WO2022201126A1 - Dosette dotée d'éléments d'écoulement d'air dans un passage d'écoulement d'air pré-mèche - Google Patents

Dosette dotée d'éléments d'écoulement d'air dans un passage d'écoulement d'air pré-mèche Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022201126A1
WO2022201126A1 PCT/IB2022/052771 IB2022052771W WO2022201126A1 WO 2022201126 A1 WO2022201126 A1 WO 2022201126A1 IB 2022052771 W IB2022052771 W IB 2022052771W WO 2022201126 A1 WO2022201126 A1 WO 2022201126A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wick
airflow
pod
atomization chamber
air flow
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Application number
PCT/IB2022/052771
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English (en)
Inventor
Corey Charles Holton IRELAND
Timothy Wong
Original Assignee
2792684 Ontario Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 2792684 Ontario Inc. filed Critical 2792684 Ontario Inc.
Publication of WO2022201126A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022201126A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—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
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • This application relates generally to airflow features within an Electronic
  • Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), and more particularly to airflow features provided in a pre-wick air flow passage to encourage improved mixing in an atomization chamber.
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers are well regarded tools in smoking cessation. In some instances, these devices are also referred to as an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).
  • a nicotine based liquid solution commonly referred to as e-liquid, often paired with a flavoring, is atomized in the ENDS for inhalation by a user.
  • e-liquid is stored in a cartridge or pod, which is a removable assembly having a reservoir from which the e-liquid is drawn towards a heating element by capillary action through a wick.
  • the pod is removable, disposable, and is sold pre-fdled.
  • a refillable tank is provided, and a user can purchase a vaporizable solution with which to fill the tank.
  • This refillable tank is often not removable, and is not intended for replacement.
  • a tillable tank allows the user to control the fill level as desired.
  • Disposable pods are typically designed to carry a fixed amount of vaporizable liquid, and are intended for disposal after consumption of the e-liquid.
  • the ENDS cartridges unlike the aforementioned tanks, are not typically designed to be refilled. Each cartridge stores a predefined quantity of e-liquid, often in the range of 0.5 to 3ml.
  • the e-liquid is typically composed of a combination of any of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol, nicotine and flavorings.
  • different compositions may be used.
  • cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may be delivered in an atomizable liquid carrier that is based on at least one of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine, with terpenes used as a flavoring agent.
  • THC tetrahydrocannabinol
  • CBD cannabidiol
  • the cartridge has a wick that allows e-liquid to be drawn from the e-liquid reservoir to an atomization chamber.
  • a heating element in communication with the wick is heated to encourage aerosolization of the e-liquid.
  • the aerosolized e-liquid can be drawn through a defined air flow passage towards a user’s mouth.
  • the wick is, as will be shown below, oriented to be perpendicular to the overall air flow path. In other designs, the wick is co-axial with the air flow path.
  • wicks are composed of different fibers, including both glass fiber wicks and cotton wick
  • other wicks are designed using ceramics, including sintered ceramic wicks that make use of surface and possibly sub-surface texturing, to create the required wicking effect.
  • Figures 1A, IB and 1C provide front, side and bottom views of an exemplary pod 50.
  • Pod 50 is composed of a reservoir 52 having an air flow passage 54, and an end cap assembly 56 that is used to seal an open end of the reservoir 52.
  • End cap assembly has wick feed lines 58 which allow e-liquid stored in reservoir 52 to be provided to a wick (not shown in Figure 1).
  • seals 60 can be used to ensure a more secure seating of the end cap assembly 56 in the reservoir 52.
  • seals 60 may be implemented through the use of o-rings.
  • pod 50 includes a wick that is heated to atomize the e-liquid.
  • electrical contacts 62 are placed at the bottom of the pod 50.
  • the electrical contacts 62 are illustrated as circular.
  • the particular shape of the electrical contacts 62 should be understood to not necessarily germane to the function of the pod 50.
  • an air inlet 64 is provided on the bottom of pod 50. Air inlet 64 allows air to flow into a pre-wick air path through end cap assembly 56. The air flow path extends through an atomization chamber and then through post wick air flow passage 54.
  • Figure 2 illustrates a cross section taken along line A in Figure IB. This cross section of the device is shown with a complete (non- sectioned) wick 66 and heater 68. End cap assembly 56 resiliently mounts to an end of air flow passage 54 in a manner that allows air inlet 64 to form a complete air path through pod 50.
  • This connection allows airflow from air inlet 64 to connect to the post air flow path through passage 54 through atomization chamber 70.
  • atomization chamber 70 Within atomization chamber 70 is both wick 66 and heater 68. When power is applied to contacts 62, the temperature of the heater increases and allows for the volatilization of e-liquid that is drawn across wick 66.
  • the heater 68 reaches temperatures well in excess of the vaporization temperature of the e-liquid. This allows for the rapid creation of a vapor bubble next to the heater 68. As power continues to be applied the vapor bubble increases in size, and reduces the thickness of the bubble wall. At the point at which the vapor pressure exceeds the surface tension the bubble will burst and release a mix of the vapor and the e-liquid that formed the wall of the bubble. The e-liquid is released in the form of aerosolized particles and droplets of varying sizes. These particles are drawn into the air flow and into post wick air flow passage 54 and towards the user.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of an airflow in a pod 50. Air enters from air inlet
  • Air flow 72 curves around wick 66 in atomization chamber 70 and entrains droplets and aerosols expelled by the heating of wick 66.
  • the airflow 72 proceeds into post-wick air flow passage 54 as airflow 74 which typically proceeds towards the user as a laminar air flow.
  • airflow 74 typically proceeds towards the user as a laminar air flow.
  • wick 66 is a low pressure zone 76 that is formed as a result of the air flow 72 around wick 66. This creates what amounts to a pocket of low pressure air that is relatively undisturbed. From analysis of a variety of ENDS pods that have been consumed, portion of the wick 66 closest to the post wick air flow path 54 is often discolored and lightly burned. This coincides with the location of the low pressure zone 76.
  • burned wick fibers is believed to be related to a phenomenon referred to as a “burnt hit” in which a user draws on a vaping device and the resulting dose is delivered with a burnt and acrid taste. It should be understood that there are other factors that are also believed to be associated with a burnt hit, including a heat-induced decomposition of the e-liquid that delivers the same, or a similar, burnt and acrid taste.
  • a burnt hit is regarded as an unpleasant experience, and there are some concerns that if this is related to burning the wick, a burnt hit may result in the delivery of combustion products to the user.
  • Part of the perceived promise of an ENDS device is that because it does not rely on combustion it is a safer device for nicotine delivery as in contrast to a conventional cigarette, it does not deliver combustion products to the user. These combustion products may include carbonyl groups.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a view along section line B in Figure 2, to provide a representation of the distribution of heat within the atomization chamber 70.
  • This view is looked down from the top of the pod 50 towards the bottom of the pod (where an airflow enters the pod 50).
  • End Cap 56 sits on either side of the pod 50, and one section in from either side is wick feed line 58.
  • wick 66 extends from one of the wick feed lines 58 to the other wick feed line 58, traversing atomization chamber 70.
  • Heater 68 is typically located within atomization chamber 70. Heater 68 is, as discussed earlier, a conductive coil wrapped around wick 66. As power is applied to heater 68, e-liquid at the surface of heater 68 is vaporized. The capillary action of wick 68 draws fresh e-liquid in to replenish the e-liquid depleted through the application of power to the heater 68.
  • a temperature gradient 78 is created during the heating process.
  • a zone 78a with the highest temperature in the atomization chamber. The further afield from the heater 68, the lower the temperature will be.
  • zone 78b which is considerably cooler than zone 78a.
  • Zone 78c being even further away is cooler still, and may be close to the ambient temperature.
  • the temperature at the heater 68 is sufficient to cause the vaporization of the e-liquid, the lower temperatures further away from the heater 68 have a negative effect on the uptake of vapor, aerosols and droplets.
  • the ability of air to hold vapor and droplets of varying sizes is a function of the temperature of the air, with warmer air being able to hold more vapor and droplets than cooler air. It should also be understood that a given quantity of air will have a carrying capacity for the vapor and droplets. This carrying capacity may be influenced by a number of factors, but making use of more air is currently believed to allow for more vapor and droplets to be carried.
  • the laminar airflow 72 in atomization chamber 70 fails to use all of the air within atomization chamber 70.
  • more air has the ability to carry more vapor and aerosols than less air.
  • a laminar airflow 72 interacts with a limited amount of the surface of the wick
  • a pod for storing an atomizable liquid, for use in an electronic vaporizer.
  • the pod comprises an airflow path, a wick and a pre-wick airflow feature.
  • the airflow path is defined by the connection of a pre-wick air flow passage to an atomization chamber which is optionally connected to a post wick air flow passage.
  • the pre-wick airflow passage comes before the atomization chamber which houses a wick and heater.
  • the post-wick air flow passage flows from the atomization chamber and carries an e-liquid laden airflow.
  • the wick as noted earlier, is positioned within the atomization chamber, and draws the atomizable e-liquid from a reservoir.
  • This e-liquid is drawn across the wick, and in some embodiments is drawn from both ends of the wick simultaneously.
  • a heater is conventionally placed in contact with the wick, to allow for atomization of the e-liquid carried by the wick when heat is applied.
  • An airflow feature is situated within the airflow path and before the wick. The airflow feature generated turbulence in an airflow following the airflow path. This turbulence may take the form of vortices within the air flow. The airflow feature is situated so that it can direct the turbulent air flow towards the wick.
  • the atomizable liquid is an e-liquid comprised of at least one of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine and a flavoring.
  • the airflow feature is located at an interface between the pre wick airflow passage and the atomization chamber.
  • the heater is engaged with the wick and inline with the airflow path.
  • the pod further comprises a set of air inlets for allowing air to enter the pod.
  • the inlets are situated between the pre-wick air flow passage and the atomization chamber.
  • the airflow feature is situated above the inlets.
  • the airflow feature comprises a set of fins.
  • the fins may be located within the airflow path to induce turbulence in the atomization chamber.
  • the fins are located within the atomization chamber.
  • the fins are located sufficiently close to the wick to cause induced turbulence within the airflow to entrain atomized liquid from the wick.
  • the air flow feature comprises a sawtooth sidewall within the pod.
  • the sawtooth sidewall in some embodiments, is situated within a sidewall proximate to the inlets.
  • the sawtooth sidewall is situated within the atomization chamber.
  • the sawtooth sidewall is configured to induce the Coanda effect within an airflow passing through the airflow path.
  • the induced Coanda effect increases turbulence within the atomization chamber by deflecting parts of the airflow to different locations in the atomization chamber.
  • Figure 1 A is a front view of a pod, with a sectioned top cap
  • Figure IB is a side view of the pod of Figure 1A, having a sectioned top cap;
  • Figure 1C is a bottom view of of the pod of Figure 1A;
  • Figure 2 is a cross section of the pod of Figure IB along section line A;
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of the air flow path within the pod of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a cross section view of the pod of Figure 2 along section line B;
  • Figure 5 is a cross section view of a pod according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an illustration of the air flow path within the pod of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a cross section view of the pod of Figure 5 along section line C;
  • Figure 8 is cross section view of a pod according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a cross section of an end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a top view of the end cap of Figure 9 along section line D;
  • Figure 11 is a perspective cross sectional view of the end cap of Figure 9;
  • Figure 12 is a cross section of an end cap according to an embodiment of of the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is a top view of the end cap of Figure 12 along section line E; and Figure 14 is a perspective cross sectional view of the end cap of Figure 12.
  • a turbulent airflow can be introduced into the atomization chamber. This may act to mix the air within the atomization chamber. As a side effect of the turbulent airflow, the heat generated by the heater may be better spread out in the atomization chamber. This may be a result of any number of factors including using more of the air within the chamber, and the cooling of air heated by the heater by interaction with unheated air.
  • heater temperatures may be selected for the maximization, or at least increasing, of the flavor compounds within the generated droplets, reducing the temperature near the wick without reducing the heater temperature may result in the production of more flavor carrying droplets, or at least the avoidance of a reduction in the production of flavor carrying droplets. This may result in a change in airflow patterns, and may reduce or eliminate the low pressure zone discussed above.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a cross section of a pod 100 that promotes increased fresh airflow over the wick.
  • Pod 100 comprises a reservoir 102 having a post wick air flow passage 104, and an end cap 106, as discussed above.
  • End cap 106 has wick feed lines 108 that allow for e-liquid stored within the reservoir to make contact with the wick 116 without flooding the atomization chamber 120.
  • End cap 106 prevents the leaking of e-liquid from reservoir 102 through the use of seals 110.
  • the pod 100 receives power from an external device through contacts 112, which connect to heater 118 in contact with wick 116 within the atomization chamber 120.
  • An air inlet 114 allows air to enter pod 100 and proceed to pre-wick air flow passage 122, atomization chamber 120 and the post wick air flow passage 104 after passing over wick 116 in atomization chamber 120.
  • pre-wick air flow passage 122 is an airflow feature, illustrated in this embodiment as a set of fins 124. These fins 124 may be arranged in a number of different fashions, but in the illustrated embodiment they are generally triangular fins 124. Although illustrated here are being substantially vertically oriented with respect to the rest of the elements of pod 100, fins 124 may be oriented at an angle to other elements of the pod 100 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, at least one fin 124 is differently oriented than another fin 124 in the set of fins.
  • the fins 124 may remain parallel to each other but may not be vertically oriented with respect to the pod 100.
  • the introduction of fins 124 allows for a turbulent air flow pattern in atomization chamber 120. This turbulent air flow allows for a more general mixing of the air within the atomization chamber 120.
  • an airflow in the atomization chamber 120 that encourages more mixing may allow for an increase in the evaporation of e-liquid from wick 116. This may be accomplished by moving air from different parts of atomization chamber 120 across wick 116.
  • a turbulent air flow pattern caused by the fins 124 encourages a mixing of the air that interacts with the wick 116. This is associated with a disruption in the laminar flow around the wick.
  • the turbulent air flow pattern may have the secondary effect of spreading the energy more evenly through the atomization chamber 120.
  • the placement of the turbulence generating airflow feature can be varied so long as the result is substantively similar.
  • the turbulence generating airflow feature could be moved from the pre-wick air flow passage 122 into the atomization chamber 120. With such a move, the fins 124 should be located sufficiently low in the atomization chamber 120 so that their effect on the air flow in the atomization chamber 120 is maintained.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an airflow resulting from the addition of a turbulence inducing airflow feature into a pre-wick air flow passage.
  • the air flow path in pod 100 starts with a pre-wick air flow passage 122, proceeds to an atomization chamber 120 and ends with a post wick air flow passage 104. As illustrated in this non-limiting embodiment, these three components to an overall air flow path are vertically in line with each other.
  • wick 116 Within atomization chamber 120 is wick 116.
  • an airflow feature such as fins 124 is introduced in the pre-wick air flow passage 122 to allow for the generation of a turbulent air flow within atomization chamber 120.
  • This disruption of the airflow 126 causes a general mixing of the air within atomization chamber 120.
  • the turbulent mixing causes the air flow to push heated air to a greater proportion of the atomization chamber. This results in a turnover of the air closest to the wick which may result in an effective reduction in temperature near the wick 116, which is offset by an increase in the effective temperature in other parts of the atomization chamber 120. This may result in an increase in the amount of e-liquid vapor held by the air within atomization chamber 120.
  • Pod 100 is shown looking from the section line B towards the bottom of the pod 100. End cap 106 is seen forming a substrate from which the other components are formed.
  • Wick feed lines 108 at either side of the pod allow e-liquid from a reservoir (not shown) to be fed to opposing sides of wick 116. This allows wick 116 to draw e-liquid through the atomization chamber 120 and into the region in which heater 118 interacts with the wick 116.
  • heater 118 When heater 118 is provided with power it will vaporize the e-liquid closest to it creating a bubble that when ruptured, allows vapor, aerosols and droplets of varying sizes to be carried away on an airflow.
  • the average temperature in the atomization chamber is the average temperature in the atomization chamber
  • the overall power provided to the chamber 120 through heater 118 can remain constant with a reduction in the maximum heat reached. In some embodiments this may reduce the temperature of the wick 116 and may act as an impediment to burning the wick 116.
  • Figure 8 is a cross section view of a pod 200 of an embodiment of the present invention. As with the illustration of pods above, representing other embodiments, features illustrated with respect to this embodiment are not necessarily required. The features required for the purposes of the invention are defined by the claims below, and not by their inclusion in the figures associated with the embodiments illustrated herein.
  • Pod 200 comprises a reservoir 202 having a post wick air flow path 204 and an end cap 206.
  • a mouthpiece that can sit atop reservoir 200 is not illustrated in this figure.
  • End cap 206 engages to seal reservoir 200 and prevent the outflow of e-liquid stored within reservoir 200.
  • end cap 206 engages with a resilient top cap 222, which may be formed of a material such as silicone.
  • End cap 206 and resilient top cap 222 have apertures that define wick feed lines 208 (and a pathway into wick feed lines 208) that allow e-liquid from reservoir 202 to enter end cap 206 and to be absorbed by wick 216.
  • End cap 210 also defines apertures for electrical contacts 210 which allow pod 200 to receive power from an external power supply such as an ENDS device. This power is directed to heater 218 which is typically adjacent to the wick 216.
  • End cap 206 defines a pre-wick air flow passage 212 that typically has a set of air inlet apertures.
  • Pre-wick air flow passage 212 allows an air flow to pass to an aerosolization chamber 214 and from there to post wick air flow passage 204.
  • a post wick air flow feature is illustrated in the form of a vortex generator 220 that is designed to create a non-laminar air flow in post wick air flow passage 204 to encourage removal of larger droplets.
  • an airflow feature is added into the pre-wick air flow path.
  • fins 224 are added into the pre-wick air flow passage 212 so that air passing over the fins 224 is disrupted and generates a degree of turbulence in atomization chamber 214.
  • the fins 224 may be differently shaped, for example they may be flared outwards away from the bottom, they may be differently oriented, for example at least one of them may be angled with respect to the airflow, and they may be differing sizes.
  • the air inlets will be at the bottom of pre-wick air flow passage 212, so that they are effectively in line with the electrical contacts 210.
  • Figure 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of end cap 206.
  • End cap 206 makes use of resilient top cap 222 to ensure a sealing engagement with the reservoir (not shown) and to provide an optional post wick air flow feature, in the form of vortex generator 220.
  • Wick feed lines 208 and electrical contacts 210 are provided as previously described.
  • An air flow path is defined by pre-wick air flow passage 212, atomization chamber 214 and the post wick air flow passage (not illustrated).
  • air inlets are provided at the interface between the pre-wick air flow passage 212 and the atomization chamber 214.
  • Wick 216 and heater 218 reside within the atomization chamber 214.
  • a pre-wick air flow feature in this embodiment, fins 224, are located within the atomization chamber 214, at or near the interface with the pre-wick air flow passage 212 and near the air inlets. As air passes through the pre-wick air flow passage 212, it does so in a generally laminar flow. As the air flow passes through the inlets and into the atomization chamber 214, it encounters the fins 224. These fins disrupt the laminar nature of the air flow. This disruption to the laminar flow allows for the air flow to move through a large portion of the atomization chamber instead of being directed solely at the wick 216. Some parts of the airflow may be “energized” by this turbulence.
  • Figure 10 illustrates the end cap 206 of Figure 9, from section line D.
  • the resilient top cap 222 has been removed from above the wick 216 as required by section line D.
  • Resilient top cap 222 is shown in this view as a resilient ring around the end cap 206.
  • Wick 216 and heater 218 are centered within the end cap 206, and below them, it is possible to see fins 224 sitting within atomization chamber 214. Below the fins 224 are inlets 226 which are placed at the boundary between atomization chamber 214 and the pre-wick air flow chamber 212.
  • Figure 11 illustrates the end cap 206 of Figure 9, in a perspective view.
  • End cap 206 engages with resilient top cap 222 which additionally provides post wick air flow feature 220, a vortex generation rod designed to cause the air flow in the (unillustrated) post wick air flow passage to take the form of a Karman street vortex.
  • Electrical contacts 210 are connected to heater 218 to allow an ENDS device to provide power to the heater 218 to cause volatilization of e-liquid.
  • the e-liquid is drawn from the reservoir, through wick feed lines 208, by the wick 216.
  • the wick 216 typically makes use of capillary action to draw e-liquid from the reservoir. Because the wick 216 draws e-liquid at both ends, it will be drawn to the center of the wick 216, which is typically within a zone that is heated by heater 218.
  • Air is drawn into the end cap 206 as part of an air flow, when the user draws on the pod.
  • the air flow enters the end cap 206 through pre-wick air flow path 212, and then proceeds through inlets 226 into atomization chamber 214 where it encounters wick 216. After exiting inlets 226, the air flow encounters fins 224.
  • These airflow features interrupt the largely laminar air flow to introduce turbulence to the airflow. This turbulence can increase the amount of air within atomization chamber 214 that encounters wick 216 as part of the airflow.
  • the airflow within the atomization chamber 214 can be provided with a more chaotic air flow than the laminar airflow that would exist without these features.
  • This chaotic air flow is better able to aid in carrying e-liquid from the wick, as the most moisture laden air is moved away from the wick to be replaced by much “drier” air. This increases the effective e-liquid carrying capacity of the airflow.
  • the addition of the pre-wick air flow feature which allows for better mixing with the atomization chamber, can be added in either the atomization chamber itself, or in the pre-wick air flow passage.
  • the placement of such a feature is done to allow for the air within the atomization chamber to be non-laminar.
  • pre-wick airflow features can generate vortices within the airflow. In other embodiments turbulent airflows (without vortices) are generated. Based on the geometry of the various parts of the air flow path, and the rate at which air is drawn through the pod, the placement of the pre wick airflow feature is important.
  • the turbulence within the airflow can diminish, and the airflow may return to a largely laminar airflow.
  • An insufficiently turbulent airflow may result in less mixing of air near the wick.
  • turbulence and vortices
  • the placement of the pre-wick airflow feature, in any number of directions, may be determined with the understanding that the region of interest for directing the turbulent airflow is the wick.
  • Placement of the pre-wick airflow feature will be a function of the geometry of the overall airflow path, the size and orientation of the wick, and the size and design of the pre-wick airflow feature itself.
  • the pre-wick airflow feature has been illustrated as a set of fins. Other embodiments will now be discussed.
  • Figure 12 will be understood to be similar to the embodiment of end cap 206 illustrated in Figure 9.
  • the end cap 206 of Figure 12 differs from the end cap of Figure 9 in the design of the pre-wick airflow feature.
  • an airflow passes through the pre-wick air passage 212, passes through air inlets and proceeds to the atomization chamber 214.
  • the air encounters pre-wick air flow feature 228 before it can encounter wick 216.
  • this embodiment makes use of a sawtooth 228 patterned wall adjacent the air inlets 226 from pre-wick air flow passage 212.
  • the sawtooth 228 is a pattern cut into a sidewall proximate to the inlets 226.
  • This pattern starts shallow at its bottom (the portion nearest to the inlets 226) and proceeds to get wider and deeper as it proceeds higher (further from the inlet 226 and closer to the wick 216.)
  • the increasing depth and width is applied with a curve instead of being linear.
  • a sawtooth 228 may vary between implementations and may be determined in accordance with the shapes and locations of other features within the pod 200 and the airflow path. As air passes through the inlets and over the saw tooth 228, it will entrain surrounding air to create a sheath of low pressure around the jet emitting from the inlet 226. The presence of the sawtooth 228 results in an effect known as the Coanda effect.
  • the airflow is generally directed towards wick 216.
  • Figure 13 is a top view illustration of the pod 206 of Figure 12 taken along section line E in Figure 12.
  • end cap 206 is shown surrounded by resilient top cap 222.
  • End cap 206 is shown along a section line E that allows visibility into the atomization chamber 214, in which wick 216 and heater 218 are clearly visible.
  • Below atomization chamber 214 is pre-wick air flow passage 212 which can be seen through air inlets 226.
  • a sidewall beside air inlets 226 has sawtooth patterns 228 which allow air from the air inlet 226 to bend towards the sidewall, and then continue a path away from the wick 216.
  • Figure 14 is a perspective cross sectional view of the end cap illustrated in
  • End cap 206 engages with resilient top cap 222 to ensure a sealing engagement with the reservoir (not shown). End cap 206 defines apertures to serve as wick feed line 208, providing a path for e-liquid within the reservoir to reach wick 216.
  • wick feed line 208 providing a path for e-liquid within the reservoir to reach wick 216.
  • this turbulence disturbs what would otherwise have been a laminar airflow over wick 216.
  • more air can be used in the evaporative cooling of wick 216, and more e-liquid can be carried in the airflow.
  • the airflow will pass over the wick 216, which is heated through the actions of heater 218, which is provided power through a connection to electrical leads 210.
  • the airflow is drawn over heater 218 and wick 216 and exits into the post wick air flow passage (not illustrated).
  • the airflow path through the pod has been illustrated as being linear, with a pre-wick airflow passage, an atomization chamber and a post wick airflow passage arranged in that order, and being vertically aligned in that order. It should be understood that these sections do not need to be stacked like this for embodiments of the present invention to be effective.
  • Figures 15, 16 and 17 provide block diagrams illustrating examples of different air flow paths. These functional block diagrams are intended to provide at least one example of how the pre-wick airflow feature can be implemented in pods having airflow paths that are different than the straight path demonstrated in the preceding figures.
  • a pod 300 comprises a reservoir 302 which has a post wick airflow passage 304. Although there would likely be an end cap, it is not necessary for the construction of a pod 300.
  • the pod 300 has an atomization chamber 306 housing a wick 308.
  • the atomization chamber as described here and above, is a space defined within the airflow path housing both the wick and heater. It is within this space that the heater heats the e-liquid, causing vaporization of the e-liquid.
  • the bubble ruptures allowing the vapour and droplets of varying sizes, including aerosols, to be released.
  • the atomization chamber is a region within, or intersecting with, the air flow path, in which the e-liquid is atomized, through whatever atomization process is used.
  • the airflow path of pod 300 begins in a pre-wick airflow passage 312, passes through inlets 314 into atomization chamber 306 and finally proceeds to post wick air flow passage 304.
  • the pre-wick airflow feature 310 illustrated in this embodiment as fins.
  • the location and size of the fins is a function of the geometry of the airflow path of pod 300 and the size and placement of wick 308.
  • the pre-wick airflow feature 310 interrupts the laminar airflow and creates a more chaotic airflow within the atomization chamber 306. As discussed above, the chaotic air flow coming off pre-wick airflow feature 310 allows for a better mixing of the air around wick 308.
  • the embodiment of Figure 15 makes use of an airflow path that enters pod 300 from a side, and enters the atomization chamber 306 in a relatively perpendicular direction to the post-wick airflow passage 304.
  • Figure 16 illustrates pod 300 with another alternate configuration for the airflow path.
  • Figure 15 made use of a pre-wick airflow passage 312 that required a 90° bend in the airflow path within atomization chamber 306
  • pre-wick air flow passages 312 are introduced on opposing sides of the bottom of pod 300.
  • Reservoir 302 and post wick air flow passage 304 are effectively arranged with the same geometry as before, but there are a pair of pre-wick airflow passages 312 on opposing sides of the atomization chamber 306.
  • Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of pod 300 in which the wick 308 is vertically oriented.
  • the wick has been horizontally oriented with respect to the vertically oriented post-wick airflow path.
  • the horizontally oriented wick allows for both ends of the wick to draw e-liquid towards the heated section in the middle of the wick.
  • the wick With a vertically oriented wick, the wick is typically hollow allowing for a vertical airflow inside the wick, and it can be placed in line with the post-wick air flow chamber, which may allow for more engagement points between the wick and the reservoir.
  • a pod 300 has a reservoir 302 and post-wick air flow path 304.
  • Wick 308 is situated contiguously with the post wick airflow passage 304. Based on the earlier description of the atomization chamber, it can be understood that the volume of the wick 308 and its interior effectively is the atomization chamber, running inline with the post-wick air flow chamber 304. Wick 308 is in contact with heater 316 illustrated here as a wire heater wrapped around wick 308.
  • the airflow path includes inlets 314 on either side of the pre-wick air flow passage 312, to allow for airflow into pod 300. The airflow path continues into the atomization chamber, which is collocated with wick 308.
  • pre-wick airflow feature 310 illustrated herein as fins. This allows for the laminar nature of the airflow entering the atomization chamber to be disrupted, allowing for a more turbulent flow through wick 308. Without a turbulent flow, only the portion of the airflow closest to the wick 308 will carry the atomized e-liquid.
  • the turbulent airflow caused by interaction with pre-wick airflow feature 310 allows for more of the airflow to interact with wick 308. This provides better cooling of wick 308 and better distribution of the atomized e-liquid.

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  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

L'utilisation d'un élément d'écoulement d'air conçu pour interrompre l'écoulement d'air dans une capsule destinée à être utilisée dans des systèmes électroniques de distribution de nicotine permet la génération de turbulence dans un écoulement d'air avant que l'écoulement d'air rencontre la mèche. L'élément d'écoulement d'air à l'intérieur de l'écoulement d'air pré-mèche peut prendre diverses formes dont des ailettes ou un élément en dents de scie sur une paroi latérale adjacente à la voie d'écoulement d'air. Le placement de l'élément dépend de la géométrie de l'écoulement d'air global à l'intérieur de la capsule, de la taille de la mèche et de la taille de l'élément lui-même.
PCT/IB2022/052771 2021-03-25 2022-03-25 Dosette dotée d'éléments d'écoulement d'air dans un passage d'écoulement d'air pré-mèche WO2022201126A1 (fr)

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US202117212211A 2021-03-25 2021-03-25
US17/212,211 2021-03-25

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2778786A1 (fr) * 2009-10-27 2011-05-05 Philip Morris Products S.A. Systeme d'enfumage comprenant une partie de stockage de liquide et des caracteristiques ameliorees d'ecoulement d'air
US20200015524A1 (en) * 2018-07-16 2020-01-16 Lubby Holdings, LLC Personal vaporizer
CA3116153A1 (fr) * 2018-10-12 2020-04-16 Ayr Ltd Systeme de vapotage electronique
CA3136900A1 (fr) * 2019-04-17 2020-10-22 Nicoventures Trading Limited Dispositif electronique de fourniture d'aerosol

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2778786A1 (fr) * 2009-10-27 2011-05-05 Philip Morris Products S.A. Systeme d'enfumage comprenant une partie de stockage de liquide et des caracteristiques ameliorees d'ecoulement d'air
US20200015524A1 (en) * 2018-07-16 2020-01-16 Lubby Holdings, LLC Personal vaporizer
CA3116153A1 (fr) * 2018-10-12 2020-04-16 Ayr Ltd Systeme de vapotage electronique
CA3136900A1 (fr) * 2019-04-17 2020-10-22 Nicoventures Trading Limited Dispositif electronique de fourniture d'aerosol

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