RU2797251C2 - Induction heated cartridge for aerosol generating system and aerosol generating system containing induction-heated cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol system.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating system and an aerosol generating system. The cartridge comprises a first compartment containing a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine and a second compartment containing a second air inlet and a second air outlet, moreover, the second compartment contains an acid source containing a second carrier material impregnated with acid. One of the first and second compartments contains a pair of susceptor elements located in contact with the carrier material inside the compartment. The carrier material is located between a pair of susceptor elements. Provides a significant reduction in the time required to raise the temperature of the nicotine source inside the compartment to the desired temperature.

EFFECT: direct passage is provided for heat transfer between the nicotine source and the heater.

14 cl, 14 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating system and an aerosol generating system comprising such a cartridge. In particular, the present invention relates to an assembly cartridge containing a nicotine source and an acid source for use in an aerosol generating system for in situ generation of an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles, and an aerosol generating system comprising such a cartridge.

Devices are known for delivering nicotine to a user that generate an inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming liquid substrate containing nicotine and one or more aerosol-forming agents. Such devices typically include a reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid substrate, a heater for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid substrate to generate an aerosol, and a liquid transport member for supplying the substrate to the heater. A known configuration of such devices includes a liquid transport element in the form of a capillary wick, containing a portion extending into the substrate reservoir and a portion leaving the reservoir, and a heater in the form of an electrically resistive coil that is wound around the portion of the capillary wick emerging from the reservoir. These devices typically generate an aerosol by vaporizing a small aliquot of substrate stored in a tank by raising the temperature of the heater to a high temperature equal to or above the boiling point of the substrate for a relatively short time, such as a few seconds, to rapidly vaporize a small aliquot of substrate from the tank. This type of heating may be referred to as "flash" heating. Devices using "flash" heat can also use puff detection so that the heater can only heat up to a high temperature when the user inhales or puffs on the device.

Also known are devices for delivering nicotine to a user, comprising a source of nicotine and a source of a volatile compound that accelerates delivery. For example, WO 2008/121610 A1 and WO 2017/108992 A1 disclose devices in which nicotine and an acid such as pyruvic acid or lactic acid react with each other in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles which inhaled by the user.

Systems containing a separate acid source and nicotine source typically do not require "flash" heating to vaporize an aliquot of the sources to generate an aerosol, rather, when the user puffs or inhales on the device, aliquots of the nicotine and acid sources are drawn from the carrier materials in gaseous form, as air is drawn in through the first and second compartments due to pressure changes in the compartments. Aliquots of nicotine and acid react with each other in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

In such devices, differences between nicotine and acid vapor concentrations can lead to the unfortunate consequences of undesired reaction stoichiometry or delivering an excess amount of reactant, such as unreacted nicotine vapor or unreacted acid vapor, to the user. In order to control and balance the nicotine and acid vapor concentrations to achieve an effective reaction stoichiometry, it has been proposed to heat the nicotine and acid in devices of the type disclosed in WO 2008/121610 A1. Several configurations have been proposed for heating nicotine and acid. One proposal includes providing one or more electrically resistive heating elements in close proximity to the compartments containing nicotine and acid. Another such proposal includes providing an inductively heated susceptor element between compartments containing nicotine and acid.

It has been found that raising the temperature of the source within the compartment can take a significant amount of time, for example up to 30 seconds or longer. Moreover, since one or both sources must be heated to a temperature before the user takes the first puff on the device in order to control the vapor concentration for the first puff, the “time to first puff” for such systems can be up to 30 seconds or longer.

In most aerosol generating systems, it is desirable to generate an aerosol with the desired constituents as soon as possible after activation of the device. For a satisfactorily effect of the aerosol generating device on the user experience, "time to first puff" is considered critical. Consumers do not want to wait for a significant period of time after turning on the device before taking the first puff.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine source and an acid source for in situ generation of an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles that allows the nicotine source and the acid source to be rapidly and uniformly heated. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine source and an acid source for in situ generation of an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles that continuously releases nicotine vapor from the nicotine source and acid vapor from the acid source over time. In addition, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising a nicotine source and an acid source for in situ generation of an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles that provides a short or minimal "time to first puff".

According to the present invention, a cartridge is provided for use in an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment comprising a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first compartment comprising a nicotine source comprising a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine; and a second compartment comprising a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second compartment comprising an acid source comprising a second carrier material impregnated with acid, wherein one of the first and second chambers comprises a current-collecting member positioned in contact with the carrier material inside the department.

In particular, according to the present invention, a cartridge is provided for use in an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment containing a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine ; and a second compartment comprising a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second compartment comprising an acid source containing a second carrier material impregnated with acid, wherein one of the first and second compartments comprises a pair of current-collecting elements located in contact with the carrier material inside the compartment, and at the same time the carrier material is located between a pair of current-collecting elements.

The cartridge is intended for use in an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device, the cartridge being configured for use with the device. Preferably, the device comprises a device body; an induction coil located on the housing or inside it; and a power supply connected to the induction coil and configured to supply an oscillating current to the induction coil. Preferably, the oscillating current is a high frequency oscillating current. In the context of this document, "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current with a frequency of 500 kHz to 30 MHz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, preferably 1 to 10 MHz, and more preferably 5 to 7 MHz.

During operation, an oscillating current passes through the induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field that induces a voltage in the current collector. The induced voltage causes a current to flow into the current collector, and this current causes the current collector to be heated by Joule heat, which in turn heats the source in the compartment in which the current collector is located. Since the current collector is ferromagnetic, the hysteresis loss in the current collector also generates a significant amount of heat.

An aerosol generating system using induction heating has the advantage that electrical contacts do not need to be made between the cartridge and the device in order to energize the heater. The current collector does not need to be electrically connected to any other components, eliminating the need for soldering or other bonding elements. This is particularly advantageous for the arrangement according to the present invention, in which the current-collecting element is located inside one of the compartments of the cartridge in contact with the carrier material in the compartment. In addition, an inductive coil is provided as part of the apparatus, making it possible to provide a simple, inexpensive and reliable cartridge. Cartridges are typically disposable items manufactured in substantially larger quantities than the devices they work with. Accordingly, reducing the cost of cartridges, even if it requires a more expensive device, can lead to significant cost savings for both manufacturers and consumers.

Advantageously, the present inventors have realized that positioning the current collector within the cartridge compartment in contact with the carrier material of the source contained within the compartment greatly reduces the time required to raise the temperature of the source within the compartment to the desired temperature. The time required to increase the temperature of the source within the compartment to the desired temperature may be referred to herein as "preheat time". In some configurations, the present inventors have found that the "preheat time" can be reduced to about 5 seconds or less by positioning the current collector within the compartment and in contact with the source carrier material within the compartment.

It is believed that the reduction in the "preheat time" required to heat the nicotine and acid sources to the desired temperature results from the contact between the current collector and the carrier material allowing heat to be conducted directly from the current collector material to the nicotine or acid source. This provides a direct path for heat transfer between the source and the heater compared to systems having a heater located outside the compartments. It is also believed that the arrangement, which involves the location of the current collector inside the vessel, allows air and steam in the compartment to come into contact with the current collector, improving the transfer of heat from the current collector, air and steam.

Advantageously, the present inventors have also realized that positioning the current collector within the cartridge compartment in contact with the carrier material of the source contained within the compartment ensures that the nicotine and acid sources are maintained at the desired temperature over time. It is believed that improved heat transfer to the air entering the compartment can help keep the temperature of the compartment at a stable level over time, even during a puff by the user.

An aerosol generating system may be required to heat one or more nicotine source and acid source to any suitable desired temperature. The desired temperature may be the temperature that results in the heated source having the desired properties, such as the specific desired viscosity or surface temperature. Preferably, the required temperature is below the boiling point of the source.

The aerosol generating system may be configured to heat at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to a desired temperature. The system may be configured to heat at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment to a desired temperature by any suitable configuration of the current collector, induction coil, power supply, and electronic circuitry. For example, the size and number of turns of the induction coil, the size and material of the current collector (susceptor) and the power supplied to the induction coil can be selected according to the desired temperature of the system.

The aerosol generating system may be configured to heat both the first compartment and the second compartment to the desired temperature. The system may be configured to heat the first compartment to a first desired temperature and heat the second compartment to a second desired temperature. In some preferred embodiments, the first desired temperature may be substantially similar to the second desired temperature. In some embodiments, the first desired temperature may be different from the second desired temperature.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system is configured to heat at least one of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to a temperature below about 250 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the heater is configured to heat the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to a temperature of from about 80 degrees Celsius to about 150 degrees Celsius.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, "substantially the same temperature" means that the difference in temperature between the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge, measured at respective locations relative to the center of the compartment, is less than about 3°C.

In use, heating one or both of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to a temperature above ambient temperature advantageously allows for control and proportional balancing of nicotine vapor concentrations in the first cartridge compartment and acid vapor pressure in the second cartridge compartment to ensure effective stoichiometry of the reaction between nicotine and acid. . This can advantageously improve the efficiency of formation of the nicotine salt particles and the stability of their delivery to the user. It can also advantageously reduce the delivery of unreacted nicotine and unreacted acid to the user.

It has been found that a target temperature of about 100 degrees Celsius to about 110 degrees Celsius is the necessary target temperature to heat one or more sources of nicotine and acid in order to provide effective reaction stoichiometry.

In the context of this document, "susceptor element" means a conductive element that heats up when exposed to a changing magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the current collector and/or hysteresis losses.

The material and geometry of the current-collecting element can be chosen to provide the required electrical resistance and heat dissipation.

Possible materials for current collectors include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and virtually any other conductive element. The current-collecting element may be a ferruginous element. The current collector may be a ferrite element. The current collector may be a stainless steel element. The current collector may be a ferritic stainless steel element. Suitable susceptor materials include 410, 420, and 430 stainless steel. Advantageously, it has been found that positioning a susceptor containing ferritic stainless steel within any of the compartments in contact with a nicotine source or acid source carrier material does not transfer the susceptor material away from the susceptor. element into an aerosol generated by the system.

The current collector may include an outer surface that is chemically inert. By chemically inert is herein meant something relative to at least one of nicotine from a nicotine source and acid from an acid source when heated to a temperature by a current collector. The current collector may include an outer surface that is chemically inert to nicotine from a nicotine source. The current collector may include an outer surface that is chemically inert to acid from the acid source.

The current collector may comprise an electrically conductive current collector material that is chemically inert. In other words, the chemically inert surface may be the chemically inert outer surface of the current collector material itself.

The chemically inert outer surface may be a protective outer layer. The current collector may have a protective outer layer, such as a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer, covering or enclosing the current collector. An element in the form of a current collector (susceptor) may contain a protective coating made of glass, ceramic or inert metal, which is made over the core of the current collector material. Advantageously, providing the current collector with a chemically inert outer surface can suppress or prevent unwanted chemical reactions between the current collector and nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source. The protective outer layer or coating material can withstand temperatures as high as the current-collecting material is heated.

The material of the current collector may be selected based on its Curie temperature. Above its Curie temperature, the material will no longer be ferromagnetic and therefore no more heating will occur due to hysteresis loss. In case the susceptor is made of one single-component material, the Curie temperature may correspond to the maximum temperature that the susceptor must have (in other words, the Curie temperature is identical to the maximum temperature to which the susceptor must be heated, or deviates from this maximum temperature by approximately 1 -3%). This reduces the possibility of rapid overheating.

If the current collector is made of more than one material, the materials of the current collector can be optimized with respect to additional aspects. For example, materials may be selected such that the first material of the current collector may have a Curie temperature in excess of the maximum temperature to which the current collector must be heated. This first susceptor material can then be optimized, for example, for maximum heat generation and heat transfer to the nicotine or acid source to provide efficient heating of the susceptor on the one hand. However, the current collector in this case may further comprise a second material having a Curie temperature corresponding to the maximum temperature to which the current collector must be heated, and when the current collector reaches this Curie temperature, the magnetic properties of the current collector generally change. This change can be detected and reported to the microcontroller, which then interrupts AC power generation until the temperature drops below the Curie temperature again, at which point AC power generation can be resumed.

At least a portion of the current collector may be fluid permeable. In the context of this document, "fluid-permeable" element means an element through which a liquid or gas can pass. The current collector may have a plurality of holes formed in it to allow fluid to pass through it. In particular, the current-collecting element allows the source material, either in the gas phase or both in the gas and liquid phases, to pass through it.

The current collector may be of any suitable shape. The current-collecting element may comprise, for example, a grid, a flat helical coil, fibers or cloth. In some embodiments, the current collector may comprise a sheet or strip.

In some preferred embodiments, the current collector may comprise a grid. In the context of this document, the term "mesh" covers lattices and arrays of threads, between which there are spaces. The term mesh also includes woven or nonwoven fabrics.

The filaments may form spaces between the filaments, and the spaces may have a width of 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers. Preferably, the filaments create a capillary effect in the interstices such that, in use, the source liquid is drawn into the interstices, increasing the area of contact between the current collector element and the liquid.

The yarns can form a mesh of 160 to 600 US mesh (+/- 10%) (i.e. 160 to 600 threads per inch (+/- 10%)). The gap width is preferably 75 micrometers to 25 micrometers. The percentage of open area of the mesh, which is the ratio of the area of the gaps to the total area of the mesh, is preferably 25 to 56%. The mesh may be formed using various types of wicker or lattice structures. Alternatively, the filaments consist of a matrix of filaments arranged parallel to each other.

The filaments may be formed by etching a sheet material such as foil. This may be particularly advantageous if the heater assembly comprises a matrix of parallel filaments. If the heating element comprises a mesh or woven fabric of filaments, the filaments can be obtained separately and knitted together.

The mesh can also be characterized by its ability to retain liquid, as is well known in the art.

The mesh threads may have a diameter of 8 micrometers to 100 micrometers, preferably 8 micrometers to 50 micrometers, and more preferably 8 micrometers to 39 micrometers.

The mesh threads may have any suitable cross section. For example, the filaments may have a circular cross section or may have a flattened cross section.

Advantageously, the mesh current collector may have a relative permeability between 1 and 40,000. If it is desired to use eddy currents for most of the heating, a lower permeability material may be used, and if hysteresis effects are desired, a higher permeability material may be used. Preferably the material has a relative permeability of 500 to 40,000. This provides efficient heating.

In some preferred embodiments, the current collector is a ferruginous mesh current collector. The mesh current collector may be a stainless steel mesh collector. The mesh current collector may be a ferritic stainless steel mesh collector. The mesh current collector may comprise a plurality of stainless steel filaments. The grid current collector may comprise a plurality of ferritic stainless steel filaments.

In embodiments where the acid from the acid source and the nicotine from the nicotine source are both liquid, the liquid may form a meniscus in the interstices of the mesh current collector, which allows efficient heating of the nicotine and acid.

In some preferred embodiments, the current collector comprises a pair of current collector elements. In these preferred embodiments, the carrier material may be located between the pair of current collectors. Preferably, at least one of the pair of current collectors is a mesh current collector. In some embodiments, each of the current collectors of a pair of current collectors are mesh current collectors.

In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment includes a first current collector in contact with the first carrier material, and the second compartment contains a second current collector in contact with the second carrier material.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first current collector comprises a first pair of current collectors, the first carrier material is located between the first pair of current collectors, and the second current collector contains a second pair of current collectors, the second carrier material is located between the second pair of current collectors. In some particularly preferred embodiments, one or more of the current collectors is a mesh current collector. In some particularly preferred embodiments, each of the current collectors is a mesh current collector.

Preferably, in embodiments containing more than one current collector in the cartridge, one or more of the current collectors is a mesh current collector. More preferably, all current collectors are mesh current collectors. Advantageously, the provision of one or more current collectors as a mesh current collector can promote uniform heating of the current collectors. Each current collector in the cartridge has an electromagnetic shielding effect on the other current collectors in the cartridge, and a mesh current collector is considered to have less electromagnetic shielding on the other current collectors than a non-porous or impermeable current collector.

Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge contains a source of nicotine containing a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine.

In the context of this document in relation to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base or nicotine salt. In embodiments where the first carrier material is impregnated with nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine given herein are the amount of nicotine base or the amount of ionized nicotine, respectively.

The first carrier material may be impregnated with liquid nicotine or a solution of nicotine in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent.

The first carrier material may be impregnated with natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

Preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge contains an acid source containing a second carrier material impregnated with acid.

The acid source may contain an organic acid or an inorganic acid.

Preferably the acid source contains an organic acid, more preferably a carboxylic acid, most preferably an alpha-keto acid or 2-oxo acid or lactic acid.

Advantageously, the acid source contains an acid selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoic acid, pyruvic acid, 2-oxo-pentanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxo-butanoic acid, 2-oxooctanoic acid acid, lactic acid, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the acid source contains pyruvic acid or lactic acid. More preferably, the acid source contains lactic acid.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material may be the same or different.

Advantageously, the first carrier material and the second carrier material have a density of from about 0.1 gram/cubic centimeter to about 0.3 gram/cubic centimeter.

Advantageously, the first carrier material and the second carrier material have a porosity of from about 15 percent to about 55 percent.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material may have any suitable structure. The first carrier material and the second carrier material are porous materials. The first and second carrier materials may have any suitable capillarity and porosity for use with liquids having different physical properties. The first carrier material and the second carrier material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The first carrier material and the second carrier material may support a sponge-like or foam-like material. The first and second carrier materials may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam materials, materials based on ceramics or graphite in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fiber material, for example made from twisted or extruded fibers such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene , terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics. The first carrier material and the second carrier material may comprise one or more of the following: glass, cellulose, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) , polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and BAREX ^® .

In embodiments comprising a mesh current collector, the carrier material may extend into voids in the mesh current collector.

In some embodiments, at least one of the acid and nicotine is a liquid held within the capillary material. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may contain a plurality of fibers or filaments, or other tubes with narrow channels. The fibers or filaments may be generally aligned to transfer fluid to the heater. The structure of the capillary material forms many small channels or tubes through which liquid can be moved by capillary action. A liquid has physical properties, including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that allow the liquid to move through a capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to transfer fluid to the current collector.

The first carrier material acts as a reservoir for the nicotine.

Advantageously, the first carrier material is chemically inert with respect to nicotine.

The first carrier material may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the first carrier material may be in the form of a sheet or a plug.

Advantageously, the shape and size of the first carrier material may be similar to the shape and size of the first compartment of the cartridge.

The shape, size, density and porosity of the first carrier material may be chosen to allow the first carrier material to be impregnated with the desired amount of nicotine.

Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge contains a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with about 1 to 40 milligrams of nicotine.

Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge contains a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with about 3 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of nicotine. More preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge contains a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with about 6 milligrams to about 20 milligrams of nicotine. Most preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge contains a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with about 8 milligrams to about 18 milligrams of nicotine.

Advantageously, the first compartment of the cartridge may further comprise a fragrance. Suitable flavors include, but are not limited to, menthol. The first carrier material may be impregnated with nicotine and flavor. Advantageously, the first carrier material may be impregnated with a flavorant in an amount of from about 3 milligrams to about 12 milligrams.

The second carrier material acts as a reservoir for the acid.

Advantageously, the second carrier material is chemically inert to the acid.

The second carrier material may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the second carrier material may be in the form of a sheet or rod.

Advantageously, the shape and size of the second carrier material may be similar to the shape and size of the second compartment of the cartridge.

The shape, size, density and porosity of the second carrier material may be chosen to allow the second carrier material to be impregnated with the desired amount of acid.

Preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge contains a source of lactic acid containing a second carrier material impregnated with about 2 to about 60 milligrams of lactic acid.

Preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge contains a source of lactic acid containing a second carrier material impregnated with from about 5 milligrams to about 50 milligrams of lactic acid. More preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge contains a source of lactic acid containing a second carrier material impregnated with from about 8 milligrams to about 40 milligrams of lactic acid. Most preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge contains a source of lactic acid containing a second carrier material impregnated with about 10 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of lactic acid.

The current-collecting element is in contact with the carrier material. The current collector may be in contact with the carrier material in any suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the susceptor may be positioned in the carrier material compartment such that at least a portion of the susceptor is in abutment with or in direct physical contact with at least a portion of the carrier material. In these embodiments, the shape and size of the compartment, the carrier material, and the current collector may be chosen to maintain abutment or direct physical contact between the current collector and the carrier material within the compartment.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the current-collecting element may be applied to the carrier material. The current collector may be applied to the carrier material in any suitable manner. For example, the susceptor may be sprayed or dip applied onto the carrier material.

In some embodiments, the current-collecting element may be attached to the carrier material by means of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer between the current collector and the carrier material may be a porous layer. In these embodiments, the current-collecting element indirectly contacts the carrier material through the adhesive layer.

In some preferred embodiments, the implementation of the material to form the current collector is applied directly to the carrier material to form the current collector. Advantageously, applying the material to form the current collector directly onto the porous outer surface of the carrier material can improve contact between the current collector and the carrier material. In addition, the current collector is adhered to the carrier material by forming the current collector by applying the material for forming the current collector directly to the porous outer surface of the carrier material.

In the context of this document, the term "applied" means superimposed as a coating on the outer surface of the carrier material, for example, in the form of liquid, plasma or vapor, which subsequently condenses or aggregates to form a current-collecting element, and not simply placed on the carrier material in the form of a solid, preformed component.

In the context of this document, the term "directly applied" means that the material to form the current collector is applied to the porous outer surface of the carrier material so that at least one heating element is in direct contact with the porous outer surface.

In the context of this document, the term "porous" means made of a material that is permeable to liquid nicotine substrate and liquid acidic substrate and allows the liquid substrate to move through it.

In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor material is at least partially dispersed in the porous outer surface of the carrier material.

In the context of this document, the term "dispersed in the porous outer surface" means that the current-collecting material is embedded in the material of the porous outer surface at the boundary between the current-collecting material and the carrier material, or mixed with it, for example, by passing into the pores of the porous outer surface.

The material from which the current collector is formed may be applied to the porous outer surface in any suitable manner. For example, the current-collecting material may be applied to the porous outer surface of the carrier material as a liquid using a dosing pipette or syringe, or using a fine-tipped transfer device such as a needle.

In some embodiments, the current collector comprises a printable current collector material printed on a porous outer surface of the carrier material. In such embodiments, any suitable known printing technique may be used. For example, one or more of screen printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing. Such printing methods may be particularly applicable to high speed production methods.

In some embodiments, the material from which the susceptor is formed may be applied to the porous outer surface of the carrier material by one or more vacuum deposition processes, such as vapor deposition and sputtering.

The current collector may be of any suitable shape.

The tubular current collector may surround or substantially surround the carrier material. In some embodiments, the current collector may form a tubular current collector. When the carrier material is elongated, having a length, the tubular current collector may surround or substantially surround the carrier material along the entire length of the carrier material or substantially along the entire length of the carrier material. The tubular current collector may be a mesh current collector.

In embodiments comprising a mesh current collector, the mesh current collector may substantially enclose the carrier material. The current collector may wrap around the carrier material.

In some embodiments, the current collector covers, overlaps, or substantially overlaps one side of the carrier material. For example, if the carrier material is substantially cuboid, then the carrier material may cover or overlap one side of the surface of the cuboid. If a pair of current collectors is provided in the compartment, the first of the pair of current collectors may cover the first side of the carrier material, and the second of the pair of current collectors may cover the second side of the carrier material opposite the first side. In preferred embodiments comprising a pair of current collectors in a compartment, at least one of the current collectors is a mesh current collector, and more preferably both of the pair of current collectors are mesh current collectors.

In some embodiments, the current collector covers or overlaps the surface of the carrier material on one side of the carrier material. Preferably, the current collector covers or covers an area covering from about 5% to about 100% of the side of the carrier material, from about 10% to about 80% of the side of the carrier material, from about 20% to about 70% of the side of the carrier material, or from about 30% to approximately 60% of the bearing material side.

The current collector may cover an area covering at least 10% of the surface of the carrier material. The current collector may cover an area covering at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the carrier surface. material. In the context of this document, the term "surface" refers to a macroscopic surface, such as the outer surface of a non-porous body.

In embodiments comprising a mesh susceptor, the mesh or array of electrically conductive filaments may cover or overlap an area of from about 5% to about 100% of the surface of the carrier material, from about 10% to about 80% of the surface of the carrier material, from about 20% to about 70% of the surface of the carrier material, or from about 30% to approximately 60% of the surface of the carrier material.

Preferably, the cartridge includes a housing. The cartridge body may be configured to engage with the device body when the cartridge is placed in the device. The current-collecting element may be located on the wall of the cartridge housing, configured to be located adjacent to the induction coil, or may be adjacent to it when the cartridge housing is engaged with the device housing. In operation, it is advantageous for the current collector to be located close to the induction coil in order to maximize the voltage induced in the current collector.

In some embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are located in series within the cartridge.

In some preferred embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in parallel within the cartridge. The first compartment and the second compartment may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other within the cartridge.

In the context of this document with respect to the present invention, by "parallel" is meant that the first compartment and the second compartment are located within the cartridge such that, in use, the first airflow drawn through the cartridge passes into the first compartment through the first air inlet, passes downstream flow through the first compartment and exits the first compartment through the first air outlet, and the second airflow drawn through the cartridge passes into the second compartment through the second air inlet, passes further downstream through the second compartment and exits the second compartment through second air outlet. The nicotine vapor is released from the nicotine source in the first compartment into the first airflow drawn through the cartridge, and the acid vapor is released from the acid source in the second compartment into the second airflow drawn through the cartridge. The nicotine vapor in the first air stream reacts with the acid vapor in the second air stream in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

In the context of this document with respect to the present invention, the terms "near", "far", "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components of the cartridge and the aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating system of the present invention comprises a proximal end through which, in use, the nicotine salt particle aerosol exits the aerosol generating system for delivery to a user. The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end. In use, the user puffs through the proximal end of the aerosol generating system to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises a distal end opposite the proximal end.

When a user puffs through the proximal end of the aerosol generating system, air is drawn into the aerosol generating system, passes through the cartridge, and exits the aerosol generating system through its proximal end. The components or parts of the components of the aerosol generating system can be described as upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol generating system.

The first air outlet for the first cartridge compartment is located at the proximal end of the first cartridge compartment. The first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment is located upstream of the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment. The second air outlet for the second cartridge compartment is located at the proximal end of the second cartridge compartment. The second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment is located upstream of the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the proximal end and the opposite distal end of the cartridge or aerosol generating system, and the term "transverse" is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of the components or parts of the components of the aerosol generating cartridge or system, parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the opposite distal end of the aerosol generating cartridge or system.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the terms "height" and "width" are used to describe the maximum transverse dimensions of the components or parts of the components of the cartridge or aerosol generating system, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system. Where the height and width of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating cartridge or system are not uniform, the term "width" is used to mean the larger of two transverse dimensions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or part of the component of the cartridge, the length of which is greater than its width and height.

As will be described in more detail below, by providing a nicotine source and an acid source in separate compartments with separate air inlets and separate air outlets, the aerosol generating cartridges and systems of the present invention advantageously improve nicotine-acid reaction stoichiometry control.

The ratio of nicotine and acid required to achieve the appropriate reaction stoichiometry can be adjusted and balanced by changing the volume of the first compartment relative to the volume of the second compartment.

The shape and dimensions of the first compartment of the cartridge can be chosen to accommodate the desired amount of nicotine in the cartridge.

The shape and dimensions of the second compartment of the cartridge may be chosen to accommodate the required amount of acid in the cartridge.

Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge has a length L ₁ from about 8 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, for example, from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge has a width W ₁ of about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge has a height H ₁ of about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.

The first compartment of the cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first compartment may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

Preferably, the second cartridge compartment has a length L ₂ from about 8 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, for example, from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. Preferably, the second cartridge compartment has a width W ₂ of about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. Advantageously, the second compartment of the cartridge has a height H ₂ of about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.

The second compartment of the cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second compartment may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

The shape and dimensions of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge may be the same or different.

Preferably, the shape and dimensions of the first compartment and the second compartment are substantially the same. Providing the first compartment and the second compartment with substantially the same shape and dimensions can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

The shape and dimensions of the first compartment of the cartridge can be chosen to accommodate the desired amount of nicotine in the cartridge.

The shape and dimensions of the second compartment of the cartridge may be chosen to accommodate the required amount of acid in the cartridge.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "air inlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn into a component or part of a cartridge component.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "air outlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn from a component or part of a cartridge component.

The first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment may each comprise one or more openings. For example, each of the first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes. The first air inlet for the first compartment and the second air inlet for the second compartment may have the same or different numbers of holes.

Advantageously, the first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment each comprise a plurality of openings.

Having a first compartment including a first air inlet having multiple openings and a second compartment including a second air inlet having multiple openings can advantageously provide a more uniform airflow within the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively. In use, this can improve nicotine uptake into the airflow drawn through the first compartment and improve acid uptake into the airflow drawn through the second compartment.

Preferably, the first air inlet of the first compartment of the cartridge may comprise 2 to 5 openings.

Advantageously, the second air inlet of the second compartment of the cartridge may comprise from 3 to 7 openings.

The first air inlet of the first compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more openings having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. Advantageously, each opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the diameter of each hole is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The second air inlet of the second compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more openings having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. Advantageously, each opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the diameter of each hole is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The first compartment may have a longitudinal first air inlet and the second compartment may have a longitudinal second air inlet. In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "longitudinal air inlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn in the longitudinal direction into a component or part of a cartridge component.

Advantageously, prior to the first use of the cartridge, the first first compartment air inlet and/or the second second compartment air inlet may be hermetically sealed with one or more removable or frangible baffles. For example, the first first compartment air inlet and/or the second second compartment air inlet may be hermetically sealed with one or more releasable or pierceable seals. The one or more removable or breakable baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, one or more removable or fragile baffles may be made of metal foil or film.

Each of the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may comprise one or more holes. For example, each of the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes.

The first air outlet for the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet for the second cartridge compartment may have the same or different numbers of holes.

Preferably, each of the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may comprise a plurality of holes. Having a first compartment including a first air outlet having multiple holes and a second compartment including a second air outlet having multiple holes can advantageously provide more uniform airflow within the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively. In use, this can improve nicotine uptake into the airflow drawn through the first compartment and improve acid uptake into the airflow drawn through the second compartment.

In embodiments in which the first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge comprises multiple holes, advantageously the first air outlet may comprise 2 to 5 holes.

In embodiments where the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment comprises multiple holes, advantageously the second air outlet may comprise 3 to 7 holes.

Preferably, the first air outlet for the first compartment of the cartridge assembly and the second air outlet for the second compartment of the cartridge assembly may each have one opening. Providing a first compartment having a first air outlet containing a single hole and a second compartment having a second air outlet containing a single hole can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

The first air inlet and the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes.

Advantageously, the first air inlet and the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment comprise the same number of holes. Providing a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet that contain the same number of holes can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

The second air inlet and the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes.

Advantageously, the second air inlet and the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment comprise the same number of holes. Providing a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet that contain the same number of holes can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

The first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more openings having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. In embodiments in which the first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge comprises a plurality of openings, advantageously each opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In such embodiments, advantageously, the diameter of each orifice is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The dimensions of the one or more holes defining the first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment may be the same or different from the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air inlet of the first compartment of the cartridge may be substantially the same as the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge. Providing a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet that comprise one or more openings of substantially the same size can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

Preferably, the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge may be larger than the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air inlet of the first compartment of the cartridge. Enlarging the openings defining the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment relative to the openings defining the first air inlet of the first cartridge compartment can advantageously reduce the risk of clogging the first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment, for example, with dust.

The second air outlet for the second compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more holes having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. In embodiments in which the second air outlet of the second compartment of the cartridge comprises a plurality of openings, advantageously each opening has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In such embodiments, advantageously, the diameter of each orifice is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment may be the same or different from the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment may be substantially the same as the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment. Providing a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet that comprise one or more openings of substantially the same size can advantageously simplify the manufacture of the cartridge.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may be larger than the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment. Increasing the size of the openings defining the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment relative to the openings defining the second air inlet of the second cartridge compartment can advantageously reduce the risk of clogging the second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment, for example, with dust.

Advantageously, the first compartment may have a longitudinal first air outlet and the second compartment has a longitudinal second air outlet.

In the context of this document regarding the present invention, the term "longitudinal air outlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn in the longitudinal direction from a component or part of a cartridge component.

Advantageously, before the first use of the cartridge, one or more of the first air inlet and first air outlet of the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet and second air outlet of the second cartridge compartment may be hermetically sealed with one or more removable or frangible baffles. The one or more removable or breakable baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, one or more removable or fragile baffles may be made of metal foil or film.

One or both of the first compartment and the second compartment may include one or more features for locating the carrier material and current-collecting element arrangement at a distance from the walls of the compartment. Advantageously, the arrangement with the carrier material and the current-collecting member spaced from the walls of the compartment can improve air flow over the outer surface of the carrier material in the compartment when air is drawn through the compartment from the air inlet at the far end to the air outlet at the proximal end. Advantageously, this can improve the release of nicotine or acid fumes from the carrier material and can provide more consistent release of nicotine or acid fumes from the compartment.

In some embodiments, one or both of the first compartment and the second compartment may include one or more protrusions protruding inwardly from the outer wall of the compartment. One or more portions of the carrier material and susceptor assembly may abut against one or more protrusions in the compartment, and adjacent portions of the carrier material and susceptor assembly may be held at a distance from the compartment wall by one or more protrusions. If more than one protrusion is provided in the compartment, an air flow channel may be located between adjacent protrusions, which does not contain any arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector.

In some preferred embodiments, one or more protrusions may extend substantially along the length of the compartment.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise a third compartment. The third compartment may be located downstream of the first compartment and the second compartment and is in fluid communication with the first air outlet of the first compartment and the second air outlet of the second compartment. The nicotine vapor in the first air stream can react with the acid vapor in the second air stream in the third compartment to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

In embodiments where the cartridge further comprises a third compartment, this third compartment may contain one or more aerosol modification agents. For example, the third compartment may contain one or more sorbents, one or more flavors, one or more receptacles, or a combination thereof.

Advantageously, the cartridge is an elongated cartridge. In embodiments where the cartridge is an elongate cartridge, the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be in any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical.

The cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

The cartridge may be of any suitable size.

For example, the cartridge may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. Advantageously, the cartridge may have a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.

For example, the cartridge may have a width of about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters and a height of about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. Advantageously, the cartridge may have a width of about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters and a height of about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a body and one or more end caps.

The cartridge may include a body and a distal end cap.

The cartridge may include a body and a proximal end cap.

The cartridge may include a body, a distal end cap, and a proximal end cap.

In embodiments where the cartridge includes a distal end cap, one or more openings defining a first air inlet of the first compartment of the cartridge and one or more openings defining a second air inlet of the second compartment of the cartridge may be provided in the distal end cap.

In embodiments where the cartridge comprises a proximal end cap, one or more openings defining a first air outlet of the first compartment of the cartridge and one or more openings defining a second air outlet of the second compartment of the cartridge may be provided in the proximal end cap.

The cartridge may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimides such as Kapton®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, liquid crystal polymers (LCP) and modified LCPs such as graphite fiber or glass fiber LCPs.

In embodiments in which the cartridge comprises a body and one or more end caps, the body and one or more end caps may be made from the same or different materials.

The cartridge may be made from one or more materials that are nicotine resistant and acid resistant.

The first cartridge compartment may be coated with one or more nicotine resistant materials and the second cartridge compartment may be coated with one or more acid resistant materials.

Examples of suitable nicotine resistant materials and lactic acid resistant materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, and combinations thereof.

The use of one or more nicotine resistant materials to form the cartridge and/or to coat the inside of the first compartment of the cartridge can advantageously extend the shelf life of the cartridge.

The use of one or more acid-resistant materials to form the cartridge and/or to coat the inside of the second compartment of the cartridge can advantageously extend the shelf life of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be made from one or more thermally conductive materials.

The first cartridge compartment and the second cartridge compartment may be coated with one or more thermally conductive materials.

The use of one or more thermally conductive materials to form the cartridge and/or cover the inner surface of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge may advantageously increase heat transfer from the heater to the nicotine source and the acid source.

Suitable thermally conductive materials include, but are not limited to, metals such as, for example, aluminum, chromium, copper, gold, iron, nickel and silver, alloys such as brass and steel, and combinations thereof.

The cartridge may be made in any suitable manner. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, deep drawing, injection molding, expansion, blow molding, and extrusion.

The cartridge may be removable after the first compartment runs out of nicotine and the second compartment runs out of acid.

The cartridge may be refillable.

According to the present invention, an aerosol generating system is further provided, comprising: a cartridge according to the present invention; and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include: a housing forming a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, and an induction heater located in or around the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The induction heater may include an induction coil. The induction heater may include a coil surrounding at least a portion of the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, the induction coil may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed in the cavity. The cavity may have a length, and the induction coil may surround a substantially length of the cavity. Preferably, the device further comprises a power supply configured to supply power to the induction heater. The power supply may be connected to the induction coil and configured to supply an oscillating current to the induction coil.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system comprises a consumable cartridge assembly according to the present invention and a reusable aerosol generating device comprising an induction coil and a power supply for heating the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge.

The aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a power supply. The power supply may be located inside the device case. Typically, the power supply is a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. However, in some embodiments, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power pack may need to be recharged and may have the capacity to store enough power for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol generating sessions. For example, the power supply may be of sufficient capacity to continuously heat the cartridge for a period of approximately six minutes, which is typical of the time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a given number of puffs or individual activations of the induction coil.

The aerosol generating device may include an electrical circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the induction coil. The electrical circuit may be placed inside the device case. The electrical circuit can be connected to the power supply and the induction coil. The electrical circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The electrical circuit may contain additional electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the supply of current to the induction coil. The current may be applied to the induction coil continuously after activation of the device, or may be applied intermittently, for example, from puff to puff. The electrical circuit may advantageously comprise a DC/AC converter, which may comprise a class D or class E power amplifier.

The aerosol generating device may include one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of the cartridge. The aerosol generating device may include one or more temperature sensors configured to measure one or more of the first compartment temperature and the second compartment temperature of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the controller may be configured to control energization of the induction coil based on the sensed temperature.

The device contains a housing. The body of the device may be oblong. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industry, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably the material is lightweight and non-fragile.

The aerosol generating system may further comprise a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the nicotine vapor that is released from the nicotine source in the first compartment of the cartridge and the acid vapor that is released from the acid source in the second compartment of the cartridge may react with each other in the gas phase in the mouthpiece to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles. .

The mouthpiece may be configured to engage with the body of the device. The mouthpiece may be configured to be engaged with the cartridge. In some embodiments, the implementation of the cartridge may contain a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece may be integral with the body of the cartridge.

In embodiments in which the mouthpiece is configured to engage with, or forms part of, the cartridge, the cartridge and mouthpiece combination may mimic the shape and dimensions of a combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or cigarillo. Advantageously, in such embodiments, the cartridge and mouthpiece combination can mimic the shape and dimensions of a cigarette.

The mouthpiece may be configured to engage with the housing of the aerosol generating device.

The mouthpiece may be removable after the first compartment has used up the nicotine and the second compartment has used up the acid.

The mouthpiece may be reusable. In embodiments where the mouthpiece is reusable, the mouthpiece may preferably be removably attachable to the cartridge or body of the aerosol generating device.

The mouthpiece may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The mouthpiece may contain the same material as the cartridge. The mouthpiece and cartridge may contain different materials.

For the avoidance of doubt, the features described above in relation to one aspect of the present invention may also be applied to other aspects of the present invention. In particular, the features described above with respect to the cartridge of the present invention may also apply, if appropriate, to the aerosol generating systems of the present invention, and vice versa .

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1, along lines A-A and B-B;

in fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1, along the line A-A;

in fig. 4 is a perspective view of the end cap of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 5 is a plan view in cross section of a portion of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1, along the line B-B;

in fig. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 including a nicotine source and current collector arrangement and a lactic acid source and current collector arrangement;

in fig. 7 is a side view of an arrangement of a carrier material and a current collector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 8 is a perspective view of the carrier material and current collector arrangement shown in FIG. 7;

in fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the carrier material and current collector arrangement shown in FIG. 7 inside the cartridge compartment shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 10 is a side view of an arrangement of a carrier material and a current collector according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 11 is a perspective view of the carrier material and current collector arrangement shown in FIG. 10;

in fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the carrier material and current collector arrangement shown in FIG. 10 inside the cartridge compartment shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 13 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generating system according to the present invention, comprising the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 and an aerosol generating device; And

in fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the control circuit for the device shown in FIG. eleven.

In FIG. 1-6 are schematic illustrations of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in an aerosol generating system for generating an aerosol containing nicotine lactate salt particles.

Cartridge 102 includes an elongated body 104 and a distal end cap 106. Cartridge 102 is approximately 28 millimeters long and approximately 6.9 millimeters in diameter.

Cartridge 102 includes a cartridge portion 105 at the distal end of the cartridge that extends between the distal end of body 104 and proximal end wall 108. Cartridge portion 105 is approximately 15 millimeters long and approximately 6.9 millimeters in diameter.

Cartridge portion 105 belonging to cartridge 102 includes an elongated first compartment 110 that extends from the distal end of body 104 to proximal end wall 108. First compartment 110 comprises a nicotine source and current collector arrangement 112 in accordance with the present invention. The nicotine source contains a first carrier material impregnated with approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine and approximately 4 milligrams of menthol. The current collector comprises a ferromagnetic stainless steel mesh covering one side of the first carrier material, as will be described in more detail below.

Cartridge portion 105 belonging to cartridge 102 also includes an elongated second compartment 114 that extends from the distal end of body 104 to proximal end wall 108. Second compartment 114 includes a lactic acid source and current collector assembly 116 in accordance with the present invention. The source of lactic acid contains a second carrier material impregnated with approximately 20 milligrams of lactic acid. The current collector comprises a ferromagnetic stainless steel mesh covering one side of the second carrier material, as will be described in more detail below.

The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 are arranged in parallel. The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 are adjacent to each other and separated by a dividing wall 118.

The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 are substantially the same shape and size. The first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 are approximately 12 millimeters long, approximately 5 millimeters wide, and approximately 1.7 millimeters high.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material comprise a PET/PBT nonwoven sheet and are substantially the same shape and size. The shape and size of the first carrier material and the second carrier material are similar to the shape and size, respectively, of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 of the cartridge 102.

As shown in FIG. 4, the distal end cap 106 includes a first elongated raised portion 119 and a second elongated raised portion 121. The first and second elongated raised portions 119, 121 are parallel to and extend from the plane of the lid 106 in substantially the same direction. The size and location of the first elongated raised part 119 allows it to be placed in the open distal end of the first compartment 110, and the size and location of the second elongated raised part 121 allows it to be placed in the open distal end of the second compartment 114. The far end cap 106 further includes a first inlet 120 for an air inlet 122 containing a row of two spaced holes, and a second air inlet 122 containing a row of four spaced holes. The row of holes of the first air inlet 120 and the row of holes of the second air inlet 122 are arranged in parallel. The row of holes of the first air inlet 120 is located along the first raised part 119 and passes through the first raised part 119. The row of holes of the second air inlet 122 is located along the second raised part 121 and passes through the second raised part 121. the air inlet 120 and the second air inlet 122 have a substantially circular cross section and a diameter of approximately 0.5 millimeters.

As shown in FIG. 5, the proximal end wall 108 of cartridge portion 105 includes a first air outlet 126 comprising a row of two spaced holes and a second air outlet 128 comprising a row of four spaced holes. The first air outlet 126 aligns with the first compartment 110, and the second air outlet 128 aligns with the second compartment 114. Each of the openings defining the first air outlet 126 and the second air outlet 128 have a substantially circular cross section. and a diameter of approximately 0.5 mm.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the first compartment 110 includes two protrusions or ribs 127 protruding from the dividing wall 118 towards the opposite side of the compartment 110. The protrusions 127 of the first compartment 110 extend substantially along the length of the first compartment 110 and are located at a distance from each other so that between the protrusions is formed air channel. The second compartment 114 includes three protrusions or ribs 129 protruding from the dividing wall 118 towards the opposite side of the compartment 114. The protrusions 129 of the second compartment 114 are essentially similar to the protrusions of the first compartment 110, have the same width and extend essentially the length of the second compartment 114. The protrusions 129 of the second compartment 124 are spaced apart so that two air passages are formed between them, one air passage between each of the adjacent protrusions. The protrusions 127 of the first compartment 110 and the protrusions 129 of the second compartment 114 are provided to separate the first and second carrier material and current collector assemblies 112, 116 from the separating wall 118 to allow sufficient air flow over the outer surface of the carrier material and current collector assemblies on at least one side.

As shown in FIG. 6, to form the cartridge 102, the first carrier material is impregnated with nicotine and menthol, and the first carrier material and current collector assembly 112 is inserted into the first compartment 110, and the second carrier material is impregnated with lactic acid, and the second carrier material and current collector assembly 116 is inserted into the second compartment 114. The distal end cap 106 is then inserted onto the distal end of the body 104 so that the first air inlet 120 is aligned with the first compartment 110 and the second air inlet 122 is aligned with the second compartment 114.

The first air inlet 120 is in fluid communication with the first air outlet 126 such that the first air flow can enter the cartridge 102 through the first air inlet 120, through the first compartment 110, and exit the cartridge 102 through the first outlet. hole 126 for air. The second air inlet 122 is in fluid communication with the second air outlet 128 such that the second airflow may enter the cartridge 102 through the second air inlet 122, through the second compartment 114, and exit the cartridge 102 through the second outlet. hole 128 for air.

Prior to first use of the cartridge 102, the first air inlet 120 and the second air inlet 122 may be hermetically sealed with a removable foil seal or a pierceable foil seal (not shown) applied to the outer surface of the distal end cap 106. Similarly, before the first use of the cartridge 102, the first air outlet 126 and the second air outlet 128 may be sealed with a removable foil seal or a pierceable foil seal (not shown) applied to the outer surface of the proximal end wall of the body 104.

The cartridge 102 further comprises a third compartment 130 that is located downstream of the first compartment 110 and the second compartment 114 and is in fluid communication with the first air outlet 120 of the first compartment 110 and the second air outlet 122 of the second compartment 114. During using the nicotine vapor in the first air stream reacts with the acid vapor in the second air stream in the third compartment 130 to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

The third compartment 130 contains a single opening 132 at the proximal end of the compartment with a diameter of approximately 1.3 millimeters. The third compartment 130 also includes a ventilation inlet 132 to allow outside air to enter the third compartment and dilute the nicotine vapor, acid, and nicotine lactate salt. The ventilation inlet has a diameter of approximately 0.5 millimeters.

Cartridge 102 also includes a mouthpiece 140 located downstream of third compartment 130 and in fluid communication with opening 132 at the proximal end of third compartment 130. 5 millimeters.

In use, the user draws through the mouthpiece 140 of the cartridge 102 to draw air through the first and second compartments 110, 112 into the third compartment 130, through the third compartment 130 into the mouthpiece 140, and out of the mouthpiece 140 through the opening at the proximal end.

In FIG. 7-9 are schematic representations of a second arrangement of a carrier material and a current-collecting member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Although only the second arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector for the second compartment is shown here, it should be understood that the same arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector may be provided for the first arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector for the first compartment.

In FIG. 7 and 8 show a second carrier material and susceptor assembly 116 comprising a carrier material 1161 and a ferrous mesh current collector 1162. The mesh current collector 1162 is in direct contact with the carrier material 1161. in a manner known in the art so that the ferruginous mesh current collector 1162 is in direct contact with the carrier material 1161. In this embodiment, the ferrous mesh current collector 1162 is formed from ANSI 420 stainless steel, has filaments with a diameter of approximately 50 micrometers and mesh sizes of approximately 400 mesh US standard.

In this embodiment, the carrier material 1161 is elongated and substantially flat, having two large opposing flat surfaces. The ferruginous mesh current collector 1162 is deposited on substantially two large opposite flat surfaces of the carrier material, and thus the mesh current collector 1162 covers and is in contact with at least 40 percent of the surface area of the carrier material 1161.

In FIG. 9 shows the second carrier material and current collector arrangement 116 shown in FIG. 7 and 8, inside the second compartment 114 of the cartridge 102 shown in FIG. 1-6. As shown in FIG. 9, the second compartment 114 includes three protrusions or ribs 129 evenly spaced along one side of the compartment. The second carrier material and current collector arrangement 116 is positioned in the compartment such that the current collector 1162 abuts or contacts the projections 129 and is spaced away from the wall of the compartment by the projections 129. This configuration provides air passages between adjacent projections 129 and the current collector, providing sufficient airflow over current collector 1162 as air is drawn in through second compartment 114.

In FIG. 10-12 are schematic illustrations of a second arrangement of a carrier material and a current collector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Although only the second arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector for the second compartment is shown here, it should be understood that the same arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector may be provided for the first arrangement of the carrier material and the current collector for the first compartment.

In FIG. 10 and 11 show a second carrier material and current collector arrangement 116' comprising a carrier material 1161' and a pair of iron mesh current collectors 1162', 1163'. Mesh current-collecting elements 1162', 1163' are in direct contact with the carrier material 1161'. The glandular mesh current collectors 1162', 1163' are applied directly to the carrier material 1161' by any suitable method known in the art so that the glandular mesh current collectors 1162', 1163' are in direct contact with the carrier material 1161'. In this embodiment, both ferrous mesh current collectors 1162', 1163' are formed from ANSI 420 stainless steel, have filaments of approximately 50 micrometers in diameter, and have mesh sizes of approximately 400 US standard mesh.

In this embodiment, the carrier material 1161 is elongated and substantially flat, having two large opposing flat surfaces. The first mesh current collector 1162' is deposited on substantially one of the two large opposite flat surfaces of the carrier material 1161', and thus the first mesh current collector 1162 covers and is in contact with at least 40 percent of the surface area of the carrier material 1161'. The second mesh current collector 1163' is deposited on substantially the other of the two large opposite flat surfaces of the carrier material 1161', and thus the second mesh current collector 1163' covers and is in contact with at least 40 percent of the surface area of the carrier material 1161' . In this arrangement, at least 80 percent of the surface area of the carrier material 1161' is in contact with the current collector.

In FIG. 9 shows the second carrier material and current collector arrangement 116' shown in FIG. 10 and 11, inside the second compartment 114' of the cartridge 102'. Cartridge 102' is identical to cartridge 102 shown in FIG. 1-6 but has six ridges or ribs 129', with three ridges spaced evenly along one side of the compartment and three ridges spaced evenly along the opposite side of the compartment. The second carrier material and current collector arrangement 116' is positioned in the compartment such that the first mesh current collector 1162' abuts or contacts the three protrusions 129' on one side of the compartment, and the second mesh current collector 1163' abuts or contacts the three protrusions 129' on the opposite side. side of the department. In this arrangement, both current-collecting elements 1162', 1163' are located at a distance from the walls of the compartment with projections 129'. This configuration provides air passages between adjacent protrusions 129' and the current collectors, allowing sufficient air flow over the current collectors 1162', 1163' as air is drawn in through the second compartment 114'.

In FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an aerosol generating system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention for generating an aerosol containing nicotine lactate salt particles.

The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 202 and a cartridge 102 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-6.

The aerosol generating device 202 includes a housing 204 defining a cavity 206 at the proximal end of the housing 204 for receiving the distal portion of the cartridge 102 between the distal end cap 106 and the proximal end wall 108.

An induction coil 208 is provided along the length of the cavity 206 and is coaxially aligned with the cavity 206 such that the coil 208 substantially surrounds the cavity. When the cartridge 102 is placed in the cavity 206, the induction coil 208 extends along the length of the first and second compartments 110, 114.

The aerosol generating device 202 includes a power supply 210 and a control circuit 212 housed within the housing 204. The power supply 210 is connected to the induction coil 208 via a control circuit 212, and the control circuit is configured to control the supply of power supplied to the induction coil 208 from the power supply. 210 power supply.

Power supply 210 is configured to supply high frequency oscillating current to induction coil 208 at a frequency of about 5 to about 7 MHz. During operation, a high frequency oscillatory current passes through the induction coil 208 to generate an alternating magnetic field that induces a voltage in the current collectors. The induced voltage causes a current to flow into the current collectors, and this current causes the current collectors to be heated by Joule heat, which in turn heats the nicotine in the first compartment 210 and the acid in the second compartment 212. During use, the control circuit 212 of the aerosol generating device 202 controls applying power from the power supply unit 210 of the aerosol generating device 202 to the induction coil 208 to heat the current collector in the first compartment 110 and the current collector in the second compartment 114 of the cartridge 102 to substantially the same temperature of approximately 100 °C.

When the cartridge 102 has been inserted into the cavity 206 of the aerosol generating device 202, the mouthpiece 140 exits the cavity 206 so that the user can access the mouthpiece 140 to puff on the proximal end and obtain an aerosol of nicotine lactate salt particles.

Device 202 includes a switch (not shown). In use, the user presses a switch to turn on the device 202. When the device is turned on, the control circuit 212 applies an oscillating current from the power supply 210 to the induction coil 208 to heat the current collectors in the first and second compartments of the cartridge 102. The system 200 requires that the temperature of the first and second compartments has been increased to an operating temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius before the user can take the first puff on the device. This is necessary to ensure that a constant aerosol is generated from the nicotine lactate salt particles. In this embodiment, the preheat time is approximately 5 seconds if the system 200 is heated from room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. After the preheat time has elapsed, when the first and second compartments are at an operating temperature of approximately 100 degrees Celsius, the user may take the first puff through the mouthpiece 140 of the cartridge 102. During the puff, the user draws through the proximal end of the mouthpiece 140 to draw the first airflow through the first compartment 110 of cartridge 102 and a second airflow through second compartment 114 of cartridge 102. As the first airflow is drawn through first compartment 110 of cartridge 102, nicotine vapor is released from the first carrier material into the first airflow. As the second airflow is drawn through the second compartment 114 of the cartridge 102, lactic acid vapor is released from the second carrier material into the second airflow. The nicotine vapor in the first airflow and the lactic acid vapor in the second airflow are drawn from the first and second compartments into the third compartment 130. Ambient air is also drawn into the third compartment 130 through the ventilation inlet 134. In the third compartment, 130 nicotine vapor from the first air stream and lactic acid vapor from the second air stream react with each other in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles. An aerosol of nicotine salt particles is drawn from the third compartment 130 through the proximal opening 132 into the mouthpiece 140 and delivered to the user through the proximal end of the mouthpiece 140.

In FIG. 14 shows an example of a control circuit 212 that can be used to supply a high frequency oscillatory current to an induction coil using a class E power amplifier. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the circuit comprises a class E power amplifier comprising a transistor switch 1100 comprising a field effect transistor (FET) 1110, such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a transistor switch power circuit, indicated by an arrow 1120, for supplying a switching signal (gate-source voltage) in FET 1110, and an inductive-capacitive load network 1130 containing shunt capacitor C1 and series connection of capacitor C2 and induction coil L2. The DC power supply containing the battery 101 includes a choke L1 and supplies a DC power supply voltage. In FIG. 14 also shows the ohmic resistance R, which is the total ohmic load 1140, which is the sum of the ohmic resistance R of the flat helical induction _coil , denoted L2, and the ohmic resistance R of the current collector _load .

Due to the very small number of components, an extremely small amount of power supply electronics can be maintained. This extremely small volume of power supply electronics is made possible by the inductor L2 of the inductive-capacitive load network 1130 being directly used as an induction coil for inductively coupling with the current collector, and this small volume allows the overall size of the entire induction heating device to be kept small.

The general operating principle of a Class E power amplifier is known and detailed in the article "Class-E RF Power Amplifiers" by Nathan O. Sokal, published in the QEX bimonthly January/February 2001 issue, p. 9-20, of the American Amateur Radio League (ARRL), Newington, Connecticut, USA, and WO 2015/177043 A1 issued to Philip Morris Products S.A.

Although a class E power amplifier is preferred for most systems in accordance with the present invention, other circuit architectures are also possible, such as circuit architectures containing a class D power amplifier, which is also described in WO 2015/177043 A1 issued to Philip Morris Products S.A.

The current collector may be made from a material or combination of materials having a Curie temperature close to the desired temperature to which the current collector is to be heated. As soon as the temperature of the current-collecting element exceeds this Curie temperature, the material replaces its ferromagnetic properties with paramagnetic properties. Accordingly, the dissipation of energy in the current-collecting element is significantly reduced, since the hysteresis loss of a material having paramagnetic properties is much less than the hysteresis loss of a material having ferromagnetic properties. This reduced power dissipation in the current collector can be detected and, for example, AC generation by the DC/AC converter can then be interrupted until the current collector cools below the Curie temperature again and regains its ferromagnetic properties. Then, AC power generation by the DC/AC converter can be resumed again.

Other cartridge designs containing current-collecting elements in accordance with the present invention may now be proposed by a person skilled in the art. For example, the cartridge may not include a mouthpiece, but rather the device may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be of any desired shape. In addition, the coil and current collector arrangement according to the present invention can be used in other types of systems than those already described, such as humidifiers, air fresheners and other aerosol generating systems containing cartridges.

The exemplary embodiments described above are intended to be descriptive and not restrictive. Upon reading the exemplary embodiments discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments corresponding to the exemplary embodiments described above.

Claims (14)

1. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating system, wherein the cartridge comprises a first compartment containing a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine and a second compartment, containing a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second compartment contains an acid source containing a second carrier material impregnated with acid, wherein one of the first and second compartments contains a pair of susceptor elements located in contact with the carrier material inside the compartment, and wherein the carrier material is disposed between the pair of susceptor elements. 2. Cartridge according to Claim. 1, characterized in that at least one of the susceptor elements contains a strip of foil. 3. Cartridge according to claim. 1, characterized in that at least one of the susceptor elements contains a grid. 4. The cartridge according to paragraphs. 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the susceptor elements contains ferromagnetic stainless steel. 5. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating system, wherein the cartridge comprises a first compartment containing a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source containing a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine and a second compartment, containing a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second compartment contains an acid source containing a second carrier material impregnated with acid, the first compartment contains the first susceptor element in contact with the first carrier material, and the second compartment contains the second susceptor element in contact with the second carrier material. 6. The cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the first susceptor contains a first pair of susceptor elements, each of the first pair of susceptor elements is in contact with the first carrier material, and the first carrier material is located between the first pair of susceptor elements, and the second susceptor contains a second pair of susceptor elements, each of the second pair of susceptor elements is in contact with the second carrier material, and the second carrier material is located between the second pair of susceptor elements. 7. Cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that at least one of the susceptor elements contains a grid. 8. The cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, characterized in that each of the susceptor elements contains a grid. 9. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in parallel within the cartridge. 10. The cartridge according to claim 9, further comprising a third compartment in fluid communication with the first air outlet of the first compartment and the second air outlet of the second compartment. 11. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acid contains lactic acid. 12. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carrier material is impregnated with nicotine and flavor. 13. An aerosol generating system, comprising a cartridge according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12 and an aerosol generating device comprising a housing defining a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, and an induction heater located in or around the cavity of the aerosol generating device. 14. An aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the induction heater comprises an induction coil surrounding at least a portion of the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

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