WO2024033509A1

WO2024033509A1 - Cartridge with element forming a meniscus of a liquid for an aerosol-generating system

Info

Publication number: WO2024033509A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/072254
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Murray Cross; Stuart Michael Ruan Jones
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date: 2022-08-11
Filing date: 2023-08-10
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

A cartridge (10) for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge (10) comprising an air inlet (32) and an air outlet (38), an airflow passage (26, 48) extending between the air inlet (32) and the air outlet (38), a liquid reservoir (44) comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate (42), a heater assembly (12) comprising at least one heating element (16, 18) in fluid communication with the airflow passage (26, 48), the heater assembly (12) configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate (42) supplied to a surface of the heater assembly (12) from the liquid reservoir (44) to generate an aerosol. The cartridge further comprises at least one meniscus-forming element (101, 102), the at least one meniscus-forming element (101, 102) proximate to the heater assembly (12). Each meniscus-forming element (101, 102) is positioned within the airflow passage (26, 48) and contacts the surface of the heater assembly (12) or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly (12) such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate (42) is formed between the surface of the heater assembly (12) and the at least one meniscus-forming element (101, 102).

Description

CARTRIDGE WITH ELEMENT FORMING A MENISCUS OF A LIQUID FOR AN AEROSOLGENERATING SYSTEM.

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system; an aerosolgenerating system; and an aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating systems and devices configured to generate inhalable aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art. Some prior aerosol-generating systems comprise an aerosol-generating-device that is couplable to a cartridge. A typical cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater assembly, where the heater assembly comprises a heating element.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. In this case, the cartridge or device may further comprise a wicking material in fluidic communication with the aerosol-forming substrate and in contact with the heating element. The wicking material is configured to transport liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. In use, the heating element is configured to vaporise the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heating element may be inductively heated. An airflow is provided past the heating element to entrain the generated vapour. In the airflow the vapour is condensed, and an aerosol is formed. The aerosol may then be inhaled by a user. The aerosol-generating device typically comprises a power supply that is configured to supply power to the heating element. In an aerosol-generating system comprising a device and a cartridge, the power supply will often be configured to supply power to the heating element when the device and cartridge are coupled together, via electrical connectors.

In aerosol-generating systems of this type, the system is often configured to activate the heating element only when the user is puffing on the system.

Towards the end of a user puff, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate that was present at the heating element may be completely vapourised, and the transportation of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element by the wicking material is often limited by the rate of diffusion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the wicking element to the heating element. This rate of rate of diffusion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the wicking element to the heating element is often not fast enough to keep up with the aerosol-generation desired by the user. Therefore, when a user takes a long puff or a strong puff on the aerosol-generating system or device, aerosol production may be reduced towards the end of the puff. Reduced aerosol production and delivery can be detrimental to the overall experience of the user.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, an aerosol-generating system, and an aerosol-generating device which increases the amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate available to be vapourised by a heating element.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system. The cartridge may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet. The cartridge may comprise an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The cartridge may comprise a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage. The heater assembly may be configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol. The cartridge may comprise at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly. Each meniscus-forming element may be positioned within the airflow passage. Each meniscus-forming element may contact the surface of the heater assembly or may be distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element provides an extra volume of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to that already present in the heater assembly, therefore providing more liquid aerosol-forming substrate available at the heater assembly to be vapourised during a puff.

Additionally, each meniscus-forming element may provide mechanical support to the heater assembly. This is particularly advantageous if each meniscus-forming element contacts the heater assembly. For example, each meniscus-forming element may restrict the heater assembly from deforming.

Each meniscus-forming element may contact the surface of the heater assembly or may be distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre. Advantageously, such a distance from the surface of the heater assembly ensures that a meniscus may be reliably formed by liquid aerosol-forming substrate at room temperature.

Preferably, each meniscus-forming element does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres and does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. More preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre and does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element being distanced from the surface of the heater assembly avoids direct contact between the heater assembly and each meniscus-forming element, as the heat from the heater assembly may damage the meniscusforming element if the two are in contact. Additionally, this reduces heat losses which may otherwise occur from the heater assembly to the meniscus-forming element if the two are in contact. The at least one heating element may form at least part of the surface of the heater assembly. Preferably, the at least one heating element forms most of the surface of the heater assembly. The at least one heating element may form the entire surface of the heater assembly. The at least one heating element may form the entire surface of the heater assembly located within the airflow passage. Each meniscus-forming element may contact the surface of at least one heating element or may be distanced from the surface of the at least one heating element such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the at least one heating element and the at least one meniscus-forming element.

Each meniscus-forming element may be an elongate element. Each meniscus-forming element may comprise a tip proximate to proximate to the heater assembly, such that each tip contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly and such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the tip of the at least one meniscus-forming element. Advantageously, having a tip of each meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly ensures that enough surface of the heater assembly is exposed to the airflow passage so that vapour may be drawn away from the heater assembly and aerosolised in the airflow passage.

A tip may be defined as pointed or rounded end of the meniscus-forming element. A tip may further or alternatively be defined as an extremity of a slender or tapering region of the meniscusforming element.

The airflow passage may be defined by an airflow passage wall. The airflow passage wall may comprise an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element may extend from the internal surface. Advantageously, such a feature may increase robustness of the cartridge, and simplifies manufacturing of the cartridge.

The at least one heating element may comprise a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated. Advantageously, inductive heating allows for a wireless coupling between the susceptor element arranged within the cartridge and an aerosol-generating device configured to receive the cartridge. In this way, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the reservoir in the cartridge can be kept perfectly sealed from any electrical connections during the shelf life and also in operation when coupled to an aerosol-generating device.

The at least one heating element may be configured to be resistively heated.

The at least one heating element may comprise at least one fluid permeable heating element. For example, the at least one heating element may comprise any one of, or a combination of, a perforated plate, a grating, a plurality of filaments with gaps disposed between each of the filaments, or a singular filament. The singular filament may, for example, be serpentine in shape. Preferably, the at least one heating element comprises at least one mesh heating element. The at least one heating element may comprise at least one planar heating element. Planar may be defined as an element extending in two orthogonal directions significantly more than in a third direction orthogonal to the first two directions.

Each of the at least one heating elements may comprise a high temperature zone which during use reaches the highest temperature, and the at least one meniscus-forming elements may be proximate to the high temperature zones. Advantageously, the meniscus formed by each of the meniscus-forming elements at the high temperature zone may reduce the temperature locally at the high temperature zone due to the increased volume of liquid present to aerosolise. This may ensure that the heating element does not overheat or dry out at the high temperature zone, which may result in undesirable compounds being produced due to the excessive heat.

The airflow passage may extend in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage past the heater assembly is in the longitudinal direction. The heater assembly may extend across the airflow passage. Advantageously, this may provide a large surface area for heating and vaporisation of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The heater assembly may further comprise a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir. Advantageously, a wicking element may ensure reliable delivery of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating element.

The wicking element may be planar. The wicking element may be in the form of a sheet. The heater assembly may be planar. The heating assembly may be in the form of a sheet. The heating assembly may at least partially surround the wicking element. The direction of wicking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element may be parallel to the surface of the at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may comprise a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element. The first side may be substantially parallel to the second side. The first heating element portion may be substantially parallel to the second heating element portion.

The first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be integral with each other. The heating element may wrap around the wicking element, such that the heating element contacts a first face of the wicking element and a second face of the wicking element, opposite to the first face of thew wicking element. The heating element may comprise a band of one or more strips of heating material, the band wrapping around a portion of the wicking element such that the band substantially encloses a wrapped portion. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacturing of the heater assembly. The first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be separate heating elements. Both the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be planar. A meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element at room temperature. A meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element at standard temperature and pressure.

A meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element when the liquid aerosolforming substrate wets the at least one meniscus-forming element with a sufficient adhesive force as to balance the force of gravity, which will act against the formation of a meniscus depending on the orientation of the cartridge, as well as the changes in surface energy that will occur when a meniscus is formed.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise a first meniscus-forming element and a second meniscus-forming element. The first meniscus-forming element may contact the first heating element portion or may be distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element. The second meniscus-forming element may contact the second heating element portion or may be distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element.

The first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element may be positioned on directly opposite sides of the heater assembly. Advantageously, having two meniscus-forming elements positioned on opposites sides of the heater assembly may provide enhanced mechanical support to the heater assembly. This is particularly advantageous if both of the meniscus-forming elements contact the heater assembly such that both meniscus-forming elements restrict the heater assembly from deforming in either direction perpendicular to the plane of the heater assembly.

The wicking element may be positioned on a first face of the at least one heating element. The wicking element may be positioned on a first face of the first heating element portion. The wicking element may be positioned on a first face of the second heating element portion.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may be proximate to a second face of the at least one heating element opposite to the first face. The first meniscus-forming element may be proximate to a second face of the first heating element portion opposite to the first face of the first heating element portion. The second meniscus-forming element may be proximate to a second face of the second heating element portion opposite to the first face of the second heating element portion. Each meniscus-forming element may contact the second face of the at least one heating element or may be distanced from the second face of the at least one heating element by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element contacts the second face of the at least one heating element or is distanced from the second face of the at least one heating element by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre.

Preferably, each meniscus-forming element does not contact the second face of the at least one heating element. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the second face of the at least one heating element by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres and does not contact the second face of the at least one heating element. More preferably, each meniscusforming element is distanced from the second face of the at least one heating element by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre and does not contact the second face of the at least one heating element.

The first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element may be adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly. The first meniscus-forming element may extend perpendicular to the surface of the first heating element portion. The second meniscusforming element may extend perpendicular to the surface of the second heating element portion. The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one blade. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element may be easy to manufacture as a blade, particularly in comparison to a needle, as disclosed below. The at least one blade may comprise a tip. The at least one blade may extend perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly. The at least one blade may extend in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. The tip of the at least one blade may extend in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Advantageously, the at least one blade extending in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage may minimise the impact on the resistance to draw on the cartridge when coupled to an aerosol-generating device. The at least one blade may extend across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably, the at least one blade extends across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably the at least one blade extends across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably still, the at least one blade extends across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Even more preferably still, the at least one blade extends across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one peripheral meniscusforming element. Each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements may be adjacent to a peripheral portion of the heater assembly. The heater assembly may comprise a plurality of peripheral portions, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall. Advantageously, each peripheral meniscus-forming element may further provide an extra volume of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to that already present in the wicking material, in a region of the heater assembly which may be furthest from a first and a second meniscus-forming element. Therefore, each peripheral meniscus-forming element may further provide more liquid aerosol-forming substrate available at the heater assembly to be vapourised during a puff in a region of the heater assembly which is not already adjacent to a meniscusforming element.

The at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements may comprise a first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements and a second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. The first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements may contact the first heating element portion or may be distanced from the first heating element portion such that during use a first set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. The second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements may contact the second heating element portion or may be distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. The at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements may comprise at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blade. The at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades may extend across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably still, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Even more preferably still, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one needle. The at least one needle may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element being a needle may have the smallest impact on the resistance to draw on the cartridge when coupled to an aerosol-generating device, when compared to other forms of each meniscus-forming element. The at least one meniscus-forming element may be integral with the airflow passage wall. The at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall may be formed by injection moulding. Advantageously, both of these two features may increase robustness of the cartridge and simplify manufacturing of the cartridge. The at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

The cartridge may further comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise the air outlet. The liquid reservoir may at least partially surround the airflow passage. The liquid reservoir may surround the airflow passage.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet. The cartridge may comprise an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The cartridge may comprise a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage. The heater assembly may be configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol. The cartridge may comprise at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscusforming element proximate to the heater assembly. Each meniscus-forming element may be positioned within the airflow passage. Each meniscus-forming element may contact the surface of the heater assembly or may be distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply. The power supply may be configured to supply power to the heating element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element. The cartridge may be reversibly couplable to the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an inductor element. The at least one heating element may comprise a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated by the inductor. The inductor element may be a helical coil. Alternatively, the inductor element may be at least one flat coil. For example, the inductor element may be two flat coils. The two flat coils may be positioned on opposite sides of the susceptor element when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. The inductor element may comprise copper.

When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, the inductor element may at least partially surround the susceptor element.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a flux concentrating element. The flux concentrating element may at least partially surround the inductor element. Advantageously, the flux concentrating element may increase the efficiency of the induction apparatus comprising the induction element and the susceptor element.

Alternatively, the heating element may be configured to be resistively heated. The aerosolgenerating device may further comprise device electrical contacts. The cartridge may comprise cartridge electrical contacts in electrical contact with the at least one heating element. The device electrical contacts and cartridge electrical contacts may be in electrical contact when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity into which at least part of the cartridge is located when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

The control circuitry may further comprise a puff detector. The puff detector may be configured to be in fluid communication with the airflow passage when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that the at least one heating element is puff actuated. Advantageously, aerosol is therefore only produced when the user puffs on the system.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The optional features of the cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may therefore be equally present in the cartridge of the aerosolgenerating system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

In accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage. The heater assembly may be configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one meniscus-forming element. The at least one meniscus-forming element may be proximate to the heater assembly.

Each meniscus-forming element may be positioned within the airflow passage and may contact the surface of the heater assembly or may be distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply. The power supply may be configured to supply power to the heating element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise control circuitry. The control circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element. The aerosol-generating device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device. The control circuitry may further comprise a puff detector in fluid communication with the airflow passage. The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the at least one heating element is puff actuated. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise the air outlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor element. The at least one heating element may comprise a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated by the inductor. The inductor element may be a helical coil. The inductor element may comprise copper. The inductor element may at least partially surround the susceptor element. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a flux concentrating element. The flux concentrating element may at least partially surround the inductor element. Alternatively, the heating element may be in electrical contact with the power supply and may be configured to be resistively heated.

Preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the surface of the a heater assembly. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. Preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres and does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. More preferably, each meniscus-forming element is distanced from the surface of the at least one heating element by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre and does not contact the surface of the heater assembly. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element being distanced from the surface of the heater assembly avoids direct contact between the heater assembly and each meniscus-forming element, as the heat from the heater assembly may damage the meniscus-forming element if the two are in contact.

Each meniscus-forming element may be an elongate element. Each meniscus-forming element may comprise a tip proximate to the heater assembly, such that each tip contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the tip of the at least one meniscus-forming element. Advantageously, having a tip of each meniscus-forming element proximate to one of the at least one heating elements ensures that enough surface of the heater assembly is exposed to the airflow passage so that vapour may be drawn away from the heater assembly and aerosolised in the airflow passage.

The airflow passage may be defined by an airflow passage wall. The airflow passage wall may comprise an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element may extend from the internal surface. Advantageously, such a feature may increase robustness of the device, and simplify manufacturing of the device.

The at least one heating element may comprise at least one mesh heating element. The at least one heating element may comprise at least one planar heating element. Planar may be defined as an element extending in two orthogonal directions significantly more than in a third direction orthogonal to the first two directions.

The airflow passage may extend in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage is in the longitudinal direction. The heater assembly may extend across the airflow passage. Advantageously, this may provide a greater surface area for heating and vaporisation of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The heater assembly may further comprise a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir. Advantageously, a wicking element may ensure reliable delivery of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements.

The wicking element may be planar. The heater assembly may be planar. The direction of wicking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element may be parallel to the surface of the heater assembly. The at least one heating element may comprise a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element.

The first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be integral with each other. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacturing of the heater assembly. The first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be separate heating elements. Both the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion may be planar. A meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element at room temperature. A meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element at standard temperature and pressure.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise a first meniscus-forming element and a second meniscus-forming element. The first meniscus-forming element may contact the first heating element portion or may be distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element, and the second meniscus-forming element may contact the second heating element portion or may be distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element.

The first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element may be positioned on directly opposite sides of the heater assembly. Advantageously, having two meniscus-forming elements positioned on opposites sides of the heater assembly may provide enhanced mechanical support to the heater assembly. This is particularly advantageous if both of the meniscus-forming element contacts the heater assembly such that both meniscus-forming elements may restrict the heater assembly from deforming in either direction perpendicular to the plane of the heater assembly.

The first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element may be adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly. The first meniscus-forming element may extend perpendicular to the surface of the first heating element portion and the second meniscusforming element may extend perpendicular to the surface of the second heating element portion. The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one blade. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element may be easier to manufacture as a blade, particularly in comparison to a needle, as disclosed below. The at least one blade may comprise a tip. The at least one blade may extend perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly. The at least one blade may extend in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. The tip of the at least one blade may extend in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Advantageously, the at least one blade extending in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage may minimise the impact on the resistance to draw on the device. The at least one blade may extend across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably, the at least one blade extends across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably still the at least one blade extends across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably still, the at least one blade extends across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Even more preferably still, the at least one blade extends across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one peripheral meniscusforming element. Each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements may be adjacent to one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the heater assembly, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall. Advantageously, each peripheral meniscus-forming element may further provide an extra volume of liquid aerosolforming substrate to that already present in the wicking material, in a region of the heater assembly which may be furthest from a first and a second meniscus-forming element. Therefore, each peripheral meniscus-forming element may further provide more liquid aerosol-forming substrate available at the heater assembly to be vapourised during a puff in a region of the heater assembly which is not already adjacent to a meniscus-forming element.

The at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements may comprise a first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements and a second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. The first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements may contact the first heating element portion or may be distanced from the first heating element portion such that during use a first set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements, and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements may contact the second heating element portion or may be distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. The at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades may extend across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Preferably still, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. More preferably still, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Even more preferably still, the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. The at least one meniscus-forming element may comprise at least one needle. The at least one needle may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Advantageously, each meniscus-forming element being a needle may have the smallest impact on the resistance to draw on the aerosol-generating device, when compared to other forms of each meniscus-forming element.

The at least one meniscus-forming element may be integral with the airflow passage wall. The at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall may be formed by injection moulding. Advantageously, both of these two features may increase robustness of the device and simplify manufacturing of the device. The at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

The liquid reservoir may at least partially surround the airflow passage. The liquid reservoir may surround the airflow passage.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, 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 Ex1 : A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising; an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex2: A cartridge according to Example Ex1 , wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

Example Ex3: A cartridge according to Example Ex2, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre. Example Ex4: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein each meniscusforming element is an elongate element.

Example Ex5: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein each meniscusforming element comprises a tip proximate to the heater assembly, such that each tip contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the tip of the at least one meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex6: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the airflow passage is defined by an airflow passage wall, and wherein the airflow passage wall comprises an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element extends from the internal surface.

Example Ex7: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated.

Example Ex8: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the at least one heating element is configured to be resistively heated.

Example Ex9: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one mesh heating element.

Example Ex10: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one planar heating element.

Example Ex11 : A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein each of the at least one heating elements comprise a high temperature zone which during use reaches the highest temperature, and the at least one meniscus-forming elements are proximate to the high temperature zones.

Example Ex12: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the airflow passage extends in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage is in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex13: A cartridge according to Example Ex12, wherein the heater assembly extends across the airflow passage.

Example Ex14: A cartridge according to Example Ex12 or Ex13, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir.

Example Ex15: A cartridge according to Example Ex14, wherein the wicking element is planar. Example Ex16: A cartridge according to Example Ex15, wherein the heater assembly is planar. Example Ex17: A cartridge according to Example Ex16, wherein the direction of wicking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element is parallel to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex18: A cartridge according to any Examples Ex14 to Ex17, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element.

Example Ex19: A cartridge according to Example Ex18, wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are integral with each other.

Example Ex20: A cartridge according to Example Ex18, wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are separate heating elements. Example Ex21 : A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex18 to Ex20, wherein both the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are planar.

Example Ex22: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex18 to Ex21 , wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises a first meniscus-forming element and a second meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex23: A cartridge according to Example Ex22, wherein the first meniscus-forming element contacts the first heating element portion or is distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element, and the second meniscus-forming element contacts the second heating element portion or is distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscusforming element.

Example Ex24: A cartridge according to Example Ex22 or Ex23, wherein the first meniscusforming element and the second meniscus-forming element are positioned on directly opposite sides of the heater assembly.

Example Ex25: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex22 to Ex24, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly.

Example Ex26: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex22 to Ex25, wherein the first meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the first heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the second heating element portion.

Example Ex27: A cartridge according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex26, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade, the at least one blade comprising a tip.

Example Ex28: A cartridge according to Example Ex27, wherein the at least one blade extends perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex29: A cartridge according to Example Ex27 or Ex28, wherein the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex30: A cartridge according to Example Ex29, wherein the tip of the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex31 : A cartridge according to Example Ex29 or Ex30, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex32: A cartridge according to Example Ex31 , wherein the at least one blade extends across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex33: A cartridge according to Example Ex32, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex34: A cartridge according to Example Ex33, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex35: A cartridge according to Example Ex34, wherein the at least one blade extends across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex36: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex12 to Ex35, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one peripheral meniscusforming element.

Example Ex37: A cartridge according to Example Ex36, wherein each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements are adjacent to one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the heater assembly, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex38: A cartridge according to Example Ex36 or Ex37, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprises a first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements and a second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements.

Example Ex39: A cartridge according to Example Ex38 when dependent on Example Ex18, wherein the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the first heating element portion or are distanced from the first heating element portion such that during use a first set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements, and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the second heating element portion or are distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements.

Example Ex40: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprise at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blade, and wherein the at least one peripheral meniscusforming blades extend across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex41 : A cartridge according to Example E40, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex42: A cartridge according to Example Ex41 , wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex43: A cartridge according to Example Ex42, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex44: A cartridge according to any of Examples Ex12 to Ex43, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one needle.

Example Ex45: A cartridge according to Example Ex44, wherein the at least one needle extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex46: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element is integral with the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex47: A cartridge according to Example Ex46, wherein the at least one meniscusforming element and the airflow passage wall are formed by injection moulding. Example Ex48: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Example Ex49: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, further comprising a mouthpiece, and wherein the mouthpiece comprises the air outlet.

Example Ex50: A cartridge according to any preceding Example, wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds the airflow passage.

Example Ex51 : An aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge, the cartridge comprising: an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element; and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply, the power supply configured to supply power to the heating element; and control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element; wherein the cartridge is reversibly couplable to the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex51 , wherein the aerosolgenerating device further comprises an inductor element, and the at least one heating element comprises a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated by the inductor.

Example Ex53: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex52, wherein the inductor element is a helical coil.

Example Ex54: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex52 or Ex53, wherein the inductor element comprises copper. Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex52 to Ex54, wherein when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, the inductor element at least partially surrounds the susceptor element.

Example Ex56: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex55, wherein the aerosolgenerating device further comprises a flux concentrating element, the flux concentrating element at least partially surrounding the inductor element.

Example Ex57: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex51 , wherein the heating element is configured to be resistively heated, and wherein the aerosolgenerating device further comprises device electrical contacts, and the cartridge comprises cartridge electrical contacts in electrical contact with the at least one heating element, such that the device electrical contacts and cartridge electrical contacts are in electrical contact when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex57, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity, into which at least part of the cartridge is located when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex58, wherein the control circuitry further comprises a puff detector, the puff detector configured to be in fluid communication with the airflow passage when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device, and the aerosolgenerating system is configured such that the at least one heating element is puff actuated.

Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex59, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

Example Ex61 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex60, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre.

Example Ex62: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex61 , wherein each meniscus-forming element is an elongate element.

Example Ex63: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex62, wherein each meniscus-forming element comprises a tip proximate to the heater assembly, such that each tip contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the tip of the at least one meniscus-forming element. Example Ex64: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex63, wherein the airflow passage is defined by an airflow passage wall, and wherein the airflow passage wall comprises an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element extends from the internal surface.

Example Ex65: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex64, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one mesh heating element.

Example Ex66: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex65, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one planar heating element.

Example Ex67: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex66, wherein each of the at least one heating elements comprise a high temperature zone which during use reaches the highest temperature, and the at least one meniscus-forming elements are proximate to the high temperature zones.

Example Ex68: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex67, wherein the airflow passage extends in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage is in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex69: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex68, wherein the heater assembly extends across the airflow passage.

Example Ex70: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex68 or Ex69, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir.

Example Ex71 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex70, wherein the wicking element is planar.

Example Ex72: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex71 , wherein the heater assembly is planar.

Example Ex73: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex72, wherein the direction of wicking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element is parallel to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex74: An aerosol-generating system according to any Examples Ex71 to Ex73, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element.

Example Ex75: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex74, wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are integral with each other.

Example Ex76: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex74, wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are separate heating elements.

Example Ex77: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex74 to Ex76, wherein both the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are planar.

Example Ex78: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex74 to Ex77, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises a first meniscusforming element and a second meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex79: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex78, wherein the first meniscus-forming element contacts the first heating element portion or is distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element, and the second meniscus-forming element contacts the second heating element portion or is distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex80: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex78 or Ex79, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are positioned on directly opposite sides of the heater assembly.

Example Ex81 : An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex78 to Ex80, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly.

Example Ex82: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex78 to Ex81 , wherein the first meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the first heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the second heating element portion. Example Ex83: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex68 to Ex82, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade, the at least one blade comprising a tip.

Example Ex84: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex83, wherein the at least one blade extends perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex85: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex83 or Ex84, wherein the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex86: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex85, wherein the tip of the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex87: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex85 or Ex86, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex88: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex87, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex89: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex88, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex90: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex89, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex91 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex90, wherein the at least one blade extends across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex92: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex68 to Ex91 , wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one peripheral meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex93: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex92, wherein each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements are adjacent to one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the heater assembly, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex94: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex92 or Ex93, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprises a first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements and a second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements. Example Ex95: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex94 when dependent on Example Ex18, wherein the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the first heating element portion or are distanced from the first heating element portion such that during use a first set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements, and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the second heating element portion or are distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosolforming substrate are formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements.

Example Ex96: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex92 to Ex95, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprise at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blade, and wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex97: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex96, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex98: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex97, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex99: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex98, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex100: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex68 to Ex99, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one needle.

Example Ex101 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex100, wherein the at least one needle extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. Example Ex102: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex101 , wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element is integral with the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex103: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex102, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall are formed by injection moulding.

Example Ex104: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex103, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Example Ex105: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex104, further comprising a mouthpiece, and wherein the mouthpiece comprises the air outlet.

Example Ex106: An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex51 to Ex105, wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds the airflow passage.

Example Ex107: An aerosol-generating device comprising: an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element; a power supply, the power supply configured to supply power to the heating element; and control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element.

Example Ex108: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex107, wherein the aerosol-generating device is a handheld aerosol-generating device. Example Ex109: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex107 or Ex108, wherein the control circuitry further comprises a puff detector in fluid communication with the airflow passage, and the aerosol-generating device is configured such that the at least one heating element is puff actuated.

Example Ex110: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex109, further comprising a mouthpiece, and wherein the mouthpiece comprises the air outlet.

Example Ex111 : An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex110, further comprising an inductor element, and the at least one heating element comprises a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated by the inductor.

Example Ex112: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex111 , wherein the inductor element is a helical coil.

Example Ex113: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex111 or Ex112, wherein the inductor element comprises copper.

Example Ex114: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex111 to Ex113, wherein the inductor element at least partially surrounds the susceptor element.

Example Ex115: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex114, further comprising a flux concentrating element, the flux concentrating element at least partially surrounding the inductor element.

Example Ex116: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex110, wherein the heating element is in electrical contact with the power supply and is configured to be resistively heated.

Example Ex117: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex116, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

Example Ex118: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex117, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre.

Example Ex119: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex118, wherein each meniscus-forming element is an elongate element.

Example Ex120: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex119, wherein each meniscus-forming element comprises a tip proximate to the heater assembly, such that each tip contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the tip of the at least one meniscus-forming element. Example Ex121 : An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex120, wherein the airflow passage is defined by an airflow passage wall, and wherein the airflow passage wall comprises an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element extends from the internal surface.

Example Ex122: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex121 , wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one mesh heating element.

Example Ex123: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex122, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one planar heating element.

Example Ex124: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex123, wherein each of the at least one heating elements comprise a high temperature zone which during use reaches the highest temperature, and the at least one meniscus-forming elements are proximate to the high temperature zones.

Example Ex125: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex124, wherein the airflow passage extends in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage is in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex126: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex125, wherein the heater assembly extends across the airflow passage.

Example Ex127: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex125 or Ex126, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir.

Example Ex128: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex127, wherein the wicking element is planar.

Example Ex129: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex128, wherein the heater assembly is planar.

Example Ex130: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex129, wherein the direction of wicking of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the wicking element is parallel to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex131 : An aerosol-generating device according to any Examples E128 to Ex130, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element.

Example Ex132: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex131 , wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are integral with each other.

Example Ex133: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex132, wherein the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are separate heating elements.

Example Ex134: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex131 to Ex133, wherein both the first heating element portion and the second heating element portion are planar.

Example Ex135: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex131 to Ex134, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises a first meniscusforming element and a second meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex136: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex135, wherein the first meniscus-forming element contacts the first heating element portion or is distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element, and the second meniscus-forming element contacts the second heating element portion or is distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex137: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex135 or Ex136, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are positioned on directly opposite sides of the heater assembly.

Example Ex138: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex135 to Ex137, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly.

Example Ex139: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex135 to Ex138, wherein the first meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the first heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element extends perpendicular to the surface of the second heating element portion. Example Ex140: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex125 to Ex139, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade, the at least one blade comprising a tip.

Example Ex141 : An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex140, wherein the at least one blade extends perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly.

Example Ex142: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex140 or Ex141 , wherein the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex143: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex142, wherein the tip of the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex144: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex142 or Ex143, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 10% and 100% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex145: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex144, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 20% and 80% of the length of heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex146: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex145, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex147: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex146, wherein the at least one blade extends across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex148: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex147, wherein the at least one blade extends across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex149: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex125 to Ex148, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one peripheral meniscus-forming element.

Example Ex150: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex149, wherein each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements are adjacent to one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the heater assembly, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex151 : An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex149 or Ex150, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprises a first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements and a second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements.

Example Ex152: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex151 when dependent on Example Ex18, wherein the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the first heating element portion or are distanced from the first heating element portion such that during use a first set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate are formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements, and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements contact the second heating element portion or are distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second set of meniscuses of the liquid aerosolforming substrate are formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second set of peripheral meniscus-forming elements.

Example Ex153: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex149 to Ex152, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements comprise at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blade, and wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 20% and 80% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex154: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex153, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 30% and 70% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex155: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex154, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across between 40% and 60% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex156: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex155, wherein the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming blades extend across approximately 50% of the length of the heater assembly in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex157: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex125 to Ex156, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one needle. Example Ex158: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex157, wherein the at least one needle extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage.

Example Ex159: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex158, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element is integral with the airflow passage wall.

Example Ex160: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex159, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall are formed by injection moulding.

Example Ex161 : An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex107 to Ex160, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element and the airflow passage wall comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Example Ex162: An aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples Ex170 to Ex161 , wherein the liquid reservoir surrounds the airflow passage.

Features of one embodiment of the invention may be applied to the other aspects of the invention.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1A shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of a cartridge for an aerosolgenerating system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the cartridge comprising a heater holder;

Figure 1 B shows a schematic illustration of an alternative cross section of the cartridge of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a further alternative cross section of the cartridge of Figures 1A and 1 B;

Figure 3A shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of an aerosol-generating system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cartridge is decoupled from an aerosol generating device;

Figure 3B shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of an aerosol-generating system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generating device;

Figure 4 shows schematic illustration of a cross section of an aerosol-generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 1A and 1 B show schematic illustrations of two cross sections of a cartridge 10 for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The two cross sections are taken in two planes perpendicular to one another. The cartridge 10 comprises a heater holder 14, and a heater assembly 12 mounted in the heater holder 14. The heater assembly 12 is planar, and thin, having a thickness dimension that is substantially smaller than a length dimension and a width dimension. The heater assembly 12 is shaped in the form of a rectangle, and comprises three layers, a first susceptor element 16, a second susceptor element 18, and a wicking element 20 arranged between the first and second susceptor elements 16, 18. Each of the first susceptor element 16, the second susceptor element 18, and the wicking element 20 generally forms the shape of a rectangle, and each susceptor element has the same length and width dimensions, and the width of the susceptor elements 16, 18 is smaller than the width of the wicking element 20. Wicking element 20 therefore comprises outer, exposed portions of wicking element, each protruding into one of two channels 45. The first and second susceptor elements 16, 18 are substantially identical, and comprise a sintered mesh formed from stainless steel filaments, for example from ferritic stainless steel filaments or austenitic stainless steel filaments. The wicking element 20 comprises a porous body of rayon filaments. The wicking element 20 is configured to deliver liquid from the outer, exposed surfaces of the wicking element 20 to the first and second susceptor elements 16, 18.

Each of the first and second susceptor elements 16, 18 is configured to be heatable by penetration with an alternating magnetic field, for vaporising an aerosol-forming substrate. The wicking element 20 contacts the heater holder 14, such that the heater holder 14 supports the heater assembly 12 in position in the cartridge 10.

The heater assembly 12 is partially arranged inside the internal passage 26 of the tubular heater holder 14, and extends in a plane parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the heater holder 14. The first and second susceptor elements 16, 18 are arranged entirely within the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14 and the wicking element extends through openings 28 in the side wall of the heater holder 14 into one of two channels 45.

The cartridge 10 has a mouth end, and a connection end, opposite the mouth end. An outer housing 36 defines a mouth end opening 38 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10. The connection end is configured for connection of the cartridge 10 to an aerosol-generating device, as described in detail below. The heater assembly 12 and the heater holder 14 are located towards the connection end of the cartridge 10.

The outer housing 36 formed from a mouldable plastics material, such as polypropylene. The outer housing 36 defines an internal space in which the heater assembly 12 and the heater holder 14 are contained.

The external width of the outer housing 36 is greater at the mouth end of the cartridge 10 than at the connection end, which are joined by a shoulder 37. This enables the connection end of the cartridge 10 to be received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating device, with the shoulder 37 locating the cartridge in the correct position in the device. This also enables the mouth end of the cartridge 10 to remain outside of the aerosol-generating device, with the mouth end conforming to the external shape of the aerosol-generating device.

The cartridge 10 further comprises a liquid reservoir 44. The liquid reservoir 44 is defined in the cartridge 10 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42.

The liquid reservoir 44 extends from the mouth end of the outer housing 36 to the connection end of the outer housing 36, and comprises an annular space defined by the outer housing 36.

The annular space has an internal passage 48 that extends between the mouth end opening 38, and the open end of the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14.

The liquid reservoir 44 further comprises two channels 45, the two channels 45 being defined between an inner surface of the outer housing 36 and an outer surface of the heater holder 14. The two channels 45 extend from the annular space defined by the outer housing 36 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10, to the connection end of the cartridge 10, such that the wicking element extends through the openings 28 in the side wall of the heater holder 14 into the two channels 45. The two channels 45 extend from the annular space defined by the outer housing 36 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10 on opposite sides of the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14.

The heater holder 14 comprises a base 30 that partially closes one end of the internal passage 26. The base 30 comprises a plurality of air inlets 32 that enable air to be drawn into the internal passage 26 through the partially closed end.

An air passage is formed through the cartridge 10 by the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14, and the internal passage 48 of the liquid reservoir 44. The air passage extends from the air inlets 32 in the base 30 of the heater holder 14, through the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14, and through the internal passage 48 of the liquid reservoir 44 to the mouth end opening 38. The air passage enables air to be drawn through the cartridge 10 from the connection end to the mouth end.

The heater holder 14 further comprises a first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 , and two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102. In this particular embodiment, all meniscus-forming elements are elongate blades, extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the internal passage 26 of the heater holder 14. The meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 are positioned adjacent to the susceptor elements 16, 18, such that in use meniscuses of liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the susceptor elements 16, 18 and the meniscusforming elements 101 , 102. The meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 extend across approximately half of the length of the susceptor elements 16, 18 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heater holder 14. The positions of the meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 can be more clearly seen in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a further alternative cross section of the cartridge 10 of Figures 1A and 1 B. The cartridge 10 is viewed perpendicular to the views shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, such that the cross section shown in Figure 1A is indicated by the dashed line AB, and the cross section shown in Figure 1 B is indicated by the dashed line CD.

The cartridge 10 comprises a heater holder 14. The heater holder 14 comprises a tubular body formed from a mouldable plastic material, such as polypropylene. The tubular body of the heater holder 14 comprises a side wall 27 defining an internal passage 26, having open ends. A pair of openings 28 extend through the side wall 27, at opposite sides of the tubular heater holder 14. The openings 28 are arranged centrally along the length of the heater holder 14.

The openings 28 in the side wall of the heater holder 14 are sized to accommodate the heater assembly 12 with a friction fit, such that the heater assembly is secured in the heater holder 14. The friction fit between the heater assembly 12 and the heater holder 14 results in the mounting regions 22 directly contacting the heater holder 14 at the openings 28. The heater assembly 12 and the heater holder 14 are secured together such that movement of the heater holder 14 also moves the heater assembly 12.

It will be appreciated that the heater assembly 12 and the heater holder 14 may be secured together by other means. For example, in some embodiments the heater assembly 12 is secured to the heater holder 14 by an adhesive at the mounting regions 22 of the heater assembly 12, such that the mounting regions 22 indirectly contact the heater holder 14.

The two channels 45 are positioned on opposite sides of the internal passage 26, and in use the two channels 45 supply liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heater assembly 12. The wicking element 20 extends out of the internal passage 26 into both of the channels 45 via the openings 28. The channels 45 are shown empty in Figure 2, but can be understood to be filled with liquid aerosol-forming substrate prior to use.

The cartridge 10 is viewed in Figure 2 from the mouth end to the connection end. The plurality of air inlets 32 in the base 30 can therefore be seen in Figure 2.

The cross section of the heater assembly 12 can be more clearly seen in Figure 2, with the wicking element 20 arranged between the first and second susceptor elements 16, 18. It can be understood however that the first and second susceptor elements 16, 18 may instead be a singular susceptor element wrapped around the wicking element 20, the singular susceptor element comprising a first portion on a first side of the heater assembly 12 and a second portion on a second side of the heater assembly 12 .

The position of first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 , and two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102 can also be clearly seen in Figure 2. The first pair of meniscusforming elements 101 , and the two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102 are all formed from a mouldable plastic material, such as polypropylene. The first pair of meniscus- forming elements 101 are integrally moulded with the side wall 27 defining the internal passage 26, and extend from the side wall 27 to the first and second surfaces of the heater assembly 12. The first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 are positioned such that a first meniscus-forming element is directly opposite a second meniscus-forming element on the direct opposite side of the heater assembly 12.

The first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 are also positioned centrally with respect to the susceptor elements 16, 18. The first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 are therefore positioned furthest from the liquid reservoir 44, such that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 must travel the furthest from the liquid reservoir 44 to a portion of the susceptor elements 16, 18 adjacent to the first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 . This portion of the susceptor elements 16, 18 adjacent to the first pair of meniscus-forming elements 101 would be the hottest region of susceptor elements 16, 18 should the susceptor elements 16, 18 be heated without liquid aerosolforming substrate 42 within the wicking element 20.

The two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102 are also integrally moulded with the side wall 27 defining the internal passage 26, and extend from the side wall 27 to the first and second surfaces of the heater assembly 12. The two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102 are also positioned on opposite sides of the heater assembly 12, such that within each pair of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 102, a first peripheral meniscus-forming element is directly opposite a second peripheral meniscus-forming element on the direct opposite side of the heater assembly 12.

The meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 each comprise a tip where the meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 are adjacent to the first or second susceptor element 16. In this embodiment, the tips are to a point, but the skilled person would understand that the tips may be a different shape, for example the tips may be rounded.

It is shown that the pair of meniscus forming elements 101 form a first pair of meniscuses 31 on opposite sides of the heating assembly 12. The two pairs of peripheral meniscus forming elements 102 can be seen to each form a one of two second pairs of meniscuses 33 on opposite sides of the heating assembly 12.

Figure 3A shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of an aerosol-generating system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the cartridge 10 is decoupled from an aerosol generating device 60.

The cartridge 10 is identical to that presented in Figures 1A, 1 B and 2, and their corresponding descriptions.

The aerosol-generating device 60 comprises a generally cylindrical device outer housing 62 having a connection end and a distal end opposite the connection end. A cavity 64 for receiving the connection end of the cartridge is located at the connection end of the device 60, and an air inlet 65 is provided through the device outer housing 62 at the base of the cavity 64 to enable ambient air to be drawn into the cavity 64.

The device 60 further comprises an inductive heating arrangement arranged within the device outer housing 62. The inductive heating arrangement includes an inductor coil 90, control circuitry 70 and a power supply 72. The power supply 72 comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery, that is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the device. The control circuitry 70 is connected to the power supply 72, and to the inductor coil 90, such that the control circuitry 70 controls the supply of power to the inductor coil 90. The control circuitry 70 is configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil 90.

The singular inductor coil 90 is positioned around the susceptor assembly 12 when the cartridge 10 is received in the cavity 64. The inductor coil 90 has a size and a shape matching the size and shape of the heating regions of the susceptor elements. The inductor coil 90 is made with a copper wire having a round circular section, and is arranged on a coil former element (not shown). The inductor coil 90 is a helical coil, and has a circular cross section when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The inductor coil 90 is configured such that when the alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil, the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of the susceptor assembly 12 when the cartridge 10 is received in the cavity 64.

The inductive heating arrangement further includes a flux concentrator element 91. The flux concentrator element 91 has a greater radius than the inductor coil 90, and so partially surrounds the inductor coil 90. The flux concentrator element 91 is configured to attenuate the alternating magnetic field outside of the aerosol-generating system. This may reduce interference between the alternating magnetic field and other nearby electronic devices and reduce the risk of the alternating magnetic field inductively heating nearby objects outside of the aerosol-generating system.

Figure 3B shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of the aerosol-generating system 100 of Figure 3A, but wherein the cartridge 10 is coupled to the aerosol generating device 60.

In operation, when a user puffs on the mouth end opening 38 of the cartridge 10, ambient air is drawn into the base of the cavity 64 through air inlet 65, and into the cartridge 10 through the air inlets 32 in the base 30 of the cartridge 10, as shown by the arrows in Figure 7a. The ambient air flows through the cartridge 10 from the base 30 to the mouth end opening 38, through the air passage, and over the heater assembly 12.

The control circuitry 70 controls the supply of electrical power from the power supply 72 to the inductor coils 90, 91 when the system is activated.

The control circuitry 72 includes an airflow sensor 63. The airflow sensor 63 is in fluid communication with the passage of ambient air which is drawn through the system by the user. The control circuitry 72 supplies electrical power to the inductor coil 66 when user puffs on the cartridge 10 are detected by the airflow sensor 63.

When the system is activated, an alternating current is established in the inductor coils 90, 91 , which generates alternating magnetic fields in the cavity 64 that penetrate the susceptor assembly 12, causing the susceptor elements to heat. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the channels 45 is drawn into the heater assembly 12 through the wicking element 20 to the susceptor elements. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 at the susceptor elements is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are released into the air passage of the cartridge 10, which cool to form an aerosol. The aerosol is entrained in the air being drawn through the air passage of the cartridge 10, and is drawn out of the cartridge 10 at the mouth end opening 38 for inhalation by the user.

The meniscus-forming elements 101 , 102 result in a meniscus of liquid aerosol-forming substrate being formed between each of the meniscus-forming elements and one of the susceptor elements 16, 18 when the system is not activated. When the system is then activated, the meniscuses of liquid aerosol-forming substrate act as additional reservoirs of liquid aerosolforming substrate, allowing for more liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be consumed per puff.

Figure 4 shows schematic illustration of a cross section of an aerosol-generating device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the majority of the components of the aerosol-generating system 100 according to the second embodiment, and operates in a similar manner. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the description of any element of the aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment is identical to description of the corresponding element of the cartridge according to the first embodiment or the aerosolgenerating device according to the second embodiment.

One difference is that the aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure does not comprise a separate cartridge, and most of the features of the cartridge 10 according to the first or second embodiment are instead incorporated into the aerosol generating device 300 according to the third embodiment. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is resistively heated, instead of inductively heated. However, the aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may equally be configured to be inductively heated instead.

As described previously, the aerosol-generating device 300 according to the third embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical device outer housing 362 having a mouth end and a distal end opposite the mouth end. An air inlet 365 is provided through the device outer housing 362 into the device 300 The device 300 further comprises an resistive heating arrangement arranged within the device outer housing 362. The resistive heating arrangement includes a heating assembly 312, control circuitry 370 and a power supply 372. The power supply 372 comprises a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, that is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the device. The control circuitry 370 is connected to the power supply 372, and to the heating assembly 312, such that the control circuitry 370 controls the supply of power to the heating assembly 312. The control circuitry 370 is configured to supply a current to the heating assembly 312, specifically to two heating elements 316, 318. The heating assembly 312 is held within a heater holder 314.

The heater assembly 312 and heater holder 314 is identical to the heater assembly 12 and heater holder 314 presented in Figures 1A to 3B, except that the heater assembly 312 is resistively heater instead of inductively heated. The two heating elements 316, 318 are therefore both resistive heating elements. The heating elements 316, 318 are electrically connected to the power supply 372 and the control circuitry 370 by electrical connectors (not shown). As described previously, the heater assembly 312 is planar, and thin, having a thickness dimension that is substantially smaller than a length dimension and a width dimension. The heater assembly 312 is shaped in the form of a rectangle, and comprises three layers, a first resistive heating element 316, a second resistive heating element 318, and a wicking element 320 arranged between the first and second resistive heating elements 316, 318. Each of the first resistive heating element 316, the second resistive heating element 318, and the wicking element 320 generally forms the shape of a rectangle, and each resistive heating element has the same length and width dimensions, and the width of the resistive heating elements 316, 318 is smaller than the width of the wicking element 320. Wicking element 320 therefore comprises outer, exposed portions of wicking element, each protruding into one of two channels 345. The first and second resistive heating elements 316, 318 are substantially identical, and comprise a sintered mesh of steel filaments.

As described previously, the heater holder 314 also comprises a base 330 that partially closes one end of the internal passage 326. The base 330 comprises a plurality of air inlets that enable air to be drawn into the internal passage 326 through the partially closed end. As described previously, the heater holder 314 comprises a tubular body formed from a mouldable plastic material, such as polypropylene. The tubular body of the heater holder 314 comprises a side wall defining an internal passage 326, having open ends. The skilled person would understand however that as the device 300 does not comprise a removable cartridge, that the heater holder may instead be integrally formed with the device 300, in particular with the device outer housing 362. Additionally, the arrangement and operation of the first pair of meniscus-forming elements 301 , and two pairs of peripheral meniscus-forming elements 302 is identical to that of the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure. As described previously, all meniscus-forming elements 301 ,302 are elongate blades, extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the internal passage 326 of the heater holder 314. The meniscus-forming elements 301 , 302 are positioned adjacent to the resistive heating elements 316, 318, such that in use meniscuses of liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the resistive heating elements 316, 318 and the meniscus-forming elements 301 , 302. The meniscus-forming elements 301 , 302 extend across approximately half of the length of the resistive heating elements 316, 318 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heater holder 314. Reference should be again made to Figure 2 and the associated description for a complete description of the arrangement of the meniscus-forming elements 301 , 302.

Similarly, to the first and second embodiment of the disclosure, the aerosol-generating device 300 further comprises a liquid reservoir 344. The liquid reservoir 344 is defined by the device outer housing 362 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 342. The liquid reservoir 344 extends from the mouth end of the outer housing 362 to the connection end of the device outer housing 362, and comprises an annular space defined by the device outer housing 362. The annular space has an internal passage 348 that extends between the mouth end opening 338, and the open end of the internal passage 326 of the heater holder 314. The liquid reservoir 344 further comprises two channels 345, the two channels 345 being defined between an outer surface of the heater holder 314, and an internal surface of the device. The two channels 345 extend from the annular space defined by the device outer housing 362 at the mouth end of the device 300, to the connection end of the device 300, such that the wicking element 320 extends through the openings in the side wall of the heater holder 314 into the two channels 345. The two channels 345 extend from the annular space defined by the device outer housing 362 at the mouth end of the device 300 on opposite sides of the internal passage 326 of the heater holder 314.

Similarly, to the first and second embodiment of the disclosure, an air passage is formed through the device 300 by the internal passage 326 of the heater holder 314, and the internal passage 348 of the liquid reservoir 344. The air passage extends from the air inlets in the base 330 of the heater holder 314, through the internal passage 326 of the heater holder 314, and through the internal passage 348 of the liquid reservoir 344 to the mouth end opening 338. The air passage enables air to be drawn through the device 300 from the air inlet 365 to the mouth end opening 338.

Similarly, to the first and second embodiment of the disclosure, the control circuitry 372 includes an airflow sensor 363. The airflow sensor 363 is in fluid communication with the passage of ambient air which is drawn through the device 300 by the user. The control circuitry 372 supplies electrical power to the heating elements 316, 318 when user puffs on the device 300 are detected by the airflow sensor 363.

When the device is activated, a current is established in the resistive heating elements 316, 318 which causes the resistive heating elements 316, 318 to resistively heat. Liquid aerosolforming substrate 342 in the channels 345 is drawn into the heater assembly 312 through the wicking element 320 to the resistive heating elements 316, 318. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 342 at the heating elements is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosolforming substrate are released into the air passage 326, 348 of the device 300, which cool to form an aerosol. The aerosol is entrained in the air being drawn through the air passage 326, 348 of the device 300, and is drawn out of the device 300 at the mouth end opening 338 for inhalation by the user.

Similarly, to the first and second embodiment of the disclosure, the meniscus-forming elements 301 , 302 result in a meniscus of liquid aerosol-forming substrate being formed between each of the meniscus-forming elements and one of the resistive heating elements 316, 318 when the system is not activated. When the system is then activated, the meniscuses of liquid aerosolforming substrate act as additional reservoirs of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, allowing for more liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be consumed per puff.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1 . A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising; an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosolforming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosolforming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element, and wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade or at least one needle.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 3 millimetres.

3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein each meniscus-forming element contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly by between 0 millimetres and 1 millimetre.

4. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow passage is defined by an airflow passage wall, and wherein the airflow passage wall comprises an internal surface, and the at least one meniscus-forming element extends from the internal surface.

5. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a susceptor element configured to be inductively heated. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the at least one heating elements comprise a high temperature zone which during use reaches the highest temperature, and the at least one meniscus-forming elements are proximate to the high temperature zones. A cartridge according to any preceding claim wherein the heater assembly further comprises a wicking element in fluidic communication with the at least one heating element and the liquid reservoir, and wherein the at least one heating element comprises a first heating element portion on a first side of the wicking element, and a second heating element portion on a second side of the wicking element, the first side of the wicking element being opposite to the second side of the wicking element. A cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises a first meniscus-forming element and a second meniscus-forming element, and wherein the first meniscus-forming element contacts the first heating element portion or is distanced from the first heating element portion element such that during use a first meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the first heating element portion and the first meniscus-forming element, and the second meniscus-forming element contacts the second heating element portion or is distanced from the second heating element portion such that during use a second meniscus of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed between the surface of the second heating element portion and the second meniscus-forming element. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the first meniscus-forming element and the second meniscus-forming element are adjacent to a central portion of the heater assembly. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow passage extends in a longitudinal direction, such that the direction of airflow through the airflow passage is in the longitudinal direction. A cartridge according to claim 10 wherein the at least one blade comprises a tip. A cartridge according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one blade extends perpendicular to the surface of the heater assembly, and wherein the at least one blade extends in the longitudinal direction of the airflow passage. A cartridge according to any of claims 4 to 12, wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one peripheral meniscus-forming element, and wherein each of the at least one peripheral meniscus-forming elements are adjacent to one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the heater assembly, each of the peripheral portions of the heater assembly located adjacent to the airflow passage wall. An aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge, the cartridge comprising: an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosolforming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosolforming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element, and wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade or at least one needle; and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a power supply, the power supply configured to supply power to the heating element; and control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element; wherein the cartridge is reversibly couplable to the aerosol-generating device. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid reservoir comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heater assembly comprising at least one heating element in fluid communication with the airflow passage, the heater assembly configured to heat liquid aerosol- forming substrate supplied to a surface of the heater assembly from the liquid reservoir to generate an aerosol; and at least one meniscus-forming element, the at least one meniscus-forming element proximate to the heater assembly; wherein each meniscus-forming element is positioned within the airflow passage and contacts the surface of the heater assembly or is distanced from the surface of the heater assembly such that during use a meniscus of the liquid aerosolforming substrate is formed between the surface of the heater assembly and the at least one meniscus-forming element, and wherein the at least one meniscus-forming element comprises at least one blade or at least one needle; a power supply, the power supply configured to supply power to the heating element; and control circuitry, the control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element.