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WO2025074088A1 - Système électronique de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Système électronique de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025074088A1
WO2025074088A1 PCT/GB2024/052519 GB2024052519W WO2025074088A1 WO 2025074088 A1 WO2025074088 A1 WO 2025074088A1 GB 2024052519 W GB2024052519 W GB 2024052519W WO 2025074088 A1 WO2025074088 A1 WO 2025074088A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
article
delivery system
component
modifying
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
PCT/GB2024/052519
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Bishop
Ugurhan Yilmaz
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.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
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
Priority claimed from GBGB2315069.1A external-priority patent/GB202315069D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2315097.2A external-priority patent/GB202315097D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2319522.5A external-priority patent/GB202319522D0/en
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025074088A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025074088A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • 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
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • 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
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol delivery system, e.g. an e-cigarette, to a controller for such a system, and to an article for such a system.
  • an electronic aerosol delivery system e.g. an e-cigarette
  • Electronic vapour provision systems such as e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, generally contain a vapour precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, from which a vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation.
  • a control unit When a user inhales on the device, a control unit operates a battery to provide power to a heater. This activates the heater to vaporise the vapour precursor material, which is then inhaled by the user.
  • a user is able to select a particular flavour by selecting an appropriate source liquid which is then aerosolised for oral inhalation.
  • This can lead to a limited user experience which depends solely on the liquid and which is limited by the manner in which the liquid can be aerosolised.
  • some electronic vapour provision systems comprise a flavour material, such as a tobacco material, in an air path downstream of the heater, this can have a detrimental effect on the user by changing the airflow dynamics through the system or impeding the airflow through the system.
  • Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address these issues.
  • an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol-modifying agent; a release component configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent; and a sensor configured to measure data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system; a controller configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data.
  • the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system comprises data measured during a pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the aerosol delivery system has a longitudinal axis; and the controller is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to vertical than horizontal during the pre-aerosol generation time period; or the controller is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to horizontal than vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the controller is configured to activate one of the release component and the second release component based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to vertical than horizontal during the pre-aerosol generation time period, and the controller is configured to activate the other one of the release component and the second release component based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to horizontal than vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the first aerosol-modifying agent comprises a first flavour
  • the second aerosol-modifying agent comprises a second flavour
  • the controller is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that a threshold movement value has been exceeded.
  • the senor is configured to measure data relating to a rotation of the aerosol delivery system, wherein the threshold movement value is a rotation angle of at least 70°. In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure data relating to a translational movement of the aerosol delivery system, wherein the threshold movement value is a scalar distance value of at least 30 cm.
  • the senor is configured to measure data relating to a duration of movement of the aerosol delivery system, wherein the threshold movement value is a time value of at least 0.3 second.
  • the release component comprises a heater configured to heat a substrate containing the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the controller is configured to modify the activation of the release component based on the number of times a predefined movement is detected based on the data.
  • the controller is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the cumulative activation of the aerosol generator within a period of time.
  • the controller is configured to restrict the activation of the release component when the cumulative activation of the aerosol generator within the period of time exceeds a threshold.
  • an aerosol delivery means for generating an aerosol
  • the aerosol delivery means comprising: aerosol-generating material means; aerosol generator means configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material means; an aerosolmodifying means; release component means configured to release the aerosol-modifying means; and sensor means configured to measure data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery means; controller means configured to activate the release component means to release the aerosol-modifying means based on the data.
  • an article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system comprising: an inlet for receiving aerosol generated by an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system; an outlet; a channel providing a hollow air path extending from the inlet to the outlet; and a coating comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying the aerosol, wherein the coating is provided on a surface of the channel.
  • the article comprises a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the surface of the channel is the inner surface of the housing.
  • the coating is provided along an entire length of the surface of the channel between the inlet and the outlet.
  • the channel comprises an uncoated portion in which the coating is not provided, the uncoated portion extending in a range of at least 5 mm from the outlet towards the inlet.
  • the coating is provided around a circumference of the surface of the channel.
  • the coating is provided on the surface of the channel in a plurality of bands, wherein each of the plurality of bands extends around an entire circumference of the surface of the channel and is separated from the other of the plurality of bands.
  • the channel comprises a spiral portion.
  • the article is defined by a first length extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the first length is in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm.
  • the coating is one of a wax, a lacquer or a gel.
  • the article is a mouthpiece for use with the aerosol delivery device, wherein the article is configured to attach to the aerosol delivery device to enable flow of aerosol into the article.
  • the component is a mouthpiece.
  • an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol, the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and an article in accordance with the fourth aspect.
  • the aerosol delivery system in accordance with the sixth aspect may comprise a component in accordance with the fifth aspect.
  • a method of providing an aerosol delivery system for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising: providing the aerosol-generating material; providing an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and providing an article in accordance with the fourth aspect.
  • the method comprises providing a component in accordance with the fifth aspect.
  • article means for use as part of an aerosol delivery means comprising: inlet means for receiving aerosol generated by an aerosol generator means of the aerosol delivery means; outlet means; channel means providing a hollow air path extending from the inlet to the outlet; and coating means comprising aerosol-modifying means for modifying the aerosol, wherein the coating means is provided on a surface of the channel means.
  • an article for use with an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol pathway comprising an inlet and an outlet, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; and an aerosol-modifying component in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG.
  • the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 10 mmWG.
  • the aerosol-modifying component has a packing density in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 .
  • the aerosol-modifying component comprises a monolithic structure for retaining the aerosol-modifying agent, the monolithic structure having a total pore volume in the range of 150-400 mm 3 /g and / or a total pore surface in the range of 1.2-6.0 m 2 /g.
  • the monolithic structure comprises a granular structure or a channelled structure.
  • the aerosol-modifying component comprises a substrate material for retaining the aerosol-modifying agent, wherein the substrate material is formed from at least one of paper, cotton, and gel.
  • the substrate material comprising at least one of a plurality of strips, and a sheet.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent comprises a liquid aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying component comprises a capsule containing the liquid aerosol-modifying agent, wherein the capsule is configured to release the liquid aerosol-modifying agent in response to pressure or temperature.
  • the article comprises a barrier material surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component, wherein the barrier material is configured to inhibit the movement of the liquid aerosol-modifying agent out of the aerosol pathway.
  • the barrier material comprises at least one of a lacquer, a wax or a gel material.
  • the barrier material comprises a second aerosol modifying agent for modifying the aerosol.
  • the article is defined by a first length extending along a longitudinal axis of the article between the inlet and the outlet, the first length is in the range of 20 mm and 50 mm.
  • the aerosol-modifying component is defined by a second length parallel to the longitudinal axis, the second length is in the range of 6 mm to 20 mm.
  • the article comprises a first end component in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the aerosol-modifying component, and I or wherein the article comprises a second end component in the aerosol pathway between the aerosol-modifying component and the outlet.
  • the first end component and I or the second end component are formed of a material having a packing density within the aerosol pathway in the range of 0.2-0.5 g/cm 3 .
  • the article comprises the first end component and the second end component, wherein the article comprises a wrapper surrounding and extending between the first end component and the second end component to form a cavity, wherein the aerosolmodifying component is provided within the cavity.
  • the aerosol-modifying component comprises a loose material retained in the cavity by the first end component and the second end component.
  • first end component is defined by a third length in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, and I or wherein the second end component is defined by a fourth length in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
  • the article comprises one or more peripheral inlets for receiving ambient air into the aerosol pathway adjacent to at least one of the first end component, the aerosolmodifying component, and the second end component.
  • the article is a mouthpiece for use with the aerosol delivery system, wherein the article is configured to connect to the aerosol delivery system to enable flow of aerosol from the aerosol delivery system into the inlet of the article.
  • a mouthpiece for an aerosol delivery system comprising: a receiving cavity containing an article in accordance with the ninth aspect.
  • an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol
  • the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and an article in accordance with the ninth aspect or a mouthpiece in accordance with the tenth aspect.
  • a method of providing an aerosol delivery system for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material comprising: generating an aerosol by operating an aerosol generator to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and modifying the aerosol by directing the aerosol through an article in accordance with the ninth aspect or a mouthpiece in accordance with the tenth aspect.
  • article means for an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol pathway comprising inlet means and outlet means, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet means to the outlet means; and an aerosol-modifying means in the aerosol pathway between the inlet means and the outlet means, the aerosol-modifying means comprising an aerosol-modifying agent means for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component means in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet means and the outlet means has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an example aerosol delivery system including a device, a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol generating material and an article comprising an aerosol-modifying agent in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a further example aerosol delivery system including a device, a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol generating material and an article comprising an aerosol-modifying agent in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figures 3a, 3b and 3c depict abstract representations of a user holding an aerosol delivery system accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method for operating an aerosol delivery system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure
  • Figure 5 schematically shows an example aerosol delivery system including a device, a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol generating material and an article comprising an aerosol-modifying agent in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge and article for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge, article and mouthpiece for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method of providing an aerosol delivery system for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material
  • Figure 9 schematically shows an example aerosol delivery system including a device, a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol generating material and an article comprising an aerosol-modifying agent in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge and article for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge, article and mouthpiece for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view through an article for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through a further article for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view through a still further article for an aerosol delivery system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 16 is a flow diagram depicting a method of providing an aerosol delivery system for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material.
  • an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol
  • the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol-modifying agent; a release component configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent; and a sensor configured to measure data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system; a controller configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data.
  • aerosol delivery systems in accordance with the present disclosure may allow for user to intuitively modify aerosols based on the particular behaviour of the user, thereby improving their experience.
  • aerosol delivery system is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system (also known as a “non-combustible” aerosol delivery system) is one where a constituent aerosolgenerating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • a heat-not-burn system is a tobacco heating system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol- generating material.
  • the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as cartridges or cartomisers throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised.
  • either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v..Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3- butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
  • the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
  • the material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate.
  • the support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
  • the support comprises a susceptor.
  • the susceptor is embedded within the material.
  • the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
  • a consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
  • a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosolgenerating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
  • the heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
  • a susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
  • the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
  • the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
  • the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
  • the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may be free from filtration material.
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an aerosol delivery system 1 provided in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 of Figure 1 is adapted to vaporise a liquid aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid).
  • a liquid aerosol-generating material sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to aerosol delivery system 1 adapted to vaporise liquid aerosol-generating material.
  • the principles of the present disclosure could be implement in aerosol delivery devices adapted to vaporise a solid or gel aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises three main components, namely an aerosol delivery device 2, a replaceable I disposable cartridge 4, and an article 8 (which also provides a mouthpiece).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 of Figure 1 is an example of a modular construction of an aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the aerosol delivery device 2 and the cartridge 4 are able to engage with or disengage from one another at a first interface 6, and the cartridge 4 and the article 8 are able to engage with or disengage one another at a second interface 9.
  • the principles of the present disclosure also apply to other constructions of the aerosol delivery system 1 , such as one-part or unitary constructions where the device 2, cartridge 4 and article 8 may be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2 is provided with an integrally formed aerosol-generating material storage area), or, alternatively, constructions in which the both the cartridge 4 and the article 8 are configured to directly engage with (and disengage from) the aerosol delivery device 2 (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2 can engage (and disengage) to the cartridge 4 via the first interface 6, and the aerosol provision device 2 can engage (and disengage) to the article 8 via the second interface 9).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is generally elongate and cylindrical in shape.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be sized so as to approximate a conventional cigarette. However, it should be understood that the general size and shape of the aerosol delivery system 1 is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol provision device 2 may be based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.
  • aerosol delivery means may be in the form of an electronic aerosol delivery system of device such as an e-cigarette.
  • the device 2 comprises components that are generally intended to have a longer lifetime than the cartridge 4 and the article 8. In other words, the device 2 is intended to be used, sequentially, with multiple cartridges 4 and / or articles 8.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises components (such as aerosol-generating material) that are consumed when forming an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • Article 8 also comprises components that are consumed or exhausted over time (e.g. either actively or passively when aerosol is delivered to the user during use of the device).
  • the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4 and the mouthpiece 8 may have similar lifetimes (e.g. close to 1 :1), whereas in other examples the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4 and the mouthpiece 8 may have different lifetimes (e.g. 1 :2 or greater).
  • the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are releasably coupled together at the first interface 6.
  • the cartridge 4 may be removed from the device 2 and a replacement cartridge 4 attached to the device 2 in its place.
  • the first interface 6 provides a structural connection between the device 2 and cartridge 4 and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the first interface 6 may also provide an electrical coupling between the device 2 and the cartridge 4 using suitable electrical contacts. The electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 4 may be refillable. That is, the cartridge 4 may be refilled with aerosol-generating material when the cartridge 4 is depleted, using an appropriate mechanism such as a one-way refilling valve or the like (not shown). The cartridge 4 may be removed from the device 2 in order to be refilled. In other examples, the cartridge 4 may be configured so as to be refilled while attached to the device 2.
  • the cartridge 4 and the article 8 are releasably coupled together at the second interface 9.
  • the article 8 may be removed from the cartridge 4 and a replacement article 8 be attached to the cartridge 4 in its place.
  • the second interface 9 provides a structural connection between the cartridge 4 and article 8 and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the second interface 9 may also provide an electrical coupling between the cartridge 4 and the article 8 using suitable electrical contacts.
  • electrical contacts the article 8 may be electrical coupled to those of the device 2 via connections (e.g. wires) extending through the cartridge 4, where said connections form part of, or are connected to, the first interface 6.
  • the electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the article 8, via the cartridge 4.
  • the article 8 may be refillable. That is, the article 8 may be refilled with a substance when the article is depleted, or when the user simply wishes to switch to a different substance in the article 8 (i.e. the substance contained in the article 8 can be exchanged or replaced).
  • the article 8 may include a reusable shell or housing and a removable/replaceable substance.
  • the article 8 may comprise a (one-way refilling) valve or the like (not shown) to allow a liquid substance to be input.
  • the article 8 may open or separate to allow a substance to be input (e.g. a substance comprising, or contained in, a monolithic material). The article 8 may be removed from the cartridge 4 in order to be refilled. In other examples, the article 8 may be configured so as to be refilled while attached to the cartridge 4.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be designed to be disposable once the aerosol-generating material and I or the substance is exhausted.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be provided with a suitable mechanism, such as a one-way valve or the like, to enable the integrated cartridge 4 (or integrated aerosol-generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol-generating material, and to enable the integrated article 8 (or integrated substance storage region) to be refilled with substance.
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42, an aerosol-generating material storage area 44, a (first) aerosol generator 48, an aerosol-generating material transport component 46, an outlet or opening 50, and an air path 52.
  • the cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the device 2.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is formed from a suitable material, such as a plastics material or a metal material.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 couples to the device 2.
  • the cartridge 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a first end, broadly defined by the interface 6, and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the opening 50.
  • the second end including the opening 50 is intended to be connected to the article 8, which in turn provides a mouthpiece configured to be received in / by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 4, or more particularly the reservoir 44, of Figure 1 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, which may be referred to herein as a source liquid, e-liquid or liquid.
  • the source liquid may be broadly conventional, and may contain nicotine and I or other active ingredients, and I or one or more flavours, as described above. In some examples, the source liquid may contain no nicotine.
  • the reservoir 44 in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines the air path 52 through the cartridge 4.
  • the reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the liquid.
  • the reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
  • the cartridge 4 further comprises an first aerosol generator 48.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the source liquid).
  • the cartridge 4 comprises the aerosol-generating material transport component 46, which is configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44 (e.g., reservoir 44) to the first aerosol generator 48.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport component 46 may not be required, particularly in implementations where the first aerosol generator 48 is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area 44.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48.
  • the heater 48 is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the heater 48 may take the form of an electrically resistive wire or trace intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof, or a susceptor element which is intended to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • aerosol generator means may be in the form of a heater.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport aerosolgenerating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44 (reservoir 44) to the first aerosol generator 48.
  • the nature of the aerosol-generating material may dictate the form of the aerosol-generating material transport element 46.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol-generating material using capillary action or a suitable pumping mechanism or the like.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 may comprise a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or a bundle of fibres (e.g., glass or cotton fibres) capable of transporting liquid I viscous gel using capillary action.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48 taking the form of a coil of metal wire, such as a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire.
  • the aerosolgenerating material transport element 46 in the implementation of Figure 1 is a wick 46 taking the form of a bundle of fibres, such as glass fibres.
  • the heater 48 is wound around the wick 46 approximately in a central region thereof as seen in Figure 1 such that the heater 48 is provided in the proximity of the wick 46 and therefore any liquid held in the wick 46.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 may comprise a porous ceramic wick 46 and an electrically conductive track disposed on a surface of the porous ceramic wick acting as the heater 48.
  • the heater 48 and wick 46 may be combined into a single component, e.g., a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
  • the heater 48 and wick 46 are located towards an end of the reservoir 44.
  • the wick 46 extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge air path 52 without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46 is therefore configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 44 to the vicinity of the heater 48 via a capillary effect.
  • the wick 46 and heater 48 are arranged in the cartridge air path 52 such that a region of the cartridge air path 52 provided around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge 4.
  • This vaporisation region is the region of the cartridge 4 where vapour is initially generated.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the heater 48 to vaporise an amount of liquid drawn to the vicinity of the heater 48 by the wick 46. Aerosol formed from the vapour is delivered to the user via the mouthpiece of the article 8.
  • the user may place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the article 8 and draw air I aerosol through the system 1 and out of cartridge 4 and into the article 8 via the opening 50. More specifically, air is drawn into and along the air path 52, past the heater 48 where aerosol is entrained into the drawn air, and the combined aerosol I air is then leaves the cartridge 4 towards the user through the opening 50.
  • the device 2 comprises an outer housing 12, an optional indicator 14 (i.e. an output mechanism), an inhalation sensor 16 located within a chamber 18, a controller or control circuitry 20, a motion sensor 24, a power source 26, an air inlet 28 and an air path 30.
  • the device part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the aerosol delivery system 1 , a power source 26 for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system 1 , a controller or control circuitry 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 , and an inhalation sensor (puff detector) 16 located in a chamber 18.
  • the device 2 further comprises an optional indicator 14.
  • the outer housing 12 further comprises an air inlet 28 which connects to an air path 30 provided through the device 2.
  • the device air path 30 in turn connects to the cartridge air path 52 across the interface 6 when the device 2 and cartridge 4 are connected together.
  • the interface 6 is also arranged to provide a connection of the respective air paths 30 and 52, such that air and/or aerosol is able to pass along the coupled air paths 30, 52.
  • the device 2 does not comprise an air path 30 and instead the cartridge 4 comprises the air path 52 and a suitable air inlet which permits air to enter into the air path 52 when the cartridge 4 and device 2 are coupled.
  • the power source 26 in this example is a battery 26.
  • the battery 26 may be rechargeable and may be of a broadly conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in aerosol delivery devices and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the battery 26 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
  • the battery 26 may be recharged through a suitable charging connector provided at or in the outer housing 12, for example a USB connector.
  • the device 2 may comprise suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 26.
  • the power source 26 may be an alternative component suitable for storing energy such as a super capacitor.
  • the control circuitry or control unit 20 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol delivery system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the functionality may include the charging or re-charging of the battery 26, the discharging of the battery 26 (e.g., for providing power to the heater 48), in addition to other functionality such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) I displays, communication functionality for communicating with external devices, etc.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). Note also that the functionality provided by the control circuitry 20 may be split across multiple circuit boards and I or across components which are not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and I or PCBs can be located as appropriate within the aerosol provision device 2. For example, functionality of the control circuit 20 for controlling the (re)charging functionality of the battery 26 may be provided separately (e.g. on a different PCB) from the functionality for controlling the discharge of the battery 26.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2 and the cartridge 4. More particularly, electrical contacts on the device 2, which are coupled to the power source 26, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the heater 48. Accordingly, under suitable control by the control circuitry 20, electrical power from the power source 26 is able to be supplied from the power source 26 to the heater 48, thereby energising the heater 48 and allowing the heater 48 to vaporise liquid in the proximity of the heater 48 held in the wick 46.
  • electrical power from the power source 26 is able to be supplied from the power source 26 to a release component 74.
  • said release component 74 is a component of the cartridge 4, and the electrical contacts on the device 2, which are coupled to the power source 26, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the release component 74.
  • said release component 74 is a component of an article 8 which is configured to connect to the cartridge 4.
  • the electrical contacts on the device 2, which are coupled to the power source 26 are electrically coupled to a first set of electrical contacts on the cartridge 4 (provided by a first interface 6), which are electrically connected to a second set of electrical contacts on the cartridge 4 (e.g.
  • the second set of electrical contacts are electrically coupled to a set of electrical contacts on the article 8 which are coupled to the release component 74.
  • the cartridge 4 may facilitate the transfer of power from the power supply 26 (under the control of the control circuitry 20) to the article 8 and a release component 74 of the article 8.
  • an article 8 could instead be connected directly to the device 2 thereby bypassing the cartridge 4.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a chamber 18 containing the inhalation sensor 16, which in this example is a pressure sensor.
  • the pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with the air path 30 in the device 2 (e.g. the chamber 18 branches off from the air path 30 in the device 2).
  • the pressure sensor 16 detects a change (a drop) in the pressure within chamber 18. If the drop in pressure is sufficient, the pressure sensor 16 (or control circuitry 20 coupled thereto) detects a user inhalation.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be controlled to generate aerosol in response to detecting an inhalation by a user. That is, when the pressure sensor 16 detects a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber 18, the control circuitry 20 responds by causing electrical power to be supplied from the battery 26 to the first aerosol generator 48 sufficient to cause vaporisation of the liquid held within the wick 46. This is an example of an aerosol delivery system which is said to be “puff actuated”.
  • the pressure sensor 16 may be used to start and I or end the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of an inhalation).
  • the inhalation sensor 16 may be any suitable sensor, such as an air flow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales on the mouthpiece end of the system 1 and subsequently draws air along the air path 30. Accordingly, the presence of the chamber 18 is optional and its presence may depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16. For example, an airflow sensor may sit in the airflow path 30, the airflow path 52 of the cartridge 4, or an airflow path 54 of the article 8.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 includes a button or other user actuatable mechanism.
  • the control circuitry 20 caused power to be supplied to the heater 48 as described above.
  • the button may be used to start and I or end power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the button is released by the user).
  • both a button (or other user actuatable mechanism) and an inhalation sensor 16 may be used to control the delivery of power to the heater 48 (and I or the release component 74), e.g., by requiring both the button press and a pressure drop indicative of an inhalation to be present before supplying power to the heater 48 (and I or the release component 74).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, and comprises a rechargeable power source and recharging circuitry. Furthermore, the aerosol delivery system 1 is configured to modify an aerosol by the operation of a release component which is configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent and a sensor configured to measure data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system. The controller is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system.
  • aerosol delivery systems in accordance with the present disclosure may allow for user to intuitively modify aerosols based on the particular behaviour of the user, thereby providing a more intuitive experience.
  • the article 8 comprises an article housing 62, an aerosol-modifying agent storage region 64, a release component 74, aerosol-modifying agent transport component 76, an airflow path 54, an article inlet 56 of the airflow path 54, an article outlet 58 of the airflow path 54.
  • the release component 74 is a heater taking the form of a coil of metal wire, such as a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire (similar to that of the aerosol generator 48).
  • the aerosol-modifying agent transport element 76 in the implementation of Figure 1 is a wick taking the form of a bundle of fibres, such as glass fibres. The heater is wound around the wick approximately in a central region thereof as seen in Figure 1 such that the heater is provided in the proximity of the wick and therefore any liquid held in the wick (e.g. such as a liquid aerosol-modifying agent).
  • the release component 74 may comprise a porous ceramic wick and an electrically conductive track disposed on a surface of the porous ceramic wick acting as the heater.
  • a release component 74 comprises a heater and wick combined into a single component, e.g., a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent transport element 76 comprises a wick extends transversely across the article air path 54 with its ends extending into the aerosol-modifying agent storage region 64 through openings defining the inner wall of the aerosol-modifying agent storage region 64 (i.e. the wall defining the air path 54).
  • the openings in the inner wall are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the aerosol-modifying agent storage region 64 into the article air path 54 without unduly compressing the wick, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick is therefore configured to transport liquid from the aerosol-modifying agent storage region 64 to the vicinity of the heater (i.e. the release component 74 of the example) via a capillary effect.
  • the wick and heater are arranged in the article airflow path 54 such that a region of the article airflow path 54 provided around the wick and heater in effect defines a vaporisation region for the article 8.
  • This vaporisation region is the region of the article 8 where vapour is initially generated.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the heater to vaporise an amount of liquid drawn to the vicinity of the heater by the wick.
  • the article 8 comprises a first end, broadly defined by the second interface 9 and including the article air inlet 56 (sometimes called a first inlet, air inlet, or aerosol inlet), and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the article air outlet 58 (sometimes called a first outlet, air outlet, aerosol outlet or mouthpiece outlet).
  • the second end including the air outlet 58 is intended to be provided as part of a mouthpiece configured to be received in I by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the article 8.
  • Figure 1 shows the mouthpiece end of the article 8 as being an integral part of the article 8, in some other examples a separate mouthpiece component (i.e. a component which contacts a user’s mouth/lips in use) may be provided which releasably couples to the end of the article 8.
  • the airflow path 54 (sometimes called an air (or aerosol) path, passage, passageway, or channel) extends between the air (or first) inlet 56 and the air (or first) outlet 58, such that aerosol entering via the air inlet 56 is able to move along the airflow path 54 towards, and out of, the air outlet 58.
  • the air inlet 56 is configured to fluidly connect to (e.g. align with) the opening 50 of the cartridge 4 such that aerosol (and I or air) within the air path 52 can flow into the airflow path 54 via the connection of the aerosol inlet 56 and the opening 50.
  • the connection of the air inlet 56 of the article 8 and the opening 50 of the cartridge 4 is facilitated by the interface 9.
  • the air inlet 56 and the opening 50 of the cartridge 4 will be fluidly connected such that an aerosol may flow between them (for example, the air inlet 56 and the opening 50 may be provided adjacent one another).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, and modifying the initial aerosol by introducing a further aerosol and I or one or more components from an aerosol-modifying agent using a release component (in other words a characteristic or property of the initial aerosol can be changed by the operation of the release component).
  • the initial aerosol may be modified by introducing a further component to the aerosol (e.g. releasing the further component into the air path of the article).
  • the initial aerosol may be modified by the release component 74 introducing one or more components into the air path including, for example, a flavourant, an active substance and I or a further substance, such as substance configured to chemically alter one or more compounds in the initial, or first, aerosol (e.g. a substance which causes a chemical reaction).
  • a flavourant and I or an active substance may already be present in the initial aerosol, with the release component adding additional flavourant and I or an active substance to the initial aerosol, thereby increasing the relative proportion of the flavourant and I or an active substance in the aerosol, which may be perceived as increasing the strength of the aerosol inhaled by the user.
  • a new flavourant and /or active substance may be added to the aerosol by the release component 74, thereby introducing a new taste or experience for the user.
  • a substance may be introduced which is configured to chemically alter one or more compounds in the initial aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may comprise an acid which is introduced into the air pathway 54 by the release component 74 and which causes protonation of a component of the initial aerosol.
  • the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48 comprises nicotine
  • the release component 74 is configured to introduce a compound for protonating nicotine (e.g. an acid). This may reduce the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • a compound may be introduced from the aerosol modifying agent to deprotonate a component of the initial aerosol, which may increase the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be configured to modify a number of aspects of the aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness) rather than a single aspect.
  • the mixing of the initial aerosol with the further aerosol creates a resultant aerosol having at least one property or characteristic that is different to the initial aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness as described above).
  • the initial aerosol and the further aerosol may mix in the air pathway 54 and /or they may mix within a user’s mouth to create the resultant aerosol.
  • mixing it is meant that the components of the initial and further aerosol intermingle to create a substantially homogenous composition (i.e. relatively equal proportions of components throughout the aerosol).
  • the components may interact chemically (e.g. to protonate or deprotonate) when mixing together.
  • the resultant aerosol comprises a new composition, different to the initial aerosol.
  • the release component 74 is provided downstream of the aerosol generator 48 in the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1
  • the release component 74 can be provided upstream of the aerosol generator 48 in the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. the system is formed from an upstream direction to a downstream direction by the device 2, the article 8 and the cartridge 4).
  • the further aerosol generated from the aerosolmodifying agent is introduced into the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1 upstream of the aerosol generator 48 and moves towards the aerosol generator 48 when the user inhales.
  • the aerosol generated or introduced by the release component 74 is part of the air into which the aerosol generated by aerosol generator is provided 48.
  • the aerosol by the release component 74 can be considered an initial aerosol, and the aerosol generated by aerosol generator 48 can be considered a further aerosol, with mixing of the two aerosols occurring after the introduction of both into the air path (and in the user’s mouth).
  • FIG 2 is a cross-sectional view through an aerosol delivery system 1 provided in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 of Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1 in that the cartridge 4 comprises the release component 74, rather than the article 8, and that the article 8 is received at least partially within the air path 52 of the cartridge 4.
  • the release component 74 in the cartridge, and that the opening 50 and air path 52 of the cartridge 4 are configured to accommodate at least a part of the article 8
  • the remaining features of the device 2 and cartridge 4 are substantially as described in relation to Figure 1 and will not be described again.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to aerosol delivery system 1 adapted to vaporise liquid aerosol-generating material.
  • the principles of the present disclosure could be implement in aerosol delivery devices adapted to vaporise a solid or gel aerosol-generating material.
  • the article 8 is configured to be inserted or otherwise provided proximal or adjacent to a release component 74 of an aerosol delivery system 1.
  • a cartridge 4 may comprise both an aerosol generator 48 and a release component 74, each of which can be separately powered or operated (e.g. by a control unit 20 of a device 1).
  • the release component 74 is provided adjacent a portion of the air path 52 of the cartridge 4 which is downstream of the aerosol generator 48 (i.e. the release component 74 is closer to the mouth-end of the system 1 than the aerosol generator 48).
  • the release component 74 may comprise a heater, such as a heater which surrounds a portion of the air path 52 (e.g. a cylindrical heater).
  • a heater can be provided by a coil heater which is coiled around the airflow, or one or more resistive tracks provided on a substrate material.
  • a release component 74, such as a heater can be electrically connected to a power supply 26 and / or a control unit 20, to enable power to be supplied to the release component 74.
  • the release component 74 can be a susceptor material which is configured to be heated by an induction coil (e.g. in the cartridge 4 or the device 2).
  • the release component 74 can be an inductor which is configured to heat a susceptor (not shown) in the article 8.
  • a release component 74 of a cartridge 4 is an apparatus configured to cause one or more components of the aerosol-modifying agent 66 to be released into an air path for inhalation by a user.
  • the release component 74 is an apparatus configured to cause one or more components of the aerosol-modifying agent to be released into the airflow path 54 of the article 8
  • the release component 74 is an apparatus configured to cause one or more components of the aerosol-modifying agent to be released into the airflow path 52 of the cartridge.
  • Said one or more components may combine or mix with, or otherwise alter an aerosol (e.g. generated by aerosol generator 48) to modify a characteristic of the aerosol (e.g. flavour, harshness, relative proportion of active ingredient).
  • the release component 74 may a (second) aerosol generator configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-modifying agent (e.g., where the aerosol-modifying agent is a second aerosolgenerating material).
  • An article 8 in accordance with Figure 2 may have an elongated shape which is configured to be inserted into the channel defining the air path 52 of the cartridge 4.
  • the direction of elongation can be considered a longitudinal axis of the article 8 and aligns with the insertion direction and the direction of air flow within the air path 52.
  • the air path 52 of the cartridge 4 may be provided by an inner wall of an annular reservoir 44 which has an opening 50 at one end.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the article 8 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the opening 50 and the channel forming the air path 52 (at least for an initial downstream portion) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to allow the article 8 to be inserted into the opening 50 and channel 52.
  • the article 8 and the opening 50 and I or the channel defining the air path 52 may have substantially similar (e.g. matching) cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e. perpendicular to the insertion direction), with the article 8 having a smaller size shape.
  • the cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 8 and the opening 50 and I or the channel defining the air path 52 may be circular, with circular cross-section of the article 8 having a smaller diameter than the opening 50 and I or the channel defining the air path 52.
  • the size of the cross-section of the article 8 may be slightly smaller than that of the opening 50 and I or the channel defining the air path 52 in order to create an interference fit between the article 8 and the opening 50 and I or the channel defining the air path 52.
  • the opening 50 or the channel defining the air path 52 may have a different cross-sectional shape to that of the article 8.
  • the article 8 may be cylindrical the opening 50 or the channel may comprise a number of protrusions or ridges which extend into the air path and contact the article 8 when the article 8 is inserted. These protrusions or ridges may retain the article 8 in place (e.g. they may be separated from each other by distances comparable to corresponding points on the outer surface of the article 8). Said protrusions may allow airflow along an outside of the article 8 between the protrusions.
  • the article 8 comprises a housing 62, an air path 54 having an air inlet 56 and an air outlet 58, and an aerosol-modifying agent 66 (which may be provided in an aerosolmodifying agent storage region (not shown in Figure 2)).
  • the article 8 comprises a tube with the air path 54 extending from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube.
  • the air path 54 starts at the air inlet 56, which is provided at the end of the article 8 which is intended to be inserted into the opening 50, and ends with the air outlet 58, which is provided at the end of the article 8 which is intended to be used as a mouthpiece.
  • the air path 54 may be substantially unobstructed (e.g. the air path 54 may be provided by an open tube structure) such that there is a low resistance to draw along the air path 54.
  • the housing 62 provides or defines the tubular shape of the article 8 (e.g. provides the structure of the article 8).
  • the housing 62 is provided by a material such as a paper material which is arranged to provide a tube (e.g. by folding a longitudinally extending sheet of paper material to contact itself along a long edge of the sheet).
  • the aerosol-modifying agent 66 is provided as a layer on an internal side of the housing 62.
  • the may be provided as a coating on an inner surface of the housing 62, thereby providing the adjacent to the air path 54.
  • the inner surface it is meant the surface bordering the air path 54.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided as a wax or lacquer layer which is coated on the inner surface of the housing .
  • the aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided as a gel layer.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided in or on a paper substrate.
  • the paper substrate be provided in contact with the inner surface of the housing 62 surrounding at least a portion of the inner surface (for example, such a paper substrate may be provided as a laminated layer with the housing 62, in particular where the housing 62 is also provided by a paper material).
  • aerosol-modifying agent 66 can be provided adjacent to the entire inner surface of the housing 62 (e.g. coating the whole of the inner surface), whilst in other examples an aerosol-modifying agent 66 is provided adjacent to one or more portions of the inner- surface of the housing 62 (e.g. coating separate and distinct portions of the inner surface).
  • an aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided in one or more strips.
  • the one or more strips of aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided as one or more bands extending around a circumference or periphery of the inner surfaces.
  • the one or more strips of aerosol-modifying agent 66 may be provided as one or more longitudinally extending strips which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the article 8.
  • some example aerosol delivery systems 1 seek to help to improve a user’s experience by providing an experience that mimics that of a combustible cigarette. This is done, in some examples, by the control circuitry 20 controlling based on signalling received from a motion sensor 24 (e.g. an accelerometer or gyroscope) when a release component 74 is activated (e.g. controlling when power is supplied to the release component 74) to release an aerosolmodifying agent 66, the aerosol-modifying agent 66 configured to modify an aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48 to change a characteristic of the aerosol such as a perceived flavour or strength.
  • control means are provided in the form or a processor and associated electronic circuitry.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 represented in Figures 1 and 2 can operate in a number of different modes (e.g. different control schemes or in accordance with different operation instructions).
  • the control circuitry 20 can be considered to switch the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 between different operating modes (use modes) based on signalling received from a motion sensor 24 (e.g. an accelerometer or gyroscope).
  • a motion sensor 24 e.g. an accelerometer or gyroscope
  • the control circuitry 20 can be considered to switch the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 between a first mode in which the aerosol generator 48 is activated and the release component 74 is not activated, and a second mode in which both the aerosol generator 48 and the release component 74 are activated.
  • the aerosol generator 48 and the release component 74 may be activated simultaneously in the second mode.
  • the control circuitry 20 is configured to cause power to be supplied from the battery 26 to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. by driving an appropriately configured transistor switch) to cause aerosol generating material (e.g. liquid in reservoir 44) in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. a heater) to be aerosolised for inhalation by a user.
  • the control circuitry 20 is configured to cause power to be supplied from the battery 26 to the release component 74 (e.g.
  • aerosol modifying agent 66 can be released into an air path to interact with the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48 to modify a characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the first and second modes described above may be considered active or operating modes, in that they relate to the active operation of the aerosol generator 48, or aerosol generator 48 and the release component 74.
  • the control circuitry 20 can operate in a number of additional modes such as a standby mode and a sleep mode.
  • a standby mode the control circuitry 20 is configured to wait for a trigger which indicates that the user wants to use the device.
  • the control circuitry 20 may receive a signal from a pressure sensor 16 and / or a button or other user actuatable mechanism which indicates that a user wishes to use the aerosol delivery system 1 (as described in relation to figure 1).
  • control circuitry 20 is configured to pre-select one of the first mode and the second mode during the standby mode, and to operate in the pre-selected mode when the control circuitry 20 receives an indication that a user is using the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. based on a signal from a pressure sensor 16 and / or a signal from a button). For example, the control circuitry 20 may determine from the motion sensor 24 that a user has engaged in a particular behaviour, such as performing a specific motion with the aerosol delivery system 1 (i.e. moving the aerosol delivery system 1 in a particular way). In response to data (e.g.
  • control circuitry 20 may identify from the data that the particular behaviour has occurred, and may pre-select one of the first and second mode, or may switch selection between the first and second mode (for example, the first mode may be the default selection, and the second mode may be switched to when a particular behaviour is identified by the control circuitry 20).
  • control circuitry 20 is configured to determine whether to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent simultaneously with the control circuitry 20 activating the aerosol generator 48 in response to the data (e.g. signal or signals) from the motion sensor.
  • the control circuitry 20 analyses data from the motion sensor 24 to determine whether to activate the release component 74.
  • the control circuitry 20 may determine from the data of the motion sensor 24 whether the user has engaged in a particular behaviour prior receiving the stimulus; or alternatively, the stimulus may include the motion data indicating whether a particular behaviour has occurred.
  • the control circuitry 20 activates the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent 66.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a motion sensor 24.
  • the motion sensor 24 is sensor which is configured to measure relating to an orientation of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the motion sensor 24 can comprise a gyroscope.
  • a motion sensor configured to measure data relating to an orientation of the aerosol delivery system 1 can be used, for example, to measure or determine the orientation of the system 1 whilst the user is inhaling on the system (i.e. during a puff), and whilst the user is not inhaling on the system 1 (i.e. between puffs).
  • the orientation of the system 1 during and between puffs can be associated with particular behaviours of the user.
  • the motion sensor 24 is a sensor which is configured to measure data relating to a movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 , such as translation and I or rotation of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the motion sensor 24 can comprise an accelerometer.
  • a motion sensor configured to measure data relating to a movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 can be used, for example, to measure or determine the extent to which the user moves the system after finishing inhaling (i.e. finishing a puff), and before a next inhalation (i.e. before starting a next puff).
  • the movement of the system 1 between puffs can be associated with particular behaviours of the user.
  • a motion sensor 24 can comprise both an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and be configured to measure data relating to both orientation and movement of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the control circuitry 20 may determine from data received from the motion sensor 24 that a user has engaged in a particular behaviour, such as performing a specific motion with the aerosol delivery system 1 (i.e. moving the aerosol delivery system 1 in a particular way).
  • the control circuitry 20 i.e. controller
  • the control circuitry 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data.
  • the user may begin inhaling on the aerosol delivery system 1 which may trigger a puff sensor, or the user may press a button indicating they are inhaling or going to inhale on the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the controller 20 determines if the release component 74 should be activated, or not, based on the data. If the controller 20 activates the release component 74 then aerosol-modifying agent is released into the air path through the system 1 , where it can mix with the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48.
  • Said data in some examples, relates to motion occurring before the activation of the aerosol generator 48, after a previous activation of the aerosol generator 48, or over a period of time between a previous activation and a current activation of the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. the duration between the ending of the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48 and the beginning of the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48).
  • said data relates to motion occurring before the activation of the a puff sensor 16, after a previous activation of the a puff sensor 16, or over a period of time between the end of the last activation of a puff sensor 16 and up to a current activation of a puff sensor 16.
  • the data may be indicative of a particular behaviour of a user such as moving the system 1 significantly away from a user’s mouth between puffs and I or rotating the device away from an orientation in which the user was puffing the system 1.
  • FIGS 3a, 3b and 3c depict abstract representations of a user 300 holding an aerosol delivery system 1 in various example orientations, the aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be as described in any of the embodiments above.
  • Figure 3a depicts a user 300 holding the aerosol delivery system 1 in a first position in which the user 300 is able to inhale on the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 has a longitudinal axis with a mouth-end of aerosol delivery system 1 (having the mouthpiece outlet 58 as depicted in Figure 1 and 2) positioned to engage the user’s mouth.
  • Figure 3b depicts a user 300 holding the aerosol delivery system 1 in a second position in which the user 300 is not able to inhale on the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the mouth-end of aerosol delivery system 1 (having the mouthpiece outlet 58 as depicted in Figure 1 and 2) is positioned away from the user’s mouth.
  • the user 300 in Figure 3b has moved their arm (e.g. rotated their shoulder and I or elbow to reposition their arm) to move the aerosol delivery system 1 away from the user’s mouth.
  • Figure 3c depicts a user 300 holding the aerosol delivery system 1 in a third position in which the user 300 is also not able to inhale on the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the mouth-end of aerosol delivery system 1 (having the mouthpiece outlet 58 as depicted in Figure 1 and 2) is positioned away from the user’s mouth.
  • the user 300 in Figure 3c has moved their arm (e.g. rotated their shoulder and I or elbow to reposition their arm) to further move the aerosol delivery system 1 away from the user’s mouth.
  • the user 300 has moved the aerosol delivery system 1 towards the user’s waist.
  • the user may hold the aerosol delivery system 1 in the first position shown in Figure 3a. After finishing the inhalation or puff, the user may move the aerosol delivery system 1 from the first position to a different position, such as the second or third position shown in Figure 3b and Figure 3c, respectively.
  • a different position such as the second or third position shown in Figure 3b and Figure 3c, respectively.
  • the user holding the system 1 relatively close to the user’s mouth, such as in the second position may indicate that the user intends to use the system 1 again in a short period of time (e.g. within 3 - 20 seconds).
  • the user holding the system relatively far from the user’s mouth such as in the third position, may indicate that the user intends to wait for a period before using the system 1 again (e.g. a period of greater than 20 seconds).
  • This behaviour may be reflective of how a user would use a traditional combustible cigarette.
  • a user may hold a cigarette close to the user’s mouth when they intend to take a series of puffs in short succession, and hold a cigarette further from the user’s mouth, such as by their side, when they intend to take a longer break between puffs.
  • the cigarette continues to burn or smoulder which can change the flavour of the next inhalation on the cigarette.
  • a suitable flavour via the action of the release component 74, a more authentic experience which mirrors or emulates this change in flavour of a combustible cigarette can be provided to the user.
  • an aerosol delivery system 1 as described above can emulate this behaviour.
  • the controller 20 can activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the user moved the system 1 significantly after their last inhalation (e.g. moved it a distance corresponding to a movement from the mouth to the waist or rotated it by 90° or more), or based on the data indicating that the user has moved the system 1 significantly prior to the current inhalation (e.g. moved it a distance corresponding to a movement from the waist to the mouth or rotated it by 90° or more).
  • the controller 20 may be able to release an aerosolmodifying agent comprising suitable flavours (e.g.
  • the controller 20 is configured to not activate the release component 74, thereby causing the user to inhale an unmodified aerosol (i.e. an aerosol that hasn’t been modified to be smokier). This may provide the user with a more intuitive experience.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on data which relates to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 during a pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the pre-aerosol generation time period may be a period of time before power is supplied to the aerosol generator 48, or a period of time before a user indicated that power should be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. the time before a button is pressed or a puff sensor is triggered).
  • the controller 20 is configured to determine whether or not to activate the release component 74 based on the movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 during this phase of operation prior to aerosol generation.
  • the pre-aerosol generation time period is a period immediately preceding the supply of power to the aerosol generator, or a suitable user interaction (e.g. a button press or a puff sensor triggering event), and has a duration of between 5 and 30 seconds.
  • the pre-aerosol generation time period does not include a period immediately preceding the supply of power to the aerosol generator, or a suitable user interaction, and instead relates to a time period starting at least 1 second before the start of the supply of power to the aerosol generator, or a suitable user interaction (e.g. a button press or a puff sensor triggering event).
  • the pre-aerosol generation time period relates to a time period starting at least 2 seconds before the start of the supply of power to the aerosol generator, or a suitable user interaction. By excluding the immediately preceding time, the pre-aerosol generation time period defines movement or position of the aerosol delivery system 1 in an initial or resting phase prior to the user moving the device for use.
  • the controller 20 is configured to perform a determination of whether to activate the release component 74 upon determining that power is to be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (e.g. in response to a suitable user interaction such as a button press, or detection of an inhalation). In some examples, the controller 20 is configured to perform a determination of whether to activate the release component 74 prior to determining that power is to be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 (for example, as discussed above the controller 20 may pre-select a mode of operation based on the data indicating particular behaviour).
  • the controller 20 is configured to continually or periodically perform a determination of whether to activate the release component 74 during a next activation of the aerosol generator 48 (in other words, the controller 20 is configured to predetermine or pre select the operation of the release component 74).
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 is closer to vertical than horizontal during the pre-aerosol generation time period (for example, as shown in Figure 3b).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be (substantially) parallel to vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 is closer to horizontal than vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period (for example, as shown in Figure 3b).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be (substantially) parallel to horizontal during the preaerosol generation time period.
  • vertical and horizontal it is meant vertical and horizontal with respect to gravity.
  • the controller performs the determination based on data measured during a resting or initial position, in contrast to a use or inhalation position (in which the user is able to inhale on the system 1).
  • the data indicating the position (e.g. orientation) of the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 relative to vertical and horizontal is data identifying an initial or rest position of the aerosol delivery system 1 prior to the user moving the system 1 for another inhalation.
  • the determination by the controller 20 is made based on the position the user holds the system 1 in, between two puffs.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that a threshold movement value has been exceeded.
  • a threshold movement value may be relate to a parameter defining an aspect of the movement of the device. The threshold movement value allows for a numerical comparison between the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system, and a threshold.
  • the controller 20 may process or analyse the data to determine one or more comparison values which are compared to the threshold movement value, with the controller 20 activating the release component 74 if any of the one or more comparison values exceed the threshold movement value (i.e. the data indicated that the threshold movement value has been exceeded).
  • the senor 24 is configured to measure data relating to a rotation of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the threshold movement value can be a rotation angle.
  • the data may relate to the rotation or orientation of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. with respect to the longitudinal axis), and can be used to determine whether the system 1 has been rotated more that the threshold movement value which defines a rotation angle.
  • the threshold movement value is a rotation angle of at least 70°.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 if the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 indicates that the system has been rotated by more than the threshold movement value (e.g. a rotation angle of at least 70°).
  • this will allow aerosol-modifying agent to be released when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3c to Figure 3a (a rotation of more than 70°), but not when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3b to Figure 3a (a rotation of less than 70°).
  • the senor 24 is configured to measure data relating to a translational movement of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the threshold movement value can be distance value, such as a scalar distance value, which can indicate a distance the aerosol delivery system 1 has moved or been translated. In other words, the data may indicate the position of the system 1 at different times, and how far the system 1 has moved.
  • the threshold movement value is a scalar distance value of at least 30 cm.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 if the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 indicates that the system has been moved by more than the threshold movement value (e.g. more than 30cm).
  • this will allow aerosol-modifying agent to be released when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3c to Figure 3a (a movement of more than 30 cm for most users), but not when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3b to Figure 3a (a movement of less than 30 cm for most users).
  • the senor 24 is configured to measure data relating to a duration of movement of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the threshold movement value can be time value, which can indicate the time or duration over which the system has moved (e.g. from a rest position to a use position).
  • the threshold movement value is a time value of at least 0.1 seconds).
  • the threshold movement value is a time value of at least 0.3 seconds.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 if the data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 indicates that the system has been moved for a duration that is longer than the threshold movement value (e.g. moved for a duration of more than 0.1 or 0.3 seconds).
  • this will allow aerosol-modifying agent to be released when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3c to Figure 3a (a movement taking more than 0.1 seconds and typically more than 0.3 seconds), but not when the system 1 moves from the position shown in Figure 3b to Figure 3a (a movement typically taking less than 0.1 seconds).
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 based on a combination of threshold movement values determined from two or more of data relating to a duration of movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. a time value), data relating to a translational movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. a distance value), and data relating to a rotation of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. a rotation angle). It will be appreciated that in other examples, the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component 74 to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that a threshold movement value has been exceeded and additional data not directly linked to a movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. a current status or mode of the device, a user input, or an estimated value of usage of aerosol-modifying agent in an article 8 or aerosol-generated material in a cartridge 4).
  • a threshold movement value determined from two or more of data relating to a duration of movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. a time value),
  • the controller 20 is configured to modify the activation of the release component 74 based on the number of times a predefined movement is detected based on the data. For example, the controller 20 may modify the amount of power supplied to the release component 74 or the duration during which power is supplied to the release component 74, in order to modify the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is released. In some examples, the controller 20 is configured to increase the activation of the release component 74 based on the number of times a predefined movement is detected. For example, each time the user moves the system 1 (e.g.
  • the controller 20 may increase (or decrease) an amount of aerosol-modifying agent released in a subsequent inhalation (if the release component is activated), to mimic the change in flavour and experience of a combustible cigarette which is reaching the end of a session (i.e. which burns to becoming shorter thereby reducing the proportions of tobacco that the generated smoke passes through) .
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the cumulative activation of the aerosol generator 48 within a period of time. For example, the controller 20 may modify the amount of power supplied to the release component 74 or the duration during which power is supplied to the release component 74, in order to modify the amount of aerosol-modifying agent that is released. For example, the controller 20 may increase (or decrease) an amount of aerosol-modifying agent released in a subsequent inhalation, if the release component is activated, to mimic a change in flavour and experience of a combustible cigarette (i.e. which burns to becoming shorter thereby reducing the proportions of tobacco that the generated smoke passes through).
  • a combustible cigarette i.e. which burns to becoming shorter thereby reducing the proportions of tobacco that the generated smoke passes through.
  • the controller 20 may prohibit or restrict generation of aerosol (i.e. prevent power being supplied to the aerosol generator 48) when the cumulative activation of the aerosol generator within the period of time exceeds a threshold, in order to mimic the end of a session on a combustible cigarette.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a second aerosolmodifying agent different to the aerosol-modifying agent (which may be termed a first aerosol-modifying agent), and a second release component (e.g. different to the release component 74 which can be termed a first release component 74).
  • the second release component is configured to release the second aerosol-modifying agent and may be provided in a substantially similar way to the first release component.
  • the use of two different aerosol-modifying agents may allow for the aerosol to be modified in different ways in response to different stimulus, or may allow for the aerosol to be modified differently over time or a sequence of puffs (e.g. to mimic the experience of a combustible cigarette as it burns towards a filter).
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the second release component to release the second aerosol-modifying agent based on the data.
  • the configuration or operation of the controller 20 with respect to the second release component is substantially similar to the configuration or operation of the controller 20 with respect to the first release component.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the second release component based on the data indicating different movements, events or stimuli (e.g. exceeding or not exceeding different movement threshold values).
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the second release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 is closer to vertical than horizontal during the pre-aerosol generation time period (for example, as shown in Figure 3b).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be (substantially) parallel to vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate the second release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery system 1 is closer to horizontal than vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period (for example, as shown in Figure 3b).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be (substantially) parallel to horizontal during the preaerosol generation time period.
  • the controller 20 is configured to activate one of the (first) release component 74 and the second release component based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to vertical than horizontal during the pre-aerosol generation time period, and the controller 20 is configured to activate the other one of the (first) release component 74 and the second release component based on the data indicating that the longitudinal axis is closer to horizontal than vertical during the pre-aerosol generation time period.
  • the controller 20 may be configured to cause the aerosol to be modified in a first way in response to a first stimulus (i.e. longitudinal axis closer to vertical during a rest or initial position) and may be configured to cause the aerosol to be modified in a second way in response to a second stimulus (i.e. longitudinal axis closer to horizontal during a rest or initial position), which can provide more variability in a user’s experience.
  • the first aerosol-modifying agent comprises a first flavour
  • the second aerosol-modifying agent comprises a second flavour.
  • control circuitry 20 (sometimes called controller 20) is configured to (1) determine from motion detection signals (e.g. data) received from the motion sensor whether a particular behaviour has occurred (e.g. predefined movement recognised or a threshold exceeded), and (2) to activate a release component 74 (or a secondary release component) based on the determination (e.g. when a user next inhales on the device).
  • motion detection signals e.g. data
  • a particular behaviour e.g. predefined movement recognised or a threshold exceeded
  • a release component 74 or a secondary release component
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for operating an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure (for examples, an aerosol delivery system 1 as described above with respect to Figures 1 , 2 and 3a-c).
  • the method begins at step 410 with receiving by the controller 20, data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • a controller 20 in accordance with the present disclosure can receive data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system 1 from a motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer or a gyroscope).
  • the data can indicate, for example, an initial position of the system or a movement of the system prior to the activation of an aerosol generator 48 (e.g. which may be activated in response to a user triggering a puff sensor 16 by inhaling or the user pressing a button).
  • a controller 20 in accordance with the present disclosure can determine if a release component 74 should be activated based on the data and activate the release component 784 during a next activation of an aerosol generator 48.
  • the controller 20 may preselect or predetermine whether the release component 74 should be activated based on the data indicating particular behaviour in an intra puff period.
  • the controller 20 may determine whether the release component 74 should be activated based on the data indicating particular behaviour prior to the start of a current aerosol generation event (e.g. the start of the supply of power.
  • the data may indicate if a threshold movement value has been exceeded, with the controller 20 activating or not activating the release component 74 based on whether or not the threshold movement value has been exceeded.
  • an aerosol generated by an aerosol generator 48 can be changed to provide a varied experience to a user.
  • the release of aerosol-modifying agent may be provided to mimic smoking a combustible cigarette such as by releasing additional flavours into the aerosol in response to particular behaviour, to create an experience that is more closely aligned to smoking the combustible cigarette.
  • embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to an article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system, and an aerosol delivery system containing the article, where the article comprises: an inlet for receiving aerosol generated by an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system; an outlet; a channel providing a hollow air path extending from the inlet to the outlet; and a coating comprising an aerosolmodifying agent for modifying the aerosol, wherein the coating is provided on a surface of the channel.
  • Said embodiments are advantageous in that aerosol-modifying agent of the article can modify an aerosol produced by an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system, without the article increasing the resistance to draw of the aerosol delivery system (i.e. the resistance to draw when a user inhales on the system).
  • an article as described below also allows for customization of the user’s experience, in that it allows for the release of an aerosol-modifying agent into the hollow air path to change a characteristic of an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may add a flavour or active ingredient to the aerosol, and or may modify a taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through an aerosol delivery system T provided in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system T of Figure 5 is adapted to aerosolise a liquid aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid) and to modify the aerosol via an aerosol-modifying agent in an article.
  • a liquid aerosol-generating material sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to aerosol delivery system T adapted to vaporise liquid aerosol-generating material.
  • the principles of the present disclosure could be implement in aerosol delivery devices adapted to vaporise a solid or gel aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol delivery system T shown in Figure 5 comprises three main components, namely an aerosol delivery device 2’, a replaceable I disposable cartridge 4’, and an article 8’ (which also provides a mouthpiece).
  • the aerosol delivery system T of Figure 5’ is an example of a modular construction of an aerosol delivery system T.
  • the aerosol delivery device 2’ and the cartridge 4’ are able to engage with or disengage from one another at a first interface 6’, while the cartridge 4’ comprises an opening 50’ into which the article 8’ can be at least partly inserted.
  • the principles of the present disclosure also apply to other constructions of the aerosol delivery system T, such as one-part or unitary constructions where the device 2’, cartridge 4’ and article 8’ may be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2’ is provided with an integrally formed aerosol-generating material storage area), or, alternatively, constructions in which the both the cartridge 4’ and the article 8’ are configured to directly engage with (and disengage from) the aerosol delivery device 2’ (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2’ can engage (and disengage) to the cartridge 4’ via the first interface 6’, and the aerosol provision device 2’ can comprises an opening into which the article 8’ can be inserted (or the article 8 may be attached to the cartridge 4’ or aerosol delivery device 2’ by a different mechanism or means).
  • the aerosol delivery system T is generally elongate and cylindrical in shape.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may be sized so as to approximate a conventional cigarette.
  • the general size and shape of the aerosol delivery system T is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol provision device 2’ may be based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.
  • the device 2’ comprises components that are generally intended to have a longer lifetime than the cartridge 4’ and the article 8’. In other words, the device 2’ is intended to be used, sequentially, with multiple cartridges 4’ and I or articles 8’.
  • the cartridge 4’ comprises components (such as aerosol-generating material) that are consumed when forming an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol delivery system T.
  • Article 8’ also comprises components (i.e. the aerosol-modifying agent) that are consumed or exhausted over time (e.g. either actively or passively when aerosol is delivered to the user during use of the device).
  • the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4’ and the article 8’ may have similar lifetimes (e.g. close to 1 :1), whereas in other examples the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4’ and the article 8’ may have different lifetimes (e.g. 1 :2 or greater).
  • the device 2’ and the cartridge 4’ are releasably coupled together at the first interface 6’.
  • the cartridge 4’ may be removed from the device 2’ and a replacement cartridge 4’ attached to the device 2’ in its place.
  • the first interface 6’ provides a structural connection between the device 2’ and cartridge 4’ and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the first interface 6’ may also provide an electrical coupling between the device 2’ and the cartridge 4’ using suitable electrical contacts. The electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the cartridge 4’.
  • the cartridge 4’ may be refillable. That is, the cartridge 4’ may be refilled with aerosol-generating material when the cartridge 4’ is depleted, using an appropriate mechanism such as a one-way refilling valve or the like (not shown). The cartridge 4’ may be removed from the device 2’ in order to be refilled. In other examples, the cartridge 4’ may be configured so as to be refilled while attached to the device 2’.
  • the cartridge 4’ and the article 8’ are releasably coupled together via the opening 50’ of the cartridge.
  • the article 8’ may be removed from the opening 50’ of the cartridge 4’ and a replacement article 8’ can be attached to the cartridge 4’ in its place (e.g. by inserting it into the opening 50’).
  • a connection between the cartridge 4’ and article 8’ may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the connection between the cartridge 4’ and the article is sometimes called a second interface.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may be designed to be disposable once the aerosol-generating material and I or the substance is exhausted.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may be provided with a suitable mechanism, such as a one-way valve or the like, to enable the integrated cartridge 4’ (or integrated aerosol-generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol-generating material, and to enable the integrated article 8’ to be refilled with aerosol-modifying agent (e.g. by allowing an aerosol-modifying component/agent to be reapplied to a surface).
  • the cartridge part 4’ comprises a cartridge housing 42’, an aerosol-generating material storage area 44’, a (first) aerosol generator 48’, an aerosol-generating material transport component 46’, an outlet or opening 50’ (discussed above), and an air path 52’.
  • the cartridge housing 42’ supports other components of the cartridge 4’ and provides the mechanical interface 6’ with the device 2’.
  • the cartridge housing 42’ is formed from a suitable material, such as a plastics material or a metal material.
  • the cartridge housing 42’ is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4’ couples to the device 2’.
  • the cartridge 4’ has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm.
  • the cartridge 4’ comprises a first end, broadly defined by the interface 6’, and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the opening 50’.
  • the second end including the opening 50’ is intended to be connected to the article 8’, which in turn provides a mouthpiece configured to be received in / by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4’.
  • an aerosol-generating material storage area 44’ (also sometimes call a reservoir 44’).
  • the cartridge 4’, or more particularly the reservoir 44’, of Figure 5 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, which may be referred to herein as a source liquid, e-liquid or liquid.
  • the source liquid may be broadly conventional, and may contain nicotine and I or other active ingredients, and I or one or more flavours, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may contain no nicotine.
  • the reservoir 44’ in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42’ and an inner wall that defines the air path 52’ through the cartridge 4’.
  • the reservoir 44’ is closed at each end with end walls to contain the liquid.
  • the reservoir 44’ may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42’.
  • the cartridge 4’ further comprises an first aerosol generator 48’.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the source liquid).
  • the cartridge 4’ comprises the aerosol-generating material transport component 46’, which is configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44’ (e.g., reservoir 44’) to the first aerosol generator 48’.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport component 46’ may not be required, particularly in implementations where the first aerosol generator 48’ is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area 44’.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ is a heater 48’.
  • the heater 48’ is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the heater 48’ may take the form of an electrically resistive wire or trace intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof, or a susceptor element which is intended to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46’ is configured to transport aerosolgenerating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44’ (reservoir 44’) to the first aerosol generator 48’.
  • the nature of the aerosol-generating material may dictate the form of the aerosol-generating material transport element 46’.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46’ is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol-generating material using capillary action or a suitable pumping mechanism or the like.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46’ may comprise a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or a bundle of fibres (e.g., glass or cotton fibres) capable of transporting liquid I viscous gel using capillary action.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ is a heater 48’ taking the form of a coil of metal wire, such as a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46’ in the implementation of Figure 5 is a wick 46’ taking the form of a bundle of fibres, such as glass fibres.
  • the heater 48’ is wound around the wick 46’ approximately in a central region thereof as seen in Figure 5 such that the heater 48’ is provided in the proximity of the wick 46’ and therefore any liquid held in the wick 46’.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ may comprise a porous ceramic wick 46’ and an electrically conductive track disposed on a surface of the porous ceramic wick acting as the heater 48’.
  • the heater 48’ and wick 46’ may be combined into a single component, e.g., a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
  • the heater 48’ and wick 46’ are located towards an end of the reservoir 44’.
  • the wick 46’ extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52’ with its ends extending into the reservoir 44’ of liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44’.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44’ are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46’ to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44’ into the cartridge air path 52’ without unduly compressing the wick 46’, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46’ is therefore configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 44’ to the vicinity of the heater 48’ via a capillary effect.
  • the wick 46’ and heater 48’ are arranged in the cartridge air path 52’ such that a region of the cartridge air path 52’ provided around the wick 46’ and heater 48’ in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge 4’.
  • This vaporisation region is the region of the cartridge 4’ where vapour is initially generated.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the heater 48’ to vaporise an amount of liquid drawn to the vicinity of the heater 48’ by the wick 46’.
  • Aerosol formed from the vapour is delivered to the user via the mouthpiece of the article 8’.
  • the user may place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the article 8’ and draw air I aerosol through the system T and out of cartridge 4’ and into the article 8’ via the opening 50’. More specifically, air is drawn into and along the air path 52’, past the heater 48’ where aerosol is entrained into the drawn air, and the combined aerosol I air is then leaves the cartridge 4’ towards the user through the opening 50’.
  • the device 2’ comprises an outer housing 12’, an optional indicator 14’ (i.e. an output mechanism), an inhalation sensor 16’ located within a chamber 18’, a controller or control circuitry 20’, a power source 26’, an air inlet 28’ and an air path 30’.
  • the device part 2’ comprises an outer housing 12’ with an opening that defines an air inlet 28’ for the aerosol delivery system T, a power source 26’ for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system T, a controller or control circuitry 20’ for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system T, and an inhalation sensor (puff detector) 16’ located in a chamber 18’.
  • the device 2’ further comprises an optional indicator 14’.
  • the outer housing 12’ may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross-section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 4’ so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6’.
  • the device 2’ has a length of around 6 cm so the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1 ’ when the cartridge 4’ and device 2’ are coupled together (without the articles 8’) is around 10 cm.
  • the overall shape and scale of an aerosol delivery system T implementing the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • the outer housing 12’ further comprises an air inlet 28’ which connects to an air path 30’ provided through the device 2’.
  • the device air path 30’ in turn connects to the cartridge air path 52’ across the interface 6’ when the device 2’ and cartridge 4’ are connected together.
  • the interface 6’ is also arranged to provide a connection of the respective air paths 30’ and 52’, such that air and/or aerosol is able to pass along the coupled air paths 30’, 52’.
  • the device 2’ does not comprise an air path 30’ and instead the cartridge 4’ comprises the air path 52’ and a suitable air inlet which permits air to enter into the air path 52’ when the cartridge 4’ and device 2’ are coupled.
  • the power source 26’ in this example is a battery 26’.
  • the battery 26’ may be rechargeable and may be of a broadly conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in aerosol delivery devices and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the battery 26’ may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
  • the battery 26’ may be recharged through a suitable charging connector provided at or in the outer housing 12’, for example a USB connector.
  • the device 2’ may comprise suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 26’.
  • the power source 26’ may be an alternative component suitable for storing energy such as a super capacitor.
  • the control circuitry or control unit 20’ is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system T.
  • the control circuitry 20’ may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol delivery system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip.
  • the control circuitry 20’ may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol delivery system T.
  • the functionality may include the charging or re-charging of the battery 26’, the discharging of the battery 26’ (e.g., for providing power to the heater 48’), in addition to other functionality such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) I displays, communication functionality for communicating with external devices, etc.
  • the control circuitry 20’ may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • control circuitry 20’ may be split across multiple circuit boards and I or across components which are not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and I or PCBs can be located as appropriate within the aerosol provision device 2’.
  • functionality of the control circuit 20’ for controlling the (re)charging functionality of the battery 26’ may be provided separately (e.g. on a different PCB) from the functionality for controlling the discharge of the battery 26’.
  • the interface 6’ provides an electrical connection between the device 2’ and the cartridge 4’. More particularly, electrical contacts on the device 2’, which are coupled to the power source 26’, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the heater 48’. Accordingly, under suitable control by the control circuitry 20’, electrical power from the power source 26’ is able to be supplied from the power source 26’ to the heater 48’, thereby energising the heater 48’ and allowing the heater 48’ to vaporise liquid in the proximity of the heater 48’ held in the wick 46’.
  • the aerosol provision device 2’ comprises a chamber 18’ containing the inhalation sensor 16’, which in this example is a pressure sensor.
  • the pressure sensor 16’ is in fluid communication with the air path 30’ in the device 2’ (e.g. the chamber 18’ branches off from the air path 30’ in the device 2’).
  • the pressure sensor 16’ detects a change (a drop) in the pressure within chamber 18’. If the drop in pressure is sufficient, the pressure sensor 16’ (or control circuitry 20’ coupled thereto) detects a user inhalation.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may be controlled to generate aerosol in response to detecting an inhalation by a user. That is, when the pressure sensor 16’ detects a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber 18’, the control circuitry 20’ responds by causing electrical power to be supplied from the battery 26’ to the first aerosol generator 48’ sufficient to cause vaporisation of the liquid held within the wick 46’. This is an example of an aerosol delivery system which is said to be “puff actuated”.
  • the pressure sensor 16’ may be used to start and I or end the power supply to the heater 48’ (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of an inhalation).
  • the inhalation sensor 16’ may be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales on the mouthpiece end of the system T and subsequently draws air along the air path 30’. Accordingly, the presence of the chamber 18’ is optional and its presence may depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16’. For example, an air flow sensor may sit in the air flow path 30’, the airflow path 52’ of the cartridge 4’, or an airflow path 54’ of the article 8’.
  • the aerosol provision device 2’ includes a button or other user actuatable mechanism.
  • the control circuitry 20’ caused power to be supplied to the heater 48’ as described above.
  • the button may be used to start and I or end power supply to the heater 48’ (e.g. when the button is released by the user).
  • both a button (or other user actuatable mechanism) and an inhalation sensor 16’ may be used to control the delivery of power to the heater 48’, e.g., by requiring both the button press and a pressure drop indicative of an inhalation to be present before supplying power to the heater 48’.
  • the device 2’ may include a motion sensor such as a conventional solid- state accelerometer, for example a three-axis MEMS accelerometer of the kind frequently used in handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and games console controllers.
  • a motion sensor may operate in accordance with conventional techniques in terms of how it is arranged to generate motion detection signals indicating when the device undergoes acceleration. More generally, A motion sensor may comprise any form of motion detecting technology for detecting motion of an object.
  • acceleration is used herein to encompasses both acceleration and deceleration, that is to say, the acceleration may be positive or negative along any given direction.
  • control circuitry 20’ is further configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described herein to control an operation of the aerosol provision device 2’, based on signals received from a motion sensor.
  • the aerosol provision device 2’ further comprises an optional indicator 14’ (i.e. an output mechanism).
  • the indicator 14’ may be provided for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery device T.
  • the indicator 14’ may indicate information such as whether the first aerosol generator 48’ is currently active, a remaining battery life (of the battery 26’), total number of activations of the first aerosol generator 48’, amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 44’, etc.
  • the indicator 14’ may display operational parameters of the aerosol provision device 2’.
  • the indicator 14’ may be provided in conjunction with an input mechanism (such as one or more buttons or a touch screen display) which may allow operational parameters to be programmed and/or settings of the aerosol delivery device T to be changed.
  • the indicator 14’ may be a visual indication (such as a display or one or more LEDs), an audio indicator (such as a speaker) or a haptic indictor (such as a haptic motor).
  • the aerosol-generating material is heated to form an aerosol, e.g., via a heater 48’, and thus also the temperature of the generated aerosol may be raised above ambient through the vaporisation, this is not the only way in which the temperature of an aerosol may be elevated above ambient temperature.
  • the first aerosol generator 48’ may indirectly cause heating of the aerosolgenerating material during generation of the aerosol.
  • an additional heater provided downstream of the first aerosol generator 48’ (with respect to the flow of air I aerosol during an inhalation) may be provided to cause the aerosol to be heated prior to exiting the aerosol delivery system T.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to aerosol delivery systems T that comprise a heater as the first aerosol generator 48’.
  • the aerosol delivery system T is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, and comprises a rechargeable power source and recharging circuitry. Furthermore, the aerosol delivery system T is configured to modify an aerosol via a coating comprising an aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the article 8’ comprises an article housing 62’, a channel 64’, a coating 66’, a hollow air path 54’, an article inlet 56’ of the air path 54’, an article outlet 58’ of the airflow path 54’.
  • the article housing 62’ is formed from a suitable material, such as a paper material, plastics material or a metal material.
  • the article housing 62’ may also sometimes be called a shell, casing or wrapper.
  • the article housing 62’ is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the article 8’ couples to the cartridge 4’.
  • the article 8’ has a length of around 2 cm and a diameter of around 1 cm.
  • the overall length of the aerosol delivery system T when the cartridge 4’, device 2’ and article 8’ are coupled together is around 11 cm (with the article 8’ being received around 50% of the way into the cartridge 4’).
  • the article 8’ is defined by a length extending along the longitudinal axis of the article 8’ between the inlet 56’ and the outlet 58’, where the length is in the range of 5 mm to 60 mm. In some examples, the length is in the range of 10 to 50 mm.
  • the article housing 62’ provides or defines a tubular shape of the article 8’ (e.g. defining a structure of the article 8’), and which further defines a channel 64’ (i.e. the interior of the tubular shape) providing an aerosol pathway 54’ extending from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’.
  • the article housing 62’ is provided by a material such as a paper material which is arranged to provide said tubular shape (e.g. by folding a longitudinally extending sheet of paper material to contact itself along a long edge of the sheet).
  • article means may be in the form of a structure (e.g. a tubular or planar structure) defining the article.
  • the article 8’ comprises a first end, broadly defined by the second interface 9’ and including the article air inlet 56’ (sometimes called a first inlet, air inlet, or aerosol inlet), and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the article air outlet 58’ (sometimes called a first outlet, air outlet, aerosol outlet or mouthpiece outlet).
  • the second end including the air outlet 58’ is intended to be provided as part of a mouthpiece configured to be received in I by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the article 8.
  • the article housing 62’ is tubular such that the article housing 62’ defines a peripheral or circumferential wall between two open ends which provide the air inlet 56’ and the air outlet 58’, respectively.
  • inlet and outlet means may be in the form of apertures provided by respective open ends of article means in the form of a tubular structure.
  • the channel 64’ providing the air path 54’ extends between the air (or first) inlet 56’ and the air (or first) outlet 58’, such that aerosol entering via the air inlet 56’ is able to move along the air path 54’ towards, and out of, the air outlet 58’.
  • the air inlet 56’ and the air outlet 58’ may be fluidly connected by a channel 64’ (providing the airflow path 54’) defined by the inner surface of a circumferential wall of a tubular article housing 62’.
  • Channel means may be in the form of one or more pathways extending within the structure of the article means (e.g. the channel means may be a central pathway extending from the inlet means to the outlet means).
  • the air inlet 56’ is configured to fluidly connect to (e.g. be inserted into) the opening 50’ and air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ such that aerosol (and I or air) within the air path 52’ can flow into the air path 54’ via the air inlet 56’.
  • the connection of the air inlet 56’ of the article 8’ and the opening 50’ of the cartridge 4’ is facilitated by the insertion of the article 8’ into the air path 52’ of the article via the opening 50’.
  • the air path 54’ of the article 8’ and the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ will be fluidly connected such that an aerosol may flow between them (i.e. from the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ to the air path 54’ of the article 8’ in response to an inhalation of the user on the mouthpiece outlet 58’).
  • the air path 54’ is substantially unobstructed or unrestricted (e.g. the air path 54’ may be provided by an open tube structure) such that there is a low (or negligible) resistance to draw along the air path 54’.
  • the air path 54’ can be described as hollow or empty (i.e. and hence is sometimes called a hollow air path), in that the air path is not filled with material between the inlet 56’ and the outlet 58’.
  • surfaces e.g. the channel 64’ or coating 66’
  • defining the boundaries of the air path 54’ between the inlet 56’ and the outlet 58’ may comprise features which have an impact on the air flow within the air path 54’, these features do not block the entirety of the cross-section of the air path 54’.
  • the air path 54’ is configured to have a resistance to draw that is less than a resistance to draw through the air path of the cartridge 4’ and /or device 2’ such that the article 8’ does not determine the resistance to draw of the aerosol delivery system T (which is typically determined by the section of the aerosol delivery system having the highest resistance to draw).
  • An article 8’ in accordance with Figure 6, may have an elongated shape which is configured to be inserted into the channel defining the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’.
  • the direction of elongation can be considered a longitudinal axis of the article 8’ and aligns with the insertion direction and the direction of air flow within the air path 52’.
  • the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ may be provided by an inner wall of an annular reservoir 44’ which has an opening 50’ at one end.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the article 8’ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the opening 50’ and the channel forming the air path 52’ (at least for an initial downstream portion) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to allow the article 8’ to be inserted into the opening 50’ and channel 52’.
  • the article 8’ and the opening 50’ and I or the channel defining the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ have substantially similar (e.g. matching) cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e. perpendicular to the insertion direction), with the article 8’ having a smaller sized shape at least at an insertion end (i.e. the end comprising the air inlet 56’).
  • the cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 8’ and the opening 50’ and I or the channel defining the air path 52’ may be circular, with circular cross-section of the article 8’ having a smaller diameter than the opening 50’ and I or the channel defining the air path 52’.
  • the size of the cross-section of the article 8’ (at least at an insertion end comprising the air inlet 56’) may be slightly smaller than that of the opening 50’ and I or the channel defining the air path 52’ in order to allow insertion whilst also creating an interference fit between the article 8’ and the opening 50’ and I or the channel defining the air path 52’.
  • the opening 50’ or the channel defining the air path 52’ may have a different cross-sectional shape to that of the article 8’.
  • the article 8’ may be cylindrical the opening 50’ or the channel may comprise a number of protrusions or ridges (and therefore the channel is not cylindrical, or may only be substantially cylindrical when an overall shape is considered) which extend into the air path and contact the article 8’ when the article 8’ is inserted.
  • These protrusions or ridges may retain the article 8’ in place (e.g. they may be separated from each other by distances comparable to corresponding points on the outer surface of the article 8’).
  • Said protrusions may allow airflow along an outside of the article 8’ between the protrusions.
  • the article 8’ comprises a housing 62’, an air path 54’ having an air inlet 56’ and an air outlet 58’.
  • the article 8’ also comprises a coating 66’ comprising an aerosolmodifying agent for modifying an aerosol (e.g. an aerosol received from an aerosol delivery device comprising the device 2’ and cartridge 4’).
  • the coating 66’ is provided as a layer adjacent to an internal or inner surface of the housing 62’ (e.g. an inner surface of a tubular housing 62’ defining the channel 64’).
  • an internal or inner surface it is meant the surface (of the channel 64’) defining or bordering the air path 54’.
  • the coating 66’ is provided on a surface of the channel (e.g.
  • the coating 66’ comprises the aerosol-modifying agent which is a substance that is configured to modify the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be released from the coating 66’ into the air path 54’ to mix with aerosol in the air path 54’ and I or the aerosol in the air path 54’ may contact the coating 66’ (e.g. aerosol particles may impact the coating 66’, or pass through or adjacent to the coating 66’) and interact with the aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the aerosol and I or air passing adjacent the aerosol generator 48’ are hot in comparison to article 8’ (and ambient). Energy from the relatively hot aerosol and /or air can be transferred to the coating 66’ to heat up the coating 66’, which can increase the release of aerosol-modifying agent into the air path 54’ and/ or the interaction of the aerosol with the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent comprises, for example, a flavourant, an active substance and I or a further substance, such as substance configured to chemically alter one or more compounds (e.g. a substance which causes a chemical reaction such as acidification or basification) of the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • a flavourant and I or an active substance may already be present in the initial aerosol, with the aerosol-modifying agent providing an additional flavourant and I or an active substance to the initial aerosol, thereby increasing the relative proportion of the flavourant and I or an active substance in the aerosol, which may be perceived as increasing the strength of the aerosol inhaled by the user.
  • a new flavourant and /or active substance may be added to the aerosol by the aerosol-modifying agent, thereby introducing a new taste or experience for the user.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may comprise an acid which is introduced into the air path 54’ and which causes protonation of a component of the initial aerosol.
  • the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’ comprises nicotine
  • the aerosol-modifying agent consists of, or comprises, a compound for protonating nicotine (e.g. an acid). This may reduce the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent consists of, or comprises, a compound configured to deprotonate a component of the initial aerosol (such as nicotine), which may increase the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be configured to modify a number of aspects of the aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness) rather than a single aspect.
  • the coating 66’ is provided as a wax or lacquer (or varnish).
  • coating means in the form of a wax or lacquer are provided in the structure of the article means.
  • the coating 66’ comprises a plant wax and / or a synthetic wax.
  • the coating comprises a wax material having a melting point in a range of above 90°C. In some examples, the coating comprises a wax material having a melting point in a range of above 100°C.
  • the wax or lacquer material is a substrate material in which the aerosol-modifying agent can be provided when the wax or lacquer is in a liquid form (i.e. prior to drying of the wax or lacquer on the channel 64’).
  • the wax or lacquer is configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent when the wax or lacquer are heated to a temperature of more than 60°C. In some examples, the wax or lacquer is configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent when the wax or lacquer are heated to a temperature of more than 80° C.
  • the wax or lacquer material is heated to a sufficient temperature to release aerosol-modifying agent residing within the wax or lacquer material without melting the wax or lacquer material.
  • the temperature is sufficient to warm the wax or lacquer material while the material substantially maintains its structural form rather than melting the material.
  • the wax or lacquer is heated to a temperature which is less than a melting temperature.
  • the wax or lacquer is heated to a temperature which is less than 120° C.
  • the wax or lacquer is heated to a temperature which is less than 100° C.
  • the coating 66’ is provided as a gel.
  • the gel provides a substrate material in which the aerosol-modifying agent can be provided.
  • the gel comprises one or more binders for forming the gel (i.e. for causing gelification of a solution).
  • the one or more binders comprise (or are) one or more compounds selected from polysaccharide gelling agents, such as alginate, pectin, starch or a derivative thereof, cellulose or a derivative thereof, pullulan, carrageenan, agar and agarose; gelatin; gums, such as xanthan gum, guar gum and acacia gum; silica or silicone compounds, such as PDMS and sodium silicate; clays, such as kaolin; and polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the one or more binders comprises (or is) one or more polysaccharide gelling agents, selected from alginate, pectin, starch or a derivative thereof, or cellulose or a derivative thereof.
  • the polysaccharide gelling agent is selected from alginate and a cellulose derivative.
  • cellulosic binders also referred to herein as cellulosic gelling agents or cellulose derivatives
  • cellulosic binders include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
  • the cellulose or derivative thereof is selected from hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
  • CMC carboxymethylcellulose
  • HPMC hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
  • CAP cellulose acetate propionate
  • the cellulose derivative is CMC.
  • the binder comprises (or is) alginate and/or pectin, and may be combined with a setting agent (such as a calcium source) during formation of the aerosolisable formulation.
  • a setting agent such as a calcium source
  • the aerosolisable formulation may comprise a calcium- crosslinked alginate and/or a calcium-crosslinked pectin.
  • the gel is configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent when the wax or lacquer are heated to above a temperature in a range of between 30 °C and 70°C. In some examples, the gel is configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent when the wax or lacquer are heated to above a temperature in a range of between 40 °C and 60 °C.
  • the coating precursor material can be applied to a surface of the channel 64’ in a liquid form and subsequently dried to form a solid (wax or lacquer) or gel state coating 66’.
  • the coating precursor material can be air dried, and I or dried using heat.
  • the coating 66’ is provided on the entire inner surface of the housing 62’ (e.g. coating the whole of the inner surface of the channel 64’).
  • the air path 54’ is substantially linear in that there are no protrusions or other features in the channel 64’ which disrupt the flow of air/aerosol through the air path 54’.
  • a linear air path can be defined as an air path 54’ having a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air path 54’ (or article 8’ or channel 64’) which does not change between the air inlet 56’ and the air outlet 58’.
  • the air path 54’ may be circularly symmetric around a longitudinal axis extending between the air inlet 56’ and air outlet 58’.
  • the air path 54’ is a non-linear air path 54’, in that the cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air path 54’ (or article 8’ or channel 64’) changes between the air inlet 56’ and the air outlet 58’.
  • the coating is provided around a circumference of the surface of the channel.
  • the coating may be provided around substantially the whole of the circumference of at least a portion of the housing 62’ (e.g. continuously without a gap or with only a small gap).
  • the coating 66’ is provided on one or more distinct portions of the inner- surface of the housing 62’ (e.g. coating separate and distinct portions of the inner surface of the channel 64’).
  • an coating 66’ may be provided in one or more strips.
  • the one or more strips may be provided as one or more longitudinally extending strips which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the channel 64’.
  • the one or more longitudinally extending strips which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of channel 64’ have a constant width and depth and extend from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’ (and hence the air path 54’ is linear).
  • the one or more longitudinally extending strips which are aligned with the longitudinal axis of channel 64’ do not have a constant width (transverse to the channel 64’ surface) and/ or depth (tangential to the channel 64’ surface), and may or may not extend from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’ (and hence the air path 54’ is not linear).
  • the depth and I or the width of a strip may increase or decrease from the air inlet 56’ towards the air outlet 58’, to alter the dynamics of the air flow within the air path 54’.
  • the one or more strips may be provided as one or more bands extending around a whole, or a portion, of a circumference or periphery of the channel 64’.
  • the air path 54’ is non-linear in that the cross-section of the air path 54’ perpendicular to the longitudinal axis changes from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’.
  • the one or more bands comprise two or more regularly spaced bands within the channel 64’.
  • the three or more irregularly spaced bands within the channel with the spacing between the bands increasing or decreasing from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’, to alter the dynamics of the air flow within the air path 54’.
  • the one or more bands comprise two or more bands with a constant width (transverse to the channel 64’ surface) and/ or depth (tangential to the channel 64’ surface).
  • the channel 64’ comprises one or more protrusions (e.g. bumps, ridges, grooves, or bands as above) in the channel 64’ which disrupt the flow of air/aerosol through the air path 54’ (i.e. induce turbulent airflow in the air path 54’).
  • a protrusion it is meant a feature which extends into the air pathway 54’ from the surface of the channel 64’.
  • the protrusions can create or define a non-linear air path 54’, which may encourage interaction between the air in the air path 54’ and the aerosol-modifying agent in the coating 66’.
  • the protrusions, or other features comprise the coating 66’.
  • the coating 66’ is provided on the channel 64’ in distinct regions or portions to provide the protrusions.
  • the protrusions, or other features comprise a different material to the coatings such as a material that does not interact (i.e. is inert) with the air in the air path 54’.
  • the protrusion, or other features may be a part of the housing 62’ and may be formed integrally with the housing 62’.
  • the protrusion, or other features may be attached to the channel 64’ with adhesive or conventional means.
  • the one or more protrusions comprise regularly spaced protrusions on the surface of the channel 64’.
  • the protrusions may be provided in a pattern (e.g. a regular arrangement of dots) on the surface of the channel 64’.
  • each of the protrusions may have a substantially similar shape and size (e.g. the same shape and size within manufacturing tolerances).
  • the protrusions are irregularly (e.g. randomly) spaced on the surface of the channel 64’.
  • the protrusions may be deposited randomly on the surface of the channel 64’ (e.g. the protrusions may be formed by spraying of a precursor material which solidifies onto a surface of the channel 64’).
  • the protrusions may have substantially different shapes and sizes to each other.
  • the air path 54’ comprises a spiral portion configured to impart a rotational motion (in other words a spiral or vortex motion) to air flowing through the air path 54’.
  • the spiral portion may comprise one or more protrusions (e.g. in the form of guides, ridges and I or grooves) which are configured to direct air flow into a rotational motion as the air moves from the air inlet 56’ to the air outlet 58’.
  • the one or more protrusions may be provided to extend in a helix (i.e. a helical configuration) on the surface of the channel 64’ in the spiral portion (e.g. like a screw thread).
  • the one or more protrusions are provided by the coating 66’ (e.g. the coating 66’ is provided in a helical configuration, pattern or arrangement).
  • the channel 64’ has a diameter or width (i.e. the distance separating to opposing walls across a centre of the channel 64’) in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm. In some examples, the channel has a diameter or width in the range of 5 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the coating 66’ has a thickness or depth (i.e. tangential to the channel 64’ surface) in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm. In some examples, the coating 66’ has a thickness or depth in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. In some examples, the air path 54’ defined by the channel 64’ and coating 66’ has a diameter or width (i.e.
  • the air path 54’ defined by the channel 64’ and coating 66’ has a diameter or width in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm.
  • the coating 66’ provides a rough surface (as opposed to a smooth surface) having a surface roughness adjacent to the air path 54’ of more than 0.1 mm (as defined by an arithmetic average of thickness deviations, both towards and away from the channel 64’, from the mean thickness of the coating 66’). In some examples, the coating 66’ provides a rough surface having a surface roughness adjacent to the air path 54’ of more than 0.3 mm (as defined by an arithmetic average of thickness deviations, both towards and away from the channel 64’, from the mean thickness of the coating 66’).
  • a surface roughness it is meant that the distance of the surface of the coating 66’ from the channel surface 64’ varies to create adjacent localised peaks (having a surface further from the channel 64’) and dips (having a surface closer to the channel 64’).
  • the surface roughness is a measure of the difference between maximum and minimum thicknesses (the peaks and dips) of the coating 66’ with respect to the channel 64’.
  • the coating 66’ extends along only a portion of the channel 64’ in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel 64’.
  • the channel 64’ comprises an (first) uncoated portion in which the coating 66’ is not provided (e.g. a portion in which the surface of the channel 65’ is exposed to, or defines, the air path 54’).
  • the uncoated portion extends in a range of at least 5 mm from the outlet 58’ towards the inlet 56’.
  • the uncoated portion extends in a range in a range of at least 10 mm from the outlet 58’ towards the inlet 56’.
  • the uncoated portion provides a circumferential region adjacent to the mouthpiece outlet 58’ that is free of coating 66’. This may be advantageous in reducing or limiting direct contact of the user with the coating 66’.
  • the one or more secondary inlets may be positioned to be unobstructed when the article 8’ is inserted into the cartridge 4’ into a correct position (e.g. they may be on an exposed surface of the article 8’, visible to a user).
  • the aerosol delivery system T is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator 48’, and modifying the initial aerosol by introducing an aerosol-modifying agent comprised in a coating 66’ of an article 8’.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. As described above the interaction of the aerosol-modifying agent with the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’, can be selected by modifying the configuration of the coating 66’.
  • a varied crosssection may introduce or increase turbulent air flow which may increase the interaction between the aerosol and the aerosol-modifying agent in the air path, and which may further increase the heat transfer from the aerosol to the coating 66’ which may result in the release of more aerosol-modifying agent from the coating 66’.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge 4’ and article 8’ for an aerosol delivery system T in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the cartridge 4’ of Figure 6 differs from that of Figure 5 in that the cartridge 4’ comprises an aerosol-modifying agent release component 74’ (sometimes called release component 74’), that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the remaining features of the device 2’, cartridge 4’, and article 8’ are substantially as described in relation to Figure 5.
  • a release component 74’ of a cartridge 4’ is an apparatus configured to cause or promote the release of the aerosol-modifying agent into an air path 54’ of the article 8’ for inhalation by a user with the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 48’, the aerosol-modifying agent modifying the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 48’ (e.g. by changing flavour and/ or the chemical nature of the aerosol).
  • the release component 74’ comprises a heater which is configured to increase the temperature of the coating 66’ to cause, or increase, the release of the aerosolmodifying agent contained in the coating 66’ into the air path 54’.
  • a release component 74’ in the form of a heater is configured to subject the aerosolmodifying agent to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the modifying agent to form an aerosol.
  • the heater may take the form of a coil heater which is coiled around the airflow (and potentially a cylindrical component defining a surface of the air path), one or more resistive tracks provided on a substrate material and intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof (e.g.
  • the release component 74’ is configured to cause without heating, an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-modifying agent of the coating.
  • the release component 74’ may be configured to subject the aerosolmodifying agent to of vibration.
  • an initial aerosol is first generated by an aerosol generator 48’ in an upstream portion of the air path through the aerosol delivery system T (i.e. the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’), and then modified by the operation of a release component 74’ in a downstream portion of the air path through the aerosol delivery system T (i.e. the air path 54’ of the article 8’).
  • the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’ moves downstream through the article 8’ in response to a user inhalation, and mixes with a further aerosol (e.g. one or more components entrained in air) introduced or generated by the release component 74’.
  • the article 8’ is configured to be inserted or otherwise provided proximal or adjacent to a release component 74’ of an aerosol delivery system T.
  • the cartridge 4’ of Figure 6 comprises both an aerosol generator 48’ and a release component 74’, each of which can be separately powered or operated (e.g. by a control unit 20’ of a device T).
  • the release component 74’ is provided adjacent a portion of the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ which is downstream of the aerosol generator 48’ (i.e. the release component 74’ is closer to the mouth-end of the system T than the aerosol generator 48).
  • the article 8’ is inserted into the air path 52’ such that at least a portion of the coating 66’ of the article 8’ is adjacent to the release component 74’.
  • the release component 74’ is a component of the cartridge 4’
  • the release component 74’ causes aerosol-modifying agent to be released into the air path 54’ of the article 8’.
  • the release component 74’ can be provided adjacent to at least a portion of the coating 66’ (albeit separated by the housing 62’), and therefore the release component 74’ can act on the coating 66’ in the adjacent region (through the housing 62’).
  • the release component 74’ is a heater
  • thermal energy from the release component 74’ can be conducted or otherwise transferred to the coating 66’ via the housing 62’.
  • the release component 74’ comprises a motor or actuator configured to induce a movement of at least a part of an article 4’
  • the release component 74’ can agitate the coating 66’ via the housing 62’ (where the housing 62’ is a flexible housing 62’ to allow agitation of the coating 66’) to promote the release of aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the mixing of the initial aerosol with the further aerosol creates a resultant aerosol having at least one property or characteristic that is different to the initial aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness as described above).
  • the initial aerosol and the further aerosol may mix in the air pathway 54’ and /or they may mix within a user’s mouth to create the resultant aerosol.
  • mixing it is meant that the components of the initial and further aerosol intermingle to create a substantially homogenous composition (i.e. relatively equal proportions of components throughout the aerosol).
  • the components may interact chemically (e.g. to protonate or deprotonate) when mixing together.
  • the resultant aerosol comprises a new composition, different to the initial aerosol.
  • the release component 74’ is provided downstream of the aerosol generator 48’ in the air path of the aerosol delivery system T
  • the release component 74’ can be provided upstream of the aerosol generator 48’ in the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. the system is formed from an upstream direction to a downstream direction by the device 2’, the article 8’ and the cartridge 4’ or the article 8’, the device 2’ and the cartridge 4’).
  • the further aerosol generated from the aerosol-modifying agent is introduced into the air path of the aerosol delivery system T upstream of the aerosol generator 48’ and moves towards the aerosol generator 48’ when the user inhales.
  • the release component 74’ may be a component of the device 2’, instead of the cartridge 4’.
  • the aerosol generated or introduced by the release component 74’ is part of the air into which the aerosol generated by aerosol generator is provided 48’.
  • the aerosol by the release component 74’ can be considered an initial aerosol, and the aerosol generated by aerosol generator 48’ can be considered a further aerosol, with mixing of the two aerosols occurring after the introduction of both into the air path (and in the user’s mouth).
  • electrical power from the power source 26’ is able to be supplied from the power source 26’ to a release component 74’.
  • said release component 74’ is a component of the cartridge 4’, and the electrical contacts on the device 2’, which are coupled to the power source 26’, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge (i.e. via the interface 6’), which are coupled to the release component 74’, to allow the supply of power to the release component 74’.
  • the supply of power to the release component 74’ is substantially similar to that of the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48’.
  • a release component 74’ in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the coating 66’ to a temperature of at least 40°C. In some examples, a release component 74’ in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the coating 66’ to a temperature of at least 50°C. In some examples, a release component 74’ in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the coating 66’ to a temperature of no more than 80°C. In some examples, a release component 74’ in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the coating 66’ to a temperature of no more than 70°C. In some examples, the release component 74’ is configured to heat a portion of the coating 66’ to a temperature in a range of between 40°C and 70°C.
  • the article 8’ is inserted into the air path 52’ such that at least a portion of the coating 66’ of the article 8’ is adjacent to the release component 74’.
  • the coating 66’ is provided on a portion of the channel 64’ that is adjacent to the release component 74’, when the article 8’ is received by the cartridge 4’. This may ensure that the coating 66’ in this portion can be adequately activated (e.g. heated and/or agitated) by the release component 74’ in order to promote the release of aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the coating 66’ is provided on the portion of the channel 64’ which is received within the cartridge 4’, when the article 8’ is received by the cartridge 4’; and is not provided on the portion of the channel 64’ that protrudes out of the cartridge 4’; when the article 8’ is received by the cartridge 4’. It will be appreciated that as discussed in relation to Figure 5, the coating 66’ of examples in accordance with Figure 6 can be provided as a continuous coating of a portion of the surface, as one or more strips, bands, or as one or more regular or irregular protrusions.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge 4’, article 8’ and mouthpiece 310’ for an aerosol delivery system T in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the disclosure of Figure 7 differs from that of Figure 5 in that the article 8’ is configured to be received by a component of the aerosol delivery system 1 ’ in the form of a mouthpiece 31 O’, rather than the article 8’ providing a mouthpiece for the user.
  • the remaining features of the device 2’, cartridge 4’, and article 8’ are substantially as described in relation to Figure 5.
  • the article 8’ is configured to be received by a component of the aerosol delivery system T.
  • the component is a mouthpiece 310’ comprising a cavity 330’ for accommodating or containing at least a portion of the article 8’.
  • the mouthpiece 310’ comprises a mouthpiece interface 320’ for connecting the mouthpiece 310’ to the cartridge 4’, a cavity 330’ configured to accommodate at least a portion of the article 8’, and a mouthpiece outlet 340’ configured to allow aerosol and I or modified aerosol to be inhaled by the user from the aerosol delivery system T.
  • a mouthpiece 310’ in the system T is advantageous in that it provides protection for the article 8’ which may allow a wider range of material choices for the article 8’.
  • more fragile materials can be used to provide the housing 62’ of the article 8’, because the article 8’ is not directly manipulated by a user during puffs, which may reduce costs, and I or, if a release component 74’ is present (not shown) increase heating/ heat conduction from a release component 74’ to the coating 66’.
  • the housing 62’ of the article 8’ can be formed by a paper material having an uncoated mass per square metre in the range of less than 80 gsm.
  • the article 8’ can be formed by a paper material having an uncoated mass per square metre in the range of less than 50 gsm.
  • the mouthpiece 310’ may be formed from a suitable material such as a plastic or silicone material.
  • the mouthpiece 310’ may be reusable in that the same mouthpiece 310’ is used with multiple articles 8’ and I or cartridges 4’.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320’ allows for the cartridge 4’ and the mouthpiece 310’ to be releasably coupled together.
  • the mouthpiece 310’ may be removed from the cartridge 4’ (by decoupling the mouthpiece 310’ and cartridge 4’) and a new article 8’ may be inserted in its place.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320’ provides a structural connection between the cartridge 4’ and mouthpiece 310’ and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320’ is configured to allow aerosol from the cartridge 4’ to flow into the mouthpiece 310’.
  • a portion of the mouthpiece interface 320’ may be provided by a cartridge end of the cavity 330’ which is configured to align with an opening of the cartridge 4’.
  • the cavity 330’ in Figure 7 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the article 8’.
  • the cavity 330’ has a size and shape which is equal to or greater than the portion of the article 8’ which is accommodated in the cavity 330’.
  • the cavity 330’ is configured to accommodate the whole of the article 8’, with none of the article 8’ received within the cartridge 4’.
  • the article 8’ may be wider than the opening 50’ thereby preventing the article 8’ from entering the opening 50’.
  • a first portion of the article 8’ is received in the mouthpiece 310’ and a second portion of the article 8’ is received in the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’.
  • a cartridge end of the cavity 330’ aligns with the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’ to allow air and I or aerosol to flow into the cavity 330’.
  • the mouthpiece 310’ may further include a mouthpiece inlet (not shown) which is configured to allow airflow from the cartridge into the cavity 330’, and into an article 8’ contained into the cavity (e.g. a mouthpiece inlet may be provided between the opening 50’ and the article air inlet 56’).
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340’ provides a fluid connection between the cavity 330’ and the exterior of the mouthpiece 310’, such that airflow is able to flow from the cavity 330’, and from an article 8’ contained within the cavity 330’ to allow a user to inhale through the mouthpiece 310’.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340’ is provided to align with the article outlet 58’.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340’ is configured to allow aerosol (e.g. modified aerosol) to be inhaled by the user from the aerosol delivery system T.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340’ has a diameter or width that is equal to or larger than a diameter or width of the air path 54’ within the article 8’, and smaller than the diameter or width of the article 8’, thereby retaining the article 8’ in the cavity 330’ without increasing the resistance to draw in comparison to the article 8’.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340’ has a diameter or width that is less than a diameter or width of the air path 54’ within the article 8’, in order to provide an increased resistance to draw comparison to the article 8’ (e.g. creating a restriction to airflow), which may promote mixing of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48’ with the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • FIG 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method 400’ of providing an aerosol delivery system for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the method 400’ starts with a first step 410’ of providing an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be a liquid, solid or gel material as described above (see for example the discussion in relation to Figure 5).
  • the aerosol-generating material may be provided in a cartridge which is attached to a device part of the aerosol delivery system; whereas in other examples, the aerosol-generating material may be provided in or adjacent to the aerosol delivery system (e.g. poured or inserted into a cavity of the aerosol delivery system).
  • the method continues with a second step 420’ of providing an aerosol-generator.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator may be provided as discussed above (see for example the discussion in relation to Figure 5).
  • the second step 420’ occurs before the first step 410’.
  • the aerosol generator is provided as a component of a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating material (i.e. the cartridge is a cartomiser), with the first step 410’ and the second step 420’ occurring simultaneously due to the combined nature of the aerosol generator and the aerosol-generating material.
  • the method continues with a third step 430’ of providing an article.
  • the article comprises the aerosol-modifying agent and may be as described above in relation to any of the examples of the present invention.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent is for modifying the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent in the article may be released, in use, to modifying a characteristic or property of the generated aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may mix with the generated aerosol in an air flow path, and may modify a characteristic such as a flavour or acidity of the aerosol.
  • embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure relate to an article for use with an aerosol delivery system, the article comprising: an aerosol pathway comprising an inlet and an outlet, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; and an aerosolmodifying component in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosolmodifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG.
  • Said embodiments are advantageous in that aerosol-modifying agent of the article can modify an aerosol produced by an aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery system, without the article substantially impeding the flow of aerosol through the aerosol delivery system (i.e. the resistance to draw when a user inhales on the system).
  • An article as described below also allows for customization of the user’s experience, in that it allows for the release of an aerosol-modifying agent from the article into the aerosol pathway to change a characteristic of an aerosol.
  • a user may select an article that includes an aerosol-modifying agent that may add a flavour or active ingredient to the aerosol, and or may modify a taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. In this way a user may customize their experience by utilising the aerosol delivery system to mix different combinations of aerosol and aerosol-modifying agent.
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view through an aerosol delivery system 1” provided in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” of Figure 9 is adapted to aerosolise a liquid aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid) and to modify the aerosol via an aerosol-modifying agent in an article.
  • a liquid aerosol-generating material sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to aerosol delivery system 1” adapted to vaporise liquid aerosol-generating material.
  • the principles of the present disclosure could be implement in aerosol delivery devices adapted to vaporise a solid or gel aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” shown in Figure 9 comprises three main components, namely an aerosol delivery device 2”, a replaceable I disposable cartridge 4”, and an article 8” (which also provides a mouthpiece).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” of Figure 9 is an example of a modular construction of an aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the aerosol delivery device 2” and the cartridge 4” are able to engage with or disengage from one another at a first interface 6”, while the cartridge 4” comprises an opening 50” into which the article 8” can be at least partly inserted.
  • the principles of the present disclosure also apply to other constructions of the aerosol delivery system 1”, such as one-part or unitary constructions where the device 2”, cartridge 4” and article 8” may be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2” is provided with an integrally formed aerosol-generating material storage area), or, alternatively, constructions in which the both the cartridge 4” and the article 8” are configured to directly engage with (and disengage from) the aerosol delivery device 2” (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 2” can engage (and disengage) to the cartridge 4” via the first interface 6”, and the aerosol provision device 2” can comprises an opening into which the article 8” can be inserted (or the article 8” may be attached to the cartridge 4” or aerosol delivery device 2” by a different mechanism or means).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is generally elongate and cylindrical in shape.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” may be sized so as to approximate a conventional cigarette. However, it should be understood that the general size and shape of the aerosol delivery system 1” is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” may conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol provision device 2” may be based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.
  • the device 2 comprises components that are generally intended to have a longer lifetime than the cartridge 4” and the article 8”. In other words, the device 2” is intended to be used, sequentially, with multiple cartridges 4” and I or articles 8”.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises components (such as aerosol-generating material) that are consumed when forming an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • Article 8 also comprises components (i.e. the aerosol-modifying agent) that are consumed or exhausted over time (e.g. either actively or passively when aerosol is delivered to the user during use of the device).
  • the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4” and the article 8” may have similar lifetimes (e.g. 1 :1 or close to 1 :1), whereas in other examples the components to be consumed (or exhausted) of the cartridge 4” and the article 8” may have different lifetimes (e.g. 1 :2 or greater).
  • the device 2” and the cartridge 4” are releasably coupled together at the first interface 6”.
  • the cartridge 4 may be removed from the device 2” and a replacement cartridge 4” attached to the device 2” in its place.
  • the first interface 6” provides a structural connection between the device 2” and cartridge 4” and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the first interface 6” may also provide an electrical coupling between the device 2” and the cartridge 4” using suitable electrical contacts. The electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the cartridge 4”.
  • the cartridge 4 may be refillable. That is, the cartridge 4” may be refilled with aerosol-generating material when the cartridge 4” is depleted, using an appropriate mechanism such as a one-way refilling valve or the like (not shown). The cartridge 4” may be removed from the device 2” in order to be refilled. In other examples, the cartridge 4” may be configured so as to be refilled while attached to the device 2”.
  • the cartridge 4” and the article 8” are releasably coupled together via the opening 50” of the cartridge (e.g. by a interference fit).
  • the article 8” may be removed from the opening 50” of the cartridge 4” and a replacement article 8” can be attached to the cartridge 4” in its place (e.g. by inserting it into the opening 50”).
  • a connection between the cartridge 4” and article 8” may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • connection between the cartridge 4” and the article is sometimes called a second interface.
  • corresponding features of the article 8” and the cartridge 4” have sizes which create an interference fit between the corresponding features of the article 8” and the cartridge 4” when the two are joined (e.g. an outer surface of the article 8” and an inner surface of the opening 50” and I or a channel defining the air path of the cartridge).
  • the cartridge 4” can be considered a component comprising a cavity (e.g. the air path 52”) for accommodating at least a portion of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be designed to be disposable once the aerosol-generating material and I or the substance is exhausted.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1” may be provided with a suitable mechanism, such as a one-way valve or the like, to enable the integrated cartridge 4” (or integrated aerosol-generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol-generating material, and to enable the integrated article 8” to be refilled with aerosol-modifying agent (e.g. by allowing an aerosol-modifying component/agent to be reapplied to a surface).
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42”, an aerosol-generating material storage area 44”, a (first) aerosol generator 48”, an aerosol-generating material transport component 46”, an outlet or opening 50” (discussed above), and an air path 52”.
  • the cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge 4” and provides the mechanical interface 6” with the device 2”.
  • the cartridge housing 42” is formed from a suitable material, such as a plastics material or a metal material.
  • the cartridge housing 42” is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4” couples to the device 2”.
  • the cartridge 4” has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm.
  • the cartridge 4” comprises a first end, broadly defined by the interface 6”, and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the opening 50”.
  • the second end including the opening 50” is intended to be connected to the article 8”, which in turn provides a mouthpiece configured to be received in / by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4”.
  • the cartridge 4 or more particularly the reservoir 44”, of Figure 9 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, which may be referred to herein as a source liquid, e-liquid or liquid.
  • the source liquid may be broadly conventional, and may contain nicotine and I or other active ingredients, and I or one or more flavours, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may contain no nicotine.
  • the reservoir 44” in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42” and an inner wall that defines the air path 52” through the cartridge 4”. The reservoir 44” is closed at each end with end walls to contain the liquid.
  • the reservoir 44” may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42”.
  • the cartridge 4 further comprises an first aerosol generator 48”.
  • the first aerosol generator 48” is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the source liquid).
  • the cartridge 4” comprises the aerosol-generating material transport component 46”, which is configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44” (e.g., reservoir 44”) to the first aerosol generator 48”.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport component 46” may not be required, particularly in implementations where the first aerosol generator 48” is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area 44”.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the first aerosol generator 48” is a heater 48”.
  • the heater 48” is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the heater 48” may take the form of an electrically resistive wire or trace intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof, or a susceptor element which is intended to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field.
  • the first aerosol generator 48” is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the first aerosol generator 48” may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport aerosolgenerating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44” (reservoir 44”) to the first aerosol generator 48”.
  • the nature of the aerosol-generating material may dictate the form of the aerosol-generating material transport element 46”.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol-generating material using capillary action or a suitable pumping mechanism or the like.
  • the aerosolgenerating material transport element 46” may comprise a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or a bundle of fibres (e.g., glass or cotton fibres) capable of transporting liquid I viscous gel using capillary action.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48” taking the form of a coil of metal wire, such as a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46” in the implementation of Figure 9 is a wick 46” taking the form of a bundle of fibres, such as glass fibres.
  • the heater 48” is wound around the wick 46” approximately in a central region thereof as seen in Figure 9 such that the heater 48” is provided in the proximity of the wick 46” and therefore any liquid held in the wick 46”.
  • the first aerosol generator 48” may comprise a porous ceramic wick 46” and an electrically conductive track disposed on a surface of the porous ceramic wick acting as the heater 48”.
  • the heater 48” and wick 46” may be combined into a single component, e.g., a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
  • the heater 48” and wick 46” are located towards an end of the reservoir 44”.
  • the wick 46” extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52” with its ends extending into the reservoir 44” of liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44”.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44” are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46” to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44” into the cartridge air path 52” without unduly compressing the wick 46”, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46” is therefore configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 44” to the vicinity of the heater 48” via a capillary effect.
  • the wick 46” and heater 48” are arranged in the cartridge air path 52” such that a region of the cartridge air path 52” provided around the wick 46” and heater 48” in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge 4”.
  • This vaporisation region is the region of the cartridge 4” where vapour is initially generated.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the heater 48” to vaporise an amount of liquid drawn to the vicinity of the heater 48” by the wick 46”.
  • Aerosol formed from the vapour is delivered to the user via the mouthpiece of the article 8”.
  • the user may place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the article 8” and draw air I aerosol through the system 1” and out of cartridge 4” and into the article 8” via the opening 50”. More specifically, air is drawn into and along the air path 52”, past the heater 48” where aerosol is entrained into the drawn air, and the combined aerosol I air is then leaves the cartridge 4” towards the user through the opening 50”.
  • the device 2 comprises an outer housing 12”, an optional indicator 14” (i.e. an output mechanism), an inhalation sensor 16” located within a chamber 18”, a controller or control circuitry 20”, a power source 26”, an air inlet 28” and an air path 30”.
  • the device part 2 comprises an outer housing 12” with an opening that defines an air inlet 28” for the aerosol delivery system 1”, a power source 26” for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system 1”, a controller or control circuitry 20” for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1”, and an inhalation sensor (puff detector) 16” located in a chamber 18”.
  • the device 2” further comprises an optional indicator 14”.
  • the outer housing 12 further comprises an air inlet 28” which connects to an air path 30” provided through the device 2”.
  • the device air path 30 in turn connects to the cartridge air path 52” across the interface 6” when the device 2” and cartridge 4” are connected together.
  • the interface 6 is also arranged to provide a connection of the respective air paths 30” and 52”, such that air and/or aerosol is able to pass along the coupled air paths 30”, 52”.
  • the device 2” does not comprise an air path 30” and instead the cartridge 4” comprises the air path 52” and a suitable air inlet which permits air to enter into the air path 52” when the cartridge 4” and device 2” are coupled.
  • the power source 26 in this example is a battery 26”.
  • the battery 26 may be rechargeable and may be of a broadly conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in aerosol delivery devices and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the battery 26 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
  • the battery 26 may be recharged through a suitable charging connector provided at or in the outer housing 12”, for example a USB connector.
  • the device 2 may comprise suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 26”.
  • the power source 26” may be an alternative component suitable for storing energy such as a super capacitor.
  • the control circuitry or control unit 20 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol delivery system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip.
  • the control circuitry 20” may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2” and the cartridge 4”. More particularly, electrical contacts on the device 2”, which are coupled to the power source 26”, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the heater 48”. Accordingly, under suitable control by the control circuitry 20”, electrical power from the power source 26” is able to be supplied from the power source 26 to the heater 48”, thereby energising the heater 48” and allowing the heater 48” to vaporise liquid in the proximity of the heater 48” held in the wick 46”.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a chamber 18” containing the inhalation sensor 16”, which in this example is a pressure sensor.
  • the pressure sensor 16” is in fluid communication with the air path 30” in the device 2” (e.g. the chamber 18” branches off from the air path 30” in the device 2”).
  • the pressure sensor 16 detects a change (a drop) in the pressure within chamber 18”. If the drop in pressure is sufficient, the pressure sensor 16” (or control circuitry 20” coupled thereto) detects a user inhalation.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may be controlled to generate aerosol in response to detecting an inhalation by a user. That is, when the pressure sensor 16” detects a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber 18”, the control circuitry 20” responds by causing electrical power to be supplied from the battery 26” to the first aerosol generator 48” sufficient to cause vaporisation of the liquid held within the wick 46”. This is an example of an aerosol delivery system which is said to be “puff actuated”.
  • the pressure sensor 16” may be used to start and I or end the power supply to the heater 48” (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of an inhalation).
  • the inhalation sensor 16 may be any suitable sensor, such as an airflow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales on the mouthpiece end of the system 1” and subsequently draws air along the air path 30”. Accordingly, the presence of the chamber 18” is optional and its presence may depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16”. For example, an air flow sensor may sit in the air flow path 30”, the airflow path 52” of the cartridge 4”, or an airflow path 54” of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 includes a button or other user actuatable mechanism.
  • the control circuitry 20 caused power to be supplied to the heater 48” as described above.
  • the button may be used to start and I or end power supply to the heater 48” (e.g. when the button is released by the user).
  • both a button (or other user actuatable mechanism) and an inhalation sensor 16” may be used to control the delivery of power to the heater 48”, e.g., by requiring both the button press and a pressure drop indicative of an inhalation to be present before supplying power to the heater 48”.
  • the device 2 may include a motion sensor such as a conventional solid- state accelerometer, for example a three-axis MEMS accelerometer of the kind frequently used in handheld electronic devices, such as smart phones and games console controllers.
  • a motion sensor may operate in accordance with conventional techniques in terms of how it is arranged to generate motion detection signals indicating when the device undergoes acceleration. More generally, A motion sensor may comprise any form of motion detecting technology for detecting motion of an object.
  • acceleration is used herein to encompasses both acceleration and deceleration, that is to say, the acceleration may be positive or negative along any given direction.
  • control circuitry 20 is further configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described herein to control an operation of the aerosol provision device 2”, based on signals received from a motion sensor.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 further comprises an optional indicator 14” (i.e. an output mechanism).
  • the indicator 14” may be provided for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol delivery device 1”.
  • the indicator 14 may indicate information such as whether the first aerosol generator 48” is currently active, a remaining battery life (of the battery 26”), total number of activations of the first aerosol generator 48”, amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 44”, etc.
  • the indicator 14” may display operational parameters of the aerosol provision device 2”.
  • the indicator 14” may be provided in conjunction with an input mechanism (such as one or more buttons or a touch screen display) which may allow operational parameters to be programmed and/or settings of the aerosol delivery device 1” to be changed.
  • the indicator 14” may be a visual indication (such as a display or one or more LEDs), an audio indicator (such as a speaker) or a haptic indictor (such as a haptic motor).
  • the aerosol-generating material is heated to form an aerosol, e.g., via a heater 48”, and thus also the temperature of the generated aerosol may be raised above ambient through the vaporisation, this is not the only way in which the temperature of an aerosol may be elevated above ambient temperature.
  • the first aerosol generator 48 may indirectly cause heating of the aerosolgenerating material during generation of the aerosol.
  • an additional heater provided downstream of the first aerosol generator 48” (with respect to the flow of air I aerosol during an inhalation) may be provided to cause the aerosol to be heated prior to exiting the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to aerosol delivery systems 1 ” that comprise a heater as the first aerosol generator 48”.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator. Furthermore, the aerosol delivery system 1” is configured to modify an aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” via an aerosol-modifying agent which is provided by an aerosolmodifying component 70” of an article 8”.
  • the article 8” is configured to be inserted, or otherwise connected to, a different part of the aerosol delivery system 1” such that aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” flows into the article 8” and passes through the aerosol-modifying component 70” such that the aerosol-modifying agent can interact with the aerosol to modify a property or characteristic of the aerosol (e.g. composition or taste).
  • the article 8 comprises an article housing 62”, a channel 64”, an aerosol pathway 54” comprising an inlet 56” of the article 8” and an outlet 58” of the article 8”, and an aerosol-modifying component 70” in the aerosol pathway.
  • the article housing 62” is formed from a suitable material, such as a paper material, plastics material or a metal material.
  • the article housing 62” may also sometimes be called a shell, casing or wrapper.
  • the article housing 62” is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the article 8” couples to the cartridge 4”.
  • the longitudinal axis is in some examples an axis extending between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”.
  • the article 8” has a length of around 2 cm and a diameter of around 1 cm.
  • the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1” when the cartridge 4”, device 2” and article 8” are coupled together is around 11 cm (with the article 8” being received around 50% of the way into the cartridge 4”).
  • the article 8 is defined by a (first) length extending along the longitudinal axis of the article 8” between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm. In some examples, the length is in the range of 10 to 30 mm.
  • the article housing 62 provides or defines a tubular shape of the article 8” (e.g. defining a structure of the article 8”), and which further defines a channel 64” (i.e. the interior of the tubular shape) providing an aerosol pathway 54” (sometimes called an air path, air pathway, or aerosol path) extending from the inlet 56” to the outlet 58” of the article.
  • the article housing 62” is provided by a material such as a paper material which is arranged to provide said tubular shape (e.g. by folding a longitudinally extending sheet of paper material to contact itself along a long edge of the sheet).
  • article means may be in the form of a structure (e.g. a tubular or planar structure) defining the article.
  • the article 8 comprises a first end including the inlet 56” of the article 8” (sometimes called a first inlet, air inlet, or aerosol inlet), and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the outlet 58” of the article 8” (sometimes called a first outlet, air outlet, aerosol outlet or mouthpiece outlet).
  • the second end including the outlet 58” is intended to be provided as part of a mouthpiece configured to be received in I by a user’s mouth, and therefore the second end may be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the article 8”.
  • the article housing 62” is tubular (e.g.
  • inlet and outlet means may be in the form of apertures provided by respective open ends of article means in the form of a tubular structure.
  • the channel 64” providing the aerosol pathway 54” extends between the (first) inlet 56” and the (first) outlet 58”, such that aerosol entering via the inlet 56” is able to move along the aerosol pathway 54” towards, and out of, the outlet 58” (i.e. in use, when a user inhales on a mouthpiece of the system 1”, the aerosol has a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet).
  • the inlet 56” and the outlet 58” may be fluidly connected by the channel 64” (providing the aerosol pathway 54”) defined by the inner surface of a circumferential or peripheral wall of a tubular article housing 62”.
  • Channel means may be in the form of one or more pathways extending within the structure of the article means (e.g. the channel means may be a central pathway extending from the inlet means to the outlet means).
  • the inlet 56 is configured to fluidly connect to (e.g. be inserted into) the opening 50” and air path 52” of the cartridge 4” such that aerosol (and I or air) within the air path 52” can flow into the air path 54” of the article 8” via the inlet 56”.
  • the connection of the inlet 56” of the article 8” and the opening 50” of the cartridge 4” is facilitated by the insertion of the article 8” into the air path 52” of the cartridge 4” via the opening 50”.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” and the air path 52” of the cartridge 4” will be fluidly connected such that an aerosol may flow between them (i.e.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” is for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system 1” along a flow direction from the inlet 56” to the outlet 58” (e.g. when a user inhales on a mouthpiece of the system 1”).
  • an aerosol-modifying component 70” is provided in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component 70” comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component 70” in the flow direction.
  • the aerosolmodifying component 70” may extend the entire length of the article 8” (i.e. along the longitudinal axis from the inlet 56” to the outlet 58” as shown in Figure 9), whereas in other examples, the aerosol-modifying component 70” may extend along only a portion of the length (along the longitudinal axis between the inlet and outlet) of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG, in order to not significantly change or impact a user’s experience (e.g. force required to inhale) of the aerosol delivery system 1” in comparison to using the aerosol delivery system 1” in the absence of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 through which the aerosol pathway 54” extends or passes, is selected or configured in order to provide a low resistance to draw or pressure drop.
  • a pressure drop it is meant the change in pressure that occurs when a pressure differential is applied between the inlet and the outlet (i.e. as would occur during a breath of a user on the mouthpiece of the aerosol delivery system 1”).
  • the pressure drop can be defined experimentally as the static pressure difference between the two ends of the article when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17,5 ml s -1 at the output end (in accordance with, for example, Coresta Recommended method No. 41, https://www.coresta.org/sites/default/files/technical_documents/main/CRM_41- update2_0.pdf).
  • Pressure drop across the article 8”, between the inlet and the outlet, as referred to in relation to embodiments of the present invention can be measured in accordance with the International standard ISO 6565:2015.
  • an article for use with an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol pathway comprising an inlet and an outlet, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; and an aerosol-modifying component in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG as measured in accordance with International standard ISO 6565:2015, and I or as measured under the following conditions:
  • Outlet flowrate 17.5 ml/s (volume flow) between the inlet and the outlet, Ambient temperature 22 °C,
  • Ambient pressure 1013.25 hPa ( 1013.25 mbar), and Ambient humidity 60 % RH.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 can be selected or configured to provide a resistance to draw through the article 8” that is less than a resistance to draw through the air path of the cartridge 4” and /or device 2” such that the article 8” does not determine the resistance to draw of the aerosol delivery system 1” (which is typically determined by the section of the aerosol delivery system having the highest resistance to draw).
  • An article 8” in accordance with Figure 9, may have an elongated shape which is configured to be inserted into the channel defining the air path 52” of the cartridge 4”.
  • the direction of elongation can be considered a longitudinal axis of the article 8” (extending between the inlet 56” and outlet 48”) and aligns with the insertion direction and the direction of air flow within the air path 52”.
  • the air path 52” of the cartridge 4 may be provided by an inner wall of an annular reservoir 44” which has an opening 50” at one end.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the article 8” perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the opening 50” and the channel forming the air path 52” (at least for an initial downstream portion) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to allow the article 8” to be inserted into the opening 50” and channel 52”.
  • the article 8” and the opening 50” and I or the channel defining the air path 52” of the cartridge 4” have substantially similar (e.g. matching) cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (i.e. perpendicular to the insertion direction), with the article 8” having a smaller sized shape at least at an insertion end (i.e. the end comprising the air inlet 56”).
  • the cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 8” and the opening 50” and I or the channel defining the air path 52” may be circular, with circular cross-section of the article 8” having a smaller diameter than the opening 50” and I or the channel defining the air path 52”.
  • the size of the crosssection of the article 8” (at least at an insertion end comprising the air inlet 56”) may be slightly smaller than that of the opening 50” and I or the channel defining the air path 52” in order to allow insertion whilst also creating an interference fit between the article 8” and the opening 50” and I or the channel defining the air path 52”.
  • the opening 50 or the channel defining the air path 52” may have a different cross-sectional shape to that of the article 8”.
  • the article 8 may be cylindrical the opening 50” or the channel may comprise a number of protrusions or ridges (and therefore the channel is not cylindrical, or may only be substantially cylindrical when an overall shape is considered) which extend into the air path and contact the article 8” when the article 8” is inserted.
  • These protrusions or ridges may retain the article 8” in place (e.g. they may be separated from each other by distances comparable to corresponding points on the outer surface of the article 8”).
  • Said protrusions may allow airflow along an outside of the article 8” between the protrusions.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component 70” in the flow direction.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” may comprise, or be formed of, a structure or substrate which is able to retain the aerosol-modify agent (e.g. a liquid) such that the aerosol-modify agent can interact with the aerosol when the aerosol passes through the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the aerosol-modify agent is released into the aerosol pathway 54” to mix with the aerosol (e.g. in response to a latent heat of the aerosol heating the aerosol-modifying component 70” and aerosol-modifying agent retained by the aerosol-modifying component 70”).
  • the aerosol-modifying agent comprises, for example, a flavourant, an active substance and I or a further substance, such as substance configured to chemically alter one or more compounds (e.g. a substance which causes a chemical reaction such as acidification or basification) of the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48”.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • a flavourant and I or an active substance may already be present in the initial aerosol, with the aerosol-modifying agent providing an additional flavourant and I or an active substance to the initial aerosol, thereby increasing the relative proportion of the flavourant and I or an active substance in the aerosol, which may be perceived as increasing the strength of the aerosol inhaled by the user.
  • a new flavourant and /or active substance may be added to the aerosol by the aerosol-modifying agent, thereby introducing a new taste or experience for the user.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may comprise an acid which is introduced into the air path 54” and which causes protonation of a component of the initial aerosol.
  • the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” comprises nicotine
  • the aerosol-modifying agent consists of, or comprises, a compound for protonating nicotine (e.g. an acid). This may reduce the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent consists of, or comprises, a compound configured to deprotonate a component of the initial aerosol (such as nicotine), which may increase the user’s perception of the harshness of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be configured to modify a number of aspects of the aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness) rather than a single aspect.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be released from the aerosol-modifying component 70” into the aerosol pathway 54” to mix with aerosol in the aerosol pathway 54” and I or the aerosol in the aerosol pathway 54” may contact the aerosol-modifying component 70” (e.g. aerosol particles may impact the aerosol-modifying component 70”, and I or pass through or adjacent to the aerosol-modifying component 70”) and interact with the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol and I or air passing adjacent the aerosol generator 48” are hot in comparison to article 8” (and ambient).
  • Energy from the relatively hot aerosol and /or air can be transferred to the aerosol-modifying component 70” to heat up the aerosol-modifying component 70”, which can increase the release of aerosolmodifying agent into the aerosol pathway 54” and/ or the interaction of the aerosol with the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 through which the aerosol pathway 54” extends or passes, is selected or configured in order to provide a low resistance to draw or pressure drop.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” is selected or configured such the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet of the article has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG (and in some examples, 1 to 10 mmWG) in order to not significantly change or impact a user’s experience (e.g. force required to inhale) of the aerosol delivery system 1” in comparison to using the aerosol delivery system 1” in the absence of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 has a packing density in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 .
  • the aerosol-modifying component may be formed of a material (or substrate) provided in volume defined by a portion, or the whole, of the channel 64”.
  • the packing density is the mass of the aerosol-modifying component 70” within the volume of the channel 64” within which the aerosol-modifying component 70” is provided.
  • the packing density may be equivalent to a bulk density (e.g. for aerosolmodifying component 70” in the form of porous solid structures) or a tapping density (e.g. for aerosol-modifying component 70” in the form of powdered or particulate material).
  • an aerosol-modifying component 70 with a low packing density (e.g. 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 ) into the article 8”, the amount of physical material in the aerosol pathway 54” is reduced, thereby reducing amount of material which impedes the airflow.
  • a low packing density e.g. 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 is provided by one or more open- pored solid structure, such as a monolithic structure for retaining the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a monolithic structure it is meant a component formed from a single element (e.g. a substantially rigid block or cylinder of material).
  • a suitable monolithic structure has a total pore volume in the range of 150-400 mm 3 /g and / or a total pore surface in the range of 1.2-6.0 m 2 /g.
  • a total pore volume in the range of 150-400 mm 3 /g provides a structure in which the airflow is able to pass without significant resistance due to the significant volume of spaces within the structure, thereby reducing the pressure drop through the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • a total pore surface in the range of 1.2-6.0 m 2 /g provides an increased surface for interaction between the aerosol and aerosol-modifying agent retained on the pore surfaces of the structure.
  • the monolithic structure is a thermoplastic polymer, such as nylon.
  • the monolithic structure comprises a granular structure or a channelled structure.
  • a granular structure it is meant a structure formed from a plurality of granules which are joined, fused or otherwise connected to form a single structure.
  • a channelled structure it is meant a structure which is formed in a manner which provides channels (e.g. aeration) or a structure which is processed after formation to provide channels extending through the structure (e.g. drilling, etching or laser removal of material). Said channels are provided to extend substantially in line with the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and outlet 58” of the article 8” when the aerosol-modifying component 70” is provided in the article 8”.
  • the channels may interconnect different pores of the structure or may provide pores through aerosol can flow.
  • the monolithic structure may have a total pore volume in the range of 150-400 mm 3 /g.
  • the monolithic structure may have a total pore volume in the range of 50 - 400 mm 3 /g (said total pore volume may be lower than for a granular structure whilst still providing a similar resistance to draw because the channels provide more direct flow paths through the aerosol-modifying component 70” thereby reducing resistance to draw).
  • the aerosol-modifying component comprises a substrate material for retaining the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the substrate material is formed from at least one of paper, cotton, and gel.
  • the substrate material may be paper or cotton and may be saturated with a liquid aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the substrate material may be paper, cotton, or gel, and may be sprayed or otherwise coated with a liquid or powder aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the substrate material may be paper or gel, and the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in the paper or gel during manufacture of the paper or gel (e.g. the aerosol-modifying agent may be a precursor material for the paper or gel).
  • the substrate can be retained in a position with respect to the channel 64” by means of an adhesive or similar.
  • the substrate material of the aerosol-modifying component 70 has a packing density in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 .
  • the substrate material comprises at least one of a plurality of strips, and a sheet. Said plurality of strips may be formed by shredding or cutting a sheet, by extruding a plurality of strips, or by any suitable conventional method.
  • the substrate material, such as paper is a sheet (or is formed from a sheet (e.g. strips from a shredded or torn sheet)) having a mass per area of 5 to 40 gsm, and preferably a mass per area of 10 to 30 gsm.
  • the substrate material may be a sheet which is provided within the article 8”.
  • said sheet may be configured or manipulated (e.g. rolled, gathered or crimped) in order to provide a packing density of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 within the volume of the article 8” within which the aerosol-modifying component 70” is provided.
  • the substrate material may have a mass per area of greater than 40 gsm.
  • a sheet can be configured or manipulated to fill the volume whilst providing a loose packing (i.e. low packing density) within the article 8”.
  • the sheet may be configured (e.g. folded or crimped) such that channels are formed between different portions of the sheet. In some examples, said channels can be orientated when the aerosolmodifying component 70” is within the article 8” such that the channels align substantially with the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”.
  • a lightweight sheet (e.g. 5 to 30 gsm) may be preferable in examples where the substrate material directly obstructs the aerosol, such that the aerosol pathway directly passes through the plane of the sheet rather than passing over the surface of the sheet.
  • the low density of the sheet reduces the resistance to draw of the airflow through sheet.
  • the number and I or characteristics of the strips are selected in order to provide a packing density of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 (e.g. by providing a number of strips of a known mass within a volume of the channel 64” of the article 8”).
  • the strips can be aligned with one another within the volume (e.g. aligned with the longitudinal axis of the article 8”), whereas in other examples the strips can be randomly orientated with respect to one another.
  • the strips may be retained in position by means of an adhesive.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 comprises a capsule (not shown) containing a liquid aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” may also comprise a substrate surrounding the capsule and acting to retain the capsule in a position within the article 8”.
  • the capsule is configured to release the liquid aerosol-modifying agent in response to pressure or temperature.
  • the capsule may release the liquid aerosol-modifying agent in response to heating of the walls of the capsule via the heat received from passing aerosol, or the capsule may release the liquid aerosol-modifying agent in response to the user, or a mechanism of the aerosol delivery system 1”, squeezing or otherwise applying a force to a portion of the article 8” to burst the capsule.
  • a capsule has a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 8” between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58” of less than 40 % of the diameter of the channel 64” (e.g. a capsule diameter of 3 mm or less for an article with a 8 mm channel diameter) in order to lower the resistance to draw of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the article 8 comprises a barrier material, or coating, (not shown) surrounding at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70”, wherein the barrier material is configured to inhibit the movement of the liquid aerosol-modifying agent out of the aerosol pathway.
  • the barrier material comprises a liquid impermeable compound which is configured to stop the liquid aerosol-modifying agent from leaking through the housing 62” of the article 8”. Said barrier material may be selected to be impermeable to the particular liquid aerosol-modifying agent contained in the article 8”. In the absence of a barrier material, leakage could lead to a user’s skin (e.g. fingers) coming into contact with the liquid aerosolmodifying agent and /or discoloration of an outer surface of the article 8” or packaging of the article.
  • the barrier material comprises at least one of a lacquer, a wax or a gel material.
  • the article 8 comprises one or more peripheral inlets (different to the inlet 56”) for receiving ambient air into the aerosol pathway 54”.
  • the ambient air may be introduced in a region of the aerosol pathway 54” containing the aerosol-modifying component 70”, and I or into a region of the aerosol-modifying component in which the aerosol-modifying component 70” is not provided (e.g. upstream or downstream of the aerosol-modifying component 70”).
  • the one or more secondary inlets may be configured to induce turbulent air flow in the air path.
  • the peripheral inlets may be positioned to introduce air at an angle with respect to the air path 54” (and the general direction of air travelling in the air path in response to an inhalation), such that the introduced ambient air interferes with the flow of air in the air path to promote turbulent airflow which in turn may promote mixing of the aerosolmodifying agent of the aerosol-modifying component 70” with the aerosol from the aerosol generator 48”.
  • the one or more secondary inlets may be provided as perforations in the housing 62” (e.g. formed by a laser into an article housing, such as a housing formed of paper).
  • the one or more secondary inlets are positioned to be unobstructed when the article 8” is inserted into the cartridge 4” into a correct position (e.g. they may be on an exposed surface of the article 8”, visible to a user).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator 48”, and modifying the aerosol via an aerosol-modifying agent of an aerosolmodifying component 70” through which the aerosol passes when it flows towards an outlet for inhalation by a user.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge 4” and article 8” for an aerosol delivery system 1” in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the cartridge 4” of Figure 10 differs from that of Figure 1” in that the cartridge 4” comprises an aerosol- modifying agent release component 49” (sometimes called release component 49”), that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the remaining features of the device 2” (not shown), cartridge 4”, and article 8” are substantially as described in relation to Figure 1.
  • a release component 49” of a cartridge 4 is an apparatus configured to cause or promote the release of the aerosol-modifying agent into an air path 54” of the article 8” for inhalation by a user with the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 48”, the aerosol-modifying agent modifying the aerosol produced by the aerosol generator 48” (e.g. by changing flavour and/ or the chemical nature of the aerosol).
  • the release component 49” comprises a heater which is configured to increase the temperature of the aerosol-modifying component 70” to cause, or increase, the release of the aerosol-modifying agent contained in the aerosol-modifying component 70” into the aerosol pathway 54”.
  • a release component 49” in the form of a heater is configured to subject the aerosol-modifying agent to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the modifying agent to form an aerosol.
  • the heater may take the form of a coil heater which is coiled around the airflow (and potentially a cylindrical component defining a surface of the air path), one or more resistive tracks provided on a substrate material and intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof (e.g.
  • the release component 49 is configured to cause without heating, an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-modifying agent of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the release component 49 may be configured to vibrate the aerosol-modifying component 70” to agitate and release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • an initial aerosol is first generated by an aerosol generator 48” in an upstream portion of the air path through the aerosol delivery system 1” (i.e. the air path 52” of the cartridge 4”), and then modified by the operation of a release component 49” in a downstream portion of the air path through the aerosol delivery system 1” (i.e. the air path 54” of the article 8”).
  • the initial aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” moves downstream through the article 8” in response to a user inhalation, and mixes with a further aerosol (e.g. one or more components entrained in air) introduced or generated by the release component 49”.
  • the cartridge 4” of Figure 10 comprises both an aerosol generator 48” and a release component 49”, each of which can be separately powered or operated (e.g. by a control unit 20” of a device 1”).
  • the release component 49” is provided adjacent a portion of the air path 52” of the cartridge 4” which is downstream of the aerosol generator 48” (i.e. the release component 49” is closer to the mouth-end of the system 1” than the aerosol generator 48”).
  • the article 8” is inserted into the air path 52” such that at least a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70” of the article 8” is adjacent to the release component 49”.
  • the release component 49 is a component of the cartridge 4
  • the release component 49” causes aerosol-modifying agent to be released into the air path 54” of the article 8”.
  • the release component 49 can be provided adjacent to at least a portion of the aerosolmodifying component 70” (albeit separated by the housing 62”), and therefore the release component 49” can act on the aerosol-modifying component 70” in the adjacent region (through the housing 62”).
  • the release component 49” is a heater
  • thermal energy from the release component 49” can be conducted or otherwise transferred to the aerosol-modifying component 70” via the housing 62”.
  • the release component 49 comprises a motor or actuator configured to induce a movement of at least a part of an article 4
  • the release component 49” can agitate aerosol-modifying component 70” via the housing 62” (where the housing 62” may be a flexible housing 62” to allow agitation of the aerosol-modifying component 70”) to promote the release of aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the mixing of the initial aerosol with the aerosol-modifying agent creates a resultant aerosol having at least one property or characteristic that is different to the initial aerosol (e.g. taste, strength and harshness as described above).
  • the initial aerosol and the aerosol-modifying agent may mix in the air pathway 54” and /or they may mix within a user’s mouth to create the resultant aerosol.
  • mixing it is meant that the components of the initial and aerosolmodifying agent intermingle to create a substantially homogenous composition (i.e. relatively equal proportions of components throughout the aerosol).
  • the components may interact chemically (e.g. to protonate or deprotonate) when mixing together.
  • the resultant aerosol comprises a new composition, different to the initial aerosol.
  • the release component 49 is provided downstream of the aerosol generator 48” in the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1
  • the release component 49 can be provided upstream of the aerosol generator 48” in the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1” (e.g. the system is formed from an upstream direction to a downstream direction by the device 2”, the article 8” and the cartridge 4” or the article 8”, the device 2” and the cartridge 4”).
  • the further aerosol generated from the aerosol-modifying agent is introduced into the air path of the aerosol delivery system 1” upstream of the aerosol generator 48” and moves towards the aerosol generator 48” when the user inhales.
  • the release component 49” may be a component of the device 2”, instead of the cartridge 4”. As such, the aerosol generated or introduced by the release component 49” is part of the air into which the aerosol generated by aerosol generator is provided 48”.
  • electrical power from the power source 26” is able to be supplied from the power source 26” to a release component 49”.
  • said release component 49 is a component of the cartridge 4”
  • the electrical contacts on the device 2 which are coupled to the power source 26”
  • the supply of power to the release component 49” is substantially similar to that of the supply of power to the aerosol generator 48”.
  • a release component 49” in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70” to a temperature of at least 40°C. In some examples, a release component 49” in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70” to a temperature of at least 50°C. In some examples, a release component 49” in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the aerosolmodifying component 70” to a temperature of no more than 80°C. In some examples, a release component 49” in the form of a heater is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70” to a temperature of no more than 70°C. In some examples, the release component 49” is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70” to a temperature in a range of between 40°C and 70°C.
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view through a cartridge 4”, article 8” and mouthpiece 310” for an aerosol delivery system 1” in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the disclosure of Figure 11 differs from that of Figure 9 in that the article 8” is configured to be received by a component of the aerosol delivery system 1” in the form of a mouthpiece 310”, rather than the article 8” providing a mouthpiece for the user.
  • the remaining features of the device 2” (not shown), cartridge 4”, and article 8” are substantially as described in relation to Figure 9.
  • the article 8” is configured to be received by a component of the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 can comprise a mouthpiece 310” for the aerosol delivery system 1”, the mouthpiece 310” comprising a receiving cavity 330” for containing the article 8”.
  • the component is a mouthpiece 310” comprising a cavity 330” (also called a receiving cavity) for accommodating or containing at least a portion of the article 8”.
  • the mouthpiece 310 comprises a mouthpiece interface 320” for connecting the mouthpiece 310” to the cartridge 4”, a cavity 330” configured to accommodate at least a portion of the article 8”, and a mouthpiece outlet 340” configured to allow aerosol and I or modified aerosol to be inhaled by the user from the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • a mouthpiece 310” in the system 1 is advantageous in that it provides protection for the article 8” which may allow a wider range of material choices for the article 8”.
  • more fragile materials can be used to provide the housing 62” of the article 8”, because the article 8” is not directly manipulated by a user during puffs, which may reduce costs, and I or, if a release component 49” is present (not shown) increase heating/ heat conduction from a release component 49” to the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the housing 62” of the article 8” can be formed by a paper material having a mass per square metre in the range of less than 80 gsm.
  • the article 8” can be formed by a paper material having a mass per square metre in the range of less than 50 gsm.
  • the mouthpiece 310 may be formed from a suitable material such as a plastic or silicone material.
  • the mouthpiece 310” may be reusable in that the same mouthpiece 310” is used with multiple articles 8” and I or cartridges 4”.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320 allows for the cartridge 4” and the mouthpiece 310” to be releasably coupled together.
  • the mouthpiece 310 may be removed from the cartridge 4” (by decoupling the mouthpiece 310” and cartridge 4”) and a new article 8” may be inserted in its place.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320” provides a structural connection between the cartridge 4” and mouthpiece 310” and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the mouthpiece interface 320 is configured to allow aerosol from the cartridge 4” to flow into the mouthpiece 310”.
  • a portion of the mouthpiece interface 320” may be provided by a cartridge end of the cavity 330” which is configured to align with an opening of the cartridge 4”.
  • the cavity 330” in Figure 11 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the article 8”.
  • the cavity 330” has a size and shape which is equal to or greater than the portion of the article 8” which is accommodated in the cavity 330”.
  • the cavity 330” is configured to accommodate the whole of the article 8”, with none of the article 8” received within the cartridge 4”.
  • the article 8” may be wider than the opening 50” thereby preventing the article 8” from entering the opening 50”.
  • a first portion of the article 8” is received in the mouthpiece 310” and a second portion of the article 8” is received in the air path 52” of the cartridge 4”.
  • a cartridge end of the cavity 330” aligns with the air path 52” of the cartridge 4” to allow air and I or aerosol to flow into the cavity 330”.
  • the mouthpiece 310 may further include a mouthpiece inlet (not shown) which is configured to allow airflow from the cartridge into the cavity 330”, and into an article 8” contained into the cavity (e.g. a mouthpiece inlet may be provided between the opening 50” and the article air inlet 56”).
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340 provides a fluid connection between the cavity 330” and the exterior of the mouthpiece 310”, such that airflow is able to flow from the cavity 330”, and from an article 8” contained within the cavity 330” to allow a user to inhale through the mouthpiece 310”.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340 is provided to align with the article outlet 58”.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340” is configured to allow aerosol (e.g. modified aerosol) to be inhaled by the user from the aerosol delivery system 1”.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340 has a diameter or width that is equal to or larger than a diameter or width of the air path 54” within the article 8”, and smaller than the diameter or width of the article 8”, thereby retaining the article 8” in the cavity 330” without increasing the resistance to draw in comparison to the article 8”.
  • the mouthpiece outlet 340 has a diameter or width that is less than a diameter or width of the air path 54” within the article 8”, in order to provide an increased resistance to draw comparison to the article 8” (e.g. creating a restriction to airflow), which may promote mixing of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” with the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • Figures 12, 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views through respective articles 8” in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the disclosures of Figure 12, 13 and 14 differ from those of Figures 9, 10 and 11 in that the cartridge 4” is also omitted.
  • the articles 8” of Figures 12, 13 and 14 are examples of alternative articles 8” which can be used with aerosol delivery systems 1” in line with the present disclosure (e.g. the articles 8” of Figures 12, 13 and 14 can be used with cartridges 4” and devices 2” of any of Figures 9, 10 and 11).
  • the articles 8” of Figures 12, 13 and 14 differ from that of the article 8” described in relation to Figure 9, in that the aerosol-modifying component 70” does not extend the whole length between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”.
  • the remaining features of the device 2” (not shown), cartridge 4” (not shown) article 8” are substantially as described in relation to Figure 9.
  • the aerosolmodifying component 70 does not extend to the outlet 58” of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” comprises a downstream cavity or void 72” downstream of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • downstream it is meant downstream with respect to the direction of flow during a user’s inhalation.
  • the downstream cavity or void 72” may be called a mouth-end cavity or void because it is closer to the mouth-end of the article than the opposite end (having the inlet 56”).
  • Said downstream void 72” may be beneficial in that the user is separated from the aerosolmodifying component 70” which reduces the likelihood that the user comes into contact with the aerosol-modifying agent in the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent is intended to modify the aerosol, it may not be intended for the user to taste or consume the aerosol-modifying agent in the absence of the aerosol and doing so may could degrade the user’s experience of the delivery system 1” (e.g. the user could receive an unpleasant or unexpected taste). This is particularly useful where the aerosol-modifying agent is a liquid aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the downstream void 72 is defined by a length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is at least 10% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the length of the downstream void 72” is at least 20% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the length of the downstream void 72” is at least 30% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the downstream void 72” is defined by a length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is at least 5 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm.
  • the aerosolmodifying component 70 does not extend to the inlet 56” of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” comprises an upstream cavity or void 74” upstream of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • upstream it is meant upstream with respect to the direction of flow during a user’s inhalation.
  • the upstream cavity or void 74” may be called a non-mouth-end cavity or void because it is further from the mouth-end of the article than the opposite end (having the outlet 58”).
  • Said upstream void 74” may be beneficial because the upstream void 74” provides a cooling space for the aerosol in which heat may be transferred to the article 8”, and because the absence of material limits the effect of the article 8” on the resistance to draw of the system (i.e. the aerosol passes through a smaller amount of a material corresponding to the aerosolmodifying component 70”).
  • providing an upstream void 74” allows the article 8” to be long enough that it can be retained within the void 74” (e.g. providing a significant contact surface area between the article 8” and cartridge reservoir 44” inner wall) without providing a significant resistance to draw during use.
  • the inlet 56” whilst the inlet 56” is not in contact with the user when the article 8” is connected to the cartridge 4”, providing a void can prevent the user from coming into contact with the aerosol-modifying agent prior to use.
  • the upstream void 74 is defined by a length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is at least 5% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the length of the upstream void 74” is at least 15% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the length of the upstream void 74” is at least 30% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the upstream void 74” is defined by a length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is at least 2 mm, and preferably at least 10 mm.
  • Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through an article 8” in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the disclosure of Figure 15 differs from those of Figures 9, 10 and 11 in that the cartridge 4” is also omitted.
  • the article 8” of Figure 15 is a further example of an alternative article 8” which can be used with aerosol delivery systems 1” in line with the present disclosure (e.g. the article 8” of Figure 15 can be used with cartridges 4” and devices 2” in accordance with any of Figures 9, 10 and 11).
  • the article 8” of Figure 15 differs from that of the article 8” described in relation to Figure 9, in that a first end component 76” and a second end component 78” are provided in the aerosol pathway 54” either side of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the remaining features of the device 2” (not shown), cartridge 4” (not shown) article 8” are substantially as described in relation to Figure 9.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” does not extend to the outlet 58” of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” comprises a first end component 76” downstream of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the first end component 76” may sometimes be called a downstream end component.
  • the first end component 76 may act to block or inhibit the aerosol-modifying component 70”, or a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70”, from moving out of the outlet 58” (e.g. towards the user’s mouth during inhalation).
  • the first end component 76” may be configured to absorb liquid aerosol-modifying agent leaving the aerosol-modifying component 70” or to impede a powder aerosol-modifying agent from being inhaled, thereby reducing the likelihood that the user has a bad experience.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 does not extend to the inlet 56” of the article 8”.
  • the aerosol pathway 54” of the article 8” comprises a second end component 78” upstream of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the second end component 78” may sometimes be called a upstream end component.
  • the second end component 78” may act to block or inhibit the aerosolmodifying component 70”, or a portion of the aerosol-modifying component 70”, from moving towards and out of the inlet 56”.
  • the second end component 78” may be configured to absorb liquid aerosol-modifying agent leaving the aerosol-modifying component 70” or to impede a powder aerosol-modifying agent, thereby preventing the build-up of unwanted material in the cartridge 4” or device 2”. Said material could interfere with the operation of the cartridge 4” or the device 2”.
  • the second end component 78” may limit the release of material during shipping and storage thereby preventing damage to, for example, packaging (e.g. staining).
  • the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” are formed of a material having a packing density within the aerosol pathway in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” are formed of a material having a packing density within the aerosol pathway in the range of 0.25 to 0.35 g/cm 3 . For example, the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” are formed of a material having a packing density within the aerosol pathway of approximately 0.27 g/cm 3 .
  • the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” are formed of one of a paper material, a cotton material, a sponge and a foamed material.
  • the packing density may be equivalent to a bulk density (e.g. for porous solid structures).
  • the packing density of the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” is less than the packing density of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • Figure 15 depicts an article 8” having both a first end component 76” and a second end component 78
  • the article 8 comprises only one of a first end component 76” in the aerosol path 54” between the inlet 56” and the aerosol-modifying component 70”, or a second end component 78” in the aerosol path 54” between the aerosol-modifying component 70” and the outlet 58”.
  • the first end component 76” and the second end component 78 are configured to retain the aerosol-modifying component 70” within the article 8”.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” comprises a loose material retained in the cavity by the first end component 76” and the second end component 78”.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70” may be in the form of a powder, or particulate material, or may be in the form of a plant material (e.g. a botanical material).
  • the presence of the first end component 76” and a second end component 78” advantageously allows for the aerosol-modifying component 70” to be provided in a loose format, without any adhesive or similar, which may increase the mixing of aerosol with aerosol-modifying agent without substantially increasing the resistance to draw.
  • the packing density of the aerosol-modifying component 70” (between the first end component 76” and a second end component 78”) can be 0.3 to 0.5 g/cm 3 . In some of these examples, the packing density of the first end component 76” and I or the second end component 78” is more than the packing density of the aerosol-modifying component 70”.
  • the article 8 comprises a wrapper surrounding and extending between the first end component 76” and the second end component 78” to form a cavity, wherein the aerosol-modifying component is provided within the cavity.
  • the structure of the article 8” is defined by the first end component 76” and the second end component 78” in combination with the wrapper (i.e. providing the article housing 62”) which attaches the first end component 76” to the second end component 78”.
  • the formed article 8” may be relatively simple to manufacture because the first end component 76” and the second end component 78” provide support for the shape of the article 8” rather than requiring additional components.
  • the first end component 76 is defined by a (third) length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is at least 5% of the total length of the article 8” along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the first end component 76” is defined by a (third) length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, where the length is in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
  • the aerosol-modifying component 70 is defined by a (second) length along the longitudinal axis between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58”, wherein the (second) length is in the range of 6 mm to 20 mm.
  • articles 8 have a first length in the range of 10 to 40 mm, and comprise in the aerosol pathway 54” between the inlet 56” and the outlet 58” an aerosol-modifying component 70” having a second length in the range of 6 mm to 20 mm, a first end component having a third length in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm, and a second end component having a third length in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
  • Figure 16 is a flow diagram depicting a method 400” of providing an aerosol delivery system 1 for generating and modifying an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the method 400 starts with a first step 410” of generating an aerosol.
  • generating an aerosol is achieved by operating an aerosol generator 48” to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol may be generated by an aerosol generator 48” as described in relation to Figure 9.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be a liquid, solid or gel material as described above (see for example the discussion in relation to Figure 9).
  • the aerosolgenerating material may be provided in a cartridge which is attached to a device part of the aerosol delivery system; whereas in other examples, the aerosol-generating material may be provided in or adjacent to the aerosol delivery system (e.g. poured or inserted into a cavity of the aerosol delivery system).
  • the aerosol generator is a component of a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating material (i.e. the cartridge is a cartomiser).
  • the method 400 continues with a second step 420” of modifying the aerosol.
  • modifying the aerosol is achieved by directing the aerosol through an article 8” or a mouthpiece 310” containing an article 8”.
  • the aerosol can be generated in an aerosol pathway 52” which is fluidly connected to an inlet 56” of an article 8” such that the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” can pass into the article 8” (e.g. during a user inhalation), the fluid connection acting to direct the aerosol into the article 8”.
  • the article 8” may be an article 8” according to any of the above description (e.g. as described in relation to Figures 9, 12, 13, 14, and 15).
  • the article comprises an aerosol-modifying component 70” which comprises an aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent is for modifying the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 48” from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent in the article may be released, in use, to modify a characteristic or property of the generated aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may mix with the generated aerosol in an air flow path, and may modify a characteristic such as a flavour or acidity of the aerosol, as described above.
  • the method further comprises promoting the release of the aerosolmodifying agent in the article 8”.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 may comprise a release component 49” that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the method further involves operating the release component to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent as described in relation to Figure 11 , for example.
  • an aerosol delivery system for generating an aerosol
  • the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; an aerosol-modifying agent; a release component configured to release the aerosol-modifying agent; and a sensor configured to measure data relating to movement of the aerosol delivery system; a controller configured to activate the release component to release the aerosol-modifying agent based on the data.
  • a component of an aerosol delivery system T comprising a cavity accommodating at least a portion of an article 8’.
  • the component may be a mouthpiece 310’ or a cartridge 4’, or both the mouthpiece 310’ and the cartridge 4’ may provide components comprising cavities for receiving different portions of the article (e.g. a first portion received in the cavity 330’ of the mouthpiece 310’, and a second portion received in the air path 52’ of the cartridge 4’).
  • an aerosol delivery system T for generating an aerosol comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator 48’ configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and an article 8’.
  • the aerosol delivery system T may also comprise a component as described above.
  • article means for use as part of an aerosol delivery means comprising: inlet means for receiving aerosol generated by an aerosol generator means of the aerosol delivery means; outlet means; channel means providing a hollow air path extending from the inlet to the outlet; and coating means comprising aerosol-modifying means for modifying the aerosol, wherein the coating means is provided on a surface of the channel means.
  • an article 8 for use with an aerosol delivery system 1
  • the article comprising: an aerosol pathway 54” comprising an inlet 56” and an outlet 58”, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; and an aerosol-modifying component 70” in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol- modifying component in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG.
  • an article 8 for use with an aerosol delivery system 1
  • the article comprising: an aerosol pathway 54” comprising an inlet 56” and an outlet 58”, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; and an aerosol-modifying component 70” in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosolmodifying component in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol-modifying component has a packing density in the range of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm 3 .
  • an article 8 for use with an aerosol delivery system 1
  • the article comprising: an aerosol pathway 54” comprising an inlet 56” and an outlet 58”, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet to the outlet; an aerosol-modifying component 70” in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the outlet, the aerosol-modifying component comprising an aerosol-modifying agent for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component in the flow direction; a first end component in the aerosol pathway between the inlet and the aerosol-modifying component; and a second end component in the aerosol pathway between the aerosol-modifying component and the outlet.
  • a mouthpiece 310 for an aerosol delivery system 1
  • the mouthpiece comprising a receiving cavity 330” containing an article 8” as described above.
  • an aerosol delivery system 1 for generating an aerosol
  • the aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating material; an aerosol generator 48” configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material; and an article 8” or a mouthpiece 310” containing an article 8” as described above.
  • article means for an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising: an aerosol pathway comprising inlet means and outlet means, the aerosol pathway for conveying aerosol received from the aerosol delivery system along a flow direction from the inlet means to the outlet means; and an aerosol-modifying means in the aerosol pathway between the inlet means and the outlet means, the aerosolmodifying means comprising an aerosol-modifying agent means for modifying aerosol passing through the aerosol-modifying component means in the flow direction, wherein the aerosol pathway between the inlet means and the outlet means has a pressure drop of 1 to 20 mmWG.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de distribution d'aérosol (1) pour générer un aérosol, le système de distribution d'aérosol comprenant : un matériau de génération d'aérosol ; un générateur d'aérosol (48) conçu pour aérosoliser le matériau de génération d'aérosol ; un agent de modification d'aérosol ; un composant de libération (74) conçu pour libérer l'agent de modification d'aérosol ; et un capteur (24) conçu pour mesurer des données relatives au mouvement du système de distribution d'aérosol ; un dispositif de commande (20) conçu pour activer le composant de libération afin de libérer l'agent de modification d'aérosol sur la base des données.
PCT/GB2024/052519 2023-10-02 2024-10-01 Système électronique de distribution d'aérosol Pending WO2025074088A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2315097.2 2023-10-02
GBGB2315069.1A GB202315069D0 (en) 2023-10-02 2023-10-02 Electronic aerosol delivery system
GBGB2315097.2A GB202315097D0 (en) 2023-10-02 2023-10-02 Aerosol delivery system
GB2315069.1 2023-10-02
GB2319522.5 2023-12-19
GBGB2319522.5A GB202319522D0 (en) 2023-12-19 2023-12-19 Aerosol delivery system

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016094225A1 (fr) * 2014-12-09 2016-06-16 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Interface utilisateur de reconnaissance des gestes pour un dispositif de distribution d'aérosol
US20160338407A1 (en) * 2015-05-18 2016-11-24 Andrew Kerdemelidis Programmable vaporizer device and method
US20190124982A1 (en) * 2016-04-22 2019-05-02 Juul Labs, Inc. Aerosol Devices Having Compartmentalized Materials
WO2020183146A1 (fr) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système électronique de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2021105674A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de distribution d'aérosol

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016094225A1 (fr) * 2014-12-09 2016-06-16 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Interface utilisateur de reconnaissance des gestes pour un dispositif de distribution d'aérosol
US20160338407A1 (en) * 2015-05-18 2016-11-24 Andrew Kerdemelidis Programmable vaporizer device and method
US20190124982A1 (en) * 2016-04-22 2019-05-02 Juul Labs, Inc. Aerosol Devices Having Compartmentalized Materials
WO2020183146A1 (fr) * 2019-03-11 2020-09-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système électronique de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2021105674A1 (fr) * 2019-11-29 2021-06-03 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de distribution d'aérosol

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