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EP4408217A1 - Article consommable pour un dispositif de génération de vapeur - Google Patents

Article consommable pour un dispositif de génération de vapeur

Info

Publication number
EP4408217A1
EP4408217A1 EP22773689.9A EP22773689A EP4408217A1 EP 4408217 A1 EP4408217 A1 EP 4408217A1 EP 22773689 A EP22773689 A EP 22773689A EP 4408217 A1 EP4408217 A1 EP 4408217A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shape memory
memory foam
liquid
shape
wick
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22773689.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jaakko MCEVOY
Christoph Lungenschmied
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JT International SA
Original Assignee
JT International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JT International SA filed Critical JT International SA
Publication of EP4408217A1 publication Critical patent/EP4408217A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to vapour generating devices, and more particularly to consumable articles for vapour generating devices.
  • Vapour generating devices such as electronic cigarettes have become popular as substitutes for traditional means of tobacco consumption such as cigarettes and cigars.
  • Devices for vaporisation or aerosolisation typically include a heating body arranged to heat a vaporisable product from an inlet surface to an outlet surface. In operation, the vaporisable product is heated and the constituents of the product are vaporised for the consumer to inhale.
  • the product may comprise tobacco in a capsule or may be similar to a traditional cigarette, in other examples the product may be a liquid, or liquid contents in a capsule.
  • vapour generating devices generate a vapour or aerosol from a vaporisable liquid, for example using a heater coil which applies heat to a liquid held in a wick in order to vaporise the liquid. It is important to ensure an adequate delivery of the liquid to the wick when the device is being used by the consumer, in order to avoid “dry puffs”. On the other hand, leakage of the liquid to the wick (or elsewhere in the device) when the device is not in use is undesirable, for example because the liquid will tend not to evaporate and may therefore saturate the unheated wick.
  • a consumable article for a vapour generating device comprising: a store of liquid for vaporisation in the vapour generating device; and a shape memory foam having a compressed temporary shape in which pores of the shape memory foam are closed so as to prevent passage of the liquid through and out of the shape memory foam, wherein the shape memory foam is responsive to a stimulus to change from the temporary shape to an expanded permanent shape in which the pores are open so as to allow passage of the liquid through and out of the shape memory foam for said vaporisation.
  • vapour generating device is a device arranged to heat a vapour generating product to produce a vapour for inhalation by a consumer.
  • a vapour generating device can also be referred to as an aerosol generating device or an electronic cigarette.
  • the terms vapour and aerosol can be used interchangeably.
  • the vapour generating product, or aerosol generating product can be a liquid or a combination of a liquid and a solid such as a fibrous material.
  • the vapour generating product may also be referred to as an e-liquid.
  • the liquid or e-liquid may comprise colourants, flavourings, tobacco, and/or other chemical components.
  • the word “consumable” takes its common meaning, that is to say a disposable product which is discarded having reached its end-of-life, typically after a short period of use.
  • shape memory foam refers to a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam capable of being deformed and having an ability to return from the deformed condition to the original shape when induced by an external stimulus.
  • SMP shape memory polymer
  • the shape memory foam undergoes a four-step thermomechanical cycle, as follows.
  • the foam is heated above its glass transition temperature (Tg) and is compressed (i.e. under an applied force to cause mechanical deformation) while at this elevated temperature.
  • Tg glass transition temperature
  • the value of the glass transition temperature (Tg) will depend on the type of shape memory foam used.
  • the compressed shape of the material may be referred to as a “temporary shape” and the process of heating and compressing the material may be called “programming” of the foam.
  • the foam is held under strain and is allowed to cool.
  • the strain is removed after the material has cooled to below the glass transition temperature.
  • the foam is exposed to a stimulus, preferably a heat stimulus to raise the temperature of the material above the glass transition temperature, to cause the material to expand so as to recover its original (uncompressed) shape.
  • a stimulus preferably a heat stimulus to raise the temperature of the material above the glass transition temperature
  • the pores of the foam are open. That is, the size of the pores is in the micrometre or millimetre range such to allow the passage of a liquid through the pores.
  • the expanded shape of the material may be referred to as a “permanent shape”.
  • Stimuli other than heat may be applied to trigger the recovery of the shape memory foam, for example light, magnetic field, pH, solvent, or electricity.
  • the shape memory capability of the foam allows for the pore size to be locked-in, either on the low nanometre-length scale or the near micrometre- or millimetrelength scale, with each state being favoured in a certain temperature range.
  • the shape memory foam When the shape memory foam is in the compressed condition it is substantially impermeable to the liquid, thus unwanted leakage in the inactive device is prevented.
  • the shape memory foam Conversely, when the shape memory foam is stimulated (e.g. heated) so as to be in the expanded condition the liquid can flow freely to the wick, ensuring that “dry puffs” are avoided in use.
  • the permeation of the liquid is determined by environmental conditions, i.e.
  • the wicking rate may be optimised in the design.
  • the shape memory foam can be manufactured in a number of ways, e.g. by gas foaming, particulate leaching, polymerized high internal phase emulsions, lyophilization, cryogellation, reticulation, or any other foaming methods known to persons skilled in the art, to obtain the final desired pore structure.
  • the shape memory foam can be fabricated by coating a normal porous foam with no shape memory effects with a shape memory coating.
  • a regular PU sponge may be endowed with shape memory ability and a superlyophilic property by successively coating it with trans-1 ,4-polyisoprene (TPI) and lyophilic polydopamine/polyethylenimine (PDA/PEI).
  • TPI trans-1 ,4-polyisoprene
  • PDA/PEI lyophilic polydopamine/polyethylenimine
  • the consumable article may comprise a container which stores at least a portion of the liquid, the shape memory foam being located at an outlet of the container so that: in the compressed temporary shape the shape memory foam prevents passage of the liquid from the container; and in the expanded permanent shape the shape memory foam allows passage of the liquid from the container and through and out of the shape memory foam for said vaporisation.
  • a first portion (optionally a greater portion) of the liquid may be stored in the container; and a second portion (optionally a lesser portion) of the liquid may be stored within the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the compressed temporary shape. Storing a portion or quantity of the liquid within the shape memory foam, when the shape memory foam is in the compressed temporary shape, may prevent the undesirable phenomenon of “dry puffs”, as will be explained in more detail later herein.
  • the consumable article may comprise a wick arranged to receive the liquid from the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the expanded permanent shape.
  • the wick may be spaced from the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the compressed temporary shape; and the shape memory foam may be arranged to expand into direct contact with the wick when the shape memory foam is changed from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape, thereby to provide a path for the liquid from the container to the wick.
  • the wick may be arranged to be in direct contact with the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the compressed temporary shape; and the shape memory foam may be arranged to expand into the container when the shape memory foam is changed from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape, thereby to provide a path for the liquid from the container to the wick.
  • the shape memory foam may be partially embedded in the wick.
  • the consumable article may comprise a heater for vaporising the liquid received by the wick, the heater being arranged to provide a heat stimulus for said change of the shape memory foam from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape.
  • the wick may be arranged to interface with a heater of the vapour generating device when the consumable article is coupled to the vapour generating device, in order to provide a heat stimulus to the shape memory foam for said change of the shape memory foam from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape and to vaporise the liquid received by the wick.
  • the liquid may be stored within the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the compressed temporary shape.
  • the consumable article may comprise a wick arranged to receive the liquid from the shape memory foam when the shape memory foam is in the expanded permanent shape.
  • the consumable article may comprise a heater arranged to provide a heat stimulus for said change of the shape memory foam from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape.
  • said heater is further arranged for vaporising the liquid received by the wick, or an additional heater is arranged for vaporising the liquid received by the wick.
  • the consumable article may be arranged to interface with a heater of the vapour generating device when the consumable article is coupled to the vapour generating device, in order to provide a heat stimulus to the shape memory foam for said change of the shape memory foam from the compressed temporary shape to the expanded permanent shape and to vaporise the liquid received by the wick.
  • the compressed shape memory foam may be configured to be insertable into the vapour generating device.
  • the compressed shape memory foam may contained in an expandable protective pouch, the pouch being openable so as to allow passage of the liquid to a wick of the vapour generating device when the consumable article is inserted into the vapour generating device and the shape memory foam is in the expanded permanent shape.
  • vapour generating device comprising a consumable article as described herein above.
  • Figure 1a shows a vapour generating device comprising a consumable article according to a first example of the invention and Figures 1 b and 1c show details thereof;
  • Figures 2a and 2b show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to a second example of the invention
  • Figures 3a and 3b show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to a third example of the invention
  • Figure 4a shows a vapour generating device comprising a consumable article according to a fourth example of the invention and Figures 4b and 4c show details thereof;
  • Figures 5a and 5b show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to a fifth example of the invention
  • Figures 6a and 6b show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to a sixth example of the invention
  • Figures 7a and 7b show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to a seventh example of the invention.
  • Figures 8a-c show details of a consumable article for a vapour generating device according to an eighth example of the invention.
  • a vapour generating device 10 comprises a reusable part 12 and a consumable part 14 which is connected or coupled to the reusable part 12.
  • the reusable part 12 comprises a power source, (e.g. a battery) 12a, a controller 12b, and a through-channel 12c which is open to the environment so that ambient air can flow along the through-channel 12c (as indicated by the arrow).
  • the consumable part 14 comprises a tubular body having a bore which extends along a central longitudinal axis Z of the tubular body.
  • the tubular body is constructed from plastics.
  • An upper part of the tubular body comprises a mouthpiece configured for engagement with the mouth of a consumer or user of the device.
  • a disc-shaped wick 16 is located at a lower part of the tubular body and extends across the bore in a transverse direction, i.e. substantially normal to the longitudinal axis Z.
  • the wick is constructed from conventional materials, for example cotton or ceramic.
  • a storage reservoir or tank 18 containing an e-liquid L is formed within the wall of the tubular body.
  • a shape memory foam 20 is located between the tank 18 and the wick 16.
  • the shape memory foam 20 is ring-shaped and comprises an outer side surface which is in abutment with an outlet of the tank 18 and an inner side surface which is in abutment with the wick 16.
  • the shape memory foam 20 is in a temporary shape, as has been described herein above.
  • the shape memory foam 20 is in a compressed condition so that pores of the shape memory foam 20 are substantially closed.
  • the shape memory foam 20 prevents or at least resists egress of the e-liquid L from the outlet of the tank 18. That is, the shape memory foam 20 seals the e-liquid L in the tank 18.
  • the shape memory foam 20 acts as an e-liquid L retention material.
  • a metallic heater coil 22 extends around the wick 20 and is connected to the power source 21a.
  • the heater coil 22 is operable to vaporise the e-liquid L when the e- liquid L is held by the wick 16.
  • the bore defines a flow channel for flow of the vapour from the wick 16 to the mouthpiece for inhalation of the vapour by the user (as indicated by the arrow).
  • the heater coil 22 is activated, either automatically or manually, to cause the wick 16 to be heated. Heat from the wick 16 is transferred (conducted) to the shape memory foam 20.
  • This heat stimulus causes the temperature of the shape memory foam 20 to be raised above the glass transition temperature, as has been described herein above. Accordingly the shape memory foam 20 expands so as to recover its original (uncompressed) shape.
  • the direction of expansion of the shape memory foam 20 is into the tank 18 containing the e-liquid L (i.e. to the right in the sense of Figure 1c), since the shape memory foam 20 is generally constrained from expansion in other directions by the wick 16 and the surrounding structure of the consumable part 14.
  • the structure may comprise a solid wall which will not allow the passage of e-liquid L.
  • the structure may comprise a wall including perforations or apertures which will allow e-liquid to pass through while still preventing the shape memory foam 20 from expanding toward the wall.
  • the pores of the shape memory foam 20 are opened and the shape memory foam 20 is in its expanded “permanent shape”.
  • the e-liquid L flows or permeates from the tank 18 into the pores of the shape memory foam 20 at the outer side surface thereof by means of capillary action (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 1c).
  • the e-liquid L progresses through the shape memory foam 20 to the inner side surface thereof and is received by the wick 16 by means of capillary action.
  • the hot wick 16 absorbs and vaporises the e-liquid L for inhalation by the user.
  • the shape memory foam 20 has an OFF state, i.e. when the material is compressed such as to block flow or prevent permeation of the e-liquid L from the tank 18, and an ON state, i.e. when the material is expanded such as to allow flow or permeation of the e-liquid L from the tank 18.
  • the duration of the transition from the OFF state to the ON state can be predetermined, for example by carefully selecting the type and pore size of the shape memory foam 20 and by controlling the quantity and rate of the heat applied. In this way it is possible to control the rate at which the e-liquid L passes through the shape memory foam 20 and the wick 16. In other words, the wicking rate can be controlled.
  • the shape memory foam 20 itself acts a wick when expanded, i.e. by means of capillary action.
  • the expanded shape memory foam 20 can be thought of as a second wick, or as an extension of the first wick 16 that is in engagement with the heater coil 22.
  • the first wick 16 and the shape memory foam 20 may be thought of as a composite wick. It may be advantageous to make the shape memory foam 20 relatively narrow and the wick 16 relatively wide, in order to save cost on the more expensive shape memory foam material.
  • a second example of the invention differs from the above-described first example in that there is provided a lateral gap G (see Figure 2a) between the wick 16 and the inner side surface of the shape memory foam 20.
  • the gap G prevents fluid communication between the e-liquid L and the wick 16 when the shape memory foam 20 is in the OFF state. This is advantageous in the event that some quantity of the e-liquid L escapes through or around the shape memory foam 20 when in the OFF state, for example due to accidental damage to the shape memory foam 20 or the tank 18, or due to capillary action over a long period of time.
  • the gap G is carefully sized, such as to be large enough to prevent fluid communication between the e-liquid L and the wick 16 (see Figure 2a), and small enough to allow heat transfer from the heated wick 16 to the shape memory foam 20 and also for the shape memory foam 20 to bridge the gap to reach the wick 16 when expanded (see Figure 2b). It will be understood that the heat produced by the heater coil 22 is transferred from the wick 16 to the shape memory foam 20 via the connecting structure of the consumable part 14 as well as the air in the gap G.
  • This example also comprises a rigid mesh or grid 24 located at the outlet of the tank 18 and in contact with the e-liquid L.
  • the mesh 24 constrains the shape memory foam 20 such that expansion of the activated shape memory foam 20 is toward the wick 16 (to the left in the sense of Figure 2b).
  • the e-liquid L is able to flow through the mesh 22 in order to enter the expanded pores of the shape memory foam 20.
  • a third example of the invention differs from the above-described first and second examples in that the shape memory foam 20 is made comparatively more shallow so as to be partially embedded in the wick 16. Thus portions of the upper and lower surfaces as well as the inner side surface of the shape memory foam 20 are in contact with the wick 16. The greater surface areas in contact with each other are advantageous in that they allow a more rapid transfer of heat from the wick 16 to the shape memory foam 20 when the heater coil 22 is activated.
  • the more shallow form of the shape memory foam 20 also means that the outer side surface of the shape memory foam 20, which is in contact with the e-liquid L, has a smaller surface area in comparison to the first and second examples. This is advantageous with respect to the rapid transfer of heat from the wick 16 to the shape memory foam 20 because less heat will be lost to the e-liquid L (which has a large thermal mass) through the shape memory foam 20.
  • the direction of expansion of the shape memory foam 20 is into the tank 18 containing the e-liquid L (i.e. to the right in the sense of Figure 3b), since the shape memory foam 20 is generally constrained from expansion in other directions by the wick 16 and the surrounding structure of the consumable part 14.
  • the interface between the wick 16 and the inner side surface of the shape memory foam 20 is configured so that the temperature at the inner side surface does not exceed the melting/degradation temperature of the shape memory foam 20.
  • a metallic heater coil 22 is provided in the consumable part 14 of the vapour generating device 10
  • a heating means is provided in a reusable part of such a device, as follows.
  • a vapour generating device 10 comprises a reusable part 12’ and a consumable part 14’ which is connectable to the reusable part 12’.
  • the reusable part 12’ comprises a power source (e.g. a battery) 12a’, a controller 12b’, and a heater element 22’.
  • the consumable part 14’ comprises a tubular body having a bore which extends along a central longitudinal axis Z of the tubular body.
  • the tubular body is constructed from plastics.
  • An upper part of the tubular body comprises a mouthpiece configured for engagement with the mouth of a consumer or user of the device.
  • a through-channel 14a is open to the environment so that ambient air can flow along the through-channel 14a to the bore (as indicated by the arrows).
  • a disc-shaped wick 16’ is located at a lower part of the tubular body and extends across the bore in a transverse direction, i.e. substantially normal to the longitudinal axis Z.
  • the wick is constructed from a temperature- resistant ceramic material.
  • the wick may alternatively be constructed from cotton.
  • a storage reservoir or tank 18’ containing an e-liquid L is formed within the wall of the tubular body.
  • a shape memory foam 20’ is located between an outlet of the tank 18’ and the wick 16’.
  • the shape memory foam 20’ is ring- shaped.
  • Each of an outer side surface and an upper surface of the shape memory foam 20’ is located in the tank 18’ so as to be in contact with the e-liquid L therein.
  • a radially-i nner portion of the lower surface of the shape memory foam 20’ is in abutment with the upper surface of the wick 16’, while a radially-outer portion of said lower surface is in abutment with the structure of the consumable part 14’ which forms the base of the tank 18’.
  • the shape memory foam 20’ is in a temporary shape, as has been described herein above.
  • the shape memory foam 20’ is in a compressed condition so that pores of the shape memory foam 20’ are substantially closed. Accordingly the shape memory foam 20’ prevents or at least resists egress of the e-liquid L from the tank 18’. In other words, the shape memory foam 20’ seals the e-liquid L in the tank 18’.
  • the heater element 22’ is activated, either automatically or manually, to cause the wick 16’ to be heated. Heat from the wick 16’ is transferred (conducted) to the shape memory foam 20’.
  • This heat stimulus causes the temperature of the shape memory foam 20’ to be raised above the glass transition temperature, as has been described herein above. Accordingly the shape memory foam 20’ expands so as to recover its original (uncompressed) shape.
  • the direction of expansion of the shape memory foam 20’ is into the tank 18’ containing the e-liquid L (i.e. to the left and right and upward in the sense of Figure 4a), the shape memory foam 20’ being constrained from expansion toward the wick 16’ by the wick 16’ itself.
  • the pores of the shape memory foam 20’ are opened and the shape memory foam 20’ is in its expanded “permanent shape”.
  • the e-liquid L flows or permeates from the tank 18’ into the pores of the shape memory foam 20’ at the outer side surface and the upper surface thereof by means of capillary action.
  • the e-liquid L progresses through the shape memory foam 20’ to the radially-inner portion of the lower surface thereof and is received by the wick 16’ by means of capillary action.
  • the hot wick 16’ absorbs and vaporises the e-liquid L for inhalation by the user.
  • the shape memory foam 20’ has an OFF state, i.e. when the material is compressed such as to block flow or prevent permeation of the e-liquid L from the tank 18’, and an ON state, i.e. when the material is expanded such as to allow flow or permeation of the e-liquid L from the tank 18’.
  • the duration of the transition from the OFF state to the ON state can be predetermined, for example by carefully selecting the type and pore size of the shape memory foam 20’ and by controlling the quantity and rate of the heat applied. In this way it is possible to control the rate at which the e-liquid L passes through the shape memory foam 20’ and the wick 16’. In other words, the wicking rate can be controlled.
  • the shape memory foam 20’ itself acts a wick when expanded, i.e. by means of capillary action.
  • the expanded shape memory foam 20’ can be thought of as a second wick, or as an extension of the first wick 16’ that is in engagement with the heater element 22’.
  • the first wick 16’ and the shape memory foam 20’ may be thought of as a composite wick.
  • the composite wick may be described as being a vertically-stacked composite wick.
  • the ceramic material of the wick 16’ should be made thin enough to allow the shape memory foam 20’ to achieve a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the shape memory foam 20’, but not so high as to cause thermal degradation thereof.
  • the wick 16’ should be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm thick.
  • the lower surface of the wick 16’ may comprise a plurality of surface structures or projections 16’a (see Figures 4b and 4c) for contact with the heater element 22’. This allows for air and vapour flow control and also further control of wicking rate.
  • the density of these structures can also be used to control the rate of heat transfer through the wick 16’ to the shape memory foam 20’.
  • the contact surface percentage of the wick 16’ to the heater element 22’ should preferably be between 25% and 80%.
  • heat is transferred (conducted) from the wick 16, 16’ to the shape memory foam 20, 20’ when the heater coil 22/heater element 22’ is activated.
  • the user might initially experience a “dry puff’, since the dry shape memory foam 20, 20’ (and the dry wick 16, 16’) is a relatively poor conductor of heat and so the e-liquid might not reach the wick 16, 16’ at the first puff.
  • This may be overcome by providing a quantity of e-liquid L within the compressed shape memory foam 20, 20’ itself, in addition to the e-liquid in the separate reservoir or tank.
  • a fifth example of the invention differs from the abovedescribed fourth example, in that the e-liquid L is provided within the compressed shape memory foam 20’ itself, rather than in a separate reservoir or tank. This is achieved by wetting (e.g. saturating) the shape memory foam 20’ with the e-liquid, prior to carrying out the first step (heating and compression) of the four-step thermomechanical cycle described herein above.
  • wetting e.g. saturating
  • the shape memory foam 20’ prior to carrying out the first step (heating and compression) of the four-step thermomechanical cycle described herein above.
  • the e-liquid L is trapped in the shape memory foam 20’ when the shape memory foam 20’ is in the compressed condition.
  • the compressed shape memory foam 20’ is loaded with the e-liquid L.
  • the heater element 22’ is activated, either automatically or manually, to cause the wick 16’ to be heated. Heat from the wick 16’ is transferred (conducted) to the shape memory foam 20’ and the e-liquid contained therein.
  • This heat stimulus causes the temperature of the shape memory foam 20’ to be raised above the glass transition temperature, as has been described herein above. Accordingly the shape memory foam 20’ expands so as to recover its original (uncompressed) shape.
  • the direction of expansion of the shape memory foam 20’ is away from the wick 16’ (i.e. upward in the sense of Figure 5b), the shape memory foam 20’ being constrained from radial expansion by the walls of the tubular body.
  • a sixth example of the invention differs from the abovedescribed fifth example, in that the consumable part 14’ comprises one or more heaters 26 for heating the shape memory foam 20’ above the glass transition temperature.
  • the heaters 26 are provided in the wall of the tubular body such as to form a heated compartment or chamber for holding the shape memory foam 20’.
  • the heaters 26 are connectable to the power source 12a’ in the reusable part 12’.
  • the heaters 26 may be used alone to heat the shape memory foam 20’ above the glass transition temperature, or in conjunction with the heater element 22’, in order to expand the shape memory foam 20’ as has been described herein above.
  • a seventh example of the invention differs from the above-described fifth and sixth examples, in that the compressed shape memory foam 20’ which is pre-loaded with the e-liquid L is a distinct element that is provided separately from the other parts of the vapour generating device 10’.
  • the compressed shape memory foam 20’ is sized and configured to be received in the tubular body (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 7a).
  • the compressed shape memory foam 20’ may be inserted into the vapour generating device 10’ by the user of the device 10’.
  • the compressed shape memory foam 20’ may be referred to as an insert for the vapour generating device 10’.
  • the compressed shape memory foam 20’ is inserted into the tubular body and is heated, in the manner described herein above with respect to the fifth or sixth example, in order to expand the shape memory foam 20’ as has been described.
  • an eighth example of the invention differs from the above-described seventh example, in that the compressed shape memory foam 20’ which is pre-loaded with the e-liquid L (i.e. the insert) comprises an outer pouch 28 which generally covers or encapsulates the compressed shape memory foam 20’.
  • the pouch 28 provides a protective layer for the compressed shape memory foam 20’ and prevents the e-liquid L from leaking from the compressed shape memory foam 20’, for example if the compressed shape memory foam 20’ is inadvertently exposed to heat or is left in storage for a long period of time.
  • a portion of the pouch 28 is removed (e.g. cut, pierced, or peeled away) from the lower surface of the compressed shape memory foam 20’ and the pouch 28 is inserted into the tubular body so that said lower surface is brought into abutment with the wick 16’.
  • the pouch 28 is heated in order to expand the shape memory foam 20’ as has been described herein above.
  • the pouch 28 is constructed from an elastic material in order to accommodate the expansion of the activated shape memory foam 20’ within the pouch. The absence of said removed portion of the pouch 28 at the lower surface of the compressed shape memory foam 20’ allows for the e-liquid L which is released from the compressed shape memory foam 20’ to be received by the wick 16’.
  • the consumable part 14’ may comprise a thermal interface material at the lower surface of the wick 16’.
  • the thermal interface material will be located between and in abutment with the wick 16’ and the heater element 22’.
  • the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shape memory foam is preferably between about 30 °C and 90 °C, more preferably between about 40 °C and 70 °C, and most preferably between about 50 °C and 60 °C. If the glass transition temperature is too low, the transition may be triggered prematurely during storage in a hot environment. If it is too high, a longer heat-up time will become necessary and the energy efficiency will be reduced.
  • pre-loading of the shape memory foam 20’ with e-liquid L is beneficial for efficient heat conduction and can help to avoid the risk of “dry puffs”, as has been described herein above in connection with the first, second, third and fourth examples. It should be understood that the invention has been described in relation to its preferred embodiments and may be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

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Abstract

Un article consommable pour un dispositif de génération de vapeur comprend : un réservoir de liquide (L) pour une vaporisation dans le dispositif de génération de vapeur (10) ; et une mousse à mémoire de forme (20 ; 20') ayant une forme temporaire comprimée dans laquelle des pores de la mousse à mémoire de forme (20 ; 20') sont fermés de façon à empêcher le passage du liquide (L) à travers et hors de la mousse à mémoire de forme (20 ; 20'), la mousse à mémoire de forme (20 ; 20') étant sensible à un stimulus pour passer de la forme temporaire à une forme permanente étendue dans laquelle les pores sont ouverts de façon à permettre le passage du liquide (L) à travers et hors de la mousse à mémoire de forme pour ladite vaporisation.
EP22773689.9A 2021-09-28 2022-09-07 Article consommable pour un dispositif de génération de vapeur Pending EP4408217A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21199620 2021-09-28
PCT/EP2022/074905 WO2023052070A1 (fr) 2021-09-28 2022-09-07 Article consommable pour un dispositif de génération de vapeur

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EP4408217A1 true EP4408217A1 (fr) 2024-08-07

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EP (1) EP4408217A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2023052070A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN120329710B (zh) * 2025-06-20 2025-10-10 华大化学集团有限公司 一种高阻尼改性热塑性聚氨酯弹性体及其制备方法

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RU2692831C2 (ru) * 2014-11-17 2019-06-28 Макнейл Аб Одноразовая кассета для применения в электронной системе доставки никотина
EP4620503A3 (fr) * 2015-07-10 2025-11-26 Juul Labs, Inc. Dispositifs et procédés de vaporisation sans mèche
US11647791B2 (en) * 2019-11-26 2023-05-16 Tuanfang Liu Electronic cigarette

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