formed by an accelerating element. In some embodiments, the implementation of the nozzle formed by the cooling element and the accelerating element also serves as an inlet element.

The air flow path may include an air flow path. The air flow path may extend at least from, for example, the air inlet to the free space outlet.

The chamber may include a main chamber in fluid communication with the inlet. The main chamber is sized and shaped to slow down the aerosol in the main chamber as the aerosol exits the inlet and enters the main chamber. The main chamber may be of any suitable size and shape that will slow down the aerosol. Preferably, the main chamber is substantially cylindrical, but may be of any other suitable shape.

The main chamber may have any suitable diameter. For the purposes of the present invention, unless otherwise indicated, "diameter" is the maximum lateral distance from the first end of an object to the second end of the object opposite the first end. For example, "diameter" may be the diameter of an object having a circular cross section, or may be the width of an object having a rectangular cross section. In some examples, the main chamber has a diameter of at least about 10 mm. For example, the diameter of the main chamber may be from about 10 mm to about 50 mm, such as about 30 mm.

The main chamber may be of any suitable length. In some examples, the main chamber is at least about 10 mm long. For example, the length of the main chamber may be from about 10 mm to about 100 mm, such as about 40 mm.

Preferably, the inlet element protrudes into the main chamber. For example, the first end of the inlet may be formed on the outer surface of the chamber body, and the second end of the inlet may extend into the main chamber.

Any suitable aerosol-accelerating air inlet may be used. A suitable inlet member may include guides defining a narrowed airflow cross section that will cause the air to accelerate in a substantially axial direction. In some examples, the inlet element includes a first opening adjacent to the aerosol generating element and a second opening adjacent to the main chamber. The aerosol from the aerosol generating element flows into the inlet element through the first opening and from the second opening into the main chamber. The first hole has a larger diameter than the second hole.

The first hole may be of any suitable size. For example, the first inlet opening may have a diameter ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 9 mm, or about 7 mm.

The second opening of the inlet may have any suitable dimensions. For example, the second hole may have a diameter ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm, such as from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm or about 1 mm.

The inlet element may be of any suitable length. For example, the length of the inlet from the first opening to the second opening may be from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 5 mm to about 30 mm, for example, about 20 mm.

Preferably, the inlet element has the shape of a truncated cone. For example, the inlet element may be in the form of a nozzle. The frustoconical inlet member can provide effective acceleration of the aerosol when the aerosol is drawn in through the inlet member.

The chamber may contain any suitable number of air accelerating intake elements. For example, the chamber may comprise one or more air accelerating inlets. In some example, the chamber may have 2, 3, 4, 5 or more air accelerating inlets.

The chamber may contain one or more parts. For example, the main chamber and one or more inlet elements may be formed from the same part or from different parts. Preferably, the main chamber is formed from a material that allows the user to see the aerosol inside the chamber. For example, the main chamber may be formed from an optically transparent or opaque material.

The chamber may be located in the air flow path between the aerosol generating element and the vessel configured to contain liquid. A tube may connect the chamber to the outlet element of the aerosol generating element. Alternatively, the inlet element of the chamber may be an outlet element of the aerosol generating element.

The hookah device may include a shaft that extends from the chamber into the vessel. Preferably, the shaft extends into the vessel below the liquid filling level of the vessel. In some examples, the main chamber of the chamber is in fluid communication with the shaft. In other examples, the shaft extending into the vessel forms the main chamber of the chamber.

The hookah device of the present invention may comprise any suitable aerosol generating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by an electrical heating element. The aerosol generating element comprises a receiving element for containing an aerosol generating substrate to be heated by the heating element. Preferably, the aerosol generating substrate is in the cartridge when it is heated by the heating element, and thus the aerosol generating element comprises a cartridge receptacle configured to receive the cartridge. Alternatively, an aerosol generating substrate that is not in the cartridge may be placed in the receptacle.

The aerosol generating element comprises an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. When a user inhales with the hookah device, ambient air may enter the air inlet, pass over or through the aerosol generating substrate, and exit the aerosol outlet to enter the chamber inlet. In some examples, the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element is or forms at least a portion of the chamber inlet.

Preferably, the heating element of the aerosol generating element defines at least one surface of the receiving element for holding the aerosol generating substrate or cartridge. More preferably, the heating element defines at least two surfaces of the receiving element. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of two or more of a top surface, a side surface, and a bottom surface. Preferably, the heating element defines at least part of the top surface and at least part of the side surface. More preferably, the heating element forms the entire top surface and the entire side wall surface of the receiving element. The heating element may be placed on the inner surface or the outer surface of the receiving element.

Any suitable heating element may be used. For example, the heating element may comprise one or both of electrically resistive and inductive heating components. Preferably, the heating element comprises an electrically resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more electrically resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistance wires may be in contact with the thermally conductive material to distribute the generated heat over a wider area. Examples of suitable thermally conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. For purposes of the present invention, if the electrically resistive wires are in contact with a thermally conductive material, then both the electrically resistive wires and the thermally conductive material are part of a heating element that forms at least a portion of the surface of the cartridge receptacle.

In some examples, the heating element comprises an induction heating element. For example, the heating element may comprise a current collector material that forms the surface of the cartridge receiving element.

In the context of this document, the term "current collector" refers to a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When a pantograph is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced in the pantograph and hysteresis losses can occur, resulting in heating of the pantograph. Since the current collector is located in thermal contact or in close thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate is heated by the current collector in such a way that an aerosol is formed. Preferably, the current collector is placed at least partially in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

The current collector may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate. Preferably, the current collector comprises metal or carbon. A suitable current collector may comprise a ferromagnetic material such as ferritic cast iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, and ferrite. A suitable current collector may be aluminum or contain it.

Suitable pantographs include pantographs made of metal, such as stainless steel. However, current collector materials may also contain graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, niobium, Inconel alloys (superalloys based on austenitic nickel-chromium), metallized films, ceramics such as, for example, zirconium dioxide, transition metals , such as, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, or metalloids, such as, for example, B, C, Si, P, Al, or be made from them.

The current collector preferably contains more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, preferably more than 50% or 90% of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Suitable pantographs can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable current collectors may comprise a non-metallic core, wherein a metal layer is placed on the non-metallic core, such as metal tracks formed on the surface of the ceramic core.

In the system of the present invention, at least one surface of a receptacle or cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate for placement in the receptacle may contain a current collector material. Preferably, the current collector material comprises at least two surfaces of the receiving element. For example, the current collector material may include a base and at least one side wall of the receiving element. Preferably, at least parts of the outer surface of the cartridge receiving element are made of the current collector material. However, at least parts of the inside of the cartridge receptacle may also be covered or lined with a current collector material. Preferably, the lining is attached or attached to the shell in such a way as to form an integral part of the shell.

Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge may contain a current collector material.

The hookah device may also contain one or more inductors configured to induce eddy currents and/or hysteresis losses in the current collector material, which leads to heating of the current collector material. The current collector material may also be located in a cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate. The current collector element containing the current collector material may comprise any suitable material such as those described, for example, in PCT published patent applications WO 2014/102092 and WO 2015/177255.

The hookah device may contain control electronics operatively associated with a resistive heating element or an inductor. The control electronics is configured to control the heating of the heating element.

The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may comprise, for example, a controller or a memory and a controller. The control electronics may include a memory that contains instructions on the basis of which one or more components perform a function or aspect of the control electronics. The functions inherent in the control electronics of the present invention may be implemented as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

In particular, one or more of the components described herein, such as controllers, may comprise a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to or from the control electronics. The controller may include one or more computing devices containing hardware for storing, processing and transmitting data. The controller may include circuitry for communicating the various components of the controller with each other or with other components operatively associated with the controller. The functions of the controller may be implemented in hardware and/or as computer instructions on a permanent, computer-readable storage medium.

The controller processor may comprise any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable logic integrated circuit (FPGA), and/or an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. In some examples, a processor may comprise multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and/or one or more FPGAs, and other discrete or integrated logic circuits. Functions referred to as a controller or processor in this document may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. Although the controller is described in this document as a processor-based system, other components such as relays and timers may be used in an alternative controller, either alone or in combination with a microprocessor-based system, to achieve the desired results.

In one or more embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented by one or more computer programs on a computing device, which may include one or more processors and/or storage devices. Program code and/or logic described in this document may be applied to input data/information to implement the functionality described in this document and generate the desired output data/information. The output/information may be applied as input to one or more other devices and/or methods as described herein, or they may be applied in a known manner. From the foregoing, it is clear that the functionality of the controller described in this document can be implemented in any way known to specialists in this field of technology.

In some embodiments, the control electronics may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply. Power can be supplied to the heating element or inductor in the form of pulses of electric current.

If the heating element is a resistive heating element, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the energization of the heating element depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can control the temperature of the resistive element.

If the heating components comprise an inductor and the heating element comprises a current collector material, then the control electronics can be configured to monitor an aspect of the inductor and to control the energization of the inductor depending on aspects of the coil, as described, for example, in WO 2015/177255. Thus, the control electronics can control the temperature of the current collector material.

The hookah device may contain a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating elements. The temperature sensor may be located in any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be operable to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate or a cartridge that fits within the receiving member to monitor the temperature of the heated aerosol generating substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature sensor may be positioned to sense the temperature in the area of the aerosol outlet of the hookah device, such as the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with a cooling element, such as the heated side of a heat pump. The sensor can send signals regarding the measured temperature to the control electronics, which can adjust the heating of the heating elements to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

Any suitable thermocouple may be used, such as a Type K thermocouple. The thermocouple may be placed in the cartridge where the temperature is lowest. For example, a thermocouple may be placed in the center, or middle, of the cartridge. In some hookah devices, the thermocouple can be placed under the aerosol generating substrate (such as molasses), for example by placing the thermocouple between the substrate receptacle and the heating element (such as charcoal) and then placing the substrate on top.

Regardless of whether the hookah device contains a temperature sensor or not, the device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate placed in the receiving member sufficiently to generate the aerosol without burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

The control electronics may be operatively linked to the power supply. The hookah device can contain any suitable power supply. For example, the hookah device's power supply may be a battery or a set of batteries (such as a battery pack). In some examples, one or more of the battery components, such as the cathode and anode cells, or even the entire battery, can be made to match the geometry of the part of the hookah device in which they are located. In some cases, this geometric conformance of a battery or battery component may be achieved by calibration or assembly. The batteries of the power supply unit may be rechargeable, and they may also be removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, high power batteries or standard batteries available on the market, such as those used for high power industrial power tools. Alternatively, the power supply unit may be any type of electrical power supply containing a super or hypercapacitor. Alternatively, the device can be powered by being connected to an external power supply and for this purpose contain appropriate electrical and electronic means. Regardless of the type of power supply used, the power supply preferably provides sufficient power to operate the device normally for approximately 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before recharging or needing to be connected to an external power source.

The hookah device contains an air inlet channel in fluid communication with a receiving element for containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Ambient air flows through the air inlet to the receptacle and the substrate disposed in the receptacle to move the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol outlet during use of the hookah device. Preferably, at least part of the air inlet passage is formed by a heating element for preheating the air before it enters the receiving element. Preferably, the portion of the heating element which forms the surface of the receiving element forms part of the air inlet duct. Preferably, the air inlet channel is formed by one or both of the upper surface of the receiving element and the side wall of the receiving element formed by the heating element. Preferably, the air inlet channel is formed both by the upper surface of the receiving element and by the side wall of the receiving element formed by the heating element.

Preferably, the heating element may comprise or be formed by a part of the cooling element capable of preheating the air.

The heating element may form any suitable portion of the air inlet duct. Preferably, the heating element forms approximately 50% or more of the length of the air inlet duct. In many examples, the heating element will form 95% or less of the length of the air inlet duct.

The air that flows through the air inlet can be heated by the heating element to any suitable amount. In some examples, the air will be sufficiently heated to form an aerosol when the heated air flows through an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, the air is not heated enough to allow the self-formation of the aerosol, but helps to heat the substrate with the heating element. Preferably, when the air is preheated in accordance with the present invention, the amount of energy supplied to the heating element to heat the substrate and generate the aerosol is reduced by 5% or more, for example, 10% or more, or 15% or more, compared to with designs in which the air is not preheated. Typically, energy savings are less than 75%.

Through the combination of preheated air and heating by heating elements, the substrate is preferably heated to a temperature in the range of from about 150°C to about 250°C; more preferably from about 180°C to about 230°C or from about 200°C to about 230°C.

Preferably, at least part of the air flow path is formed between the heating element and the heat shield. Preferably, substantially the entire portion of the air inlet which is formed by the air inlet is also formed by the heat shield. The heat shield and the heating element may form opposite surfaces of the air inlet so that air flows between the heat shield and the heating element. Preferably, the heat shield is located on the outside of the inner part formed by the receiving element.

Any suitable heat shield material may be used. Preferably, the heat shield material has a surface that is heat reflective. The heat reflective surface may be provided with an insulating material. In some examples, the thermal reflective material comprises an aluminum coated film or other suitable thermal reflective material. In some examples, the insulating material comprises a ceramic material. In some examples, the heat shield comprises an aluminum coated film and a substrate of ceramic material.

The air inlet duct may include one or more openings through the receiving member so that ambient air from outside the hookah device can flow through the air inlet duct and into the receiving member through the openings. If the air inlet duct comprises more than one opening, the air inlet duct may include a manifold for directing the air that flows through the air inlet duct into each opening. Preferably, the hookah device comprises two or more air inlets.

The receptacle may include any suitable number of openings in communication with one or more air inlets. For example, the receiving element may contain from 1 to 1000 holes, for example, from 10 to 500 holes. The holes can be made the same size or different sizes. The holes may be the same or different shapes. The holes may be evenly distributed or unevenly distributed. Holes may be formed in the cartridge receiving member at any suitable location. For example, holes may be formed in one or both of the top or side wall of the receiving element. Preferably the holes are formed in the upper part of the receiving element.

The dimensions and shape of the receptacle are preferably such as to allow one or more walls or top of the receptacle to contact an aerosol-forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate when the substrate or cartridge is placed within the receptacle to facilitate conductive heating the substrate forming the aerosol by the heating element forming the surface of the receiving element. In some examples, an air gap may be formed between at least a portion of the cartridge containing the aerosol forming substrate and the surface of the receptacle, with the air gaps serving as part of the air inlet path.

Preferably, the inside of the receptacle and the outside of the cartridge containing the aerosol generating substrate are of similar dimensions and dimensions. Preferably, the interior of the receptacle and the exterior of the cartridge have a height to width (or diameter) ratio of the lower portion of greater than about 1.5 to 1. Such ratios can provide more efficient disposal of the aerosol forming substrate in the cartridge during use by providing the possibility of heat penetration from the heating elements into the middle of the cartridge. For example, the receptacle and cartridge may have a bottom diameter (or width) of about 1.5 to about 5 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 4 times the height, or about 1.5 to about 3 times the height. more height. Similarly, the receptacle and cartridge may have a height of from about 1.5 to about 5 times the diameter (or width) of the bottom, or from about 1.5 to about 4 times the diameter (or width) of the bottom, or from about 1. 5 to about 3 times the diameter (or width) of the bottom. Preferably, the height to diameter ratio of the bottom, or the ratio of bottom diameter to height, of the receptacle and cartridge is between about 1.5 to 1 and about 2.5 to 1.

In some examples, the inside of the receptacle and the outside of the cartridge have a height in the range of about 15 mm to about 25 mm and a bottom diameter in the range of about 40 mm to about 60 mm.

The receiving element may be formed from one or more parts. Preferably, the receptacle is formed from two or more parts. Preferably, at least one part of the receiving element is movable relative to the other part to provide access to the inside of the receiving element for inserting the cartridge into the receiving element. For example, one part may be detachably attachable to another part, allowing insertion of an aerosol forming substrate or a cartridge containing an aerosol forming substrate when the parts are separated. The parts may be attachable in any suitable manner, such as by means of a threaded engagement, a friction fit, a snap fit, or the like. In some examples, the parts are attached to each other by a hinge. When the parts are hinged, the parts may also include a locking mechanism to secure the parts relative to each other when the receiving member is in the closed position. In some examples, the receptacle includes a drawer section that can be pulled out to accommodate the aerosol generating substrate or cartridge in the drawer and can be pushed back to allow use of the hookah device.

Any suitable aerosol cartridge can be used with the hookah device described in this document. Preferably, the cartridge includes a thermally conductive housing. For example, the housing may be formed from aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the housing is formed from aluminium. In some examples, the cartridge is formed from one or more materials that are less thermally conductive than aluminum. For example, the housing may be formed from any suitable thermostable polymeric material. If the material is thin enough, sufficient heat can be transferred through the housing, despite the fact that the housing is formed from a material that is not particularly thermally conductive.

The cartridge may include one or more holes formed at the top and bottom of the housing to allow air to flow through the cartridge during use. If the top of the receptacle contains one or more holes, at least some of the holes in the top of the cartridge may be aligned with the holes in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignment means operable to mate with its corresponding receptacle alignment means for aligning the holes of the cartridge with the openings of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. The openings in the cartridge body may be closed during storage to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the cartridge from leaking out of the cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the openings in the housing may be made small enough to prevent or prevent the aerosol-forming substrate from escaping from the cartridge. If the holes are closed, the consumer can remove the cover before inserting the cartridge into the receiving element. In some examples, the receptacle is configured to pierce the cartridge to form holes in the cartridge. Preferably, the receptacle is configured to pierce the top of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be in any suitable shape. Preferably the cartridge is in the form of a truncated cone or cylinder.

Any suitable aerosol generating substrate may be placed in a cartridge suitable for use with hookah devices according to the present invention, or may be placed in the receiving element of the aerosol generating unit. The aerosol generating substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds which can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or contain both solid and liquid components. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is solid.

The aerosol forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol generating substrate may contain a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco, and preferably the tobacco-containing material contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating.

The aerosol forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. If present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosolizing agent content of equal to or greater than 5% by dry weight and preferably from more than 30% by weight of dry weight. The aerosolizing agent content may be less than about 95% based on dry weight.

The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, grains, tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: herbal leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco , homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. The aerosol generating agent may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, produces a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating element. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavors. The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains nicotine and at least one aerosol generating agent. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating agent is glycerin.

The aerosol-forming solid substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermostable carrier. The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the solid substrate is deposited on the first major surface, on the second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed, for example, from paper or a paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a lightweight open-cell metal mesh or perforated metal foil, or any other thermostable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven web or bundle of fibers in which tobacco components are included. The nonwoven web or fiber bundle may contain, for example, carbon fibres, natural cellulose fibers or fibers from cellulose derivatives.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a slurry. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be formed as a thick suspension resembling molasses.

The air that enters the cartridge flows over the aerosol generating substrate, entraps the aerosol, and exits the cartridge and receiver through the aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, aerosol-carrying air enters the vessel.

The hookah device may comprise any suitable vessel defining an internal space intended to contain liquid and defining an outlet in the free space above the liquid fill level. The container may contain an optically transparent or opaque body so that the contents contained in the container can be seen by the consumer. The vessel may include a liquid filling restriction element, such as a liquid filling line. The body of the vessel may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the body of the vessel may comprise glass or a suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the receptacle is detachable from the portion of the hookah device containing the aerosol generating element to allow the user to fill or clean the receptacle.

The consumer can fill the vessel up to the filling level with liquid. The liquid preferably comprises water, to which one or more colorants, flavors or colorants and flavors can be added as needed. For example, one or both of herbal or herbal supplements can be added to the water.

The aerosol, captured by the air leaving the chamber, can move along the shaft located in the vessel. The shaft may include an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel, such that aerosol that flows through the vessel flows through the shaft opening, then through the liquid into the headspace of the vessel, and exits the headspace outlet for delivery to a consumer.

The headspace outlet may be associated with a hose containing a mouthpiece to deliver the aerosol to a user. The mouthpiece may contain a user-activated switch or a puff sensor operatively coupled to the control electronics of the hookah device. Preferably, the switch or puff sensor is wirelessly connected to the control electronics. Activation of the puff switch or sensor may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element instead of continuously energizing the heating element. Accordingly, the use of a puff switch or sensor can save energy compared to devices that do not use such elements to provide on-demand heating instead of continuous heating.

As an example, one application of the hookah device described in this document is presented below in chronological order. The vessel can be detached from other components of the hookah device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, vegetable and herbal supplements can be added to the water to add flavor and aroma. The amount of liquid added should cover part of the shaft, but should not exceed the filling level mark, which, if necessary, can be provided on the vessel. The vessel is then reattached to the hookah device. A portion of the aerosol generating element may be detached or opened to allow the aerosol generating substrate or cartridge to be inserted into the receiving element. The aerosol generating element is then reattached or closed. The device can then be turned on. The user may puff from the mouthpiece until the required volume of aerosol has been generated to fill the chamber containing the air accelerating inlet. The user can puff through the mouthpiece as needed. The user may continue to use the device until no more aerosol is visible in the chamber. Preferably, the device will automatically turn off when the used aerosol forming substrate is used up in the cartridge or substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the user may install a new aerosol-forming substrate or a new cartridge in the device after receiving, for example, a signal from the device that consumables are used up or nearly used up. After installing a new substrate or a new cartridge, the device can continue to be used. Preferably, the hookah device can be turned off by the consumer at any time, for example by turning off the device.

In some examples, the user may activate one or more heating elements using an activation element, for example, on a mouthpiece. The activation element may be in communication with the control electronics, for example by wireless communication, and may send a signal to the control electronics to activate the heating element by switching it from standby to full heating. Preferably, to prevent overheating or unnecessary heating of the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, such manual activation is only possible when the user puffs through the mouthpiece.

In some examples, the mouthpiece includes a puff sensor that is wirelessly coupled to the control electronics, and when a consumer puffs through the mouthpiece, the heating elements are activated by switching them from standby to full heat.

The hookah device according to the present invention may be characterized by any suitable air movement control. In one example, puffing by the user will create a suction effect that creates a low pressure within the device, causing outside air to flow through the air inlet of the device, into the air inlet, and into the receiving element of the aerosol generating element. Air can then flow through the aerosol-generating substrate or cartridge containing the substrate in the aerosol transfer receptacle through the aerosol outlet in the receptacle. The aerosol can then flow into the first opening of the air accelerating inlet of the chamber (unless the outlet of the aerosol generating element also serves as an air accelerating inlet of the chamber). As air flows through the chamber inlet element, the air is accelerated. The accelerated air exits the inlet through the second opening to enter the main chamber of the chamber where the air is decelerated. Slowing down in the main chamber can improve nucleation, resulting in an increase in the amount of visible aerosol in the chamber. Aerosolized air can then exit the chamber and flow through the shaft (unless the shaft is the main chamber of the chamber) into the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol bubble will then exit the liquid and into the headspace in the vessel above the liquid level, from the headspace outlet, and through the hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of aerosol inside the hookah device can be moved due to the implementation of the puff by the user.

Preferably, the assembly of all the main parts of the hookah device according to the present invention ensures the tight functioning of the device. Sealed operation must ensure that proper airflow control occurs. Sealed operation may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, seals such as O-rings and washers may be used to provide a tight seal.

O-rings and sealing washers or other sealing elements may be made from any suitable material or materials. For example, the seals may contain one or more of graphene compounds and silicon compounds. Preferably, the use of materials in articles for human consumption is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The main parts such as the chamber, the shaft extending from the chamber, covering the body of the receiving element and the vessel may be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, these parts can be independently made of glass, glass-based compounds, polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Preferably, the parts are formed from materials suitable for use in standard dishwashers.

In some examples, a mouthpiece according to the present invention for connection to a hose assembly comprises a male/female quick connect element.

In general, an electric hookah device can work as follows. The cartridge in which the aerosol-forming substrate is installed may be electrically heated. The inner surface of the heating element in contact with the cartridge can be used to heat the aerosol generating agent. The heating element may be configured such that the temperature provided is sufficient to generate the aerosol without burning, or incinerating, the aerosol-generating substrate. The user can draw air from the electric hookah device, the air can enter through the air inlet, pass the cooling element, move along the cartridge, then to the bottom of the cartridge, and then to the bottom of the receiving element. The generated aerosol can be accelerated as it passes through the accelerating element. Before or during acceleration, the generated aerosol may be cooled by a cooling element to increase condensation in the aerosol. The aerosol may be subjected to pressure changes upon entering the chamber and expand within the chamber, which may retard the aerosol before passing through a shaft or mouthpiece tube that is partially submerged in water in the lower space of the vessel. The generated aerosol passes through the water and expands in the upper space of the vessel before being discharged through the hose.

Without limiting the present invention in any way, an understanding of the various aspects of the present invention will be provided by the following description of the exemplary embodiments, drawings and specific examples, which present hookah devices with improved aerosol characteristics, in which the air flow path in the hookah the device is provided with a cooling element. A person skilled in the art from this document will become apparent various modifications, as well as additional embodiments of the present invention.

When considering the drawings, it will be clear that the scope and idea of the present invention cover other aspects not shown in the drawings. Like reference numerals used throughout the figures refer to the same components, steps, and the like. However, it should be understood that the use of a specific reference numeral to designate a component in each figure is not intended to limit a component in another figure to be designated by the same reference position number. Furthermore, the use of different reference numerals to designate components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components under different reference numerals cannot be the same as, or similar to, components designated by different reference numerals. The figures are presented for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. The schematic representations shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In one exemplary embodiment, the hookah device comprises a cooling element formed from a thermally conductive material (aluminum) in addition to one or more other components that form an air flow path between at least one air inlet and a free space outlet. . In particular, at least the tube of the cooling element is formed from the heat-conducting material. The cooling element may include a heat sink (multiple plates) associated with the tube. The heat sink may surround the tube. The cooling element may also include a heat pump (Peltier element) which may be associated with a heat sink and may be operatively associated with a power supply. In a hookah device, proper flow of cooling air to one or more of the components of the cooling element may be provided by a ventilation design. The cooling element may include a fan to assist in generating a cooling airflow. The air from the cooling air stream can be heated by the cooling element. This preheated air can be directed by the ventilation structure of the hookah device to the aerosol generating element, which contributes to aerosol generation.

In one or more embodiments, the overall size of the cooling element for placement in the hookah device can be quite small. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cooling element may have a height of approximately 100 mm, which may be in view of the accelerating element. Heat pumps can be located along the side of the tube. The heated or cooled surface of the heat pump may extend in the same direction as the direction of the air flow channel or aerosol tube. Each surface may have a surface area of approximately 30 mm by approximately 30 mm.

In another exemplary embodiment, the hookah device comprises a cooling element formed by a cooling reservoir. In particular, the cooling reservoir may surround the tube of the cooling element. The tube may be formed from a heat-conducting material. The cooling reservoir may be formed from a porous material in a pot-in-pot design. The hookah device can provide a proper flow of cooling air towards the cooling reservoir, in particular outside the cooling reservoir, by means of a ventilation design. The cooling element may include a fan to assist in generating a cooling airflow. The air from the cooling air stream can be heated by the cooling element. This preheated air can be directed by the ventilation structure of the hookah device to the aerosol generating element, which contributes to aerosol generation.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hookah device comprises a cooling element formed by a cooling reservoir, a heat sink and a heat pump. In particular, the cooling reservoir may surround the tube of the cooling element. The tube may be formed from a heat-conducting material. The heat sink is located at least partially in the interior of the cooling reservoir. The heat sink may be associated with a cooling reservoir. Preferably, the heat sink is in contact with the liquid within the reservoir. The heat pump is connected to, or in contact with, a reservoir or heat sink. In particular, the cooled side of the heat pump may be in contact with the reservoir or heat sink. The hookah device can provide a proper flow of cooling air towards the cooling reservoir, in particular the heated side of the heat pump, by means of a ventilation design. The cooling element may include a fan to assist in generating a cooling airflow. The air from the cooling air stream can be heated by the cooling element. This preheated air can be directed by the ventilation structure of the hookah device to the aerosol generating element, which contributes to aerosol generation.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hookah device comprises a cooling element formed by a cooling reservoir, a water block, a liquid pump, and a heat pump. In particular, the cooling reservoir may surround the tube of the cooling element. The tube may be formed from a heat-conducting material. The water block may be in fluid communication with a liquid within the cooling reservoir. A fluid pump may be in fluid communication with fluid in both the water block and the cooling tank to circulate water from the cooling tank to the water block to cool it and back to the cooling tank to cool the tube. The heat pump may be connected to, or in contact with, the water block. In particular, the cooled side of the heat pump may be in contact with the water block. The hookah device can provide a proper flow of cooling air towards the cooling reservoir, in particular the heated side of the heat pump, by means of a ventilation design. The cooling element may include a fan to assist in generating a cooling air flow. The air from the cooling air stream can be heated by the cooling element. This preheated air can be directed by the ventilation structure of the hookah device to the aerosol generating element, which contributes to aerosol generation.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a hookah device according to an embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative aerosol tube for use with the hookah device shown in FIG. one.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a hookah device according to another embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an accelerating element for use with the hookah device shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an alternative acceleration element for use with the hookah device shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an aerosol tube and ventilation chamber for use with the hookah device shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 7 is a graph showing the total aerosol mass for a hookah device having a vent compared to a hookah device without a vent.

In FIG. 1 shows a hookah device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The hookah device 10 comprises an aerosol generating element 11 configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating element 11 may heat the aerosol generating substrate 12, for example by means of an electric heater (not shown), to generate the aerosol. In use, the generated aerosol flows through the aerosol tube 21, which includes a vent 30 in the mouthpiece tube. The aerosol tube 21 includes a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening 24 positioned to receive air flow from the aerosol generating element 11 and a distal end portion defining a distal opening 26 located in the interior of the vessel 17. The vent opening 30 is located between the proximal and the far end of the tube 21 for aerosol.

The aerosol tube 21 is in fluid communication with the vessel 17. An air flow channel is defined between the aerosol generating element 11 and the interior of the vessel 17. In particular, the aerosol generating element 11 is in fluid communication with the vessel 17 through a tube 21 for aerosol, at least partially defining a channel for the flow of air. The interior of the vessel 17 includes an upper space 18 for head space and a lower space 19 for liquid. The hose 20 is in fluid communication with the upper space 18 via a free space outlet 15 formed in the side of the vessel 17 above the liquid level. The mouthpiece 22 is connected to the hose 20 for the user of the device 10.

The generated aerosol may flow through the aerosol generating member 11 through the airflow passage via the aerosol tube 21 into the lower space 19. The aerosol may pass through the liquid in the lower space 19 and rise to the upper space 18. A user's puff through the mouthpiece of the hose 20 may draw the aerosol into the upper space 18, through the free space outlet 15, into the inhalation hose 20. In particular, the negative pressure on the mouthpiece 22 can be converted into a negative pressure on the free space outlet member 15, causing air to flow through the aerosol generating member 11 and the aerosol tube 21. Additionally, the negative pressure causes air to flow through the aerosol tube 21 from the vent 30 to the distal opening of the aerosol tube.

The vent opening 30 provides ventilation air for the aerosol-carrying air from the aerosol generating element 11. The ventilation air can come from outside. The ventilation air cools the aerosol-carrying air to promote improved aerosol production. As illustrated, the vent 30 may be an ambient air opening located adjacent to the ambient air environment.

In FIG. 2 shows an alternative aerosol tube 31 for use with a hookah device 10 extending from a proximal end defining a proximal opening 25 and a distal end defining a distal opening 27. The aerosol conduit 31 includes a vent 32 which includes a vent defining annular opening. The annular opening can provide a more uniform mixture of ventilation air with aerosol-carrying air. The annular opening may contain several smaller openings, such as slits, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the slits may have any geometric shape, such as, for example, rectangular, square, round, or ovoid. The vent 32 may include more than one annular opening, such as two annular openings as shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3 shows a hookah device 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. The hookah device 100 is similar to the hookah device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and contains an aerosol generating element 11 and an aerosol generating substrate 12, among other elements shown but not described again in this document. The hookah device 100 differs from the hookah device 10 in that the aerosol tube 121 includes an accelerating member 114. The aerosol tube 121 extends from a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening 124 to a distal end portion defining a distal opening 126. The tube portion of the mouthpiece of the tube 121 for aerosol does not contain a ventilation opening in the illustrated embodiment. Instead, the accelerating element 114 includes an air opening 130. In particular, the accelerating element 114 is a nozzle. Hose 120 is in fluid communication with aerosol tube 121. The mouthpiece 122 is connected to the hose 120 for the user of the device 100.

In FIG. 4 shows an acceleration element 200 for use with hookah device 100. In particular, the acceleration element 200 may be located along the aerosol tube 121. The accelerating element 200 is configured to accelerate the aerosol that flows through the accelerating element. The accelerating element 200 includes one or more ventilation openings of the ventilation opening 206. The accelerating element 200 extends from the proximal opening of the proximal end portion 202 of the accelerating element 200 to the distal opening of the distal end portion 204 of the accelerating element 200. The ventilation opening 206 is located between the proximal and distal end portions 202, 204. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the vent 206 is located relatively closer to the proximal opening of the acceleration element 200, which is located near the aerosol generating element 11 of the hookah device 100 when the acceleration element 200 is installed. Alternatively, the acceleration element 200 may be provided elsewhere 208. The location 208 may be a location relatively closer to the distal opening of the acceleration element 200. The location 208 may be a relatively narrow end portion of the acceleration element 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the acceleration element 200 is tapering. In some embodiments, the ratio between the total opening area of the vent 206, 208 and the cross-sectional area passing through the accelerating element at the center point of the opening area of the vent 206, 208 is no greater than about 1:1000.

In FIG. 5 shows an alternative acceleration element 300 for use with hookah device 100. The acceleration element 300 extends from the proximal opening of the proximal end portion 302 of the accelerating element 300 to the distal opening of the distal end portion 304 of the accelerating element 300. The ventilation opening 306 is located between the proximal and distal end portions 202, 204. The acceleration element 300 is different from the acceleration element 200 shown in FIG. 4 in that only a portion of the acceleration element 300 is tapered. The accelerating element 300 includes a non-tapering part 320 and a tapering part 322 located at a distance from the non-tapering part. The vent 306 is located in the non-converging portion 320 of the accelerating element 300. The non-converging portion 320 of the accelerating element 300 may define the cross-sectional area 310 of the aerosol tube 121 of the hookah device 100 extending at the center point of the opening area of the vent opening 306. In one embodiment, the relationship between the total area of the opening of the ventilation opening 306 and the cross-sectional area 310 is no more than approximately 1:1000.

In FIG. 6 shows a portion of an aerosol tube 400 and a cooling element 413 that can be used with hookah device 100. The aerosol tube 400 includes an accelerating element 414. The accelerating element 414 includes a non-converging portion 450 and a converging portion 452 away from the non-converging portion. The non-tapering portion 450 may be referred to as the mouthpiece tube, or at least the proximal portion of the mouthpiece tube. The inner diameter of the aerosol tube 400 in the non-converging portion 450 may range from about 10 mm to about 11 mm. The inner diameter of the narrowest part of the tapered portion 452 may be approximately 3 mm. A vent 430 is provided along a non-converging portion 450 of the accelerating element 414. The vent 430 is in fluid communication with the ambient air port 432 via a vent chamber 424 and a vent duct 434. Ambient air may enter the ambient air port 432, move through vent 434 and enter the vent 424. The diameter of the vent 430 may be approximately 1 mm.

The temperature of the aerosol entering the aerosol tube 400 from the aerosol generating element of the hookah device 100 may be from about 160°C to about 200°C. Cooling element 413 may be used to cool the aerosol to assist in the aerosol formation process. Additionally, the temperature of the ventilation air drawn in through the vent 430 can be controlled using the cooling element 413. Pre-cooling the ventilation air can further assist in the aerosol formation process. The ventilation air pre-cooling further provides improved control of the temperature of the incoming ventilation air and thus the reproducibility of the aerosol generation efficiency.

The cooling element 413 includes a passive cooling element 420 and an active cooling element 422. The passive cooling element 420 includes a cooling unit, such as an aluminum cooling unit. Active cooling element 422 contains heat pumps (Peltier elements). Each Peltier element includes a hot side 442 and a cold side 444. The hot side 442 is thermally coupled to a heat sink containing multiple plates 460. The cold side 444 is thermally coupled to a passive cooling element 420. The Peltier element is configured to transfer heat from the cold side 444 to the hot side 442 away from the cooling unit. The ambient air passing through the heat sink is heated by removing heat from the cooling element 413. The preheated ambient air can enter the aerosol generating element 11 of the hookah device 100 through the inlet element. The flow of ambient air entering the vent hole 430 after first entering the cooling element 413 through the ambient air hole 432 can efficiently cool the aerosol flowing through the aerosol tube 400. The cooling element 413 may be configured to cool the ambient air entering through the ambient air opening at a thermal resistance of approximately 1°C per watt using Peltier elements. Additionally, a pair of fans (not shown) can be attached to the heatsinks for even more cooling.

Additionally, the use of Peltier elements to pre-cool the ventilation air can reduce the temperature of the ventilation air stream to values below approximately 20°C while still maintaining power consumption at approximately 10 W, which helps the hookah device 100 to be compatible with a power supply in the form of a battery. The high temperature of the hot side 442 of the Peltier element can be reduced by dissipation using a heat sink.

As illustrated, two seals 440 extend around the mouthpiece tube 450. Seals 440 are positioned between non-converging portion 450 of accelerating element 414 (e.g., mouthpiece tube) and cooling element 413. cooling unit to prevent dilution of the generated aerosol.

The passive cooling element 420 defines a plenum 424 and a vent 434. The vent 430 is in fluid communication with the ambient air opening 432 via the plenum 424 and the vent 434. The plenum 424 may serve as a temperature controlled air box. The vent 424 extends around the vent 430. In this embodiment, the vent is defined by the vent 430, the plenum 424, the vent 434, and the ambient air port 432. Ambient air enters the ventilation duct 434 through the ambient air opening 432 and flows towards the ventilation chamber 424. The ambient air may be cooled on its way to the chamber by one or more components of the cooling element 413. For example, the ambient air may be cooled by the cooling unit. One or both of the vent 424 and the vent 434 may have a thread-like geometry. The filamentous geometric shape further contributes to the cooling of the surrounding air. Ambient air, which can be cooled down to approximately 15°C, for example, remains stationary in the plenum 424 between puffs. When the user puffs on the mouthpiece 122 of hookah device 100, the ambient air in the vent 434 is drawn from the vent chamber 424 through the vent 430 into the aerosol tube. At the same time, the negative pressure generated by the user puffing on the mouthpiece 122 of the hookah device causes the aerosol generated on the aerosol generating member 11 to flow through the proximal opening 124 to the distal opening 126 of the aerosol tube. The ventilation air may mix with the aerosol-carrying air in the aerosol tube 400 before passing through the accelerating element 414. This cools the aerosol, aiding the aerosol formation process.

The use of a temperature controlled plenum 424 can advantageously help offset the hotter ambient air around the hookah device, eg up to about 45°C (eg, in warmer climates where the hookah device is likely to be used). In some embodiments, hookah device 100 using aerosol tube 400 can be used at ambient temperatures ranging from about 15°C to about 45°C.

Examples of a hookah device with a vent were made and tested for aerosol production and compared with a hookah device without a vent. A cartridge filled with 10 g of commercially available Al-Fakher molasses was heated using a wire wound heating element set at a constant temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. The wire wound element contained a ceramic cylinder having an internal diameter of 27.99 ± 0.01 mm, a length of 41.5 mm, and a ceramic thickness of 3 mm. The ceramics were purchased from Corning GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany, under the trade name "MACOR". A high temperature epoxy resin nozzle with an outlet diameter of approximately 3 mm was placed at a distance of approximately 55 mm from the heating unit. The epoxy resin was a high temperature epoxy resin purchased from Formlabs, Berlin, Germany. The generated aerosol was collected using a total of five Cambridge pads (92 mm diameter) which were recorded before and after the smoking session. The total duration of the experiment corresponded to a simulation of 105 puffs. To achieve the desired puffing process, four Programmable Dual Syringe Pumps (PDSPs) manufactured by Pomac BV (Tolbert, Groningen, The Netherlands) were used simultaneously to provide the following puffing regimen:

Puff volume: 530 ml

Puff Duration: 2600ms

Duration between puffs: 17 s

The vent hole consisted of a single hole with a diameter of 1 mm having a total hole area of approximately 0.8 mm ² . The hole was placed at a distance of approximately 40 mm from the bottom of the heating unit.

The experimental setup was located in such a way that only one of the five Cambridge pads collected the generated aerosol at any given time. Every 21 puffs, a check valve was used to direct the aerosol to the appropriate Cambridge pad. As a result, aerosol production can be monitored as a function of time.

In FIG. 7 shows a 600 TAM plot for a hookah device having a vent 602 compared to a TAM for a hookah device without a vent 604. The use of the vent significantly increased the amount of visible smoke from a total TAM of 1250 mg to 1700 mg.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to describe the present invention. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, other embodiments may be proposed, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the singular forms include embodiments with reference to the plural, unless the content clearly implies otherwise.

As used in this document, the conjunction "or" is generally used in its meaning, which includes "and/or", unless the content clearly implies otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used in this document, the words "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising", or the like, are used in their broadest sense and generally mean "including, but not limited to ". It will be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of", etc., fall into the category of "comprising", etc.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, under the same or different circumstances, other embodiments may also be preferred. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments is not meant to imply that other embodiments are not applicable, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention, including the claims.

Claims (24)

1. Hookah device, containing: an aerosol generating member for receiving an aerosol generating substrate; a vessel located at a distance from the element generating the aerosol, and defining the interior to contain the volume of liquid, while the vessel contains the release element of the free space; and an aerosol tube located between the aerosol generating element and the interior of the vessel, the aerosol tube comprising: a proximal end portion defining a proximal opening positioned to receive air flow from the aerosol generating element; a distal end portion defining a distal opening located in the interior of the vessel; and a ventilation opening located between the proximal and distal end portions, wherein the ratio between the total opening area of the ventilation opening and the cross-sectional area of the aerosol tube located near the ventilation opening is not more than 1:1000; wherein applying negative pressure to the headspace outlet causes air to flow through the aerosol tube from the proximal opening to the distal opening and causes ambient air to flow from the vent, through the aerosol tube, to the distal opening of the aerosol tube. 2. Hookah device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation opening contains at least one of: openings for ambient air; and one or more vents in fluid communication with the ambient air port via the vent. 3. Hookah device according to claim 2, characterized in that the aerosol tube contains a cooling element located near the ambient air opening or ventilation duct and configured to cool the air stream that flows through the ventilation duct. 4. Hookah device according to claim 3, characterized in that the cooling element contains an active cooling element. 5. Hookah device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aerosol tube comprises an accelerating element located along the aerosol tube and configured to accelerate the aerosol that flows through the accelerating element. 6. Hookah device according to claim 5, characterized in that the accelerating element contains one or more ventilation openings of the ventilation opening. 7. Hookah device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the accelerating element contains a tapering part, and the ventilation opening is located in a relatively narrower end part of the tapering part of the accelerating element. 8. Hookah device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation opening contains one or more ventilation holes forming an annular opening. 9. A hookah device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation opening comprises a ventilation chamber in fluid communication with one or more ventilation openings of the ventilation opening. 10. Hookah device according to claim 9, characterized in that the ventilation chamber contains a vortex element. 11. A hookah device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aerosol tube comprises a cooling element adapted to cool the aerosol that flows through the cooling element. 12. The hookah device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cooling element defines at least one of an ambient air opening of the ventilation opening and a ventilation chamber adjacent to the ventilation opening of the ventilation opening. 13. Hookah device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation opening contains one or more ventilation holes having a total opening area of 0.2 to 7 mm ² . 14. Hookah device according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cross-sectional area is located on the same line with the central point of the ventilation opening. 15. Hookah device according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the aerosol generating element and the center of the ventilation opening are separated by a distance of no more than 30 mm.

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