WO2019138076A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un transducteur ultrasonore - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un transducteur ultrasonore Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019138076A1
WO2019138076A1 PCT/EP2019/050695 EP2019050695W WO2019138076A1 WO 2019138076 A1 WO2019138076 A1 WO 2019138076A1 EP 2019050695 W EP2019050695 W EP 2019050695W WO 2019138076 A1 WO2019138076 A1 WO 2019138076A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
generating device
generating
ultrasonic transducer
generator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/050695
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Rui Nuno BATISTA
Chiara FASCIANI
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Publication of WO2019138076A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019138076A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/05—Devices without heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosol generator comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the present invention also relates to an aerosol- generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device, and to an aerosol generator.
  • a number of electrically-operated aerosol-generating systems in which an aerosol-generating device having an electric heating element is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco plug, have been proposed in the art.
  • One aim of such aerosol-generating systems is to reduce known harmful or potentially harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article which is inserted into a chamber or cavity in the aerosol-generating device.
  • a resistive heating element is inserted into or around the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received in the aerosol-generating device.
  • a liquid aerosol-forming substrate such as a nicotine-containing liquid.
  • Such systems typically comprise a wick arranged to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from a storage portion and a resistive heating element coiled around a portion of the wick.
  • heating systems in known aerosol-generating systems exhibit a number of disadvantages.
  • resistive heating elements it may be difficult to achieve homogenous heating of an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • Difficulty achieving accurate temperature control is another disadvantage commonly associated with resistive heating elements.
  • the assembly process for resistive heating elements may also lead to resistive losses in the heating element circuit, for example at soldered connections between a resistive heating track and a power supply circuit.
  • Inductive heating systems also have their own disadvantages. For example, achieving efficient inductive heating of a susceptor element while minimising a power supply to an inductor coil requires positioning of the inductor coil as close to the susceptor element as possible. This may make it difficult to design an inductively heated aerosol-generating system that is efficient as well as practical to manufacture and use.
  • Resistive and inductive heating systems also exhibit a warm up time between the start of a supply of electrical power to the heating system and the heating system reaching an operating temperature.
  • the warm up time may result in a delay before aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosol-generating arrangement that mitigates or overcomes at least some of these disadvantages with known devices.
  • an aerosol-generating device for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generator comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to receive light from a light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the term“surface plasmon resonance” refers to a collective resonant oscillation of free electrons of the metallic nanoparticles and thus polarization of charges at the surface of the metallic nanoparticles.
  • the collective resonant oscillation of the free electrons and thus polarisation of charges is stimulated by light incident on the metallic nanoparticles from a light source.
  • Energy from the oscillating free electrons may be dissipated by several mechanisms, including heat. Therefore, when the metallic nanoparticles are irradiated with a light source, the metallic nanoparticles generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • metallic nanoparticles refers to metallic particles having a maximum diameter of about 1 micrometre or less.
  • Metallic nanoparticles that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when excited by incident light may also be known as plasmonic nanoparticles.
  • an“aerosol-generating device” relates to a device that may interact with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.
  • an aerosol-forming substrate relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • An aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a cartridge.
  • aerosol-generating system refers to a combination of an aerosol-generating device and one or more aerosol-forming substrates or aerosol-forming articles for use with the device.
  • An aerosol-generating system may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol generator of aerosol-generating devices comprises an ultrasonic transducer.
  • an ultrasonic transducer does not exhibit a warm-up time when compared to aerosol-generating devices comprises only a heating element for generating an aerosol. Therefore, advantageously, in embodiments in which the aerosol generator is activated only when a user draws on the device, the ultrasonic transducer may reduce or eliminate any delay before aerosol is delivered to the user.
  • the aerosol generator comprises a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to receive light from a light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may function as a heating element. Therefore, advantageously, the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may heat the ultrasonic transducer.
  • heating the ultrasonic transducer may facilitate aerosolisation of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate received at the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles are arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when exposed to light. Therefore, the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may function as a heating element without being electrically connected to a power supply.
  • a heating element that is not electrically connected to a power supply may simplify manufacture of the aerosol-generating device.
  • a heating element that is not electrically connected to a power supply may facilitate servicing of the aerosol generator, replacement of the aerosol generator, or both.
  • a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance when exposed to light may provide more homogenous heating of an aerosol- generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer when compared to resistive and inductive heating systems.
  • the free electrons of the metallic nanoparticles are excited to the same extent regardless of an angle of incidence of incident light.
  • a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance may provide more localised heating when compared to resistive and inductive heating systems.
  • localised heating may facilitate heating of discrete portions of an aerosol-forming substrate or a plurality of discrete aerosol-forming substrates.
  • localised heating increases the efficiency of the aerosol-generating device by increasing or maximising the transfer of heat generated by the plurality of metallic nanoparticles to an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • localised heating may reduce or eliminate undesired heating of other components of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric transducer.
  • piezoelectric transducers exhibit consistent and precise oscillations in response to an applied electric field. Therefore, advantageously, an ultrasonic transducer comprising a piezoelectric transducer may provide consistent and precise aerosolisation of a liquid aerosol- forming substrate received at an aerosol-generating surface of the transducer.
  • the piezoelectric transducer may comprise any suitable material.
  • the piezoelectric transducer may comprise quartz.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise a coating on an aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the coating comprises at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • a coating comprising at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may simplify the manufacture of the aerosol generator.
  • a coating comprising at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may be applied to the aerosol- generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer using any suitable process.
  • the coating may be formed by depositing metallic nanoparticles on the aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer using a physical vapour deposition process.
  • the coating may comprise a plurality of discrete areas.
  • the coating may be a substantially continuous coating.
  • At least one of the coating and the aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer may comprise a plurality of surface features defining a three-dimensional shape.
  • the plurality of surface features may comprise at least one of a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of depressions.
  • At least one of the coating and the aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer may have an undulating shape.
  • a plurality of surface features may increase the surface area of at least one of the coating and the aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • increasing the surface area of at least one of the coating and the aerosol- generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer may increase heating of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance when light is incident on the first surface.
  • At least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may be dispersed within the ultrasonic transducer.
  • dispersing at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles within the ultrasonic transducer may provide a more robust aerosol generator.
  • dispersing at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles within the ultrasonic transducer may minimise or eliminate the risk of metallic nanoparticles becoming dislodged from the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric transducer
  • the ultrasonic transducer may comprise a piezoelectric material doped with at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may be provided only within a coating on an aerosol- generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may be dispersed only within the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a first plurality of metallic nanoparticles provided within a coating on an aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer and a second plurality of metallic nanoparticles dispersed within the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the ultrasonic transducer is arranged to receive a supply of electrical power.
  • the ultrasonic transduced may be arranged to receive electrical power from a power supply external to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical power supply and a controller configured to supply electrical power from the electrical power supply to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise a DC power supply.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise at least one battery.
  • the at least one battery may include a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor.
  • the electrical power supply may require recharging.
  • the electrical power supply may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for one or more uses of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the electrical power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for the continuous generation of aerosol for a period of around six minutes, corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes.
  • the electrical power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations.
  • the controller may be configured to commence a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the ultrasonic transducer at the start of an aerosol-generating cycle.
  • the controller may be configured to terminate a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the ultrasonic transducer at the end of an aerosol-generating cycle.
  • the controller may be configured to provide a continuous supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the controller may be configured to provide an intermittent supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow sensor arranged to sense airflow through the aerosol-generating device. During use, airflow through the device may be indicative of a user drawing on the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to supply electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer when the airflow sensor senses airflow through the aerosol-generating device.
  • supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer when the airflow sensor senses airflow through the device may generate aerosol only when a user is drawing on the aerosol-generating device.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may be arranged to receive light from an external light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • An external light source may comprise ambient light.
  • Ambient light may comprise solar radiation.
  • Ambient light may comprise at least one artificial light source external to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a light source, wherein the plurality of metallic nanoparticles is arranged to receive light from the light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • providing the aerosol-generating device with a light source may allow the plurality of metallic nanoparticles to generate heat without receiving light from an external light source.
  • providing the aerosol-generating device with a light source may provide improved control of the illumination of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • controlling the illumination of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles controls the temperature to which the plurality of metallic nanoparticles is heated by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the light source may be configured to emit at least one of ultraviolet light, infrared light and visible light.
  • the light source is configured to emit visible light.
  • a light source configured to emit visible light may be inexpensive, convenient to use, or both.
  • the light source is configured to emit light comprising at least one wavelength between 380 nanometres and 700 nanometres.
  • the light source is configured for a peak emission wavelength of between about 495 nanometres and about 580 nanometres.
  • peak emission wavelength refers to the wavelength at which a light source exhibits maximum intensity.
  • a peak emission wavelength of between about 495 nanometres and about 580 nanometres may provide maximum heating of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance, particularly when the plurality of metallic nanoparticles comprises at least one of gold, silver, platinum, and copper.
  • the light source may comprise at least one of a light emitting diode and a laser.
  • light emitting diodes and lasers may have a compact size suited to use in an aerosol-generating device.
  • the at least one laser may comprise at least one of a solid state laser and a semiconductor laser.
  • the light source may comprise a plurality of light sources.
  • the light sources may be the same type of light source. At least some of the light sources may be different types of light source.
  • the plurality of light sources may comprise any combination of the types of light source described herein.
  • a plurality of light sources may facilitate a desired illumination of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • a plurality of light sources may facilitate more homogenous illumination of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • At least one of the light sources may be a primary light source and at least one of the light sources may be a backup light source.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be configured to emit light from one or more backup light sources only when one or more of the primary light sources is inoperative.
  • At least one of the light sources may be arranged to irradiate only a portion of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • Each of the plurality of light sources may be arranged to irradiate a different portion of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be configured so that the plurality of light sources irradiate different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at the same time.
  • irradiating different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at the same time may facilitate homogenous heating of an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • irradiating different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at the same time may facilitate simultaneous heating of a plurality of discrete aerosol-forming substrates.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be configured so that the plurality of light sources irradiate different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at different times.
  • irradiating different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at different times may facilitate heating of different portions of an aerosol-forming substrate at different times.
  • irradiating different portions of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles at different times may facilitate heating of a plurality of discrete aerosol-forming substrates at different times.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller configured to supply electrical power from the electrical power supply to the light source.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise a single source of electrical power arranged to supply electrical power to the plurality of light sources.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise a plurality of sources of electrical power arranged to supply electrical power to the plurality of light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to selectively supply electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to selectively vary a supply of electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources.
  • the controller may selectively supply electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources to selectively heat at least some of the plurality of discrete aerosol-forming substrates.
  • the controller may selectively vary a supply of electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources to vary a ratio of heating of at least some of the plurality of discrete aerosol-forming substrates.
  • the aerosol-generating device may vary the composition of an aerosol delivered to a user.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a user input device.
  • the user input device may comprise at least one of a push-button, a scroll-wheel, a touch-button, a touch-screen, and a microphone.
  • the user input device allows a user to control one or more aspects of the operation of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol- generating device comprises a light source, a controller and an electrical power supply
  • the user input device may allow a user to activate a supply of electrical power to the light source, to deactivate a supply of electrical power to the light source, or both.
  • the controller is configured to selectively supply electrical power to at least some of a plurality of light sources
  • the controller is configured to selectively supply electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources in response to a user input received by the user input device.
  • the controller is configured to selectively vary a supply of electrical power to at least some of a plurality of light sources
  • the controller is configured to selectively vary a supply of electrical power to at least some of the plurality of light sources in response to a user input received by the user input device.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical power supply and a controller
  • the controller is configured to supply electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise a single source of electrical power arranged to supply electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer and the one or more light sources.
  • the electrical power supply may comprise a plurality of sources of electrical power arranged to supply electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer and the one or more light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to commence a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources at the start of an aerosol-generating cycle.
  • the controller may be configured to terminate a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources at the end of an aerosol-generating cycle.
  • the controller may be configured to provide a continuous supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to provide an intermittent supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to provide a pulsed supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources.
  • a pulsed supply of electrical power to the one or more light sources may facilitate control of the total output from the one or more light sources during a time period.
  • controlling a total output from the one or more light sources during a time period may facilitate control of a temperature to which the plurality of metallic nanoparticles is heated by surface plasmon resonance.
  • a pulsed supply of electrical power to the one or more light sources may increase thermal relaxation of free electrons excited by surface plasmon resonance compared to other relaxation processes, such as oxidative and reductive relaxation. Therefore, advantageously, a pulsed supply of electrical power to the one or more light sources may increase heating of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the controller is configured to provide a pulsed supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources so that the time between consecutive pulses of light from the light source is equal to or less than about 1 picosecond. In other words, the time between the end of each pulse of light from the light source and the start of the next pulse of light from the light source is equal to or less than about 1 picosecond.
  • the controller may be configured to vary the supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources.
  • the controller may be configured to vary a duty cycle of the pulsed supply of electrical power.
  • the controller may be configured to vary at least one of a pulse width and a period of the duty cycle.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor may be arranged to sense a temperature of at least one of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles and the ultrasonic transducer during use of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be configured to vary a supply of electrical power to the one or more light sources in response to a change in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
  • the controller is configured to vary the supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the one or more light sources in response to a change in temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more optical elements to facilitate the transmission of light from a light source to the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the one or more optical elements may include at least one of an aperture, a window, a lens, a reflector, and an optical fibre.
  • At least one of an aperture and a window may facilitate the transmission of light from an external light source to the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the aerosol- generating device may comprise a housing, wherein at least one of an aperture and a window is positioned on the housing.
  • At least one of a lens, a reflector and an optical fibre may concentrate or focus light emitted from a light source onto the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • concentrating or focussing light onto the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may increase the temperature to which the plurality of metallic nanoparticles are heated by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprises at least one of gold, silver, platinum, copper, palladium, aluminium, chromium, titanium, rhodium, and ruthenium.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise at least one metal in elemental form.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise at least one metal in a metallic compound.
  • the metallic compound may comprise at least one metal nitride.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles comprises at least one of gold, silver, platinum, and copper.
  • gold, silver, platinum, and copper nanoparticles may exhibit strong surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with visible light.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a single metal.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a mixture of different metals.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a plurality of first nanoparticles comprising a first metal and a plurality of second nanoparticles comprising a second metal.
  • At least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may each comprise a mixture of two or more metals. At least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a metal alloy. At least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may each comprise a core-shell configuration, wherein the core comprises a first metal and the shell comprises a second metal.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a light source
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles comprises a number average maximum diameter that is less than or equal to the peak emission wavelength of the light source.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may comprise a number average maximum diameter of less than about 700 nanometres, preferably less than about 600 nanometres, preferably less than about 500 nanometres, preferably less than about 400 nanometres, preferably less than about 300 nanometres, preferably less than about 200 nanometres, preferably less than about 150 nanometres, preferably less than about 100 nanometres.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise an electrically resistive portion arranged to receive a supply of electrical power. During use, a supply of electrical power to the electrically resistive portion may resistively heat the electrically resistive portion.
  • the electrically resistive portion may provide a source of heat in addition to heat generated by surface plasmon resonance of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the plurality of metallic nanoparticles may form the electrically resistive portion.
  • the aerosol generator comprises a coating comprising at least some of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles
  • the coating may form the electrically resistive portion.
  • the electrically resistive material may comprise at least one of an electrically resistive metal and an electrically resistive ceramic.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical power supply and a controller, preferably the controller is arranged to provide a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the electrically resistive portion.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to generate heat using the electrically resistive portion in addition to generating heat by surface plasmon resonance of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to generate heat using the electrically resistive portion as an alternative to generating heat by surface plasmon resonance of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to generate heat using the electrically resistive portion as a backup to generating heat by surface plasmon resonance of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to generate heat using the electrically resistive portion in the event that heating of the plurality of metallic nanoparticles by surface plasmon resonance is insufficient.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to generate heat using the electrically resistive portion at the start of an aerosol generation cycle.
  • the electrically resistive portion may be used to generate heat to raise the temperature of the ultrasonic transducer to an initial operating temperature.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to reduce or terminate a supply of electrical power to the electrically resistive portion when the temperature of the ultrasonic transducer reaches an initial operating temperature.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprising a device housing, wherein the aerosol-generator is configured to be removably received by the device housing.
  • an aerosol-generator configured to be removably received by the device housing facilitates at least one of servicing, cleaning, and replacing the aerosol-generator.
  • the aerosol-generator may be configured to be slidably received within the device housing.
  • the aerosol-generator may be configured to be retained within the device housing by at least one of an interference fit, a snap fit, and a magnetic connector.
  • the magnetic connector may comprise at least one first magnet disposed on the aerosol-generator and at least one second magnet disposed on or within the device housing.
  • the device housing defines an aerosol-generator recess for removably receiving the aerosol-generator.
  • the aerosol-generator recess is configured to slidably receive the aerosol-generator.
  • the aerosol-generator recess is configured to retain the aerosol-generator by an interference fit.
  • the device housing may comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the aerosol- generator recess is defined by the first end of the device housing.
  • the device housing may define an aperture at an end of the aerosol-generator recess, wherein the device housing is configured to receive the aerosol-generator through the aperture when the aerosol-generator is inserted into the aerosol-generator recess.
  • the aerosol-generator recess may define a tail of a dovetail joint, wherein the aerosol-generator defines a corresponding pin of the dovetail joint.
  • the aerosol-generator may comprise an aerosol-generator housing on which the ultrasonic transducer is disposed.
  • the aerosol-generator housing may comprise a first surface on which the ultrasonic transducer is disposed and a second surface configured to be removably received within the aerosol-generator recess defined by the device housing.
  • the first surface of the aerosol-generator housing may define a recess in which the ultrasonic transducer is disposed.
  • the ultrasonic transducer may comprise a mounting surface on an opposite side of the ultrasonic transducer from an aerosol-generating surface, wherein the mounting surface faces the aerosol-generator housing.
  • the aerosol-generator comprises first and second aerosol- generator electrical contacts configured to receive a supply of electrical power and conduct the supply of electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol- generator comprises an aerosol-generator housing, preferably the first and second aerosol- generator electrical contacts are disposed on the aerosol-generator housing.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises first and second device electrical contacts arranged to contact the first and second aerosol-generator electrical contacts respectively, when the aerosol-generator is removably received by the device housing.
  • the first and second device electrical contacts are disposed on the device housing.
  • the device housing defines an aerosol-generator recess
  • the first and second device electrical contacts are disposed within the aerosol-generator recess.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical power supply
  • the first and second device electrical contacts are configured to conduct a supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to the first and second aerosol- generator electrical contacts, when the aerosol-generator is removably received by the device housing.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises at least one pump arranged to pump liquid aerosol-forming substrate through a pump outlet and to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • a pump may facilitate a reliable and consistent supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the ultrasonic transducer, particularly when compared to passive liquid transport mechanisms such as a capillary wick.
  • the at least one pump may comprise a first pump and a second pump each arranged to pump a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the first pump may be arranged to receive and pump a first liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the second pump may be arranged to receive and pump a second liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to mix first and second aerosol-forming substrates pumped from the first and second pumps before the first and second liquid aerosol- forming substrates reach the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to pump a mixture of first and second aerosol-forming substrates to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to pump first and second aerosol-forming substrates separately to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to pump the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates to the ultrasonic transducer at different times.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to pump the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates to the ultrasonic transducer simultaneously.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged so that, during use, first and second liquid aerosol- forming substrates are mixed together at an aerosol-generating surface of the ultrasonic transducer, after aerosolisation by the aerosol-generator, or both.
  • the at least one pump may comprise a peristaltic pump.
  • the at least one pump may comprise a micro-pump.
  • Suitable micro-pumps may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pumps.
  • the at least one pump may comprise at least one of a manually actuated pump and an electrically actuated pump.
  • a manually actuated pump may simplify the construction of the aerosol- generating device and reduce power requirements.
  • the manually actuated pump may comprise a flexible chamber arranged to allow a user to apply pressure to the flexible chamber.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to allow a user to apply pressure directly to the manually actuated pump.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise an actuation portion arranged to transmit force from a user to the manually actuated pump.
  • the actuation portion may comprise at least one of a push-button and a plunger.
  • the actuation portion is biased towards a non-actuated position in the absence of an external force from a user.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a spring arranged to bias the actuation portion towards the non-actuated position.
  • an electrically actuated pump may facilitate accurate delivery of a desired amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an electrical power supply and a controller
  • the controller is configured to supply electrical power from the electrical power supply to the electrically actuated pump.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an airflow sensor
  • the controller is configured to supply electrical power to the electrically actuated pump when the airflow sensor senses airflow through the aerosol- generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprises a one-way valve positioned between the pump outlet and the ultrasonic transducer, the one-way valve being configured to prevent fluid flow from the ultrasonic transducer towards the pump outlet.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one capillary tube defining a flow path for liquid aerosol-forming substrate between the pump outlet and the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a one-way valve positioned between the pump outlet and the ultrasonic transducer, preferably the one-way valve is disposed in-line with the at least one capillary tube.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a storage portion and a liquid aerosol- forming substrate disposed within the storage portion.
  • providing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate as part of the aerosol-generating device may be suited to providing a compact aerosol-generating device.
  • providing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate as part of the aerosol-generating device may simplify use of the aerosol-generating device by eliminating the need for a user to carry a separate aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate is at least one of replaceable and refillable.
  • the aerosol-generating device is arranged to supply liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises at least one pump
  • the at least one pump is arranged to pump liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the at least one pump may comprise a pump inlet configured to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a one-way valve positioned between the storage portion and the pump inlet, the one-way valve being configured to prevent fluid flow from the pump inlet toward the storage portion.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former.
  • Suitable aerosol- formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.
  • Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and, most preferred, glycerine or polyethylene glycol.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one of nicotine or a tobacco product. Additionally, or alternatively, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise another target compound for delivery to a user. In embodiments in which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine, the nicotine may be included in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate with an aerosol-former.
  • the storage portion may be a first storage portion and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a first liquid aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the first storage portion.
  • the aerosol- generating device may comprise a second storage portion and a second liquid aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the second storage portion.
  • the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates may be the same.
  • the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates may be different.
  • the aerosol-generating device is arranged to supply first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates from the first and second storage portions to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises first and second pumps
  • the first and second pumps are arranged to pump the first and second liquid aerosol- forming substrates from the first and second storage portions to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to supply the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates to the ultrasonic transducer at different times.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to supply the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates to the ultrasonic transducer simultaneously.
  • the first aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine source and the second aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an acid source.
  • the aerosol-generator may simultaneously aerosolise the nicotine source and the acid source to generate a nicotine- containing vapour and an acid vapour.
  • the nicotine vapour and the acid vapour react with each other in the gas phase to generate an aerosol comprising nicotine salt particles.
  • the nicotine source may comprise nicotine, nicotine base or a nicotine salt.
  • the nicotine source disposed within the first storage portion may comprise between about 1 milligram and about 50 milligrams of nicotine, preferably between about 1 milligram and about 40 milligrams of nicotine, more preferably between about 3 milligrams and about 30 milligrams of nicotine, more preferably between about 6 milligrams and about 20 milligrams of nicotine, most preferably between about 8 milligrams and about 18 milligrams of nicotine.
  • the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amount of nicotine base or amount of ionised nicotine, respectively.
  • the nicotine source may comprise liquid nicotine or a solution of nicotine in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent.
  • the nicotine source may comprise natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.
  • the acid source may comprise an organic acid or an inorganic acid.
  • the acid source comprises an organic acid, more preferably a carboxylic acid, most preferably an alpha-keto or 2-oxo acid or lactic acid.
  • the acid source comprises an acid selected from the group consisting of 3- methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, pyruvic acid, 2-oxopentanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid, 3- methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid, 2-oxooctanoic acid, lactic acid and combinations thereof.
  • the acid source comprises pyruvic acid or lactic acid. More preferably, the acid source comprises lactic acid.
  • the acid source is a lactic acid source comprising between about 2 milligrams and about 60 milligrams of lactic acid, more preferably between about 5 milligrams and about 50 milligrams of lactic acid, more preferably between about 8 milligrams and about 40 milligrams of lactic acid, most preferably between about 10 milligrams and about 30 milligrams of lactic acid.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a device connector for connecting to a cartridge connector of a cartridge.
  • the device connector may include at least one of a screw connector, a bayonet connector and a snap connector.
  • the aerosol-generating device is arranged to supply liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from a cartridge through the device connector to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises at least one pump
  • the at least one pump comprises a pump inlet configured to receive liquid aerosol-generating substrate from a cartridge through the device connector.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a one-way valve positioned between the pump inlet and the device connector, the one-way valve being configured to prevent fluid flow from the pump inlet toward the device connector.
  • the device connector may be a first device connector for connecting to a cartridge connector of a first cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a second device connector for connecting to a second cartridge connector of a cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device is arranged to supply first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates received from first and second cartridges through the first and second device connectors to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises first and second pumps
  • the first and second pumps are arranged to pump first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates received from first and second cartridges to the ultrasonic transducer.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow inlet.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises at least one airflow passage providing fluid communication between the airflow inlet and the airflow outlet.
  • the aerosol-generating device is arranged so that, during use, an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generator is received within the at least one airflow passage.
  • at least a portion of the aerosol-generator is disposed within the at least one airflow passage.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an airflow outlet, preferably the airflow outlet is defined by the mouthpiece.
  • the mouthpiece may be removable.
  • the aerosol- generating device comprises a device housing
  • the mouthpiece may be configured for removable attachment to the device housing.
  • the mouthpiece may be configured to attach to the device housing by at least one of an interference fit, a snap fit, a screw connection, a bayonet connection, and a magnetic connection.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises first and second mouthpiece electrical contacts arranged to contact the first and second light source electrical contacts respectively, when the mouthpiece is removably attached to the device housing.
  • the first and second mouthpiece electrical contacts are disposed on the device housing.
  • an aerosol- generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
  • the aerosol- generating system also comprises a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge configured for connection to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any of the liquid aerosol-forming substrates described herein with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the cartridge comprises a cartridge connector configured to connect to the device connector.
  • the cartridge connector may comprise at least one of a screw connector, a bayonet connector, and a snap connector.
  • the cartridge may comprise a reservoir formed from a flexible material, wherein the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is contained within the reservoir.
  • a reservoir formed from a flexible material may deform or collapse as liquid aerosol-forming substrate is transferred from the reservoir to the aerosol-generating device.
  • deforming or collapsing the reservoir as liquid aerosol-forming substrate is transferred from the reservoir may eliminate the formation of a partial vacuum in the reservoir, particularly in embodiments in which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is transferred from the cartridge using at least one pump in the aerosol- generating device.
  • the flexible material may comprise a polymeric material.
  • the flexible material comprises a medical grade material.
  • the flexible material may comprise a single layer of material.
  • the flexible material may comprise a laminate material comprising a plurality of layers of material. At least some of the layer may comprise different types of material. At least some of the layer may comprise the same material.
  • the flexible material is chemically inert with respect to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the flexible material comprises a single layer of material
  • the single layer of material is chemically inert with respect to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the flexible material comprises a laminate material
  • at least the innermost layer of the laminate material is chemically inert with respect to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • At least part of the flexible material may be selected for at least one of resistance to ultraviolet radiation, resistance to infrared radiation, performance as an oxygen barrier, and suitability for receiving a print.
  • the flexible material comprises a single layer of material
  • the single layer of material is selected for at least one of resistance to ultraviolet radiation, resistance to infrared radiation, performance as an oxygen barrier, and suitability for receiving a print.
  • the flexible material comprises a laminate material
  • preferably at least the outermost layer of the laminate material is selected for at least one of resistance to ultraviolet radiation, resistance to infrared radiation, performance as an oxygen barrier, and suitability for receiving a print.
  • Suitable flexible materials may include polyolefins, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, fluoropolymers such as at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated ethylene propylene, and combinations thereof.
  • the cartridge may comprise a cartridge housing, wherein the reservoir is disposed within the cartridge housing.
  • the cartridge housing is formed from a rigid material.
  • the cartridge may be a first cartridge and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a first liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol-generating system may comprise a second cartridge comprising a second liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the second cartridge configured for connection to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the second cartridge may comprise any of the optional or preferred features described with respect to the first cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises first and second device connectors for connecting to the first and second cartridges, as described herein with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates may comprise any of the first and second liquid aerosol-forming substrates described herein with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system configured for connection to an aerosol-generating device.
  • the cartridge comprises a reservoir formed from a flexible material and a liquid aerosol- forming substrate contained within the reservoir.
  • the cartridge may comprise any of the optional or preferred features described herein with respect to the second aspect of the present invention.
  • an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol generator comprises an ultrasonic transducer and a plurality of metallic nanoparticles arranged to receive light from a light source and generate heat by surface plasmon resonance.
  • the aerosol-generator may comprise any of the optional or preferred features described herein with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the aerosol-generator of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 illustrating the insertion of the aerosol-generator of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled aerosol-generating system of Figure 1 .
  • FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the aerosol-generating system 100 comprises an aerosol-generating device 101 , a first cartridge 17 and a second cartridge 18.
  • the first and second cartridges 17, 18 each comprise a cartridge housing 60, 61 formed from a rigid plastic. Disposed within each cartridge housing 61 , 61 is a reservoir 24, 25 in the form of a flexible bag. Disposed within each reservoir 24, 25 is a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Each cartridge 17, 18 comprises a cartridge connector 26, 27.
  • the aerosol-generating device 101 comprises a device housing 50 defining a mouthpiece 1 , an aerosol-generating section 2 and a power supply section 3.
  • the mouthpiece 1 is removably attachable to a first end of the aerosol-generating section 2 by a push fit.
  • the power supply section 3 is removably attachable to a second end of the aerosol-generating section 2 by a push fit.
  • the power supply section 3 comprises a power supply 16 ( Figure 4) comprising a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
  • a charging connector 34 is configured to receive electrical power from an external power source for recharging the power supply 16.
  • the charging connector 34 may also be configured for data transfer between the aerosol-generating device 101 and an external device, such as a computing device.
  • the power supply section 3 also comprises first and second power supply electrical contacts 38 for supplying electrical power from the power supply 16 to components within the aerosol-generating section 2, as further described herein.
  • the power supply section 3 also comprises first and second cartridge recesses 28, 29 and first and second cartridge sensors 30, 31.
  • the aerosol-generating section 2 defines first and second cartridge cavities 32, 33 for receiving the first and second cartridges 17, 18.
  • a device connector is disposed within each cartridge cavity 32, 33 for receiving the corresponding cartridge connectors 26, 27 on the first and second cartridges 17, 18.
  • the cartridge connectors 26, 27 are configured to connect to the device connectors by a sealed push fit.
  • the aerosol-generating section 2 also defines a user control button 35 to enable user interaction with the aerosol-generating device 101.
  • An intermediate airflow aperture 36 provides fluid communication between the aerosol-generating section 2 and the mouthpiece 1 .
  • the aerosol-generating section 2 comprises an aperture 6 defined by a sidewall of the device housing 50.
  • the function of the aperture 6 is described in further detail with respect to Figures 2 and 3.
  • the mouthpiece 1 defines an airflow channel 8 arranged for fluid communication with the intermediate airflow aperture 36 when the mouthpiece 1 is removably attached to the aerosol- generating section 2.
  • An airflow outlet 9 formed at an end of the airflow channel 8 communicates a generated aerosol to a user during use of the aerosol-generating system 100.
  • the aerosol-generating device 101 comprises an aerosol- generator 4.
  • the aerosol-generator 4 comprises an aerosol-generator housing 39 in the form of a plate defining a transducer recess 40 in which an ultrasonic transducer 10 is mounted.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 10 comprises a quartz piezoelectric transducer.
  • a coating 1 1 comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles is disposed on an aerosol-generating surface 41 of the ultrasonic transducer 10.
  • First and second capillary tubes 12, 13 are arranged to transfer liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the first and second cartridges 17, 18 to the aerosol-generating surface 41 of the ultrasonic transducer 10.
  • the aerosol-generator 4 also comprises first and second aerosol-generator electrical contacts 14 for receiving a supply of electrical power from the power supply 16 to power the ultrasonic transducer 10.
  • the aerosol-generator 4 is configured to be removably received within an aerosol-generator recess 42 defined by the device housing 50 at the first end of the aerosol-generating section 2.
  • the aerosol-generating recess 42 has a dovetail shape so that the aerosol-generator 4 is slidable into the aerosol-generating recess 42 through the aperture 6 and retained in the aerosol-generating recess 42 by an interference fit.
  • the aerosol-generating device 101 also comprises first and second pumps 21 , 22 disposed within the aerosol-generating section 2.
  • the first and second pumps 21 , 22 are arranged to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the first and second cartridges 17, 18 respectively via one-way valves 19.
  • the first and second pumps 21 , 22 are electrically actuated micro-pumps.
  • a light source 5 comprising a light emitting diode having a peak emission wavelength of between about 495 nanometres and about 580 nanometres is disposed within the device housing 50 at the first end of the aerosol-generating section 2.
  • the light source 5 is disposed opposite the coating 1 1 on the ultrasonic transducer 10.
  • the light source 5 is spaced apart from the aerosol-generator 4 to define an airflow passage 7 therebetween.
  • the aperture 6 forms an airflow inlet at a first end of the airflow passage 7.
  • the intermediate airflow aperture 36 forms a second end of the airflow passage 7.
  • the first and second cartridges 17, 18 are inserted into the first and second cartridge cavities 32, 33.
  • the power supply section 3 is attached to the aerosol-generating section 2 so that the ends of the first and second cartridges 17, 18 are received within the first and second cartridge recesses 28, 29 to activate the first and second cartridge sensors 30, 31.
  • a controller 37 disposed within the aerosol-generating section 2 identifies the presence of the first and second cartridges 17, 18 based on signals received from the first and second cartridge sensors 30, 31 .
  • the controller 37 supplies electrical power from the power supply 16 to the first and second pumps 21 , 22, the ultrasonic transducer 10 and the light source 5 via electrical connections 15, 23.
  • the first and second pumps 21 , 22 pump liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the first and second cartridges 17, 18 to the aerosol-generating surface 41 of the ultrasonic transducer 10 via the first and second capillary tubes 12, 13.
  • the ultrasonic transducer 10 vibrates and generates an aerosol comprising the liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the first and second capillary tubes 12, 13.
  • the light source 5 irradiates the coating 1 1 resulting in heating of the coating 1 1 by surface plasmon resonance of the metallic nanoparticles. The heating of the coating 1 1 facilitates aerosol generation at the aerosol-generating surface 41 of the ultrasonic transducer 10.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de génération d'aérosol (101) permettant de chauffer un substrat de formation d'aérosol liquide. Le dispositif de génération d'aérosol (10) comprend un générateur d'aérosol (4) permettant de générer un aérosol à partir d'un substrat de formation d'aérosol liquide, le générateur d'aérosol (4) comprenant un transducteur ultrasonore (10) et une pluralité de nanoparticules métalliques agencées pour recevoir de la lumière en provenance d'une source de lumière (5) et pour générer de la chaleur par résonance plasmonique de surface.
PCT/EP2019/050695 2018-01-12 2019-01-11 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol comprenant un transducteur ultrasonore WO2019138076A1 (fr)

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US11959146B2 (en) 2020-06-01 2024-04-16 Shaheen Innovations Holding Limited Infectious disease screening device
US11131000B1 (en) 2020-06-01 2021-09-28 Shaheen Innovations Holding Limited Infectious disease screening device
US11667979B2 (en) 2020-06-01 2023-06-06 Shaheen Innovations Holding Limited Infectious disease screening device
EP3967162A4 (fr) * 2020-07-24 2022-07-27 KT & G Corporation Dispositif de production d'aérosol fondé sur des ultrasons et procédé de commande associé
EP4087426A4 (fr) * 2020-12-04 2023-06-21 KT&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
EP4041002B1 (fr) * 2020-12-15 2024-02-28 Shaheen Innovations Holding Limited Dispositif d'administration de nicotine
WO2022255622A1 (fr) * 2021-05-31 2022-12-08 Kt&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol basé sur une vibration ultrasonore et son procédé
US11665483B1 (en) 2021-12-15 2023-05-30 Shaheen Innovations Holding Limited Apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic waves

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