US20230045836A1

US20230045836A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: US20230045836A1
Application number: US17/445,050
Authority: US
Inventors: Jared Aller; Thomas Woodman; Ping Chou Chen
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-13
Filing date: 2021-08-13
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Also published as: WO2023017236A2; CA3224627A1; KR20240031373A; GB202116543D0; WO2023017236A3

Abstract

A body 4, for an aerosol provision system 200 for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material. The body 4 comprises a receptacle 8 for releasably receiving a cartridge 2. The receptacle 8 comprises at least one air inlet 14 and a plenum chamber 202. In this way, the receptacle 8 is configured for allowing the cartridge 2 to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber 202 when the receptacle 8 is releasably receiving the cartridge 2, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle 8, through the at least one air inlet 14, into the receptacle 8, and then into the plenum chamber 202.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems often employ an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol provision device. Such an aerosol provision device typically contains aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol provision device comprising a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of aerosolizable material to generate a vapour.
Once a vapour has been generated, the vapour may be passed through flavoring material to add flavor to the vapour (if the aerosolizable material was not itself flavored), after which the (flavored) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece from the aerosol provision device.
A potential drawback of a number of existing aerosol provision systems, and associated aerosol provision devices and other parts thereof, concerns the flow paths employed for delivering air from outside of the aerosol provision system, and through the aerosol provision system.
Various approaches are therefore described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of these issues, through the better directing and guiding of air flow through the aerosol provision system, and in particular the portions of the aerosol provision system which are upstream of the vaporiser and/or regions where the aerosol is configured to be generated.
These approaches can therefore also lead to improved detection by the aerosol provision system as to when a user is operating (inhaling) air through the aerosol provision system, and can also provide less convoluted, and more efficient, air flow paths through the aerosol provision system, from an air inlet therefrom, towards the aerosol generating components.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising:
a receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:
at least one receptacle wall;
t least one air inlet, wherein each air inlet extends through the at least one receptacle wall; and
a plenum chamber;
wherein the receptacle is configured for allowing the cartridge to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle, through the at least one air inlet, into the receptacle, and then into the plenum chamber.
According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising the body according to the first aspect, the aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing the flow of air to pass from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge is engaged against the portion of the plenum chamber.
According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet from a body of the aerosol provision system;
delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a plenum chamber of the body; and
delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of a cartridge which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber.
It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision device comprising a cartridge and control unit (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7A schematically represents an embodiment of aerosol provision system, similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-6B, when in a first position, and which comprises a plenum chamber, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7B schematically represents an embodiment of aerosol provision system, similar to that shown in FIG. 7A, when in a second position, and which comprises a plenum chamber, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7C schematically represents a sectional view of a portion of the aerosol provision system from FIG. 7A when taken about plane 7C-7C from FIG. 7A, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7D schematically represents a perspective view of a portion of the aerosol provision system from FIGS. 7A-7C, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7E represents a perspective view of the plenum chamber illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 schematically represents a flowchart illustrating a potential method of air flow through the aerosol provision systems herein described, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision devices (such as an e-cigarette) which are used as part of a wider aerosol provision system. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision device is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision device (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolizable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosolizable material may also be flavored, in some embodiments.
Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol provision device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is a hybrid device configured to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the (non-combustible) aerosol provision device may comprise a cartridge/consumable part and a body/reusable part, which is configured to releasably engage with the cartridge/consumable part.
The aerosol provision device may be provided with a means for powering a vaporiser therein, and there may be provided an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material that is to be vaporised. The aerosol provision device may also be provided with a reservoir for containing aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments a further reservoir for containing flavoring material for flavoring a generated vapour from the aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the vaporiser may be a heater/heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form a vapour/aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporiser is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporiser may be capable of generating a vapour/aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.
The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolizable material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.
In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a “flavor” and/or “flavorant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavors, flavorants, flavoring material, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.
In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavor) may comprise menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.
The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
As noted above, aerosol provision devices (e-cigarettes) may often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein may comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing consumable parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.
From the forgoing therefore, and with reference to FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system/device (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in FIG. 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.
The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in FIG. 1 , but are coupled together when in use.
The cartridge 2 and control unit 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts/electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in FIG. 1 , the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54, and is coupled to the control unit by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8/receiving section of the control unit. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in FIG. 1 ). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a control unit at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).
The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol provision device) has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the control unit is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a cross-section which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and/or materials.
The control unit 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of FIG. 1 , the control unit 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the control unit 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two control unit air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in more orientations.
The control unit further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry (also referenced as a controller) 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.
The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.
The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.
The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on/off/standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and/or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.
The control circuitry/controller 18 is suitably configured/programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units/circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery/power supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units/circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry/chip(s)/chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.
FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, a mouthpiece 33, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser/heating element 40, an aerosolizable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. FIGS. 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail.
FIG. 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. FIG. 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of FIGS. 3A and 3B).
FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.
FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).
The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single moulding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening/aerosol outlet 60, from the mouthpiece 33, which is in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm². The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled.
The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm². The gap/portion of air channel 76 defined by the double-walled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32.
The air channel seal 34 is a silicone moulding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in FIG. 2 . When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.
The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.
The aerosolizable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporiser comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporiser via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to a control unit. The vaporiser leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle. The vaporiser and aerosolizable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and/or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolizable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.
When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.
The plug 44 in this example comprises a single moulding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.
The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolizable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolizable material to be transported along the aerosolizable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolizable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass.
The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene moulding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.
The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the control unit connect when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporiser by virtue of the plug.
The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also abut the base section 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.
The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.
The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32—i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections/tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes.
When the cartridge is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporiser 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol/aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.
Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be filled during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolizable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolizable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, or a solid, where for a solid a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.
The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolizable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolizable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.
In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the control unit 4 and the control unit activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporiser 40. The vaporiser is thus electrically heated and so vaporises a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolizable material that is vaporised from the aerosolizable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to be drawn through whichever control unit air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the control unit receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporiser 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet/aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.
From the above FIGS. 1-6B, it can be seen a possible embodiment construction of aerosol provision system 1 which is configured for generating an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure.
Turning now to FIGS. 7A-8 , the present disclosure also provides for an aerosol provision system 200 whose features may include any or all of the features described with respect to the aerosol provision system disclosed in FIGS. 1-6B for instance. These features are illustrated in FIGS. 7A-8 by way of identical reference numerals to those reference numerals shown in any of FIGS. 1-6B. In this respect for instance, and with reference to the embodiment of aerosol provision system 200 illustrated in FIG. 7A at least, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system 200 may comprise, as required, any of a reservoir 31 containing aerosolizable material; a vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolizable material (such as aerosolizable material originating from the reservoir 31); an aerosolizable material transport element 42 for transporting aerosolizable material from any present reservoir 31 to any employed vaporiser 40.
In accordance with some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the aerosol provision system 200 may additionally/alternatively comprise an outlet tube 38; 62 for receiving vaporised aerosolizable material; and/or an outlet 60 for delivering vaporised aerosolizable material to a user of the aerosol provision system 200.
Appreciating the foregoing therefore, it may be seen that the aerosol provision system 200 maybe configured for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, just like for the aerosol provision systems 1 described previously with respect to FIGS. 1-6B.
Mindful of the above, in accordance with some embodiments of the aerosol provision system 200, there may also be employed a plenum chamber 202 for controlling the flow of air through the aerosol provision system 200. In accordance with some embodiments, as will be described, the plenum chamber 202 may be located between at least one air inlet 14 from the aerosol provision system 200, and other portions of the aerosol provision system 200, such as in accordance with some embodiments any employed vaporiser 40; cartridge 2; and/or air inlet 50 of the cartridge 2.
At a general level therefore, and in accordance with some embodiments described herein, herein disclosed is a method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system 200, wherein the method comprises: causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet 14 from a body 2 of the aerosol provision system 200; delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet 14 into a plenum chamber 202 of the body 2; and delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber 202 into an air inlet 50 of a cartridge 2 which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber 202. Such an embodiment can be seen best with reference to the embodiment from FIGS. 7A-7C, where this flow of air is depicted by the arrows D1-D3 passing from the air inlet 14 to the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 2.
Turning to the detail of any provided plenum chamber 202, with reference to the disclosure form FIG. 7E, the plenum chamber 202 in accordance with some embodiments may comprise a main chamber 204 and at least one entrance chamber 206. Each entrance chamber 206 may thus allow for a flow of air to enter from outside the plenum chamber 202 into the main chamber 204.
To help improve the flow of air into any provided main chamber 204, in accordance with some embodiments, the at least one entrance chamber 206 may comprise a plurality of entrance chambers 206A; 206B. In a particular embodiment, for further improving the flow of air into the main chamber 204, the at least one entrance chamber 206 may comprise a first entrance chamber 206A on a first side 202A of the plenum chamber, and comprise a second entrance chamber 206B on a second side 202B of the plenum chamber 202. In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments (such as that shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7E) where air can then flow into the main chamber 204 from two different directions, the main chamber 204 may be located between the first entrance chamber 206A and the second entrance chamber 206B.
At least one principal operation of the plenum chamber 202 may be to better redirect the flow of air into the regions of the aerosol provision system 200 which are upstream of the vaporiser 40 and/or any provided aerosolizable material transport element 42. This can be seen with reference to FIGS. 7B and 7C at least, where the plenum chamber helps to effectively re-direct the flow of air through a 90 degree angle into the regions upstream of the vaporiser 40 and/or any provided aerosolizable material transport element 42.
Particularly where the plenum chamber 202 is employed in embodiments of aerosol provision system 200 which comprise a body 2 and cartridge 4 type arrangement, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the cartridge 2 may be configured to engage a portion 210 of the plenum chamber 202, to allow the plenum chamber 202 to be covered by the cartridge 4. In this way, and put differently, the cartridge 2 may be configured to define a roof, or lid, covering the plenum chamber 202 when the cartridge 4 is engaged with the body 2. In some particular embodiments, the main chamber 204 and/or each entrance chamber 206 may be configured to be covered by the cartridge 2 when the cartridge is engaging the portion 210 of the plenum chamber 202.
With reference to the above embodiments therefore, where the cartridge 4 engages with the plenum chamber 202, it may be appreciated that this provides an effective arrangement for passing a flow of air from the plenum chamber 202 into the cartridge 2 in a controlled manner. As well, and in so far as the plenum chamber 202 may be uncovered when the cartridge is removed from the body, this may then allow the plenum chamber 202 to be more easily cleaned in use, by simply removing the cartridge 4 to thus expose the plenum chamber 202 for cleaning.
Turning to the geometry of the plenum chamber 202, it is to be appreciated that this may have any required geometry to help funnel/redirect air from each air inlet 14 into a downstream location towards the vaporiser 40. Though in accordance with some embodiments, to help better define this air flow, the plenum chamber may comprise a surrounding wall 212, which is shown best with reference to the embodiment from FIG. 7E. Where such a surrounding wall 212 is provided, the surrounding wall may comprise a first surrounding wall 212A surrounding a first portion of the plenum chamber 202, and a second surrounding wall 212B surrounding a second portion of the plenum chamber 202. In this way, the first surrounding wall 212A may in some instances be distinct from the second surrounding wall 212B (as shown in FIG. 7E).
To help prevent leakage of air from the plenum chamber 202, and to provide for a more uniform flow of air about the plenum chamber, in accordance with some embodiments, the first surrounding wall 212A and the second surrounding wall 212B may be located on opposing sides of the plenum chamber (as shown in the embodiment on FIG. 7E).
Effectively as well, to reduce the number of components for the plenum chamber 202, and for providing further support to any provided cartridge 2 employed in the aerosol provisions system 200, in some embodiments any employed surrounding wall 212 may serve a dual-purpose of being further configured to engage against the cartridge 2 when the cartridge 2 is received by the body 4 (and/or any employed receptacle 8 therefrom).
Particularly in such embodiments where the surrounding wall 212 is configured to engage against the cartridge 2 in use, the surrounding wall in accordance with some embodiments thereof, and potentially other embodiments, may be resilient. In this way, a better sealing engagement may be provided against the surrounding wall 212.
In terms of the geometry of any provided surrounding wall, in accordance with some embodiments where improved flow of air has been found to pass through the plenum chamber, the surrounding wall 212 may be at least partially annular, and/or put differently, the surrounding wall may comprise an annular portion 214, which in a very particular embodiment may be an annular portion which surrounds the main chamber 204, and/or which may be an annular portion 214 which is configured to surround an air inlet 50 leading towards the vaporiser 40. In a very particular embodiment, the annular portion 214 may be configured to surround the air inlet 50 from the cartridge 2 when the cartridge 2 is engaging the portion 210 of the plenum chamber 202.
In so far as any surrounding wall 212 is employed, to better funnel/direct air into the plenum chamber 202, the surrounding wall 212 may comprise a least one gap 214, wherein each gap 214 at least partially defines a respective inlet orifice 216 for allowing a flow of air to pass from the at least one air inlet 14 into the plenum chamber 202, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 7E. Appreciably, it may be seen that any such inlet orifice 216 could be formed without the involvement of provision of the surrounding wall 212, though using the surrounding wall 212 to define each inlet orifice(s) 216 may provide a particularly simple and effective arrangement for helping to define the operation of the plenum chamber 202.
Turning to any such inlet orifice(s) 216, of which there may be one or more than one as required, depending on the application of the plenum chamber 202, a function of the inlet orifice (along with any employed entrance chamber 206) is to better define/guide the flow of air passing from the air inlet(s) 14 of the aerosol provisions system 200 into the plenum chamber 202. In this way, each inlet orifice 216 and/or entrance chamber 204 may be configured to define a flow restrictor which restricts the flow of air through the aerosol provision system 200. In this way, the flow restrictor may throttle the air passing from each air inlet 14 to an introductory pressure which is best suited for entry into the plenum chamber and then into the components upstream of the vaporiser 40 (such as the air inlet 50 of any provided cartridge 2).
The above inlet orifice 216 and/or entrance chamber 204, which may effectively each act as the flow restrictor, may also have particular synergy in embodiments where the aerosol provision system 200 (and/or any body 2 and/or receptacle 8) comprises an air-flow receiving orifice 220 for allowing a flow of air to pass from the receptacle to an air-flow detection sensor 222 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7E). Such an air-flow detection sensor 222 is typically used to control the operation of the aerosol provision system 200 and/or vaporiser 40 therefrom in instance when the air-flow detection sensor 222 detects a user sucking air through the aerosol provision system 200. Thus in such embodiments, the air-flow receiving orifice 220 may be located at one of the at least one inlet orifice 216, and/or at one of the entrance chambers 206A; 206B. In this way, the air-flow detection sensor 222 may be able to better detect when the user is sucking air through the aerosol provision system 200, through the at least one inlet orifice 216, and/or at one of the flow-restricting entrance chambers 206A; 206B, providing a more pronounced pressure drop across the air-flow detection sensor 222.
The geometry of each inlet orifice 216, and/or each of the entrance chambers 206A; 206B where employed, may be selected as noted above to provide an appropriate restriction of the flow of air into the plenum chamber 202, and which is better optimised for passing this flow of air into the rest of the plenum chamber 202 (such as the main chamber 204) and the downstream components from the plenum chamber 202 as discussed previously.
To help achieve this functionality in a particularly effective manner, it has been found that this may be achieved through the main chamber 204 comprising a main chamber maximum width W_MAIN, and each entrance chamber 206 comprises an entrance chamber maximum width W_ENTRANCE, wherein the main chamber width is between 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum width [and/or, put differently, 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of a maximum width of each inlet orifice], and in accordance with some particular embodiments
between 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum width [and/or, put differently, 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of a maximum width of each inlet orifice].
Similarly, the above flow restricting functionally has been found to be even more effectively achieved through the main chamber 202 comprising a maximum height H_MAINwhich is taller than the maximum height H_ENTRANCEof each entrance chamber 204 (or taller than the maximum height of each inlet orifice 216). Or phrased more numerically/specifically, in accordance with some embodiments, the main chamber 204 may comprise a maximum height which is between 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum height [and/or, put differently, 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of a maximum height of each inlet orifice], and/or more specifically in some narrower embodiments, the main chamber 206 may comprise a maximum height which is between 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum height [and/or, put differently, 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of a maximum height of each inlet orifice].
Rather than defined in relative terms, in accordance with some embodiments, the plenum chamber 202 in accordance with some embodiments has been found to work particularly well where the main chamber 204 comprises a maximum height which is between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and/or where each entrance chamber 206 (and/or each inlet orifice 216) comprises a maximum height which is between 0.2 mm to 0.45 mm.
Staying with the geometry of the plenum chamber 202, to help reduce the turbidity of air flow into any main chamber 204 therefrom, in accordance with some embodiments where an entrance chamber(s) 206 is employed, each entrance chamber may be substantially straight and/or elongate. In accordance with some embodiments, flow of air inside the plenum chamber 202 may also be better controlled, and relatively less turbid, where the main chamber 202 comprises a substantially circular cross section. The main chamber in these respects, in accordance with some embodiments, may also/alternatively be substantially cylindrical in cross section.
Another function of the plenum chamber 202, in accordance with some embodiments, may be to act as a feature for directing aerosolizable material which may leak from other parts of the aerosol provision system 200 (such as from any provided reservoir 31, any provided aerosolizable material transport element 42, and/or in respect of vaporised aerosolizable material which re-condenses down through any downstream location) from passing towards any provided air-flow detection sensor 222. In this respect, if such aerosolizable material reaches the air-flow detection sensor 222, this may cause inaccurate or incorrect outputs from the air-flow detection sensor 222, which is undesirable. This being the case, in accordance with some embodiments, the disclosure provided herein provides for an aerosol provision system 200 (such as its body 4 or receptacle 8 in some narrower embodiments) which comprises an aerosolizable material directing portion 224 for directing aerosolizable material, leaking from the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 2, in a direction away from any provided air-flow receiving orifice 220. In accordance with some embodiments, as will be described shortly, the plenum chamber 202 may comprise the aerosolizable material directing portion 224 for helping to directing the aerosolizable material away from any provided air-flow receiving orifice 220.
As to what the aerosolizable material directing portion 224 may comprise, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosolizable material directing portion 224 may comprise a basin 226, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice 220 is located outside of the basin 226. As will be seen in accordance with some particular embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7E, the basin 226 may be located in the plenum chamber 202, such as in the main chamber 204. With the provision of this basin therefore, where aerosolizable material does leak from a downstream location towards the air-flow receiving orifice 220 (e.g. back through the air inlet 50 of any employed cartridge 2 which is engaged with the plenum chamber 202), the basin may better accommodate the aerosolizable material for inhibiting this aerosolizable material from passing into the air-flow receiving orifice 220. In accordance with some embodiments, to provide for a deep enough capacity for holding such aerosolizable material, the basin 226 in accordance with such embodiments may be at least 0.25 mm deep, and/or no deeper than 1 mm. Thus in the particular embodiment from FIG. 7E, it may be seen that the body 4 comprises the aerosolizable material directing portion 224, for directing aerosolizable material, leaking from the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 2, in a direction away from the air-flow receiving orifice 220 when the cartridge 2 is releasably received by the body 4.
Related to the functioning of the aerosolizable material directing portion 224, and to also better direct the flow of air through the plenum chamber 202, in accordance with some embodiments where the entrance chamber(s) 206 is provided, each entrance chamber 206 in some of these embodiments may comprise an interface surface 228 which is situated adjacent the main chamber 204. As to the geometry of such an interface surface 228, each interface surface may define an inclined, or ramped, surface in accordance with some embodiments, and which in accordance with some very particular embodiments may transition a base (or bottom) surface 230 of the entrance chamber 206 with a base (or bottom) surface 232 of the main chamber 204. In accordance with certain embodiments, for better directing any aerosolizable material which has entered the main chamber 204 (for instance in accordance with embodiments where the main chamber 204 comprises the basin 226) to exit about a particular direction, the interface surface 228 for one of the plurality of entrance chambers may be steeper than the interface surface 228 for another of the plurality of entrance chambers 206. This can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 7E for instance. This differing steepness between the interface surfaces, may also be particularly advantageous where the air-flow receiving orifice 220 is located more proximal to a particular one entrance chamber 206 over any provided another entrance chamber(s) 206. Accordingly, in accordance with some of these embodiments, the interface surface 228 for the one of the plurality of entrance chambers 206B may be steeper than the interface surface 228 for another of the plurality of entrance chambers 206, for better directing any aerosolizable material which enters the main chamber 204 away from the air-flow receiving orifice 220.
The above can also be put differently in terms of the functioning of any provided basin 226, where the basin 226 in accordance with some embodiments may comprise a first surface 228A for directing aerosolizable material out of the basin in a direction μl away from the air-flow receiving orifice 220. The basin in accordance with some embodiments may then also comprise a second surface 228B which is located more proximal to the air-flow receiving orifice 220 than the first surface 228A is located to the air-flow receiving orifice 220, wherein the second surface 228B is steeper than the first surface 228A for encouraging aerosolizable material to flow out of the basin 226 via the first surface 228A than via the second surface 228B.
Turning now to how air may enter any provided plenum chamber 202 from the aerosol provision system 200, and with reference to the air flows illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 7B and 7C, as noted previously at least one air inlet 14, or a plurality of air inlets 14 in accordance with some embodiments, may be provided in this respect. Where a plurality of air inlets 14 is employed, in accordance with some embodiments to help provide a more uniform and consistent flow of air into the plenum chamber 202 (as noted in the embodiment FIG. 7C for instance), in accordance with some embodiments the plurality of air inlets may be all located on a same side, or half, H1 of the plenum chamber 202.
With respect to each air inlet 14, each air inlet 14 in accordance with some embodiments may comprise an air inlet channel 236. The nature of any such air inlet channel 236 may depend on the particular arrangement of the aerosol provision system 200, and/or whether the plenum chamber 202 is provided, and if so, where the plenum chamber 202 is provided.
Though to help provide a uniform, and less turbid, flow of air through the air inlet channel 236, in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet channel 236 may be straight (as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7C and 7D), where the flow of air is configured to flow through the air inlet channel 236 about a particular direction (either direction D1 or D2). Particularly in embodiments where each air inlet channel is configured to allow a flow of air to pass between a gap, slither, or cavity 240, between a surface 241 of the body 2/receptacle 8 and a surface 242 of the cartridge 4, in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet channel 236 may comprise a cross sectional area XA1, for the passage of air, which is wider than it is tall(high). Numerically speaking, and in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet channel may comprise a maximum width (W_CHANNEL) of between 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm; a maximum height (H_CHANNEL) of between 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm; and/or a maximum length/thickness (L_CHANNEL) of between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm (the length/thickness direction being that about which the flow of air passes from a first; entry; end 244 of the air inlet channel, to a second; exit; end 246 of the air inlet channel 236).
Staying with the geometry of each air inlet channel 236, particularly for those embodiments where each air inlet channel 236 is configured to allow a flow of air to pass between a narrow cavity 240 between the surface 241 of the body 4/receptacle 8 and the surface 242 of the cartridge 2, in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet channel 236 may comprise a cross sectional area XA1, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width to maximum height ratio of at least 1.5 to 1. Phrased differently, each air inlet channel 236 in accordance with such embodiments may comprise a cross sectional area XA1, for the passage of air, which comprise a maximum width W_CHANNELand a maximum height H_CHANNEL, wherein the maximum width W_CHANNELis larger than the maximum height H_CHANNEL. Phrase yet differently still, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet channel 236 may comprise a cross sectional area XA1, for the passage of air, which is elongate or non-circular, and/or such that each air inlet defines a slot extending through the receptacle 8 (such as a second receptacle wall 254 of the receptacle 8, as will be described).
As to the location of any provided air inlet channel(s) 236, it may be appreciated that this may vary depending on the configuration and features of the aerosol provision system 200. Conveniently however, where a receptacle 8 and a body 2/cartridge 4 type arrangement is employed, in accordance with some embodiments thereof (such as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D), each air inlet channel 236 may extend through a wall of the receptacle 8, and may in a particular embodiment define a slot passing through a wall of the receptacle 8.
Particularly in embodiments where the receptacle 8 is employed, improved, and less turbid, flows of air into receptacle 8 have been found to occur where each air inlet channel 236 is disposed at particular predetermined locations of the receptacle 8 as will now be described.
In this respect therefore, and at a general level, where a receptacle 8 is employed, in accordance with some embodiments, the receptacle may comprise a first end 248; and a second, open, end 250 (which may be opposite the first end 248) for allowing a cartridge 2 to be inserted into the receptacle 8. To help define the receptacle 8, the receptacle may comprise a first receptacle wall 252 located at the first end 248 of the receptacle 8. In accordance with some embodiments, the receptacle may then also comprise at least one second receptacle wall 254 extending between the first end 248 and the second end 250 of the receptacle, as shown in the embodiment from FIGS. 7A-7D at least. Here, and in accordance with some particular embodiments for providing a closer/tighter releasable fit of the cartridge 2 inside the receptacle 8, the first receptacle wall 252 may be substantially perpendicular to each of the at least one second receptacle wall 254.
Thus appreciating this more general geometry of the receptacle 8, and returning to each air inlet channel(s) 236, in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet 14 (and/or air channel 236) may extend through the at least one second receptacle wall 254, and/or such that the first receptacle wall 252 does not comprise the at least one air inlet 14. In this way, and for reducing the turbidity of air flowing into receptacle 8 (between the first receptacle wall 252) and the bottom surface of the cartridge 2 when the cartridge 2 is received by the receptacle 8, each air inlet (and/or air inlet channel) may be located no more than 10 mm from the first end 248 of the receptacle and/or the first receptacle wall 252. For yet further improved air flow, each air inlet (and/or air inlet channel) may be located no more than 8 mm; no more than 5 mm; and/or no more than 3 mm; from the first end 248 of the receptacle 8 and/or from the first receptacle wall 252. By the phrase ‘no more than’ here, this may be understood as meaning the entirety of each air inlet 14 and/or each inlet channel 236 as being no more than the specified distance away, as opposed to just a part of the air inlet 14 and/or each inlet channel 236 being the specified distance away. Related to the above positioning of each inlet channel 236, it may be appreciated this may also provide, in some embodiments, each air inlet being effectively located closer to the first end 248 of the receptacle 8, than the air inlet 14 is located to the second end 250 of the receptacle 8.
Improved flow of air into the receptacle and ultimately the plenum chamber 202 has also been found to occur in embodiments where the at least one air inlet 14 comprises a first air inlet 14A defining a first air inlet channel 236A extending about a first direction D1 through a wall 254 of the receptacle 8, and where the at least one air inlet 14 comprises a second air inlet 14B defining a second air inlet channel 236B extending about a second direction D2 through a wall 254 of the receptacle 8. In this way, for helping to provide the improved air flow by providing a flow of air which can better directed towards all parts of the plenum chamber 202, the first direction D1 may in accordance with some embodiments be not parallel to the second direction D2. Phrased more specifically, in accordance with some more particular embodiments, the angle of separation (a) between the first direction D1 and the second direction D1 may be between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.
Air flow considerations aside, this angle of separation (a) between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 has also found to have synergy with the geometry/location of each inlet channel 236, as shown best in the embodiment from FIG. 7C, where each air inlet channel 236 comprises the first, entry, end, 244 for receiving a flow of air from outside of the receptacle 8 into the air inlet channel 236, and in particular where this first end 244 is located on a chamfered portion 258 of the second receptacle wall 254. In this respect, the presence of the chamfered portion 258 has been found to not only allow for the above angle ranges to be implemented, but has also been found to locate each air inlet channel 236 in a position which is less likely to be inadvertently blocked by the user's hand, compared with if the chamfered portion 258 was not employed, and/or compared with when each air inlet channel 236 is located in another location of the receptacle (such as in the positions X1 and X2 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7C which are not located on a chamfered portion, and which are more likely to be inadvertently covered by the user's hand in use). In other words, the chamfered portion 258 has been found to better ensure an air inlet channel is located in such a way that it is less likely to be covered by a user's hand in use. Through way of this chamfered portion 258 therefore, it may be appreciated in such embodiments, and potentially other embodiments, that the receptacle 8 may thus comprise a non-circular cross section.
As shown best with reference to the embodiment from FIG. 7C, in accordance with some embodiments where the chamfered portion(s) 258 is employed, the chamfered portion 258 may comprise a first chamfered portion 260 which is located on an outer surface 262 of the second receptacle wall 254, and/or such that the second end of each air inlet channel 236 may be located on a second chamfered portion 264 of the second receptacle wall 254, which is a second chamfered portion 264 which in a particular embodiment may be located on an inner surface 266 of the second receptacle wall 254.
To summarise therefore, through the introduction of each chamfered portion 258 relating to each air inlet channel 236, this has been found to not only provide an improved flow of air into the receptacle 8 (which is better directed towards any provided plenum chamber 202), but has also been found to allow each air inlet channel 236 to be located in a position which is less likely to be inadvertently covered by the user's hand in use.
To phrase the above in more geometric terms, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments, any provided chamfered portions 258; air inlets 14; or air inlet channels 236; may be located on the same side, or half H1, of the plenum chamber 202 as the remaining chamfered portions 258; air inlets 14; and/or air inlet channels 236 to yet further help provide the advantages described above. Yet further still, in embodiments where the air-flow receiving orifice 220 is employed, it may be also seen in accordance with some embodiments that the air-flow receiving orifice 220 may be located on a same side, or half H1, of the plenum chamber 220 as the at least one air inlet 14, which may allow the air-flow receiving orifice 220 to receive a secondary (branched) flow of air from each air inlet 14, as opposed to it receiving a primary flow of air extending towards, and entering, the other half (H2) of the plenum chamber 202 as shown best with reference to FIG. 7C. Advantageously therefore, the air-flow receiving orifice 220 may still well function through the branched flow of air without needing to necessarily rely on, and/or interfere with the primary flow of air extending towards, and entering, the other half (H2) of the plenum chamber 202.
It can be seen that the above functionality from the aerosol provision system 200, in more general terms, may allow for each air inlet channel 236 to be configured for allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the aerosol provision system 200 into both of the first and second inlet orifices 216 from any provided plenum chamber 202. In this way, and even if one of the air inlet channels 236 is inadvertently blocked or rendered inoperable, as shown best with reference to the embodiment from FIG. 7C, the remaining air inlet channel(s) 236 may still be able to advantageously provide a flow of air into each of the first and second inlet orifices 216 from the plenum chamber 202.
With respect to the flow of air through any provided plenum chamber 202, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments, any provided main chamber 204 therefrom may be configured to be located underneath, or next to, the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 4, when the cartridge 4 is engaging the cartridge-engaging portion 210 of the plenum chamber 202. In this way, this may facilitate an easier, and less inhibited, flow of air from the plenum chamber 202 into the cartridge 4. Synergistically as well, and where the plenum chamber 202 comprises the basin 226, this may also more optimally locate the basin at a location which is also located underneath, or next to, the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 4. In this way, the basin 226 may be configured to more effectively collect any aerosolizable material which inadvertently leaks from the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 4.
Staying with the theme of better inhibiting any inadvertent leakage of aerosolizable material, such as from the air inlet 50 or other downstream location from the plenum chamber 202, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments where the air-flow receiving orifice 220 is employed, the air-flow receiving orifice 220 may be located outside of the main chamber 204. In this respect, and phrased differently, in accordance with some additional or alternative embodiments, the air-flow receiving orifice 220 may be offset from a central portion 270 of the plenum chamber 202 (which may in a very particular embodiment be a central portion 270 which is comprised as part of the main chamber 204, and/or which may be a central portion 270 which is configured to located underneath, or next to, the air inlet 50 of the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is engaging the cartridge-engaging portion 210 of the plenum chamber 202. With respect to any such central portion 270, this may in accordance with some embodiments be substantially featureless, or smooth, as shown for instance in the embodiment of FIG. 7E, to better ensure that it provides an appropriate air-redirection region for air to be redirected, from each entrance chamber 206, inside the main chamber 204 towards a direction D3 which extends out the main chamber 204 of the plenum chamber 202.
Again yet staying with the theme of better inhibiting any inadvertent leakage of aerosolizable material, in so far as this may be at least partly be achieved through the plenum chamber comprising the aerosolizable material directing portion 224 and/or the basin 226, to help achieve this whilst also not duly creating an unduly tall/high cavity 240 between the surface 241 of the body 2/receptacle 8 and the surface 242 of the cartridge 4, in accordance with some embodiments (as shown by the dotting in the embodiment from FIGS. 7A and 7B), the plenum chamber 202 (and/or its main chamber 204) may be at least partially recessed into the first receptacle wall 252.
With respect to any provided receptacle 8 in the aerosol provision system 200, it may be appreciated the receptacle is configured for releasably receiving a cartridge 2 which configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol. In this way, the receptacle may appropriately support the cartridge 2 to allow the air passing through the air inlet(s) 14 to effectively pass into the cartridge 2. To help further provide this support, in accordance with some embodiments, the receptacle 8 may comprise at least one cartridge-receiving surface 272 located between the first end 248 and the second end 250 of the receptacle 8, for allowing the cartridge to engage against the cartridge-receiving surface 272 when the receptacle 8 is receiving the cartridge 2. To more evenly support the cartridge 2 in this way, in accordance with some embodiments, each cartridge-receiving surface 272 may be substantially flat. For also providing a less turbid flow through the cavity 240, by way of the cavity 240 having a more uniform height across all of its parts, each cartridge-receiving surface 272 in accordance with some embodiments may also be substantially parallel to the first receptacle wall 252.
Achieving the above noted, less turbid, flow through the cavity 240 can be seen more generally with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 7C, where the flow air from each air inlet channel 236 to the plenum chamber 202 is configured to be substantially planar, by way of the air flow being guided through the cavity 240 between the relatively narrowly spaced surface 241 of the body 2/receptacle 8 (i.e. the first receptacle wall 252) and the (bottom) surface 242 of the cartridge 4.
Phrasing this differently, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments of the aerosol provision system 200 described herein, at a general level, the aerosol provision system 200 may comprise a plane P1 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B, by the dot-dash-dot line forming this plane P1) which intersects each of the at least one air inlet channel 236 and a portion of the plenum chamber 202 (such as a portion of the main chamber 202, and a portion of each entrance chamber 206 in accordance with some embodiments). By intersecting each of the at least one air inlet channel 236 here, this may be interpreted as meaning the plane P1 intersects at least the first end 244 and the second end 246 of the air inlet channel 236, as opposed to just one of these ends 244; 246.
Where such a plane P1 is provided, in accordance with some embodiments, the plane may also intersect any combination of the herein described surrounding wall 212; first surrounding wall 212A; second surrounding wall 212B; inlet orifices(s) 216; basin 226; second receptacle wall 254; and/or cavity 240, as required.
In so far as any such cartridge-receiving surface 272 is employed, it is envisaged in accordance with some embodiments that this may be formed as part of at least one cartridge-supporting portion 273 configured to engage against a cartridge 2 which is received by the receptacle 8. In accordance with some embodiments, for providing yet more support to the cartridge 2 in use, and for providing a more even support of the cartridge 2 about the plenum chamber 202, the at least one cartridge-supporting portion 273 may comprise a first cartridge-supporting portion 273A and a second cartridge-supporting portion 273B, wherein the plenum chamber 202 is located between the first cartridge-supporting portion 273A and the second cartridge-supporting portion 273B. Where a cartridge-supporting portion 273 is employed, each cartridge-supporting portion 273 in accordance with some embodiments may extend from the first receptacle wall 252.
Appreciating the foreign disclosure therefore, it has been noted that the aerosol provision system 200, where it comprises a plenum chamber 202, may be configured to allow a flow of air to pass from each air inlet 14 into the plenum chamber 202. With reference to some of such embodiments (such as those shown in FIGS. 7A-7E at least), there may also be provided an outer chamber 276 between the at least one air inlet 14 and the plenum chamber 202 for channeling air from the at least one air inlet 14 towards the plenum chamber 202. With reference to such embodiments, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the outer chamber 276 may form part of the cavity 240, and the outer chamber 276 may additionally or alternatively extend around the plenum chamber 202; and/or comprise any employed cartridge-supporting portion(s) 273.
As to the relative direction of air flow through the aerosol provision system 200, it may be also seen that any provided plenum chamber 200 may more effectively allow the direction D1; D2 of air flow through each air inlet 14/air inlet channel 236A; 236B to be efficiently/effectively redirected to flow about a third direction D3 which is not parallel to, and/or which is substantially perpendicular to each of the direction D1; D2 of air flow through each air inlet 14/air inlet channel 236A; 236B. In this way therefore, and where a cartridge 2 is employed, it may be seen that in accordance with some embodiments, each air inlet of the receptacle 8 may be configured, when the receptacle 8 is receiving the cartridge 2, to extend about a length direction D1; D2 which is not parallel to, and/or which is substantially perpendicular to, a length direction D3 of the air inlet 50 from the cartridge 2 (as shown in the embodiment from FIGS. 7B and 7C, for instance).
Staying with the relative direction of air flow through the aerosol provision system 200, it may be seen that each air inlet channel 236, as discussed previously, may comprise a cross sectional area XA1, for the passage of air, which comprises a width direction (such as the maximum width W_CHANNEL) and a height direction (such as the maximum height H_CHANNEL), such that this width is larger than this height.
In this way, and in so far as any provided receptacle 8 may extend between the first end 248 and the second end 250 about a longitudinal axis L (as shown best with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B for instance), in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the width direction (such as the maximum width W_CHANNEL) of the cross sectional area XA1 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and such that the height direction (such as the maximum height H-_CHANNEL) of the cross sectional area XA1 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis L. By virtue of this geometry therefore, this has been found to provide a particularly effective set of pressure conditions inside the plenum chamber 202.
The above advantageous geometry contrasts with geometries of the air inlet channel 236 where the cross sectional area XA1 is circular, and/or where the height is larger than the width of the cross sectional area XA1, relative to the longitudinal axis L. Using these latter geometries, these has been found to require a greater size of cross sectional area XA1 to otherwise maintain the set of pressure conditions inside the plenum chamber 202 which are otherwise achievable with the geometry for the cross sectional area XA1 where both the width direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and where the height direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis L, as described in the previous paragraph.
Appreciating the foregoing therefore, the provision of the cross sectional area XA1 where the width direction (e.g. the maximum width W_CHANNEL) of each air inlet channel 236 is largely perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the receptacle 8 has been found to be particularly advantageous at creating more optimal pressure conditions inside the plenum chamber 202, compared with other geometries for the cross sectional area XA1/air inlet channel 236.
In the above respect as well, it is to be appreciated that the above referenced longitudinal axis L could also be applicable to the body 4 of the aerosol provision system 200, as opposed to the receptacle 8. In this way therefore, and in accordance with some embodiments, in so far as the body 4 may comprise a first end; and a second end, opposite the first end, for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into an aerosol; the body 4 may be configured to extend between the first end and the second end about the longitudinal axis L, as shown best with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B for instance. In accordance with such embodiments, in some particular embodiments thereof, the width direction (such as the maximum width W_CHANNEL) of the cross sectional area XA1 for each air inlet channel 236 may be then perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and such that the height direction (such as the maximum height H_CHANNEL) of the cross sectional area XA1 for each air inlet channel 236 is parallel to the longitudinal axis L. By virtue of this geometry therefore, as noted above, this has been found to provide a particularly effective set of pressure conditions inside the plenum chamber 202, compared with other geometries as recited above.
In so far as the above geometries may be employed with respect to the longitudinal axis L of either the receptacle 8 or the body 4, for further improving the flow of air into, and the pressure conditions inside, the plenum chamber 202, in accordance with some yet narrower embodiments, the length direction of each air inlet channel 236 may be also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L (as can be seen in the embodiments from FIGS. 7A and 7B, for instance).
Appreciating the foregoing therefore, it may be seen that described herein has been a variety of different arrangements for better re-directing flow of air from an air inlet 14 of the aerosol provision system 200, using particular orientations and geometries of the air inlets 14; and/or via the implementation of the plenum chamber 202 as herein described. Also described herein have been mechanisms for better optimising the location of the air inlets, using appropriate chamfered portion(s) for better preventing inadvertent blockage of these air inlets by a user's hand in use of the aerosol provision system. Further provided herein has been the provision of an aerosolizable material directing portion for directing aerosolizable material, leaking from an upstream location (such as an air inlet of a cartridge), in a direction away from any employed air-flow receiving orifice which is useable for operating the aerosol provision system 200.
In respect of the general disclosure to provide an effective flow of air through the aerosol provision system 200 herein described, this may be best referenced by way of the flowchart from FIG. 8 . In this respect, FIG. 8 discloses the steps of a method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system 200, wherein the method comprises: causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet 14 from a body 4 of the aerosol provision system 200; delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a plenum chamber 202 of the body 4; and (optionally, hence the lines in dotted from FIG. 8 ) delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber 202 into an air inlet 50 of a cartridge 2 which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber 202.
With respect to any such method, it may be seen in accordance with some embodiments that the method may further comprise: delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet 14 into a receptacle 8 of the body 4, wherein the receptacle 8 is configured for releasably receiving the cartridge 2, and wherein the receptacle comprises the plenum chamber 202; and delivering the flow of air from the receptacle 8 into the plenum chamber 202 of the body 2.
With reference to such embodiments as well, in accordance with some embodiments thereof, the method may also comprise the steps of: delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into an outer chamber 276 (or cavity 240) of the receptacle 8; and delivering the flow of air from the outer chamber 276 (or cavity 240) into the plenum chamber 202.
Appreciating the foregoing therefore, there has accordingly been described a body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising:
a receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:
at least one receptacle wall;
at least one air inlet, wherein each air inlet extends through the at least one receptacle wall; and
a plenum chamber;
wherein the receptacle is configured for allowing the cartridge to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle, through the at least one air inlet, into the receptacle, and then into the plenum chamber.
There has also been described an aerosol provision system comprising the body as described above, the aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing the flow of air to pass from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge is engaged against the portion of the plenum chamber.
There has also been described a method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet from a body of the aerosol provision system;
delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a plenum chamber of the body; and
delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of a cartridge which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber.
There has also been described a body 4, for an aerosol provision system 200 for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material. The body 4 comprises a receptacle 8 for releasably receiving a cartridge 2. The receptacle 8 comprises at least one air inlet 14 and a plenum chamber 202. In this way, the receptacle 8 is configured for allowing the cartridge 2 to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber 202 when the receptacle 8 is releasably receiving the cartridge 2, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle 8, through the at least one air inlet 14, into the receptacle 8, and then into the plenum chamber 202.
There has also been described the embodiments as set out in the below noted clauses.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims/clauses or limitations on equivalents to the claims/clauses, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims/clauses provided herein. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims or dependent clauses may be combined with features of any of the herein independent claims or independent clauses in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims/clauses. In this way for instance, it will be appreciated that the features from any of the herein provided claims or clauses may comprise any particular combination or permutation of features otherwise recited in the below noted claim set or first through sixth clause sets. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
The above not withstanding, it will be appreciated the herein described aerosol provision system 200, and any of its herein described potential features—such as any of the herein described plenum chamber 202, air inlets 14, air inlet channels 236, and/or basin 226, at least) need not expressly be used as part of a body 2/cartridge 4 type arrangement, such that any required components for the aerosol provision system 200 could equally in accordance with some embodiments be employed as part of a single aerosol provision device.
Finally, where a cartridge 2 type arrangement is employed, in terms of how any provided cartridge 2 may be powered (if it is present at all), it will be appreciated that the components from the cartridge (such as any vaporiser 40 therefrom) may be powered using either the power supply 16 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 ), or powered with its own power source (not shown in the Figures). In this respect for instance, and purely for completeness, in accordance with some embodiments, where a receptacle is employed 8, the receptacle 8 may further comprise at least one electrode 46A which is configured, in use, for supplying electrical power to a cartridge 2 received in the receptacle 8, e.g. by providing the power to the contact electrode from the cartridge (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7B for instance). In accordance with such embodiments, each electrode(s) 46A may be located between the plenum chamber 202 and one of the at least one cartridge-supporting portion 273.

First Set of Clauses

1. A plenum chamber for use in an aerosol provision system, the plenum chamber comprising:
at least one entrance chamber, wherein each entrance chamber comprises at least one inlet orifice configured for receiving a flow of air;
a main chamber for receiving air from each entrance chamber; and
a surrounding wall, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a first surrounding wall surrounding a first portion of the plenum chamber, and a second surrounding wall surrounding a second portion of the plenum chamber, wherein the first surrounding wall is distinct from the second surrounding wall.
2. The plenum chamber according to clause 1, wherein the plenum chamber comprises at least one inlet orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass from the at least one air inlet into the plenum chamber;
wherein each entrance chamber comprises one of the at least one inlet orifice;
wherein the surrounding wall at least partly defines each inlet orifice.
3. The plenum chamber according to clause 2, wherein the first surrounding wall and the second surrounding wall define at least partly define each inlet orifice.
4. The plenum chamber according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the first surrounding wall and the second surrounding wall terminate at each inlet orifice.
5. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one entrance chamber comprises a first entrance chamber and a second entrance chamber;
wherein each of the first surrounding wall and the second surrounding wall at least partially borders both the first entrance chamber and the second entrance chamber.
6. The plenum chamber according to clause 5, wherein the main chamber is located between the first entrance chamber and the second entrance chamber.
7. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein each entrance chamber comprises an interface surface which is situated adjacent the main chamber.
8. The plenum chamber according to clause 7, when further dependent at least on clause 6 at least, wherein the interface surface for the first entrance chamber is steeper than the interface surface for the second entrance chamber.
9. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially flat portion at a central portion, or inner portion, of the main chamber.
10. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially featureless portion, or smooth portion, at a central portion, or inner portion, of the main chamber.
11. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein a maximum width of the main chamber is configured to progressively increase as the main chamber extends away from each of the at least one entrance chamber towards a central portion of the main chamber.
12. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein a maximum width of the main chamber is configured to not decrease as the main chamber extends away from each of the at least one entrance chamber towards a central portion of the main chamber.
13. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially circular cross section.
14. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a central portion which is:
at least partially surrounded by a first concave portion, from the first surrounding wall, which is exposed to the main chamber; and
at least partially surrounded by a second concave portion, from the second surrounding wall, which is exposed to the main chamber.
15. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is taller than the maximum height of each entrance chamber.
16. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein each of the first and second surrounding wall comprises:
a straight portion bordering each entrance chamber; and
a curved portion bordering the main chamber.
17. The plenum chamber according to clause 16, wherein plenum chamber comprises:
a first minimum separation between the straight portion of the first surrounding wall and the straight portion of the second surrounding wall; and
a second minimum separation between the curved portion of the first surrounding wall and the curved portion of the second surrounding wall;
wherein the first minimum separation is smaller than the second minimum separation.
18. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising:
the plenum chamber according to any preceding clause;
a cartridge, configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet;
wherein the first surrounding wall and the second surrounding wall are each configured to engage against the cartridge when the cartridge is received by the receptacle.
19. A method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
causing a flow of air to pass from at least one entrance chamber of a plenum chamber from the aerosol provision system into a main chamber of the plenum chamber;
directing the flow of air inside the plenum chamber using a surrounding wall from the plenum chamber, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a first surrounding wall surrounding a first portion of the plenum chamber, and a second surrounding wall surrounding a second portion of the plenum chamber, wherein the first surrounding wall is distinct from the second surrounding wall.
20. A method according to clause 19, wherein the method further comprises the initial step of:
engaging a cartridge, configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into an aerosol, against the first and second surrounding walls;
wherein directing the flow of air inside the plenum chamber using the surrounding wall from the plenum chamber comprises:

- directing the flow of air inside the plenum chamber, using the surrounding wall from the plenum chamber, into an air inlet of the cartridge.
  21. The method according to clause 20, wherein the surrounding wall at least partially surrounds the air inlet of the cartridge when the cartridge is engaged against the first and second surrounding walls.
  22. The method according to clause 20 or 21, wherein the air inlet of the cartridge is located between the first and second surrounding walls when the cartridge is engaged against the first and second surrounding walls.

Second Set of Clauses

1. A plenum chamber for use in an aerosol provision system, the plenum chamber comprising:
at least one entrance chamber, wherein each entrance chamber comprises at least one inlet orifice configured for receiving a flow of air;
a main chamber for receiving the air from each entrance chamber; and
a surrounding wall, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a first surrounding wall surrounding a first portion of the plenum chamber, and a second surrounding wall surrounding a second portion of the plenum chamber, wherein each of the first and second surrounding walls is configured to engage against a cartridge comprising aerosolizable material.
2. The plenum chamber according to clause 1, wherein the first and surrounding walls are resilient.
3. The plenum chamber according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the first surrounding wall and second surrounding walls are located on opposing sides of the plenum chamber.
4. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a basin for accommodating aerosolizable material.
5. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
6. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one entrance chamber comprises a first entrance chamber and a second entrance chamber.
7. The plenum chamber according to clause 6, wherein the inlet orifice of the first entrance chamber is located on a first side of the main chamber, and the inlet orifice of the second entrance chamber is located on a second side of the main chamber, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.
8. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the first and second surrounding walls at least partly define each inlet orifice.
9. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the first and second surrounding walls terminate at each inlet orifice.
10. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein a maximum width of the main chamber is configured to progressively increase as the main chamber extends away from each of the at least one entrance chamber towards a central portion of the main chamber.
11. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein a maximum width of the main chamber is configured to not decrease as the main chamber extends away from each of the at least one entrance chamber towards a central portion of the main chamber.
12. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially circular cross section.
13. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a central portion which is:
at least partially surrounded by first concave portion, from the first surrounding wall, which is exposed to the main chamber; and
at least partially surrounded by a second concave portion, from the second surrounding wall, which is exposed to the main chamber.
14. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is taller than the maximum height of each entrance chamber.
15. The plenum chamber according to any preceding clause, wherein each of the first and second surrounding wall comprises:
a straight portion bordering each entrance chamber; and
a curved portion bordering the main chamber.
16. The plenum chamber according to clause 15, wherein plenum chamber comprises:
a first minimum separation between the straight portion of the first surrounding wall and the straight portion of the second surrounding wall; and
a second minimum separation between the curved portion of the first surrounding wall and the curved portion of the second surrounding wall;
wherein the first minimum separation is smaller than the second minimum separation.
17. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising:
the plenum chamber according to any preceding clause;
a cartridge, configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet;
a body for releasably receiving the cartridge, wherein the body comprises the plenum chamber.
18. An aerosol provision system accordingly to clause 17, wherein the body comprises a receptacle for releasably receiving the cartridge, wherein the receptacle comprises the plenum chamber.
19. An aerosol provision system accordingly to clause 18, wherein the receptacle comprises a first end, and comprises a second, open, end for allowing the cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle, wherein the receptacle comprises a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle, and wherein the first receptacle wall comprises the plenum chamber.
20. An aerosol provision system accordingly to clause 19, wherein the plenum chamber is at least partially recessed into the first receptacle wall.
21. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 17-20, wherein the first surrounding wall and the second surrounding wall are configured to surround the air inlet of the cartridge when the first and second surrounding walls are engaging against the cartridge.
22. An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 17-21, wherein the main chamber is configured to be located underneath, and/or next to, the air inlet of the cartridge, when the first and second surrounding walls are engaging against the cartridge.
23. A method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
engaging a cartridge, configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into an aerosol, against first and second surrounding walls from a surrounding wall of a plenum chamber from the aerosol provision system; and
delivering a flow of air from an inlet orifice from an entrance chamber of the plenum chamber into a main chamber of the plenum chamber.

Third Set of Clauses

1. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising:
a cartridge, configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet;
a body for releasably receiving the cartridge, wherein the body comprises an air-flow receiving orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass to an air-flow detection sensor;
wherein the body comprises an aerosolizable material directing portion for directing aerosolizable material, leaking from the air inlet of the cartridge, in a direction away from the air-flow receiving orifice when the cartridge is releasably received by the body.
2. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising:
a reservoir of aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol;
an air-flow receiving orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass to an air-flow detection sensor; and
an aerosolizable material directing portion for directing aerosolizable material, leaking from the reservoir towards the air-flow receiving orifice, in a direction away from the air-flow receiving orifice, wherein the aerosolizable material directing portion is located between the reservoir and the air-flow receiving orifice.
3. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosolizable material directing portion comprises a basin, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located outside of the basin.
4. The aerosol provision system according to clause 3, wherein the basin is at least 0.25 mm deep.
5. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 3-4, wherein the basin is no more than 1 mm deep.
6. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 3-5, wherein the basin comprises:
a first surface for directing aerosolizable material out of the basin in a direction away from the air-flow receiving orifice; and
a second surface which is located more proximal to the air-flow receiving orifice than the first surface is located to the air-flow receiving orifice;
wherein the second surface is steeper than the first surface for encouraging aerosolizable material to flow out of the basin via the first surface than via the second surface.
7. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a plenum chamber for directing a flow of air through the aerosol provision system, wherein the plenum chamber comprises the aerosolizable material directing portion.
8. The aerosol provision system according to clause 7, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a main chamber; a first entrance chamber; and a second entrance chamber.
9. The aerosol provision system according to clause 8, wherein the second entrance chamber comprises the air-flow receiving orifice.
10. The aerosol provision system according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located closer to the second entrance chamber than the air-flow receiving orifice is located to the first entrance chamber.
11. The aerosol provision system according to clause 9 or 10, when further dependent on clause 3, wherein the main chamber comprises the basin.
12. The aerosol provision system according to clause 11, when further dependent on clause 6, wherein the plenum chamber comprises, for each entrance chamber, an interface surface which is situated adjacent the main chamber;
wherein the interface surface for the first entrance chamber comprises the first surface, and wherein the interface surface for the second entrance chamber comprises the second surface, for encouraging aerosolizable material to flow out of the basin via the first surface than via the second surface.
13. The aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 7-12, wherein the plenum chamber is configured for encouraging aerosolizable material to more preferentially flow in a first direction which extends away from the air-flow receiving orifice than via a second direction which extends towards the air-flow receiving orifice.
14. A method of directing aerosolizable material in an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge containing aerosolizable material for aerosolising into an aerosol, and a body for releasably receiving the cartridge, wherein the method comprises:
directing aerosolizable material, leaking from the air inlet of the cartridge when the cartridge is releasably received by the body, using an aerosolizable material directing portion, in a direction away from an air-flow receiving orifice from the body, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is for allowing a flow of air to pass to an air-flow detection sensor.
15. A method of directing aerosolizable material in an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
directing aerosolizable material, leaking from a reservoir of the aerosolizable material, using an aerosolizable material directing portion, in a direction away from an air-flow receiving orifice, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is for allowing a flow of air to pass to an air-flow detection sensor;
wherein the aerosolizable material directing portion is located between the reservoir and the air-flow receiving orifice.

Fourth Set of Clauses

1. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising:
at least one air inlet channel; and
a plenum chamber;
wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the aerosol provision system, through the at least one air inlet channel, and then into the plenum chamber;
wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a plane which intersects each of the at least one air inlet channel and a portion of the plenum chamber.
2. The aerosol provision system according to any clause 1, wherein each air inlet channel comprises:
a first, entry, end for allowing a flow of air to enter the air inlet channel; and
a second, exit, end for allowing a flow of air to exit the air inlet channel;
wherein the plane intersects the first end, and the second end, of each air inlet channel.
3. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel defines a slot extending through a wall of the aerosol provision system.
4. The aerosol provision system according to clause 3, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a receptacle, for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol;
wherein the receptacle comprises the wall.
5. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel is straight.
6. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which is wider than it is tall.
7. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a first air inlet channel and a second air inlet channel.
8. The aerosol provision system according to clause 7, wherein the first air inlet channel and the second air inlet channel are located on a same side, or same half, of the plenum chamber.
9. The aerosol provision system according to clause 7 or 8, when further dependent on clause 3 at least:
wherein the first air inlet channel extends about a first direction through the wall; and
wherein the second air inlet channel extends about a second direction through the wall.
10. The aerosol provision system according to clause 9, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.
11. The aerosol provision system according to clause 9 or 10, wherein the angle of separation between the first direction and the second direction is between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.
12. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber comprises at least one inlet orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass from the at least one air inlet channel into the plenum chamber;
wherein the at least one inlet orifice comprises a first inlet orifice on a first side of the plenum chamber, and comprises a second inlet orifice on a second side of the plenum chamber;
wherein each air inlet channel is configured for allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the aerosol provision system, and into both of the first and second inlet orifices.
13. The aerosol provision system according to clause 12, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises an air-flow receiving orifice, for allowing a flow of air to pass to an air-flow detection sensor;
wherein the air-flow inlet orifice is located more proximal to the first inlet orifice, than the air-flow inlet orifice is located to the second inlet orifice, for allowing a flow of air passing through the first inlet orifice to also pass over the air-flow receiving orifice.
14. The aerosol provision system according to clause 13, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located on the same side, or same half, of the plenum chamber, as each air inlet channel.
15. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width to maximum height ratio of at least 1.5 to 1.
16. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum width of between 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.
17. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum height of between 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.
18. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum length, from a first end of the channel to a second end of the channel, of between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
19. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber is configured to receive a flow of air, from outside of the plenum chamber, about at least one first direction, and is configured redirect the flow of air to exit the plenum chamber about a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to each first direction.
20. The aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises:
a first end; and
a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle;
a second, open, end for allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle;
a second receptacle wall extending between the first end and the second end of the receptacle, wherein the second receptacle wall is configured for surrounding the cartridge when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge;
wherein the at least one air inlet channel extends through the second receptacle wall.
21. The aerosol provision system according to clause 20,
wherein the receptacle extends between the first end and the second end about a longitudinal axis;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width and a maximum height, wherein the maximum width is larger than the maximum height, and wherein the maximum width is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the maximum height is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
22. A body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising:
at least one air inlet channel; and
a plenum chamber;
wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the aerosol provision system, through the at least one air inlet channel, and then into the plenum chamber;
wherein the aerosol provision system comprises a plane which intersects each of the at least one air inlet channel and a portion of the plenum chamber.
23. The body according to clause 22, wherein the body further comprises:
a first end; and
a second end, opposite the first end, for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol;
wherein the body extends between the first end and the second end about a longitudinal axis;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width and a maximum height, wherein the maximum width is larger than the maximum height, and wherein the maximum width is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the maximum height is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Fifth Set of Clauses

1. A receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:
a first end; and
a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle;
a second, open, end for allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle;
a second receptacle wall extending between the first end and the second end of the receptacle, wherein the second receptacle wall is configured for surrounding the cartridge when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge;
at least one air inlet channel extending through the second receptacle wall;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a first, entry, end, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is for receiving a flow of air from outside of the receptacle into the air inlet channel, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is located on a chamfered portion of the second receptacle wall.
2. The receptacle according to clause 1, wherein the chamfered portion comprises a first chamfered portion which is located on an outer surface of the second receptacle wall.
3. The receptacle according to clause 1 or 2, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a second, exit, end, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is for allowing the flow of air to pass out from the air inlet channel, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is located on a second chamfered portion of the second receptacle wall.
4. The receptacle according to clause 3, wherein the second chamfered portion is located on an inner surface of the second receptacle wall.
5. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel is configured to supply a flow of air into a chamber or cavity inside the receptacle, wherein the chamber is at least partly defined by the first receptacle wall and the second receptacle wall.
6. The receptacle according to clause 5, wherein the chamber or cavity is further configured to be at least partly defined by the cartridge when the receptacle is receiving the cartridge.
7. The receptacle according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the chamber or cavity comprises a maximum height of no more than 1 mm.
8. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, further comprising a plenum chamber for receiving a flow of air originating from the at least one air inlet channel.
9. The receptacle according to clause 8, wherein the first receptacle wall comprises the plenum chamber.
10. The receptacle according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the plenum chamber is at least partially recessed into the first receptacle wall.
11. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one air inlet channel comprises:
a first air inlet channel extending about a first direction through the second wall of the receptacle; and
a second air inlet channel extending about a second direction through the second wall of the receptacle.
12. The receptacle according to clause 11, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.
13. The receptacle according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the angle of separation between the first direction and the second direction is between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.
14. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet defines a slot extending through the second receptacle wall.
15. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel is straight.
16. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which is wider than it is tall.
17. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width to maximum height ratio of at least 1.5 to 1.
18. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein the first receptacle wall is substantially perpendicular to each of the at least one second receptacle wall.
19. A body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising the receptacle according to any preceding clause.
20. An aerosol provision system, for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising the receptacle according to any of clauses 1-19.

Sixth Set of Clauses

1. A receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:
a first end; and
a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle;
a second, open, end for allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle;
a second receptacle wall extending between the first end and the second end of the receptacle, wherein the second receptacle wall is configured for surrounding the cartridge when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge;
at least one air inlet channel extending through the second receptacle wall;
wherein the receptacle extends between the first end and the second end about a longitudinal axis;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width and a maximum height, wherein the maximum width is larger than the maximum height, and wherein the maximum width is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the maximum height is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
2. The receptacle according to clause 1, wherein the first receptacle wall does not comprise the at least one air inlet channel.
3. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel is straight.
4. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width to maximum height ratio of at least 1.5 to 1.
5. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum width of between 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.
6. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum height of between 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.
7. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum length/thickness of between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
8. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, when further dependent on clause 3, wherein the maximum length is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
9. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel is located no more than 10 mm from the first end of the receptacle.
10. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one air inlet channel comprises a plurality of air inlets channels.
11. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one air inlet channel comprises:
a first air inlet channel extending about a first direction through the second receptacle wall; and
a second air inlet channel extending about a second direction through the second receptacle wall.
12. The receptacle according to clause 11, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.
13. The receptacle according to clause 11 or 12, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
14. The receptacle according to any of clauses 11-13, wherein the angle of separation between the first direction and the second direction is between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.
15. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle comprises a non-circular cross section.
16. The receptacle according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a first, entry, end, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is for receiving a flow of air from outside of the receptacle into the air inlet channel, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is located on a chamfered portion of the receptacle.
17. The receptacle according to clause 16, wherein the chamfered portion comprises a first chamfered portion which is located on an outer surface of the receptacle.
18. The receptacle according to clause 16 or 17, wherein the second receptacle wall comprises the chamfered portion.
19. The receptacle according to any of clauses 16-18, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a second, exit, end, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is for allowing the flow of air to pass out from the air inlet channel, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is located on a second chamfered portion of the receptacle.
20. The receptacle according to clause 19, wherein the second receptacle wall comprises the second chamfered portion.
21. A body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising
a first end; and
a second end, opposite the first end, for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into an aerosol;
at least one air inlet channel;
wherein the body extends between the first end and the second end about a longitudinal axis;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width and a maximum height, wherein the maximum width is larger than the maximum height, and wherein the maximum width is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the maximum height is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Seventh (Consistory) Set of Clauses

1. A body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising:
a receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:

- at least one air inlet; and
- a plenum chamber;

wherein the receptacle is configured for allowing the cartridge to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle, through the at least one air inlet, into the receptacle, and then into the plenum chamber.
2. The body according to clause 1, wherein the at least one air inlet comprises a plurality of air inlets.
3. The body according to clause 2, wherein the plurality of air inlets are located on a same side, or half, of the plenum chamber.
4. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber comprises at least one inlet orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass from the at least one air inlet into the plenum chamber.
5. The body according to clause 4, wherein the at least one inlet orifice comprises a plurality of inlet orifices.
6. The body according to clause 5, wherein the plurality of inlet orifices comprises a first inlet orifice on a first side of the plenum chamber, and comprises a second inlet orifice on a second side of the plenum chamber.
7. The body according to clause 6, wherein the first side of the plenum chamber is located opposite the second side of the plenum chamber.
8. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle comprises an air-flow receiving orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass from the receptacle to an air-flow detection sensor.
9. The body according to clause 8, when further dependent on any of clauses 4-7, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located at, or next to, one of the at least one inlet orifice.
10. The body according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located on a same side, or half, of the plenum chamber as the at least one air inlet.
11. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a surrounding wall.
12. The body according to clause 11, wherein the surrounding wall comprises:
a first surrounding wall surrounding a first portion of the plenum chamber; and
a second surrounding wall surrounding a second portion of the plenum chamber;
wherein the first surrounding wall is distinct from the second surrounding wall.
13. The body according to clause 12, wherein the first surrounding wall and second surrounding wall are located on opposing sides of the plenum chamber.
14. The body according to any of clauses 11-13, wherein the surrounding wall is configured to engage against the cartridge when the cartridge is received by the receptacle.
15. The body according to any of clauses 11-14, wherein the surrounding wall is resilient.
16. The body according to any of clauses 11-15, wherein the surrounding wall is at least partially annular.
17. The body according to any of clauses 11-16, wherein the surrounding wall comprises an annular portion.
18. The body according to any of clauses 11-17, when further dependent on clause 4 at least, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a least one gap, wherein each gap at least partially defines a respective one of the at least one inlet orifice.
19. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle comprises:
a first end; and
a second, open, end for allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle; and
a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle.
20. The body according to clause 19, wherein the first end of the receptacle is located opposite the second end of the receptacle.
21. The body according to clause 19 or 20, wherein the receptacle further comprises at least one second receptacle wall extending between the first end and the second end of the receptacle.
22. The body according to clause 21, wherein the first receptacle wall is substantially perpendicular to each of the at least one second receptacle wall.
23. The body according to any of clauses 19-22, wherein each air inlet extends through the at least one second receptacle wall.
24. The body according to any of clauses 19-23, wherein the plenum chamber is at least partially recessed into the first receptacle wall.
25. The body according to any of clauses 19-24, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one cartridge-receiving surface located between the first end and the second end of the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is configured for allowing the cartridge to engage against the cartridge-receiving surface when the receptacle is receiving the cartridge.
26. The body according to clause 25, wherein each cartridge-receiving surface is at least one of i) substantially flat and/or ii) resilient.
27. The body according to clause 25 or 26, wherein each cartridge-receiving surface is substantially parallel to the first receptacle wall.
28. The body according to any of clauses 19-27, wherein each air inlet is located closer to the first end of the receptacle, than the air inlet is located to the second end of the receptacle.
29. The body according to any of clauses 19-28, wherein each air inlet is located no more than 10 mm from the first end of the receptacle.
30. The body according to any of clauses 19-29, wherein the first receptacle wall does not comprise the at least one air inlet.
31. The body according to any of clauses 19-30, when further dependent on clause 21 at least, wherein each air inlet defines a slot extending through the second receptacle wall.
32. The body according to any of preceding clause, wherein each air inlet comprises an air inlet channel.
33. The body according to clause 32, wherein each air inlet channel is straight.
34. The body according to clause 32 or 33, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which is wider than it is tall.
35. The body according to any of clauses 32-34, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprises a maximum width to maximum height ratio of at least 1.5 to 1.
36. The body according to any of clauses 32-35, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum width of between 1.5 mm to 2.0 mm.
37. The body according to any of clauses 32-36, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum height of between 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.
38. The body according to any of clauses 32-37, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a maximum length/thickness of between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
39. The body according to any of clauses 32-38, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which is elongate or non-circular.
40. The body according to any of clauses 32-39, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a cross sectional area, for the passage of air, which comprise a maximum width and a maximum height, wherein the maximum width is larger than the maximum height.
41. The body according to any of clauses 32-40, wherein each air inlet channel defines a slot passing through a wall of the receptacle.
42. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the at least one air inlet comprises:
a first air inlet defining a first air inlet channel extending about a first direction through a wall of the receptacle; and
a second air inlet defining a second air inlet channel extending about a second direction through a wall of the receptacle.
43. The body according to clause 42, wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.
44. The body according to clause 42 or 43, wherein the angle of separation between the first direction and the second direction is between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.
45. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle comprises a non-circular cross section.
46. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a main chamber and at least one entrance chamber.
47. The body according to clause 46, when further dependent on clause 4 at least, wherein each entrance chamber comprises one of the at least one inlet orifice.
48. The body according to any of clauses 46-47, wherein the main chamber comprises a main chamber maximum width, and each entrance chamber comprises an entrance chamber maximum width, wherein the main chamber maximum width is between 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum width.
49. The body according to clause 48, wherein the main chamber maximum width is between 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum width.
50. The body according to any of clauses 46-49, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is taller than the maximum height of each entrance chamber.
51. The body according to clause 50, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is taller than the maximum height of each entrance chamber.
52. The body according to any of clauses 46-51, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is between 1.4 to 2.6 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum height.
53. The body according to any of clauses 46-52, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is between 1.7 to 2.3 times the size of each entrance chamber maximum height.
54. The body according to any of clauses 46-53, wherein the main chamber comprises a maximum height which is between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
55. The body according to any of clauses 46-54, wherein each entrance chamber comprises a maximum height which is between 0.2 mm to 0.45 mm.
56. The body according to any of clauses 46-55, wherein the at least one entrance chamber comprises a plurality of entrance chambers.
57. The body according to any of clauses 46-56, wherein the at least one entrance chamber comprises a first entrance chamber on a first side of the plenum chamber, and comprises a second entrance chamber on a second side of the plenum chamber.
58. The body according to clause 57, wherein the main chamber is located between the first entrance chamber and the second entrance chamber.
59. The body according to any of clauses 46-58, wherein the plenum chamber comprises, for each entrance chamber, an interface surface which is situated adjacent the main chamber.
60. The body according to clause 59, when further dependent at least on clause 56 or 57, wherein the interface surface for one of the plurality of entrance chambers is steeper than the interface surface for another of the plurality of entrance chambers.
61. The body according to clause 60, when further dependent at least on clause 8, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located closer to the interface surface for one of the plurality of entrance chambers than the air-flow receiving orifice is located closer to the interface surface for the another of the plurality of entrance chambers.
62. The body according to any of clauses 46-61, wherein each entrance chamber is substantially straight.
63. The body according to any of clauses 46-62, wherein each entrance chamber is elongate.
64. The body according to any of clauses 46-63, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially circular cross section.
65. The body according to any of clauses 46-64, wherein the main chamber is cylindrical.
66. The body according to any of clauses 46-65, wherein the main chamber is configured to be covered by a cartridge when the cartridge is engaging a portion of the plenum chamber.
67. The body according to clause 66, wherein each entrance chamber is also configured to be covered by the cartridge when the cartridge is engaging the portion of the plenum chamber.
68. The body according to any of clauses 46-67, wherein the main chamber is configured to be located underneath, or next to, an air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge is engaging a portion of the plenum chamber.
69. The body according to any of clauses 46-68, when further dependent on clause 11 at least, wherein the surrounding wall at least partially borders the main chamber.
70. The body according to any of clauses 46-69, when further dependent on clause 11 at least, wherein the surrounding wall at least partially borders each entrance chamber.
71. The body according to any of clauses 46-70, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially flat portion at a central portion of the main chamber.
72. The body according to any of clauses 46-71, wherein the main chamber comprises a substantially featureless portion, or smooth portion, at a central portion of the main chamber.
73. The body according to any of clauses 46-72, when further dependent on clause 8 at least, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located outside of the main chamber.
74. The body according to any of clauses 46-73, when further dependent on clause 8 at least, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is offset from a central portion of the plenum chamber.
75. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the plenum chamber is configured to be covered by the cartridge when the cartridge is engaging the portion of the plenum chamber.
77. The body according to any preceding clause, when further dependent on clause 8 at least, further comprising an aerosolizable material directing portion for directing aerosolizable material away from the air-flow receiving orifice when the cartridge is releasably received by the receptacle.
78. The body according to clause 77, wherein the plenum chamber comprises the aerosolizable material directing portion.
79. The body according to clause 78, when further dependent on clause 59, wherein the interface surface for each entrance chamber comprises the aerosolizable material directing portion.
80. The body according to any of clauses 77-79, wherein the aerosolizable material directing portion comprises a basin, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located outside of the basin.
81. The body according to clause 80, wherein the basin is at least 0.25 mm deep.
82. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle further comprises an outer chamber between the at least one air inlet and the plenum chamber.
83. The body according to clause 82, wherein the outer chamber extends around the plenum chamber.
84. The body according to clause 82 or 83, wherein the outer chamber comprises at least one cartridge-supporting portion configured to engage against a cartridge which is received by the receptacle.
85. The body according to clause 84, wherein the at least one cartridge-supporting portion comprises a first cartridge-supporting portion and a second cartridge-supporting portion, wherein the plenum chamber is located between the first cartridge-supporting portion and the second cartridge-supporting portion.
86. The body according to any of clauses 84-86, when further dependent on clause 19, wherein each cartridge-supporting portion extends from the first receptacle wall.
87. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the receptacle further comprises at least one electrode which is configured, in use, for supplying electrical power to a cartridge received in the receptacle.
88. The body according to clause 87, when further dependent on clause 84 at least, wherein each electrode is located between the plenum chamber and one of the at least one cartridge-supporting portion.
89. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein the body further comprises a plane which intersects each of the at least one air inlet and a portion of the plenum chamber.
90. The body according to any preceding clause, wherein each air inlet comprises an air inlet channel;
wherein each air inlet channel comprises a first, entry, end, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is for receiving a flow of air from outside of the receptacle into the air inlet channel, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is located on a chamfered portion of the receptacle.
91. The receptacle according to clause 90, wherein the chamfered portion comprises a first chamfered portion which is located on an outer surface of the receptacle.
92. The receptacle according to clause 90 or 91, when further dependent on clause 21 at least, wherein the second receptacle wall comprises the chamfered portion.
93. The receptacle according to any of clauses 90-92, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a second, exit, end, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is for allowing the flow of air to pass out from the air inlet channel, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is located on a second chamfered portion of the receptacle.
94. The receptacle according to clause 93, when further dependent on clause 21 at least, wherein the second receptacle wall comprises the second chamfered portion.
95. An aerosol provision system comprising the body according to any preceding clause, the aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolising into the aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing the flow of air to pass from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge is engaged against the portion of the plenum chamber.
96. An aerosol provision system according to clause 95, wherein each air inlet of the receptacle is configured, when the receptacle is receiving the cartridge, to extend through a wall of the receptacle about a length direction which is not parallel to a length direction of the air inlet from the cartridge.
97. An aerosol provision system according to clause 95 or 96, wherein each air inlet of the receptacle is configured, when the receptacle is receiving the cartridge, to extend about a length direction which is substantially perpendicular to a length direction of the air inlet from the cartridge.
98. A method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:
causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet from a body of the aerosol provision system;
delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a plenum chamber of the body; and
delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of a cartridge which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber.
99. A method according to clause 98, wherein the method further comprises:
delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a receptacle of the body, wherein the receptacle is configured for releasably receiving the cartridge, and wherein the receptacle comprises the plenum chamber; and delivering the flow of air from the receptacle into the plenum chamber of the body.
100. A method according to clause 99, wherein the method further comprises:
delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into an outer chamber of the receptacle; and
delivering the flow of air from the outer chamber into the plenum chamber.
101. A plenum chamber, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising any feature, or any combination or permutation of features, as described in any of clauses 1-100 and/or as recited in any of the clauses from the first-sixth sets of clauses.
102. A body, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising any feature, or any combination or permutation of features, as described in any of clauses 1-100 and/or as recited in any of the clauses from the first-sixth sets of clauses.
103. A receptacle, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising any feature, or any combination or permutation of features, as described in any of clauses 1-100 and/or as recited in any of the clauses from the first-sixth sets of clauses.
104. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising any feature, or any combination or permutation of features, as described in any of clauses 1-100 and/or as recited in any of the clauses from the first-sixth sets of clauses.
105. An ornamental design for a plenum chamber as shown.
106. An ornamental design for an aerosol provision system as shown.
107. An ornamental design for a body of an aerosol provision system as shown.

Claims

1. A body, for an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the body comprising:

a receptacle for releasably receiving a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolizing into the aerosol, wherein the receptacle comprises:

at least one receptacle wall;

at least one air inlet, wherein each air inlet extends through the at least one receptacle wall; and

a plenum chamber;

wherein the receptacle is configured for allowing the cartridge to engage against a portion of the plenum chamber when the receptacle is releasably receiving the cartridge, for then allowing a flow of air to pass from outside of the receptacle, through the at least one air inlet, into the receptacle, and then into the plenum chamber.

2. The body according to claim 1, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a plurality of inlet orifices for allowing a flow of air to pass from the at least one air inlet into the plenum chamber;

wherein the plurality of inlet orifices comprises a first inlet orifice on a first side of the plenum chamber, and comprises a second inlet orifice on a second side of the plenum chamber;

wherein the first side of the plenum chamber is located opposite the second side of the plenum chamber.

3. The body according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle comprises an air-flow receiving orifice for allowing a flow of air to pass from the receptacle to an air-flow detection sensor;

wherein the air-flow inlet orifice is located more proximal to the first inlet orifice, than the air-flow inlet orifice is located to the second inlet orifice, for allowing a flow of air passing through the first inlet orifice to also pass over the air-flow receiving orifice.

4. The body according to claim 3, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located on a same side, or half, of the plenum chamber as the at least one air inlet.

5. The body according to claim 3, the body further comprising an aerosolizable material directing portion for directing aerosolizable material away from the air-flow receiving orifice when the cartridge is releasably received by the receptacle.

6. The body according to claim 5, wherein the plenum chamber comprises the aerosolizable material directing portion.

7. The body according to claim 4, wherein the aerosolizable material directing portion comprises a basin, wherein the air-flow receiving orifice is located outside of the basin.

8. The body according to claim 1, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a surrounding wall, wherein the portion of the plenum chamber comprises the surrounding wall.

9. The body according to claim 8, wherein the surrounding wall is resilient.

10. The body according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises:

a first end; and

a second, open, end for allowing a cartridge to be inserted into the receptacle;

wherein the at least one receptacle wall comprises:

a first receptacle wall located at the first end of the receptacle; and

at least one second receptacle wall extending between the first end and the second end of the receptacle;

wherein each air inlet extends through the at least one second receptacle wall.

11. The body according to claim 10, wherein each air inlet is located closer to the first end of the receptacle, than the air inlet is located to the second end of the receptacle.

12. The body according to claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a plane which intersects each of the at least one air inlet and a portion of the plenum chamber.

13. The body according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air inlet comprises:

a first air inlet defining a first air inlet channel extending about a first direction through a wall of the receptacle; and

a second air inlet defining a second air inlet channel extending about a second direction through a wall of the receptacle;

wherein the first direction is not parallel to the second direction.

14. The body according to claim 13, wherein the angle of separation between the first direction and the second direction is between 50 degrees and 170 degrees.

15. The body according to claim 13, wherein each air inlet channel comprises a first, entry, end, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is for receiving a flow of air from outside of the receptacle into the air inlet channel, wherein the first end of each air inlet channel is located on a first chamfered portion of the receptacle.

16. The body according to claim 15, wherein the first chamfered portion comprises a first chamfered portion which is located on an outer surface of the receptacle;

wherein each air inlet channel comprises a second, exit, end, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is for allowing the flow of air to pass out from the air inlet channel and into receptacle, wherein the second end of each air inlet channel is located on a second chamfered portion of the receptacle;

wherein the second chamfered portion is located on an inner surface of the receptacle.

17. The body according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a non-circular cross section.

18. The body according to claim 1, wherein the plenum chamber comprises a main chamber and at least one entrance chamber.

19. The body according to claim 18, wherein the at least one entrance chamber comprises a first entrance chamber on a first side of the plenum chamber, and comprises a second entrance chamber on a second side of the plenum chamber;

wherein the main chamber is located between the first entrance chamber and the second entrance chamber.

20. The body according to claim 1, wherein the plenum chamber is configured to be covered by, and/or or at least partly defined by, the cartridge when the cartridge is engaging the portion of the plenum chamber.

21. The body according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises an outer chamber between the at least one air inlet and the plenum chamber, wherein the outer chamber extends around the plenum chamber, and wherein the outer chamber comprises at least one cartridge-supporting portion configured to engage against a cartridge which is received by the receptacle.

22. The body according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises at least one electrode which is configured, in use, for supplying electrical power to a cartridge received in the receptacle.

23. An aerosol provision system comprising the body according to claim 1, the aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge configured to contain aerosolizable material for aerosolizing into the aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing the flow of air to pass from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of the cartridge, when the cartridge is engaged against the portion of the plenum chamber.

24. An aerosol provision system according to claim 23, wherein each air inlet of the receptacle is configured, when the receptacle is receiving the cartridge, to extend through a wall of the receptacle about a length direction which is not parallel to a length direction of the air inlet from the cartridge.

25. A method of directing a flow of air through an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises:

causing a flow of air to pass through at least one air inlet from a body of the aerosol provision system;

delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a plenum chamber of the body; and

delivering the flow of air from the plenum chamber into an air inlet of a cartridge which is engaged against a portion of the plenum chamber.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the method further comprises:

delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into a receptacle of the body, wherein the receptacle is configured for releasably receiving the cartridge, and wherein the receptacle comprises the plenum chamber; and

delivering the flow of air from the receptacle into the plenum chamber of the body.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the method further comprises:

delivering the flow of air from the at least one air inlet into an outer chamber of the receptacle; and

delivering the flow of air from the outer chamber into the plenum chamber.