WO2022064172A1 - Système de fourniture d'aérosol - Google Patents

Système de fourniture d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022064172A1
WO2022064172A1 PCT/GB2021/052356 GB2021052356W WO2022064172A1 WO 2022064172 A1 WO2022064172 A1 WO 2022064172A1 GB 2021052356 W GB2021052356 W GB 2021052356W WO 2022064172 A1 WO2022064172 A1 WO 2022064172A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
provision system
aerosol provision
vaporiser
cartridge
wick
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2021/052356
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David LEADLEY
Patrick MOLONEY
Martin Conrad MULLIN
Mike XIAO
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Limited
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
Priority claimed from GBGB2014907.6A external-priority patent/GB202014907D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2014913.4A external-priority patent/GB202014913D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2014912.6A external-priority patent/GB202014912D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2014908.4A external-priority patent/GB202014908D0/en
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Limited filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority to US18/245,211 priority Critical patent/US20240324674A1/en
Priority to CA3173138A priority patent/CA3173138A1/fr
Priority to EP21778193.9A priority patent/EP4199762A1/fr
Priority to MX2023003319A priority patent/MX2023003319A/es
Publication of WO2022064172A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022064172A1/fr

Links

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
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • 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
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • 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
    • A24F40/46—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
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
    • 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
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • 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
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • 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
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).
  • nicotine delivery systems e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like.
  • Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation.
  • an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of an air channel through the aerosol provision system.
  • air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes and along the air channel to the aerosol generation region, where the air mixes with the vaporised precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol.
  • the air drawn through the aerosol generation region continues along the air channel to a mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol with it, and out through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.
  • aerosol provision systems to comprise a modular assembly, often having two main functional parts, namely a control unit and disposable I replaceable cartridge part.
  • the cartridge part will comprise the consumable aerosol precursor material and the vaporiser (atomiser), while the control unit part will comprise longer-life items, such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features.
  • the control unit may also be referred to as a reusable part or battery section and the replaceable cartridge may also be referred to as a disposable part or cartomiser.
  • control unit and cartridge are mechanically coupled together at an interface for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction fit fixing.
  • the cartridge may be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge may be attached to the device in its place.
  • An e-cigarette cartridge will typically have a mechanism, e.g. a capillary wick, for drawing aerosolisable material from an aerosolisable material reservoir to a vaporiser located in an air path I channel connecting from an air inlet to an aerosol outlet for the cartridge. Because there is a fluid transport path from the aerosolisable material reservoir into the open air channel through the cartridge, there is a corresponding risk of aerosolisable material leaking from the cartridge.
  • a mechanism e.g. a capillary wick
  • Leakage is undesirable both from the perspective of the end user naturally not wanting to get the e-liquid on their hands or other items, and also from a reliability perspective, since leakage from an end of the cartridge connected to the control unit may damage the control unit, for example due to corrosion.
  • Some approaches to reduce the risk of leakage may involve restricting the flow of aerosolisable material to the vaporiser, for example by tightly clamping a wick where it enters the air channel.
  • the aerosolisable material taken up by the wick is sufficient to keep the vaporiser cool (i.e., at an ideal operating temperature), but when the aerosolisable material taken up is insufficient (e.g., when the aerosolisable material in the reservoir runs low) this can in some scenarios give rise to overheating and undesirable flavours.
  • a further potential drawback in respect of existing aerosol provision systems is the fact that they may get dry if not used for a period of time. In that respect, this means that the vicinity around the vaporiser/heating element may be become dry, as a result of any aerosolisable material in the proximity of the vaporiser/heating element being drawn away back to the reservoir, e.g. via the effect of capillary action in the wick (where such a wick is provided). In such dry conditions, subsequent use of the vaporiser/heating element may cause it to become hotter than it would if the aerosol provision system was used more recently, and which may be undesirable.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, a wick for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser or wick exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material; a wick for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir; and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick; and a structure which, in response to a temperature of the wick exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; and a structure which, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; an air inlet and an outlet; an air channel extending from the air inlet to the outlet, wherein the vaporiser is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet; and a structure which, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • a method of physically preventing the operation of an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the aerosol provision system; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the aerosol provision system from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • a method of physically preventing the operation of a cartridge for use in an aerosol provision system wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the cartridge; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the cartridge from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising: a heating element for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; and control circuitry configured to provide power for the heating element for performing a heating operation to generate the vapour, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: provide a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of a heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and provide a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • a method of providing power to a heating element in an aerosol provision system wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises control circuitry, and wherein the method comprises the control circuitry: receiving a signal to provide power to the heating element as part of a heating operation; providing a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines a previous heating operation of the heating element as having not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and providing a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines the previous heating operation of the heating element as having occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and control unit (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;
  • Figure 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1;
  • Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 7 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 8 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIGS 9A and 9B represents schematic views of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 10 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 11 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 12 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIGS 13A and 13B represents schematic views of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 14A represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 14B represents a schematic view of a portion of the aerosol provision system shown in Figure 14A;
  • Figure 15A represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 15B represents a schematic view of a portion of the aerosol provision system shown in Figure 15A;
  • Figure 16 represents a schematic view of a wick and vaporiser arrangement for use in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 17 represents a schematic view of a wick and vaporiser arrangement for use in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 18A represents an embodiment of power regime for providing power in an aerosol provision system, such as that shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 18B represents an embodiment of power regime for providing power in an aerosol provision system, such as that shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 18C represents an embodiment of power regime for providing power in an aerosol provision system, such as that shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 18D represents an embodiment of power regime for providing power in an aerosol provision system, such as that shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 19 represents a schematic view of an aerosol provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • non-combustible aerosol provision systems which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.
  • Aerosolisable 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.
  • e-cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system I device and electronic aerosol provision system I 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 aerosolisable material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material.
  • the solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolisable material (or aerosol precursor material), an aerosol generating component (or vaporiser), an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and/or an area for receiving aerosolisable material.
  • the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without heating.
  • the aerosol generating component may be capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolisable 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 aerosolisable 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.
  • 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.
  • the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a "flavour” and/or "flavourant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers.
  • a "flavour” and/or "flavourant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers.
  • such constituents may be referred to as flavours, flavourants, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents.
  • flavour materials may include naturally occurring flavour 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,
  • 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), flavour enhancers,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour 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.
  • 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.
  • aerosol provision systems e-cigarettes
  • e-cigarettes often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (control unit) and a replaceable (disposable) cartridge part.
  • Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices.
  • electronic cigarettes it is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape.
  • certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing disposable cartridges.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system I 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 I electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate.
  • the cartridge comprises 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 81 cartridge 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 Figure 1) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1).
  • 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 has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L.
  • the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example 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 I 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.
  • 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).
  • the control unit further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 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.
  • 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.
  • other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques
  • 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 I off / standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and I or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.
  • the control circuitry 18 is suitably configured I 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 I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation.
  • 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.
  • 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) I circuitry I chip(s) I 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, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser/heating element 40, an aerosolisable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46.
  • Figures 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail.
  • Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest.
  • Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest.
  • Figure 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 Figures 3A and 3B).
  • Figures 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below.
  • Figure 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.
  • Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below.
  • Figure 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 Figures 1 and 2).
  • Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above.
  • Figure 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 I aerosol outlet 60 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 mm 2 .
  • 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.
  • 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 mm 2 .
  • the gap I portion of air channel 76 defined by the doublewalled 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 Figure 2.
  • 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 of ANSI 304 stainless steel 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.
  • the aerosolisable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser 40 comprises a resistance wire heater 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.
  • the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle.
  • the vaporiser and aerosolisable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and I or different materials.
  • the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy.
  • 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 aerosolisable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.
  • the wick 42 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 aerosolisable 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 aerosolisable material transport element passes.
  • the size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolisable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44.
  • 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).
  • 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 I 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 aerosolisable material transport element passes.
  • an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable 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 aerosolisable material for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolisable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used.
  • the present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolisable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid.
  • any aerosolisable 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 aerosolisable 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.
  • the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolisable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.
  • 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 aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolisable material that is vaporised from the aerosolisable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolisable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge.
  • FIG. 7 there is shown schematically a cross section view of a modified cartridge 200 for use with a control unit 400 to form an aerosol provision system 300 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 300; cartridge 200; and control unit 400 shown in Figure 7 are based on the construction of the corresponding aerosol provision system 1; cartridge 2; and control unit 4; shown in Figures 1-6B, and comprise similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures.
  • the cartridge 200 defines a reservoir 31 which extends around an aerosol outlet tube 38, and the cartridge 200 may also comprise a wick 42 for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the reservoir 31 may be annular, and is configured for containing aerosolisable material for aerosolising.
  • the control unit 400 may comprise the plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge 200.
  • the control unit 4 may also comprise the control circuitry 18 and the power supply/battery 16.
  • the reservoir 31 may comprise a first end 31A which is proximal the aerosol outlet 60 of the cartridge 200, and a second end 31 B which is proximal the vaporiser 40.
  • the aerosol provision system 300 may be further provided with the contact electrodes 46, with the cartridge 200 comprising at least one first contact electrode(s) 46A for engaging with at least one corresponding second contact electrode(s) 46B from the interface from the control unit 400.
  • a first modification over the aerosol provision system shown 1 in Figures 1-6B is the introduction of a structure 301 from the aerosol provision system 300, which in response to a temperature of the vaporiser 40 or wick 42 exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is prevented.
  • the structure 301 might take many forms, however a primary purpose of the structure is to disable the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200 where the structure is located as part of the cartridge 200) in response to the predetermined temperature being exceeded.
  • the predetermined temperature may be specific to each aerosol provision system 300, and/or cartridge 200, and may be preselected such to be an indicator of dry out in the cartridge 200, i.e. not enough aerosolisable material reaching the vaporiser 40, which can thus cause the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 to overheat.
  • control circuitry 18 from the aerosol provision system 300 may be configured to monitor the resistance of the vaporiser 40, and determine the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 based upon this monitoring of the resistance of the vaporiser 40. In that respect, for a given amount of power supplied to the vaporiser 40, the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 will be related to the recorded resistance for the vaporiser 40.
  • the temperature of the vaporiser 40, and/or or the wick 42 may be determined by the aerosol provision system 300 comprising at least one temperature sensor appropriately located in the aerosol provision system 300, and/or cartridge 200, and which is configured to output sensor information indicative of the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42, wherein the sensor information is configured to be received by the control circuitry 18, such that the control circuitry 18 may be configured to determine the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 based upon the sensor information from the at least one temperature sensor.
  • the structure 301 is intended to change from the first configuration to the second configuration to prevent the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200) - such to prevent damage thereto, and such to reduce the likelihood of any injury to the user through otherwise continued use of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200).
  • the structure may be conveniently configured to reversibly change between the first configuration and the second configuration. Any such reversibility in the structure may be particularly advantageous in instances when the temperature has cooled back down to below the predetermined temperature. Accordingly, and in some particular embodiments thereof, the structure may be configured to change from the second configuration to the first configuration once the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 subsequently falls below the predetermined temperature.
  • the structure 301 has been described as being configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 exceeding the predetermined temperature.
  • the aerosol provision system 300 in some particular embodiments thereof may not actually employ any form of wick 42.
  • an aerosol provision system 300 comprising the reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material, and the vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31; wherein the structure from the aerosol provision system 300, in response to the temperature of the vaporiser 40 exceeding the predetermined temperature, may operable to change from the first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is possible, to the second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is prevented.
  • a cartridge 200 comprising the reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material; the wick 42 for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir; and the vaporiser 40 for vaporising for aerosolisable material in the wick 42; and the structure which, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser 40 or wick 42 exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is prevented.
  • the structure may relate to an air channel 302 from the aerosol prevision system 300, which extends from an air inlet to an outlet, wherein the vaporiser 40 is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet.
  • the air channel 302 is shown as part of the cartridge 200, wherein the air inlet corresponds to the air inlet 50, and the outlet corresponds to the aerosol outlet 60.
  • the structure 301 may comprises a portion 304 of the air channel, wherein in the first configuration the air channel 302 is open for allowing air to travel from the air inlet 50 to the outlet 60 via the air channel 302, and wherein the second configuration the air channel 302;304 is blocked such that air is prevented from passing from the air inlet 50 to the outlet via the air channel 302.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may in principal be located anywhere in the air channel 302 to stop the flow of air between the air inlet 50 and the outlet 60.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may be located between the air inlet 50 and the vaporiser 40.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may be located in the air channel 302 in a position which is upstream of the vaporiser 40. In such embodiments, this particular position of the portion 304 of the air channel 302 inhibits fresh air from being provided to the vaporiser 40, thus preventing the user from being able to suck in air over the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure 301 may comprise a portion of deformable material 306, which is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second configuration, but not in the first configuration.
  • the deformable material 306 may be configured to be deformed inside the portion 304 of the air channel 302, such as for instance from a previous position located next to the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the deformable material 306 instead may be caused to be deformed around the outside, and thus apply a constricting force to, the portion 304 of the air channel 302 such to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the portion of deformable material 306 in response to the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature, the portion of deformable material 306 may be configured to be undergo a phase change, and/or be heated and to deform, from the first configuration to the second configuration.
  • any particular heat source may be used to provide the heat to the deformable material, such as a heat source provided adjacent to the deformable material.
  • the heat in such instances may be provided by the vaporiser 40 itself. In that respect, and in the event that the temperature of the vaporiser 40 exceeds the predetermined temperature, the excess heat from the vaporiser 40 may be configured to cause the deformable material to undergo the phase change, and/or deform/move to the second configuration.
  • the portion of deformable material 306 may equally be configured to prevent the operation of the vaporiser 40 in the second configuration, but not the first configuration. Appreciably, this might be achieved by the portion of deformable material 306 in the second configuration severing/shorting a component of the vaporiser 40 itself and/or severing/shorting any connection lead(s) 41 to the vaporiser 40 which delivers power to the vaporiser 40.
  • the portion of deformable material 306 may comprises a bimetallic strip and/or a shape memory element.
  • the bimetallic strip and/or the shape memory element may be configured to move from a first position in the first configuration to a second position in the second configuration.
  • the structure 301 may comprise an expansion member 308 which is configured to expand from the first configuration to the second configuration, wherein the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second configuration is blocked by the expansion member 308, but not blocked by the expansion member in the first configuration.
  • expansion member 308 might appreciably take a number of different forms as required, and could for instance be an air bag which is configured to expand to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302; an expandable foam which is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302; or a telescopically actuatable member which is configured to telescopically expand into, and thus block, the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the expansion member 308 need not be limited to any particular form necessarily.
  • the expansion member 308 may be configured to prevent the operation of the vaporiser in the second configuration, but not the first configuration. Appreciably, this might be achieved by the expansion member 308 in the second configuration severing/shorting a component of the vaporiser 40 itself and/or severing/shorting any connection lead(s) 41 to the vaporiser 40 which delivers power to the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure 301 may comprises a valve 310 which is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second configuration, but not in the first configuration.
  • the valve may be a ball valve, comprising a ball member that is configured to remain in a seated, non-obstructing location in the first position, and which is configured to be unseated in the second position and moved to a location whereby the ball member blocks the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • a valve 310 is present therefore, it will be appreciated that any other valve type may be used, so long as the valve 310 is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second configuration.
  • the structure 301 may be configured in such embodiments to block the air channel 302 in the second configuration.
  • the structure may comprise any combination(s) of the above described features.
  • the structure may comprise the portion of the deformable material 306 alongside the expansion member 308 and/or the valve 310.
  • the portion of the deformable material 306 may therefore act separately to, alongside, and/or help effect the operation of the expansion member 308 and/or the valve 310.
  • the structure 301 may comprise other/additional features to physically prevent the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 in the second configuration as will now be described.
  • the structure 301 may comprise a bimetallic strip, wherein the bimetallic strip is configured to move from a first position in the first configuration to a second position in the second configuration.
  • the bimetallic strip may have other applications aside from its use as the portion of deformable material 306.
  • the aerosol provision system 300 may be configured to deliver power to the vaporiser 40 through the bimetallic strip 320 in the first position, as shown in Figure 8.
  • this may generate sufficient heat from the vaporiser 40 to cause this heat to move the bimetallic strip from the first position to the second position in which power is not delivered to the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure 301 may comprise a shape memory element, wherein the shape memory element is configured to move from a first position in the first configuration to a second position in the second configuration.
  • the shape memory element may have other applications aside from its use as the portion of deformable material 306.
  • the aerosol provision system 300 may be configured to deliver power to the vaporiser 40 through the shape memory element 322 in the first position, as shown in Figure 8.
  • this in response to the temperature of the vaporiser 40 or wick 42 exceeding the predetermined temperature, this may generate sufficient heat from the vaporiser 40 to cause this heat to move the shape memory element 322 from the first position to the second position in which power is not delivered to the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure 301 may be configured to act as, or comprise, a circuit breaker 324.
  • the second configuration may comprise the circuit breaker 324 being tripped such to prevent power from being supplied to the vaporiser 40.
  • the bimetallic strip 320 and/or the shape memory element 322 may be the circuit breaker 324, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the structure in some embodiments thereof may be electrically connected in series with the vaporiser 40, again as shown in Figure 8.
  • the structure may be configured to prevent power from being supplied to the vaporiser 40 in the second configuration.
  • the structure 301 in the second configuration may be configured to short circuit the vaporiser 40, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.
  • the structure (such as, but not limited to, the bimetallic strip 320 and/or the shape memory element 322) in the second configuration may be configured to contact a bypass lead 326 (as shown in Figure 9B), which is located in parallel to the vaporiser 40, for allowing power to bypass the vaporiser 40 along the bypass lead 326.
  • the structure 301 in accordance with some embodiments may act as, or comprise, a fuse 328, as shown in Figure 8.
  • the second configuration may comprise the fuse 328 being blown/fused such to prevent power from being supplied to the vaporiser 40.
  • the fuse 328 may comprise a portion of the connection lead 41 for delivering power to the vaporiser 40, and/or may comprise a portion of the vaporiser 40 itself.
  • any control circuitry 18 from the aerosol provision system may be configured to send a signal to the structure 301 which commands the structure to change from the first configuration to the second configuration.
  • a signal may be sent in response to the control circuitry 18 determining (such as via any provided temperature sensor, or by monitoring the resistance 40 of the vaporiser as outlined above) that the temperature of the vaporiser 40 or the wick 42 exceeds the predetermined temperature.
  • the structure 301 is connected to the connection lead 41, and is configured to receive the signal from the control circuitry 18 via the connection lead 41.
  • the structure may be located in anywhere in the aerosol provision system 300 in so far as it is able to change from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the temperature of the vaporiser or wick exceeding the predetermined temperature.
  • the structure 301 may located in the cartridge 200 and/or the control unit 400.
  • the structure 301 may be particularly advantageous for the structure 301 to be located as close to the vaporiser 40 (and its associated heat) as possible. In that way, the structure 301 may then be able to respond more quickly in response to the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature. Accordingly, in respect of some embodiments, the structure 301 may be located in a position proximal the vaporiser, such as being located on the wick 42, or an external surface of the wick 42.
  • At least a portion of the structure 301 may be located within at least one of: 20mm; 10mm; 5mm; or 3mm of the vaporiser.
  • the vaporiser 40 may comprise the structure 301.
  • the structure 301 may appreciably comprise a fuse or some other weakened element in the vaporiser 40 which is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration, as required, in response to the temperature exceeding the predetermined temperature.
  • a plurality of distinct different structures 301 which may be used, individually, or together, as required and which, in response to the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 exceeding the predetermined temperature, are operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is prevented.
  • the structure 301 in such embodiments may be actuated in a number of different ways.
  • the structure in response to the temperature of the vaporiser 40 and/or the wick 42 exceeding the predetermined temperature, the structure may be actuated based off a signal which is sent from the control circuitry 18 from the aerosol provision system 300 to the structure.
  • the signal may be sent using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the structure.
  • a wired connection is provided between the structure and the control circuitry 18, and which extends across the interface end 54 and corresponding receptacle 8 between the control unit 400 and the cartridge 200 via the contact electrodes 46;46A;46B.
  • the structure may be powered, where applicable, it will be appreciated that this may be achieved using either the power supply 16 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 10), or the structure comprising its own power source (not shown in the Figures).
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system may generally comprise a housing part having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge and the interface end includes an interface for coupling the cartridge to a control unit.
  • An air channel wall (which may be formed by various components of the cartridge) extends from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet via an aerosol generation region in the vicinity of a vaporiser.
  • the cartridge has a reservoir within the housing part containing aerosolisable material for aerosolisation.
  • the reservoir is defined by a region within the housing part which is outside the air channel and an end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing part is sealed by a resilient plug comprising a base part and an outer wall, wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with an inner surface of the housing part.
  • a resilient plug comprising a base part and an outer wall, wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with an inner surface of the housing part.
  • FIG. 11 there is shown schematically a cross section view of a modified cartridge 200 for use with a control unit 400 to form an aerosol provision system 300 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 300; cartridge 200; and control unit 400 shown in Figure 11 are based on the construction of the corresponding aerosol provision system 1 ; cartridge 2; and control unit 4; shown in Figures 1-6B, and comprise similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures.
  • the cartridge 200 defines a reservoir 31 which extends around an aerosol outlet tube 38.
  • the reservoir 31 may be annular, and is configured for containing aerosolisable material for aerosolising.
  • control unit 400 may comprise the plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge 200.
  • the control unit 4 may also comprise the control circuitry 18 and the power supply/battery 16.
  • the reservoir 31 may comprise a first end 31A which is proximal the aerosol outlet 60 of the cartridge 200, and a second end 31 B which is proximal the vaporiser 40.
  • a modification over the aerosol provision system shown 1 in Figures 1-6B is the introduction of a structure from the aerosol provision system 300, which in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system 300 is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system 300 is physically prevented.
  • the structure might take many forms, however a primary purpose of the structure is to prevent the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200 where the structure is located as part of the cartridge 200) from being reused in response to the predetermined event occurring.
  • the predetermined event might be any adverse condition in respect of the aerosol provision system 300 and/or the cartridge 200.
  • the predetermined event may be the vaporiser 40 exceeding a predetermined temperature, and/or an amount of aerosolisable material in the reservoir 31 reaching, or falling below, a predetermined amount.
  • Each of these events may ultimately be indicative of dry out in the cartridge, i.e. not enough aerosolisable material reaching the vaporiser 40, which can thus cause the vaporiser 40 and/or the aerosolisable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 to overheat.
  • Such systems may include monitoring the amount of energy supplied to the vaporiser 40, to thus understand how much aerosolisable material has been vaporised by the vaporiser 40.
  • Other systems include monitoring the temperature of the vaporiser 40 by way of a sensor or sensing mechanism, such as a temperature sensor, in communication or proximity with the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure thus serves to permanently prevent further operation of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200) to thus prevent damage thereto, and to reduce the likelihood of any injury to the user through otherwise continued use of the aerosol provision system 300 (or the cartridge 200) once the predetermined event has occurred.
  • the structure might take many forms, and may in principal be located anywhere on the aerosol provision system 300, such as part of the cartridge 200 and/or part of the control unit.
  • the structure may relate to an air channel 302 from the aerosol prevision system 300, which extends from an air inlet to an outlet, wherein the vaporiser 40 is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet.
  • the air channel 302 is shown as part of the cartridge 200, wherein the air inlet corresponds to the air inlet 50, and the outlet corresponds to the aerosol outlet 60.
  • the structure may comprises a portion 304 of the air channel, wherein in the first position the air channel 302 is open for allowing air to travel from the air inlet 50 to the outlet 60 via the air channel 302, and wherein the second position the air channel 302;304 is blocked such that air is prevented from passing from the air inlet 50 to the outlet via the air channel 302.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may in principal be located anywhere in the air channel 302 to stop the flow of air between the air inlet 50 and the outlet 60.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may be located between the air inlet 50 and the vaporiser 40.
  • the portion 304 of the air channel 302 may be located in the air channel 302 in a position which is upstream of the vaporiser 40. In such embodiments, this particular position of the portion 304 of the air channel 302 inhibits fresh air from being provided to the vaporiser 40, thus preventing the user from being able to suck in air over the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure may comprise a portion of viscous material 306, such as wax in a very particular embodiment, which is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • the viscous material 306 may be configured to be delivered inside the portion 304 of the air channel 302, such as for instance from a previous stored position located next to the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the viscous material 306 may be delivered inside the portion 304 of the air channel 302, the viscous material 306 instead may be caused to be delivered around the outside, and thus apply a constricting force to, the portion 304 of the air channel 302 such to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the portion of viscous material 306 in response to the predetermined event, the portion of viscous material 306 may be configured to be undergo a phase change, and/or be heated and to flow, from the first position to the second position.
  • any particular heat source may be used to provide the heat to the viscous material, such as a heat source provided adjacent to the viscous material.
  • the heat in such instances may be provided by the vaporiser 40 itself. In that respect, and in a very particular embodiment, this might be particularly advantageous in instances where the predetermined event is the vaporiser 40 exceeding a predetermined temperature.
  • the excess heat from the vaporiser 40 may be configured to cause the viscous material to undergo a phase change, and/or flow/move towards the second position.
  • the portion of viscous material 306 may equally be configured to prevent the operation of the vaporiser in the second position, but not the first position. Appreciably, this might be achieved by the portion of viscous material 306 in the second position severing/shorting a component of the vaporiser 40 itself and/or severing/shorting any connection lead(s) 41 to the vaporiser 40 which delivers power to the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure may comprise an expansion member 308 which is configured to irreversibly expand from the first position to the second position, wherein the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second position is blocked by the expansion member 308, but not blocked by the expansion member in the first position.
  • expansion member 308 might appreciably take a number of different forms as required, and could for instance be an air bag which is configured to expand to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302; an expandable foam which is configured to block the portion 304 of the air channel 302; or a telescopically actuatable member which is configured to telescopically expand into, and thus block, the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • the expansion member 308 need not be limited to any particular form necessarily.
  • the expansion member 308 may be configured to prevent the operation of the vaporiser in the second position, but not the first position. Appreciably, this might be achieved by the expansion member 308 in the second position severing/shorting a component of the vaporiser 40 itself and/or severing/shorting any connection lead(s) 41 to the vaporiser 40 which delivers power to the vaporiser 40.
  • the structure may comprises a valve 310 which is configured to irreversibly block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • the valve may be a ball valve, comprising a ball member that is configured to remain in a seated, non- obstructing location in the first position, and which is configured to be irreversibly unseated in the second position and moved to a location whereby the ball member permanently blocks the portion 304 of the air channel 302.
  • a valve 310 is present therefore, it will be appreciated that any other valve type may be used, so long as the valve 310 is configured to permanently or irreversibly block the portion 304 of the air channel 302 in the second position.
  • the structure may comprise any combination(s) of the above described features.
  • the structure may comprise the portion of the viscous material 306 alongside the expansion member 308 and/or the valve 310.
  • the portion of the viscous material 306 may therefore act separately to, alongside, and/or help effect the operation of the expansion member 308 and/or the valve 310.
  • the structure may comprise other/additional features to physically prevent the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 in the second position.
  • the cartridge 200 may comprise a first contact electrode(s) 46A for engaging with a second contact electrode(s) 46B from the interface from the control unit 400, wherein the structure comprises the electrodes, wherein the first position the first contact electrode 46A is contactable with the second contact electrode 46B, and wherein the second position at least one of the electrodes 46A;46B is located in a position which prevents the first electrode 46A from contacting the second electrode 46B.
  • At least one of the electrodes 46A;46B may be located in a retracted position which prevents the first electrode(s) 46A from contacting the second electrode(s) 46B.
  • FIG. 12 Such an embodiment is shown best in Figure 12, where the first contact electrode(s) 46A is located on a moveable portion 312 located in a recess 314, wherein the moveable portion 312 and the recess 314 form part of the structure.
  • the moveable portion 312 is operable to irreversibly move further into recess 314. In that way, in the second position the first electrode(s) 46A is then located in a retracted position which prevents the first electrode 46A from contacting the second electrode 46B.
  • the moveable portion 312 and the recess 314 from the structure may be such that in the second position the second electrode(s) 46B is located in a retracted position which prevents the first electrode 46A from contacting the second electrode 46B.
  • the moveable portion 312 and the recess 314 in the above embodiments may be either positioned on the cartridge 200 (as shown in Figure 12) and accommodate the first electrode(s) 46A, or positioned on the control unit 400 and accommodate the second electrode(s) 46B.
  • the structure may comprise yet other/additional features to physically prevent the operation of the aerosol provision system 300 in the second position.
  • the structure may comprise a moveable member 318, wherein the moveable member 318 is configured to prevent the cartridge from releasably coupling with the control unit in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • the formation and shape of the moveable member 318 may be as required such that the moveable member 318 is operable to prevent the cartridge from releasably coupling with the control unit in the second position.
  • the moveable member may comprise a moveable projection.
  • the moveable member from the aerosol provision system 400 may be located as part of the cartridge 200 or as part of the control unit 400, such as the cartridge receiving section 8 of the control unit 400.
  • the moveable member 318 may then be configured to irreversibly move or expand to a position at least partially outside the cavity 320 such that the cartridge 200 is then prevented from releasably coupling with the control unit 400 (as shown in Figure 13B).
  • the structure may be actuated in response to any such predetermined event.
  • the structure may be actuated in a number of different ways.
  • the structure may be actuated based off a signal which is sent from the control circuitry 18 from the aerosol provision system 300 to the structure. The signal may be sent using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the structure.
  • a wired connection is provided between the structure and the control circuitry 18, and which extends across the interface end 54 and corresponding receptacle 8 between the control unit 400 and the cartridge 200 via the contact electrodes 46;46A;46B.
  • the structure may be powered, it will be appreciated that this may be achieved using either the power supply 16 (as shown in the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12), or the structure comprising its own power source (not shown in the Figures).
  • FIG 14A there is shown schematically a cross section view of a modified cartridge 2 for use with the control unit 4 to form the aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 ; cartridge 2; and control unit 4 shown in Figure 14A are based on the construction of the corresponding aerosol provision system 1; cartridge 2; and control unit 4; shown in Figures 1-6B, and comprise similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures.
  • the cartridge 2 defines a reservoir 31 which extends around an aerosol outlet tube 38, and the cartridge 2 also comprises a wick 42 for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the reservoir 31 may be annular, and is configured for containing aerosolisable material for aerosolising.
  • the control unit 4 may comprise the plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge 200.
  • the control unit 4 may also comprise the control circuitry 18 and the power supply/battery 16.
  • the reservoir 31 may comprise a first end 31A which is proximal the aerosol outlet 60 of the cartridge 2, and a second end 31 B which is proximal the vaporiser 40.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be further provided with the contact electrodes 46, with the cartridge 2 comprising at least one first contact electrode(s) 46A for engaging with at least one corresponding second contact electrode(s) 46B from the interface from the control unit 4.
  • the wick 42 comprises a first outer portion 302 comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion 304 comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • sorptivity this parameter expresses the tendency of a material to absorb and transmit water and other liquids by capillarity, and which is measured in m/s 1/2 .
  • Widely used test for measuring the sorptivity of material involves immersing a bar shaped section of material, with a constant cross-sectional area A along the length of the bar, that is wetted at one end of the bar.
  • the cumulative volume V of absorbed liquid after a time t is defined as:
  • V A . S . SQRT(t)
  • V is the cumulative volume of absorbed liquid (in m 3 ) after the time t (in seconds);
  • S is the sorptivity of the medium, in units of m/s 1/2 ; and A is the cross-sectional area of the bar of material (in m 2 ).
  • the wick 42 comprising the first outer portion 302 comprising the first sorptivity and the second inner portion 304 comprising the second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, this higher sorptivity in the second portion 304 allows the wick 42 to better encourage aerosolisable material to be drawn into the second portion 304 of the wick 42, which might otherwise be expected to become dryer in use compared with the first portion of the wick 42, even in instances when the aerosol provision system 1 may still contain sufficient aerosolisable material in other parts of the wick 42 and/or in reservoir 31.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the wick 42 and the vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick 42, wherein the wick 42 comprises the first outer portion 302 comprising a first sorptivity and the second inner portion 304 comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick 42 is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick 42 to pass from the first portion 302 to the second portion 304.
  • the wick 42 may comprise a fibrous material, such as (but not limited to) a fibrous material comprising glass fibres.
  • a fibrous material such as (but not limited to) a fibrous material comprising glass fibres.
  • the fibrous material may comprise fibres which extend in a direction from the first portion 302 to the second portion 304.
  • the aerosol provision system may further comprise the reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material, wherein the first outer portion 302 is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the first outer portion 302 may comprise a primary portion 302A located at a first end 42A of the wick 42, wherein the primary portion 302A is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the first outer portion 302 may comprise a secondary portion 302B located at a second end 42B of the wick 42, wherein the secondary portion 302B is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the first end 42A of the wick may be opposite the second end 42B, such as in embodiments where the wick comprises a cylindrical wick 42 (as shown in Figure 14B).
  • aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31 is configured to enter/ingress the wick 42 via the first portion 302.
  • FIG 14B This flow of aerosolisable material is shown in Figure 14B as the flow of aerosolisable material AM in .ln this way, it is noted that the second inner portion may be located between the primary portion and the secondary portion. Accordingly, in such embodiments, since the second inner portion 304 comprises a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity of the first portion 302, this further encourages aerosolisable material in the wick 42, which enters via the first end 42A and the second 42B, to pass into the second portion 304 of the wick 42 which is located further away from the ingress points of aerosolisable material into the wick 42. Hence, this arrangement may provide for the entirety of the wick 42 to be kept filled with aerosolisable material.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured such that the vaporiser 40 extends around any combination of the wick 42; the first portion 302 of the wick 42; and/or the second portion of the wick 304.
  • the vaporiser 40 may in accordance with some embodiments comprise a heating coil, such that in accordance with some embodiments, the vaporiser 40 (or the heating coil) may extend around the wick 42, such as the second portion 304 of the wick 42.
  • a heating coil such that in accordance with some embodiments, the vaporiser 40 (or the heating coil) may extend around the wick 42, such as the second portion 304 of the wick 42.
  • the vaporiser may be located on an external surface of the wick 42, such as an external surface of the first and/or second portions 302;304 of the wick 42.
  • an external surface of the wick 42 such as an external surface of the first and/or second portions 302;304 of the wick 42.
  • the first outer portion 302 may extend around the second inner portion 304.
  • the first outer portion 302 may extend concentrically around the second inner portion 304 and/or may completely surround the second inner portion 302, as shown in the particular arrangement of Figure 15B.
  • the second inner portion 304 comprising the second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity of the first portion 302
  • this second inner portion 302 of the wick 42 may be reduced, to thus improve the cooling properties of the wick 42 as a whole, as a result of more of the wick 42 with being adequately supplied with (cooling) aerosolisable material.
  • the first outer portion 302 may be located more proximal to the vaporiser 40, than the second inner portion 304 is located to the vaporiser 40.
  • this can be seen where the vaporiser 40 is located on the external surface of the wick 42, and in contact with the first outer portion 302, but not the second inner portion 304.
  • this geometry may take any required form to adequately facilitate the delivery of aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31 to the vaporiser 40.
  • the wick 42 may extend along a length L between a first end 42A and a second end 42B of the wick 42, which in some particular embodiments may be ends 42A;42B through which aerosolisable material is configured to be delivered into the wick 42 from the reservoir 31 (as shown in Figure 14B, 15B, and also Figure 16).
  • the wick 42 may comprise a cylindrical wick extending between the first end 42A and the second end 42B. It will be appreciated in such embodiments that the cylindrical wick may take any required cross section, such as a circular; elliptical; square; or a cross section having any other required shape.
  • the cross section of the wick 42 may change across its length L, as shown in the arrangement in Figure 16.
  • the area of the cross section may progressively decrease along the length L of the wick, in the direction from the first and/or second end towards the centre of the length L of the wick (e.g.in a very particular embodiment such that the wick 42 defines the shape of two frustoconical portions placed end-to-end, or the shape of a diabolo, or the shape of an hourglass).
  • the maximum width of the wick 42 in accordance with some embodiments may progressively decrease along the length L of the wick 42, in the direction from the first and/or second end 42A;42B towards the centre of the length L of the wick 42.
  • Such changes in the shape of the wick 42 may in accordance with some embodiments contribute to ensuring that the second inner portion 304 of the wick remains saturated with aerosolisable material in use, noting the aerosolisable material may be caused to occupy a smaller space in the second inner portion 304, as a result of the reduced cross sectional area and/or maximum width of the wick 42 therein.
  • the wick 42 may comprise step-changes in this cross sectional area/width of the wick 42, as shown in the arrangement of Figure 16.
  • the wick 42 may comprise a maximum width WT of the first outer portion 302, which is greater than the maximum width W 2 of the second inner portion.304.
  • such a shape for the wick 42 may further contribute to ensuring that the second inner portion 304 of the wick remains saturated with, and thus sufficiently cooled by, aerosolisable material in use, noting the aerosolisable material may be caused to flow towards, and occupy, the smaller space in the second inner portion 304.
  • any length of the wick 42 it will be appreciated that this may vary depending on the application of the wick 42.
  • the wick 42 in some embodiments thereof may be configured to have a maximum length L of no more than 5cm; no more than 3cm; and/or no more than 2cm, depending on the embodiment of aerosol provision system 1 in which the wick 42 is employed.
  • the vaporiser 40 is shown as extending around the wick 40, though it will be appreciated that the teachings herein described may be applicable to other arrangements of wick 42 and/or vaporiser 40. In that respect for instance, it will be appreciated that the teachings herein may be applicable to other types of wick 42, such as where the wick 42 comprises a ceramic wick, as shown in Figure 17.
  • the vaporiser 40 may comprise a conductive material located on an external surface of the wick 42. Such conductive material may appreciably take any required shape on the surface of the wick 42, e.g.
  • connection leads 41 which deliver power to the vaporiser 40, as is also the case for the embodiments shown in Figures 14A-16 where the vaporiser 40 may be similarly connected to the connection leads 41.
  • the first outer portion 302 of the wick 304 may comprise a first porous material defining a first average pore size
  • the second inner portion 304 comprises a second porous material defining a second average pore size, wherein the second average pore size is greater than the first average pore size.
  • this average pore size may be defined as the mean pore size for each of the first portion 302 and/or the second portion 304, or in some other embodiments defined as the median pore size for each of the first portion 302 and/or the second portion 304.
  • the first outer portion 302 comprises a first arrangement of fibrous material defining a first density inside the wick 42
  • the second inner portion 304 comprises a second arrangement of the fibrous material defining a second density inside the wick 42, wherein the second density is different from the first density.
  • the fibrous material may be more densely packed in the first portion 302 of the wick 42, compared with the second portion 304 of the wick 42, (considering, purely as an illustrative example, an embodiment where the fibrous material comprises cotton fibres) this relative difference in the densities of the fibrous material may encourage aerosolisable material in the wick 42 to pass from the first portion 302 to the second portion 304.
  • a wick 42 which comprises a first outer portion 302 comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion 304 comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick 42 is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion 302 to the second portion 302.
  • a wick 42 at a very broad level may be utilised in any of the aerosol provision systems 1 described herein.
  • the wick is employed in the cartridge 2 of the aerosol provision systems 1 described herein, there may be thus provided a cartridge 2 for an aerosol provision system 1 comprising the cartridge 2 and the control unit 4, wherein the cartridge 2 comprises the wick 42 and the vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick 42, wherein the wick 42 comprises the first outer portion 302 comprising the first sorptivity and the second inner portion 304 comprising the second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick 42 is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion 302 to the second portion 304.
  • FIG. 18A there is shown a plot of power supplied by a vaporiser/heating element 40 against time, which may have applications in accordance with some of the embodiments of aerosol provision system 1 described herein, such as any of the embodiments described with reference to Figures 1-6B.
  • a previous heating operation and a subsequent heating operation there is shown a previous heating operation and a subsequent heating operation, and a duration of time T 1 between the end of the previous heating operation and the start of the new heating operation.
  • the plot indicates the power supplied in the given heating operation.
  • the power supplied to the heating operation may be dependent on whether a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has occurred within a predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a vaporiser/heating element 40 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; and control circuitry 18 configured to provide power for the heating element 40 for performing a heating operation to generate the vapour.
  • the control circuitry 18 is configured to provide a first amount of power P1 to the heating element 40 at a start of a heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has not occurred within a predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • the control circuitry 18 is then further configured provide a second amount of power P2, which is greater than the first amount of power P1 , to the heating element 40 at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has occurred within the predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • the predetermined period of time TO is indicative of a period of sustained inactivity of the heating element 40, during which time the vicinity around the heating element 40 may be become dry, as a result of any aerosolisable material in the proximity of the heating element 40 being drawn away back to the reservoir 31 , e.g. via the effect of capillary action in the aerosolisable material transport element/wick 42 (where such a wick is provided).
  • subsequent use of the heating element 40 may cause it to become hotter than it would if the aerosol provision system 1 was used more recently - where the vicinity of the heating element 40 may be wetter.
  • the first, lower, amount of power P1 is provided to the heating element 40, which is less than second the amount of the power P2, to reduce the likelihood of such overheating in the heating element 40.
  • aerosolisable material can then be drawn back to the vicinity of the heating element 40, such to allow a subsequent heating operation to then be supplied with the second amount of power P2 (assuming the duration of time T 1 between the start of the subsequent heating operation and the end of the previous heating operation is within the predetermined period of time TO)
  • the exact duration of the predetermined period of time TO, the amount of the first amount of power P1 , and the amount of the second amount of the power P2 will be dependent on the arrangements of features in each aerosol provision system 1, and notably on the type, material, and/or location of features (such as the reservoir 31 , the heating element 40 and/or any wick 42 provided in the aerosol provision system 1).
  • the general overriding parameter is that the first amount of power P1 is less than the second amount of power P2.
  • control circuitry 18 may be configured to provide power to the heating element for a predetermined duration T2, which may correspond to the duration of the heating operation.
  • control circuitry 18 may be configured to maintain the first amount of power P1 to the heating element 40 for the predetermined duration T2.
  • control circuitry 18 may alternatively be configured to progressively increase the amount of power to the heating element 40 during the predetermined duration T2.
  • Such progressive increase in accordance with some particular embodiments, may comprise a linear increase in power, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 18B, or in accordance with some other embodiments may comprise a polynomial or exponential increase, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 18C.
  • control circuitry 18 is configured to increase the amount of power to the heating element 40 during the predetermined duration T2
  • the amount of power to the heating element 40 at the end of the predetermined duration T2 may be the same as the second amount of power P2, as is shown in the embodiments of Figures 18B and Figured 18C for instance.
  • the control circuitry 18 in accordance with some embodiments may be configured to maintain the power to the heating element 40 at a first value for a first time interval T2A in the predetermined duration T2, and configured to then increase the power to the heating element 40 to a second value for a second time interval T2B in the predetermined duration T2, wherein the second time interval T2B is after the first time interval T2A.
  • the first value may be the first amount of power P1 and/or the second value may be the second amount of power P2.
  • Such a particular embodiment is shown in the embodiment of Figure 18D.
  • the first time interval T2A may have the same duration or a different duration to that of the second time interval T2B.
  • the second time interval T2B may immediately follow the first time interval T2A as shown in the embodiment of Figure 18D.
  • the first amount of power P1 may have a maximum voltage which is less than the maximum voltage of the second amount of power P2.
  • the first amount of power P1 may have a maximum current which is less than the maximum current of the second amount of power P2.
  • the first amount of power P1 may have a maximum duty cycle which is less than the maximum duty cycle of the second amount of power P2.
  • control circuitry 18 may be further configured, in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has not occurred within the predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation, to set the first amount of power P1 based on the duration of time T 1 since the previous heating operation.
  • control circuitry 18 may be configured to decrease the first amount of power P1 , as the duration of time T 1 since the previous heating operation increases. In so doing, the longer the duration of time T1 , the dryer conditions there may be in the vicinity of the heating element 40, hence a lower amount of first power P1 being used as these conditions become dryer through time.
  • control circuitry 18 may be further configured to provide the first amount of power P1 at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has never occurred (e.g. when the heating element 40 is new, and/or first supplied (e.g. as part of the cartridge 2 as shown in the embodiment of Figures 1-6B).
  • the reservoir 31 and the heating element 40 may be located in the cartridge 2, and wherein the control unit 4 comprises the cartridge receiving section 8 that includes the interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge 4 so as to releasably couple the cartridge 2 to the control unit 4, wherein the control unit 4cfurther comprises the power supply 16 and the control circuitry 18.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may further comprise the wick 42 configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31 , wherein the heating element 40 is configured to vaporise the aerosolisable material received in the wick 42.
  • control circuitry 18 may be further configured to adjust the predetermined period of time TO based on a compensating parameter.
  • a compensating parameter may be to account for a variety of different aspects of the aerosol provision system 1 which may affect how quickly the conditions in the vicinity of the heating element 40 become sufficiently dry to merit/warrant the first, lower, amount of power P1 being provided to the heating element 40 at the start of any given next heating operation.
  • FIG 8 shows a cartridge 2 for use with a control unit 4 to form an aerosol provision system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 1; cartridge 2; and control unit 4 shown in Figure 19 is based on the construction of the corresponding aerosol provision system 1 ; cartridge 2; and control unit 4; shown in Figures 1-6B, and comprises similar components as set out by the reference numerals that are common to both sets of Figures.
  • the cartridge 2 defines a reservoir 31 which extends around an aerosol outlet tube 38.
  • the reservoir 31 may be annular, and is configured for containing aerosolisable material for aerosolising.
  • the control unit 4 may comprise the plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge 200.
  • the control unit 4 may also comprise the control circuitry 18 and the power supply/battery 16.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 19, further comprise a temperature sensor 180 for outputting a first signal containing temperature data related to the temperature of the environment of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be configured to receive the first signal from the temperature sensor 180, and process the temperature data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • the compensating parameter may be modified by the control circuitry 18 such to adjust/decrease the predetermined period of time TO.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 19, additionally/alternatively further comprise a humidity sensor 182 for outputting a second signal containing humidity data related to the humidity of the environment of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be configured to receive the second signal from the humidity sensor 182, and process the humidity data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • the compensating parameter may be modified by the control circuitry 18 such to adjust/increase the predetermined period of time TO.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 19, additionally/alternatively comprises a pressure sensor 184 for outputting a third signal containing pressure data related to the pressure of the environment of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be configured to receive the third signal from the pressure sensor 184, and process the pressure data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • the compensating parameter may account for a variety of different aspects of the aerosol provision system 1 which may affect how quickly the conditions in the vicinity of the heating element 40 become sufficiently dry.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on viscosity data relating to the viscosity of the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system.
  • the viscosity data may be stored in a memory 188 of the aerosol provision system, wherein the viscosity data is configured to be retrieved by the control circuitry from the memory 188.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may further comprise a sensor 186 for detecting the viscosity of the aerosolisable material, wherein the sensor 186 is configured to output a fourth signal containing the viscosity data.
  • a sensor 186 may, for instance, be located in the reservoir 31 , as shown for instance in the embodiment in Figure 19.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on composition data relating to the composition of the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system.
  • composition data may be stored in the memory 188 of the aerosol provision system, wherein the composition data is configured to be retrieved by the control circuitry 18 from the memory 188.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may further comprise a sensor 190, such as located for instance in the reservoir 31, for detecting the composition of the aerosolisable material, wherein the sensor 190 is configured to output a signal containing the composition data.
  • this composition may contribute to how quickly the conditions in the vicinity of the heating element 40 become sufficiently dry to merit/warrant the first, lower, amount of power P1 being provided to the heating element 40 at the start of any given next heating operation.
  • control circuitry 18 may be configured to modify the compensating parameter based on data relating to the amount of aerosolisable material vaporised by the heating element 40, or based on a remaining amount of aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system 1 , such as the remaining amount of aerosolisable material in the reservoir 31.
  • such data may be derived from either a sensor 192 in contact with the aerosolisable material and/or in the reservoir 31 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 19), or by monitoring the power supplied to the heating element 40 using the control circuitry 18, which is related to the amount of aerosolisable material vaporised by the heating element 40 (and thus related to the remaining amount of aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system 1).
  • the control circuitry 18 which is related to the amount of aerosolisable material vaporised by the heating element 40 (and thus related to the remaining amount of aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system 1).
  • this may affect the degree/speed to which aerosolisable material may depart the vicinity of the heating element 40 after a heating operation, and thus affect how quickly these conditions dry out.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may further comprise an orientation sensor 194, such as but limited to an accelerometer(s) configured to output orientation sensor data, to the control circuitry 18, relating to the orientation of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the control circuitry may be further configured to process the orientation sensor data from the orientation sensor 194 to modify the compensating parameter.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 has been orientated in such a position whereby the aerosolisable material is drained away from the vicinity of the heating element 40 (e.g.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on data relating to a property of the wick 42.
  • This property in some particular embodiments, may be at least one of the dimensions of the wick 42; the material of the wick 42; and/or the temperature of the wick 42.
  • any of these properties of the wick may itself be an indicator of dryness in the vicinity of the heating element 40 after a heating operation.
  • a dimension(s) of the wick falls below a predetermined threshold amount (which is an amount that may be stored in the memory 188, and which may be specific to the wick 42 in question), this may be indicative of a wick which is lacking moisture content or which is dryer than usual. Accordingly, in such conditions, the control circuitry 18 may modify the compensating parameter such to adjust/decrease the predetermined period of time TO.
  • a predetermined threshold amount which is an amount that may be stored in the memory 188, and which may be specific to the wick 42 in question
  • control circuitry 18 may be configured to modify the compensating parameter such to adjust/decrease the predetermined period of time TO.
  • the control circuitry 18 may be configured to modify the compensating parameter such to adjust/decrease the predetermined period of time TO.
  • a predetermined temperature which is a predetermined temperature that may be stored in the memory 188, and which may be specific to the wick 42 in question
  • the control circuitry 18 may be configured to modify the compensating parameter such to adjust/decrease the predetermined period of time TO.
  • Such a temperature of the wick 42 may be estimated by monitoring the resistance of the heating element 40, noting this resistance will be directly related to the temperature of the wick 42.
  • the method then comprises the control circuitry 18 providing the first amount of power P1 to the heating element 40 at the start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry 18 determines the previous heating operation of the heating element 40 as having not occurred within a predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and providing the second amount of power P2, which is greater than the first amount of power P1 , to the heating element 40 at the start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry 18 determines the previous heating operation of the heating element 40 as having occurred within the predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • any of the sensor(s) 180; 182; 184; 186; 190; 192; 194, and/or the memory 188, described with reference to Figure 19 may be powered (if they are present at all), it will be appreciated that these features may be powered using either the power supply 16 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 19), or each powered with its own power source (not shown in the Figures).
  • any such sensor(s) and/or the memory may be provided anywhere in the aerosol provision system 1 as may be required to allow them to provide their required functionality.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 comprises a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4
  • any provided temperature sensor 180; humidity sensor 182; pressure sensor 184 and/or orientation sensor 194 may be located in either the cartridge 2 or the control unit 4.
  • any signal therefrom may be sent using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the sensor.
  • a wired connection is provided between each sensor and the control circuitry 18, and which extends in the case of the sensor(s) being located in the cartridge 2 across the interface end 54 and corresponding receptacle 8 between the control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 via the contact electrodes 46.
  • the resilient plug 44 provides a seal to the housing part 32.
  • the outer wall 102 of the resilient plug 44 which seals to the inner surface of the housing part 32 to form the end of the aerosolisable material reservoir extends in direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge to a position which is further from the interface end of the cartridge than the aerosolisable material transport element I vaporiser. That is to say, the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extends into the aerosolisable material reservoir in a region which is surrounded by the outer sealing wall of the resilient plug.
  • the geometry of the reservoir in the region which supplies the aerosolisable material transport element with aerosolisable material allows the geometry of the reservoir in the region which supplies the aerosolisable material transport element with aerosolisable material to be governed by the geometry of the resilient plug.
  • the radial thickness of the reservoir in this region can readily be made smaller than the radial thickness in other longitudinal positions along the air channel, which can help trap aerosolisable material in the vicinity of the aerosolisable material transport element, thereby helping to reduce the risk of dry out for different orientations of the cartridge during use.
  • the outer wall of the resilient plug may, for example, contact the inner surface of the housing part at locations over a distance of at least 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm and 10 mm in a direction extending from the interface end to the mouthpiece end (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis).
  • the outer wall of the resilient plug may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing over the majority of this distance, or the outer wall of the resilient plug may include a number of (e.g. four) circumferential ridges 140 to help improve sealing.
  • the resilient plug may be slightly oversized relative to the opening in the housing part so that it is biased into slight compression.
  • the interior width of the housing part into which the resilient plug is inserted in the plane of this figure is around 17.5 mm, whereas the corresponding width of the resilient plug is around 18 mm, thereby placing the resilient plug into compression when inserted into the housing part.
  • the resilient plug 44 does not have the same symmetry because it includes a flat 142 on one side to accommodate the air channel gap 76 provided by the double-walled section 74 of the housing part (i.e. the resilient plug is asymmetric in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge to accommodate the double-walled section of the housing part).
  • a distance between the air channel wall and the outer wall of the resilient plug in this region may, for example, be in the range 3 mm to 8 mm.
  • the thickness of the reservoir is different at different locations around the air channel.
  • the aerosolisable material transport element is arranged to extend into the reservoir in the region where it is widest in the axial direction, i.e. into the "lobes" of the oval reservoir around the air channel.
  • the portions of the aerosolisable material transport element that extend into the reservoir may, for example, have a length, as measured from the interior of the air channel wall, in the range 2 mm to 8 mm, e.g. in the range 3 mm to 7 mm or in the range 4 mm to 6 mm.
  • the specific geometry in this regard may be chosen having regard to a desired rate of aerosolisable material transport, for example having regard to the capillary strength of the aerosolisable material transport element and the viscosity of the aerosolisable material, and may be established for a given cartridge design through modelling or empirical testing.
  • FIG. 1 Another aspect of some particular cartridge configurations in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is the manner in which the air channel is routed through the cartridge, and in particular from the air inlet to the vicinity of the vaporiser (the aerosol generation region).
  • an air inlet for the cartridge is located in a side wall of the housing part at a position which is further from the interface end than at least a part of the resilient plug that seals an end of the reservoir.
  • the air channel in the cartridge is initially routed from the air inlet towards the interface end and bypasses the resilient plug before changing direction and entering the aerosol generation chamber through the resilient plug.
  • a distance from air inlet to the interface end of the housing part may be at least 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.
  • an absorbent element for example a portion of sponge material or a series of channels forming a capillary trap, may be provided between the air inlet and the aerosol generation chamber, for example in the region air channel formed between the base of the resilient plug and the end cap, to further help reduce the risk of leakage by absorbing aerosolisable material that forms in the air channel and so helping prevent the aerosolisable material travelling around the air channel through the air inlet or towards the aerosol outlet.
  • the air channel from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet may have its smallest cross-sectional area where it passes through the hole 106 in the resilient plug. That is to say, the hole in the resilient plug may be primarily responsible for governing the overall resistance to draw for the electronic cigarette.
  • dividing wall element divides the air reservoir into two regions, namely a main region above the dividing wall (i.e. towards a mouthpiece end of the cartridge) and a aerosolisable-material-supply region below the dividing wall (i.e. on the same side of the dividing wall as where the aerosolisable material transport element extends from the vaporiser into the reservoir).
  • the dividing wall includes openings to govern the flow of aerosolisable material on the main region to the aerosolisable material supply region.
  • the dividing wall can help retain aerosolisable material in the aerosolisable material supply region of the reservoir, example when the electronic cigarette is tilted through various orientations, which can help avoid dry out.
  • the dividing wall can also conveniently provide a mechanical stop for the resilient plug to abut I press against so as to help correctly locate the resilient plug during assembly and maintain the resilient plug in slight compression between the dividing wall and the end cap when the cartridge is assembled.
  • the dividing wall is formed as a separate element form the housing part, wherein an inner surface of the housing part includes one or more protrusions arranged to contact the side of the dividing wall facing the mouthpiece end of the cartridge to locate the dividing wall along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, but in other examples the dividing wall may be integrally formed with the housing part.
  • the dividing wall is in the form of an annular band around the air channel and comprises four fluid communication openings 150 located in respective quadrants of the band.
  • the dividing wall may, for example, have an area of between 4 mm 2 and 15 mm 2 .
  • a combined area for the at least one openings as a fraction of the total area of the dividing wall exposed to aerosolisable material supply region of the reservoir region may be, for example, from 20% to 80%; 30% to 70% or 40% to 60%.
  • cartridges in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosure may not include all these features.
  • an air path generally of the kind discussed above i.e. with an air inlet which is in a sidewall of the cartridge and closer to the mouthpiece end of the cartridge than the vaporiser, may be provided in a cartridge which does not include a resilient plug with an outer sealing wall which extends around the vaporiser and I or does not include a dividing wall element of the kind discussed above.
  • a cartridge which does include a resilient plug with an outer sealing wall which extends around the vaporiser may have an air inlet into the cartridge which is at the interface end of the cartridge, and not in a sidewall, and which may also not have a dividing wall element of the kind discussed above.
  • a cartridge which does include a dividing wall element might not include an air inlet located further from the interface end of the cartridge than the vaporiser and I or an extended outer sealing wall for a resilient plug as discussed above.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, a wick for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser or wick exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material; a wick for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir; and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick; and a structure which, in response to a temperature of the wick exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; and a structure which, in response to a temperature of the vaporiser exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser is prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system 300 comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, a wick 42 for receiving aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31, and a vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick 42.
  • a structure 301 from the aerosol provision system 300 in response to a temperature of the vaporiser 40 or wick 42 exceeding a predetermined temperature, is operable to change from a first configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is possible, to a second configuration in which operation of the vaporiser 40 is prevented.
  • This structure 301 could be operable to reversibly change between the first configuration and the second configuration, and might be configured to short circuit the vaporiser 40 in some cases.
  • the structure might also be configured to disconnect a connection lead 41 for delivering power to the vaporiser 40 in some cases.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; an air inlet and an outlet; an air channel extending from the air inlet to the outlet, wherein the vaporiser is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet; and a structure which, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the aerosol provision system; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the aerosol provision system from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • a method of physically preventing the operation of a cartridge for use in an aerosol provision system wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the cartridge; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the cartridge from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • an aerosol provision system 300 comprising a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir 31.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises a structure 306;308;310;312;318 which, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system 300 is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system 300 is physically prevented.
  • the predetermined event may be the vaporiser 40 exceeding a predetermined temperature, or the amount of aerosolisable material in the reservoir 31 reaching, or falling below, a predetermined amount.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a wick 42 and a vaporiser 40 for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick 42, wherein the wick 42 comprises a first outer portion 302 comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion 304 comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick 42 is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick 42 to pass from the first portion 302 to the second portion 304.
  • This facilitates with the second inner portion 304 of the wick 42 being supplied with aerosolisable material, to help reduce the effects of dry out therein, and to assist with keeping the wick 42 cool.
  • an aerosol provision system comprising: a heating element for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; and control circuitry configured to provide power for the heating element for performing a heating operation to generate the vapour, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: provide a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of a heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and provide a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises control circuitry, and wherein the method comprises the control circuitry: receiving a signal to provide power to the heating element as part of a heating operation; providing a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines a previous heating operation of the heating element as having not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and providing a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines the previous heating operation of the heating element as having occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a heating element 40 for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material as part of a heating operation.
  • Control circuitry 18 is configured to provide a first amount of power to the heating element 40 at a start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has not occurred within a predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • the control circuitry 18 then provides a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element 40 at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element 40 has occurred within the predetermined period of time TO ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • An aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein a structure from the aerosol provision system, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • aerosol provision system further comprises an air inlet and an outlet, and an air channel extending from the air inlet to the outlet, wherein the vaporiser is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet.
  • the structure comprises a portion of the air channel, wherein in the first position the air channel is open for allowing air to travel from the air inlet to the outlet via the air channel, and wherein the second position the air channel is blocked such that air is prevented from passing from the air inlet to the outlet via the air channel.
  • the structure comprises a portion of viscous material which is configured to block the portion of the air channel in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • An aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 8-12, wherein the structure comprises a valve which is configured to block the portion of the air channel in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • an aerosol provision system according to any of clauses 8-13, wherein the structure comprises an expansion member which is configured to irreversibly expand from the first position to the second position, wherein the portion of the air channel in the second position is blocked by the expansion member, but not blocked by the expansion member in the first position.
  • An aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the reservoir is located in the cartridge, wherein the control unit comprises a cartridge receiving section that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge so as to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.
  • the structure comprises a moveable member, wherein the moveable member is configured to prevent the cartridge from releasably coupling with the control unit in the second position, but not in the first position.
  • control circuitry is configured to supply power from the power supply to the vaporiser located in the cartridge via their cooperatively engaging interfaces, and wherein the vaporiser is located in the cartridge.
  • the cartridge comprises a first contact electrode for engaging with a second contact electrode from the interface from the control unit, wherein the structure comprises the contact electrodes, wherein the first position the first contact electrode is contactable with the second contact electrode, and wherein the second position at least one of the contact electrodes is located in a position which prevents the first electrode from contacting the second electrode.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises: a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; an air inlet and an outlet; an air channel extending from the air inlet to the outlet, wherein the vaporiser is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet; and a structure which, in response to a predetermined event, is operable to irreversibly change from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • a method of physically preventing the operation of an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the aerosol provision system; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the aerosol provision system from a first position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is possible, to a second position in which operation of the aerosol provision system is physically prevented.
  • a method of physically preventing the operation of a cartridge for use in an aerosol provision system wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for aerosolisable material, and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material from the reservoir; wherein the method comprises: detecting a predetermined event from the cartridge; and in response to the detection, irreversibly changing a structure from the cartridge from a first position in which operation of the cartridge is possible, to a second position in which operation of the cartridge is physically prevented.
  • the cartridge further comprises an air inlet and an outlet, and an air channel extending from the air inlet to the outlet, wherein the vaporiser is located in the air channel between the air inlet and outlet, wherein the structure comprises a portion of the air channel located between the vaporiser and the air inlet, wherein response to the detection, the method further comprises irreversibly changing the portion of the air channel such that air is prevented from passing from the air inlet to the outlet via the air channel.
  • the structure comprises a contact electrode for delivering power to the vaporiser; wherein response to the detection, the method further comprises permanently disconnecting the contact electrode from the vaporiser.
  • the predetermined event comprises the vaporiser exceeding a predetermined temperature.
  • An aerosol provision system comprising a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • first outer portion comprises a first porous material defining a first average pore size
  • second inner portion comprises a second porous material defining a second average pore size
  • second average pore size is greater than the first average pore size
  • An aerosol provision system according to any preceding clause, further comprising a reservoir for aerosolisable material, wherein the first outer portion is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir.
  • the first outer portion comprises a primary portion located at a first end of the wick, wherein the primary portion is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir.
  • the first outer portion comprises a secondary portion located at a second end of the wick, wherein the secondary portion is configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir.
  • An aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the reservoir is located in the cartridge, wherein the control unit comprises a cartridge receiving section that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge so as to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further comprises a power supply and control circuitry.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises a wick and a vaporiser for vaporising aerosolisable material in the wick, wherein the wick comprises a first outer portion comprising a first sorptivity and a second inner portion comprising a second sorptivity which is greater than the first sorptivity, such that the wick is operable to encourage aerosolisable material in the wick to pass from the first portion to the second portion.
  • An aerosol provision system comprising: a heating element for generating a vapour from an aerosolisable material; and control circuitry configured to provide power for the heating element for performing a heating operation to generate the vapour, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: provide a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of a heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and provide a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.
  • control circuitry is configured to provide power to the heating element for a predetermined duration.
  • control circuitry is configured to maintain the first amount of power to the heating element for the predetermined duration.
  • control circuitry is further configured to progressively increase the amount of power to the heating element during the predetermined duration.
  • control circuitry is further configured to maintain the power to the heating element at a first value for a first time interval in the predetermined duration, and configured to then increase the power to the heating element to a second value for a second time interval in the predetermined duration, wherein the second time interval is after the first time interval.
  • first value is the first amount of power.
  • control circuitry is further configured, in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation, to set the first amount of power based on the duration of time since the previous heating operation; wherein the control circuitry is configured to decrease the first amount of power, as the duration of time since the previous heating operation increases.
  • control circuitry is further configured to provide the first amount of power at the start of the heating operation in the event that a previous heating operation of the heating element has never occurred.
  • An aerosol provision system further comprising a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the reservoir and the heating element are located in the cartridge, wherein the control unit comprises a cartridge receiving section that includes an interface arranged to cooperatively engage with the cartridge so as to releasably couple the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further comprises a power supply and the control circuitry.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises a wick configured to receive the aerosolisable material from the reservoir, wherein the heating element is configured to vaporise the aerosolisable material received in the wick.
  • control circuitry is further configured to: adjust the predetermined period of time based on a compensating parameter.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises a temperature sensor for outputting a first signal containing temperature data related to the temperature of the environment of the aerosol provision system; wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the first signal from the temperature sensor, and process the temperature data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises a humidity sensor for outputting a second signal containing humidity data related to the humidity of the environment of the aerosol provision system; wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the second signal from the humidity sensor, and process the humidity data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • aerosol provision system of any of clauses 17-19, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a pressure sensor for outputting a third signal containing pressure data related to the pressure of the environment of the aerosol provision system; wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive the third signal from the pressure sensor, and process the pressure data to modify the compensating parameter.
  • control circuitry is further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on viscosity data relating to the viscosity of the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises a sensor for detecting the viscosity of the aerosolisable material, wherein the sensor is configured to output a fourth signal containing the viscosity data.
  • control circuitry is further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on composition data relating to the composition of the aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system.
  • control circuitry is further configured to modify the compensating parameter based on data relating to the amount of aerosolisable material vaporised by the heating element, or based on a remaining amount of aerosolisable material in the aerosol provision system.
  • aerosol provision system of any of clauses 17-25, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises an orientation sensor configured to output orientation sensor data, to the control circuitry, relating to the orientation of the aerosol provision system, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to process the orientation sensor data from the orientation sensor to modify the compensating parameter.
  • a method of providing power to a heating element in an aerosol provision system wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises control circuitry, and wherein the method comprises the control circuitry: receiving a signal to provide power to the heating element as part of a heating operation; providing a first amount of power to the heating element at a start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines a previous heating operation of the heating element as having not occurred within a predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation; and providing a second amount of power, which is greater than the first amount of power, to the heating element at the start of the heating operation in the event that the control circuitry determines the previous heating operation of the heating element as having occurred within the predetermined period of time ending immediately before the start of the heating operation.

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  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de fourniture d'aérosol (300) comprenant un réservoir pour matière aérosolisable, une mèche (42) pour recevoir une matière aérosolisable à partir du réservoir (31), et un vaporisateur (40) pour vaporiser une matière aérosolisable dans la mèche (42). Une structure (301) du système de fourniture d'aérosol (300), en réponse à une température du vaporisateur (40) ou de la mèche (42) dépassant une température prédéterminée, est utilisable pour passer d'une première configuration dans laquelle le fonctionnement du vaporisateur (40) est possible, vers une deuxième configuration dans laquelle le fonctionnement du vaporisateur (40) est empêché. Cette structure (301) peut être conçue pour changer de manière réversible entre la première configuration et la deuxième configuration, et peut être conçue pour court-circuiter le vaporisateur (40) dans certains cas. La structure peut également être conçue pour déconnecter un fil de connexion (41) pour distribuer de l'énergie au vaporisateur (40) dans certains cas.
PCT/GB2021/052356 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Système de fourniture d'aérosol WO2022064172A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/245,211 US20240324674A1 (en) 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Aerosol provision system
CA3173138A CA3173138A1 (fr) 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Systeme de fourniture d'aerosol
EP21778193.9A EP4199762A1 (fr) 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Système de fourniture d'aérosol
MX2023003319A MX2023003319A (es) 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Sistema de suministro de aerosol.

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2014912.6 2020-09-22
GBGB2014907.6A GB202014907D0 (en) 2020-09-22 2020-09-22 Aerosol provision system
GB2014907.6 2020-09-22
GBGB2014913.4A GB202014913D0 (en) 2020-09-22 2020-09-22 Aerosol provision system
GB2014913.4 2020-09-22
GB2014908.4 2020-09-22
GBGB2014912.6A GB202014912D0 (en) 2020-09-22 2020-09-22 Aerosol provision system
GBGB2014908.4A GB202014908D0 (en) 2020-09-22 2020-09-22 Aerosol provisional system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022064172A1 true WO2022064172A1 (fr) 2022-03-31

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PCT/GB2021/052356 WO2022064172A1 (fr) 2020-09-22 2021-09-10 Système de fourniture d'aérosol

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20240324674A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4199762A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA3173138A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2023003319A (fr)
WO (1) WO2022064172A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115039921A (zh) * 2022-07-05 2022-09-13 暨南大学 一种用于雾化装置的多孔陶瓷雾化芯
US11789476B2 (en) 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater

Citations (4)

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US20170196273A1 (en) * 2014-12-12 2017-07-13 Joyetech (Changzhou) Electronics Co., Ltd. Atomizing device and electronic cigarette having same
EP3086672B1 (fr) * 2013-12-23 2018-04-04 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Article à fumer avec soupape
US20180160735A1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2018-06-14 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. Electronic smoking device
US20190093783A1 (en) * 2017-09-25 2019-03-28 Altria Client Services Llc E-vapor device with bimetallic actuator for opening and sealing reservoir

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3086672B1 (fr) * 2013-12-23 2018-04-04 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Article à fumer avec soupape
US20170196273A1 (en) * 2014-12-12 2017-07-13 Joyetech (Changzhou) Electronics Co., Ltd. Atomizing device and electronic cigarette having same
US20180160735A1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2018-06-14 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. Electronic smoking device
US20190093783A1 (en) * 2017-09-25 2019-03-28 Altria Client Services Llc E-vapor device with bimetallic actuator for opening and sealing reservoir

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11789476B2 (en) 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater
CN115039921A (zh) * 2022-07-05 2022-09-13 暨南大学 一种用于雾化装置的多孔陶瓷雾化芯

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EP4199762A1 (fr) 2023-06-28
US20240324674A1 (en) 2024-10-03
MX2023003319A (es) 2023-06-19
CA3173138A1 (fr) 2022-03-31

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