TWI827707B - Vaporizer and collector thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A vaporization device includes a cartridge for a vaporizer device. For example, the vaporizer cartridge and/or features thereof may improve management of leaks of vaporizable material from the vaporizer cartridge, control of airflow within and/or near the vaporizer cartridge, heating of vaporizable material in the vaporizer cartridge, management of condensate in the vaporizer cartridge, and/or other assembly features of the vaporizer cartridge. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Description

Evaporator and its collector

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to the features of a cartridge for a vaporizer, and in some instances to the management of leakage of liquid vaporizable material, air flow in and around a cartridge. Control, heating of the vaporizable material to cause the formation of a spray and/or other assembly features of the cassette and a device to which the cassette can be individually connected.

Evaporator devices, generally referred to herein as evaporators, include devices that heat a vaporizable material (e.g., a liquid, a plant material, some other solid, a wax, etc.) to a temperature sufficient to One or more compounds from the vaporizable material are released into a form that can be inhaled by a user of the vaporizer (eg, a gas, a spray, etc.). Certain vaporizers (for example, those in which at least one of the compounds released from the vaporizable material is nicotine) may be used as an alternative form of smoking combustible cigarettes.

For purposes of summary, specific aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described herein. It is understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that may achieve or optimize one advantage or group of advantages without necessarily achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The various features and items set forth herein may be incorporated together or separately except where this would not be feasible based on the invention and what a skilled artisan would understand based on the invention.

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

In a related aspect that may be included in an evaporator of the preceding aspect, a microfluidic gate for controlling flow of liquid evaporable material between a storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in an evaporator It includes a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector and a pinch point between the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel. Optionally, the microfluidic gate may comprise a border of an aperture between the storage chamber and the collector, the border being wider on a first side facing the storage compartment than on a first side facing the collector. The rounded second side is flatter.

In another related aspect, which may be incorporated with other aspects, a collector configured for insertion into an evaporator cassette includes a collector configured to maintain a volume of liquid evaporable material consistent with the evaporation A storage chamber of the device cassette is in fluid contact with a capillary structure. The capillary structure includes microfluidic features configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector.

In selected variations, one or more of the following features may also be included in any feasible combination. For example, a primary passage may be included to provide a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gas phase state. The main passage may be formed through a structure of the collector.

The primary passage may include a first channel configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to flow from the storage chamber toward a wicking element in the atomizer. The first channel may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregularity configured to allow liquid in the first channel to bypass an air bubble blocking a remaining portion of the first channel . The cross-sectional shape may be similar to a cross. The capillary structure can include a primary channel that contains the microfluidic feature, and the microfluidic feature can be configured to allow the liquid evaporable material to only completely cover a bend in a cross-sectional area of the secondary channel. The moon moves along the length of one of this secondary pathways. The cross-sectional area may be sufficiently small such that for a combination of a material forming the walls of the secondary passage and the liquid evaporable material, the liquid evaporable material is preferentially around an entire perimeter of the secondary passage Moisten this secondary pathway.

The storage chamber and the collector may be configured such that a continuous column of the liquid evaporable material in the collector is maintained in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber such that the pressure in the storage chamber is relative to A reduction in ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector to draw at least partially back into the storage chamber. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced constrictions having a cross-sectional area smaller than the portion of the secondary passage between the constrictions. The constrictions may have a flatter surface along the secondary passageway pointing toward the storage compartment and a rounder surface along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment.

A microfluidic gate can be positioned between the collector and the storage compartment. The microfluidic gate may include a border of an aperture between the storage chamber and the collector, the border being more rounded on a first side facing the storage compartment than on a first side facing the collector. The second side is flatter. The microfluidic gate may include a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber to the collector and a pinch point between the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may include a first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel. A meniscus of air-liquid evaporable material reaching the pinch point can be delivered to the second channel due to the higher capillary drive in the first channel, such that an air bubble is formed to escape into the second channel. The liquid in the storage chamber can evaporate into the material.

The liquid evaporable material may include one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

A collector may include a primary passageway that provides a fluid connection between the reservoir and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gas phase state, wherein the primary passageway passes through the collector. It is formed by the structure of the device. In an optional variation, the capillary structure may include a primary channel including the microfluidic feature, and the microfluidic feature may be configured to allow the liquid evaporable material to completely cover only part of the secondary channel. A meniscus of a profile zone moves along a length of the secondary passage. The cross-sectional area may be sufficiently small such that for a combination of a material forming the walls of the secondary passage and the liquid evaporable material, the liquid evaporable material is preferentially around an entire perimeter of the secondary passage Moisten this secondary pathway. The storage chamber and the collector may be configured such that a continuous column of the liquid evaporable material in the collector is maintained in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber such that the pressure in the storage chamber is relative to A reduction in ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector to draw at least partially back into the storage chamber. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced constrictions having a cross-sectional area smaller than the portion of the secondary passage between the constrictions. The constrictions may have a flatter surface along the secondary passageway pointing toward the storage compartment and a rounder surface along the secondary passageway away from the storage compartment.

In yet another related aspect, an evaporator cassette includes: a cassette housing; a storage chamber disposed within the cassette housing and configured to contain a liquid vaporizable material; an inlet through an internal air flow path configured to allow air to enter the cassette housing; an atomizer configured to convert at least some of the liquid vaporizable material to a breathable state; a collector such as described in the above aspect.

In optional variations, such an evaporator cassette may include one or more features as set forth herein, such as, for example, a core positioned within the internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir. Suction components. The wicking element may be configured to draw the liquid evaporable material from the storage chamber under capillary action. A heating element may be positioned to cause heating of the wicking element such that at least some of the liquid vaporizable material drawn from the storage chamber is converted to a gaseous state. The inhalable state may include an aerosol formed by condensing at least some of the liquid vaporizable material from the gaseous state. The cassette housing may include a one-piece hollow structure having a first open end and a second end opposite the first end. The collector may be insertably received within the first end of the unitary hollow structure.

In yet another related aspect, a receptacle is provided for a cassette usable with an evaporator device. In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a storage chamber (eg, a receptacle) for storing vaporizable material, and a passage separable from the storage chamber via a passage leading to the overflow volume. The air hole communicates with the storage chamber by an overflow volume.

The passage in the overflow volume may lead to a port connected to ambient air. The storage chamber or the receptacle may also include a first core feed and optionally a second core feed implemented in the form of a first cavity and a second cavity respectively through a collector placed inside the cassette. Core feed piece. The collector may include one or more support structures forming the passage in the overflow volume. The first cavity and the second cavity can control the flow of the vaporizable material toward a wick housing configured to receive a wicking element.

The wicking element positioned in the wick housing or the wicking element housing may be configured to absorb the evaporable material traveling through the first wick feed and the second wick feed such that it is consistent with a Atomizer thermal interaction, the vaporizable material absorbed in the wicking element is converted into at least one of vapor or aerosol and flows through an exit tunnel formed through the collector and the storage chamber structure to reach one of the openings in the mouth. The mouth may be formed close to the storage chamber.

The collector may have a first end and a second end. The first end can be coupled to the opening in the mouth, and the second end opposite the first end can be configured to receive a wick or wicking element. According to certain embodiments, a core housing may include: a set of tines projecting outwardly from the second end to at least partially receive the wicking element; and one or more compression ribs proximate the first A core feed or the second core feed is positioned and extends from the second end of the collector to compress the wicking element.

In yet another related aspect, a vent may be provided to maintain an equilibrium pressure state in the storage chamber of the cassette and prevent the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point that would cause the vaporizable material to fill the core housing. . The equilibrium pressure state may be maintained by establishing a liquid seal at the opening of the vent located at the point where the storage chamber communicates with a passage in an overflow volume in the cassette. The liquid seal is established and maintained at the vent by maintaining capillary pressure sufficient to cause the meniscus of evaporable material to form at a portion of the vent that leads to the passage in the overflow volume.

The capillary pressure for the meniscus of evaporable material can be controlled by, for example, a discharge structure forming a primary channel and a secondary channel that effectively construct a fluid valve to Control at least one pinch point at one of the primary channel or the secondary channel. Depending on the implementation, the primary channel and the secondary channel may have tapered geometries such that as the meniscus continues to recede, a capillary drive of the primary channel drives at a greater rate than the capillary drive of the secondary channel One rate decreases. The gradual reduction of one of the capillary drives of the primary channel and the secondary channel reduces the partial headspace vacuum maintained in the storage chamber.

In yet another related aspect, the discharge pressure of the primary channel drops below the discharge pressure of the secondary channel due to the gradual reduction of the capillary drives of the primary channel and the secondary channel relative to each other. The meniscus in the primary channel continues to discharge when the discharge pressure of the primary channel changes, while the meniscus in the secondary channel remains stationary. The discharge pressure related to the receding contact angle of the primary channel can be reduced below the flooding pressure related to the advancing contact angle of the secondary channel, thereby causing the primary channel and the secondary channel to be filled with evaporable material.

Thus, in response to an increased pressure state inside the storage chamber, evaporable material flows through the vent into the passage of the collector (i.e., the overflow volume), wherein the vent is configured to always be desirable Maintain a liquid seal at the pinch point. In certain embodiments, the vent is configured to facilitate a liquid seal at the opening from which vaporizable material flows between the storage chamber of the receptacle and the passage of the collector in the overflow volume.

In yet another related aspect, one or more core feed channels may be implemented to control the direct flow of the evaporable material toward the core. A first core feed channel may be formed through the collector positioned in the overflow volume and independent of the primary channel and the secondary channel of the control valve described above. The collector may include a support structure forming the first channel or additional core feed channel. The wick can be positioned in the wick housing such that the wick is configured to absorb the vaporizable material traveling through the first channel. Depending on the embodiment, the first channel may have a cross-shaped section or have a portion of dividing wall. The shape of the first channel may provide one or more non-primary sub-channels and one or more primary sub-channels having a larger diameter than the non-primary sub-channels.

Depending on the implementation, when a primary sub-channel or non-primary sub-channel is restricted or blocked (eg, due to air bubble formation), the evaporable material may travel through an alternative sub-channel or primary channel. In a cross-shaped core feed, a main sub-channel may extend through the center of the cross-shaped core feed. When the primary sub-channel is defined by the formation of a gas bubble in a portion of the primary sub-channel, the evaporable material flows through at least one of the non-primary sub-channels.

In some embodiments, the collector may have a first end facing the storage chamber and a second end configured to contain the core shell and facing away from the storage chamber. body. A second wick feed may be implemented in the form of a second channel to allow the evaporable material stored in the storage chamber to simultaneously flow towards the core as the evaporable material flows through the first wick feed. The second core feed member may have a cross-shaped cross-section.

According to one or more aspects, a receptacle for a cassette for use with a vaporizer device may include a storage chamber configured to hold vaporizable material. The reservoir can be in operative relationship with a nebulizer configured to convert the vaporizable material from a liquid phase to a vapor or aerosol phase for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer device. The cassette may also include at least one device for retaining the vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber when, for example, one or more factors cause the vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber to travel into the overflow volume in the cassette. The overflow volume of a certain part.

The one or more factors may include exposing the cassette to a pressure state that is different from an earlier ambient pressure state (eg, by changing from a first pressure state to a second pressure state). In some aspects, the overflow volume may include a passage connected to an opening to the exterior of the cassette (ie, to ambient air) or to an air control port. The passage in the overflow volume may also communicate with the reservoir chamber such that the passage may be used as an air vent to allow pressure equalization in the reservoir chamber. In response to a negative pressure event in the environment surrounding the cartridge, vaporizable material can be drawn from the reservoir chamber to the atomizer and converted to a vapor or aerosol phase, thereby reducing the amount of material remaining in the reservoir's storage chamber. The volume of evaporable material.

The storage chamber may be coupled to the overflow volume by means of one or more openings between the storage chamber and the overflow volume, for example such that the one or more openings lead through one of the overflow volumes or multiple pathways. The flow of vaporizable material into the passage through the opening may be controlled by the capillary properties of a fluid vent leading to the passage or passages or the capillary properties of the passages themselves. Additionally, the flow of the evaporable material into the one or more passages may be reversible, allowing the evaporable material to be displaced back from the overflow volume into the reservoir chamber.

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

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

In certain embodiments, the at least two legs comprise four legs. In certain embodiments, the heating portion is configured to contact at least three separate surfaces of the wicking element.

In some embodiments, the at least two tine portions include a first side tine portion, a second side tine portion opposite the first side tine portion, and a second side tine portion connected to the first side tine portion. The second side tine portion is one of the platform tine portions. The platform tine portion may be positioned generally perpendicular to a portion of the first side tine portion and the second side tine portion. The first side tine portion, the second side tine portion and the platform tine portion define the interior volume in which the wicking element is positioned. In some embodiments, the at least two legs are located away from the heated portion by a bridge.

In certain embodiments, each of the at least two legs includes a cassette contact located at one end of each of the at least two legs. The cassette contacts are in electrical communication with the power source. The cassette contacts may be angled and extend away from the heated portion.

In certain embodiments, the at least two tines include a first pair of tines and a second pair of tines. In certain embodiments, the tines of the first pair of tines are evenly spaced apart from each other. In certain embodiments, the tines of the first pair of tines are spaced apart by a width. In certain embodiments, the width at an inner region of the heating element adjacent the platform tine portion is greater than at an outer edge of the heating element adjacent the first side tine portion opposite the inner region The width at the outer area.

In certain embodiments, the evaporator device is configured to measure a resistance of the heating element at one of the four legs to control a temperature of the heating element. In certain embodiments, the heating element includes a heat shield configured to insulate the heating portion from a body of the evaporator device.

In certain embodiments, the evaporator device further includes a heat shield configured to surround at least a portion of the heating element and to insulate the heating portion from a core housing, the core The housing is configured to surround at least a portion of the wicking element and the heating element.

In certain embodiments, the heating portion is folded between the heating portion and the at least two legs to isolate the heating portion from the at least two legs. In certain embodiments, the heating portion further includes at least one tab extending from one side of the at least two prongs to allow easier access of the wicking element to the interior volume of the heating portion. In certain embodiments, the at least one tab extends away from the interior volume at an angle.

In certain embodiments, the at least two legs include a capillary feature. The capillary feature may cause a sudden change in capillary pressure thereby preventing the vaporizable material from flowing across the capillary feature. In certain embodiments, the capillary feature includes one or more bends in the at least two legs. In certain embodiments, the at least two legs extend at an angle toward the interior volume of the heating portion, the angled at least two legs defining the capillary feature.

In certain embodiments, a vaporizer device includes a reservoir containing vaporizable material, a wicking element in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heating element. The heating element includes a heating portion and at least two legs. The heating portion may include at least two tines spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be preformed to define an interior volume configured to receive the wicking element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wicking element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wicking element. At least two legs may be coupled to the at least two tines and spaced apart from the heating portion. The at least two legs can be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. Electrical power is configured to be supplied from the power source to the heating portion to generate heat, thereby evaporating the evaporable material stored within the wicking element.

One method of forming an atomizer assembly for a vaporizer device may include securing a wicking element to an interior volume of a heating element. The heating element may include: a heating portion including at least two tines spaced apart from each other; and at least two legs spaced apart from the heating portion. The leg can be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source of the evaporator device. The heating portion is configured to contact at least two surfaces of the wicking element. The method may also include coupling the heating element to a wick housing configured to surround the wicking element and at least a portion of the heating element. The fastening may also include sliding the wicking element into the interior volume of the heating element.

In certain embodiments, an evaporator device includes: a heating portion including one or more heater traces integrally formed and spaced apart from each other, the one or more heater traces configured to contact at least a portion of a wicking element of the evaporator device; a connection portion configured to receive power from a power source and conduct the power to the heating portion; and a plating layer having a coating different from that of the heating portion One of the materials is one of the plating materials. The plating layer may be configured to reduce contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby localizing heating of the heating element to the heating portion.

In certain aspects of the present subject matter, challenges associated with condensate collection along one or more internal passages and outlets of certain evaporator devices (e.g., along a mouth) may be addressed by including It can be solved by one or more of the features described in or equivalent/equivalent methods as those skilled in the art will understand. Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for capturing evaporable material condensate in an evaporator device.

In some variations, one or more of the following features may be included in any feasible combination, as appropriate.

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a cassette for an evaporator device. The cassette may include a receptacle including a receptacle chamber defined by a receptacle shield. The reservoir can be configured to contain a vaporizable material within the reservoir chamber. The cassette can include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and can include a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber for evaporation by a heating element. The cassette may include an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The cassette may include at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow path. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from a first location toward a second location via capillary action.

In an aspect consistent with the invention, each of the at least one capillary channel may be tapered in size. The size taper may cause an increase in capillary drive through each of the at least one capillary channel. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. The at least one capillary channel can be in fluid communication with a core. The first location may be adjacent to an end of the air flow path and a mouth. The at least one capillary channel collects a fluid condensate.

In a related aspect, a vaporizer device may include a vaporizer body that includes a heating element configured to heat a vaporizable material. The evaporator device may include a cassette configured to be releasably coupled to the evaporator body. The cassette may include a receptacle including a receptacle chamber defined by a receptacle shield. The reservoir can be configured to contain the vaporizable material in the reservoir chamber. The cassette may include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber for evaporation by the heating element. The cassette may include an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The cassette may include at least one capillary channel adjacent the air flow path. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from a first location toward a second location via capillary action.

Each of the at least one capillary channel may be tapered in size. The size taper may cause an increase in capillary drive through each of the at least one capillary channel. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. The at least one capillary channel can be in fluid communication with a core. The first location may be adjacent to an end of the air flow path and a mouth. The at least one capillary channel collects a fluid condensate.

In a related aspect, a method of a cartridge of an evaporation device may include collecting a condensate in a first of at least one capillary channel of the cartridge. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive a fluid and direct the fluid from a first location toward a second location via capillary action. The cassette may include a receptacle including a receptacle chamber defined by a receptacle shield. The reservoir can be configured to contain a vaporizable material within the reservoir chamber. The cassette can include an evaporation chamber in communication with the reservoir and can include a wicking element configured to draw the evaporable material from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber for evaporation by a heating element. The cassette may include an air flow passage extending through the evaporation chamber. The at least one capillary channel can be adjacent to the air flow passage. The method may include directing the collected condensate toward the evaporation chamber and along the first capillary channel.

The method may include evaporating the collected condensate at the evaporation chamber. The size of the first capillary channel can be tapered. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove defined between a pair of walls. The at least one capillary channel can be in fluid communication with a core. The first location may be adjacent to an end of the air flow path and a mouth.

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

This application refers to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/915,005 filed on October 14, 2019 and titled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE" and filed on February 28, 2019 and titled "CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE" ” U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,161, filed on October 17, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,099 titled “WICK FEED AND HEATING ELEMENTS IN A VAPORIZER DEVICE”, filed on February 28, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/812,148, filed on October 17, 2018 and titled "RESERVOIR OVERFLOW CONTROL WITH CONSTRICTION POINTS"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,055, filed on October 17, 2018, titled "RESERVOIR OVERFLOW CONTROL WITH CONSTRICTION POINTS" case, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/747,130 filed on October 17, 2018 and titled "VAPORIZER CONDENSATE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING" and U.S. Provisional Application No. 16/747,130 filed on October 15, 2019 and titled "HEATING ELEMENT" No. 653,455, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Configured to convert a liquid vaporizable material into one of the gaseous and/or aerosol phases (e.g., a suspension of gaseous and particulate phase materials in air in a relative regional equilibrium between the phases) A vaporizer may generally comprise: a reservoir or storage container (also referred to herein as a receptacle, storage compartment or storage volume) that contains a volume of the liquid vaporizable material; an atomizer (which may also be referred to as an atomizer assembly); a heater element (e.g., a resistive element that causes an electric current to pass therethrough so as to convert the electric current into heat energy) that heats the liquid to evaporate the material so as to cause at least some converting some of the liquid evaporable material into the gas phase; and a wicking element (which may simply be referred to as a wick, but it generally refers to applying a capillary force to draw the liquid evaporable material from the reservoir to the heated An element or combination of elements in a position where the action of the element heats it). In some cases (depending on various factors), the resulting vapor phase liquid vaporizable material may then (and optionally almost immediately) begin to at least partially condense to form a gaseous material that passes through, over, or near the atomizer. , a spray in the air around you.

As the liquid vaporizable material in the wicking element is heated and converted to the gas phase (and then optionally to an aerosol), the volume of the liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir decreases. When the volume of liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir is reduced by switching to the gas/aerosol phase there is no void space to allow air or some other substance to enter the void space formed within the reservoir (e.g. not filled by the liquid). In the case of a mechanism in which the evaporable material occupies a portion of the volume of the reservoir, a reduced pressure state (eg, an at least partial vacuum) is created within the reservoir. This reduced pressure state may adversely affect the effectiveness of the wicking element in drawing vaporizable material from the storage compartment or reservoir to the vicinity of the heating element for evaporation into the gaseous phase, as the partial vacuum pressure opposes the formation of the wicking element. Acts on internal capillary pressure.

More specifically, a reduced pressure state in the reservoir can result in insufficient saturation of the core and ultimately a lack of sufficient vaporizable material delivered to the atomizer to achieve reliable operation of the vaporizer. To counteract the reduced pressure condition, ambient air may be allowed into the receptacle to equalize the pressure between the interior of the receptacle and the ambient pressure. Allowing air to backfill the void space in the reservoir formed by the evaporated liquid vaporizable material may occur in some evaporators by air passing through the wicking element into the reservoir. However, this procedure may generally require that the wicking element is at least partially dry. Since a dry wicking element may not be easily achievable and/or may not be desirable for reliable operation of the evaporator, another typical approach is to provide a vent to allow pressure equalization between ambient conditions and within the reservoir. .

The presence of air in the void space of a receptacle (whether through the core or through some other vent or vent structure) can create one or more other problems. For example, once the air pressure within the void space of a reservoir equalizes (or at least approaches equalization) with the ambient pressure, and particularly when the volume of the void space filled with air increases relative to the total reservoir volume, the void space The creation of a negative pressure difference between the air in the space and ambient conditions (e.g., the air in the void space is at a higher pressure than the surrounding environment) can cause liquid evaporable materials, for example, to pass through the core, through the provided Any vents, etc. leaking from the receptacle. A negative pressure difference between the air within the receptacle and the prevailing ambient pressure can be created by one or more of several factors: for example, heating the air within the void space (e.g., by holding the receptacle Carrying the evaporator from a colder to a warmer area in one hand, etc.) can distort the shape of the receptacle and thereby reduce the internal volume of the receptacle (e.g., squeezing part of the evaporator causing the receptacle to volume distortion, etc.), a rapid drop in ambient pressure (for example, such as may occur in an airplane cockpit while traveling in the air, when a car or train enters or leaves a tunnel, when a vehicle lifts in a speed while opening or closing a window, etc.) or the like.

Leaks of liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir in an evaporator (such as those described above are generally undesirable because leaked liquid vaporizable material can create an unnecessary mess (e.g., by Contaminated clothing or other items in close proximity to the vaporizer) can enter the inhalation path of the vaporizer and thereby be ingested by a user, possibly interfering with the functioning of the vaporizer (e.g., by contaminating a pressure sensor , thereby affecting the operability of the circuit system and/or switch, contaminating the charging port and/or connection between a cassette and an evaporator body, etc.) or the like. Leakage of liquid evaporable materials can therefore interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the evaporator.

Examples of vaporizers include, without limitation, electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or devices and systems having the same, similar or equivalent structural or functional characteristics or capabilities. FIG. 1 shows an example block diagram of an example evaporator 100. The evaporator 100 may include an evaporator body 110 and an evaporator cassette 120 (also referred to as an evaporator cassette 120). The evaporator body 110 may include a power source 112 (e.g., a battery that may be rechargeable) and a controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic device, processor, or circuitry capable of executing logic code) to control Device 104 is used to control the delivery of heat to an atomizer 141 to cause an evaporable material (not shown) to evaporate from a condensed form (e.g., a solid, a liquid, a solution, a suspension, an at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.) into a gaseous phase, or more generally vaporizable material into a respirable form or a precursor of a respirable form. In this context, an inhalable form may be a gas or a spray or some other aerosol form. A precursor to a respirable form may comprise a gas phase state of a vaporizable material that is at least partially condensed to form a gas phase state at some time (immediately or nearly immediately as the case may be or alternatively with some delay or After a certain amount of cooling) a spray is formed. Controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) consistent with a particular implementation and may be used to control particular features of evaporator body 110 associated with one or more sensors 113 .

As shown, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the vaporizer body 110 may include one or more sensors 113, vaporizer body contacts 125, a seal 115, and optionally a cassette container 118 , the cassette container 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of an evaporator cassette 120 for coupling to the evaporator body 110 through one or more of various attachment structures. As discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7D , a convex or concave container configuration, or some combination thereof, may be used to couple the evaporator cassette 120 to the evaporator body 110 . For example, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, an interior portion of a first end of the cassette may be received in a cassette receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 while the first end of the cassette is An outer portion at least partially covers a portion of an outer surface of a structure on the evaporator body 110 forming the cassette container 118 . This configuration for coupling an evaporator cassette 120 to an evaporator body 110 may allow for a convenient and easy-to-use coupling method that also provides sufficient mechanical coupling strength to prevent the evaporator cassette 120 from becoming disconnected from the evaporator body. 110 no need to separate. This configuration may also provide desirable resistance to flexing of the evaporator caused by coupling evaporator cassette 120 to evaporator body 110 . It will be understood that with respect to evaporator body contacts 125 , these contacts may also be referred to as "container contacts 125 ," particularly where corresponding cassette contacts 124 (discussed below) are located on a container inserted into the evaporator body 110 Or in embodiments on a portion of an evaporator cassette 120 in a container-like structure. However, the terms "evaporator body contact 125" and/or "container contact 125" are also used herein because the subject matter of the present invention is not limited to an evaporator cassette 120 and an evaporator body 110. Electrical coupling occurs between contacts located within a cassette receptacle 118 on the evaporator body 110 and on a portion of the evaporator cassette 120 inserted into the cassette receptacle 118 (and may be used in applications other than the Provide various advantages in systems other than those in which electrical coupling occurs).

In some examples, vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a reservoir 140 for holding a liquid vaporizable material and a mouth 130 for delivering a dose of vaporizable material in a respirable form. The mouth may optionally be a component separate from the structure forming the receptacle 140, or alternatively it may be formed from the same part or component that forms at least a portion of one or more walls of the receptacle 140. The liquid evaporable material within the reservoir 140 can be a carrier solution in which active or inactive ingredients can be suspended, dissolved or retained in the solution or in a neat liquid form of the evaporable material itself.

According to one embodiment, a vaporizer cartridge 120 may include an atomizer 141, which may include a wick or a wicking element and a heater (eg, a heating element). As discussed above, the wicking element may comprise any material capable of causing fluid uptake through the wick by capillary pressure to deliver a quantity of liquid vaporizable material to a portion of the atomizer 141 containing the heating element. The core and the heating element are not shown in Figure 1, but are disclosed and discussed in further detail herein with reference to at least Figures 3A, 3B and 4. Briefly, the wicking element can be configured to draw liquid evaporable material from a reservoir 140 configured to hold liquid evaporable material such that the liquid evaporable material can be delivered to the wicking element from the heating element. The heat evaporates (ie, converts to a gas phase state) and the liquid evaporable material is drawn into the wicking element. In certain embodiments, air may enter a reservoir 140 through a wicking element or other opening to at least partially equilibrate the reservoir in response to removal of liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir 140 during vapor and/or aerosol formation. pressure in the vessel 140.

As shown in FIG. 1 , pressure sensor (and any other sensor) 113 may be positioned on controller 104 or coupled (e.g., electrically, electronically, physically, or via a wireless connection) to the controller. 104. The controller 104 may be a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board. To accurately measure and maintain the durability of the evaporator 100, it may be beneficial to provide an elastomeric seal 115 to separate an air flow path from other components of the evaporator 100. Seal 115 , which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround pressure sensor 113 such that the connection of pressure sensor 113 to the internal circuitry of the evaporator may be consistent with the pressure sensor being exposed to the air flow path. One part is separated.

The liquid vaporizable material used with the vaporizer 100 may be disposed within a vaporizer cassette 120 that may be refillable when empty or disposable to support accommodating an additional vaporizer of the same or a different type. One of the new cassettes is the evaporable material. An evaporator may be a cartridge-using evaporator or a multi-purpose evaporator that can be used with or without a cartridge. For example, a multipurpose evaporator may include a heating chamber (e.g., a furnace) configured to receive a vaporizable material directly within the heating chamber and also to receive a receptacle, a volume, or other A functionally or structurally equivalent cassette or other replaceable device for at least partially containing a usable amount of vaporizable material.

In one example of an evaporator using a cassette, the seal 115 may also separate one or more electrically connected components between the evaporator body 110 and the evaporator cassette 120 . Such configuration of the seal 115 in the evaporator 100 may help mitigate evaporable materials caused by interaction with one or more environmental factors, such as condensation water, leakage from a reservoir, and/or condensed evaporable materials after evaporation. possible damaging effects on the evaporator assembly, to reduce the escape of air from a designed air flow path in the evaporator, or the like.

Unwanted air, liquid, or other fluids passing through or contacting the circuitry of evaporator 100 can cause various unwanted effects, such as altered pressure readings, or can cause unwanted materials in components of evaporator 100 (e.g., moisture, The accumulation of evaporable materials and/or the like) where unnecessary material can result in poor pressure signals, degradation of pressure sensors or other electrical or electronic components, and/or a shorter life of the evaporator. A leak in the seal 115 may also cause a user to inhale air that has passed through components of the vaporizer 100 that contain or are constructed of materials unsuitable for inhalation.

A vaporizer configured to produce an inhalable dose of at least a portion of a non-liquid vaporizable material by heating the non-liquid vaporizable material may also be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, instead of or in addition to a liquid vaporizable material, the vaporizer cassette 120 may also include vaporizer cassette 120 that is processed and formed to interact with (or to radiate from) one or more resistive heating elements. and/or convectively heated), the one or more resistive The heating element is optionally included in an evaporator cassette 120 or in a portion of the evaporator body 110 . A solid vaporizable material (e.g., a solid vaporizable material comprising a plant material) may emit only a portion of the plant material as the vaporizable material (e.g., such that a portion of the plant material after emitting the vaporizable material for inhalation as left as waste) or may enable all solid material to eventually evaporate for inhalation. A liquid vaporizable material may equally be capable of complete vaporization or may contain some portion of the liquid material that remains after all of the material suitable for inhalation has been consumed.

When the evaporator cassette 120 is configured with evaporable materials and heating elements, the evaporator cassette 120 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to the evaporator body 110 , and the evaporator body 110 can include a processor, a power supply 112 and for One or more evaporator body contacts 125 are connected to corresponding cassette contacts 124 to complete an electrical circuit with a resistive heating element contained in the evaporator cassette 120 . Various evaporator configurations may be implemented with one or more of the features set forth herein.

In certain embodiments, the evaporator 100 may include a power supply 112 as part of the evaporator body 110 and a heating element may be disposed in the evaporator cassette 120 configured to couple with the evaporator body 110 . So configured, the evaporator 100 may include electrical connection features for completing an electrical circuit including the controller 104, the power supply 112, and the heating element contained in the evaporator cartridge 120.

In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the connection features may include at least two cassette contacts 124 on a bottom surface of the evaporator cassette 120 and one of the cassette receptacles disposed in the evaporator 100 At least two contacts 125 are located near the base such that the cassette contacts 124 are electrically connected to the container contacts 125 when the evaporator cassette 120 is inserted into and coupled to the cassette container 118 . In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, evaporator body contacts 125 may be retracted under pressure from corresponding cartridge contacts 124 when an evaporator cassette is inserted and secured in the cassette receptacle 118 A compressible pin (eg, a pogo pin). Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, brush contacts that are electrically connected to corresponding contacts on a mating component of an evaporator cassette may be used. These contacts need not make an electrical connection with the cassette contacts 124 on one bottom end of the evaporator cassette 120, but may instead be made by abutting on a portion of one side of the evaporator cassette 120. The cassette contacts 124 are urged outwardly from one or more side walls of the cassette container 118 within which the evaporator cassette 120 is when the evaporator cassette 120 is properly inserted into the container.

The circuit completed by the electrical connections may allow electrical current to be delivered to the resistive heating element and may further be used for additional functions, such as for measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element for resistivity heating based on the resistive heating element. A coefficient is used to determine or control a temperature of a resistive heating element for identifying an evaporator cassette 120 based on one or more electrical characteristics of a resistive heating element or other circuitry of the evaporator cassette 120 .

In some examples, at least two cassette contacts 124 and at least two evaporator body contacts 125 (eg, for an embodiment in which a portion of an evaporator cassette 120 is inserted into a cassette receptacle 118 The container contacts) may be configured to make electrical connections in either of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits configured for operating the evaporator 100 may be configured by inserting the evaporator cassette 120 around the end thereof in a first rotational orientation (e.g., around the An axis in the cassette container 118 of the evaporator body 110 is completed by inserting (or otherwise combining) at least a portion of an evaporator cassette 120 into the cassette container 118 such that at least one of the two cassette contacts 124 A first cassette contact is electrically connected to one of the at least two container contacts 125 and a second one of the at least two cassette contacts 124 is electrically connected to the at least two containers. One of the contacts 125 is a second container contact.

Additionally, one or more circuits configured for operating evaporator 100 may be accomplished by inserting (or otherwise engaging) an evaporator cassette 120 into cassette receptacle 118 in a second rotational orientation. Such that a first one of the at least two cassette contacts 124 is electrically connected to a second one of the at least two container contacts 125 and a second one of the at least two cassette contacts 124 The point is electrically connected to a first of the at least two container contacts 125 . An evaporator cassette 120 may be reversibly insertable into a cassette receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110, as provided in further detail herein.

In one example of an attachment structure for coupling an evaporator cassette 120 to an evaporator body 110 , the evaporator body 110 may include a detent protruding inwardly from an interior surface of the cassette container 118 (e.g., a shallow depression, protrusion, etc.). One or more exterior surfaces of evaporator cassette 120 may include detents that fit or otherwise snap over when one end of evaporator cassette 120 is inserted into cassette receptacle 118 on evaporator body 110 The corresponding concave portion (not shown in Figure 1).

Evaporator cassette 120 and evaporator body 110 may be coupled, for example, by inserting one end of evaporator cassette 120 into cassette receptacle 118 of evaporator body 110 . A detent in the evaporator body 110 may fit within a recess in the evaporator cassette 120 and/or otherwise be retained within a recess in the evaporator cassette 120 to hold the evaporator cassette 120 in place during assembly. . This detent-recess assembly provides sufficient support to hold the evaporator cassette 120 in place to ensure adequate contact between the at least two cassette contacts 124 and the at least two container contacts 125 while allowing The evaporator cassette 120 is released from the evaporator body 110 when a user pulls on the evaporator cassette 120 with reasonable force to disengage the evaporator cassette 120 from the cassette container 118 .

In light of the above discussion regarding the electrical connection between the evaporator cassette 120 and the evaporator body 110 being reversible such that at least two rotational orientations of the evaporator cassette 120 in the cassette container 118 are possible, in In certain embodiments of evaporator 100 , the shape of evaporator cassette 120 or at least one shape of an end of evaporator cassette 120 configured to be inserted into cassette receptacle 118 may have at least a second order of rotational symmetry. In other words, the evaporator cassette 120 , or at least the mechanical mating features and electrical contacts on the insertable end of the evaporator cassette 120 , can be rotated 180 about the axis along which the evaporator cassette 120 is inserted into the cassette receptacle 118 After ° it is symmetrical. In this configuration, the circuitry of the evaporator 100 can support identical operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the evaporator cassette 120 occurs. It will be understood that the entirety of the insertable end of the cassette need not be symmetrical in all embodiments of the present subject matter. For example, even though the overall shape and appearance of the insertable end of evaporator cassette 120 is not rotationally symmetrical, it has rotationally symmetrical mechanical characteristics for use with a cassette container 118 or on the outside of cassette container 118 . Corresponding features cooperatively engage, are shaped and sized to fit within the cassette receptacle 118 of the evaporator body 110 and also have cassette contacts 124 with rotational symmetry and an interior compatible with reversing the electrical contacts. An evaporator cassette 120 having electrical circuitry (optionally in either or both evaporator cassette 120 and evaporator body 110 ) is consistent with the present invention.

As discussed above, in certain example embodiments, evaporator cassette 120 or at least one end of evaporator cassette 120 is configured to be inserted into cassette receptacle 118 and may be transverse to evaporator cassette 120 along its The axis inserted into the cassette receptacle 118 has a non-circular cross-section. For example, the non-circular cross-section may be generally rectangular, generally elliptical (e.g., having a generally oval shape), non-rectangular but having two sets of parallel or generally parallel opposing sides (e.g., having a parallelogram shape) or other shapes with at least second-order rotational symmetry. In this context, having a shape generally indicates a basic similarity to the described shape, but the sides of the shape in question need not be completely linear and the vertices need not be completely sharp. Some amount of rounding of either or both the edges or vertices of the cross-sectional shape is contemplated in the description of any non-circular cross-section mentioned herein.

The at least two cassette contacts 124 and the at least two container contacts 125 can take various forms. For example, one or both sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes for pins or posts, or the like. Certain types of contacts may include springs or other urging features to cause better physical and electrical contact between the contacts on the evaporator cassette and evaporator body. The electrical contacts may be gold plated, and/or may include other materials.

A vaporizer 100 consistent with implementations of the disclosed subject matter may be configured to connect (eg, wirelessly or via a wired connection) to one or more computing devices in communication with the vaporizer 100 . To this end, controller 104 may include communications hardware 105 . The controller 104 may also include a memory 108 . A computing device may be a component of a vaporizer system that also includes vaporizer 100, and may include independent communications hardware that may establish a wireless communications channel with communications hardware 105 of vaporizer 100.

A computing device used as part of a vaporizer system may include a general purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, some other portable device such as a smart watch or the like). In other embodiments, a device used as part of the evaporator system may be a dedicated piece of hardware, such as a remote control or have one or more physical or software interface controls (e.g., configurable on a screen or Other wireless or wired devices on other display devices and selectable via user interaction with a touch-sensitive screen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, button, or the like). The vaporizer 100 may also include one or more outputs 117 or devices for providing information to the user.

A computing device that is part of a vaporizer system as defined above may be used for any of one or more functions, such as controlling dosing (e.g., dose monitoring, dose setting, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.) , control work stage design (e.g., work stage monitoring, work stage setting, work stage limits, user tracking, etc.), control nicotine delivery (e.g., switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizable materials, adjust the delivered the amount of nicotine, etc.), obtain location information (for example, the location of other users, the location of retailers/commercial locations, the location of e-cigarettes, the relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (e.g., Name the vaporizer, lock/password protect the vaporizer, adjust one or more parental controls, associate the vaporizer with a user group, register the vaporizer with a manufacturer or warranty maintenance organization, etc.), and other Users participate in social activities together (e.g., social media communications, interacting with one or more groups, etc.) or the like. The terms "stage design", "stage", "evaporator stage" or "steam stage" may be used to refer to a cycle dedicated to the use of an evaporator. The period may include a time period, a number of doses, an amount of vaporizable material, or the like.

In the instance where a computing device provides a signal related to activation of the resistive heating element, or in other instances where a computing device is coupled to a vaporizer 100 for performing various control or other functions, the computing device performs a or Multiple computer instruction sets to provide a user interface and basic data processing. In one example, detection of user interaction with one or more user interface elements by the computing device may cause the computing device to signal the evaporator 100 to activate the heating element to reach a full operating temperature for creating a possible Inhalation dose vapor/spray. Other functions of the vaporizer 100 may be controlled through a user's interaction with a user interface on a computing device in communication with the vaporizer 100 .

In certain embodiments, a vaporizer cassette 120 for use with a vaporizer body 110 may include an atomizer 141 having a wicking element and a heating element. Alternatively, one or both of the wicking element and the heating element may be part of the evaporator body 110 . In embodiments in which any portion of the atomizer 141 (eg, a heating element or a wicking element) is part of the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer 100 can be configured to remove liquid vaporizable material from the vaporizer holder. A reservoir 140 in the cartridge supplies the core and other atomizer components, such as, for example, a wicking element, a heating element, etc. A capillary structure including a wicking element will be understood by a skilled artisan as the only possible embodiment that can be used with the other features set forth herein.

Activation of the heating element may be initiated by automatic detection of pumping based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113, such as, for example, positioned to detect pressure along the air relative to ambient pressure. One or more pressure sensors of the pressure of the flow path (or measurable changes in absolute pressure), one or more motion sensors of the evaporator 100, one or more flow sensors of the evaporator 100, evaporation An inductive lip sensor of the vaporizer 100; in response to detecting a user's interaction with one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons or other tactile controls of the vaporizer 100), receiving communications from the vaporizer 100 a signal from a computing device, or through other methods for determining that a puff is occurring or is imminent.

The heating element may be or may include one or more of a conductive heater, a radiant heater, and a convective heater. One type of heating element may be a resistive heating element, which may be made of a material (e.g., a metal or alloy) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat when electrical current passes through one or more resistive segments of the heating element. , for example a nickel-chromium alloy, or a non-metallic resistor) constructed of or at least containing this material.

In certain embodiments, the atomizer 141 may include a heating element (including a resistive coil) or other heating element that is wrapped around, positioned within, or integrated into a wicking element. A wicking element in a block shape, pressed into thermal contact with the wicking element, positioned adjacent the wicking element, configured to heat air to cause convective heating of the wicking element, or otherwise configured to Heat is delivered to the wicking element such that a liquid evaporable material drawn from a reservoir 140 by the wicking element is evaporated for subsequent use by a user as a gas and/or as a condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or liquid drop) phase inhalation. Other wicking element, heating element or atomizer assembly configurations may also be possible, as discussed further below.

After converting the vaporizable material to the gas phase and depending on the type of vaporizer, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporizable material, or other factors, at least some of the vapor-phase vaporizable material may condense to form the same vapor as part of an aerosol. The aerosol may form some or all of an inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer 100 for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer.

It will be understood that the interaction between the gas phase and the condensed phase in a spray produced by an evaporator can be complex and dynamic due to factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemical processes (e.g., acid-base interactions). action, protonation or lack thereof of a compound released from the evaporable material by heating, etc.), flow conditions in the air flow path (both inside the evaporator and in the airways of a person or other animal), gas phase or spray Mixing of agent phase vaporizable materials with other air streams or the like may affect one or more physical and/or chemical parameters of a spray. In some vaporizers, and particularly in vaporizers used to deliver more volatile vaporizable materials, the respirable dose may exist primarily in the vapor phase (i.e., formation of condensed phase particles may be very limited) .

As described elsewhere herein, certain vaporizers may also (or alternatively) be configured to operate at least in part by heating a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as a solid phase vaporizable material containing the vaporizable material (e.g., a wax or the like) or plant material (e.g., tobacco leaves or parts of tobacco leaves)) to form an inhalable dose of vapor phase and/or aerosol phase vaporizable material. In such evaporators, a resistive heating element may be part of or otherwise incorporated into or in conjunction with a furnace or other heating chamber into which the non-liquid vaporizable material is placed. or other thermal contact with the walls of the heating chamber.

Alternatively, one or several resistive heating elements may be used to heat air passing through or over the non-liquid evaporable material to cause convective heating of the non-liquid evaporable material. In still other examples, one or several resistive heating elements may be positioned in intimate contact with the plant material such that direct conductive heating of the plant material occurs from within the mass of the plant material (e.g., as with inward heating from the walls of a furnace) conduction is opposite).

The heating element may be activated by means of a controller 104 which may be part of an evaporator body 110 . Controller 104 may cause electrical current to pass from power source 112 through a circuit that includes a resistive heating element, which may be part of an evaporator cassette 120 . Controller 104 may be activated in association with a user drawing (eg, pumping, inhaling, etc.) into mouth 130 of vaporizer 100 , which may cause air to flow from an air inlet through an atomizer 141 One air flow path flows. An atomizer 141 may include a core combined with a heating element, for example.

The air flow induced by the user's suction may pass through one or more condensation zones or chambers in and/or downstream of the atomizer 141 and then toward an air outlet in the mouth. Incoming air passed along the air flow path may thus be passed over atomizer 141 , through atomizer 141 , near atomizer 141 , around atomizer 141 , etc., such that the gas phase may evaporate the material (or Some other inhalable form of vaporizable material) is entrained into the air as atomizer 141 converts an amount of vaporizable material into the gas phase. As described above, the entrained vapor phase vaporizable material can condense as it passes through the remainder of the air flow path such that an inhalable dose of the vaporizable material in the form of a spray can be delivered from the air outlet (e.g., through a mouth portion 130 for inhalation by a user).

The temperature of a resistive heating element of an evaporator 100 may depend on one or more of several factors, including the amount of power delivered to the resistive heating element or the duty cycle of power delivered to the evaporator 100 . Conductive and/or radiative heat transfer from components or to the environment, specific heat transfer to air and/or liquid or vapor phase evaporable materials (e.g., raising the temperature of an evaporable material to its evaporation point or increasing the temperature of an evaporable material such as air and/or temperature of the gas mixed with the air that vaporizes the vaporizable material), latent heat loss caused by vaporizing the vaporizable material from the core and/or atomizer 141 as a whole, by the air flow (e.g., when When a user inhales on the evaporator 100, the air moves across the heating element or atomizer 141) as a whole, causing convective heat loss, etc.

As described above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or heat the heating element to a desired temperature, in some embodiments, a vaporizer 100 may utilize a signal from a pressure sensor to determine when a user inhales. The pressure sensor may be positioned in the air flow path or may be connected (e.g., via a passage or other path) to one of the inlets connecting the air intake device and the vapor and/or aerosol inhaled by the user therethrough. The outlet is an air flow path such that the pressure sensor experiences pressure changes simultaneously with the air passing through the evaporator 100 from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor in the air flow path may be associated with a user's puffing (e.g., through automatic detection of the puffing), such as by a pressure sensor detecting a pressure in the air flow path. Change) to activate the heating element.

Referring to FIGS. 1 , 2A and 2B , the evaporator cassette 120 can be detachably inserted into the evaporator body 110 via the cassette container 118 . As shown in FIG. 2A , which illustrates a plan view of the evaporator body 110 next to an evaporator cassette 120 , a receptacle 140 of the evaporator cassette 120 may be formed entirely or partially from a translucent The material is formed such that the level of one of the liquid vaporizable materials 102 in the vaporizer cassette 120 is visible. The evaporator cassette 120 may be configured such that the level of vaporizable material 102 in the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cassette 120 is transparent to one of the evaporator bodies 110 when the evaporator cassette 120 is received in the cassette receptacle 118 The window remains visible. Alternatively or additionally, a level of liquid evaporable material 102 in reservoir 140 may be viewable through a clear or translucent outer wall or window formed in an outer wall of evaporator cassette 120. Air flow path examples

Referring to Figures 2C and 2D, an example vaporizer cassette 120 is illustrated in which an air flow path 134 is formed during a user's puff of the vaporizer 100. Air flow path 134 may direct air to an evaporation chamber 150 contained within a wick housing (see, for example, Figure 2D), where the air is combined with the respirable spray for delivery to a user via a mouth 130 , the mouth 130 can also be a part of the evaporator cassette 120 . Evaporation chamber 150 may contain and/or at least partially enclose an atomizer 141 consistent with the remainder of the present invention. For example, when a user puffs on the vaporizer 100, the air flow path 134 may be between an outer surface (eg, window 132) of the vaporizer cassette 120 and a cassette container 118 on the vaporizer body 110. passing between one of the inner surfaces. Air can then be drawn into one of the insertable ends 122 of the cartridge through the evaporation chamber 150 containing or housing the heating element and the wicking element, and exit through an outlet 136 of the mouth 130 to deliver the inhalable spray to a user. By. Other air flow path configurations are also within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to those discussed in further detail below.

Figure 2D illustrates additional features that may be included in a vaporizer cassette 120 consistent with the subject matter of this disclosure. For example, evaporator cassette 120 may include a plurality of cassette contacts (such as cassette contacts 124 ) disposed on insertable end 122 configured to be inserted into an evaporator body 110 in the cassette container 118. Cassette contacts 124 optionally each are part of a single piece of metal that forms a conductive structure (such as conductive structure 126) connected to one of the two ends of a resistive heating element. The conductive structure optionally forms an opposing side of the heating chamber and optionally acts as a heat shield and/or heat sink to reduce heat transfer to the outer walls of the evaporator cassette 120 . Additional details of this aspect are described below.

2D also shows a sleeve 128 within evaporator cassette 120 (which is an example of a more general concept also referred to herein as an air flow path) that may be defined at least partially by conductive structure 126 A portion of the air flow path 134 is formed between a heating chamber (also referred to herein as an atomizer chamber, an evaporation chamber, or the like) and the mouth 130 . This configuration causes air to flow down around the insertable end 122 of the evaporator cassette 120 into the cassette receptacle 118 and then into the cassette body as it enters the cassette body toward the evaporator chamber 150 . (For example, the end opposite to the end including the mouth 130) flows back in the opposite direction after passing around. Air flow path 134 then travels through the interior of evaporator cassette 120 , for example via one or more tubes or internal passages (such as sleeve 128 ) and through one or more outlets formed in mouth 130 (such as Exit 136). Pressure equalization vent

As mentioned above, removing vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 (e.g., drawing via the capillary of the wicking element) may create an at least partial vacuum relative to the ambient air pressure in reservoir 140 (e.g., after the liquid has been removed from the reservoir 140). Consumption of evaporative material may create a reduced pressure in a portion of the emptied reservoir, and this vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wicking element. In some examples, the magnitude of this reduced pressure may be sufficient to reduce the effectiveness of the wicking element in drawing liquid vaporizable material 102 into the vaporization chamber 150, such as when a user is in the vaporizer. Performing a puff on 100 reduces the effectiveness of vaporizer 100 in vaporizing a desired amount of vaporizable material 102. In extreme cases, creating a vacuum in reservoir 140 may prevent all of the evaporable material 102 from being drawn into the evaporation chamber 150 , thereby resulting in incomplete use of the evaporable material 102 . One or more discharge characteristics may be included in association with an evaporator reservoir 140 (whether the reservoir 140 is located in an evaporator cassette 120 or elsewhere in an evaporator) to achieve a relationship between the pressure in the reservoir 140 and the surrounding environment. At least partial equalization (optionally full equalization) between pressures (eg, the pressure of ambient air outside the reservoir 140) alleviates this problem.

In some cases, although allowing the pressure within the reservoir 140 to equalize will improve the efficiency of delivering liquid vaporizable material to the atomizer 141, by causing additional void volume within the reservoir 140 (e.g., due to use Liquid can evaporate the material and empty the space) filled with air as well. As discussed in further detail below, this air-filled void volume may subsequently undergo pressure changes relative to the surrounding air, which may, under certain conditions, cause the liquid evaporable material to leak from the reservoir 140 and ultimately to an evaporator card. Outside the cartridge 120 and/or other parts of the evaporator containing the receptacle 140 . Embodiments of the present subject matter may also provide advantages and benefits regarding this problem.

Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features are described herein for controlling the flow of air and the flow of vaporizable materials that may provide advantages and improvements over existing methods while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. The evaporator devices and/or cassettes described herein include one or more features that control and improve air flow within the evaporator device and/or cassette, thereby improving evaporation of liquid from the evaporator device. Efficiency and effectiveness of vaporizable materials without introducing additional features that could lead to leakage of liquid vaporizable materials.

2E and 2F respectively illustrate configurations for use with an evaporator cassette (such as evaporator cassette 120) and/or evaporator devices (such as evaporator 100) to improve pressure equalization and air in the evaporator. Illustrations of first and second embodiments of flow reservoir systems 200A, 200B. More specifically, the reservoir systems 200A, 200B illustrated in Figures 2E and 2F improve the pressure regulation within the reservoir 240 such that pressure build-up in the reservoir 240 is alleviated after a user puffs on the vaporizer. A vacuum also reduces or even eliminates the incidence of leakage of liquid vaporizable materials through the discharge structure. This allows capillary action of the porous material (eg, a wicking element) associated with the reservoir 240 and evaporation chamber 242 to continue to efficiently draw an evaporable material 202 from the reservoir 240 to the evaporation chamber after each puff. 242 in.

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

Reservoir systems 200A, 200B also include an air flow restrictor 244 that limits the passage of air flow 234 along the air flow passage 238 of the evaporator, such as when a user is puffing on the evaporator. The restriction of air flow 234 caused by air flow restrictor 244 may allow a vacuum to be created along a portion of air flow path 238 downstream of air flow restrictor 244. The vacuum formed along the air flow path 238 may assist in drawing aerosol formed in an evaporation chamber 242 (eg, a chamber housing at least a portion of the atomizer 141 ) along the air flow path 238 for inhalation by a user. At least one air flow limiter 244 may be included in each of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B and the air flow limiter 244 may include any number of features for limiting the air flow 234 along the air flow passage 238 .

As shown in Figures 2E and 2F, each of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B may also include a vent 246 configured to selectively allow air to be delivered into the reservoir 240 to increase storage. The pressure within the reservoir 240 is to free the reservoir 240 from the negative pressure (vacuum) relative to the surrounding pressure caused by drawing the vaporizable material 202 from the reservoir 240, as discussed above. At least one vent 246 may be associated with the reservoir 240 . The vent 246 may be an active or passive valve and the vent 246 may include any number of features that allow air to pass into the reservoir 240 to relieve negative pressure building up in the reservoir 240 .

For example, one embodiment of vent 246 may include a vent passage extending between reservoir 240 and air flow passage 238 and including a vent 246 sized to equalize pressure across vent 246 (e.g., in reservoir 240 The fluid tension (also referred to as a surface tension) of the evaporable material 202 prevents the evaporable material 202 from passing through a diameter (or more generally, a cross-sectional area) of the passage ). However, the diameter (or, more generally, the cross-sectional area) of the vent 246 and/or the vent passage may be sized such that a vacuum pressure created in the reservoir 240 is able to overcome the vaporizable pressure within the vent 246 or vent passage. The surface tension of the material 202 responds to a sufficiently low pressure within the reservoir 240 relative to the surrounding pressure to cause an air bubble to be released into the reservoir 240 through the vent.

Therefore, a volume of air can be transferred from the air flow path 238 to the reservoir 240 and relieve the vacuum pressure. Once the volume of air is added to the reservoir 240, the pressure equalizes more tightly across the vent 246 again, thereby allowing the surface tension of the evaporable material 202 to prevent air from entering the reservoir 240 and preventing the evaporable material from self-storing through the vent passage. Device 240 leaks out.

In one example embodiment, the vent 246 or vent passage may have a diameter in a range of approximately 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and may also include a diameter in a range of approximately 0.1 mm to 2 mm. In some examples, the vent 246 and/or the vent passage may be non-circular, such that it may be characterized by a non-circular cross-section along a direction of fluid flow within the vent passage. In this example, the section is not defined by a diameter but by a section area. Generally speaking, regardless of whether the cross-sectional shape of the vent 246 and/or the vent passage is circular or non-circular, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the cross-sectional area of the vent 246 is exposed along its path. A difference between the ambient air pressure and the interior of the reservoir 240 may be advantageous. For example, a portion of vent 246 closer to the outside ambient pressure may advantageously have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., where vent 246 A smaller diameter in the case of a circular cross-section). The smaller cross-sectional area closer to the outside of the system may provide greater resistance to the escape of liquid vaporizable material, while the larger cross-sectional area closer to the interior of the reservoir 240 may provide greater resistance to the escape of an air bubble from the vent 246. Escape to one of the reservoirs 240 is relatively reduced resistance. In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the transition between the smaller cross-sectional area and the larger cross-sectional area may advantageously not be continuous, but instead involve one along the vent 246 and/or the vent path. One of the length discontinuities. This structure may be useful in providing greater overall resistance to the escape of liquid material than to equalization of the reservoir pressure by releasing air bubbles from the vent 246, since the larger cross-sectional area near the reservoir may A smaller cross-sectional area has a lower capillary drive relative to the area exposed to ambient air.

The material of the vents 246 and/or the vent passages may also assist in controlling the vents 246 and/or the vents, such as by affecting a contact angle between the walls of the vents 246 and/or the vent passages and the evaporable material 202 path. The contact angle may have an effect on the surface tension created by the evaporable material 202 and thus the threshold pressure differential that may develop across the vent 246 and/or the vent passage before a volume of fluid is allowed to pass through the vent 246, such as above. described in the article. Vent 246 may include various shapes/sizes and configurations within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, various embodiments of cassettes and components of the cassette that include one or more of various emission features are set forth in greater detail below.

The positioning of the vent 246 (eg, a passive vent) and air flow restrictor 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 assists in the efficient functioning of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B. For example, improper positioning of vents 246 or air flow restrictors 244 may result in unwanted leakage of vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240 . The present invention addresses the effective positioning of the vent 246 and the air flow limiter 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 (containing core). For example, a small or no pressure difference between a passive vent and the core can result in an efficient reservoir system that relieves the vacuum pressure in the reservoir and causes effective capillary action in the core while preventing leakage. The configuration of the reservoir system with efficient positioning of the vent 246 and air flow limiter 244 relative to the evaporation chamber 242 is described in greater detail below.

As shown in Figure 2E, air flow limiter 244 may be positioned upstream of evaporation chamber 242 along air flow path 238 and vent 246 is positioned along reservoir 240 such that it provides air flow downstream of evaporation chamber 242 to reservoir 240. Fluid communication between a portion of flow path 238. Thus, when a user puffs on the evaporator, a negative pressure is formed downstream of the air flow restrictor 244, causing the evaporation chamber 242 to experience negative pressure. Similarly, one side of vent 246 in communication with air flow path 238 also experiences negative pressure.

As such, a small to non-existent pressure difference is created between the vent 246 and the evaporation chamber 242 during puffing (eg, when the user draws or inhales air from the evaporation device). However, after puffing, the capillary action of the wick will draw evaporable material 202 from reservoir 240 to evaporation chamber 242 to replenish the evaporable material 202 that was evaporated and inhaled due to the previous puff. Therefore, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240. A pressure differential will then occur between reservoir 240 and air flow path 238. As discussed above, vent 246 may be configured such that a pressure difference (eg, a threshold pressure difference) between reservoir 240 and air flow passage 238 allows a volume of air to be transferred from air flow passage 238 to reservoir 240 , thereby relieving the vacuum in reservoir 240 and returning to an equalized pressure across vent 246 and a stable reservoir system 200A.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F , the air flow restrictor 244 can be positioned downstream of the evaporation chamber 242 along the air flow passage 238 and the vent 246 can be positioned along the reservoir 240 such that it provides the reservoir 240 Fluid communication with a portion of air flow path 238 upstream of evaporation chamber 242. In this way, when a user puffs on the evaporator, the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent hole 246 experience almost no suction or negative pressure due to the puffing, resulting in almost no pressure difference between the evaporation chamber 242 and the vent hole 246 . Similar to the situation in Figure 2E, the pressure differential developed across the vent 246 will be a result of capillary action as the wick draws the evaporable material 202 into the evaporation chamber 242 after pumping. Therefore, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240. A pressure differential will then occur across vent 246.

As discussed above, vent 246 may be configured such that a pressure difference (eg, a threshold pressure difference) between reservoir 240 and air flow path 238 or the atmosphere allows a volume of air to be transferred into reservoir 240, whereby This relieves the vacuum in the reservoir 240. This allows the pressure to equalize across vent 246 and reservoir system 200B to be stabilized. Vent 246 may include various configurations and features and may be positioned in various locations along evaporator cassette 120 to achieve various results. For example, one or more vents 246 may be positioned adjacent to, or form part of, the evaporation chamber 242 or the wick housing. In this configuration, one or more vents 246 may provide fluid (e.g., air) communication between the reservoir 240 and the vaporization chamber 242 (air flow therethrough when a user puffs on the vaporizer and Therefore it is part of the air flow path).

Similarly, as set forth above, a vent 246 positioned adjacent to or forming a part of the evaporation chamber 242 or the wick housing may allow air to travel from the inside of the evaporation chamber 242 to the reservoir 240 via the vent 246 to increase the pressure inside the reservoir 240, thereby effectively relieving the vacuum pressure formed by drawing the evaporable material 202 into the evaporation chamber 242. As such, the relief of vacuum pressure allows continued efficient and effective capillary action of vaporizable material 202 through the wick into the vaporization chamber 242 for formation of breathable vapor during a user's subsequent puffing on the vaporizer. The following provides various example embodiments of a discharge evaporation chamber component (eg, an atomizer assembly) that includes a core housing 1315, 178 (housing the evaporation chamber) and coupled to the core housing 1315 , 178 or at least one vent 596 forming part of the core housing 1315, 178 for achieving the above efficient discharge of the reservoir 140. Open face cassette assembly embodiment

Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, an example plan cross-sectional view of an alternative cassette embodiment 1320 is shown, wherein the cassette 1320 includes a mouth or mouth region 1330, a reservoir 1340, and an atomizer (not individually exhibit). The atomizer may, depending on the implementation, collectively or individually include a heating element 1350 and a wicking element 1362 such that the wicking element 1362 is thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the heating element 1350 for vaporization from the wick. The purpose of the wicking element 1362 is to draw or store one of the vaporizable materials 1302 in the wicking element 1362.

In one embodiment, plate 1326 may be included to provide an electrical connection between a heating element 1350 and a power source 112 (see Figure 1). An air flow path 1338 defined through or on one side of the reservoir 1340 may house an area in the cassette 1320 (eg, a wick housing not shown separately) that receives the wicking element 1362 An opening connected to the mouth or mouth region 1330 provides a path for the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 to travel from the heating element 1350 region to the mouth region 1330 .

As provided above, wicking element 1362 may be coupled to an atomizer or heating element 1350 (eg, a resistive heating element or coil) connected to one or more electrical contacts (eg, plate 1326). Heating element 1350 (and other heating elements described herein in accordance with one or more embodiments) can have various shapes and/or configurations and can include one or more heating elements 1350, 500 or features thereof, as described below with respect to Figures 44A to Figure 116 provide more detail.

According to one or more example embodiments, the heating element 1350 of the cassette 1320 can be made from a sheet of material (eg, stamped) and curled around at least a portion of a wicking element 1362 or bent to provide a wick configured to receive the wick. A preformed element of the wicking element 1362 (eg, pushing the wicking element 1362 into the heating element 1350 and/or holding the heating element 1350 in tension and pulling the heating element 1350 through the wicking element 1362).

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

The heating element 1350 may also improve measurements made from the heating element 1350 (e.g., a resistance, a current, a temperature, etc.) due at least in part to improved consistency in the manufacturability of the heating element 1350 with reduced tolerance issues. ) accuracy. The heating element 1350 is made from a sheet of material (eg, stamped) and curled around at least a portion of a wicking element 1362 or bent to provide a preformed element that desirably helps minimize heat loss and helps ensure that the heating element 1350 can Perform predictably to heat to appropriate temperature.

Additionally, as discussed further below with respect to one of the included embodiments related to a heating element formed from coiled metal, heating element 1350 may be fully and/or selectively plated with one or more materials to enhance the heating performance of heating element 1350. Plating all or a portion of heating element 1350 can help minimize heat loss. Plating may also help concentrate heat to a portion of the heating element 1350, thereby providing a more efficiently heated heating element 1350 and further reducing heat loss. Selective plating can help direct the electrical current provided to heating element 1350 to the appropriate location. Selective plating may also help reduce the amount of plating material and/or costs associated with manufacturing heating element 1350.

In addition to or in combination with the example heating elements illustrated and/or discussed below, the heating element may include an evaporator cassette 1800 positioned in an evaporator cassette 1800 that includes two air flow paths 1838 A flat heating element 1850 (see Figures 18A-18D), a folded heating element 1950 (see Figures 19A-19C, Figure 22A) positioned within an evaporator cassette 1900 containing two air flow passages 1938 22B and 44A-116) and a foldable heating element 2050 positioned within an evaporator cassette 2000 that includes a single air flow passage 2038 (see FIGS. 20A-20C).

As mentioned above, in one embodiment, a heating element 1350 can accommodate a wicking element 1362. For example, a wicking element 1362 may extend near or next to plate 1326 and through a resistive heating element in contact with plate 1326. A core housing may surround at least a portion of a heating element 1350 and connect a heating element 1350 directly or indirectly to an air flow passage 1338 . Vaporizable material 1302 may be drawn through a wicking element 1362 through one or more passages connected to a reservoir 1340. In one embodiment, one or both of the primary passage 1382 or the secondary passage 1384 may be utilized to assist in projecting or delivering the vaporizable material 1302 to or along one or both ends of a wicking element 1362 A length of wicking element 1362 projects or delivers vaporizable material 1302 radially. Overflow collector embodiment

As provided in further detail below, with particular reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B , the exchange of air and liquid evaporable materials into and out of a cassette receptacle 1340 may be advantageously controlled, and optionally also through the incorporation of a collector 1313 A structure that improves the volumetric efficiency of a vaporizer cartridge (defined as the volume of liquid vaporizable material ultimately converted into an inhalable aerosol relative to the total volume of the cartridge itself).

According to certain embodiments, a cassette 1320 may include a receptacle 1340 bounded at least in part by at least one wall (optionally a wall shared with a housing of the cassette), the receptacle 1340 being configured to receive A liquid evaporable material 1302. Reservoir 1340 may include a storage chamber 1342 and an overflow volume 1344 that may contain or otherwise contain collector 1313. When one or more factors cause evaporable material 1302 in reservoir storage chamber 1342 to travel into overflow volume 1344, storage chamber 1342 can contain evaporable material 1302 and overflow volume 1344 can be configured for collection or overflow volume 1344. At least some portion of the evaporable material 1302 is retained. In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, the cassette may be initially filled with liquid evaporable material such that the void space within the collector is prefilled with liquid evaporable material.

In an example embodiment, when the volume of the contents in storage chamber 1342 expands due to one of the largest expected pressure changes that the reservoir can experience relative to ambient pressure, the volumetric size of overflow volume 1344 may be configured to equal , is generally equal to or greater than the increase in volume of the contents contained in storage chamber 1342 (eg, vaporizable material 1302 and air).

Depending on changes in ambient pressure or temperature or other factors, a cassette 1320 may undergo a change from a first pressure state to a second pressure state (e.g., a first relative pressure state between the interior of the reservoir and the surrounding pressure). pressure difference and a second relative pressure difference between the internal and ambient pressure of the receptacle). In some aspects, the overflow volume 1344 can have an opening to the exterior of the cassette 1320 and can communicate with the reservoir storage chamber 1342 such that the overflow volume 1344 can act as a drain to provide a drain in the cassette 1320 . Pressure equalizes and/or collects and at least temporarily maintains and optionally reversibly returns liquid evaporable material that can move out of the storage chamber in response to changes in pressure difference between the storage chamber and ambient air. As set forth herein, a pressure differential refers to an absolute pressure difference between an interior portion of a receptacle and the surrounding air. Vaporizable material 1302 can be drawn from storage chamber 1342 to the atomizer and converted to a vapor or aerosol phase, thereby reducing the volume of vaporizable material remaining in storage chamber 1342 and without the need for air to return to storage. Certain mechanisms in which the chamber equalizes the pressure therein with the surrounding pressure may result in at least partial vacuum conditions as previously discussed herein.

Continuing with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the reservoir 1340 can be implemented to include a first divisible region and a second divisible region such that the volume of the reservoir 1340 is divided into a reservoir storage chamber 1342 and a reservoir overflow volume 1344. Storage chamber 1342 may be configured for storing vaporizable material 1302 and may further be coupled to wicking element 1362 via one or more primary passages 1382 . In some examples, the length of a primary passage 1382 may be very short (eg, a straight hole from a space housing a wicking element or other component of the atomizer). In other examples, the primary passage may be part of a longer fluid-containing path between the storage chamber and the wicking element. Overflow volume 1344 may be configured for storage and to contain a portion of vaporizable material 1302 that may overflow from storage chamber 1342 in a second pressure state in which the pressure in storage chamber 1342 is greater than the ambient pressure, as further described below. Provided in detail.

In a first pressure state, vaporizable material 1302 may be stored in storage chamber 1342 of reservoir 1340. For example, the first pressure state may exist when the ambient pressure is approximately the same as or greater than the pressure inside the cassette 1320 . In this first pressure state, the structural and functional properties of the primary passage 1382 and the secondary passage 1384 are such that the evaporable material 1302 can be directed toward the storage chamber 1342 via the primary passage 1382, for example, by the capillary action of the wicking element. The wicking element 1362 flows to draw liquid into proximity with a heating element used to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gas phase.

In one embodiment, in the first pressure state, no or only a limited amount of vaporizable material 1302 flows into the secondary passage 1384 . In the second pressure state, vaporizable material 1302 may flow from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 of reservoir 1340 , which, for example, includes a collector 1313 to prevent or confine vaporizable material 1302 Undesired (e.g., excessive) flow from one of the receptacles. For example, a second pressure state may exist or result when an air bubble expands in storage chamber 1342 (eg, due to ambient pressure becoming less than the pressure inside cassette 1320).

Advantageously, the flow of evaporable material 1302 may be controlled by delivering evaporable material 1302 driven from storage chamber 1342 by an increase in pressure to overflow volume 1344. Collector 1313 within the overflow volume may include one or more capillary structures that contain at least some (and advantageously all) excess liquid evaporable material pushed from storage chamber 1342 without allowing the liquid to evaporate. The evaporated material reaches one outlet of collector 1313. The collector 1313 also advantageously includes capillary structures that enable liquid evaporable material pushed into the collector 1313 by excess pressure in the storage chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure to equalize or stabilize the collector 1313 relative to the ambient pressure. Reversibly draw back into storage chamber 1342 when otherwise reduced in storage chamber 1342 . In other words, the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 may have microfluidic features or properties that prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector 1313. That is, microfluidic features can be used to manage the flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 (i.e., provide reverse flow features) to prevent or reduce leakage of evaporable material 1302 into storage chamber 1342 or overflow volume 1344. Air bubbles are trapped.

Depending on the implementation, the microfluidic characteristics or properties described above may be related to the size, shape, surface coating, structural features, and capillary properties of the wicking element 1362, primary passage 1382, and secondary passage 1384. For example, secondary passage 1384 in collector 1313 may optionally have different capillary properties than primary passage 1382 to wicking element 1362 to allow a specific volume of evaporable material 1302 to exit the storage chamber during the second pressure state. 1342 is passed into the overflow volume 1344.

In one example embodiment, collector 1313 allows an overall resistance to liquid outflow that is greater than an overall wick resistance, for example, to allow primary flow of evaporable material 1302 through primary passage 1382 toward the wicking element during the first pressure state 1362.

The wicking element 1362 may provide a capillary path through or into the wicking element 1362 for the vaporizable material 1302 stored in the reservoir 1340 . The capillary path (e.g., primary passage 1382) may be large enough to permit a wicking or capillary action to displace the vaporized material 1302 in the wicking element 1362, and may be small enough to prevent a negative pressure event during a negative pressure event. Vaporizable material 1302 leaks from cassette 1320. The core housing or wicking element 1362 can be treated to stop leaks. For example, cassette 1320 may be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through wicking element 1362. Any suitable coating may be used, including a thermally evaporable coating (eg, a wax or other material), for example.

When a user inhales from a mouth region 1330, for example, air flows into the cassette 1320 through an inlet or opening in operative relationship with the wicking element 1362. Heating element 1350 may be activated in response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (see Figure 1). One or more sensors 113 may include at least one of a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a flow sensor, or other mechanism capable of detecting changes in the air flow path 1338 . When heating element 1350 is activated, heating element 1350 may have a temperature increase due to current flowing through plate 1326 or through some other resistive component of the heating element that converts electrical energy into thermal energy.

In one embodiment, the heat generated may be transferred to at least a portion of the evaporable material 1302 in the wicking element 1362 via conductive, convective, or radiative heat transfer such that evaporation is drawn to at least a portion of the evaporable material 1302 in the wicking element 1362 part. Depending on the implementation, air entering the cassette 1320 flows over (or around, near, etc.) the wicking element 1362 and the heated elements 1350 and strips the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 into the air flow path 1338, The vapor is optionally condensed and delivered as a spray, for example, through an opening in mouth region 1330 .

Referring to FIG. 3B , storage chamber 1342 may be connected to air flow passage 1338 (ie, secondary passage 1384 via overflow volume 1344 ) for allowing flow from the storage chamber by increased pressure in storage chamber 1342 relative to the surrounding environment. The purpose of the 1342 driven liquid evaporable material is to maintain it without escaping from the evaporator cartridge. Although the embodiments described herein relate to an evaporator cartridge housing a reservoir 1340, it will be understood that the methods described are also compatible with evaporators that do not have a detachable cartridge and are intended for use in such evaporators. used in the device.

Returning to the example, air admitted into storage chamber 1342 may expand due to a pressure difference relative to the surrounding air. This expansion of air in the void space of storage chamber 1342 may cause the liquid evaporable material to travel through at least a portion of secondary passage 1384 in collector 1313 . The microfluidic characteristics of the secondary passage 1384 may cause the liquid evaporable material to completely cover only one of the cross-sectional areas of the secondary passage 1384 along a length of the secondary passage 1384 in the collector 1313 transverse to the direction of flow along that length. The meniscus moves.

In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, a microfluidic feature may comprise a cross-sectional area that is sufficiently small such that for a combination of material forming the walls of the secondary passageway and a liquid evaporable material, the liquid evaporable material is preferentially in One of the secondary passages 1384 is wetted around its entire perimeter. For an example in which the liquid evaporable material includes one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the wetting properties of this liquid are advantageously considered in combination with the geometry of the second passage 1384 and the material forming the walls of the secondary passage. . In this manner, as the sign (eg, positive, negative, or equal) and magnitude of the pressure difference between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure changes, there is a gap between the liquid in the secondary passage and the air entering from the surrounding atmosphere. A meniscus is maintained and liquid and air cannot move past each other. The liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 can be fully withdrawn into the storage chamber 1342 when the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 has dropped sufficiently relative to the ambient pressure and if sufficient void volume exists in the storage chamber 1342 to allow this. To cause the dominant liquid-air meniscus to reach a gate or port between the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 and the storage chamber 1342. At this time, if the pressure difference in storage chamber 1342 relative to the surrounding pressure is sufficiently negative to overcome the surface tension holding the meniscus at the gate or port, the meniscus breaks away from the gate or port wall and forms a or A plurality of air bubbles, the one or more air bubbles are released into the storage chamber 1342 with a volume sufficient to equalize the storage chamber pressure relative to the surrounding environment.

When air admitted to storage chamber 1340 as discussed above (or otherwise present therein) experiences an elevated pressure condition relative to the surrounding environment (e.g., due to conditions such as those that may occur in an aircraft cabin or other high altitude A drop in ambient pressure in the location, when opening a window of a moving vehicle, when a train or vehicle leaves a tunnel, etc., or such as may be due to area heating, distorting a shape and thereby reducing one of the storage chambers 1340 The procedure described above can be reversed when the internal pressure in one of the storage chambers 1340 increases due to mechanical pressure such as volume or the like). Liquid enters the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 through a gate or port and a meniscus is formed at the leading edge of one of the liquid columns passing into the secondary passage 1384 to prevent air from bypassing and flowing contrary to the forward progress of the liquid. By maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the microfluidic properties previously mentioned, when the elevated pressure in the storage chamber 1340 is later reduced, the liquid column is caused to withdraw into the storage chamber, up to the meniscus as appropriate. until reaching the gate or port. If in the pressure difference the surrounding pressure is sufficiently greater relative to the pressure in the storage chamber, the bubble formation procedure described above occurs until the pressure is equalized. In this way, the collector acts as a reversible overflow volume that accepts liquid evaporable material pushed from the storage chamber under transient conditions of greater storage chamber pressure relative to the surrounding environment and allows at least some (and desirably all or Most) of this overflow volume is returned to the storage compartment for later delivery to a nebulizer for conversion to an inhalable form.

Depending on the implementation, storage chamber 1342 may or may not be connected to wicking element 1362 via secondary passage 1384. In embodiments in which a second end of the secondary passage 1384 leads to the wicking element 1362, the secondary passage 1384 may exit at a second end opposite a first end that defines a connection point to the storage chamber 1342. Any evaporable material in evaporable material 1302 may further saturate wicking element 1362.

Storage chamber 1342 may optionally be located closer to one end of reservoir 1340 near mouth region 1330. Overflow volume 1344 may be positioned near an end of reservoir 1340 closer to heating element 1350, for example, between storage chamber 1342 and heating element 1350. The example embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the scope of claimed subject matter with respect to the location of the various components disclosed herein. For example, overflow volume 1344 may be located at the top, middle, or bottom portion of cassette 1320. The location and positioning of storage chamber 1342 can be adjusted relative to the position of overflow volume 1344 such that storage chamber 1342 can be positioned at the top, middle, or bottom portion of cassette 1320 according to one or more variations.

In one embodiment, when evaporator cartridge 1320 is filled to capacity, the liquid evaporable material volume may be equal to the interior volume of storage chamber 1342 plus overflow volume 1344 (which, in some examples, may be the secondary The volume of the secondary passage 1384 between the gate or port of the primary passage 1384 connected to the storage chamber 1340 and one of the exits of the secondary passage 1384). In other words, an evaporator cartridge consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may be initially filled with liquid evaporable material such that all or at least some of the internal volume of the collector is filled with liquid evaporable material. In this example, the liquid vaporizable material is optionally delivered to an atomizer for delivery to a user. The delivered liquid evaporable material can be drawn from the reservoir 1340, whereby the air is removed due to the meniscus maintained by the microfluidic properties of the secondary passage 1384 (which prevents air from flowing past the liquid evaporable material in the secondary passage 1384). When it cannot enter through the secondary passage 1384, the liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the collector 1313 is drawn back into the storage chamber 1340. After sufficient liquid vaporizable material has been delivered from storage chamber 1340 to the atomizer (eg, for vaporization and user inhalation) such that the original volume of collector 1313 is drawn into storage chamber 1340 , what is discussed above occurs. Action - Air bubbles can be released from a gate or port between the secondary aisle 1384 and the storage chamber to equalize the pressure in the storage compartment as more liquid evaporable material is used. When the air that has thus entered the storage compartment experiences an elevated pressure relative to the surrounding environment, the liquid evaporable material moves out of the storage compartment 1340 past the gate or port into the secondary passage until the elevated pressure condition in the storage compartment no longer exists. , at this time, the liquid evaporable material in the secondary passage 1384 can be drawn back into the storage chamber 1340 .

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

The structure of the collector 1313 may be configured, constructed, molded, fabricated, or positioned in the overflow volume 1344 in different shapes and with different properties to allow the overflow portion of the evaporable material 1302 to evaporate in a controlled manner ( For example, by means of capillary pressure) is at least temporarily received, contained or stored in the overflow volume 1344, thereby preventing the evaporable material 1302 from leaking out of the cassette 1320 or from over-saturating the wicking element 1362. It will be understood that the above description referring to a secondary pathway is not intended to be limited to a single secondary pathway 1384. One or, optionally, one or more secondary pathways may be connected to the storage chamber 1340 via one or more gates or ports. In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, a single gate or port may be connected to more than one secondary passage, or a single secondary passage may be split into more than one secondary passage to provide additional overflow volume or other advantages.

In certain embodiments of the present subject matter, an air vent 1318 may connect the overflow volume 1344 to an air flow passage 1338 that ultimately leads to the ambient air environment outside the cassette 1320. The air vent 1318 may, for example, allow a path for air or bubbles that may have formed or become trapped in the collector 1313 to escape through the air vent 1318 during a second pressure state. Passage 1384 is filled if flooding of vaporizable material 1302 occurs.

According to some aspects, air vent 1318 may act as a reverse vent and provide pressure equalization within cassette 1320 during return from the second pressure state to the first pressure state due to overflow of vaporizable material 1302 Return from overflow volume 1344 to storage chamber 1342. In this embodiment, when ambient pressure becomes greater than the internal pressure in cassette 1320, ambient air can flow through air vent 1318 into secondary passage 1384 and effectively assist in a reverse direction to temporarily store the overflow. Evaporable material 1302 in fluid volume 1344 is pushed back into storage chamber 1342.

In one or more embodiments, secondary passage 1384 in a first pressure state may contain air. In the second pressure state, vaporizable material 1302 may enter secondary passage 1384 , for example, through an opening (ie, a vent) at the interface point between storage chamber 1342 and overflow volume 1344 . As a result, air in secondary passage 1384 is displaced and can escape through air vents 1318 . In certain embodiments, air vent 1318 may function as or include a control valve that allows air to exit overflow volume 1344 but prevents vaporizable material 1302 from exiting secondary passage 1384 and entering air flow passage 1338 (e.g., a selective permeable membrane, a microfluidic gate, etc.). As discussed earlier, when the collector 1313 fills, for example, during a negative pressure event and after the negative pressure event (i.e., between the first pressure state and the second pressure state discussed earlier) During emptying, the air vent 1318 may act as an air exchange port to allow air to enter and exit the collector 1313.

Accordingly, the evaporable material 1302 may be stored in the collector 1313 until the pressure inside the cassette 1320 stabilizes (e.g., when the pressure returns to ambient or a specified equilibrium is met) or until the evaporable material is removed from the overflow volume 1344 1302 (for example, by means of evaporation in an atomizer). Thus, the level of evaporable material 1302 in overflow volume 1344 can be controlled by managing the flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 as ambient pressure changes. In one or more embodiments, overflow of evaporable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 depends on a detected environmental change (e.g., when a pressure event causing overflow of evaporable material 1302 diminishes or ends. time) and can be reversed or reversible.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments of the present subject matter, when the pressure inside the cassette 1320 becomes relatively lower than the ambient pressure (e.g., when changing back to the second pressure state from the second pressure state described earlier) In one state (a pressure state), the flow of the evaporable material 1302 can be reversed in a direction causing the evaporable material 1302 to flow back from the overflow volume 1344 into the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. Thus, depending on the implementation, overflow volume 1344 may be configured to temporarily contain an overflow portion of vaporizable material 1302 during a second pressure state. Depending on the implementation, at least some of the overflow of vaporizable material 1302 retained in collector 1313 is returned to storage chamber 1342 during or after a reversal back to a first pressure state.

To control the flow of evaporable material 1302 in cassette 1320, in other embodiments of the present subject matter, collector 1313 optionally contains absorbent or semi-absorbent material (eg, a material with sponge-like properties) for An overflow of evaporable material 1302 traveling through secondary passage 1384 is permanently or semi-permanently collected or contained. In an example embodiment in which absorbent material is included in collector 1313 , there is no (or as much) counterflow of evaporable material 1302 from overflow volume 1344 to storage chamber 1342 as there is in collector 1313 Comparative embodiments implemented in the context of absorbent materials may not be as practical or possible. Thus, the reversibility or reversibility ratio of evaporable material 1302 to storage chamber 1342 can be controlled by including more or less density or volume of absorbent material in collector 1313 or by controlling the texture of the absorbent material. Wherein these characteristics result in a higher or lower absorption rate immediately or over a longer period of time.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of a cassette 1320. As shown, the body of the cassette 1320 can be made from two connectable (or separable) pieces, such as a first portion 1422 (e.g., an upper shell) that can be assembled together according to a top-down architectural model or assembly process. body) and a second portion 1424 (e.g., lower housing). This separable architecture simplifies assembly and manufacturing processes and may not involve assembling or constructing multiple smaller pieces to construct a larger piece. Alternatively, in the example embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, larger pieces (eg, a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424) may be connected to, for example, form an external cassette feature ( For example, side lines) and smaller internal cassette components (eg, opposing ribbed elements forming one or more of a collector 1313, a reservoir 1340, a storage chamber 1342, an overflow volume 1344, etc.).

Referring to Figure 4, a heating element 1450 may be positioned in a cavity or housing implemented between a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 of the body of the cassette 1320. In one example, a sponge or other absorbent material 1460 may also be positioned in a mouth region 1430 for collecting excess liquid evaporable material traveling through an air flow passage 1438 (e.g., as may be achieved by passing through Formed by condensation of evaporating material and/or water vapor to form larger droplets that can produce an unpleasant sensation upon ingestion during inhalation). Thus, assembly or disassembly of additional components (eg, a heating element 1450 or sponge 1460) can be performed in a simple and efficient manner, wherein in the example embodiments disclosed herein, a large number of mechanical or assembly automation components may not be required. The cassette 1320 is constructed from a small assembly of components into a unified separable two-piece housing.

The separable two-piece construction set forth herein may provide one or more of the following example advantages or improvements over an alternative embodiment: lower parts count, lower assembly or manufacturing cost (e.g., in FIG. 4 The illustrated embodiment requires fabrication and assembly of four parts), no or reduced tool usage requirements, and no or limited use of deep, brittle, low power draw tool cores, relatively shallow rib structures. Depending on the implementation, ultrasonic or laser welding techniques may be utilized to form A solid state weld between a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 of a cassette 1320.

Ultrasonic welding is a process commonly used in plastics in which high-frequency ultrasonic sound waves are applied regionally to workpieces (eg, a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424) that are held together under pressure to form a solid weld. Laser welding is a welding process used to join metal or thermoplastic parts by using a laser beam (eg, laser beam) that provides a concentrated heat source, thereby allowing narrow and deep welds to be made at high welding rates.

Referring to Figure 5, a plan cross-sectional side view of a selected portion of a cassette 1320 is illustrated. Referring to both Figures 4 and 5, a first portion 1422 (not shown in Figure 5) and a second portion 1424 of the cassette 1320 can be molded from plastic parts by means of injection molding (eg, in a top-down implementation in the model). In one example embodiment, a draw line tool usage technique may be used to allow separation of the mold halves (eg, a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424, as shown in Figure 4), thereby allowing each portion to be Injection without any hindrance from creative undercuts further allows for substantial mold cavitation to help shorten tooling cycles and allow for more efficient manufacturing times and processes.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , a cross-sectional top view and a perspective side view of the cassette 1320 are shown respectively. As shown, a fill port 610 may be implemented in one or more embodiments of the cartridge 1320 to allow filling of the reservoir reservoir 1342 via, for example, a fill needle 622. As shown, depending on the implementation, fill needle 622 may be easily and conveniently insertable into fill port 610 via, for example, a fill passage 630 leading to a reservoir 1342 (or overflow volume 1344) middle. Thus, evaporable material 1302 may be injected into a reservoir 1340 using a fill needle 622, for example, through a fill passage 630. In certain embodiments, fill passage 630 may be constructed or positioned, for example, on a side of cassette 1320 opposite the side in which air flow passage 1338 is located.

Figures 7A-7D illustrate an alternative design of a cassette connection port. 7A and 7B are perspective views of alternative connection port embodiments and FIGS. 7C and 7D are planar cross-sectional side views of alternative connection port embodiments, which may include, by way of example, convex or concave shapes. Engaging parts. Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 7A-7D, a cassette 1320 may be implemented in different configurations at the end where the cassette 1320 engages the evaporator body 110. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the evaporator body 110 may include a cassette 1320 for removably receiving a cassette 1320 via a male configured port 710 (see Figures 7A and 7C) a cassette receptacle 118 such that, in the attached state, the cassette contacts 124 positioned in the male ports of the cassette 1320 are snap-locked by corresponding receptacle contacts 125 in the cassette receptacle 118 Acceptance, for example. A corresponding configuration may be for a cassette 1320 having a concave configured port 712 (see Figures 7B and 7D) for receiving an end of the evaporator body 110 that contains the container contact 125.

Referring to Figure 8, a plan view of a cassette 1320 is illustrated. In one example, cassette 1320 may be implemented using a separable two-piece construction in which an embossing (eg, an owner's trademark, a serial number, a patent number, etc.) or Decorative or ornamental features, as appropriate, are embossed on the exterior wall of the cassette 1320. The molding process allows for the design of external shapes or logos or ornamental designs that can be displayed externally without affecting the positioning or formation of internal functional components (eg, a receptacle 1340, a storage chamber 1342, or an overflow volume 1344) The flexibility.

Notably, the logo JUUL® shown in Figure 8 is a registered trademark of JUUL LABS, Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California. All rights reserved to the owner or assignee of the Marks. The use of the example marks in Figure 8 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter to include such exclusive designs or marks. Certain embodiments may be unmarked or contain no ornamental or external design features whatsoever. Accordingly, FIG. 8 provides an illustration of a molded relief that may appear as a logo or design on one or more sides of a cassette 1320 without limitation.

Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, perspective and plan cross-sectional views of an example cassette 1320 are illustrated with a first portion 1422 of the cassette 1320 split from a second portion 1424 (see also Figure 4). In one or more embodiments, the cassette 1320 may be engineered and manufactured by splitting parts. That is, depending on the embodiment, multiple split sections of a component are joined together to make a unitary component as shown by way of the example in FIG. 4 .

Referring to Figure 9A, component splitting may allow electrical contacts and heating elements in core housing area 910 of cartridge 1320 to maintain molding compliance. As shown in greater detail in Figure 9B, one or more drain holes 920 may be drilled or positioned in the body of the cassette 1320 in an area adjacent the core housing area 910 by means of injection molding or other suitable methods. This allows for determining vapor evacuation or air flow to the core, for example, to help control condensation within the cassette 1320 or affect capillary forces therein.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B , assembled and exploded perspective views, respectively, of an alternative example embodiment of a cassette 1320 are illustrated. As mentioned earlier, a top-down implementation model may be used to construct an open-face cassette structure having, for example, two attachable (or Removable) shell. As shown, first portion 1422 (e.g., upper housing) and second portion 1424 (e.g., lower housing) can provide a two-piece construction with features for housing a heating element 1350, a One or more internal cavities in at least one of wicking element 1362 or plate 1326. It will be appreciated that alternative assembly methods may be used to produce structures having some or all of the features set forth herein.

Specifically, in the example embodiments shown in Figures 10A and 10B, instead of or in addition to using molded cavities and walls to form the internal structure of the cassette (eg, a receptacle 1340 in Figure 3A) Additionally, certain features such as secondary passage 1384 (see Figure 3A) may be embodied in a removable or attachable collector 1313, which may be independently constructed as a single piece and may be later encapsulated between a first portion 1422 and a second portion 1424 (eg, see Figures 10A and 10B) or alternatively inserted into one of the collectors 1313 adapted to receive it from an open end, as appropriate In the single-piece hollow cassette body (see Figure 10C, Figure 10D, Figure 11B, Figure 13, Figure 16C, Figure 17A, Figure 22F).

Referring to Figures 10A-43B, various embodiments are disclosed that may utilize a collector 1313 configured, designed, manufactured, fabricated, or constructed completely or partially independently of a cassette 1320 housing. Notably, the disclosed embodiments are provided by way of example. In alternative embodiments or examples, a collector 1313 may be formed as shown in FIGS. 10A-14B that has a construction that is at least structurally semi-independent or completely independent of the construction of other components of the cassette 1320 .

In certain interchangeable embodiments, various embodiments or types of collectors 1313 as shown in Figures 10A-14B may be inserted or encapsulated within, for example, a standardized cassette 1320 housing. As provided in further detail herein, since some of the primary functionality for controlling the flow of evaporable material 1302 in cassette 1320 may be accomplished by manipulating collector 1313 structure or material properties thereof, the cost Savings and other efficiencies and advantages may result from having a configuration that allows interchangeable collector 1313 models to be assembled with different cassette housings, for example.

Referring to Figures 10C and 10D, for example, in certain embodiments, instead of one of the separable two-piece construction illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, a cassette 1320 can have a first end and A single hollow structure at the second end forms a cassette housing. The first end (ie, a first end, also referred to as a receiving end of the cassette housing) may be configured for insertably receiving at least one collector 1313 . In one embodiment, the second end of the cassette housing may serve as a mouth having an aperture or opening. The aperture or opening may be located opposite a receiving end of the cassette housing into which collector 1313 may be insertably received. In some embodiments, the opening may be connected to the receiving end by means of an air flow passage 1338 that may extend through the body of the cassette 1320 and the collector 1313, for example. As in other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present invention, an atomizer (for example, an atomizer including a wicking element and a heating element as discussed elsewhere herein) may be adjacent to the air flow path 1338 and is positioned, or at least partially positioned, in the air flow passage 1338 such that a respirable form of the liquid vaporizable material, or optionally a precursor of the respirable form, can be released from the atomizer toward the direction across the air flow passage 1338 orifice or opening in the air. Air exchange port embodiment

Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, an illustrative plan side view of a single gate single channel collector 1313 is shown. In these example embodiments, a gate 1102 may be disposed at an opening toward a first portion (eg, an upper portion) of the collector 1313 with the storage chamber 1342 of the receptacle (see also earlier (discussed in Figures 3A and 3B) are in contact or connected. A gate 1102 may dynamically connect the storage chamber 1342 to an overflow volume 1344 formed by a second portion (eg, a middle portion) of the collector 1313.

In one embodiment, the second portion of the collector 1313 may have a rib-like or multi-fin structure forming an overflow channel 1104 in a direction away from the gate 1102 and toward an air exchange port 1106 Spiraling, tapering, or beveling (as shown in FIG. 11A ) to induce or cause movement of the evaporable material 1302 toward the air exchange port 1106 after the evaporable material 1302 passes through the gate 1102 and enters the overflow volume 1344 . The air exchange port 1106 may be connected to ambient air via an air path or air flow path connected to the mouth. This air path or air flow path is not explicitly shown in Figure 11A.

In certain embodiments, the collector 1313 is configured to have a central opening or tunnel therethrough that implements an air flow channel to the mouth, as provided in further detail below (see, e.g., shown in FIG. 11D No. 1100 refers to the opening). The air flow channel may be connected to the air exchange port 1106 such that the volume inside the overflow passage of the collector 1313 is connected to the ambient air via the air exchange port 1106 and also to the volume in the storage chamber 1342 via the gate 1102 . As such, according to one or more embodiments, gate 1102 may be utilized as a control fluid valve to primarily control liquid and air flow between overflow volume 1344 and storage chamber 1342. Air exchange port 1106 may be utilized to primarily control air flow (and sometimes liquid flow) between overflow volume 1344 and an air path to the mouth, for example. The relationship of the overflow channel 1104 to the elongated body of the cassette 1320 may be diagonal, vertical, or horizontal.

When filling the cassette 1320, the evaporable material 1302 may have at least one initial interface with the collector 1313 via the gate 1102. This is because an initial interface between the evaporable material 1302 and the gate 1102 may, for example, prevent air trapped in the overflow channel 1104 from entering a cassette area (e.g., a storage area) in which the evaporable material 1302 is stored. room 1342). Additionally, this interface may initiate a first capillary interaction between the evaporable material 1302 and the wall of the overflow channel 1104 in an equilibrium state to allow a limited amount of the evaporable material 1302 to flow into the overflow channel 1104. achieve or maintain this equilibrium state.

An equilibrium state refers to a state in which vaporizable material 1302 neither flows into nor flows out of overflow volume 1344, or a state in which such forward or reverse flow is negligible. In at least some embodiments, the capillary action (or interaction) between the walls of the overflow channel 1104 and the evaporable material 1302 is such that when the cartridge 1320 is in the first pressure state, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 is approximately An equilibrium state can be maintained when equal to the surrounding pressure.

Establishing an equilibrium state and additional capillary interactions between the evaporable material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 may be established or configured by adapting or adjusting the volume size of the overflow channel 1104 along the length of the channel. As provided in further detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104, which is used herein to refer to a measure of the cross-sectional area of the overflow channel 1104, includes those in which the overflow channel does not have a circular cross-section. Embodiments of the present subject matter) may be narrowed at predetermined intervals or points or throughout the entire length of the channel to allow for a sufficiently strong capillary flow to provide direct and countercurrent flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313 depending on pressure changes. interaction, and further allows for a large overall volume of the overflow channel while still maintaining a gate point for meniscus formation to prevent air flow across the liquid in the overflow channel 1104.

As provided in further detail herein, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 may be sufficiently small or narrow such that the surface tension caused by the cohesive forces within the evaporable material 1302 and the wall between the evaporable material 1302 and the overflow channel 1104 A combination of wetting forces may be used to cause the formation of a meniscus that separates the liquid from the air in a dimension transverse to the axis of flow in the overflow channel 1104 so that the air and liquid cannot cross each other. It will be understood that the meniscus has an inherent curvature and therefore reference to a dimension transverse to the direction of flow is not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is planar in this or any other dimension.

Wicking element 1362 can be in a thermal or thermodynamic connection with a heating element 1350 (see, for example, Figures 3B and 11B) to cause vapor generation by heating vaporizable material 1302, as described earlier with reference to Figures 3A and 3B Discuss in detail. Alternatively, air exchange port 1106 may be configured to provide a gas escape path but prevent vaporizable material 1302 from flowing out of overflow channel 1104 .

Referring to both FIGS. 11A and 11B , direct or countercurrent flow of evaporable material 1302 in collector 1313 can be controlled (eg, enhanced or reduced) by implementing suitable structures (eg, microchannel configurations) to introduce or Capillary properties that may exist between the evaporable material 1302 and the retaining wall of the overflow channel 1104 are utilized. For example, with respect to length, diameter, interior surface texture (e.g., rough vs. smooth), protrusions, directional tapers of channel structures, narrowing, or used to construct or coat gate 1102, overflow channel 1104, or air Factors associated with the material of the surface of exchange port 1106 may positively or negatively affect the movement of a liquid into or through overflow channel 1104 via capillary action or other forces acting on cassette 1320 the rate.

Depending on the implementation, one or more of the factors described above may be used to control the displacement of the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to introduce desirable degree of reversibility. Thus, in some embodiments, the flow of evaporable material 1302 into collector 1313 may be controlled by selectively controlling the various factors described above and depending on changes in pressure conditions inside or outside cassette 1320. Fully reversible or semi-reversible.

As shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 11A, and 11B, in one or more embodiments, collector 1313 may be formed, constructed, or configured to have a single-channel single-vent structure. In such embodiments, the overflow channel 1104 may be a continuous passage, tube, channel, or other structure for connecting the gate 1102 to the wicking element 1362, as appropriate (see also, e.g., Figures 3A and 3B, It shows the air exchange port 1106 adjacent a single elongated overflow channel 1104) in the overflow volume 1344. Therefore, in such embodiments, the evaporable material 1302 may enter the collector 1313 from the gate 1102 or exit the collector 1313 through a single configured channel, wherein the evaporable material 1302 may enter the collector 1313 in a first flow in one direction and in a second direction when draining the collector 1313 .

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

In one embodiment, the non-tapered end (i.e., the end of the overflow channel 1104 with the larger opening or diameter) may be open to the surroundings that may be connected to the outside of the cassette 1320 or to an air flow path. Air exchange port 1106 delivers vaporized evaporable material 1302 from the air flow path to the mouth (see, for example, Figure 3A, air vent 1318 connected to air flow path 1338). In one embodiment, the non-tapered end may also lead to a region adjacent the core housing such that if the evaporable material 1302 exits the overflow channel 1104, the evaporable material 1302 may be used to saturate the wicking element 1362.

Depending on the implementation, a tapered channel structure may reduce or increase confinement of flow into collector 1313. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 tapers toward the gate 1102, a favorable capillary pressure toward a counterflow is induced in the overflow channel 1104 such that when the pressure state changes (e.g., when elimination or Upon abatement of a negative pressure event, the flow of evaporable material 1302 is directed away from collector 1313 and into storage chamber 1342. Specifically, implementing overflow channel 1104 with a smaller opening prevents evaporable material 1302 from flowing freely into collector 1313 . As the evaporable material 1302 flows from the narrower section of the overflow channel 1104 into the collector 1313 into the larger volume section of the overflow channel 1104 , the overflow channel 1104 changes in a direction toward the air exchange port 1106 . The tapered configuration provides efficient storage of evaporable material 1302 in collector 1313 during a second pressure state (eg, a negative pressure state).

As such, the diameter and shape of collector structure 1313 can be implemented to control evaporable material 1302 through gate 1102 and into the overflow at a desired rate during a second pressure state (e.g., a negative pressure event) in one of the following ways: Flow in flow channel 1104: Prevents evaporable material 1302 from flowing too freely (e.g., exceeding a certain flow rate or threshold) into collector 1313, and also supports a first pressure state (e.g., when relieving a During a negative pressure event) reverse flow returns to storage chamber 1342. Notably, in one embodiment, the combination of the interaction between the vent 1002, the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 that constitutes the overflow volume 1344, and the air exchange port 1106 provides a system that can be used due to various environmental factors and Controlled flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of overflow channel 1104 introduces proper discharge of air bubbles into the cassette. Mouth Example

Referring to Figure 11B (see also Figures 10C, 10D), in some embodiments, a portion of the cassette 1320 including the storage chamber 1342 can be configured to also include a vaporizable material 1302 that can be utilized by a user to inhale. One mouth. An air flow path 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342, thereby connecting an evaporation chamber. Depending on the implementation, the air flow path 1338 may be a straw-shaped structure or a hollow cylinder that forms a channel inside the storage chamber 1342 to allow the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 to pass, for example. Although the air flow passage may have a circular or at least generally circular cross-sectional shape, it will be understood that other cross-sectional shapes of the air flow passage are within the scope of the present invention.

A first end of the air flow path 1338 can be connected to an opening at a first "mouth" end of the storage chamber 1342 from which a user can inhale the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 . A second end of the air flow passage 1338 (opposite the first end) may be received in an opening at a first end of the collector 1313, as provided in further detail herein. Depending on the implementation, the second end of the air flow passage 1338 may extend fully or partially through a receiving cavity that extends through the collector 1313 and connects to a core in which the wicking element 1362 may be received. shell.

In some configurations, air flow passage 1338 may be part of a unitary molded mouth that includes storage chamber 1342 , with air flow passage 1338 extending therethrough. In other configurations, air flow passage 1338 may be a separate structure that is separately insertable into storage chamber 1342. In some configurations, the air flow path 1338 may be a structural extension of the body of the collector 1313 or cassette 1320 that extends internally from an opening in the mouth portion, for example.

Without limitation, a variety of different structural configurations may be possible for connecting the mouth (and the air flow passage 1338 inside the mouth) to the air exchange port 1106 in the collector 1313 . As provided herein, collector 1313 may be inserted into the body of cassette 1320 which may also serve as a storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, the air flow passage 1338 can be configured as an internal sleeve that is an integral part of the one-piece cassette body such that an opening in a first end of the collector 1313 can receive formed air A first end of the sleeve structure of the flow path 1338.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18D , certain embodiments may include an evaporator cassette 1800 that includes a dual nozzle 1830 connected to two air flow passages 1838 . In such embodiments, a higher dose of vaporized evaporable material 1302 may be delivered compared to a single nozzle. Depending on the implementation, a dual mouthpiece 1830 may also advantageously provide a smoother and more satisfying vaping experience. Fluid gate embodiment

Referring to Figures 10A-11H, depending on the implementation, various factors may be considered to help monitor and control the forward and reverse flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of collector 1313. Some of these factors may include capillary actuation of a fluid vent configured herein as gate 1102. The capillary actuation of gate 1102 may, for example, be less than the capillary actuation of wicking element 1362 . In addition, the flow resistance of the collector 1313 may be greater than the flow resistance of the wicking element 1362. Overflow channel 1104 may have a smooth or corrugated interior surface to control the flow rate of evaporable material 1302 through collector 1313. Overflow passage 1104 may be formed in a tapered curve to provide a flow rate that limits flow through gate 1102 and into overflow volume 1344 during a first pressure state to facilitate flow through gate 1102 and out of the overflow during a second pressure state. Proper capillary interaction and force for one volume 1344 counter flow rate.

Additional modifications to the shape and structure of the collector 1313 components may help further regulate or fine-tune the flow of evaporable material 1302 into or out of the collector 1313. For example, a smoothly curved spiral channel configuration as shown in FIGS. 11A-11H (i.e., as opposed to one with sharp turns or edges) may allow for flow along the overflow channel 1104 Additional features included in the collector 1313 at predetermined intervals, such as one or more of vents, channels, apertures, or constrictions. As provided in further detail herein, such additional features, structures, or configurations may help provide a higher level of flow control for the evaporable material 1302 along the overflow channel 1104 or through the gate 1102, for example.

Notably, regardless of the various structural elements and embodiments discussed throughout this disclosure, specific features and functionality (e.g., capillary interactions between the various components) may be implemented into the collector 1313 structure to help control evaporable Material 1302 flows through: (1) a single vent single channel structure, (2) a single vent multichannel structure, or (3) a multiple vent multichannel structure, for example.

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

At a first end, a central shaft or central tunnel 1100 passing through the collector structure 1313 may interact with or be connected to a housing region in which a wicking element 1362 or an atomizer may be positioned. . At the second end, the central tunnel 1100 may interact with, be connected to, or receive one end of a duct or tube forming an air flow passage 1338 in the mouth portion of the cassette 1320 . A first end of air flow passage 1338 may be connected (eg, by insertion) to a second end of central tunnel 1100 . A second end of the air flow passage 1338 may include an opening or aperture formed in the mouth region.

According to one or more embodiments, vaporized evaporable material 1302 produced by an atomizer may enter through a first end of central tunnel 1100 in collector 1313, pass through central tunnel 1100, and further exit a second end of central tunnel 1100. end thereby entering the first end of the air flow passage 1338. The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may then travel through the air flow passage 1338 and exit through the mouth opening formed at the second end of the air flow passage 1338 .

Collector 1313 may be configured as a separate piece with a configuration or structure insertable into the body of cassette 1320 (eg, see Figures 10C, 11B, 11C-11E). After insertion, an airtight seal can be formed between the inner wall of the housing body of the cassette 1320 and the outer frame of the rib-like structure of the collector 1313 forming a spiral inclined surface. In other words, the three walls of the overflow channel 1104 enclosed by the surface of the inner wall of the housing body of the cassette 1320 form an overflow channel 1104 immediately after the collector 1313 is inserted into the body of the cassette 1320.

Therefore, an overflow channel 1104 can be formed by means of the inner wall of the main body of the cassette 1320 enclosing the inner wall of the rib-like structure. As shown, a gate 1102 can be positioned at one end of the overflow channel 1104, toward where the storage chamber 1342 is located, to control and provide access to the evaporable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 and Go out. An air exchange port 1106 may be positioned toward the other end of the overflow channel 1104 (preferably opposite the end in which the gate 1102 is positioned).

Gate 1102 may control the flow of evaporable material 1302 into and out of overflow channel 1104 in collector 1313. The air exchange port 1106 can control the flow of air into and out of the overflow channel 1104 via a connection path to ambient air to regulate the air pressure in the collector 1313 and, in turn, the air pressure in the storage chamber 1342 of the cassette 1320, such as Further details are provided in this article. In certain embodiments, air exchange port 1106 may be configured to prevent vaporizable material 1302 that may have filled collector 1313 overflow channel 1104 (eg, caused by a negative pressure event) from leaving overflow channel 1104.

In a particular embodiment, air exchange port 1106 may be configured to cause evaporable material 1302 to exit toward a path leading to a region in which wicking element 1362 is housed. This implementation may help avoid leakage of vaporizable material 1302 into an air flow path to the mouth (eg, central tunnel 1100), for example, during a negative pressure event. In certain embodiments, the air exchange port 1106 may have a membrane that allows the entry and exit of gaseous materials (eg, air bubbles) but prevents the evaporable material 1302 from entering or exiting the collector 1313 through the air exchange port 1106 .

Referring to FIGS. 11C to 11H , the flow rate of the evaporable material 1302 into or out of the collector 1313 through the gate 1102 can be directly related to the volume pressure inside the overflow channel 1104 . Accordingly, the flow rate into and out of collector 1313 through gate 1102 can be controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of overflow channel 1104 such that the overall volume of overflow channel 1104 is reduced (e.g., uniformly or by introducing multiple constrictions point) may cause increased pressure in the overflow channel 1104 and adjust the flow rate into the collector 1313. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, the hydraulic diameter of overflow channel 1104 may be reduced uniformly or by introducing one or more narrowing points 1111a along the length of the helical path of overflow channel 1104 (e.g., narrow, pinch, narrow or limit).

By way of example, Figures 11C-11E illustrate two partial length levels and three full length levels constructed on one or more sides of collector 1313, where on the sides shown in each figure Each full length level has three narrowing points 1111a, for example. Notably, in different embodiments, more or fewer levels or constriction points 1111a may be implemented, defined, configured, or introduced to adjust the volumetric pressure in the collector 1313. For purposes of illustration, a narrowing point 1111a is clearly marked by a circle in the intermediate level of collector 1313.

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

Referring to Figure 11C, in an example embodiment, a constriction point 1111a may be formed by means of a surface from the ceiling or floor or sidewall (or any or all of the same) of the overflow channel 1104 (i.e., the blades of the collector 1313 ) extending bumps, raised edges, protrusions or protrusions (herein referred to as "protrusions"). The shape of the protrusion may be defined as a bump, finger, tine, fin, edge or any other shape that narrows a cross-sectional area transversely to the direction of flow in the overflow channel. In the illustration of Figure 11C, a cross-sectional side view of a protrusion is shown to resemble a shape similar to a shark fin, for example, with the distal end of the protrusion tapering to an edge.

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

For example, as shown in Figure 11C, the protrusion can have a rounded surface on one side and a flat surface on the opposite side. The rounded surface of the protrusion may face (i.e., target) the outward flow of evaporable material 1302 (i.e., out of collector 1313 and into storage chamber 1342), whereas the flat surface of the protrusion may face (i.e., target) the evaporable material 1302. Material 1302 flows inwardly through gate 1102 (ie, into collector 1313 and out of storage chamber 1342).

As described, in various embodiments, the number, size, shape, location, and frequency of protrusions formed along the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated to fine-tune the hydraulic flow of vaporizable material 1302 into and out of the collector 1313 Rate. For example, if it is desired to alternatively maintain an incoming flow in the overflow channel 1104 at a higher ratio than the outflow, the protrusion may be shaped to have a flat surface facing the outflow and a flat surface facing the outflow. A rounded surface for incoming flow to facilitate the formation and maintenance of a meniscus against outward liquid flow (e.g., away from storage compartment 1340) while keeping the meniscus off the side of the bulge facing away from storage compartment 1340 easier. In this way, a series of these protrusions can serve as a "hydraulic ratchet" system in which the return flow of liquid into the storage compartment is microfluidically induced relative to the outward flow from the storage compartment. This effect may be achieved, at least in part, by the relative tendency of a meniscus to break from the reservoir side of the bulge rather than from the opposite side.

Referring again to FIG. 11C , in an example embodiment, in addition to (or instead of) protrusions extending from the floor or ceiling of overflow channel 1104 , certain The protrusion can also extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104. As shown more clearly in Figure 11F, a protrusion can extend from an inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same constriction point 1111a, with two additional protrusions extending from the floor and ceiling of the overflow channel 1104. A C-shaped narrowing point 1111a is formed. The example embodiments illustrated in Figures 11D and 11F can more effectively tune the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 to cause the liquid flow to retract toward the storage chamber 1340 relative to the embodiment in Figure 11C due to overflow. The hydraulic diameter of flow channel 1104 is further narrowed (ie, narrowed) at the narrowing point 1111a shown in Figures 11D and 11F.

The shape, size, frequency, or symmetry of the protrusions formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be uniform. That is, depending on the implementation, different constriction points 1111a or 1111b may be implemented with different sizes, designs, shape locations, or frequencies along the overflow channel 1104. In one example, a narrowing point 1111a or 1111b may be shaped like the letter C with a circular inner diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming the inner diameter as a rounded C-shape, the inner walls of the constriction may have corners (eg, sharp corners), such as those shown in Figures 11F and 11G .

In some examples, in a first alignment, the overflow channel 1104 may have a protrusion extending from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104, whereas in a second alignment, the protrusion may extend from the ceiling of the overflow channel 1104. 1104 floor extension. In a third level, the protrusion may extend from the inner wall, for example. By adjusting or changing the number and shape of the protrusions or the positioning of the protrusions in different sequences or levels to help control the microfluidic effect of convection flow in both directions within the overflow channel 1104, the above embodiments Alternatives may be possible. In one example, constriction points 1111a may be implemented on one or more (or all) levels, sides, or widths of collector 1313, for example.

11E and 11G, in addition to defining the narrowing point 1111a along the longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or the wider side of the collector 1313, one or more narrowing points may also be defined along the narrower side of the collector 1313. An additional narrowing point 1111b. As such, the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11E and 11G may improve the adjustment of the resistance of the overflow channel 1104 or the bending of the overflow channel 1104 in a desired direction compared to the embodiment in FIG. 11D . This is prompted by the surface removal because the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow volume) of the overflow channel 1104 is narrower due to the addition of additional narrowing points 1111b.

Referring to Figures 11F and 11G, for better clarity, in addition to the two or more pinch points 1111b, each full level in the illustrated example may also include three pinch points on each side. Narrow point 1111a, for example. Therefore, the collector 1313 of Figure 11D may contain a total of 18 constriction points, whereas the collector 1313 of Figure 11E may contain a total of 26 constriction points. In this example, the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11E provides an improved microfluidic flow control (eg, in the outward direction) due to the enhancement of capillary pressure at multiple constriction points 1111a and 1111b.

Referring to Figure 11H, in certain embodiments, gate 1102 can be configured to include an aperture or opening similar to a constriction point 1111a or 1111b but with a tapered edge, border, or flange that is flatter in one direction. Configuration. For example, the frame of the gate 1102 aperture may be shaped to be flat on one side (eg, the side facing the storage chamber 1342) and flat on the other side (eg, the side facing away from the storage chamber 1342). Rounded. In this configuration, the microfluidic force urging flow back toward the storage chamber 1340 rather than away from the storage chamber 1340 may be enhanced by easier meniscus detachment on the less rounded side relative to the more rounded side.

Therefore, depending on the implementation and variations of the constriction point and the structure or construction of the gate 1102, the resistance to the flow of the evaporable material 1302 out of the collector 1313 may be higher than the resistance to the flow of the evaporable material 1302 into the collector 1313 and toward the storage chamber. 1340 resistance to flow. In certain embodiments, gate 1102 is configured to maintain a liquid seal such that a layer of evaporable material 1302 is present at the medium where storage chamber 1342 communicates with overflow channel 1104 in overflow volume 1344. The presence of a liquid seal can help maintain a pressure equilibrium between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 to promote a sufficient level of vacuum (e.g., partial vacuum) in the storage chamber 1342 to prevent complete drainage of the evaporable material 1302 into the overflow volume. 1344, and prevent the wicking element 1362 from losing sufficient saturation.

In one or more example embodiments, a single passage or channel in collector 1313 may be connected to storage chamber 1342 via two vents such that the two vents maintain a uniform position regardless of the positioning of cassette 1320. Liquid tight. The formation of a liquid seal at the gate 1102 may also help prevent air from entering the collector 1313 even when the cassette 1320 is held diagonally relative to the horizontal or when the cassette 1320 is positioned with the mouth facing downwards. Storage room 1342. This is because if air bubbles from the collector 1313 enter the reservoir, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 will equalize with the surrounding pressure. That is, if ambient air flows into storage chamber 1342, the partial vacuum inside storage chamber 1342 (eg, due to evaporable material 1302 draining through core feed 1368) will be offset.

Referring to Figures 11I-11K, perspective views of alternative gate 1102 configurations for collector 1313 structures are provided. These alternative configurations may provide advantages related to air and/or liquid vaporizable material 1302 flow management and control. In some scenarios, the headspace vacuum cannot be maintained when the empty space in the storage chamber 1342 (ie, the headspace above the evaporable material 1302) contacts the gate 1102. Therefore, as mentioned earlier, the liquid seal established at gate 1102 can be broken. This effect can be attributed to the inability of the gate 1102 to maintain a fluid film when the collector 1313 is drained and the headspace comes into contact with the gate 1102, resulting in a partial loss of the headspace vacuum.

In certain embodiments, the headspace in storage chamber 1342 may have ambient pressure and if there is a hydrostatic offset between gate 1102 and the atomizer in cassette 1320, the contents of storage chamber 1342 may drain to in the atomizer, resulting in core-box overflow and leakage. To avoid leaks, one or more embodiments may be implemented to remove the hydrostatic offset between the gate 1102 and the atomizer and maintain gate 1102 functionality when the reservoir 1342 is nearly drained.

As shown in the example embodiments of Figures 11I and 11J, a miniaturized dividing wall or labyrinth structure 1190 can be constructed around the gate 1102 to establish a high actuation between the gate 1102 and the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313. The connection is made to maintain a liquid seal at gate 1102. In the example of Figure 11J, a grooved channel structure 1190 is shown as a component to further improve maintenance of the liquid seal at the gate 1102, according to one or more embodiments. Controlled Fluid Gate Embodiment

11L-11N illustrate plan and close-up views of a controlled fluid gate 1102 in a collector 1313 structure according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the passage or overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 can be connected to the storage chamber 1342 by means of a V-shaped or horn-shaped controlled fluid gate 1102, for example, such that the V-shaped gate 1102 includes a connection to the storage chamber 1342 of at least two (and desirably three) openings. As provided in further detail herein, a liquid seal can be maintained at gate 1102 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of cassette 1320.

As shown in Figure 11L, on one of the first sides of the vent, a vent path can be maintained between the overflow channel 1104 and the gate 1102 through which air bubbles can escape from the overflow channel 1104 in the collector. into the receptacle. On a second side, one or more high drive channels connected to the reservoir may be implemented to promote pinching at a pinch point 1122 to maintain resistance to air bubbles leaving the overflow channel 1104 and entering the reservoir. Mature venting and a liquid seal against undesired intrusion of air or vaporizable material 1302 from the reservoir into the overflow channel 1104.

Depending on the implementation, the high drive channel shown by way of example on the right side of Figure 11L is preferably maintained sealed due to capillary pressure exerted by the liquid evaporable material 1302 in the cassette reservoir. The low drive channel formed on the opposite side (ie, shown on the left in Figure 11L) can be configured to have a relatively lower capillary drive compared to the high drive channel, but still have a sufficient capillary drive, A liquid seal is maintained in both the high drive channel and the low drive channel in a first pressure state.

Therefore, in the first pressure state (for example, when the pressure inside the reservoir is approximately equal to or greater than the ambient air pressure), a liquid seal is maintained in both the low drive channel and the high drive channel, thereby preventing any air bubbles flow into the reservoir. Conversely, in a second pressure state (e.g., when the pressure inside the reservoir is less than the ambient air pressure), air bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (e.g., by entering through the air exchange port 1106) or more Generally a meniscus edge of a liquid evaporable material-air interface may travel upward and toward the controlled fluid gate 1102. When the meniscus reaches the pinch point 1122 between the low drive channel and the high drive channel located in the vent 1002, air is preferentially projected through one or several low drive channels due to a higher capillary resistance present in the high drive channel. deliver.

Once the air bubble has passed through the low drive channel portion of gate 1102, the air bubble enters the reservoir and equalizes the pressure inside the reservoir with the pressure of the surrounding air. As such, the air exchange port 1106 in combination with the controlled fluid gate 1102 allows ambient air entering through the overflow channel 1104 to enter the reservoir until an equilibrium pressure condition is established between the reservoir and the ambient air. As mentioned earlier, this procedure may be referred to as reservoir draining. Once an equilibrium pressure state is established (e.g., transitioning back to a first pressure state from a second pressure state), due to both the high drive channel and the low drive channel fed by the liquid evaporable material 1302 stored in the reservoir The presence of liquid again establishes a liquid seal at pinch point 1122.

Figures 11O-11X illustrate time snapshots as air flow collected in the example collector 1313 of Figures 11L-11N is managed to accommodate proper discharge as the meniscus of evaporable material 1302 continues to recede.

Figure 11O illustrates a receding meniscus in which the strength of the partial headspace vacuum increases as evaporable material 1302 is removed from the reservoir and enters the core. This is sufficient to overcome the back capillary drive of the meniscus, causing the meniscus to move back through the collector towards the narrowing point where the meniscus will witness crossing the highest pressure differential as dictated by the geometry.

Figure 11P illustrates how the meniscus spans one of the first joints in gate 1102 as the meniscus approaches gate 1102. At this first joint, the headspace partial vacuum is maximized when it corresponds to the minimum geometry in the gate 1102 structure, and the partial vacuum in the reservoir continues to grow up to this point.

Figure 11Q illustrates how multiple menisci recede when a maximum partial vacuum is reached in the headspace. The meniscus is at its tightest curvature across its principal plane, and at these positions the discharge pressures of the three channels are equal, and the three menisci recede simultaneously (as opposed to from just one channel). Since the curvature of these menisci now increases as the meniscus recedes, the pressure difference maintained across the meniscus decreases and the partial vacuum in the headspace therefore begins to decrease.

Figure 11R illustrates how the secondary meniscus begins to fill the capillary channel. This tapering in channel geometry causes the capillary drive of the primary channel to decrease at a greater rate than the capillary drive of the secondary channel as the meniscus continues to recede. This gradual reduction in capillary drive will reduce the portion of the headspace vacuum maintained. When the discharge pressure of the primary meniscus drops below the discharge pressure of the secondary channel, this meniscus will continue to discharge while the other menisci remain stationary. The discharge pressure involving the receding contact angle of the primary channel can be reduced below the flooding pressure involving the advancing contact angle of the secondary channel, causing it to refill, as shown in the figures.

Figure 11S illustrates how the secondary meniscus from one of the two menisci in each secondary channel will reach the tangent point where the two menisci merge into one. This combined meniscus will have increased curvature and therefore a lower capillary drive. Higher actuation of the main meniscus can cause the system to react temporarily by causing the main meniscus to be an advancing meniscus. Subsequent recession of the primary meniscus will likely occur while the secondary meniscus remains in this position.

Figure 11T illustrates how the secondary meniscus moves toward the collector. In one scenario when the storage chamber is filled with liquid, the main meniscus will continue to recede, further reducing the headspace partial vacuum as its curvature increases. When the partial vacuum drops below the secondary meniscus advancing capillary pressure, the secondary meniscus will begin to advance again, thus closing the gap. In a scenario when the storage chamber is empty or nearly empty, the liquid seal at the gate 1102 will be stable until the bubbles collapse, thereby connecting the headspace to the surrounding environment.

Figure 11U illustrates how the secondary meniscus closes the joint at gate 1102. When the secondary meniscus will advance until it intersects the apex of the corner in the primary channel, the geometry is designed to cause the secondary meniscus to split to fill both the gate 1102 and collector 1313 channels. These two newly formed menisci can serve to isolate the headspace from the surrounding air and thus re-establish a partial vacuum in the headspace, thereby ensuring that leakage via the liquid feed channel is mitigated. When the newly formed meniscus has a smaller curvature than before splitting, the newly formed meniscus will continue to advance into the channel due to increased capillary drive.

11V-11X illustrate the release of bubbles into storage chamber 1342. The pressure within the cassette 1320 now reaches stability as air bubbles trapped in the main meniscus channel are ejected due to the imbalance created by the advancing and receding meniscus. Evaporable material 1302 is then allowed to enter through the right top channel and the bubbles are displaced. Therefore, while a high drive channel structure can be provided via a closing channel near gate 1102, a shorter channel can be used instead to reduce the risk of bubble entrapment.

In certain embodiments, the tapered channel can be designed to increase drive toward the controlled vent. Considering the pinching of the two advancing menisci, the walls of the receptacle and the bottom of the channel can be configured to continue to provide drive, while the side walls provide a pinching position for the meniscus. In one configuration, the net drive of the advancing meniscus does not exceed the net drive of the receding meniscus, thus maintaining static stability of the system. Multi-gate multi-channel collector embodiment

12A and 12B, an example perspective side view and an example plan side view of an embodiment of a single vent multi-channel collector 1200 structure are illustrated. As shown in Figure 12A, collector 1200 is formed with a single gate 1202 and multiple channels 1204(a)-1204(j). As shown in Figure 12A, according to one or more embodiments, gate 1202 can be positioned, for example, at the center or midpoint of one of the longitudinal widths of collectors 1313 to allow evaporable material 1302 to enter at least one of collectors 1313. The first channel 1204(a) gradually spreads into and through the additional channels 1204(b)-1204(j).

The location of the gate 1202 may be modified depending on the implementation to be in the middle, to the side, or in a corner or any other location along the length or width of the collector 1313. A single vent multi-channel collector 1200 structure may have multiple channels 1204(a) through 1204(j) that allow evaporable material 1302 to enter through a single gate 1202 at a first flow rate and through the collector 1200 at a second flow rate. Additional advantages of diffusion at a flow rate (eg, a flow rate faster than a first flow rate).

Advantageously, a single gate multi-channel collector 1200 structure allows controlled flow (e.g., restricted flow) of evaporable material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 (see Figure 3A) and once evaporable material 1302 is located in the overflow volume 1344 A less controlled (eg, less restricted) flow is further allowed in the fluid volume 1344. In certain embodiments, a multi-layered multi-channel structure may be implemented such that evaporable material 1302 flows in a first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) (as shown, for example, in Figure 12B). The flow of evaporable material 1302 in a second set of channels 1204(g) through 1204(k) is at a second velocity and at a third velocity. The third rate may be faster or slower than the second rate.

Thus, in the example embodiment shown in Figure 12B, evaporable material 1302 may flow through gate 1202 at a first rate, through channels 1204(a)-1204(f) at a second rate, and Flow through channels 1204(g) through 1204(k) at a third rate. In one or more embodiments, the second velocity may be faster than both the first velocity and the third velocity, such that, for example, the evaporable material 1302 may have a restricted flow through the gate 1202, through the One of the channels in one set (eg, layer 1) is less flow-confined and one of the channels in the second set (eg, layer 2) is relatively more flow-confined. Once the evaporable material 1302 has entered the collector 1200, this multi-layer configuration can help improve the flow rate through the collector 1200, but maintain a controllable limit on the rapid flow of the evaporable material 1302 towards one of the wicking elements 1362.

In the two-layer embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) (eg, Layer 1) may have a reversible configuration such that evaporable material collected in the first set of channels 1302 can flow back to reservoir 1340. Conversely, the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k) (eg, layer 2) may not have a reversible configuration. In such embodiments, due to the proximity of the second set of channels to the wicking element 1362, the evaporable material 1302 is drawn primarily from the second set of channels and then from the first set of channels (eg, Layer 1 acting as a reserve compartment) . As discussed above, having a reversible and non-reversible configuration can help provide additional improvements over other embodiments discussed herein.

In certain multi-layer embodiments, by configuring the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k) to be non-reversible, it is additionally ensured that the wicking element 1362 will not be starved because the evaporable material 1302 May be available in close proximity to wicking element 1362 during storage in the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k). Additionally, the opportunity for a strong flow of evaporable material 1302 into the core housing during a negative pressure event may be prevented in a multi-layer implementation because, as provided earlier, the second set of channels 1204(g) through 1204( k) may be configured to have a more limited flow than the first set of channels 1204(a) through 1204(f). Additionally, due to reversibility, the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) may not contain a relatively large volume of evaporable material 1302. In certain embodiments, to increase or limit the reversibility or flow of evaporable material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) or the second set of channels 1204(g)-1204(k), Absorbent material (eg sponge) may be introduced into one or both channel zones.

Referring to Figure 13, an example perspective side view of a multi-vent multi-channel collector 1300 structure is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the collector 1300 can be positioned inside a cassette such that the collector 1300 has dual vents 1301 . This implementation may allow evaporable material 1302 to flow into channel 1204 at a relatively faster rate, particularly compared to a single vent collector 1200 shown in FIGS. 21A and 12B. Core feeder embodiment

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

Referring to Figures 11C, 11D, and 11E, depending on the implementation, one or more additional tubes, channels, tubes, or chambers travel through collector 1313 and may be constructed or configured to use evaporable liquid stored in storage chamber 1342. The path through which material 1302 feeds wicking element 1362. In certain configurations, such as those discussed in further detail herein, the core feed conduit, tube, or cavity (ie, core feed 1368) may extend generally parallel to the central tunnel 1100. In at least one configuration, there may be multiple core feeds extending diagonally along the length of collector 1313, for example, independently or with a core exchange that includes one or more other core feeds. combine.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of core feeds may be interactively connected in a multi-chain configuration such that an overpass of feed paths that may cross each other may lead to the core housing area. This configuration can help prevent complete obstruction of the core feed mechanism if, for example, one or more feed paths in the core feed overpass are obstructed by the formation of gas bubbles or other types of obstructions. Advantageously, instrumentation of multiple feed paths may allow evaporable material 1302 to safely travel across one or more paths (or cross to a different but open path) toward the core housing area, even if one of the core feed overpasses Some paths or specific routes are completely or partially blocked or blocked.

Depending on the embodiment, a core feed path may be shaped as tubular, having, for example, a circular or faceted cross-shaped diameter shape. For example, the hollow cross-section of the core feed member may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal or any other suitable geometric shape. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional perimeter of the core feed may be in the shape of a hollow cross, for example, such that the arms of the cross have a diameter relative to the diameter of the central intersection portion of the cross from which the arms extend. Narrow width. More generally, a core feed channel (also referred to herein as a first channel) may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one irregularity (eg, a protrusion, a side channel, etc.) that is in a In the event that the air bubble blocks the remainder of the cross-sectional area of the core feed, it provides an alternative path for the liquid evaporable material to flow therethrough. The cross-shaped cross-section of the present example is an example of such a structure, but a skilled artisan will understand that other shapes are contemplated and possible consistent with the present invention.

A cross-shaped tube or tube embodiment formed through a core feed path can overcome the clogging problem, since a cross-shaped tube can essentially be considered to contain five separate paths (e.g., a hollow center formed in the cross-shaped member) a central path and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross-shaped member). In this embodiment, for example, a barrier in the feed tube by means of a gas bubble would be formed at the central part of the cross-shaped tube, thereby allowing sub-paths (i.e. paths through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) ) open to flow.

According to one or more aspects, the core feed path may be sufficiently wide to allow evaporable material 1302 to freely travel through the feed path and toward the core. In certain embodiments, flow through the wick feed can be enhanced or adapted by designing the relative diameters of specific portions of the wick feed to impose capillary pull or pressure on the evaporable material 1302 traveling through a wick feed path. . In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, certain core feed paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to cause evaporable material 1302 to move toward the core housing portion.

In a cross tube embodiment, for example, the feed path through the arms of the cross tube may be configured to feed the core by means of capillary pressure rather than relying on gravity. In this embodiment, the central portion of the cross tube may feed the core due to gravity, for example, while the flow of evaporable material 1302 in the arms of the cross tube may be supported by capillary pressure. It should be noted that the cruciform piping disclosed herein is for the purpose of providing an exemplary embodiment. The concepts and functionality implemented in this example embodiment can be extended to core feed paths with different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., a tube with a hollow star cross-section having a central tunnel extending from a core feed path) two or more arms).

Referring to FIG. 11C , an example collector 1313 configuration is illustrated in which two core feeds 1368 are positioned on opposite sides of a central tunnel 1100 such that evaporable material 1302 can enter the feeds and be directed toward the collector 1313 The cavity area at the other end flows into which a shell for the core is formed.

A core feed mechanism may be formed through collector 1313 such that at least one core feed path in collector 1313 may be shaped as a faceted cross-shaped diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section of the core feed member may be in the shape of a plus sign (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped core feed member when viewed from a top cross-section), such that the arms of the cross-shaped member are relative to the arms from their The diameter of the central cross portion of the extended cross member has a narrower width.

A pipe or tube with a cross-shaped diameter formed through a core feed path can overcome clogging problems because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be considered to contain five separate paths (e.g., formed in a cross-shaped A central path in the hollow center of the piece and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross-shaped piece). In this embodiment, a barrier in the feed tube by means of a gas bubble (eg, air bubble) would be formed at the central portion of the cross-shaped tube.

This central positioning of the gas bubble will ultimately allow the sub-path (ie, the path through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) to remain open to the flow of evaporable material 1302, even when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble. Other embodiments of a core feed passage structure are possible that may achieve the same or similar goals as disclosed above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or preventing trapped gas bubbles from completely blocking the core feed passage. goal.

Depending on the implementation, adding more vents to the structure of collector 1300 may allow for faster flow rates because a relatively larger collective volume of evaporable material 1302 may be displaced when additional vents are available. As such, although not explicitly shown, embodiments having more than two vents (eg, triple vent implementations, quadruple vent implementations, etc.) are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, certain embodiments may include a collector 1400 structure with dual feeds for the core. In such embodiments, the core may have a higher saturation level and less chance of starvation than one in which a single feeder is provided.

15A, 15B, and 15C, perspective and cross-sectional plan side views of an example collector structure for a dual feed core 1562 are provided. As shown, one or more wicks 1562 may be positioned or contained in a cassette 1500 such that at least two separate wick feeds 1566 and 1568 are provided to allow evaporable material 1302 to be directed toward the cassette in which the wicks 1562 are contained. 1500 zone march.

As mentioned earlier, a dual core feed may provide core 1562 with the advantage of, for example, twice the flow rate of evaporable material 1302 compared to a single core feed alternative. Advantageously, a dual core feed implementation provides adequate feeding of core 1562 and helps prevent a dry core 1562 if, for example, one of the core feeds is blocked. As shown, a lower portion of core 1562 may extend downward into a region of cassette 1500 that forms a heating chamber or atomizer.

Referring to Figure 16A, a cross-sectional plan side view of an example cassette is provided with a dual horn or dual feed core 1562 positioned within a collector structure. Figure 16B is a planar cross-sectional side view of an example collector structure in which a core 1562 may be received. Figure 16C provides an example perspective view of a cassette in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, a first end of core 1562 may have two or more feeds, horns, or flanged ends for at least partially engaging two or more core openings in a partition 1513, Such that at least one of the flanged ends, for example, tangentially engages a volume in the storage chamber 1542 or, for example, at least partially extends into a volume in the storage chamber 1542.

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

Core 1562 may be at least partially bounded by one or more heating elements of an atomizer positioned within secondary volume 1510 . A partition 1513 for at least partially separating the storage chamber 1542 from the secondary volume 1510 may be positioned such that the flow of evaporable material 1302 through the core feed 1590 is controllable. At least a first portion of core feed 1590 may be formed by at least one or more openings in partition 1513 .

At least a second portion of core feed 1590 may include an evaporable material passage connecting one or more openings in partition 1513 to secondary volume 1510 . An air flow passage 1538 may be provided for connecting the secondary volume 1510 to a mouth such that the vaporizable material 1302 that has been converted to vapor travels out of the secondary volume 1510 through the air flow passage 1538 toward the mouth.

16A, 16B, 16C, 17A and 17B, a perspective view of a first side of the cassette having a core 1562 protruding into the storage chamber 1542 and a second side of the cassette are provided A cross-sectional view. The core 1562 may include at least a first end 1592 and a second end 1594. The first end 1592 is close to the dividing area 1513 and the second end extends distally in a direction opposite to the first end 1592.

A first end 1592 of the core 1562 may project at least partially through a core opening in the partition 1530 to at least partially extend into a volume in the storage chamber 1542 . In one aspect, the first end 1592 of the core 1562 can at least partially project through a core opening in the partition 1530 to at least tangentially engage a volume in the storage chamber 1542.

Figure 26A illustrates perspective, front, side, bottom and top views of an example embodiment of a collector 1313 having a V-shaped gate 1102. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the collector 1313 can be assembled inside a hollow cavity in the cassette 1320 along with additional components (eg, wicking element 1362, heating element 1350, and wick housing 1315). The wicking element 1362 can be positioned between a second end of the collector 1313 and the heating element 1350 wrapped around the wicking element 1362. During assembly, collector 1313, wicking element 1362, and heating element 1350 may be assembled together and covered by wick housing 1315 before being inserted into the cavity inside cassette 1320.

The core housing 1315 may be inserted into one end of the cassette 1320 opposite the mouth, along with the other components described, to retain the components inside in a pressure seal or press fit. The core housing 1315 and collector 1313 are sealed or fitted inside the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cassette 1320 desirably sufficiently tight to prevent leakage of the vaporizable material 1302 held in the receptacle of the cassette 1320. In some embodiments, the pressure seal between the core housing 1315 and collector 1313 and the inner wall of the receiving sleeve of the cassette 1320 is also sufficiently tight to prevent a user from manually disassembling the assembly with bare hands.

Referring to Figures 10C, 10D, 11B, 26B, and 26C, in certain variations, a collector 1313 may be configured to be insertably received by a receiving end of a storage chamber 1342. As shown in Figures 26B and 26C, the end of collector 1313 opposite the end received by storage chamber 1342 can be configured to receive a wicking element 1362. For example, forked protrusions 1108 may be formed to securely receive wicking element 1362 . A core housing 1315, as shown in cross-section toward the bottom of FIGS. 26B and 26C, may be used to further secure the wicking element 1362 in a fixed position between the fork-shaped protrusions 1108. This configuration may also help prevent the wicking element 1362 from substantially expanding or weakening due to oversaturation.

Referring to FIG. 26B , in one embodiment, a wicking element 1362 may be constrained along its length (eg, toward a longitudinal distal end of the wicking element 1362 positioned directly below the wicking feed 1368 ) via compression ribs 1110 or compressed in specific locations to help prevent leakage by, for example, maintaining a larger saturated zone of evaporable material 1302 toward the ends of wicking element 1362 so that the central portion of wicking element 1362 remains drier and Not easy to leak. In addition, the use of compression ribs 1110 can further press the wicking element 1362 into the atomizer housing to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

Referring to Figures 26D-26F, a top plan view of an example core feed mechanism formed by or structured through collector 1313 is illustrated in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in Figure 26D, at least one core feed 1368 path in collector 1313 can be shaped as a faceted cross-shaped diameter hollow tube. For example, the hollow cross-section along the path of core feed 1368 may be in the shape of a plus sign (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped core feed if viewed from a top cross-section) such that the arms of the cross-shaped member 1368 are aligned relative to the arms. The diameter of the central cross portion of the extended cross-shaped member has a narrower width.

Referring to Figure 26E, a duct or tube with a cross-shaped diameter formed through a core feed 1368 path can overcome the clogging problem because a tube with a cross-shaped diameter can be considered to contain five separate paths ( For example, a central path formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional paths formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In this embodiment, a barrier in the feed tube by means of a gas bubble (eg, air bubble) would likely be formed at the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, as shown in Figure 26E. This central positioning of the gas bubble will ultimately allow the sub-path (ie, the path through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) to remain open to the flow of evaporable material 1302, even when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble.

Referring to Figure 26F, other embodiments of a core feed 1368 path structure are possible that achieve the same results as described above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or preventing trapped gas bubbles from completely blocking the core feed 1368 path. Goals that are the same or similar to the revealed goals. As shown in the example illustration of Figure 26F, one or more drop-shaped protrusions 1368a/1368b (e.g., shaped like one or more split nipples with a core feed 1368 path therebetween) may be formed in At one end of the wick feed 1368 path, the evaporable material 1302 flows from the storage chamber 1342 through the wick feed 1368 path into the collector 1313 to help guide the evaporable material 1302 through the wick feed 1368 path (if a gas bubble traps obtained in the central region of the path of core feed 1368). In this manner, one of the evaporable materials 1302 can be reasonably controlled and a consistent flow can flow toward the core, thereby preventing a scenario in which the evaporable material 1302 does not sufficiently saturate the core. Heating element examples

Referring to Figures 18A-18D, the evaporator cassette 1800 may also include a heating element 1850 (eg, a flat heating element), as described above. Heating element 1850 includes a first portion 1850A positioned generally parallel to air flow path 1838 and a second portion 1850B positioned generally perpendicular to air flow path 1838 . As shown, the first portion 1850A of the heating element 1850 can be positioned between opposing portions of a collector 1813 . When heating element 1850 is activated, a temperature increase occurs due to current flowing through heating element 1850 to generate heat, for example.

Heat may be transferred to an amount of evaporable material 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of evaporable material 1302 evaporates. Thermal transfer may occur for the evaporable material 1302 in the reservoir, for the evaporable material 1302 drawn from the collector 1813, and/or for the evaporable material 1302 drawn into a core held by the heating element 1850. Air delivered into the evaporator device flows along an air path across the heating element 1850, thereby stripping the vaporized evaporable material 1302 from the heating element 1850 and/or the core. Evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit mouth 1830 as a spray through at least one of air flow passages 1838 for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 19A-19C, an evaporator cassette 1900 may include a foldable heating element 1950 and two air flow passages 1938. As mentioned above, the heating element 1950 may be curled around a core 1962 or preformed to receive the core 1962. Heating element 1950 may include one or more tines 1950A. The tines 1950A may be located in a heating portion of the heating element 1950 and designed such that the resistance of the tines 1950A matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect the zoned heating in the heating element 1950 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporizable material from the core 1962 Material 1302.

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

When heating element 1950 is activated, a temperature increase occurs due to current flowing through heating element 1950 to generate heat. Heat may be transferred to an amount of evaporable material 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of evaporable material 1302 evaporates. Thermal transfer may occur for the evaporable material 1302 in the reservoir, for the evaporable material 1302 drawn from the collector 1913, and/or for the evaporable material 1302 drawn into the core 1962 held by the heating element 1950. In certain embodiments, evaporable material 1302 can evaporate along one or more edges of tines 1950A.

Air delivered into the evaporator device flows along the air path across the heating element 1950, thereby stripping the vaporized evaporable material 1302 from the heating element 1950 and/or the core 1962. Evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit the mouth as a spray through at least one of air flow passages 1938 for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 20A-20C, an evaporator cassette 2000 may include a foldable heating element 2050 and a single (eg, central) air flow passage 2038. As mentioned above, the heating element 2050 can be curled around a core 2062 or preformed to receive the core 2062. Heating element 2050 may include one or more tines 2050A. The tines 2050A may be located in a heating portion of the heating element 2050 and designed such that the resistance of the tines 2050A matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect the zoned heating in the heating element 2050 to more efficiently and effectively heat the available energy from the core 2062 Evaporate material.

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

When heating element 2050 is activated, a temperature increase occurs due to current flowing through heating element 2050 to generate heat. Heat may be transferred to an amount of evaporable material 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of evaporable material 1302 evaporates. Thermal transfer may occur for the evaporable material 1302 in the reservoir, for the evaporable material 1302 drawn from the collector 2213, and/or for the evaporable material 1302 drawn into the core 2062 held by the heating element 2050.

In certain embodiments, evaporable material 1302 can evaporate along one or more edges of tines 2050A. Air delivered into the evaporator device flows along the air path across the heating element 2050, thereby stripping the evaporated evaporable material 1302 from the heating element 2050 and/or the core 2062. The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit the mouth as a spray through at least one of the air flow paths for inhalation by a user.

Referring to Figures 10C, 11B, and 21A, in some embodiments, the collector 1313 can be configured to include a flat rib 2102 after the collector 1313 has been inserted into the storage chamber 1342 After being received in one of the cavities or containers, flat ribs 2102 extend out at the lower perimeter of the collector 1313 to form a surface suitable for welding the collector 1313 to the inner wall of the storage chamber 1342.

Depending on the implementation, a full perimeter welding or spot welding option may be used to securely secure collector 1313 within a receiving cavity or container within storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, a tight friction and leak-proof coupling can be created without using a welding technique. In certain embodiments, adhesive materials may be utilized instead of or in addition to the coupling techniques described above.

Referring to FIGS. 11B and 21B , according to one or more aspects, a sealing bead profile 2104 may be formed at the perimeter of the spiral ridge of the collector 1313 defining an overflow channel 1104 such that the sealing bead profile 2104 may support an emergency Turn injection molding procedure. The sealing bead profile 2104 geometry can be designed in various ways such that the collector 1313 can be inserted in a tight friction manner into a receiving cavity or container in the storage chamber 1342, where the evaporable material 1302 can be passed along without any leakage. The flow follows the sealing bead contour 2104 through the overflow channel 1104 .

Referring to Figures 22A, 22B, and 82-86, an evaporator cassette 2000 may include a foldable heating element (such as heating element 500) and two air flow passages 2238. As mentioned above, the heating element 500 may be curled around a core 2262 or preformed to receive the core 2262. Heating element 500 may include one or more tines 502 . The tines 502 may be located in a heating portion of the heating element 500 and designed such that the resistance of the tines 502 matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect zoned heating in the heating element 500 to more efficiently and effectively heat the available energy from the core 2262 Evaporate material 1302.

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

In certain embodiments, tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and side tine portions 526 . Platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one end of core 2262 and side tine portion 526 is configured to contact an opposite side of core 2262 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 form a pocket shaped to receive core 2262 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of core 2262 . This pocket allows the core 2262 to be secured and held within the pocket by the heating element 500 .

In certain embodiments, side tine portions 526 and platform tine portions 524 retain core 2262 via compression. Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact core 2262 to provide a multi-dimensional contact between heating element 500 and core 2262. The multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the core 2262 provides for a more efficient and/or faster transfer of the evaporable material 1302 from the reservoir of the evaporator cartridge to one of the heating portions (via the core 2262) for evaporation.

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

The legs 506 may be spring loaded to allow the legs 506 to maintain contact with the container contacts 125 . Leg 506 may include a portion that is curved to help maintain contact with container contact 125 . Spring loading of the leg 506 and/or the curvature of the leg 506 can help increase and/or maintain consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the container contact 125 . In certain embodiments, the leg 506 is coupled with a support 176 to help increase and/or maintain consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the container contact 125 . The support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other materials to help maintain contact between the legs 506 and the container contacts 125 . In some embodiments, support 176 is formed as part of leg 506 .

Legs 506 may contact one or more wipe contacts configured to clean connections between cassette contacts 124 and other contacts or power source 112 . For example, the wiper contacts will comprise at least two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally engage and slide against each other in a direction either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

In certain embodiments, the legs 506 include retainer portions 180 configured to bend around at least a portion of the core housing 178 surrounding at least a portion of the core 2262 . Retainer portion 180 forms one end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and core 2262 to core housing 178 (and evaporator cassette).

When heating element 500 is activated, a temperature increase is caused as current flows through heating element 500 to generate heat. Heat may be transferred to an amount of evaporable material 1302 via conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of evaporable material 1302 evaporates. Thermal transfer may occur for the evaporable material 1302 in the reservoir, for the evaporable material 1302 drawn from the collector 2213, and/or for the evaporable material 1302 drawn into the core 2262 held by the heating element 500.

In certain embodiments, evaporable material 1302 can evaporate along one or more edges of tines 502 . Air delivered into the evaporator device flows along the air path across the heating element 500 , thereby stripping the evaporated evaporable material 1302 from the heating element 500 and/or the core 2262 . Evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit the mouth as a spray through at least one of air flow passages 2238 for inhalation by a user.

Figure 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a core housing 178 consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Core housing 178 may include a core support rib 2296 that extends from an outer shell of core housing 178 toward core 2262 when assembled. Core support ribs 2296 help prevent core 2262 from deforming during assembly.

Figure 24 illustrates an example of a core housing 178 containing an identification chip 2295. Identification wafer 2295 may be at least partially retained by core housing 178 . Identification wafer 2295 can be configured to communicate with a corresponding wafer reader located on the evaporator.

Figure 25 illustrates perspective, front, side, and exploded views of an example embodiment of a cassette 1320 with a pressure-fit assembly. As shown, the cassette 1320 may include a mouth-reservoir combination shaped in the form of a sleeve having an air flow path 1338 defined therethrough. One area of the cassette 1320 contains the collector 1313, the wicking element 1362, the heating element 1350 and the wick housing 1315. An opening at a first end of collector 1313 leads to an air flow path 1338 in the mouth and provides a means for vaporized vaporizable material 1302 to travel from the heating element 1350 region to the mouth from which a user inhales. One route. Additional and / or Alternative Fluid Vent Embodiments

Referring to Figures 27A-27B, a front plane close-up view of an example traffic management mechanism in a collector 1313 structure is illustrated. Similar to the flow management mechanism discussed with reference to Figures 11M and 11N, the flow management vent mechanism 2701 or 2702 may be implemented in various shapes in different embodiments. In the example of Figure 27A, the passage or overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 can be connected to the storage chamber by a fluid vent 2701, for example, such that the vent 2701 includes at least two storage chambers connected to the cassette. an opening.

As provided earlier, a liquid seal can be maintained at vent 2701 regardless of the positioning of the cassette. On one side, a vent path may be maintained between the overflow channel and vent 2701. On the other side, high drive channels can be implemented to encourage pinching to maintain a liquid seal.

Figure 27B illustrates an alternative vent 2702 structure with one of three openings connected to the cassette with a pinch path that prevents the liquid seal between the vent 2701 and the reservoir from being broken. storage room.

Figure 28 illustrates a time snapshot when managing the flow of evaporable material collected in the example collector of Figure 27A or Figure 27B to accommodate appropriate discharge in the cartridge storage chamber, according to one embodiment. As shown, the vent 2701 configuration in Figure 27A can be distinguished from the vent 2702 configuration in Figure 27B in that later vent 2702 is constructed on one side rather than on the wall structure shown in Figure 27A. Open area. This more open embodiment provides an enhanced microfluidic interaction between the evaporable material 1302 and the open side of the vent 2702.

Referring to Figures 29A-29C, perspective, front, and side views of an example embodiment of a cassette are illustrated. The cassette as shown may be assembled from a plurality of components including a collector, a heating element and a cassette assembly for holding the cassette assembly in place when the assembly is inserted into a body of the cassette. One core shell. In one embodiment, a laser weld may be performed at a circumferential joint located approximately at the point where one end of the collector structure intersects the core housing. A laser weld blocks the flow of liquid vaporizable material 1302 from the collector into the heating chamber in which the atomizer is placed.

Referring to Figures 30A-30F, perspective views of an example cassette at different fill capacities are illustrated. As mentioned earlier, the volumetric size of the overflow volume may be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the increase in volume of the contents contained within the storage chamber. When the volume of the contents in the storage chamber expands due to one or more environmental factors, if the volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber is X, when the pressure inside the storage chamber increases to Y, then the quantity Z is Evaporable material 1302 can be displaced from the storage chamber into the overflow volume. As such, in one or more embodiments, the overflow volume is configured to be at least large enough to accommodate the Z amount of evaporable material 1302.

30A illustrates a perspective view of an example cassette body having a reservoir that, when filled, accommodates storage of a volume of approximately 1.20 mL of evaporable material 1302, for example. 30B illustrates a perspective view of an example cassette in a fully assembled state, with the storage chamber and collector overflow passage holding a combined volume of approximately 1.20 mL of evaporable material 1302 when both are filled, for example In terms of. 30C illustrates a perspective view of an example cassette in a fully assembled state when the collector overflow passage is filled to an approximate volume of 0.173 mL, for example. Figure 30D illustrates a perspective view of an example cartridge in a fully assembled state when the reservoir is filled to an approximate volume of 0.934 mL, for example. 30E illustrates a perspective view of an example cassette in a fully assembled state with the core feed channel and air flow path located at the mouth shown in a cross-sectional view, the core feed channel having a diameter of approximately 0.094 mL One volume, for example. Figure 30F illustrates a perspective view of an example cassette in a fully assembled state with an overflow air channel incorporated into a portion of the collector toward the bottom rib, the air flow air channel having an approximate volume of 0.043 mL. , for example.

31A-31C illustrate an example cassette front view in which a dual-needle fill application is implemented to fill the cassette's reservoir prior to the collector (Fig. 31A) and an enclosure plug is inserted, according to one embodiment into the main body of the cassette (Fig. 31B) to form a fully assembled cassette (Fig. 31C).

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

In some configurations, the geometry of the air inlet channel may provide at least one of a minimum length, a minimum depth, or a maximum width, for example, to ensure that a user cannot fully access the air with one hand or other body part. Cover or block air inlet holes in air inlet channels. For example, the length of the air inlet channel may be longer than the width of an average human finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel may be such that when a user's finger presses on the top of the channel, the skin folds formed do not interfere with the air The air inlet hole on the inside of the entrance channel.

The air inlet channel may be constructed or formed with rounded edges or shaped to wrap around one or more corners or areas of the evaporator body 110 such that the air inlet channel cannot be easily accessed by a user's fingers or body. Part coverage. In certain embodiments, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet channel so that a user's fingers cannot block or completely restrict air flow into the air inlet channel. In an example embodiment, an air inlet channel may be formed at the interface between evaporator cassette 120 and evaporator body 110 (eg, at the container area - see Figure 1). In this embodiment, since the air inlet channel is formed inside the container area, the air inlet channel can be protected from obstruction. This implementation may also allow a configuration where the air inlet channel is hidden from view.

32A-32C illustrate respectively a front, top, and bottom view of an example cassette body with a condensate collector 3201 incorporated inside the air path.

Referring to Figure 33A, air or steam can flow into one of the air flow paths in the cassette. The air flow path may extend internally along the body of the cassette from an aperture or opening in the mouth, allowing evaporable material 1302 drawn through the mouth to pass through a condensate collector 3201. As shown in Figure 33B, in addition to the condensate collector 3201, a condensate recirculator channel 3204 (eg, a microfluidic channel) may also be formed to travel from an opening in the mouth to the core, for example.

The condensate collector 3201 acts on the evaporable evaporable material 1302 which is cooled and turned into droplets in the mouth to collect the condensate droplets and deliver the condensate droplets to the condensate recirculator channel 3204 . Condensate recirculator channel 3204 collects condensate and large vapor droplets and returns the condensate and large vapor droplets to the core, and prevents liquid that forms in the mouth from evaporating during puffing or inhalation from the user's mouth. The material is deposited into the user's mouth. Condensate recirculator channel 3204 may be implemented as a microfluidic channel to trap any liquid droplets in the condensate and thereby eliminate direct inhalation of the vaporizable material in liquid form and avoid an undesirable sensation or taste in the user's mouth. . Additional and illustrated condensate recirculator passages and/or one or more other features for controlling, collecting condensate, and/or recirculating the condensate in an evaporator device are described and shown with respect to FIGS. 117-119C. /or alternative embodiments. The condensate recirculator passages (and/or one or more other features described and illustrated with respect to Figures 117-119C) may assist in controlling, alone or in combination with one or more features of the evaporator cassette, The condensate is collected and/or recirculated in an evaporator device.

Referring to Figures 35 and 36, illustrated are perspective views of a portion of an example cassette in which a collector structure 1313 includes an air gap 3501 at the bottom rib of the collector structure. The positioning of the air gap 3501 may coincide with the positioning of the air exchange ports in the collector structure 1313. As provided earlier, the collector structure 1313 may be configured to have a central opening therethrough implementing an air flow channel to the mouth. The air flow channel may be connected to an air exchange port such that the volume inside the overflow passage of collector 1313 is connected to the ambient air via the air exchange port and also to the volume in the storage chamber via a vent.

According to one or more embodiments, the vent may be utilized as a control valve to primarily control liquid flow between the overflow passage and the storage chamber. An air exchange port may be utilized to primarily control air flow between the overflow passage and one of the air paths to the mouth, for example. The combination of the vents, the collector channels of the overflow passage, and the air exchange ports provide for proper core saturation and proper discharge of air bubbles that can be introduced into the cassette due to various environmental factors and the ingress of evaporable materials 1302 and controlled flow out of the collector channel. The presence of an air gap 3501 at the air exchange port allows for a more robust discharge procedure as it prevents the liquid evaporable material 1302 stored in the collector from penetrating into the core housing area.

37A-37C illustrate top views of various example core feed shapes and configurations for a cassette in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, Figure 37A illustrates a cross-shaped core feed cross-section according to an example embodiment. Figure 37B illustrates a core feed having a generally rectangular cross-section. Figure 37C illustrates a core feed having a generally square cross-section. As provided earlier, depending on the implementation, one or more wick feeds 3701 may be configured as a conduit, channel, tube, or cavity that serves as a path for feeding the wick with evaporable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber. Through the collector structure 1313. In certain configurations, core feed 3701 may extend generally parallel to a central channel 3700 in collector 1313 .

Depending on the implementation, a core feed path may be shaped as tubular, having a substantially rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, for example, as shown in Figures 37B and 37C. If this shape provides a multi-path configuration that allows evaporable material 1302 to travel through the core feed, even if an air bubble is formed in a specific region of the core feed, then a variable path is formed across a core feed. Width profile shaped pipes or tubes overcome clogging issues. In such embodiments, a barrier in the core feed tube would likely be formed at a portion of the core feed tube, leaving the sub-path (eg, alternative path) open to flow.

According to one or more aspects, the core feed path may be sufficiently wide to allow evaporable material 1302 to freely travel through the feed path and toward the core. In certain embodiments, flow through the wick feed can be enhanced or adapted by designing the relative diameters of specific portions of the wick feed to impose capillary pull or pressure on the evaporable material 1302 traveling through a wick feed path. . In other words, depending on shape and other structural or material factors, certain core feed paths may rely on gravity or capillary forces to cause evaporable material 1302 to move toward the core-shell portion.

37D and 37E illustrate an example embodiment of a collector 1313 having a dual core feed 3701 implementation. At least one of the core feeds 3701 may be formed to include a portion of the relief wall. The partial relief wall can be configured to split the volume inside a core feed 3701 into two separate volumes (ie, chambers), as illustrated in the cross-sectional perspective views in Figures 37D and 37E. The partial wall embodiment will allow liquid evaporable material 1302 to flow easily from the reservoir toward the core housing region to saturate the core.

In certain embodiments, partial walls in a single core feed essentially form two chambers in a single core feed. The cavities in the core feed can be separated by partial walls and used individually to allow evaporable material 1302 to flow toward the core housing. In such embodiments, if a gas bubble is expelled in one of the chambers in the core feed, the other chamber may remain open. A chamber may be large in volume to provide sufficient flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core to achieve sufficient saturation.

Thus, in embodiments utilizing two core feeds 3701, four chambers may be effectively used to carry the flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core. Thereby, in the event that gas bubbles form in one, two, or even three of the chambers, at least a fourth chamber will be available to direct the flow of evaporable material 1302 toward the core, thereby reducing the chance of dehydration of the core.

Referring to Figure 38, a close-up view of one end of a core feed positioned proximate to the core (eg, at an end configured to at least partially receive the core) with at least a portion of the core optionally clamped to the self-core feed The end extends between two or more tines.

Figure 39 illustrates a perspective view of an example collector structure having a square design core feed combined with an air gap at one end of the overflow passage.

Referring to FIGS. 40A to 40E , an exemplary collector structure is illustrated in a rear view, a side view, a top view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively. Figure 40A illustrates a rear view of a collector structure with four distinct injection sites, for example. Figure 40B illustrates a side view of a collector structure, showing in particular a clamp-shaped end portion 4002 of a core feed that can securely hold the core in the path of the core feed, for example. As shown in Figure 40C, the portion of the cassette body extending internally from the mouth to the cassette body may be received through a central channel 3700 in the collector structure, the central channel 3700 being formed to allow evaporation of the evaporable material 1302 from An airway passageway emerges from the nebulizer toward the mouth.

40C illustrates a top view of a collector structure having a core feed channel 4001 for receiving evaporable material from a storage chamber of a cassette and directing the evaporable material toward the core by forming a clamp-shaped end portion 4002 of the core The protruding end of the feed channel 4001 is held in place at the end of the core feed channel 4001.

Figure 40D illustrates a front plan view of the collector structure. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed under the collector structure at the end of one of the lower ribs of the collector structure, with the overflow passage of the collector leading to an air control vent 3902 in communication with ambient air. . The portion of the cassette body extending from the mouth may be received through a central channel 3700 in the collector structure, which forms an airway passage for the evaporated vaporizable material 1302 to escape from the atomizer toward the mouth.

40E illustrates a bottom view of the collector 1313 structure with two core feed channels terminating in two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 configured to hold the cores in place at the bottom end of the collector 1313 . As shown, a segmented ridge, flange or lip 4003 may be formed on the surface of the bottom end of the collector 1313, as appropriate, where the collector 1313 is connected to the upper portion of the plug 760 when assembled. Lip 4003 provides a pressure-tight engagement between the upper portion of plug 760 and the lower portion of collector 1313, thereby functioning in a manner similar to a flexible O-ring so that a proper seal can be established during assembly. seal. In one embodiment, the bottom end of collector 1313 may be laser welded to the upper portion of plug 760.

41A and 41B illustrate top plan and side views of an alternative embodiment of a collector structure having two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 and two corresponding core feeds. As shown, this alternative embodiment is shorter in height compared to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 40A. This reduced height provides improved functionality by structurally changing the shape of the collector 1313 and the length of the passage in the collector 1313 in which the evaporable material 1302 flows. Thus, depending on the implementation, in certain embodiments, the length of the path of evaporable material 1302 through collector 1313 may be shorter to provide a more effective capillary pressure and facilitate flow of evaporable material 1302 into the path of collector 1313. Better management.

42A and 42B illustrate various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an example collector 1313 having different structural embodiments. For example, the embodiment shown in Figure 42A includes narrowing points that include vertically positioned C-shaped walls. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figure 42B, the C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally to facilitate a more controlled flow of evaporable material 1302 along one of the collector 1313 pathways. As shown in the example embodiment of Figure 42B, the C-shaped wall is positioned diagonally relative to the bottom vane of the collector and vertically relative to the vane portion in the downwardly sloping collector.

As mentioned earlier, the flow rate into and out of the collector 1313 is controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 in the collector 1313 by introducing one or more constriction points. The overall volume of the overflow channel 1104 is effectively reduced. As shown, introducing multiple constrictions in the overflow channel 1104 divides the overflow channel into multiple segments in which the evaporable material 1302 can flow in a first or a second direction (for example ) toward or away from the air control vent 3902.

Introducing a pinch point helps establish or control the capillary pressure conditions in the overflow passage 1104 such that the hydraulic flow of the vaporizable material 1302 toward the air control vent 3902 is at a pressure when the pressure in the cassette reservoir is equal to or less than the ambient air. state minimized. In a pressure regime where the pressure in the reservoir is lower than the ambient pressure (eg, exceeds a first threshold), the constriction point is configured to control the capillary pressure of the vaporizable material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 or Hydraulic flow allows ambient air to enter the overflow channel 1104 through the air control vent 3902 and travel up into the reservoir toward the controlled fluid gate 1102 to drain the cassette (ie, establish an equilibrium pressure state in the cassette).

In certain embodiments or scenarios, the venting procedures described above may not involve or require ambient air to enter through air control vent 3902. In certain example scenarios, instead of or in addition to air entering through air control vent 3902 , any air bubbles or gases trapped inside overflow channel 1104 may travel upward toward controlled fluid gate 1102 to pass through the controlled fluid gate. The introduction of air bubbles 1102 into the reservoir from the overflow channel 1104 helps establish an equilibrium pressure state in the cassette by venting the reservoir, as provided in further detail herein with reference to Figures 11M and 11N, by way of example. Word. As shown in Figures 42A and 42B, the design of the constriction and C-shaped wall formed in the path of the overflow channel 1104 promotes evaporable material by better managing capillary pressure throughout the path of the overflow control channel 1104. 1302 through one of the overflow channels 1104 for more controlled flow.

43A illustrates various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an example core housing 1315 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, one or more perforations or holes may be formed in the lower portion of core housing 1315 to accommodate air flow through a core positioned in core housing 760 of core housing 1315 . A sufficient number of holes will facilitate adequate air flow through the core housing 760 and will provide for proper and timely absorption of the evaporable material 1302 into the core in response to heat generated by heating elements positioned near or around the core. Evaporate.

Figure 43B illustrates the collector 1313 and core housing 760 assembly of an example cassette 1320 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, core housing 1315 (which contains the core-shell portion of the cassette) can be implemented to include a protruding member or tab 4390. Tab 4390 may be configured to extend from an upper end of core housing 1315 that mates with one of the receiving ends of collector 1313 during assembly. Tab 4390 may include one or more facets that correspond to or match one or more facets in, for example, a receiving recess in the bottom portion of collector 1313 or one or more facets in receiving cavity 1390 . Receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive tab 4390 to achieve a snap-fit engagement, for example. The snap-fit configuration may assist in holding the collector 1313 and core housing 1315 together during or after assembly.

In certain embodiments, tabs 4390 may be utilized to guide the orientation of core housing 1315 during assembly. For example, in one embodiment, one or more vibrating mechanisms (eg, vibrating bowls) may be utilized to temporarily store or display various components of the cartridge 1320. According to certain embodiments, tab 4390 may help orient the upper portion of core housing 1315 into a mechanical grip for easy engagement and proper automated assembly. Additional and / or alternative heating element embodiments

As noted above, evaporator cartridges consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may include one or more heating elements. 44A-116 illustrate an embodiment of a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Although the features described and illustrated with respect to Figures 44A-116 may be included in the various embodiments of the evaporator cassette described above and/or may be included in one of the various embodiments of the evaporator cassette described above or 44A-116 may additionally and/or alternatively be included in one or more of the evaporator cassettes, such as those described below. among other example embodiments.

A heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may desirably be shaped to receive a wicking element and/or to at least partially curl or compress around the wicking element. The heating element is bendable such that the heating element is configured to secure the wicking element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element is bendable to conform to a shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. This heating element can be manufactured more easily than typical heating elements. Heating elements consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may also be made from a conductive metal suitable for resistive heating, and in certain embodiments, the heating elements may include materials that allow the heating element (and thus, vaporizable material) Selective plating of another material that heats more efficiently.

Figure 44A illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the evaporator cassette 120, Figure 44B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the evaporator cassette 120, and Figure 44C illustrates an embodiment of the evaporator cassette 120 One looking upward perspective view. As shown in FIGS. 44A to 44C , the evaporator cassette 120 includes a housing 160 and an atomizer assembly (or atomizer) 141 .

The atomizer assembly 141 (see Figures 99-101) may include a wicking element 162, a heating element 500, and a wick housing 178. As explained in greater detail below, at least a portion of the heating element 500 is positioned between the housing 160 and the core housing 178 and is exposed for coupling with a portion of the evaporator body 110 (eg, electrically coupling with the vessel contact 125). Core housing 178 may include four sides. For example, core housing 178 may include two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides. The two opposing long sides may each include at least one (two or more) recesses 166 (see Figure 99, Figure 111A). Recesses 166 may be positioned along the long side of core housing 178 and adjacent respective intersections between the long and short sides of core housing 178 . Recess 166 may be shaped to releasably couple with a corresponding feature on evaporator body 110 (eg, a spring) to secure evaporator cassette 120 to evaporator body 110 within cassette receptacle 118 . Recess 166 provides a mechanically stable fastening member for coupling evaporator cassette 120 to evaporator body 110 .

In some embodiments, the core housing 178 also contains an identification chip 174 that can be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the evaporator. The identification wafer 174 may be glued and/or otherwise bonded to the core housing 178 , such as on one of the short sides of the core housing 178 . Additionally or alternatively, core housing 178 may include a wafer recess 164 configured to receive an identification wafer 174 (see Figure 100). Wafer recess 164 may be surrounded by two, four, or more walls. Wafer recess 164 may be shaped to secure identification wafer 174 to core housing 178 .

As mentioned above, the evaporator cassette 120 may generally include a reservoir, an air path, and an atomizer assembly 141 . In certain configurations, heating elements and/or atomizers described in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented directly into an evaporator body and/or may not be removable from the evaporator body. In some embodiments, the vaporizer body may not include a removable cartridge.

Various advantages and benefits of the subject matter of this invention may be associated with improvements over current evaporator configurations, manufacturing methods, and the like. For example, a heating element of a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter may desirably be made from a sheet of material (e.g., stamped) and curled around at least a portion of a wicking element or bent to A preformed element is provided that is configured to receive the wicking element (eg, push the wicking element into the heating element and/or hold the heating element in tension and pull the wicking element through the heating element). The heating element is bendable such that the heating element secures the wicking element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element is bendable to conform to a shape of at least a portion of the wicking element. The configuration of the heating elements allows for more consistent and enhanced quality manufacturing of the heating elements. Consistency in the manufacturing quality of heating elements may be particularly important during scaled and/or automated manufacturing processes. For example, heating elements consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter help reduce tolerance issues that can arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element with multiple components.

In certain embodiments, measurements made from a heating element (e.g., a resistance, a current, a temperature) may be improved due at least in part to improved consistency in the manufacturability of the heating element with reduced tolerance issues. etc.) accuracy. Greater accuracy in measurement provides an enhanced user experience when using the evaporator device. For example, as mentioned above, the vaporizer 100 may receive a signal to initiate the heating element to reach a full operating temperature to form an inhalable dose of vapor/spray or to a lower temperature to begin heating the heating element. The temperature of the vaporizer's heating element can depend on a number of factors, as discussed above, and several of these factors can be made more predictable by eliminating possible variations in the fabrication and assembly of the atomizer assembly. A heating element made from a sheet of material (e.g., stamped) and rolled or bent around at least a portion of a wicking element to provide a preformed element desirably helps minimize heat loss and helps ensure that the heating element predictably Shown by heating to appropriate temperature.

Additionally, as mentioned above, the heating element may be completely and/or selectively plated with one or more materials to enhance the heating performance of the heating element. Coating all or part of the heating element can help minimize heat loss. Plating can also help concentrate the heated portions of the heating element in the proper location, thereby providing a more efficiently heated heating element and further reducing heat loss. Selective plating can help direct the electrical current supplied to the heating element to the proper location. Selective plating can also help reduce the amount of plated material and/or costs associated with manufacturing the heating element.

Once the heating element is formed into the proper shape via one or more of the processes discussed below, the heating element can be curled around the wicking element and/or bent into the appropriate position to receive the wicking element. In certain embodiments, the wicking element may be a fibrous core formed into an at least generally flat pad or having other cross-sectional shapes such as circular, oval, or the like. A flat pad may allow for more precise and/or accurate control of the rate at which vaporizable material is drawn into the wicking element. For example, a length, width and/or thickness may be adjusted for optimal performance. The wicking element forming a flat pad may also provide a larger transfer surface area, which may allow an increased flow of vaporizable material from the reservoir into the wicking element for vaporization by the heating element (in other words, a larger mass of vaporizable material transfer) and from the wicking element to the air flowing across it. In such configurations, the heating element may contact the wicking element in multiple directions (eg, on at least two sides of the wicking element) to increase draw of the vaporizable material into the wicking element and to allow the vaporizable material to Efficiency of the evaporation process. Flat pads can also be more easily shaped and/or cut, and therefore can be more easily assembled with the heating element. In certain embodiments, as discussed in greater detail below, the heating element may be configured to contact the wicking element on only one side of the wicking element.

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

45-48 illustrate schematic diagrams of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. For example, Figure 45 illustrates a schematic view of a heating element 500 in a deployed position. As shown, in the deployed position, heating element 500 forms a planar heating element. Heating element 500 may initially be formed from a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut and/or stamped into the appropriate shape via various mechanical processes including, but not limited to, stamping, laser cutting, photo etching, chemical etching, and/or the like.

The substrate material may be made of a conductive metal suitable for resistive heating. In certain embodiments, heating element 500 includes a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel alloy, stainless steel, and/or the like. As discussed below, the heating element 500 may be coated with a coating in one or more locations on a surface of the substrate material (which may be all or a portion of the heating element 500 ). Enhance, limit or otherwise change the resistivity of the heating element.

Heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 (e.g., heating segments) located in a heating portion 504, one or more connecting portions or legs 506 (e.g., one, two or more) and a cassette contact 124 located in an electrical contact area 510 and formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506 . The tines 502, legs 506 and cassette contacts 124 may be integrally formed. For example, the tines 502, legs 506, and cassette contacts 124 form portions of the heating element 500 that are stamped and/or cut from a substrate material. In certain embodiments, heating element 500 also includes a heat shield 518 extending from one or more of legs 506 and may also be integrally formed with tines 502 , legs 506 , and cassette contacts 124 .

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 is configured to interface with vaporizable material drawn from the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cassette 120 into the wicking element. Heating portion 504 of heating element 500 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise treated to create a desired resistance. For example, the tines 502 located in the heating portion 504 may be designed such that the resistance of the tines 502 matches an appropriate amount of resistance to affect the zoned heating in the heating portion 504 to more efficiently and effectively heat the heat from the wicking element. Evaporable materials. The tines 502 form thin path heating segments or traces in series and/or parallel to provide a desired amount of resistance.

The tines 502 (eg, traces) may include various shapes, sizes, and configurations. In some configurations, one or more of the tines 502 may be spaced apart to allow evaporable material to wick away from the wicking element and thereby evaporate from the side edges of each of the tines 502 . The shape, length, width, composition, etc., and other properties of the tines 502 can be optimized to maximize the efficiency of producing a spray by vaporizing the vaporizable material from within the heated portion of the heating element 500 and to maximize electrical power. efficiency. Additionally or alternatively, the shape, length, width, composition, etc., and other properties of the tines 502 may be optimized to be uniform across the length of the tines 502 (or a portion of the tines 502 , such as at the heated portion 504 ). Distribute heat. For example, the width of the tines 502 may be uniform or variable along a length of the tines 502 to control a temperature profile across at least the heated portion 504 of the heating element 500 . In some examples, the length of tines 502 can be controlled to achieve a desired resistance along at least a portion of heating element 500, such as at heating portion 504. As shown in Figures 45-48, the tines 502 each have the same size and shape. For example, the tines 502 include a generally aligned outer edge 503 and have a generally rectangular shape with a flat or square outer edge 503 (see also Figures 49-53) or a rounded outer edge 503 ( See Figure 54 and Figure 55). In certain embodiments, one or more of the tines 502 may include misaligned outer edges 503 and/or may be of different sizes or shapes (see Figures 57-62). In certain embodiments, the tines 502 may be evenly spaced or have variable spacing between adjacent tines 502 (see Figures 87-92). The specific geometry of the tines 502 may be desirably selected to create a specific localized resistance for heating the heating portion 504 and maximize the performance of the heating element 500 to heat vaporizable materials and produce a spray.

Relative to tines 502, heating element 500 may include portions of wider and/or thicker geometries and/or different compositions. These portions may form electrical contact areas and/or more conductive portions, and/or may include features for mounting the heating element 500 within the evaporator cassette. Legs 506 of heating element 500 extend from one end of each outermost prong 502A. The legs 506 form part of the heating element 500 and have a width and/or thickness that is generally wider than a width of each of the tines 502 . In certain embodiments, however, the legs 506 have a width and/or thickness that is the same as or narrower than the width of each of the tines 502 . Legs 506 couple heating element 500 to core housing 178 or another portion of evaporator cassette 120 such that heating element 500 is at least partially or completely enclosed by housing 160 . The legs 506 provide rigidity to facilitate the heating element 500 to be mechanically stable during and after manufacture. The legs 506 also connect the cassette contacts 124 to the tines 502 located in the heated portion 504 . The legs 506 are shaped and sized to allow the heating element 500 to maintain the electrical requirements of the heating portion 504 . As shown in Figure 48, when the heating element 500 is assembled with the evaporator cassette 120, the legs 506 space the heating portion 504 from one end of the evaporator cassette 120. As discussed in more detail below, at least with respect to Figures 82-98 and 103-104, the leg 506 may also include a capillary feature 598 that restricts or prevents fluid from flowing out of the heating portion 504 to other portions of the heating element 500.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the legs 506 include one or more locating features 516 . Positioning features 516 may be used to achieve relative positioning of the heating element 500 or portions thereof during and/or after assembly by interfacing with other (eg, adjacent) components of the evaporator cassette 120 . In certain embodiments, locating features 516 may be used during or after manufacturing to properly position the substrate material for cutting and/or stamping the substrate material to form heating element 500 or for post-heating element 500 processing. Locating features 516 may be sheared and/or severed prior to curling or otherwise bending heating element 500 .

In certain embodiments, heating element 500 includes one or more heat shields 518. Heat shield 518 forms part of heating element 500 extending laterally from leg 506 . When folded and/or rolled, the heat shield 518 is positioned offset from the tines 502 in a first direction and/or a second direction opposite the first direction in the same plane. When heating element 500 is assembled in evaporator cassette 120, heat shield 518 is configured to be positioned between tines 502 (and heating portion 504) and the body (eg, plastic body) of evaporator cassette 120. The heat shield 518 can help insulate the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cassette 120 . The heat shield 518 helps minimize the effect of heat emanating from the heating portion 504 on the body of the evaporator cassette 120 to protect the structural integrity of the body of the evaporator cassette 120 and prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cassette 120 . The heat shield 518 may also help maintain a consistent temperature at the heated portion 504 by retaining heat within the heated portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss while evaporation occurs. In certain embodiments, evaporator cassette 120 may also or alternatively include a heat shield 518A separate from heating element 500 (see Figure 102).

As described above, heating element 500 includes at least two cassette contacts 124 forming an end portion of each of legs 506 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 45-48 , the cassette contacts 124 may form part of the legs 506 that fold along a fold line 507 . The cassette contacts 124 can be folded at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the legs 506 . In certain embodiments, the cassette contacts 124 may be at other angles relative to the legs 506, such as at approximately 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, or other ranges therebetween. angle) fold. Depending on the implementation, the cassette contacts 124 may be folded toward or away from the heating portion 504 . Cassette contacts 124 may also be formed on another portion of heating element 500, such as along a length of at least one of legs 506. Cassette contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to the environment when assembled in evaporator cassette 120 (see Figure 53).

Cassette contacts 124 may form conductive pins, tabs, posts, receiving holes, or surfaces for pins or posts or other contact configurations. Certain types of cassette contacts 124 may include springs or other urging features to cause better physical and electrical contact between the cassette contacts 124 on the evaporator cassette and the container contacts 125 on the evaporator body 110 . In certain embodiments, cassette contacts 124 include wipe contacts configured to clean connections between cassette contacts 124 and other contacts or power sources. For example, the wiper contact will comprise two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally engage and slide against each other in one of the directions parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

Cassette contacts 124 are configured to interface with container contacts 125 disposed near a base of the cassette container of evaporator 100 such that when evaporator cassette 120 is inserted into cassette container 118 and is in contact with the cassette container When 118 is coupled, the cassette contact 124 and the container contact 125 are electrically connected. Cassette contacts 124 may be in electrical communication with the vaporizer device's power source 112 (such as via container contacts 125 or the like). The circuit completed by these electrical connections may allow electrical current to be delivered to the resistive heating element to heat at least a portion of the heating element 500 and may further be used for additional functions, such as, for example, for measuring one of the resistive heating elements. Resistors are used to determine and/or control a temperature of a resistive heating element based on its resistivity thermal coefficient, for use in one or more other circuit systems based on a resistive heating element or evaporator cartridge. To identify a cassette etc. based on its electrical characteristics. As explained in greater detail below, the cassette contacts 124 may be processed to provide improved electrical properties (eg, contact resistance) using, for example, conductive plating, surface treatments, and/or deposited materials.

In certain embodiments, heating element 500 may be processed through a series of curling and/or bending operations to shape heating element 500 into a desired three-dimensional shape. For example, heating element 500 may be preformed to receive a wicking element 162 or rolled around wicking element 162 to secure the wicking element to at least two portions of heating element 500 (eg, generally parallel portions) between (such as between opposing portions of heating portion 504). To curl the heating elements 500, the heating elements 500 may be bent toward each other along fold lines 520. Folding the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520 creates a platform tine portion 524 defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and a plurality of side tine portions defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and the outer edge 503 of the tine 502 Part 526. Platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one end of wicking element 162 . The side tine portions 526 are configured to contact opposite sides of the wicking element 162 . The platform tine portion 524 and the side tine portion 526 form a pocket shaped to receive the wicking element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 162 . This pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained within the pocket by the heating element 500 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide a multi-dimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 . The multi-dimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wicking element 162 provides for a more efficient and/or faster transfer of vaporizable material from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cassette 120 to one of the heating portions 504 (via the wicking element 162 ). Evaporate.

In certain embodiments, portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be bent away from each other along fold lines 522 . Folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 positions the legs 506 in a first direction and/or a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., in the same plane center) at a position spaced apart from the heating portion 504 (and the tines 502) of the heating element 500. Therefore, folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 will space the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cassette 120 . Figure 46 illustrates a schematic view of heating element 500 that has been folded around wicking element 162 along fold lines 520 and 522. As shown in Figure 46, the wicking element is positioned within the pocket formed by folding heating element 500 along fold lines 520 and 522.

In certain embodiments, heating element 500 may also be bent along fold line 523. For example, the cassette contacts 124 may curve toward each other along fold line 523 (out of the page shown in Figure 47). The cassette contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment to contact the container contacts while the remainder of the heating element 500 is positioned within the evaporator cassette 120 (see Figures 48 and 53).

In use, when a user puffs on the mouth 130 of the evaporator cassette 120 and the heating element 500 is assembled into the evaporator cassette 120, air flows into the evaporator cassette and along an air The path flows. Associated with the user's puffing may be, for example, by automatically detecting the puff via a pressure sensor, by detecting a push of a button by the user, by a motion sensor, a flow rate The sensor, a capacitive lip sensor generates a signal and/or is capable of detecting that a user is or is about to puff or otherwise inhale so that air enters the evaporator 100 and travels at least along the air path. Another method is to activate the heating element 500. When the heating element 500 is activated, power may be supplied from the evaporator device to the heating element 500 at the cassette contacts 124 .

When heating element 500 is activated, a temperature increase is caused as current flows through heating element 500 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of evaporable material through conductive, convective and/or radiative heat transfer, causing at least a portion of the evaporable material to evaporate. Heat transfer to the evaporable material in the reservoir and/or to the evaporable material drawn into the wicking element 162 held by the heating element 500 may occur. In certain embodiments, the evaporable material can evaporate along one or more edges of tines 502, as mentioned above. Air delivered into the evaporator device flows along the air path across the heating element 500 thereby stripping the vaporizable material from the heating element 500 . The evaporable material may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., causing it to exit mouth 130 as a spray for inhalation by a user.

As mentioned above, heating element 500 may be made from a variety of materials, such as nickel-cadmium alloys, stainless steel, or other resistive heater materials. Combinations of two or more materials may be included in the heating element 500, and such combinations may include two homogeneous distributions of the two or more materials throughout the heating element or relative amounts thereof. Materials are other spatially heterogeneous configurations. For example, the tines 502 may have portions that are more resistive and are thereby designed to become hotter than other sections of the tines or heating element 500 . In certain embodiments, at least tines 502 (such as within heating portion 504) may comprise a material that has high electrical conductivity and thermal resistance.

Heating element 500 may be fully or selectively plated with one or more materials. Because the heating element 500 is made of a thermally and/or electrically conductive material such as stainless steel, nichrome, or other thermally and/or electrically conductive alloys, the heating element 500 can pass through the cassette contacts 124 and the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 Electrical or heating losses in the path between the tines 502. To help reduce heating and/or electrical losses, at least a portion of the heating element 500 may be plated with one or more materials to reduce resistance in the electrical path to the heating portion 504 . In certain embodiments consistent with the subject matter of this invention, it may be beneficial to leave heated portion 504 (eg, tines 502) unplated, where at least a portion of legs 506 and/or cassette contacts 124 are plated. There is a plating material that reduces the resistance in those parts (eg, either or both body and contact resistance).

For example, heating element 500 may include various portions plated with different materials. In another example, heating element 500 may be plated with layered materials. Coating at least a portion of the heating element 500 helps concentrate electrical current flowing to the heating portion 504 to reduce electrical and/or thermal losses in other portions of the heating element 500 . In certain embodiments, it is desirable to maintain a low resistance in the electrical path between the cassette contacts 124 and the tines 502 of the heating element 500 to reduce electrical and/or thermal losses in the electrical path and compensate for spanning the heated portion 504 Concentrated voltage drop.

In certain embodiments, cassette contacts 124 may be optionally plated. Selectively plating the cassette contacts 124 with a specific material can minimize or eliminate contact resistance at the point where measurements are taken and provide electrical contact between the cassette contacts 124 and the container contacts. Providing a low resistance at the cartridge contacts 124 may provide more accurate voltage, current, and/or resistance measurements and readings, which may be beneficial in accurately determining the actual current temperature of the heated portion 504 of the heating element 500 .

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

In some embodiments, in order to secure the low resistance outer plating material to the heating element 500, one surface of the heating element 500 may be plated with an adhesive plating material. In these configurations, an adhesive plating material can be deposited onto the surface of heating element 500 and an outer plating material can be deposited onto the adhesive plating material, thereby defining a first plating layer and a second plating layer, respectively. When the outer plating material is deposited onto the adhesive plating material, the adhesive plating material includes a material that has adhesive properties. For example, bonded plating materials may include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, alloys thereof, or the like. 79-81 illustrate an example of a heating element 500 in which the cassette contacts 124 have been selectively plated with an adhesive plating material and/or an outer plating material.

In certain embodiments, the heating element 500 may be primed using a non-plating primer for the external plating material to be deposited onto the heating element 500 (rather than by plating the surface of the heating element 500 with an adhesive plating material). Apply primer to the surface. For example, etching may be used to prime the surface of heating element 500 rather than by depositing an adhesive plating material.

In certain embodiments, all or a portion of the legs 506 and cassette contacts 124 may be plated with an adhesive plating material and/or an outer plating material. In some examples, the cassette contacts 124 may include at least a portion having an outer plating material that has an outer plating material relative to the remaining portions of the cassette contacts 124 and/or the legs 506 of the heating element 500 . Larger thickness. In certain embodiments, cassette contacts 124 and/or legs 506 may have a greater thickness relative to tines 502 and/or heated portion 504 .

In certain embodiments, rather than forming the heating element 500 from a single substrate material and plating the substrate material, the heating element 500 may be formed from various materials coupled together (eg, via laser welding, diffusion processes, etc.). The materials of each portion of the heating element 500 coupled together can be selected to provide a low or zero resistance at the cassette contacts 124 and one at the tines 502 or the heating portion 504 relative to the other portions of the heating element 500. High resistance.

In certain embodiments, the heating element 500 may be electroplated with silver ink and/or spray coated with one or more plating materials, such as an adhesive plating material and an outer plating material.

As mentioned above, the heating element 500 may include various shapes, sizes, and geometries to more efficiently heat the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and evaporate the vaporizable material more efficiently.

49-53 illustrate an example of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , each formed in the one or more legs 506 Cassette contacts 124 at the end portions and a thermal shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, each of the tines 502 has the same or similar shape and size. The tines 502 have a square and/or flat outer edge 503 . In FIGS. 49-52 , the tines 502 have been curled around a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) to secure the wicking element 162 within the pocket area of the tines 502 .

54-55 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 in an unbent position (Fig. 54) and a flexed position (Fig. 55) consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , each formed in the one or more legs 506 Cassette contacts 124 at the end portions and a thermal shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, the tines 502 each have the same or similar shape and size and the tines 502 have a rounded and/or semi-circular outer edge 503 .

Figure 56 illustrates another example of a heating element 500 in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. The heating element 500 is similar to the example heating element 500 shown in Figures 54-55, but In this example, each of the tines 502 has the same or similar shape and size and the tines 502 have a square and/or flat outer edge 503 .

FIGS. 57-62 illustrate other examples of heating elements 500 in which at least one of the tines 502 has a different size, shape, or location than the remaining tines 502 . For example, as shown in Figures 57-58, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 and formed in a or Cassette contacts 124 at the end portions of each of the plurality of legs 506 . In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 505A and a second set of tines 505B. The first set of tines 505A and the second set of tines 505B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first set of prongs 505A and the second set of prongs 505B are not aligned with each other. As shown in Figure 58, when the heating portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of prongs 505A appears to be shorter than the second set of prongs 505B in the first portion of the heating element 500, and the first set of prongs 505A appears to be longer than A second set of tines 505B in the second portion of the heating element 500.

As shown in Figures 59-60, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 and formed on the one or more legs. Cassette contacts 124 at the ends of each of 506. In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 509A and a second set of tines 509B. The first set of tines 509A and the second set of tines 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first set of prongs 509A and the second set of prongs 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, the second set of tines 509B includes a single outermost tine 502A. As shown in Figures 59-60, when the heated portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of tines 509A appears to be longer than the second set of tines 509B. In addition, in FIGS. 59 and 60 , the tines 502 are not bent. Specifically, the tines 502 are located on a first portion of the heating element 500 and a second portion positioned generally parallel to and opposite the first portion. A first set of tines positioned on the first portion of the heating element 500 is positioned between and spaced apart from both the first set of tines and the second set of tines. A platform portion 530 is separated from the second set of tines positioned on the second portion of the heating element 500. Platform portion 530 is configured to contact one end of wicking element 162 . Platform portion 530 includes a cutout portion 532 . The cutout portion 532 may provide additional edges along which the evaporable material may evaporate when the heating element 500 is activated.

As shown in Figures 61-62, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 and formed on the one or more legs. Cassette contacts 124 at the ends of each of 506. In this example, tines 502 include a first set of tines 509A and a second set of tines 509B. The first set of tines 509A and the second set of tines 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first set of prongs 509A and the second set of prongs 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, each of the first set of tines 509A and the second set of tines 509B includes two tines 502 . As shown in Figures 61-62, when the heating portion 504 is in the bent position, the first set of tines 509A appears to be shorter than the second set of tines 509B. In addition, in FIGS. 61 and 62 , the tines 502 are not bent. Specifically, the tines 502 are located on a first portion of the heating element 500 and a second portion that is parallel and opposite to the first portion. A first set of tines positioned on the first portion is provided by a platform portion positioned between the first set of tines and the second set of tines and spaced apart from both the first set of tines and the second set of tines. Separate from the second set of tines positioned on the second portion. The platform portion is configured to contact one end of wicking element 162 . The platform portion contains the cutout portion. The cutout portion may provide additional edges along which the evaporable material may evaporate when the heating element 500 is activated.

Figures 63-68 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 in an unbent position (Figure 63) and a bent position (Figures 64-68) consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more tines 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the tines 502 , each formed in the one or more legs 506 Cassette contacts 124 at the end portions and a thermal shield 518 extending from one or more legs 506 . In this example, the heating element 500 is configured to curl around and/or bend to receive a cylindrical wicking element 162 or a wicking element 162 having a circular cross-section. 162. Each of the tines 502 includes an aperture 540 . The apertures 540 may provide additional edges along which the evaporable material may evaporate when the heating element 500 is activated. Apertures 540 also reduce the amount of material used to form heating element 500, thereby reducing the weight of heating element 500 and the amount of material used in heating element 500, thereby reducing material costs.

69-78 illustrate a heating element 500 consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter in which the heating element 500 is pressed against one side of the wicking element 162. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more prongs 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the prongs 502 , and each formed in the one or more legs 506 cassette contact 124 at the end portion. In these examples, the legs 506 and cassette contacts 124 are configured to bend in a third direction rather than in a first-second direction perpendicular to the third direction. In this configuration, the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 form a planar platform that faces outwardly from the heating element 500 and is configured to be pressed against the wicking element 162 (e.g., between the wicking element 162 on one side).

71-74 illustrate several examples of heating elements 500 including tines 502 configured in various geometries consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As mentioned above, the tines 502 form a planar platform that is pressed against one side of the wicking element 162 in use. The legs 506, but not the tines 502, are bent in the bent position.

Figure 75 illustrates the heating shown in Figure 71 assembled with one of the components of evaporator cassette 120, such as a wick housing (eg, wick housing 178) housing wicking element 162 and heating element 500. An example of element 500 is provided, and Figure 76 illustrates a heating element 500 assembled with an example evaporator cassette 120 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the cassette contacts 124 are curved toward each other in a lateral direction.

77 and 78 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 in which the tines 502 form a platform configured to be pressed against the wicking element 162. Here, the legs 506 may form a spring-like structure that urges the prongs 502 to be pressed against the wicking element 162 when a lateral inward force is applied to each of the legs 506 . For example, FIG. 78 illustrates an example of prongs 502 being pressed against wicking element 162 when power (eg, an electric current) is supplied to heating element 500, such as via cassette contacts 124.

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

As shown in Figure 85, the tines 502 have been curled around a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) to secure the wicking element 162 within the pocket formed by the tines 502. For example, the tines 502 may be folded and/or curled to define a pocket in which the wicking element 162 resides. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a plurality of side tine portions 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . The platform tine portion 524 and the side tine portions 526 form pockets shaped to receive the wicking element 162 and/or to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 162 . This pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured by the heating element 500 and retained within the pocket.

In certain embodiments, the side tine portions 526 and the platform tine portions 524 retain the wicking element 162 via compression (e.g., at least a portion of the wicking element 162 is compressed between the opposing side tine portions 526 and/or the platform tine portions). between parts 524). Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide a multi-dimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 . The multi-dimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wicking element 162 provides for a more efficient and/or faster transfer of vaporizable material from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cassette 120 to one of the heating portions 504 (via the wicking element 162 ). Evaporate.

One or more legs 506 of the example heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 82-86 includes four legs 506 . Each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cassette contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding container contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In certain embodiments, each pair of legs 506 (and cassette contacts 124) may contact a single container contact 125. The legs 506 may be spring loaded to allow the legs 506 to maintain contact with the container contacts 125 . The leg 506 may include a portion extending along a length of the leg 506 that is curved to help maintain contact with the container contact 125 . Spring loading of the leg 506 and/or the curvature of the leg 506 can help increase and/or maintain consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the container contact 125 . In certain embodiments, the leg 506 is coupled with a support 176 that helps increase and/or maintain consistent pressure between the leg 506 and the container contact 125 . The support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other materials to help maintain contact between the legs 506 and the container contacts 125 . In some embodiments, support 176 is formed as part of leg 506 .

Legs 506 may contact one or more wipe contacts configured to clean connections between cassette contacts 124 and other contacts or power. For example, the wiper contacts will comprise at least two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally engage and slide against each other in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the direction of insertion.

As shown in FIGS. 82-98 , one or more legs 506 of the heating element 500 include four legs 506 . Figures 91-92, 97A-98B, and 109-110 show examples of heating element 500 in an unbent position. As shown, heating element 500 has an H-shape defined by four legs 506 and tines 502 . This configuration allows for more accurate measurement of resistance across the heater and reduces variability in resistance measurements, thereby allowing for more efficient spray production and higher quality spray production. Heating element 500 includes two pairs of opposing legs 506 . The tine 502 is coupled (eg, intersected) with each of the pairs of opposing legs 506 at or near a center of each of the pair of opposing legs 506 . Heated portion 504 is positioned between pairs of opposing legs 506 .

Figure 109 illustrates an example of a heating element 500 before the heating element 500 has been stamped and/or otherwise formed from a substrate material 577. Excess substrate material 577A may couple with heating element 500 at one, two, or more coupling locations 577B. For example, as shown, excess substrate material 577A may couple with heating element 500 at two coupling locations 577B near opposing lateral ends 173 of the heating element and/or the platform portion of heating portion 504 of heating element 500 . In certain embodiments, heating element 500 may first be stamped from substrate material 577 and then removed from excess substrate material 577A at coupling location 577B (e.g., by twisting, pulling, punching, cutting) heating element 500 wait).

As described above, to curl the heating elements 500, the heating elements 500 may be bent or otherwise folded toward or away from each other along fold lines 523, 522A, 522B, 520 (see, for example, Figure 98A). Although fold lines are illustrated in Figure 98A, the example heating element 500 illustrated and shown in Figures 44A-115C may also be curled, folded, or otherwise bent along fold lines. Folding the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520 creates a platform tine portion 524 defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and/or a number of platform tine portions 524 defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and the outer edge 503 of the tine 502 . Side tine portion 526. Platform tine portion 524 may contact one end of wicking element 162 and/or support one end of wicking element 162 . The side tine portions 526 may contact opposite sides of the wicking element 162 . Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 define an interior volume of the heating element that forms a pocket shaped to receive the wicking element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 162 . This internal volume allows the wicking element 162 to be secured by the heating element 500 and retained within the pocket area. Platform tine portion 524 and side tine portion 526 contact wicking element 162 to provide a multi-dimensional contact between heating element 500 and wicking element 162 . The multi-dimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wicking element 162 provides for a more efficient and/or faster transfer of vaporizable material from the reservoir 140 of the evaporator cassette 120 to one of the heating portions 504 (via the wicking element 162 ). Evaporate.

In certain embodiments, portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be bent along fold lines 522A, 522B. Folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 positions the legs 506 in a first direction and/or a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., in the same plane center) at a position spaced apart from the heating portion 504 (and the tines 502) of the heating element 500. Therefore, folding the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 away from each other along the fold line 522 will space the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cassette 120 . Folding the portion of leg 506 along fold lines 522A, 522B forms a bridge 585 . In certain embodiments, bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate overflow of vaporizable material from heated portion 504, such as due to capillary action. Bridge 585 also helps isolate heating portion 504 from leg 506 so that heat generated at heating portion 504 does not reach leg 506. This also helps localize the heating of the heating element 500 into the heating portion 504 .

In certain embodiments, heating element 500 may also bend along fold line 523 to define cassette contacts 124 . The cassette contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment or otherwise accessible (and may be positioned within an interior of a portion of the cassette, such as the housing) to contact the container contacts while other portions, such as the heating element 500 The heating portion 504) is positioned within an inaccessible portion of the evaporator cassette 120, such as the wick housing.

In certain embodiments, leg 506 includes retainer portion 180 configured to curve around at least a portion of wick housing 178 surrounding at least a portion of wicking element 162 and heating element 500 (such as heating portion 504 ). . Retainer portion 180 forms one end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to core housing 178 (and evaporator cassette 120). Retainer portion 180 may alternatively be curved away from at least a portion of core housing 178 .

Figures 87-92 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more prongs 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the prongs 502 and formed at the end portions and/or as one or more legs. Each of the legs 506 is a portion of the cassette contact 124 .

The tines 502 may be folded and/or curled to define a pocket-shaped area within which a wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) resides. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a plurality of side tine portions 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . The platform tine portion 524 and the side tine portions 526 form pockets shaped to receive the wicking element 162 and/or to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 162 . This pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained within the pocket by the heating element 500 .

In this example, the tines 502 come in various shapes and sizes and are spaced apart from each other by the same or varying distances. For example, as shown, each of the side tine portions 526 includes at least four tine 502 . In a first pair 570 of adjacent tines 502 , each of the adjacent tines 502 has an inner region 576 positioned adjacent the platform tine portion 524 to an outer region 578 positioned adjacent the outer edge 503 An equal distance apart. In a second pair 572 of adjacent prongs 502 , the adjacent prongs 502 are separated by a varying distance from the inner region 576 to the outer region 578 . For example, adjacent prongs 502 of the second pair 572 are spaced apart by a greater width at the inner region 576 than at the outer region 578 . These configurations can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 . Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the tines 502 provides a higher quality spray because the maximum temperature is maintained more evenly across the entire heated portion 504.

As discussed above, each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cassette contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding container contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In certain embodiments, each pair of legs 506 (and cassette contacts 124) may contact a single container contact 125. In certain embodiments, the leg 506 includes a retainer portion 180 configured to bend and generally extend away from the heating portion 504 . Retainer portion 180 is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess in core housing 178 . Retainer portion 180 forms one end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to core housing 178 (and evaporator cassette 120). The retainer portion 180 may have a tip portion 180A extending from an end of the retainer portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact another portion of the evaporator cassette 120 or a cleaning device used to clean the evaporator cassette 120 .

The outer edge 503 of the tines 502 in the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tabs 580 may include one, two, three, four, or more tabs 580 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly from outer edge 503 and away from a center of heating element 500 . For example, tab 580 may be positioned along an edge surrounding heating element 500 defined at least by side tine portion 526 for receiving an interior volume of wicking element 162 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly away from the interior volume of wicking element 162 . Tab 580 may also extend away from platform tine portion 524 in a direction opposite. In certain embodiments, tabs 580 positioned on opposing sides of the interior volume of wicking element 162 may extend away from each other. This configuration helps to widen the opening to the interior volume of wicking element 162, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood that wicking element 162 will get stuck, tear, and/or become damaged when assembled with heating element 500. Due to the material of the wicking element 162, the wicking element 162 can be easily snagged, torn, and/or otherwise damaged when assembled with the heating element 500 (eg, positioned within the heating element 500 or inserted into the heating element 500). Way becomes damaged. Contact between the wicking element 162 and the outer edge 503 of the tines 502 can also result in damage to the heating element. The shape and/or positioning of tab 580 may allow wicking element 162 to be more easily positioned within or into the pocket formed by tines 502 (e.g., the interior volume of heating element 500), by This prevents or reduces the possibility that the wicking element 162 and/or the heating element will be damaged. Accordingly, the tabs 580 help reduce or prevent damage to the heating element 500 and/or the wicking element 162 after the wicking element 162 is brought into thermal contact with the heating element 500 . The shape of tab 580 also helps minimize the effect on the resistance of heating portion 504.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the cassette contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be plated with one or more outer plating materials 550 to reduce the point at which the heating element 500 contacts the container contacts 125 . Contact resistance.

93A-98B illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more prongs 502 located in the heating portion 504 , one or more legs 506 extending from the prongs 502 and formed at the end portions and/or as one or more legs. Each of the legs 506 is a portion of the cassette contact 124 .

The tines 502 may be folded and/or curled to define a pocket-like area within which the wicking element 162 (eg, a flat pad) resides. The tine 502 includes a platform tine portion 524 and a plurality of side tine portions 526 . The platform tine portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wicking element 162 and the side tine portion 526 is configured to contact the other opposite side of the wicking element 162 . The platform tine portion 524 and the side tine portions 526 form pockets shaped to receive the wicking element 162 and/or to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wicking element 162 . This pocket allows the wicking element 162 to be secured and retained within the pocket by the heating element 500 .

In this example, the tines 502 are of the same shape and size and are equally spaced apart from each other. Here, tine 502 includes a first side tine portion 526A and a second side tine portion 526B separated by a platform tine portion 524 . Each of the first side tine portion 526A and the second side tine portion 526B includes an inner region 576 positioned near the platform tine portion 524 to an outer region 578 positioned near the outer edge 503 . At outer region 578, first side tine portion 526A is positioned generally parallel to second tine portion 526A. At inner region 576, first side tine portion 526A is positioned offset from second side tine portion 526B and first and second side tine portions 526A, 526B are non-parallel. This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the tines 502 of the heating portion 504 . Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the tines 502 provides a higher quality spray because the maximum temperature is maintained more evenly across the entire heated portion 504.

As discussed above, each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cassette contact 124 configured to contact a corresponding container contact 125 of the evaporator 100 . In certain embodiments, each pair of legs 506 (and cassette contacts 124) may contact a single container contact 125. In certain embodiments, the leg 506 includes a retainer portion 180 configured to bend and generally extend away from the heating portion 504 . Retainer portion 180 is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess in core housing 178 . Retainer portion 180 forms one end of leg 506 . Retainer portion 180 helps secure heating element 500 and wicking element 162 to core housing 178 (and evaporator cassette 120). The retainer portion 180 may have a tip portion 180A extending from an end of the retainer portion 180 toward the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 . This configuration reduces the likelihood that the retainer portion will contact another portion of the evaporator cassette 120 or a cleaning device used to clean the evaporator cassette 120 .

The outer edge 503 of the tines 502 in the heating portion 504 may include a tab 580 . Tab 580 may extend outwardly from outer edge 503 and away from a center of heating element 500 . Tab 580 may be shaped to allow wicking element 162 to be more easily positioned within the pocket formed by tines 502 , thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood that wicking element 162 will get stuck on outer edge 503 . The shape of tab 580 helps minimize the effect on the resistance of heating portion 504.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the cassette contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be plated with one or more outer plating materials 550 to reduce the point at which the heating element 500 contacts the container contacts 125 . Contact resistance.

99-100 illustrate an example of an atomizer assembly 141 with heating element 500 and core housing 178 assembled together, and FIG. 101 illustrates an atomizer consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Exploded view of assembly 141. Core housing 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, and the like. Core housing 178 includes four recesses 592 in which at least a portion of each of legs 506 of heating element 500 may be positioned and secured. As shown, the wick housing 178 also includes an opening 593 that provides access to an interior volume 594 in which at least the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and the wicking element 162 are positioned.

Core housing 178 may also include a separate heat shield 518A, which is shown in Figure 102. The heat shield 518A is positioned within the interior volume 594 within the core housing 178 between the walls of the core housing 178 and the heating element 500 . The heat shield 518A is shaped to at least partially surround the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and space the heating element 500 from the sidewalls of the core housing 178 . Thermal shield 518A may help insulate heating portion 504 from the body of evaporator cassette 120 and/or core housing 178 . Thermal shield 518A helps minimize the effect of heat emanating from heating portion 504 on the body of evaporator cassette 120 and/or wick housing 178 to protect the structural integrity of the body of evaporator cassette 120 and/or wick housing 178 property and prevent melting or other deformation of the evaporator cassette 120 and/or core housing 178 . Thermal shield 518A may also help maintain a consistent temperature at heated portion 504 by retaining heat within heated portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss.

Thermal shield 518A includes one at one end aligned with one or more slots (eg, one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more slots) 596 Or a plurality of slots 590 (e.g., three slots), one or more slots 596 are formed in a portion of the core housing 178 opposite the opening 593 (such as a base of the core housing 178 (see FIG. 100 and FIG. 112)). The one or more slots 590, 596 allow the flow of liquid vaporizable material within the heated portion 504 and the escape of pressure resulting from the evaporation of the vaporizable material without affecting the liquid flow of the vaporizable material.

In certain embodiments, flooding may occur between heating element 500 (eg, leg 506) and one of the outer walls of core housing 178 (or between a portion of heating element 500). For example, liquid evaporable material may accumulate due to capillary pressure between the legs 506 of the heating element 500 and the outer wall of the core housing 178 , as indicated by the liquid path 599 . In such situations, there may be capillary pressure sufficient to draw the liquid vaporizable material away from the reservoir and/or heating portion 504. To help limit and/or prevent liquid vaporizable material from escaping the interior volume of wick housing 178 (or heating portion 504 ), wick housing 178 and/or heating element 500 may include capillary features that cause a sudden change in capillary pressure, whereby This formation prevents liquid evaporable material from passing through a featured liquid barrier without the use of an additional seal (eg, a hermetic seal). The capillary feature may define a capillary break formed by a sharp point, bend, curved surface, or other surface in core housing 178 and/or heating element 500. The capillary features allow a conductive element (eg, heating element 500) to be positioned within both a wet and dry area.

The capillary features may be positioned on and/or form part of the heating element 500 and/or wick housing 178 and cause a sudden change in capillary pressure. For example, the capillary features may include a bend, a point, a curve along a length of the heating element or another component of the evaporator cassette that causes an abrupt change in the capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick housing. surfaces, angled surfaces, or other surface features. The capillary features may also include a protrusion of the heating element and/or the wick housing that widens a capillary channel, such as a capillary channel formed between portions of the heating element, between the heating element and the wick housing, and the like. or other portions that are sufficient to reduce capillary pressure within the capillary channel (e.g., capillary features that space the heating element from the core housing) so that the capillary channel does not draw liquid into the capillary channel. Thus, the capillary features prevent or restrict the flow of liquid along a liquid path across the capillary features due at least in part to sudden changes and/or decreases in capillary pressure. The size and/or shape of capillary features (e.g., bends, sharp points, curved surfaces, angled surfaces, protrusions, and the like) may vary depending on the size and/or shape formed in the material, such as the heating element and core housing or formed between components. A wetting angle between the other walls of a capillary channel) may vary with the material of the heating element and/or core housing or other component, and/or may vary with the material formed between the two components, such as the one defining the capillary tube. The size of a gap between the channel (heating element and/or core housing) varies as well as other properties.

As an example, Figures 103A and 103B illustrate a core housing 178 having a capillary feature 598 that causes a sudden change in capillary pressure. The capillary features 598 prevent or restrict the flow of liquid along the liquid path 599 past the capillary features 598 and help prevent liquid from collecting between the legs 506 and the core housing 178 . Capillary features 598 on core housing 178 space heating element 500 (e.g., a component made of metal, etc.) from core housing 178 (e.g., a component made of plastic, etc.), thereby minimizing the Capillary strength between components. The capillary feature 598 shown in Figures 103A and 103B also includes a sharp edge at one end of an angled surface of the core housing, which restricts or prevents liquid flow past the capillary feature 598.

As shown in Figure 103B, the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be angled inwardly toward the interior volume of the heating element 500 and/or the core housing 178. The angled legs 506 may form capillary features that help restrict or prevent the flow of liquid over one of the outer surfaces of the heating element and along the legs 506 of the heating element 500 .

As another example, the heating element 500 may include a capillary feature (eg, a bridge 585) formed with one or more legs 506 and spacing the legs 506 from the heating portion 504 (see Figures 82-98 ). Bridge 585 may be formed by folding heating element 500 along fold lines 520, 522. In certain embodiments, bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate flooding of vaporizable material from heated portion 504 such as due to capillary action. In some examples, such as the example heating element 500 shown in FIGS. 93A-98B , the bridge 585 is angled and/or includes a bend to help restrict fluid flow exiting the heating portion 504 .

As another example, heating element 500 may include a capillary feature 598 that defines a sharp point to cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing the flow of liquid vaporizable material across capillary feature 598. Figure 104 shows an example of a heating element 500 having capillary features 598 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 104 , capillary feature 598 may form an end of bridge 585 that extends outwardly away from the heating portion by a distance greater than the distance between leg 506 and heating portion 504 . Bridge 585 may be terminated with a sharp edge to further help prevent liquid vaporizable material from being transferred to legs 506 and/or away from heated portion 504, thereby reducing leakage and increasing the amount of vaporizable material retained within heated portion 504.

Figures 105-106 illustrate a variation of the heating element 500 shown in Figures 87-92. In this variation of heating element 500, leg 506 of heating element 500 includes a bend at a deflection area 511. The bend in the leg 506 may form a capillary feature 598, which helps prevent liquid evaporable material from flowing past the capillary feature 598. For example, the bend may create a sudden change in capillary pressure, which may also help limit or prevent liquid evaporable material from flowing across the bend and/or collecting between the legs 506 and the core housing 178 , and may help limit Or prevent liquid evaporable material from flowing out of the heating portion 504.

Figures 107-108 illustrate a variation of the heating element 500 shown in Figures 93A-98B. In this variation of heating element 500, leg 506 of heating element 500 includes a bend at a deflection area 511. The bend in the leg 506 may form a capillary feature 598, which helps prevent liquid evaporable material from flowing past the capillary feature 598. For example, the bend may create a sudden change in capillary pressure, which may also help limit or prevent liquid evaporable material from flowing across the bend and/or collecting between the legs 506 and the core housing 178 , and may help limit or Liquid evaporable material is prevented from flowing out of the heated portion 504.

Figures 111A-112 illustrate another example of atomizer assembly 141 with heating element 500 assembled with core housing 178 and heat shield 518A, and Figure 113 illustrates an implementation of the subject matter of the present invention. An exploded view of the atomizer assembly 141 with the same scheme. Core housing 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, and the like. Core housing 178 includes four recesses 592 in which at least a portion of each of legs 506 of heating element 500 may be positioned and secured. Within recess 592 , core housing 178 may include one or more core housing retention features 172 (see FIG. 115A ) that facilitate at least one operation, such as, for example, via legs 506 of heating element 500 . A snap-fit arrangement between one portion and the core housing retention feature 172 secures the heating element 500 to the core housing 178 . The core housing retention feature 172 may also help space the heating element 500 from a surface of the core housing 178 to help prevent heat from acting on the core housing and melting a portion of the core housing 178 .

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

Core housing 178 may also include one or more other cutouts that help space heating element 500 from a surface of core housing 178 to reduce heat contacting the surface of core housing 178 . For example, core housing 178 may include cutouts 170 . Cutout 170 may be formed along an outer surface of core housing 178 proximate opening 593 . Cutout 170 may also include a capillary feature, such as capillary feature 598. The capillary features of cutout 170 may define a surface (eg, a curved surface) that interrupts the tangent point between adjacent (or intersecting) walls, such as the walls of a core housing. The curvilinear surface may have a radius sufficient to reduce or eliminate capillarity forming between adjacent outer walls of the core housing.

Referring to FIGS. 111A-112 , core housing 178 may include a tab 168 . Tabs 168 may assist in properly positioning and/or orienting the core housing relative to one or more other components of the evaporator cassette during assembly of the evaporator cassette. For example, the additional material forming tab 168 displaces the center of mass of core housing 178 . Due to the displaced center of mass, the core housing 178 can be rotated or slid in a specific orientation during assembly to align with a corresponding feature of another component of the evaporator cassette.

114A-114C illustrate an example method of forming the atomizer assembly 141 of the evaporator cassette 120, the atomizer assembly 141 including a core housing 178, a wick, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Element 162 and heating element 500. As shown in Figure 114A, wicking element 162 can be inserted into a pocket formed in heating element 500 (eg, formed by side tine portions 526 and platform tine portions 524). In certain embodiments, wicking element 162 expands when vaporizable material is introduced to wicking element 162 after being fastened to heating element 500 .

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

115A-115C illustrate another example method of forming the atomizer assembly 141 of the evaporator cassette 120, the atomizer assembly 141 including a core housing 178, a core, consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Suction element 162 and heating element 500. As shown in Figure 115A, heating element 500 may be coupled to the core, for example, by inserting or otherwise positioning at least a portion of heating element 500, such as heating portion 504, within the interior volume of core housing 178. Housing 178. The legs 506 of the heating element 500 (eg, the retainer portion 180) may be coupled to the outer wall of the core housing 178 via, for example, a snap-fit arrangement. Specifically, retainer portion 180 or another portion of leg 506 may be coupled to a recess in core housing 178 and at least partially positioned therein, for example by coupling to core housing retention feature 172 In the concave part of 178.

As shown in Figure 115B, wicking element 162 can be inserted into a pocket formed in heating element 500 (eg, formed by side tine portions 526 and platform tine portions 524). In certain embodiments, wicking element 162 is compressed when coupled with heating element 500 . In certain embodiments, wicking element 162 fits within heating element 500 and after being secured to heating element 500 expands when vaporizable material is introduced to wicking element 162 .

Figure 115C shows an example of the wicking element 162 and the heating element 500 assembled together with the wick housing 178 to form the atomizer assembly 141.

Figure 116 illustrates an example process 3600 for assembling a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter. Program flow diagram 3600 illustrates features of a method that may include some or all of the following, as appropriate. At block 3610, a planar substrate having resistive heating properties is provided. At block 3612, the planar substrate may be cut and/or stamped into the desired geometry. At block 3614, at least a portion of the heating element 500 may be plated. For example, as mentioned above, one or more layers of a plating material (eg, an adhesive plating material and/or an outer plating material) may be deposited onto at least a portion of an outer surface of the heating element 500 superior. At block 3616, heating portion 504 (eg, tines 502) can bend and/or otherwise curl around a wicking element to match the shape of the wicking element and secure the wicking element to the heating element. At block 3618, the cassette contact 124, which in some embodiments forms an end portion of the leg 506 of the heating element 500, can be positioned in a first or second direction along a plane or perpendicular to the first or second direction. One of the two directions is bent upward. At block 3620, the heating element 500 can be assembled into a vaporizer cassette 120 and fluid communication can be caused between the wicking element 162 and a reservoir of vaporizable material. At 3622, the vaporizable material can be drawn into the wicking element 162, which can be positioned in contact with at least two surfaces of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500. At block 3624, a heating member may be provided to the cassette contacts 124 of the heating element to heat the heating element 500, at least the heating portion 504. This heating causes evaporation of the evaporable material. At block 3626, the vaporized vaporizable material is entrained in a flow of air to a mouth of the vaporization cartridge in which the heating element is positioned. Condensate control, collection and recycling examples

117-119C illustrate an embodiment of an evaporator cassette including one or more features for controlling, collecting condensate, and/or recirculating condensate in an evaporator device. Although the features described and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 117-119C may be included in and/or may be included in one of the various embodiments of the evaporator cassette described above or features, but the features of the evaporator cassette described and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 117-119C may additionally and/or alternatively be included in an evaporator cassette such as those described below. in one or more other example embodiments.

A typical method by which a vaporizer device produces an inhalable aerosol from a vaporizable material involves heating the vaporizable material in a vaporizer chamber (or a heater chamber) such that the vaporizable material is converted to a gas (or vapor) Mutually. An evaporation chamber generally refers to a zone or volume in an evaporator device within which a heat source (e.g., conduction, convection, and/or radiation) causes heating of an evaporable material to produce air and evaporable material. a mixture to form a vapor for inhalation by a user of the evaporation device.

Since the introduction of evaporator devices into the market, evaporator cassettes containing free liquid (ie, liquid held in a reservoir and not held by a porous material) have gained popularity. Products on the market may have pads or no features at all to collect the condensate produced by generating steam in an evaporator device.

Liquid that forms due to condensation can form a film on the walls of an air path and can travel up to the mouth where it may leak into a user's mouth (which can lead to an unpleasant experience). Even if the membrane does not leak from the mouth, it can be entrained by the air flow forming large droplets that can be drawn into the user's mouth and throat, creating an unpleasant user experience. Problems with using a cotton pad to absorb the condensate include the inefficiency of integrating the pad into part of an evaporator device and the additional manufacturing and assembly costs. Additionally, accumulation and loss of condensate and/or non-evaporated evaporable material may ultimately result in an inability to draw all of the evaporable material into the evaporation chamber, thereby wasting evaporable material. As such, improved evaporation devices and/or evaporation cartridges are desired.

As explained in greater detail below, evaporating the evaporable material into a spray may result in condensate collection along one or more internal channels and outlets (eg, along a mouth) of certain evaporators. For example, the condensate may comprise evaporable material drawn from a reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into condensate before exiting the evaporator. Additionally, evaporable material that has circumvented the evaporation process may also accumulate along one or more internal channels and/or air outlets. This can cause condensate and/or vaporizable material to exit the mouth outlet and deposit into a user's mouth, thereby both creating an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of inhalable spray that would otherwise be available. . Furthermore, the accumulation and loss of condensate may eventually prevent all evaporable material from being drawn from the reservoir into the evaporation chamber, thereby wasting evaporable material. For example, when evaporable material particles accumulate in the internal passage of an air tube downstream of an evaporation chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the air flow path narrows, thereby increasing the air flow rate and thereby exerting a drag force on the air tube. accumulation of fluid, thereby amplifying the potential for entrainment of fluid from the internal channels and through the mouth outlet. Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below.

As mentioned above, drawing the vaporizable material from the reservoir and causing the vaporizable material to evaporate into a spray may cause one or more outlets to be formed adjacent to and/or vaporize within the one or more outlets. The evaporated material condensate is collected. This can cause condensate to exit the outlet and settle into the user's mouth, thereby both creating an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of consumable vapor that would otherwise be available. Various evaporator device features that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features are described herein for controlling condensate in an evaporator device that may provide advantages and improvements over existing methods while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. By way of example, features are described of an evaporator device configured to collect and contain condensate that forms or collects adjacent an outlet of a mouth, thereby preventing condensate from exiting the outlet.

Alternatively or additionally, drawing the evaporable material 102 from the reservoir 140 and evaporating the evaporable material into an aerosol may cause condensation to occur within one or more tubes or internal channels of an evaporator device, such as an air tube. collect. As will be described in greater detail below, evaporator device features configured to trap condensate and prevent evaporable material particles from exiting the air outlet of the evaporator cartridge are described.

Figure 117 illustrates an embodiment of an evaporator cassette 120 that includes a fin-shaped condensate collector 352 configured to collect and contain condensate adjacent the evaporator cassette. An outlet is formed or collected in the mouth or other area of 120, thereby preventing condensate from leaving the outlet. As shown in FIG. 117 , fin condensate collector 352 may be positioned in a chamber proximate an outlet 136 in a mouth 130 such that the spray passes through fin condensate collector 352 before exiting through outlet 136 .

118 illustrates an embodiment of a mouth 330 including an embodiment of a fin-shaped condensate collector 352 having a plurality of microfluidic fins 354. Mouth 330 may be configured for use with a vaporizer cassette (such as vaporizer cassette 120 ) and/or a vaporizer device (such as vaporizer 100 ) with microfluidic fins 354 housed in the fin condensation fins. The liquid collector 352 is used to improve the collection and storage of condensate in the evaporator cassette. As shown in Figure 118, a microfluidic fin 354 includes a set of walls 355 or other protrusions and narrows a groove 353 having microfluidic properties. In an example embodiment, each wall in the set of walls 355 may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to one another such that the space between each wall forms a groove 353 that defines a capillary channel. Wall 355 defines or otherwise forms one or more capillary channels or grooves configured to collect fluid or other condensate.

The mouth 330 illustrated in Figure 118 may improve or otherwise modify the collection and containment of condensate within the reservoir such that the condensate is collected and contained from an air tube outlet 332 such as an air tube or sleeve 128 as shown in Figure 117 ) Effluent condensate may be trapped or otherwise collected between the microfluidic fins 354 as a user inhales on the vaporizer device. As mentioned, the microfluidic fins define one or more capillary channels through which fluid is collected via a capillary force created when the fluid is positioned within the capillary channel. To allow fluid to be trapped by the fin condensate collector 352 rather than being extracted by the drag force of the air flow, the capillary forces of the microfluidic fins can be greater than the drag force of the air flow by providing narrow grooves or channels in which the fluid is positioned. . For example, an effective groove width may be 0.3 mm, and/or range from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.8 mm.

One benefit of this configuration is that it eliminates the need to manufacture additional parts, thereby reducing part count without losing functionality. In one embodiment, a mold (eg, a plastic mold) may be used to fabricate the fin-shaped condensate collector and mouth into a one-piece body. Alternatively, the fin condensate collector and the mouth may be separate structures welded together, and the separate structures together form the fin condensate collector. Other manufacturing methods and materials are also within the scope of the invention.

In other embodiments, the microfluidic fin may be formed as a separate component and fit into the mouth. For example, microfluidic fins may be formed as any part of an evaporator device or evaporator cassette for collecting and containing condensate. The microfluidic fin may be formed with the mouth or may be formed as a second plastic component and fit into the mouth.

In addition to collecting in the mouth, evaporable material condensate can also accumulate within one or more air flow paths or internal channels of an evaporator device. Various features and devices that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features are described herein for recirculating condensate in an evaporator device, such as an embodiment of a condensate recirculator system, as will be described in greater detail below.

119A-119C illustrate one embodiment of a condensate recirculator system 360 for an evaporator cassette (such as evaporator cassette 120) and/or an evaporator device (such as evaporator 100). Condensate recirculator system 360 may be configured for collecting evaporable material condensate and directing the condensate back to the core for reuse.

The condensate recirculator system 360 may include an internal fluted air tube 334 forming an air flow path 338 extending from the mouth toward the evaporation chamber 342 and may be configured to collect any evaporable material condensate and route it to Directed back (via capillary action) to the core for reuse.

One function of the grooves may include trapping or otherwise positioning condensation of evaporable material within the grooves. Once positioned within the groove, the condensate drains downwards to the wick due to capillary action created by the wicking element. Drainage of the condensate in the groove can be achieved at least partially via capillary action. If there is any condensation on the inside of the air tube, the evaporable material particles fill the grooves instead of forming or building a condensate wall on the inside of the air tube (if there were no grooves). When the grooves are filled enough to establish fluid communication with the core, condensate passes through and drains from the grooves and can be reused as evaporable material. In certain embodiments, the groove may be tapered such that the groove narrows toward the core and widens toward the mouth. This taper encourages fluid movement toward the evaporation chamber as more condensate is collected in the groove via higher capillary action at the narrower point.

Figure 119A shows a cross-sectional view of air tube 334. The air tube 334 includes an air flow passage 338 and has one or more internal grooves of reduced hydraulic diameter toward the evaporation chamber 342 . The grooves are sized and shaped so that fluid (such as condensate) disposed within the grooves can be transported from a first location to a second location via capillary action. The interior grooves include air tube grooves 364 and chamber grooves 365. The air tube groove 364 can be disposed inside the air tube 334 and can be tapered, so that the cross section of the air tube groove 364 at a first end 362 of the air tube can be larger than that of the air tube groove 364 at a second end 363 of the air tube. section. Chamber groove 365 may be disposed proximate air tube second end 363 and couple with air tube groove 364 . The internal grooves may be in fluid communication with the core and configured to allow the core to continuously drain evaporable material condensate from the internal grooves, thereby preventing the accumulation of a condensate film in air flow passage 338 . Condensate can enter the inner groove preferentially due to the capillary actuation of the inner groove. Capillary driven gradients in the internal grooves direct fluid migration toward the core housing 346 where the evaporable material condensate is recirculated by resaturating the core.

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

As discussed above, as the effective cross-section of the air flow path narrows due to the accumulation of condensate in the air flow path or due to the design as discussed herein, the flow rate at which air moves through the air duct increases, thereby affecting the Accumulating fluid (eg, condensate) exerts a drag force. Fluid exits the air outlet when the drag force pulling the fluid toward the user (eg, in response to a draw on the evaporator) is greater than the capillary force pulling the fluid toward the wick.

To overcome this problem and urge the condensate away from the mouth outlet and back toward the evaporation chamber 342 and/or the core, a trapped air flow path is provided such that the air tube groove 364 has a cross-section closer to the evaporation chamber 342 than the mouth. One of the air tube grooves 364 at the bottom has a narrow cross-section. Additionally, each of the interior grooves is narrowed such that the width of the interior grooves proximate the first end 362 of the air tube may be wider than the width of the interior grooves proximate the second end 363 of the air tube. Thus, narrowing the passage increases the capillary drive of air tube groove 364 and promotes condensate movement toward the fluid of chamber groove 365. Furthermore, the chamber groove 365 proximate the air tube second end 363 may be wider than the width of the chamber groove 365 proximate the core. That is, in addition to the air flow path itself narrowing toward the core end, each groove channel also gradually narrows toward the core.

To maximize the effectiveness of the capillary action provided by the condensate recirculator system design, consider the air tube cross-section size relative to the groove size. Although capillary drive can increase as the groove width narrows, smaller groove sizes can cause condensate to overflow out of the groove and block the air tube. As such, the groove width may range from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.8 mm.

In certain embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves may vary. For example, the groove may not necessarily have a decreasing hydraulic diameter toward one of the cores. In some embodiments, reducing the hydraulic diameter toward one of the cores may improve the performance of the capillary drive, but other embodiments are contemplated. For example, the internal grooves and channels may have a substantially straight configuration, a tapered configuration, a spiral configuration, and/or other configurations.

In certain embodiments, the features required to form the capillary actuation may be associated with the housing structure of the aerosol generating unit (e.g., evaporation chamber), the mouth, and/or part of a separate plastic component such as the fins discussed herein. shaped condensation collector) as a whole. Terminology

When a feature or element is referred to herein as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features may be present. or component. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there may be no intervening features or elements present.

Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may be applicable to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also understand that a structure or feature referred to as being "adjacent" to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and/or components but do not exclude the presence or addition of a or multiple other features, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as "/".

In the above description and within the scope of the claims, phrases such as "at least one of" or "one or more of" may appear after a linked list of elements or features. The term "and/or" may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, this phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or in combination with any of the other stated elements or features. State any of the elements or characteristics. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B"; "one or more of A and B"; and "A and/or B" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, or A and B" Together". A similar interpretation is intended for lists containing three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C"; "one or more of A, B and C"; and "A, B and/or C" are each intended to mean "A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together or A, B and C together.” The term "based on" as used above and in the scope of the claims is intended to mean "based at least in part on" such that a non-stated feature or element is also permissible.

As illustrated in the Figures, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms (such as "forward", "backward", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper") may be used herein and the like) to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (additional) element or feature. It will be understood that these spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the illustrative term "below" may encompass both an upward and a downward orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like may be used herein for purposes of explanation only, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited by these terms unless context dictates otherwise. These terms are used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed below could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed below could be termed a first feature/element, without departing from this context. The instructions provided in.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the Examples and unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers may be construed as if preceded by the words "about" or "approximately" even if the term is not expressly stated otherwise. appear. When describing quantities and/or positions, the phrases "about" or "approximately" may be used to indicate that the stated values and/or positions are within a reasonably expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numerical value may be +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 1% of the stated value (or range of values), - 2%, +/- 5% of the stated value (or value range), +/- 10% of the stated value (or value range), etc. Any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include approximately or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise.

For example, if the value "10" is revealed, then "approximately 10" is also revealed. Any numerical range stated herein is intended to include all subranges included herein. It should also be understood that when a value "less than or equal to" that value is disclosed, "greater than or equal to that value" and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if the value "X" is disclosed, then "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" are also disclosed (eg, where X is a numeric value). It should also be understood that throughout the application, information is provided in a number of different formats, and that this information represents ending and starting points, and ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" can be revealed, it should be understood that revealing greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to and equal to 10 and 15 and between 10 can be considered between 15 and 15. It is also understood that every unit between two specific units may also be disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 can be revealed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 can also be revealed.

Although various illustrative embodiments are set forth above, any of several changes may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the teachings herein. For example, the order in which various illustrated method steps are performed may generally be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not included in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description is provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be embodied in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate array (FPGA) computers Implemented in hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations thereof. Such various aspects or features may include implementations in one or more computer programs that may be executed and/or interpreted on a programmable system that includes at least one program that may be for special or general purposes. A programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from and transmit data and instructions to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are remote from each other and can interact through a communications network. The client-server relationship is created by means of computer programs that run on separate computers and have a client-server relationship with each other.

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

As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer programming product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., disk, Optical discs, memory and programmable logic devices (PLD)), including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.

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

The examples and illustrations contained herein show, by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, specific embodiments in which the disclosed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived from such embodiments, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Such embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention" for convenience only and is not intended to in fact disclose more than one invention or inventive concept. In such case, the scope of this application is automatically limited to any single invention or inventive concept.

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

The disclosed subject matter has been provided herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that, regardless of the detailed nature of the illustrative embodiments provided herein, changes and modifications may be applied to the embodiments without limiting or departing from the general intended purpose. These and various other adaptations and combinations of the embodiments provided herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full equivalents.

Portions of the disclosures in this patent document may contain copyrighted material. The owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Certain marks referenced herein may be common legal or registered trademarks of the applicant, the assignee, or third parties related or unrelated to the applicant or assignee. The use of these marks is intended to provide an authorized disclosure by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter exclusively to the material associated with such marks.

100:Evaporator

102: Liquid evaporable materials/evaporable materials

104:Controller

105:Communication hardware

108:Memory

110:Evaporator body

112:Power supply

113: Sensor/pressure sensor

115:Seals/elastic seals

116:Input device

117:Output

118: Cassette container

120:Evaporator cassette

122: Insertable end

124: Cassette contact

125: Evaporator body contact/container contact/contact

126:Conductive structure

128:casing

130: Mouth

132:Window

134:Air flow path

136:Export

140: Reservoir/evaporator receptacle

141:Atomizer

150:Evaporation chamber

160: Shell

162: Wicking element/cylindrical wicking element

164:wafer concave part

166: concave part

168: tab

170: Incision

172: Core shell retaining characteristics

174:Identification chip

176:Support

178:Core shell

180:Retainer part

180A: Tip part

200A: Storage system/positioning auxiliary storage system/stable storage system

200B: Storage system/positioning auxiliary storage system

202: Evaporable materials/liquid evaporable materials

232:Reservoir wall

234:Air flow

238:Air flow path

240:reservoir

242:Evaporation chamber

244:Air flow limiter

246:Vent hole

330: Mouth

332:Air pipe outlet

334: Internally grooved air tube/air tube

338:Air flow path

342:Evaporation chamber

346:Core shell

352: Fin-shaped condensate collector

353: Groove

354:Microfluidic fins

355:Wall

360:Condensate recirculator system

362:First end of air tube

363:Second end of air tube

364:Air tube groove

365: Chamber recess

366: first diameter

368:Second diameter

500: Heating element

502:Fork tines

502A: Outermost tines

503: Outer edge/square outer edge/flat outer edge/rounded outer edge

504: Heating part

505A:Fork tines

505B:Fork tines

506: Outrigger

507: Folding line

508: Transition area

509A:Fork tines

509B:Fork tines

510: Electrical contact area

511: Deflection area

516: Locating features

518:Heat shield

518A:Heat shield

520: Folding line

522: fold line

522A: Folding line

522B: Folding line

523: Folding line

524: Platform fork part

526: Side tine part

526A: First side tine part

526B:Second side tine part

530:Platform part

532: Cutout part

540:pore

550:Outer plating material

570:First pair

572:Second pair

577: Substrate material

577A: Too much substrate material

577B: Coupling position

578:Outer area

580: tab

585: Bridge parts

590:Slot

592: concave part

593:Open your mouth

594:Internal volume

596:Vent/Slot

598:Capillary Characteristics

599:Liquid path

610: Fill port

622: Filling needle

630:Fill the passage

710: Convex configuration port

712: Concave configured port

760: Plug/core housing

910: Core shell area

920: Drain hole

1002:Vent hole

1100:Central Tunnel

1102: Gate/V-shaped gate/controlled fluid gate

1104: Overflow channel/extended overflow channel

1106: Air exchange port

1108: Fork-shaped protrusion

1110:Compression rib

1111a: Narrowing point/C-shaped narrowing point

1111b: Narrowing point

1122: pinch point

1190: Labyrinth structure/trough structure

1200: Single vent multi-channel collector/collector/single gate multi-channel collector/single vent collector

1202:Gate

1204a-k: Channel

1300:Multi-vent multi-channel collector/collector

1301:Double vent

1302: Evaporable materials/liquid evaporable materials

1313: Collector/interchangeable collector/single gate single channel collector/collector structure

1315:Core shell

1318:Air vent

1320: Cassette embodiment/cassette

1326:Board

1330: Mouth area

1338:Air flow path

1340: receptacle/cassette receptacle/storage room/storage compartment

1342:Storage room/reservoir storage room

1344: Overflow volume/reservoir overflow volume

1350:Heating element

1362: Wicking component

1368: Core feeder

1368a/b:Protrusion

1382:Main access

1384: Secondary path/Second path

1390: Receiving recess/receiving cavity

1400: Collector

1422:Part One

1424:Part 2

1430: Mouth area

1438:Air flow path

1450:Heating element

1460: Sponge/absorbent material

1500:cassette

1510:Secondary volume

1513:Partition area

1530: partition

1538:Air flow path

1542:Storage room

1562:Core/double feeder core/dry core

1566: Core feed piece

1568: Core feed piece

1590: Core feed piece

1592:First end

1800: Evaporator cassette

1813:Collector

1830:Double-tube mouth/mouth

1838:Air flow path

1850: Flat heating element/heating element

1850A:Part 1

1850B:Part 2

1900: Evaporator cassette

1913: Collector

1938: Air flow path

1950: Folding heating element/heating element

1950A:Fork tines

1962:Core

2000: Evaporator cassette

2038:Air flow path

2050: Folding heating element/heating element

2050A:Fork tines

2062:Core

2102:Flat rib

2104:Sealing bead profile

2213: Collector

2238:Air flow path

2262:core

2295:Identification chip

2296: Core support rib

2701: Flow Management Vent Mechanism/Fluid Vent/Vent

2702: Flow management vent mechanism/vent

3201:Condensate collector

3204:Condensate recirculator channel

3501: Air gap

3600:Procedure/Program Flowchart

3610: Steps

3612: Steps

3614:Steps

3616:Steps

3618:Steps

3620: Steps

3622: Steps

3624: steps

3626:Steps

3700:Central channel

3701: Core feeder/double core feeder

3902:Air control vent

4001: Core feed channel

4002: Clamp-shaped end part

4003: Lip

4390:Protruding parts/tabs

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate specific aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed embodiments as provided below. some principles.

1 illustrates a block diagram of an example evaporator device according to one or more embodiments;

2A illustrates a plan view of an example evaporator body and insertable evaporator cassette in accordance with one or more embodiments;

Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the evaporator device of Figure 2A according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 2C shows a perspective view of the cassette of Figure 2A according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 2D shows another perspective view of the cassette of Figure 2C according to one or more embodiments;

2E illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for use in an evaporator cassette and/or evaporator device to improve air flow in the evaporator device, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

2F illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for use in an evaporator cassette or evaporator device to improve air flow in the evaporator device, according to another embodiment;

3A and 3B illustrate an example plan cross-sectional view of a cassette having a storage chamber and an overflow volume in accordance with one or more embodiments;

Figure 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment of the cassette of Figures 3A and 3B in accordance with one or more embodiments;

Figure 5 illustrates a plan cross-sectional side view of a selected split portion of a cassette in accordance with one or more embodiments;

6A illustrates a cross-sectional top view of an example cassette structure according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 6B illustrates a perspective side view of the example cassette of Figure 6A in accordance with one or more embodiments;

7A-7D illustrate an example embodiment of a cassette connection port having a male or female configuration in accordance with one or more embodiments;

8 illustrates a plan top view of a cassette with an example pattern or logo in accordance with one or more embodiments;

9A and 9B illustrate perspective and plan cross-sectional views of a split portion of an example cassette in accordance with one or more embodiments;

10A and 10B illustrate closed and exploded perspective views of an example cassette embodiment having a detachable structure for housing a collector mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments;

10C-10E illustrate perspective front and side views of an example cassette structural assembly having a flow management collector with one or more flow channels, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

11A illustrates a side plan view of an example single vent single channel collector structure according to one or more embodiments;

11B is a side plan view of an example cassette having a translucent housing structure housing an example collector, such as that shown in FIG. 11A , in accordance with one or more embodiments;

11C-11E illustrate perspective and plan side views of an example collector structure with a flow management constrictor built into a flow channel in accordance with one or more embodiments;

11F and 11G illustrate front and side views of an example collector structure with a flow management constrictor built into the flow channel of the collector in accordance with one or more embodiments;

11H illustrates a perspective of an example collector structure having one or more vents that control liquid flow between a storage chamber and an overflow volume in a cassette, in accordance with one or more embodiments. close-up view;

11I-11K illustrate perspective views of an example collector structure with flow management control in accordance with one or more embodiments;

11L-11N illustrate front plan and close-up views of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one embodiment;

Figures 110-11 A snapshot in time as you continue to retreat and adapt to proper emissions;

12A and 12B illustrate an example of a single vent multi-channel collector structure according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 13 illustrates an example dual vent multi-channel collector structure according to one or more embodiments;

14A and 14B illustrate perspective and cross-sectional plan side views of an example collector structure for a cassette having a dual core feed, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

15A-15C illustrate additional perspective and cross-sectional plan side views of an example collector structure for a dual core feed structure in accordance with one or more embodiments;

16A-16C illustrate, respectively, a cross-sectional plan side view of an example cassette, a plan side view of an example wicking element housed in a collector structure, and a collection device having a collector structure, in accordance with one or more embodiments. A perspective view of an example cassette of the device structure;

17A and 17B illustrate a perspective view of a first side of a cassette having a wicking element protruding into a storage chamber and a cross-section of a second side of the cassette, according to one or more embodiments Figure;

18A-18D illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow path in an evaporator cassette according to one or more embodiments;

19A-19C illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow path in an evaporator cassette according to one or more embodiments;

20A-20C illustrate an example of a heating element and an air flow path in an evaporator cassette according to one or more embodiments;

21A and 21B illustrate side views of an example collector structure that includes one or more ribs or sealing bead profiles that support specific manufacturing techniques for fastening the collector to a storage chamber in a cassette;

22A-22B illustrate an example of a heating element according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 23 illustrates an example of a portion of a core housing in accordance with one or more embodiments;

Figure 24 illustrates an example of identifying a wafer according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 25 illustrates perspective, front, side and exploded views of an example embodiment of a cassette;

Figure 26A illustrates perspective, front, side, bottom and top views of an example embodiment of a collector having a V-shaped vent;

26B and 26C illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of example collector structures from different viewing angles, with focus on fastening a wicking element and a wick shell relative to a Structural details of the placement of the atomizer towards one end of a cassette;

26D-26F illustrate top plan views of an example core feed mechanism formed or structured by a collector in accordance with one or more embodiments;

27A and 27B illustrate front views of an example flow management mechanism in a collector structure according to one or more embodiments;

Figure 28 illustrates a front view of an example cassette housing an example collector structure;

29A to 29C respectively illustrate perspective, front and side views of an example embodiment of a cassette;

30A-30F illustrate perspective views of an example cassette at different filling levels in accordance with one or more embodiments;

31A-31C illustrate front views of an example cassette as filled and assembled according to one embodiment;

32A-32C illustrate front, top, and bottom views of an example cassette air path;

33A and 33B illustrate front and top views of an example cassette having an air flow path, liquid feed channel, and a condensation collection system;

34A and 34B illustrate front and side views of an example cassette body having an external air flow path;

35 and 36 illustrate perspective views of a portion of an example cassette having a collector structure having an air gap at a bottom rib of the collector structure;

37A-37C illustrate top views of various example core feed shapes for a cassette;

Figures 37D and 37E are exemplary embodiments of a collector having a dual-core feed implementation;

38 illustrates a close-up view of an end of a core feed positioned proximate the core and configured to at least partially receive the core;

39 illustrates a perspective view of an example collector structure having a square design core feed combined with an air gap at one end of the overflow passage;

Figure 40A illustrates a rear view of a collector structure with four distinct injection sites, for example;

40B illustrates a side view of a collector structure specifically showing a clamp-shaped end portion of a core feed that can securely hold the core in the path of the core feed, for example;

Figure 40C illustrates a top view of a collector structure having wick feed channels for receiving evaporable material from a storage chamber of a cassette and directing the evaporable material towards projections through the wick feed channels. The outlet is held in position on the core guide at the end of the core feed channel;

Figure 40D illustrates a front plan view of the collector structure. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed in the lower portion of the collector structure at the end of one of the lower ribs of the collector structure, wherein the overflow passage of the collector leads to an air control vent in communication with ambient air;

40E illustrates a bottom view of a collector structure with core feed channels terminating in clamp-shaped protrusions configured to hold the core in place on each end;

41A and 41B illustrate top plan and side views of a collector structure with two clamp-shaped end portions of two corresponding core feeds;

42A and 42B illustrate various perspective, top, and side views of an example collector having different structural embodiments;

43A illustrates various perspective, top, and side views of an example core housing in accordance with one or more embodiments;

43B illustrates an example cassette collector and core housing assembly in which a protruding tab is configured in the structure of the core housing to be insertably received into a receiving recess in a corresponding bottom portion of the collector. in the mouth or cavity;

Figure 44A illustrates a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

44B illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

44C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 45 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 46 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 47 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element for use in an evaporator device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

48 shows a schematic diagram of a heating element positioned in an evaporator cassette for use in an evaporator device consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 49 shows a heating element and a wicking element consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 50 shows a heating element and a wicking element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 51 shows a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 52 shows a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 53 shows a heating element positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 54 shows a heating element in an unflexed position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 55 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 56 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 57 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 58 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 59 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 60 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 61 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 62 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 63 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 64 shows a heating element in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 65 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 66 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 67 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 68 shows a heating element and a wicking element in a partially bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 69 shows a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 70 shows a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 71 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 72 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 73 shows a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 74 shows a heating element in an unflexed position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

75 shows a heating element coupled to a portion of an evaporator cassette consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 76 shows a heating element and a wicking element positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 77 shows a heating element in a partially bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 78 shows a heating element and a wicking element in a partially bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 79 shows a heating element having a plate portion in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 80 shows a heating element having a plate portion in a bent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 81 shows a heating element having a plate portion positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

82 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 83 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 84 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 85 shows a perspective view of a heating element and a wicking element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 86 shows a heating element positioned within an evaporator cassette consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 87 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 88 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 89 shows a top view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 90 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 91 shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 92 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

93A shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

93B shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 94 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 95 shows a top view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 96 shows a front view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

97A shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

97B shows a perspective view of a heating element in a non-bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

98A shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

98B shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 99 shows a top perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 100 shows a bottom perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 101 shows an exploded perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 102 shows a perspective view of a heat shield consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 103A shows a side cross-sectional view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 103B shows another side cross-sectional view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 104 schematically illustrates a heating element consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 105 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 106 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 107 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 108 shows a side view of a heating element in a bent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 109 shows a top view of a substrate material having a heating element consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 110 shows a top view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 111A shows a top perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 111B shows a close-up view of a portion of a core housing of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 112 shows a bottom perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

Figure 113 shows an exploded perspective view of an atomizer assembly consistent with an embodiment of the present subject matter;

114A to 114C illustrate a procedure for assembling an atomizer consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

115A to 115C illustrate a procedure for assembling an atomizer consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 116 shows a process flow diagram illustrating features of a method of forming and implementing a heating element consistent with embodiments of the present subject matter;

Figure 117 illustrates one embodiment of an evaporator cassette;

Figure 118 illustrates an embodiment of a vaporizer cassette and/or a mouth of the vaporizer device;

Figure 119A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a condensate recirculator system of an evaporator cassette;

Figure 119B illustrates a first perspective view of the condensate recirculator system of Figure 119A; and

Figure 119C illustrates a second perspective view of the condensate recirculator system of Figure 119A.

Where applicable, the same or similar reference numbers refer to the same, similar or equivalent structures, features, aspects or elements according to one or more embodiments.

100:Evaporator

104:Controller

105:Communication hardware

108:Memory

110:Evaporator body

112:Power supply

113: Sensor/pressure sensor

115:Seals/elastic seals

116:Input device

117:Output

118: Cassette container

120:Evaporator cassette

124: Cassette contact

125: Evaporator body contact/container contact/contact

130: Mouth

140: Reservoir/evaporator receptacle

141:Atomizer

Claims (22)

An evaporator comprising: a reservoir configured to contain a liquid evaporable material, the reservoir being at least partially bounded by at least one wall, the reservoir including a storage chamber and an overflow volume; and an a collector disposed in the overflow volume, the collector including a capillary structure configured to maintain a volume of liquid evaporable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber, the capillary structure including a capillary structure configured to maintain A microfluidic feature that prevents air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector. The evaporator of claim 1, further comprising a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the storage chamber and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid evaporable material to a gas phase state. The evaporator of claim 2, wherein the main passage is formed through a structure of the collector. The vaporizer of claim 2, wherein the primary passage includes a first channel configured to allow the liquid vaporizable material to flow from the storage chamber toward a wicking element in the atomizer, the first channel having A cross-sectional shape having at least one irregularity configured to allow liquid in the first channel to bypass an air bubble blocking a remaining portion of the first channel. The evaporator of claim 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape is similar to a cross. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the capillary structure includes a primary passage, the secondary passage includes the microfluidic feature, and wherein the microfluidic feature is configured to allow the liquid evaporable material to completely cover the secondary passage only. A meniscus of a cross-sectional area of the passage moves along a length of the secondary passage. The evaporator of claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area is sufficiently small such that for a combination of a material forming the wall of the secondary passage and the liquid evaporable material, the liquid evaporable material is preferentially located in the secondary passage. Wet the secondary pathway around the entire perimeter of one of the primary pathways. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the storage chamber and the collector are configured such that a continuous column of the liquid evaporable material in the collector is maintained in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber, such that A decrease in pressure in the storage chamber relative to ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the collector to draw at least partially back into the storage chamber. The evaporator of claim 6, wherein the secondary passage includes a plurality of spaced-apart constriction points, and the plurality of spaced-apart constriction points have an area smaller than the portion of the secondary passage between the constriction points. A section area. The evaporator of claim 9, wherein the narrowing points have a flatter surface pointing toward the storage chamber along the secondary passage and a rounder surface along the secondary passage away from the storage chamber. The evaporator of claim 1, further comprising a microfluidic gate between the collector and the storage compartment, the microfluidic gate including a frame of a gap between the storage chamber and the collector, the frame It is flatter on a first side facing the storage chamber than on a second, more rounded side facing the collector. The evaporator of claim 11, wherein the microfluidic gate includes a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector and a pinch point between the plurality of openings, the plurality of openings including a first channel and a A second channel, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel. The evaporator of claim 12, wherein a meniscus of air-liquid evaporable material reaching the pinch point is delivered to the second channel due to the higher capillary drive in the first channel, such that an air Bubbles are formed to escape into the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the liquid evaporable material includes one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. A collector configured for insertion into an evaporator cassette, the collector including: a capillary structure configured to maintain a volume of liquid evaporable material with a storage chamber of the evaporator cassette In fluid contact, the capillary structure includes microfluidic features configured to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the collector. The collector of claim 15, further comprising a material for controlling liquid evaporation A microfluidic gate for flow between a storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in an evaporator, the microfluidic gate including: a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the collector, the plurality of openings including a A first channel and a second channel, wherein the first channel has a higher capillary drive than the second channel; and a pinch point located between the plurality of openings. The collector of claim 15, further comprising a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the reservoir and an atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporizable material to a gas phase state, wherein the primary passage It is formed through a structure of the collector. The collector of claim 15, wherein the capillary structure includes a primary passage, the secondary passage includes the microfluidic feature, and wherein the microfluidic feature is configured to allow the liquid evaporable material to completely cover the secondary passage only. A meniscus of a cross-sectional area of the passage moves along a length of the secondary passage. The collector of claim 18, wherein the cross-sectional area is sufficiently small such that for a combination of a material forming the wall of the secondary passage and the liquid evaporable material, the liquid evaporable material is preferentially located in the secondary passage. Wet the secondary pathway around the entire perimeter of one of the primary pathways. The collector of claim 15, wherein the storage chamber and the collector are configured such that a continuous column of the liquid evaporable material in the collector is maintained in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the storage chamber, such that A decrease in the pressure in the storage chamber relative to the surrounding pressure causes the collector to The continuous column of liquid evaporable material is drawn at least partially back into the storage chamber. The collector of claim 18, wherein the secondary path includes a plurality of spaced-apart constriction points, the plurality of spaced-apart constriction points having an area smaller than a portion of the secondary path between the constriction points. A section area. The collector of claim 21, wherein the constrictions have a flatter surface along the secondary passage pointing toward the storage compartment and a rounder surface along the secondary passage facing away from a storage compartment.