WO2023041446A1 - Composant, dispositif et système de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Composant, dispositif et système de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023041446A1
WO2023041446A1 PCT/EP2022/075170 EP2022075170W WO2023041446A1 WO 2023041446 A1 WO2023041446 A1 WO 2023041446A1 EP 2022075170 W EP2022075170 W EP 2022075170W WO 2023041446 A1 WO2023041446 A1 WO 2023041446A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
mouthpiece
component
indent
component according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/075170
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Lomas
Molly MCGUINNESS
Carlos FABRELLAS-GARCIA
Original Assignee
Nerudia 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
Application filed by Nerudia Limited filed Critical Nerudia Limited
Publication of WO2023041446A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023041446A1/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
    • A24F40/42—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
    • 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

  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-delivery component (e.g. a smoking substitute component), which may be a consumable for receipt in an aerosol-delivery device to form an aerosoldelivery system (e.g. a smoking substitute system).
  • an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol delivery system such as a smoking substitute device/system
  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Smoking substitute systems which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a “vapour”, which is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and tobacco products.
  • smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
  • Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).
  • a smoking substitute approach corresponds to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.
  • One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called “vaping” approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as “e-liquid”, is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • An e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings. The resulting vapour therefore typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • a typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid as well as a heater.
  • electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or “vapour”) which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • “closed system” vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable component including the tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of the consumable component has been emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new consumable component.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute system is the mybluTM e-cigarette.
  • the mybluTM e cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable component.
  • the device and consumable component are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable component into the device.
  • the device includes a rechargeable battery.
  • the consumable component includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a vaporiser, which for this system is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid.
  • the system is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • the blu PROTM e-cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a mouthpiece.
  • the device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by screwing one to the other.
  • the mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid.
  • the system is activated by a button on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • HT Heated Tobacco
  • HNB heat not burn
  • the tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
  • the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
  • the heating, as opposed to burning, of the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
  • a typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable component.
  • the consumable component may include the tobacco material.
  • the device and consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour.
  • a vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
  • the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporization to an outlet of the consumable (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
  • the aerosol may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.
  • the consumable component comprises a mouthpiece and tank formed separately and clipped together with lugs formed on the tank being engaged within apertures formed in the mouthpiece.
  • the tank lugs are visible from the outside of the mouthpiece and thus prone to tampering by the user.
  • the exposed lugs are also unsightly.
  • an aerosol-delivery component comprising: a mouthpiece portion having an internal surface; a tank defined by a tank housing having an external surface, a portion of the tank housing being receivable in the mouthpiece portion; wherein the tank housing includes at least one tank connector element extending outwardly from the external surface of the tank housing and the mouthpiece portion includes at least one mouthpiece indent in the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion such that the at least one tank connector is receivable in the at least one mouthpiece indent; and/or wherein the mouthpiece portion includes at least one mouthpiece connector element extending inwardly from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion and the tank housing including at least one tank indent in the external surface of the tank housing such that the at least one mouthpiece connector element is receivable in the at least one tank indent.
  • the mouthpiece portion is advantageously connected to the tank housing in a secure and reliable way.
  • the mouthpiece portion is advantageously connected to the tank housing with the connector element hidden from view. This results in a more aesthetically pleasing component and reduces the risk of users being able to dis-assemble the component themselves as there is no connector element to detect.
  • indent is used to describe a recess that does not extend fully through the respective wall/material in which it is formed (i.e. so that the connector element remains hidden from view when assembled).
  • references to “inwardly” and “outwardly” are intended to refer to directions relative to a central longitudinal axis of the component.
  • Some embodiments may include a plurality of tank connector elements each receivable in a respective one of a plurality of mouthpiece indents.
  • a plurality of tank connector elements each receivable in a respective one of a plurality of mouthpiece indents.
  • there may be two laterally-opposed tank connector elements each extending outwardly (in opposing directions) from the external surface of the tank housing and two laterally opposed mouthpiece indents each extending outwardly from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion.
  • Some embodiments may include a plurality of mouthpiece connector elements each receivable in a respective one of a plurality of tank indents. There may be two laterally-opposed mouthpiece connector elements each extending inwardly (in opposing directions) from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion and two laterally opposed tank indents each extending inwardly from the external surface of the tank housing.
  • Some embodiments may include both the tank connector element (e.g. the plurality of tank connector elements) receivable in the mouthpiece indent(s) and the mouthpiece connector element (e.g. the plurality of mouthpiece connector elements) receivable in the tank indent(s).
  • the tank connector element e.g. the plurality of tank connector elements
  • the mouthpiece connector element e.g. the plurality of mouthpiece connector elements
  • the at least one (tank/mouthpiece) connector element is receivable in the at least one (mouthpiece/tank) indent such that the (tank/mouthpiece) connector element is completely concealed from view (i.e. when viewing an external surface of the assembled component).
  • the tank connector element may be receivable in the mouthpiece indent such that there is snap engagement between the tank connector element and the mouthpiece indent.
  • the mouthpiece connector element may be receivable in the tank indent such that there is snap engagement between the mouthpiece connector element and the tank indent.
  • the tank and/or mouthpiece connector element may be a triangular lug or tab having a substantially triangular longitudinal cross section.
  • the triangular lug/tab may comprise a lower surface protruding substantially perpendicularly from the respective external/internal surface and an angled surface protruding at an angle (e.g. an acute angle) from the respective external/internal surface.
  • the tank and/or mouthpiece connector element may be a square or rectangular lug or tab having a substantially square or rectangular longitudinal cross-section.
  • the square or rectangular lug/tab may comprise an upper surface protruding substantially perpendicularly from the respective external/internal surface, a side surface running substantially parallel to the respective external/internal surface and a lower surface protruding substantially perpendicularly from the respective external/internal surface (e.g. parallel to the upper surface).
  • the mouthpiece connector element may be provided at a lowermost edge of the mouthpiece. In this way, receipt of the mouthpiece connector element in the indent may make it more difficult for a user to e.g. lever the lowermost edge of the mouthpiece away from the tank.
  • the tank indent may be internally profiled so as to be of complementary shape to that of the mouthpiece connector element i.e. the tank indent may have a substantially triangular, square or rectangular longitudinal cross section. Where the tank indent has a square/rectangular longitudinal cross section, it comprises substantially parallel upper and lower tank indent walls longitudinally spaced by a substantially perpendicular side tank indent wall.
  • the mouthpiece indent may be internally profiled so as to be of complementary shape to that of the tank connector element i.e. the mouthpiece indent may have a substantially triangular, square or rectangular longitudinal cross section. Where the mouthpiece indent has a substantially triangular longitudinal cross-section, it comprises a lower mouthpiece indent wall substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the component and an angled mouthpiece indent wall.
  • one may comprise a triangular lug/tab and the other may comprise a square lug/tab.
  • the tank connector element may comprise a triangular lug and the mouthpiece connector element may comprise a square or rectangular lug.
  • the tank connector element may be vertically spaced above the mouthpiece connector element (i.e. towards a mouthpiece aperture of the mouthpiece portion) and the tank indent may be vertically spaced below the mouthpiece indent.
  • the tank connector element comprise a triangular lug and the mouthpiece connector element comprises a square or rectangular lug
  • the lower mouthpiece indent wall may also form the upper wall of the mouthpiece connector element.
  • the tank housing may comprise side walls laterally spaced by front and rear walls.
  • the at least one tank connector element and/or the at least one tank indent may depend from/be formed in) the side wall(s) e.g. there may be a tank connector element depending from each of the tank side walls and/or a tank indent formed in each of the side walls.
  • the tank housing may comprise at least one (e.g. two laterally opposed) rib(s) extending laterally from and longitudinally along the side wall portion(s).
  • the at least one rib(s) may form a thickened wall portion(s) of the side wall portion(s).
  • the at least one (e.g. the pair of) tank connector element(s) may extend from the/each thickened wall portion(s).
  • the at least one (e.g. the pair of) tank indents may extend into the/each thickened wall portion(s).
  • the or each rib may have a chamfered upper end for guiding the mouthpiece portion into position over the tank housing.
  • a portion of the tank housing may be receivable in a recess of the mouthpiece portion with the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion overlying the external surface of the tank housing.
  • the mouthpiece portion may be generally hollow.
  • the tank housing may be receivable in the mouthpiece recess from a lower end of the mouthpiece portion.
  • the mouthpiece portion may include the mouthpiece aperture at an upper end of the mouthpiece portion.
  • the mouthpiece aperture may form an outlet of the component.
  • the recess may comprise an upper portion having a smaller width than a lower portion. There may be a stepped transition between the upper and lower portions providing a stop surface facing the lower portion.
  • the tank housing i.e. an upper end surface of the tank housing
  • the tank housing may abut against the stop surface thereby preventing the tank housing from being inserted too far into the recess.
  • the component may comprise an absorbent filter.
  • the absorbent filter may be disposed in the mouthpiece recess (e.g. between the upper end surface of the tank and the mouthpiece portion). In use, the absorbent filter is advantageously able to prevent any liquid that may escape from the tank from exiting the outlet (i.e. the mouthpiece aperture) and entering a user’s mouth.
  • the component comprises an airflow path that extends from an air inlet to the outlet (i.e. the mouthpiece aperture).
  • a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and along the airflow path by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece portion).
  • the mouthpiece aperture may be axially centred in the mouthpiece portion.
  • the air flow path passes a vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet.
  • the vaporiser may be housed in a vaporising chamber.
  • the airflow path may comprise a first portion extending from the air inlet towards the vaporiser.
  • a second portion of the airflow path passes through the vaporising chamber to a conduit that extends to the outlet.
  • the conduit may extend along the axial centre of the component.
  • References to “downstream” in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion.
  • the second portion of the airflow path is downstream of the first portion of the airflow path.
  • references to “upstream” are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet.
  • the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the second portion of the airflow path (and the outlet/mouthpiece portion).
  • references to “upper”, “lower”, “above” or “below” are intended to refer to the component when in an upright/vertical orientation i.e. with elongate (longitudinal/length) axis of the component vertically aligned and with the mouthpiece vertically uppermost.
  • the component comprises a tank for housing the aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid aerosol precursor).
  • the aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner region of the tank.
  • the tank may surround the conduit e.g. the tank may be annular.
  • At least a portion of one of the walls defining the tank may be translucent or transparent.
  • the tank housing may comprise opposing front and rear walls spaced by the laterally opposed first and second side walls.
  • the distance between the first and second side walls may define a width of the tank.
  • the distance between the front and rear walls may define a depth of the tank.
  • the width of the tank may be greater than the depth of the tank.
  • the depth of the tank/component housing may be smaller than each of the width and the length.
  • the length of the tank may be greater than the width and/or the depth of the tank.
  • the air flow path passes the vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet.
  • the vaporiser may comprise a heating element for heating a wick.
  • the wick may be oriented so as to extend in the direction of the width dimension of the component (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component). Thus the wick may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the airflow path.
  • the vaporiser may be disposed in the vaporising chamber.
  • the vaporising chamber may form part of the airflow path.
  • the vaporising chamber may be defined by one or more chamber walls.
  • the wick may be elongate and may extend between first and second opposing chamber walls.
  • the first and second chamber walls may separate (i.e. partially separate) the vaporising chamber from the tank.
  • the first and second chamber walls may each comprise a respective opening through which a respective end of the wick projects such that the wick is fluid communication with aerosol precursor/e-liquid in the tank.
  • the wick may comprise a porous material.
  • aerosol precursor may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the tank to the exposed portion of the wick.
  • a transverse chamber wall (e.g. a third wall) may separate the vaporising chamber from aerosol precursor in the tank.
  • the transverse chamber wall may partly define the (base of the) tank.
  • a vent may be provided in the transverse chamber wall for the flow of air into the aerosol precursor tank (i.e. so as to allow for pressure equalisation in the tank).
  • the vaporising chamber may be defined by an insert (e.g. an insert at least partially formed of silicone) received into an open (e.g. lower) end of the housing.
  • the chamber walls may be walls of the insert.
  • the wick may have an elongate shape.
  • the wick may be cylindrical.
  • the heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick).
  • the filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick (i.e. the portion of the wick extending across the airflow path).
  • the heating element may be electrically connectable (or connected) to a power source.
  • the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element.
  • liquid stored in the wick i.e. drawn from the tank
  • This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the airflow path (e.g. in the conduit).
  • the component of the first aspect may include one or more of the features, including optional features, of the component of the fourth aspect below.
  • an aerosol-delivery system e.g. a smoking substitute system
  • a component according to the first aspect and an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device.
  • the component may be an aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) consumable i.e. in some embodiments the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosoldelivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
  • aerosol-delivery e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosoldelivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
  • the device may be configured to receive the consumable component.
  • the device and the consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess of the device, such that there is snap engagement between the device and the consumable component.
  • the device and the consumable component may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the consumable component may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with the device.
  • the consumable component may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the device.
  • One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heating element of the consumable component.
  • the electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable component from a list of known types.
  • the electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when the consumable component is connected to the device.
  • the device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable component via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable.
  • the consumable component may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • the component may be integrally formed with the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
  • the aerosol-delivery e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the aerosol-delivery device e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the aerosol former may be replenished by re-filling a tank that is integral with the device (rather than replacing the consumable).
  • Access to the tank (for re-filling of the e-liquid) may be provided via e.g. an opening to the tank that is sealable with a closure (e.g. a cap).
  • the device may comprise a power source e.g. a rechargeable battery.
  • the device may comprise a controller.
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • An airflow (i.e. puff) sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user).
  • the airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the controller may control power supply to a heating element in response to airflow detection by the sensor.
  • the control may be in the form of activation of the heating element in response to a detected airflow.
  • the airflow sensor may form part of the device.
  • the system of the second aspect may include one or more of the features, including optional features, of the system of the fourth aspect.
  • a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) consumable component according to the first aspect comprising engaging the consumable component with an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device (as described above) having a power source so as to electrically connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the consumable component).
  • an aerosol-delivery e.g. smoking substitute
  • an aerosol delivery system e.g. a smoking substitute system
  • an aerosol delivery device e.g. a smoking substitute device
  • a chassis for supporting a power source, and a device body enclosing the chassis
  • a component for containing an aerosol precursor e.g. a smoking substitute device
  • a retention mechanism for retaining the component in a cavity of the device
  • the retention mechanism comprises a pair of arms connected together by a base, the base being unitary with the pair of arms; each of the arms is arranged to cooperate with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device; and the base of the retention mechanism is connected to the chassis of the device.
  • the base is unitary with the pair of arms, the base and the arms are integrally formed as a single component.
  • the arms may be arranged to cooperate with opposing sides of the component.
  • the arms may extend from the base, and optionally from opposing sides of the base.
  • the pair of arms may extend in a same direction away from the base.
  • Each of the pair of arms may be biased into cooperation with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device.
  • each of the pair of arms may be a resilient, cantilevered arm that is biased into cooperation with the component by a bending moment about a respective shoulder between the base and each cantilevered arm.
  • Having cantilevered arms may help to reduce the wear and tear of internal walls of the device body within the cavity, because no contact is required between the arms and the device body in order to bias the arms into cooperation with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device. Instead, a cantilever bending moment at the shoulders between the base and the arms provides the biasing force to retain the component in the cavity.
  • each of the pair of arms may be a compression arm that is biased into cooperation with the component by an internal wall of the device body within the cavity when the component is inserted into the cavity.
  • the internal walls of the device body may provide a stronger retention force, to prevent any accidental removable of the component from the device cavity.
  • each of the pair of arms may comprise a support arranged to contact the internal wall of the device body to bias the arm into cooperation with the component when the component is inserted into the cavity.
  • the supports may be located at an upper end of the arms, the upper end of each arm being at an opposite end of the arm to a shoulder between the base and the arm.
  • each arm may comprise a protrusion arranged to cooperate with a respective groove or indent in the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device.
  • the protrusion may interlock with the respective groove/indent when the component is inserted into the cavity, and provide a more secure mechanically connection between the component and the device.
  • the grooves/indents may be provided on opposing sides of the component.
  • the protrusions may comprise a snap retention hook to retain the component in the cavity.
  • the protrusions may be provided by V-shaped portions of the arms.
  • Each V-shaped portion may comprise a lower ramp, an upper ramp and an elbow therebetween, wherein each elbow may be arranged to cooperate (e.g. interlock) with the respective groove in the component.
  • the lower ramp and upper ramp of the V-shaped portions may aid insertion and removal of the component within the cavity of the device.
  • the base may be directly mechanically connected to the chassis.
  • the base may be connected to the chassis by at least one connection element such as a rivet e.g. a heat deformed rivet.
  • the base may be connected to the chassis by a plurality of connection elements e.g. a plurality of heat deformed rivets.
  • the heat deformed rivets may provide a secure connection between the chassis and the retention mechanism, and therefore the chassis and the component.
  • the base may be a plate-like base.
  • the arms may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main plane of the plate-like base.
  • the arms may extend in a same direction away from the base.
  • the arms may extend from opposite sides of the base.
  • the device may comprise a source of power which may be a battery.
  • the source of power may be a capacitor.
  • the power source may be a rechargeable power source.
  • the device may comprise a charging connection for connection to an external power supply for recharging of the power source within the device.
  • the device may comprise the device body for housing the power source and/or other electrical components.
  • the device body may be an elongate body i.e. with a greater length than depth/width. It may have a greater width than depth.
  • the device body may have a length of between 5 and 30 cm e.g. between 10 and 20 cm such as between 10 and 13 cm.
  • the maximum depth of the device body may be between 5 and 30 mm e.g. between 10 and 20 mm.
  • the device body may have a front surface that is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the device body may have a rear surface that is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the curvatures of the front surface and rear surface may be of the opposite sense to one another. Both front and rear surfaces may be convex in the transverse dimension. They may have an equal radius of curvature.
  • the radius of curvature of the front surface may be between 10 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 10 and 30 mm, preferably been 10 and 20 mm, more preferably between 10 and 15 mm, more preferably substantially 13.5 mm.
  • the front and rear surfaces may meet at opposing transverse edges of the device body. This leads to a mandorla-/lemon-/eye-shaped cross sectional shape of the device body.
  • the transverse edges may have a radius of curvature that is significantly smaller than the radius of curvature of either the front or rear surface. This leads to the transverse edges being substantially “pointed” or “sharp”.
  • the transverse edges may have a radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.
  • the transverse edges may extend substantially the full longitudinal length of the device body. However, in some embodiments, the transverse edges may only extend along a longitudinal portion of the device body.
  • the device body may have a curved longitudinal axis i.e. curved in a direction between the front and rear faces.
  • the front and/or rear surface of the device body may include at least one visual user feedback element, for example one or more lights e.g. one or more LEDs.
  • the device body may include an illumination region configured to allow light provided by the visual user feedback element (e.g. one or more lights/LEDs) within the device body to shine through.
  • the device may comprise a movement detection unit (e.g. an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device, and a haptic feedback generation unit (e.g. an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor).
  • the device may include a controller.
  • the controller may be configured to identify an operation of the device; and control the one or more lights contained within the device body, (e.g. to illuminate the illumination region) based on the operation of the device identified.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the device by the movement detection unit.
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®.
  • the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • the device may comprise an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user).
  • the airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the controller may control power supply to a heating element in response to airflow detection by the sensor.
  • the control may be in the form of activation of the heating element in response to a detected airflow.
  • the device may comprise an electrical connection (e.g. one or more contact pins) for connection of the power source to the heating element.
  • an electrical connection e.g. one or more contact pins
  • One or more of the electrical components of the device may be mounted on or affixed to the chassis.
  • the component may be an aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) consumable i.e. in some embodiments the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosoldelivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
  • aerosol-delivery e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosoldelivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system.
  • the device may be configured to receive the consumable component.
  • the device and the consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess of the device, such that there is snap engagement between the retention mechanism and the consumable component.
  • At least one aperture may be formed in the base of the retention mechanism.
  • the consumable component may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the device.
  • One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts which may extend through the at least one aperture in the base of the retention mechanism.
  • the electrical interface when the device is engaged with the consumable component, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heating element of the consumable component.
  • the electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable component from a list of known types.
  • the electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when the consumable component is connected to the device.
  • the device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable component via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable.
  • the consumable component may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • the smoking substitute system may comprise an airflow path therethrough, the airflow path extending from an air inlet to an outlet.
  • the air inlet may be provided in the device body.
  • the outlet may be at a mouthpiece portion of the component.
  • a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and along the airflow path by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).
  • the airflow path passes a vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet.
  • the vaporiser may be provided in the component.
  • the airflow path may pass through the at least one aperture in the base of the retention mechanism.
  • the airflow path may comprise a first portion extending from the air inlet towards the vaporiser.
  • the second portion of the airflow path passes through the vaporising chamber to a conduit that extends to the outlet.
  • the conduit may extend along the axial centre of the component.
  • a third portion of the airflow path may extend through the conduit to the outlet.
  • references to “downstream” in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion.
  • the second and third portions of the airflow path are downstream of the first portion of the airflow path.
  • references to “upstream” are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet.
  • the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the second/third portions of the airflow path (and the air outlet/outlet portion).
  • References to “upper”, “lower”, “above” or “below” are intended to refer to the component when in an upright/vertical orientation i.e. with elongate (longitudinal/length) axis of the component vertically aligned and with the mouthpiece vertically uppermost.
  • the component may comprise a tank for housing the aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid aerosol precursor).
  • the aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • At least a portion of one of the walls defining the tank may be translucent or transparent.
  • the conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner region of the tank.
  • the tank may surround the conduit e.g. the tank may be annular.
  • the air flow path passes the vaporiser between the air inlet to the outlet.
  • the vaporiser may comprise a wick e.g. an elongate wick which may have a cylindrical shape.
  • the wick may be oriented so as to extend in the direction of the width dimension of the component (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component). Thus the wick may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the airflow path.
  • the vaporiser may be disposed in the vaporising chamber.
  • the vaporising chamber may form part of the airflow path.
  • the wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to airflow in the airflow path.
  • the wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with liquid aerosol precursor stored in the tank. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the tank and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the airflow path so as to be exposed to airflow. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the tank to the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick).
  • the filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heating element is electrically connected (or connectable) to the power source.
  • the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element.
  • This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in airflow along the airflow path. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol e.g. in the conduit.
  • the consumable component of the fourth aspect may include one or more of the features, including optional features, of the component of the first and second aspects.
  • the device of the fourth aspect may include one or more of the features, including optional features, of the device of the second aspect.
  • a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system comprising inserting the component into the cavity of an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device (as described above) having a power source, such that the arms of the retention mechanism cooperate with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device, and so as to electrically connect the power source to the component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the consumable component).
  • an aerosol-delivery e.g. smoking substitute
  • the method comprising inserting the component into the cavity of an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device (as described above) having a power source, such that the arms of the retention mechanism cooperate with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device, and so as to electrically connect the power source to the component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the consumable component).
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • Fig. 1 A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system
  • Fig. 1 B is a front schematic view of a device of the system
  • Fig. 1 C is a front schematic view of a consumable of the system
  • Fig. 2A is a schematic of the components of the device
  • Fig. 2B is a schematic of the components of the consumable
  • Fig. 3 is a front section view of an embodiment of consumable.
  • Fig 4 is a perspective view of the consumable of Fig 3.
  • Fig. 5 is a section view of a component according toa a further embodiment
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the further embodiment
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic transverse cross-section view of the device body of Figure 6;
  • Fig. 8 is a front schematic view of a retention mechanism in a smoking substitute system
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the retention mechanism of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10a is a force diagram showing the forces acting on an arm of the retention mechanism of Fig. 8 during insertion of a component in a device;
  • Fig. 10b is a force diagram showing the forces acting on an arm of the retention mechanism of Fig. 8 during removal of a component form a device;
  • Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating how the retention mechanism of Fig. 8 is attached to a chassis of a smoking substitute system
  • Fig. 12 is a front schematic view of a retention mechanism in a smoking substitute system
  • Fig. 13 is a schematic view of the retention mechanism of Fig. 12;
  • Fig. 14 is a force diagram showing the forces acting on an arm of the retention mechanism of
  • Fig.14 is a force diagram showing the forces acting on an arm of the retention mechanism of Fig. 12 during removal of a component form a device
  • Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating how the retention mechanism of Fig. 12 is attached to a chassis of a smoking substitute system.
  • Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 102 and a component 104.
  • the component 104 may alternatively be referred to as a “pod”, “cartridge” or “cartomizer”.
  • the device may be integral with the component.
  • a tank of the aerosol delivery system may be accessible for refilling the device.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the component 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use only.
  • the component 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal and replacement).
  • Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 102 physically coupled to the component 104
  • Fig. 1 B shows the device 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the component 104
  • Fig. 1 C shows the component 104 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.
  • the device 102 and the component 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the component 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the device 102, such that there is an interference fit between the device 102 and the component 104.
  • the device 102 and the component may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting. Further means for providing this coupling is described below with reference to Figures 5 to 15.
  • the component 104 includes a mouthpiece portion at an upper end 109 of the component 104, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece portion such that air can be drawn into and through the component 104 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion.
  • the tank 106 containing e-liquid is located at the lower end 111 of the component 104.
  • the tank 106 includes a window 112, which allows the amount of e-liquid in the tank 106 to be visually assessed.
  • the device 102 includes a slot 114 so that the window 112 of the component 104 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106 is obscured from view when the component 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the device 102.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located behind a small translucent cover.
  • the light 116 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated. Whilst not shown, the component 104 may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a charging connection 115, which is usable to charge a battery within the device 102.
  • the charging connection 115 can also be used to transfer data to and from the device, for example to update firmware thereon.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device 102 and component 104.
  • the device 102 includes a power source 1 18, a controller 120, a memory 122, a wireless interface 124, an electrical interface 126, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128.
  • the power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery.
  • the controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example.
  • the memory 122 preferably includes non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the device 102.
  • the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118 to the component 104 (i.e. upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).
  • the electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the component 104 from a list of known components.
  • the component 104 may be a particular flavour and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when the component 104 is connected to the device 102.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed above.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 also comprises the charging connection 1 15 configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e. when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device 102.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in a charging station (if present).
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a sensor, such as an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece portion 136 of the component 104.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in the component 104.
  • the airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in a particular time period.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a button.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g. presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100.
  • the component 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface 130, a vaporiser 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece portion 136, and one or more additional components 138.
  • the electrical interface 130 of the component 104 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface 130 of the component 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 102 to the component 104 when the lower end 1 11 of the component 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1 A).
  • electrical energy e.g. in the form of an electrical current
  • the vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described further below, the vaporiser 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise the e-liquid.
  • the one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 1 11 of the component 104.
  • a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion 136 as described above.
  • the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 1 18 to the vaporiser 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the vaporiser 132 to heat e- liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the component 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the component 104.
  • this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the component.
  • the component 104 may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface in the device 102.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 shown in figures 1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system.
  • the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).
  • Fig 3 is a section view of an embodiment of the component 104 described in general terms above.
  • the component 104 comprises a tank 106 for storing e-liquid and a separate mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the tank 106 is defined by a tank housing 142 and the mouthpiece portion 136 is connectable to the tank housing 142.
  • the component 104 comprises a conduit 140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the component 104.
  • a conduit wall 144 defines the conduit 140.
  • the conduit is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross-section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis).
  • the tank 106 surrounds the conduit 140 such that the conduit 140 extends centrally through the tank 106.
  • the mouthpiece portion 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet of the component 104.
  • the vaporiser 132 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 and is located in a vaporising chamber 156 between sidewalls of the chamber 156 which form part of an inner sleeve 154 of an insert 158.
  • the insert 158 defines the lower end 111 of the component 104 which connects with the device 102.
  • the insert 158 is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 106 so as to seal against the tank housing 142. In this way, the inner sleeve 154 projects into the tank 106 and seals with the conduit 140 (around the conduit wall 144) so as to separate the vaporising chamber 156 from the e- liquid in the tank 106.
  • Ends of the wick project through apertures in the inner sleeve 154 and into the tank 106 so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 106.
  • e-liquid is transported along the wick (e.g. by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick that is exposed to airflow through the vaporising chamber 156.
  • the transported e-liquid is heated by the heating filament 152 (when activated e.g. by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporised and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick.
  • This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the conduit 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.
  • the insert 158 also accommodates the electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102 comprising two electrical contacts 136a, 136b that are electrically connected to the heating filament 152. In this way, when the consumable component 104 is engaged with the device 102, power can be supplied from the power source 118 of the device to the heating filament 152.
  • the tank housing 142 comprises two laterally opposed tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b each extending outwardly in opposing direction from an external surface of the tank housing 142 and the mouthpiece portion 136 includes two laterally-opposed mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b each extending outwardly from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b are each receivable in a respective mouthpiece indent 403a, 403b such that (as shown in Fig 4) the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b are completely concealed from view when viewing an external surface of the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the tank housing 142 also includes two laterally opposed tank indents 405a, 405b each extending inwardly from the external surface of the tank housing 142 and the mouthpiece portion 136 includes two laterally opposed mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b each extending inwardly in opposing direction from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b are each receivable in a respective tank indent 405a, 405b such that the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b are completely concealed from view.
  • the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b are receivable in the mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b such that there is snap engagement between the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b and the mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b.
  • the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b are receivable in the tank indents 405a, 405b such that there is snap engagement between the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b and the tank indents 405a, 405b.
  • the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b are triangular lugs comprising lower surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly from the external surface of the tank housing 142 and angled surfaces protruding at an acute angle from the external surface of the tank housing 142 such that the lugs have a substantially triangular longitudinal cross-section.
  • the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b are square lugs comprising upper surfaces protruding substantially perpendicularly from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion 136, side surfaces running substantially parallel to the internal surface and lower surfaces protruding substantially perpendicularly (and parallel to the upper surfaces) from the internal surface of the mouthpiece portion 136 such that the lugs have a substantially square longitudinal cross-section.
  • the tank indents 405a, 405b are internally profiled so as to be of complementary shape to that of the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b.
  • the tank indents 405a, 405b have substantially square longitudinal cross sections comprising substantially parallel upper and lower tank indent walls longitudinally spaced by substantially perpendicular side tank indent walls.
  • the mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b are profiled so as to be of complementary shape to that of the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b.
  • the mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b have substantially triangular longitudinal cross-sections comprising lower mouthpiece indent walls substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the component and angled mouthpiece indent walls.
  • the tank connector elements 401 a, 401 b are vertically spaced above the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 40b and the tank indents 405a, 405b are vertically spaced below the mouthpiece indents 403a, 403b.
  • the lower mouthpiece indent walls 404a, 404b form the upper walls of the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b and the lower tank connector element surfaces 404a, 404b form the upper walls of the tank indent 405a, 405b.
  • the tank housing 142 comprises two laterally opposed ribs 410a, 410b extending laterally from and longitudinally from side wall portions of the tank housing 142 and forming thickened portions of the side wall portions.
  • the tank connector element 401 a, 401 b extend from ribs 410a, 410b and the tank indents extend into the ribs 410a, 410b.
  • the ribs 410a, 410b include chamfered upper ends 414a, 414b for guiding the mouthpiece portion 136 into position over the tank housing 142.
  • the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b in particular the lower surfaces of the mouthpiece connector elements 407a, 407b overhang the tank housing and as such act as stop features when the component 104 is inserted into the device 102.
  • a portion of the tank housing 142 is receivable in a recess of the mouthpiece portion 136 and as shown in Figure 3, the mouthpiece portion 136 is generally hollow.
  • the recess comprises an upper portion 506 having a smaller width than a lower portion 504 and a stepped transition between the upper and lower portions providing a stop surface 510 facing the lower portion 504.
  • An upper end surface of the tank housing 142 abuts against the stop surface 510 thereby preventing the tank housing 142 from being inserted too far into the recess.
  • the component 104 comprises an airflow path that extends from an air inlet 134 to the outlet 148.
  • the air flow path passes the vaporiser 132 in the vaporising chamber 156 between the air inlet 134 and the outlet 148.
  • the airflow path comprises a first portion extending from the air inlet 134 towards the vaporiser 132.
  • a second portion of the airflow path passes through the vaporising chamber 156 through the conduit 140 and to the outlet 148.
  • Fig. 5 is a section view of an example of the component described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2.
  • the component 1104 of Fig. 5 comprises a tank 1106 for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece portion 1136 and a conduit 1140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the component 1 104.
  • the conduit 1140 is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross- section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis).
  • the tank 1106 surrounds the conduit 1140, such that the conduit 1140 extends centrally through the tank 1106.
  • a tank housing 1142 of the tank 1106 defines an outer casing of the component 1104, whilst a conduit wall 1 144 defines the conduit 1140.
  • the tank housing 1142 extends from the lower end 1 111 of the component 1104 to the mouthpiece portion 1136 at the upper end 1109 of the component 1104.
  • the mouthpiece portion 1136 is wider than the tank housing 11142, so as to define a lip 1146 that overhangs the tank housing 1142. This lip 1146 acts as a stop feature when the component 1104 is inserted into the device 1102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device 1 102).
  • the tank 1106, the conduit 1140 and the mouthpiece portion 1136 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may e.g. be formed by way of an injection moulding process.
  • a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.
  • the mouthpiece portion 1136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 1148 defining an outlet of the conduit 1140.
  • the vaporiser 1 132 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 1 148 and is located in a vaporising chamber 1156 of the component 1 104.
  • the vaporising chamber 1156 is downstream of the inlet 1134 of the component 1104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 1 148 (i.e. outlet) by the conduit 1 140.
  • the vaporiser 1132 comprises a porous wick 1150 and a heater filament 1152 coiled around the porous wick 1150.
  • the wick 1150 extends transversely across the chamber vaporising 1156 between sidewalls of the chamber 1156 which form part of an inner sleeve 1154 of an insert 1158 that defines the lower end 11 11 of the component 1104 that connects with the device 1102.
  • the insert 1158 is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 1106 so as to seal against the tank housing 1142.
  • the inner sleeve 1154 projects into the tank 1106 and seals with the conduit 1 140 (around the conduit wall 1 144) so as to separate the vaporising chamber 1156 from the e-liquid in the tank 1106.
  • Ends of the wick 1150 project through apertures in the inner sleeve 1154 and into the tank 1 106 so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 1106.
  • e-liquid is transported along the wick 1150 (e.g. by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 1150 that is exposed to airflow through the vaporising chamber 1 156.
  • the transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 1 152 (when activated e.g.
  • Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device 1102 engaged with the component 1104 at the upper end 1108.
  • the device 1 102 includes a charging connection 11 15 at the lower end 1110.
  • the front surface 1201 of the device body 1200 is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the 1202 of the device body 1200 is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the curvatures of the front surface 1201 and rear surface 1202 are of the opposite sense to one another. Both front and rear surfaces 1201 , 1202 are convex in the transverse dimension. This leads to a mandorla-Zlemon-Zeye-shaped cross sectional shape of the device body 1200.
  • the front surface 1201 and rear surface 1202 meet at two transverse edges 1205.
  • the transverse edges 1205 have a radius of curvature that is significantly smaller than the radius of curvature of either the front 1201 or rear surface 1202. This leads to the transverse edges being substantially “pointed” or “sharp”.
  • the transverse edges may have a radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of less than 1 millimetre.
  • the transverse edges 1205 extend substantially the full longitudinal length of the device body 1200.
  • the front surface 1201 of the device body 1200 may include an illumination region through which at least one light source may be visible.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic transverse cross section through the device 1102 of Fig. 6, in accordance with an embodiment.
  • the front surface 1201 and rear surface 1202 are shown meeting at the transverse edges 1205 on either side of the device body 1200.
  • the radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of the front surface 1201 is equal to the radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of the rear surface 1202.
  • the radius of curvature of the front surface 1201 may be between 10 and 15 mm.
  • Figures 8-11 show a first embodiment of a retention mechanism 1350 for connecting a device 1302 (which may correspond to device 1102 above) to a component 1304 (which may correspond to component 1 104 above) to thereby form a smoking substitute system, such as smoking substitute system 100 or 1100.
  • the device 1302 comprises a chassis 1360 enclosed within the device body 1362 (which may correspond to device body 1200 described above).
  • the chassis 1360 supports a battery, and other internal components of the device 1302, and is attached to and within the device body 1362.
  • the retention mechanism 1350 which is integrally formed as a single component, is attached directly to the chassis 1360.
  • the retention mechanism 1350 comprises a base 1352 and two arms 1354 that extend from the base 1352 in a same direction away from the base 1352.
  • the base 1352 is a base plate (i.e. has a base-like plate), and the two arms 1354 extend away from the base plate 1352 in a same direction which is substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the base plate 1352.
  • the two arms 1354 extend from the base plate 1352 at shoulders 1356.
  • each arm 1354 comprises a V-shaped portion 1358 which interlocks with a respective groove 1359 in the component 1304, when the component 1304 is inserted into the cavity of the device 1302.
  • the V-shaped portion 1358 of the arms 1354 acts as a spring clip, or snap retention hook.
  • each arm 1354 comprises a lower ramp 1370, an elbow 1371 and an upper ramp 1372 (see e.g. Fig. 9), and the elbow 1371 is arranged to interlock with the respective groove 1359 in the component 1304.
  • the retention force provided by retention mechanism 1350 is a cantilever force (i.e. bending moment) by cantilever arms 1354 about shoulders 1356.
  • Fig. 10a shows the forces applied to arm 1354 as the component (e.g. pod) 1304 is inserted into the cavity of the device 1302.
  • the lower end of the component will press against the upper ramps 1372 of the V-shaped portion 1358 of the arms 1354, displacing them outwards.
  • the elbows 1371 of the V-shaped portion 1358 will then follow the upper ramps 1372 along the sides of the component 1304 until they reach the groove 1359 in the component 1304.
  • the elbow 1371 of each V-shaped portion 1358 is then positioned in the groove 1359 and is retained within the groove 1359 by the upper ramp 1372 and the lower ramp 1370 of the V-shaped portion 1358.
  • Fig. 10b shows the forces applied to the arm 1354 as the component 1304 is removed from the cavity of the device 1302.
  • the edge of the grooves 1359 provide a force on the lower ramps 1370, displacing them outwards.
  • the elbows 1371 of the V- shaped portion will follow the lower ramps 1370 along the sides of the component 1304 until the component 1304 is removed from the cavity.
  • the upper and lower ramps 1370, 1372 aid the insertion and removal of the component 1304 from the device cavity and the elbows 1371 therebetween interlock with the grooves 1359 in the component 1304 to lock the component 1304 into the device cavity.
  • the retention force e.g. the force biasing the elbows 1371 into the grooves 1359
  • a bending moment i.e. cantilever
  • Fig. 1 1 shows the assembly process for attaching the retention mechanism 1350 to the chassis 1360. Specifically, a plurality of heat deformed rivets 1380 attach the base 1352 of the retention mechanism 1350 directly to the chassis 1360.
  • Figures 12-15 show a second embodiment of a retention mechanism 1450 for connecting a device 1402 (which may correspond to device 102 or 1302 above) to a component 1404 (which may correspond to component 104 or 1304 above) to thereby form a smoking substitute system, such as smoking substitute system 100 or 1100.
  • Retention mechanism 1450 is similar to retention mechanism 1350 except for the way in which it provides the retention force to retain the component 1404 in the cavity of the device 1402.
  • retention mechanism 1450 is integrally formed as a single component and is attached directly to the chassis 1460. It comprises a base plate 1452 and two arms 1454 which extend in a same direction, which is substantially perpendicular to a main plane of the base plate 1452, from opposite sides of the base plate 1452 at two shoulders 1456.
  • each arm 1454 of retention mechanism 1450 comprises a V-shaped portion
  • the arms 1454 are compression arms and further comprise a support 1473 at an upper end of each arm 1454, adjacent to the upper ramp 1472.
  • the supports 1473 are arranged to contact the internal walls 1464 of the device body 1460 in the cavity, when the component 1404 is inserted into the cavity.
  • the forces provided by retention mechanism 1450 are compression forces provided by the internal wall 1464 of the device body 1460.
  • Fig. 14 shows the forces acting on arm 1454 as the component (e.g. pod) 1404 is inserted into the cavity of the device 1402.
  • the supports 1472 When pushing the component 1404 into the device 1402, the supports 1472 are compressed against the internal wall 1464 of the device body 1460, the lower end of the component presses against the upper ramps 11472 of the V-shaped portion 458 of the arms 1454, and the supports 1472 will slide up the internal wall 464 of the device body 1460 as the V-shaped portion 1458 of the arms 1454 flex and are compressed.
  • the elbows 1471 of the V-shaped portion 1458 will then follow the upper ramps 1472 along the sides of the component 1404 until they reach the groove 1459 in the component 1404.
  • the elbow 1471 of each V-shaped portion 1458 is then positioned in the groove 1459 and is retained within the groove
  • Fig. 14b shows the forces acting on arm 1454 as the component 1404 is removed from the cavity of the device 1402.
  • the edge of the grooves 1459 will provide a force on the lower ramps 1470, compressing the supports 1472 and the V-shaped portion 1458 against the internal wall 1464 and therefore sliding the support 1472 along the internal wall 1464.
  • the elbows 1471 of the V-shaped portion will follow the lower ramps 1470 along the sides of the component 1404 until the component 1404 is removed from the cavity.
  • the retention force (e.g. the force biasing the elbows 1471 into the grooves 1459) is provided by the compression of the supports 1472 of the arms 1454 against the internal walls of the device body
  • Fig. 15 corresponds to Fig. 11 and shows the assembly process for attaching the retention mechanism 1450 to the chassis 1460, by a plurality of heat deformed rivets 1480.
  • An aperture 1382, 1482 is formed in the base 1352, 1452 of retention mechanisms 1350, 1450 (see e.g. Fig. 11 and 15).
  • the airflow path, and electrical contacts of the electrical interface of the component 1304, 1404 and/or the device 1302, 1402 may extend through this aperture 1382, 1482.
  • An aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device comprising a chassis for supporting a power source, and a device body enclosing the chassis; a component for containing an aerosol precursor; and a retention mechanism for retaining the component in a cavity of the device, wherein: the retention mechanism comprises a pair of arms connected together by a base, the base being unitary with the pair of arms; each of the arms is arranged to cooperate with the component to retain the component in the cavity of the device; and the base of the retention mechanism is connected to the chassis of the device. 2.
  • the arms are arranged to cooperate with opposing sides of the component.
  • each of the pair of arms is a resilient, cantilevered arm that is biased into cooperation with the component by a bending moment about a respective shoulder between the base and each cantilevered arm.
  • each of the pair of arms is a compression arms that is biased into cooperation with the component by an internal wall of the device body within the cavity when the component is inserted into the cavity.
  • each of the pair of arms comprises a support arranged to contact the internal wall of the device body to bias the arm into cooperation with the component when the component is inserted into the cavity.
  • each of the arms comprises a protrusion arranged to cooperate with a respective groove or indent in the component in the cavity of the device.
  • each V-shaped portion of the arms comprises a lower ramp, an upper ramp and an elbow therebetween, wherein each elbow is arranged to cooperate with the respective groove/indent in the component.

Landscapes

  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

Composant de distribution d'aérosol (104) comprenant une partie embout buccal (136) ayant une surface interne ; un réservoir (106) défini par un logement de réservoir ayant une surface externe, une partie du logement de réservoir (142) pouvant être reçue dans la partie embout buccal ; le logement de réservoir comprenant au moins un élément de raccord de réservoir (401a, 401b) s'étendant vers l'extérieur à partir de la surface externe du logement de réservoir et la partie embout buccal comprenant au moins un renfoncement d'embout buccal (403a, 403b) dans la surface interne de la partie embout buccal de telle sorte que ledit au moins un raccord de réservoir peut être reçu dans ledit au moins un renfoncement d'embout buccal.
PCT/EP2022/075170 2021-09-15 2022-09-09 Composant, dispositif et système de distribution d'aérosol WO2023041446A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21196988.6 2021-09-15
EP21196988 2021-09-15
EP21199175.7 2021-09-27
EP21199175 2021-09-27

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023041446A1 true WO2023041446A1 (fr) 2023-03-23

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Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018019485A1 (fr) * 2016-07-25 2018-02-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartouche de système de production d'aérosol présentant une protection de dispositif chauffant
EP3516970A1 (fr) * 2016-09-19 2019-07-31 Lin, Guangrong Atomiseur de cigarette électronique présentant une cavité de transition de stockage de liquide
WO2019211339A1 (fr) * 2018-05-01 2019-11-07 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de substitution au tabac ayant un filtre imperméable aux liquides entre l'embout buccal et le réservoir de liquide
WO2019224382A1 (fr) * 2018-05-25 2019-11-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Ensemble cartouche moulée
WO2020088602A1 (fr) * 2018-11-02 2020-05-07 常州市派腾电子技术服务有限公司 Procédé et dispositif de commande de cigarette électronique, et cigarette électronique
EP3714716A1 (fr) * 2019-03-29 2020-09-30 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol
EP3741414A1 (fr) * 2019-05-24 2020-11-25 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de recharge pour un dispositif d'administration d'aérosol
WO2021005367A1 (fr) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 Nicoventures Trading Limited Systèmes de distribution de vapeur
WO2021139516A1 (fr) * 2020-01-08 2021-07-15 Shenzhen Relx Technology Co., Ltd. Dispositif de vaporisation
WO2021170768A1 (fr) * 2020-02-28 2021-09-02 Jt International Sa Capsule et joints d'étanchéité pour une cigarette électronique

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018019485A1 (fr) * 2016-07-25 2018-02-01 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartouche de système de production d'aérosol présentant une protection de dispositif chauffant
EP3516970A1 (fr) * 2016-09-19 2019-07-31 Lin, Guangrong Atomiseur de cigarette électronique présentant une cavité de transition de stockage de liquide
WO2019211339A1 (fr) * 2018-05-01 2019-11-07 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de substitution au tabac ayant un filtre imperméable aux liquides entre l'embout buccal et le réservoir de liquide
WO2019224382A1 (fr) * 2018-05-25 2019-11-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Ensemble cartouche moulée
WO2020088602A1 (fr) * 2018-11-02 2020-05-07 常州市派腾电子技术服务有限公司 Procédé et dispositif de commande de cigarette électronique, et cigarette électronique
EP3714716A1 (fr) * 2019-03-29 2020-09-30 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol
EP3741414A1 (fr) * 2019-05-24 2020-11-25 Nerudia Limited Dispositif de recharge pour un dispositif d'administration d'aérosol
WO2021005367A1 (fr) * 2019-07-10 2021-01-14 Nicoventures Trading Limited Systèmes de distribution de vapeur
WO2021139516A1 (fr) * 2020-01-08 2021-07-15 Shenzhen Relx Technology Co., Ltd. Dispositif de vaporisation
WO2021170768A1 (fr) * 2020-02-28 2021-09-02 Jt International Sa Capsule et joints d'étanchéité pour une cigarette électronique

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