WO2024033491A1

WO2024033491A1 - Cartridge with retention element

Info

Publication number: WO2024033491A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/072209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Onur DAYIOGLU; Guillaume FREDERICK
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2022-08-11
Filing date: 2023-08-10
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising a liquid storage portion (92) for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an inner airflow path (14) extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; and a tubular internal unit (10) circumscribing at least a portion of the airflow path; wherein the internal unit comprises a tubular heater component (40) comprising a susceptor element (42), the susceptor element being located within the airflow path and being configured for evaporating liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion; wherein a distal end of the tubular internal unit comprises a retention element (70) for receiving liquid aerosol- forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path.

Description

CARTRIDGE WITH RETENTION ELEMENT

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge and the aerosol-generating device.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the cartridge.

Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporises to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid form or in liquid form. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be comprised in a liquid storage portion and may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge.

It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of aerosol-forming substrate out of the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate from the capillary component of the heating element. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid the leakage of liquid droplets from the aerosol-forming substrate out of the cartridge. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may improve the user experience. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may be more comfortably handled by a user.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may comprise a liquid storage portion for holding liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may have an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may furthermore comprise a tubular internal unit circumscribing at least a portion of the airflow path. The internal unit may comprise a tubular heater component. The tubular heater component may comprise a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be located within the airflow path and may be configured for evaporating liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion. A distal end of the tubular internal unit may comprise a retention element for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This retention element may prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path. According to another embodiment there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosolgenerating device. The cartridge comprises a liquid storage portion for holding liquid aerosolforming substrate. The cartridge furthermore comprises an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. A tubular internal unit is present in the cartridge, wherein the tubular internal unit circumscribes at least a portion of the airflow path. The internal unit comprises a tubular heater component comprising a susceptor element. The susceptor element is located within the airflow path and is configured for evaporating liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion. A distal end of the tubular internal unit comprises a retention element for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path.

This cartridge may reduce or avoid leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the cartridge may prevent leakage from the susceptor element which receives liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion due to the retention element. The cartridge may also prevent leakage of droplets of liquid aerosol-forming substrate which may have recondensed in the inner airflow path. Reducing the leakage from the cartridge may enhance the user experience when handling the cartridge. Reducing the leakage from the cartridge may also ease the handling of the cartridge by the user. The retention element may be configured to reliably receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path.

As used herein, the terms ’tubular’, ’tubular unit’, ’tubular component’, ’tubular element’, and ’tubular shape’ refer to three-dimensional objects and three-dimensional geometric shapes comprising a bottom basal plane, a top basal plane, and a sidewall circumscribing a hollow interior, the sidewall being arranged between the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis of the tubular element between the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane. The longitudinal axis may be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane.

A bottom base of the tubular element lies within the bottom basal plane. A top base of the tubular element lies within the top basal plane. A cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be circular. A cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be non-circular, for example elliptic, stadium-shaped, or rectangular. One or both of the bottom base and the top base may be open.

The tubular element may have the shape of a right circular hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a non-circular hollow cylinder, for example an elliptic hollow cylinder, or a stadium-shaped hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a hollow cuboid. The longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. A longitudinal center axis of the tubular element may coincide with a longitudinal center axis of the cartridge.

The retention element may comprise a closed distal end wall of the tubular internal unit. Such a closed distal end wall may provide a retention element which is particularly well suited for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path of the cartridge.

The retention element may be formed as a trough. This may enable the retention element to collect and receive larger quantities of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may comprise a first planar major surface.

This may enhance the formation of an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate as a large amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be evaporated over the first planar major surface located within the airflow path.

The susceptor element may comprise a second planar major surface. The second planar major surface may be a planar major surface opposite of the first planar major surface.

Providing one or both of a first planar major surface and a second planar major surface of the susceptor element may increase the surface of the susceptor element which is available for evaporating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. One or both of the first planar major surface and the second planar major surface of the susceptor element may also increase the overall formation rate of an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “planar major surface” refers to a planar surface of an object which is the planar surface of the object that is largest in area. A planar surface refers to a surface that lies within a two-dimensional flat plane or a two-dimensional substantially flat plane.

For example, a shape of a flat rectangular metal sheet may typically be described by two parallel opposing planar major surfaces and four smaller surfaces extending perpendicular to, and between, the two planar major surfaces. The planar major surfaces may be equal in size and may be described as a first planar major surface and a second planar major surface.

The susceptor element may be a substantially planar susceptor element. The susceptor element may be a substantially planar susceptor element comprising opposing first and second planar major surfaces.

As used herein, the term “planar susceptor element” may refer to a three-dimensional object having two opposing planar major surfaces defining a length and a width of the object. A thickness of the object is substantially less than a length and a width of the object. For example, a thickness of the object may be a fifth or less than each a length and a width of the object. Slight curvatures of one or both of the generally planar major surfaces may be allowable. Also, small protrusions extending perpendicular from a major surface, for example side legs or bent end portions, may be allowable, as long as the overall extension in the length and width dimensions substantially exceeds the thickness of the object.

The internal unit may comprise an airflow management component. The airflow management component may be configured to manage the airflow within the inner airflow path. In particular, the airflow management component may be provided to direct the airflow upstream of the susceptor element. The airflow management component may be provided distal to the tubular heater component. The distal airflow management component may comprise a tubular sidewall circumscribing a portion of the inner airflow path. The retention element may form the distal end of the airflow management component.

Providing such an airflow management component comprising the retention element may allow a modular assembly of the cartridge. This may allow an easy integration of a retention element as one component into the internal unit.

The tubular sidewall of the airflow management component may comprise at least one air inlet. The at least one air inlet may allow the entry of ambient air into the inner airflow path. This may allow ambient air to reach the susceptor element. This may allow the generation of an aerosol from ambient air and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporated from the susceptor element.

By the at least one air inlet being provided in the tubular sidewall, leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the inner airflow path through the at least one air inlet may be reduced or avoided. For example, a liquid droplet falling within the inner airflow path towards the distal end may not easily enter an air inlet provided in the tubular sidewall.

Preferably the at least one air inlet may be located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component.

This may leave sufficient space at the distal end of the airflow management component for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the retention element. This may avoid interference between the retention element and air entering the inner airflow path through the at least one air inlet.

The airflow management component may comprise an airflow directing element. The airflow directing element may be configured for directing an airflow over the susceptor element. The airflow directing element may extend from the distal end of the airflow management component.

This may allow the airflow directing element to direct air over the susceptor element so that the generation of an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is enhanced.

This may allow the airflow directing element to reliably direct ambient air entering the inner airflow path via the at least one air inlet towards the susceptor element. This may also provide two separate troughs of the retention element for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path. The airflow directing element may be located centrally within the inner airflow path.

This may allow the airflow directing element to direct a large quantity of air over the susceptor element.

The airflow directing element may comprise at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular sidewall into the inner airflow path.

This may allow the airflow directing element to sufficiently separate the airflow through the inner airflow path into two main air streams. These two separate air streams may be reliably directed over the susceptor element.

The airflow management component may be formed as a monolithic member.

This may allow the airflow management component to reliably direct air in the inner airflow path over the susceptor element.

The cartridge may also comprise a distal sealing element arranged on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. This distal sealing element may prevent the leakage of further liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge.

The distal end of the tubular internal unit may form the distal end of the cartridge. This may allow the tubular internal unit to circumscribe a portion of the airflow path of the cartridge being located at the distal end.

The cartridge may further comprise a tubular sleeve element circumscribing at least a portion of the internal unit. A liquid supply channel may be arranged between the internal unit and the sleeve element. A wick element may be present which may be arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

This may provide a particular easy way in order to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the susceptor liquid supply channel.

The heater component may comprise a fluid permeable wall portion arranged to allow migration of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the inner airflow path. The fluid permeable wall portion may be formed by two slits in opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component.

The cartridge may comprise a wick element arranged to transfer liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

The heater component may comprise the wick element. The wick element may extend from the inner airflow path through the two slits in opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component into the liquid supply channel.

The wick element may extend transversely through the inner airflow path and may protrude from the inner airflow path through the slits into the liquid supply channel.

This may allow a transfer of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element via capillary action. The wick element may comprise one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, a porous graphite-based material.

The tubular heater component may include a tubular heater component inner sidewall. The tubular heater component inner sidewall may form a continuous inner sidewall with the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. The continuous inner sidewall may circumscribe the part of the inner airflow path between the at least one air inlet and the susceptor. The tubular internal unit may comprise a mainly continuous inner sidewall. The tubular internal unit may comprise a continuous inner sidewall.

The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may lie within a plane extending through the inner airflow path. The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may define a plane extending through the inner airflow path. The plane may be considered as an endless plane. The plane may be considered as a geometric construction extending beyond the physical ends of the susceptor element. The first planar major surface of the susceptor element may define a plane extending through the inner airflow path between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge. The plane may be parallel to a longitudinal direction of the tubular internal unit, the longitudinal direction extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge.

If the second opposing planar major surface is present in the susceptor element, the plane may be defined as running through a center of the susceptor element between the first and second opposing surfaces.

The at least one air inlet may be located at a position in the tubular sidewall which is rotated out of said plane. A rotation angle may be defined which may describe a rotation of the position of the at least one air inlet out of the plane along the circumference of the tubular sidewall. The at least one air inlet may be located at a position in the tubular sidewall which is rotated out of said plane by 20 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 30 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 40 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 50 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 60 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 70 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by 80 degrees to 90 degrees, optionally by about 90 degrees. An at least one air inlet located at 0 degree may be located in the plane. An at least one air inlet located at 90 degrees may be located orthogonal to the plane.

Liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaked from the susceptor element may flow along the tubular sidewall towards the retention element. The leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrate may flow along the plane and along the tubular sidewall. Leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be less likely to leak through the at least one air inlet if the at least one air inlet is located at a position in the tubular sidewall which is rotated out of said plane.

Two air inlets may be present at opposing sides in the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component. A straight line, the “air inlet line” may be drawn through the centers of the two air inlets. This air inlet line may be orthogonal to the planar major surface of the susceptor component.

This may reduce or avoid the leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the susceptor element through the two air inlets.

A straight line, the “slit line” may be drawn through the centers of the two slits in opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component into the liquid supply channel. This slit line may be orientated orthogonal to the air inlet line. This may reduce or avoid the leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the wick element extending through the two slits through the two air inlets.

The tubular internal unit may comprise at least one air inlet at a position distal to the susceptor element. The tubular internal unit may comprise two air inlets at a position distal to the susceptor element. The tubular internal unit may comprise two air inlets arranged orthogonally at opposing sides of the plane. A straight line extending through the centers of both of the two air inlets may be arranged in perpendicular to the plane. A straight line extending through the centers of both of the two air inlets may be arranged in perpendicular to a planar major surface of the susceptor element.

The distal sealing element of the airflow management component may be configured for sealing the distal end of the liquid supply channel.

This may provide a cartridge which may also reduce or avoid leaking of liquid aerosolforming substrate from one or both of the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring. Such an O-ring may reliably seal a liquid supply channel located between the tubular sleeve element and the tubular internal unit.

The internal unit may further comprise a tubular sealing component provided proximal to the tubular heater component. The sealing component may comprise a tubular element circumscribing a portion of the airflow path. The sealing component may comprise a proximal sealing element arranged on an outer surface of the tubular element. The internal unit may be axially movable with respect to the sleeve element from a blocking position in which the proximal sealing element is arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. The internal unit may be axially movable with respect to the sleeve element to an open position in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

Movement of the internal unit with respect to the sleeve element therefore may allow the internal unit to move between the blocking position and the open position for blocking and allowing fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

A distal end of the heater component may be connected to a proximal end of the airflow management component. A proximal end of the heater component may be connected to a distal end of the sealing component. The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may be connected by plug connections.

The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may be connected along a longitudinal axis of the tubular internal unit.

The proximal sealing element may be provided as an O-ring. The tubular element may comprise a guiding means to hold the O-ring in position. The O-ring may exhibit a compression ratio of between 15 percent and 25 percent, preferably of between 18 percent and 22 percent, more preferably of about 20 percent, when the internal unit is in the blocking position.

The proximal sealing element may comprise polymeric material, preferably elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be selected from one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nitrile, Neoprene, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM Rubber), and Fluorocarbon.

The tubular element of the sealing component and the proximal sealing element may be made from the same material. The tubular element of the sealing component and the proximal sealing element may be configured as a monolithic piece.

A proximal end portion of the cartridge may be configured as a mouthpiece. This may allow compact design of the cartridge without the need to attach a separate mouthpiece to the cartridge. In particular, a proximal end portion of the cartridge may be formed as a mouthpiece.

Preferably the liquid storage portion is at least partly comprised in the mouthpiece. In particular, a part of the liquid storage portion may be formed as a mouthpiece. This may enable an advantageous design of the cartridge wherein the cartridge includes a mouthpiece and wherein at least a part of the liquid storage portion is included in the mouthpiece.

The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may circumscribe a portion of the inner airflow path. This may allow a compact design of the cartridge wherein portions of the tubular sidewall circumscribing the inner airflow path also form a portion of the liquid storage portion.

The distal end of the cartridge may be configured for engaging with the aerosolgenerating device. The distal end of the cartridge may be configured for being inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may comprise connection means configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosol-generating device. The connection means may be mechanical. The connection means may comprise one or more springs. The one or more springs may be made of plastic material or metallic material or a combination thereof. The connection means may comprise magnetic connection means.

The proximal end of the cartridge may be a mouth end. The proximal end of the cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece. The proximal end of the cartridge may comprise an air outlet.

The invention also provides an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol generating system may also comprise an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity arranged for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The cavity may at least partly be circumscribed by an inductor coil.

The invention also provides an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating system furthermore comprises an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity arranged for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The cavity is at least partly circumscribed by an inductor coil.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be a heating chamber.

The inductor coil may be configured to heat the susceptor element included in the cartridge. This may allow the generation of an aerosol formed from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and air.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a pin element. The pin element may protrude from the distal end face of the cavity. The pin element may be a spring-loaded pin. The pin element may be a rigid pin. The pin element may be arranged to push against the retention element of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

This may allow the internal unit of the cartridge to be axially moved with respect to the sleeve element in order to open the liquid supply channel for fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. When purchasing the cartridge, the retention element of the cartridge may protrude from the sleeve element of the cartridge. In this position the internal unit may be in the blocking position with respect to the sleeve element. This may block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel when the cartridge is not inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or a vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ are used synonymously.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor/flavorant containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. An aerosolformer is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 , 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerine.

As used herein, the term ‘cartridge’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, a cartridge may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or user-end of the device or at a mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. The cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device.

As used herein, the term ‘liquid storage portion’ refers to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid storage portion may be any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion may, for example, be substantially circular, elliptical, square or rectangular. The liquid storage portion may form part of the cartridge.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ refers to a device that interacts with a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating system’ refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with a cartridge. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may have a total length between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of the user’s puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air that is drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device per time by the user. The initiation of the puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected upon a user activating a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface to activate the aerosolgenerating device, for example a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display to indicate a state of the aerosol-generating device or of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may include additional components, such as, for example a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the cartridge or aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the cavity, the term ‘proximal’ refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity and the term ‘distal’ refers to the region closest to the closed end.

As used herein, the terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

The term ‘airflow path’ as used herein denotes a channel suitable to transport gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

As used herein, a ‘susceptor’ or ‘susceptor element’ means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.

The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features concerning the susceptor may apply to the susceptor element of the cartridge. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously the susceptor material may comprise or consists of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, for example, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor material may be, or comprise, aluminium. The susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

The susceptor material may be formed from a single material layer. The single material layer may be a steel layer.

The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor material may comprise metallic tracks formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be arranged on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer construction. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be made by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating and cladding. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron- phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC/AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

The power supply may be adapted to power an inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductor coil(s).

The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management. Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example E1 . A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; and a tubular internal unit circumscribing at least a portion of the airflow path; wherein the internal unit comprises a tubular heater component comprising a susceptor element, the susceptor element being located within the airflow path and being configured for evaporating liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion; wherein a distal end of the tubular internal unit comprises a retention element for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path.

Example E2. The cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the retention element comprises a closed distal end wall of the tubular internal unit.

Example E3. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the retention element is formed as a trough.

Example E4. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal unit comprises an airflow management component provided distal to the tubular heater component, wherein the distal airflow management component comprises a tubular sidewall circumscribing a portion of the inner airflow path, and wherein the retention element forms the distal end of the airflow management component.

Example E5. The cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component comprises at least one air inlet, preferably wherein the at least one air inlet is located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component.

Example E6. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples E4 or E5, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow directing element, wherein the airflow directing element is configured for directing an airflow over the susceptor element, preferably wherein the airflow directing element extends from the distal end of the airflow management component.

Example E7. The cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the airflow directing element is located centrally within the inner airflow path.

Example E8. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples E6 or E7, wherein the airflow directing element comprises at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular sidewall into the inner airflow path. Example E9. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples E4 to E8, wherein the airflow management component is formed as a monolithic member.

Example E10. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples E4 to E9, comprising a distal sealing element arranged on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.

Example E11. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the distal end of the tubular internal unit forms the distal end of the cartridge.

Example E12. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a tubular sleeve element circumscribing at least a portion of the internal unit; a liquid supply channel arranged between the internal unit and the sleeve element; and a wick element arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

Example E13. The cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the wick element comprises one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

Example E14. The cartridge according to a combination of examples E10 and any of examples E12 or E13, wherein the distal sealing element is configured for sealing a distal end of the liquid supply channel, preferably wherein the sealing element is an O-ring.

Example E15. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples E12 to E14, wherein the internal unit further comprises a sealing component provided proximal to the tubular heater component, wherein the sealing component comprises a tubular element circumscribing a portion of the airflow path and a proximal sealing element arranged on an outer surface of the tubular element; and wherein the internal unit is axially movable with respect to the sleeve element from a blocking position in which the proximal sealing element is arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel, to an open position in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

Example E16. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein a proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece, preferably wherein the liquid storage portion is at least partly comprised in the mouthpiece.

Example E17. The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid storage portion circumscribes a portion of the inner airflow path.

Example E18. An aerosol-generating system, comprising the cartridge according to any of the preceding examples; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity arranged for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge, wherein the cavity is at least partly circumscribed by an inductor coil.

Example E19. The aerosol-generating system according to the preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a pin element protruding from a distal end face of the cavity and being arranged to push against the retention element of the cartridge, when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

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

Figs. 1a to 1c show a tubular internal unit of a cartridge for use with an aerosolgenerating device of one embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2a and 2b show a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 3a and 3b show a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 4a and 4b show an aerosol-generating system;

Figs. 5a and 5b show a heater component of a cartridge for use with an aerosolgenerating device;

Figs. 6a and 6b show a heater component and an airflow management component of a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, and

Figs. 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of different retention elements at the distal end of the airflow management component.

In the following elements with the same functionality are marked with the same reference numerals throughout all the figures.

In the following Figs. 1 to 6 an embodiment of the cartridge is described wherein the internal unit comprises a proximal tubular sealing component, an intermediate heater component and a distal airflow management component. The further Figs. 7a and 7b show cross-sectional views of airflow management components with different retention elements.

Fig. 1a shows a tubular internal unit 10 of the aerosol-generating device in disassembled configuration. The internal unit 10 comprises a proximal tubular sealing component 20, an intermediate tubular heater component 40 comprising a susceptor element in its hollow interior (not shown), and a distal tubular airflow management component 60.

The sealing component 20 comprises a tubular element 22 and a proximal sealing element 24 arranged on an outer surface of the tubular element 22. The proximal sealing element 24 is provided as a continuous protrusion arranged circumferentially around the tubular element 22 of the sealing component 20. The proximal sealing element 24 is provided as a seal lip. The airflow management component 60 comprises a tubular sidewall 62 and a distal sealing element 64 provided as an O-ring arranged on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall 62. The O-ring is axially held in position between a first protrusion 66 and a second protrusion 67 of the airflow management component 60.

Fig. 1 b shows the tubular internal unit 10 of Fig. 1a in assembled configuration. The sealing component 20, the heater component 40, and the airflow management component 60 are connected in series along a longitudinal axis 12. A distal end of the heater component 40 is plugged into proximal end of the airflow management component 60. A proximal end of the heater component 40 is plugged into a distal end of the sealing component 20. The plugging action is indicated by arrows in Fig 1a.

Fig. 1c shows the assembled tubular internal unit 10 of Fig. 1b in cross-sectional view. The airflow management component 60 comprises air inlets 68 allowing air to enter the hollow tubular interior of the tubular internal unit 10. The air inlets 68 are spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component which includes the retention element 70. An inner airflow path 14 is circumscribed by the tubular internal unit 10. The inner airflow path 14 passes the susceptor 42 of the heater component 40.

Fig. 2a shows a cartridge 100 in disassembled configuration. The cartridge 100 comprises the internal unit 10 of Figs. 1a to 1c. The cartridge 100 comprises a tubular sleeve element 80 and the mouthpiece 90.

Fig. 2b shows the cartridge 100 of Fig. 2a in assembled configuration in cross-sectional view. The tubular sleeve element 80 circumscribes a portion of the internal unit 10. A liquid supply channel 82 is formed by an empty space between the internal unit 10 and the sleeve element 80. The distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 is configured for closing and sealing a distal end of the liquid supply channel 82.

The mouthpiece 90 comprises a liquid storage portion 92 circumscribing a portion of the inner airflow path 14. The liquid storage portion 92 is provided by an empty space between an inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 coaxially circumscribing the inner airflow path 14 and an outer tubular wall portion 98 of the mouthpiece 90 coaxially circumscribing the liquid storage portion 92. A proximal end 94 of the mouthpiece 90 comprises an air outlet. A distal end 99 of the mouthpiece 90 is attached to a proximal end 84 of the sleeve element 80. For example, a permanent attachment may be achieved by ultrasonic welding.

Fig. 3a shows a cartridge 100 wherein the air inlets 68 are located in the tubular sidewall 62 of the airflow management component 60. The air inlets 68 are thus located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component 60. Thereby, the airflow management component 60 comprises a retention element 70 provided at the distal end of the airflow management component 60, wherein the retention element 70 comprises a closed distal end wall of the airflow management component 60. The internal unit 10 is axially movable with respect to the sleeve element 80 from a blocking position shown in Fig. 3a, in which the proximal sealing element 24 is arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82, to an open position shown in Fig. 3b, in which the proximal sealing element 24 is moved to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. In the blocking position shown in Fig.3a, the proximal sealing element 24 is in contact with an internal wall of the sleeve element 80 to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. The cartridge in the blocking position can be purchased and is configured to be inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

In the open position shown in Fig. 3b, the proximal sealing element 24 is moved away from the internal wall to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. In the open position shown in Fig. 3b, a liquid passageway 16 has formed, allowing liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate from the liquid storage portion 92 into the liquid supply channel 82. The distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 seals a distal end of the liquid supply channel 82 preventing liquid aerosolforming substrate from exiting the liquid supply channel 82 at a distal end thereof in the open position.

A distal portion of the inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 may slide within a proximal portion of the tubular element 22 of the sealing component 20 when the internal unit 10 is axially moved from the blocking position shown in Fig. 3a to the open position shown in Fig. 3b. This axial movement may take place when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

The heater component 40 comprises a fluid permeable wall portion 44 arranged to allow migration of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel 82 into the inner airflow path 14 and towards the susceptor element 42.

Figs. 4a and 4b show an aerosol-generating system in cross-sectional view. The aerosol-generating system comprises a cartridge, for example the cartridge 100 of Figs. 2 and 3, and an aerosol-generating device 200. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a cavity 210 arranged for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge 100. The cavity 210 is at least partly circumscribed by an inductor coil 220.

The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a pin element 230 protruding from a distal end face of the cavity 210. The pin element 230 is arranged to push the internal unit 10 of the cartridge 100 from the blocking position into the open position when the distal portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted into the cavity 210. In particular, the pin element 230 is arranged to push the retention element 70 of the internal unit 10. Fig. 4b shows the configuration, where the distal portion of the cartridge 100 has been inserted into the cavity 210 and the internal unit 10 is in the open position. Consequently, liquid aerosol-forming substrate may migrate towards the susceptor 42.

Further, with the distal portion of the cartridge 100 being inserted into the cavity 210 as shown in Fig. 4b, the susceptor 42 of the cartridge 100 is placed within the cavity 210 such that an alternating electric current applied to the inductor coil 220 creates an alternating magnetic field which induces an electric current in the susceptor 42 to heat the susceptor 42.

Ambient air may enter the aerosol-generating system via a gap between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol-generating device 200. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating device 200 may comprise air inlets (not shown) in fluid connection with the cavity 210.

The airflow route 240 is shown as dotted lines in Fig. 4b. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate located in proximity to, or in contact with, the heated susceptor 42 may be volatized due to the elevated temperature in the area of the susceptor 42. Volatized material may be taken up by the airflow and may travel downstream along the airflow route 240 and through the air outlet at the proximal end 94 of the cartridge 100 where a ripened aerosol may be inhaled by a user.

The distal end of the cartridge 100 may comprise connection means (not shown), for example magnetic connection means, configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosolgenerating device 200. The aerosol-generating device 200 may comprise corresponding connection means (not shown).

Figs. 5a and 5b show an embodiment of the heater component 40 in perspective view (Fig. 4a) and in front view (Fig. 4b). The fluid permeable wall portion 44 is formed by two slits in opposing sidewalls of the tubular heater component 40. A wick element 46 extends between and through the slits. The wick element 46 is arranged to transfer liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel 82 to the susceptor element 42 when the heater component 40 is arranged within the sleeve element 80. A center portion of the wick element 46 within the inner airflow path 14 is sandwiched by the susceptor element 42 which describes a U-shape.

The wick element 46 is planar. The U-shape includes a first planar major surface 42A of the susceptor element 42 provided on top of a first surface of the planar wick element 46 and a second planar major surface of the susceptor element 42 provided on top of an opposing second surface of the planar wick element 46. The second planar major surface of the susceptor element 42 is not shown in Fig. 5A. The wick element 46 and the susceptor element 42, together, form a substantially flat or planar structure arranged centrally within the inner airflow path 14. Fig. 5A also shows a plane 102 defined by the center of the susceptor element 42 between the first planar major surface 42A and the second planar major surface. This plane 102 extends centrally through the inner airflow path 14 along the tubular sidewall. Figs. 6a and 6b shows an alternative embodiment of the heater component 40 and the airflow management component 60 in disassembled configuration (Fig. 6a) and in assembled configuration (Fig. 6b). In difference to the embodiment of Figs. 1a to 1c, in the embodiment of Figs. 6a and 6b the sealing element 64 provided as an O-ring is axially held in position between a first protrusion 48 being part of the heater component 40 and a second protrusion 67 being part of the airflow management component 60.

The U-shaped susceptor 42 (not shown in Figs. 6a and 6b) defines a plane extending centrally through the inner airflow path 14 between the proximal end and the distal end. The plane extends through the center of the planar wick element 46 and parallel to the first and second surfaces of the planar wick element 46. The air inlet 68 is located at a position of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component 60 which is rotated out of that plane. In particular, the air inlet 68 is located orthogonal to said plane. This may reduce the risk of leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the susceptor element and flowing in a distal direction along the inner sidewall through this air inlet 68.

Fig. 7a shows an enlarged cutout of a cross-sectional view of the distal airflow management component 60 located in the tubular sleeve component 80. The distal airflow management component 60 includes the retention element 70 with the airflow directing element 72. The airflow management component 60 separates the retention element 70 into two separate troughs for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The arrows indicated with the reference sign 61 show the flow of leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the susceptor element 42 and the inner airflow path 14 into the retention element 70. The retention element 70 therefore can receive one or both of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the susceptor element 42, and condensed droplets of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the inner airflow path 14. The retention element 70 can be formed by a closed distal end wall of the tubular internal unit 10, in particular a closed distal end wall of the distal airflow management component 60. The airflow directing element 72 is configured to direct ambient air entering the inner airflow path 14 through the air inlets 68 over the surface of the susceptor element 42. The liquid passageway 16 indicated by the hatched arrows is sealed by the distal sealing element 64.

Fig. 7b shows an enlarged cutout of a cross-sectional view of another distal airflow management component 60 located in the tubular sleeve component 80. In this embodiment, the distal airflow management component 60 only includes the retention element 70 but lacks the airflow directing element 72. The retention element 70 is configured to receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate either leaking from the susceptor element 42 or from the inner airflow path 14 as indicated by the arrows 61. The plane 102 shown in Fig. 5A extends in Fig. 7B along the viewing direction. Fig. 7B thus shows a line 102A indicating a cross-section of the plane 102 shown in Fig. 5A. This cross-section 102A shows that the plane 102 runs through the cross-section of the susceptor element 42 along the inner airflow path 14. Both air inlets 68 are rotated out of the plane 102. In particular, a straight line 104 extending through the centers of both air inlets 68 is arranged in perpendicular to the plane 102 spanned by the planar susceptor element. This is shown in Fig. 7b by the angle 106 between the lines 102A and 104 being ninety degrees. This positioning of the air inlets relative to the plane or the susceptor may reduce or prevent leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate originating from the susceptor element and flowing in a distal direction along the inner sidewall through these air inlets. This is shown by the arrows 61 extending along the cross-section 102A of the plane 102 towards the retention element 70.

Claims

1 . A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an inner airflow path extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; and a tubular internal unit circumscribing at least a portion of the airflow path; wherein the internal unit comprises a tubular heater component comprising a susceptor element, the susceptor element being located within the airflow path and being configured for evaporating liquid aerosol-forming substrate received from the liquid storage portion; wherein a distal end of the tubular internal unit comprises a retention element for receiving liquid aerosol-forming substrate to prevent leakage from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path; wherein the internal unit comprises an airflow management component provided distal to the tubular heater component, wherein the airflow management component comprises a tubular sidewall circumscribing a portion of the inner airflow path; and wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component comprises at least one air inlet.

2. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the susceptor element comprises a planar major surface, wherein the planar major surface defines a plane through the inner airflow path, and wherein the at least one air inlet is located at a position in the tubular sidewall which is rotated out of said plane.

3. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one air inlet is located at a position in the tubular sidewall which is rotated out of said plane by 90 degrees.

4. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element comprises a closed distal end wall of the tubular internal unit.

5. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element is formed as a trough.

6. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retention element forms the distal end of the airflow management component.

7. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one air inlet is located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component.

8. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow directing element, wherein the airflow directing element is configured for directing an airflow over the susceptor element, preferably wherein the airflow directing element extends from the distal end of the airflow management component.

9. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the airflow directing element is located centrally within the inner airflow path.

10. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims 8 or 9, wherein the airflow directing element comprises at least one partition wall element extending from the tubular sidewall into the inner airflow path.

11. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end of the tubular internal unit forms the distal end of the cartridge.

12. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a tubular sleeve element circumscribing at least a portion of the internal unit; a liquid supply channel arranged between the internal unit and the sleeve element; and a wick element arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

13. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the wick element comprises one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, and a porous graphite-based material.

14. The cartridge according to any of claim 12 or 13, wherein the cartridge comprises a distal sealing element and wherein the distal sealing element is configured for sealing a distal end of the liquid supply channel, preferably wherein the sealing element is an O-ring.

15. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a proximal end portion of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece, preferably wherein the liquid storage portion is at least partly comprised in the mouthpiece.

16. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid storage portion circumscribes a portion of the inner airflow path.

17. An aerosol-generating system, comprising the cartridge according to any of the preceding claims; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity arranged for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge, wherein the cavity is at least partly circumscribed by an inductor coil.