[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025088300A1 - Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025088300A1
WO2025088300A1 PCT/GB2024/052668 GB2024052668W WO2025088300A1 WO 2025088300 A1 WO2025088300 A1 WO 2025088300A1 GB 2024052668 W GB2024052668 W GB 2024052668W WO 2025088300 A1 WO2025088300 A1 WO 2025088300A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
chamber
cartridge
flange
air outlet
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/GB2024/052668
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Xiaofeng Xu
Hongqiang LIU
Shuai WANG
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 CN202311405124.3A external-priority patent/CN119896361A/zh
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025088300A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025088300A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
    • A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
    • A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
    • A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).
  • nicotine delivery systems e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like.
  • Electronic vapour provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) 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 vapour provision system will typically comprise a vapour generation chamber containing a vaporiser assembly arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour in the vapour generation chamber.
  • the vaporiser assembly will often comprise a heater coil arranged around a liquid transport element (capillary wick) that is arranged to transport source liquid from a reservoir to the heater coil for vaporisation.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber, and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet from the chamber.
  • a method of providing a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising: providing a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein an aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in the chamber; and providing a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet from the chamber.
  • Figure 1 schematically represents an aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge and control unit in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 2 schematically represents a cross-sectional view through an example cartridge in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 3 schematically represents a further cross-sectional view through an example cartridge in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure
  • Figure 4 schematically represents a still further cross-sectional view through an example cartridge in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 5 is a flow diagram schematically representing steps in a method of providing a cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the present disclosure relates to, for example, a cartridge for an aerosol provision system, the cartridge comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber; and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet from the chamber.
  • a flange in accordance with the present disclosure may provide a gravitational barrier preventing the flow of liquid under gravity into an air pathway downstream of the chamber.
  • liquid either leakage, condensation or liquid from another source
  • a cartridge which if unimpeded could be inhaled by a user on their first, or next, usage (i.e. as an unaerosolised liquid rather than an aerosol), or may leak from the cartridge 4 into surrounding materials which could contact a user’s skin (e.g. hands or lips), leading to a negative user experience.
  • aerosol delivery systems which may also be referred to as aerosol or vapour provision systems, such as e-cigarettes.
  • aerosol or vapour provision systems such as e-cigarettes.
  • e-cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device, electronic aerosol delivery system I device, vapour provision system I device, and electronic vapour provision system I device.
  • vapour and “aerosol” and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise”
  • vapour and vapour
  • vapour and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise”
  • 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 aerosolgenerating 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 is one where a constituent aerosol-generating 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.
  • 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 aerosolgenerating 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 articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source.
  • 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 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, where said substances are legally permitted.
  • 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. 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 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 comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • 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. In some alternative embodiments, 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, be a material heatable by electrical conduction.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol delivery system I device (e- cigarette, vapour I aerosol provision system) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Positional terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.
  • this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the e-cigarette in use.
  • the e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 4 (cartridge part) and a control unit 2 (control part).
  • the control unit 2 and the cartridge 4 are shown coupled together.
  • the cartridge 4 and control unit 2 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them.
  • the specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts I electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate.
  • the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the control unit by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 81 receiving section of the control unit.
  • the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and may include includes protrusions (not shown) which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit.
  • An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrodes providing electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8.
  • the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a control unit at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).
  • the electronic cigarette 1 has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L.
  • the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example is around 12.5 cm.
  • the overall length of the control unit is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 3 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit when they are coupled together).
  • the electronic cigarette has a cross-section which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends.
  • the cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1 .7 cm.
  • the end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm.
  • the outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in some examples formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and I or materials.
  • control unit 2 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques.
  • the control unit 2 comprises outer housing 10 (formed of a plastic or metal, for example) including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above.
  • the outer housing 10 of the control unit 2 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 4 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts.
  • the receptacle wall 12 includes a control unit air inlet opening 11 (e.g. provided by one or more holes in the wall). In use, when a user inhales on the cartridge 4, air is drawn in through these holes, towards the interface end of the cartridge part 4 where the air enters the cartridge through an opening in the base end of the cartridge. It will be appreciated that the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge 4 may not form an airtight seal with the receptacle wall 12 so some air drawn may also be drawn into the cartridge through gaps between the cartridge and the control unit 2.
  • the control unit further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator 22.
  • the battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the battery 16 may be recharged through a charging port (not shown), which may, for example, comprise a USB connector; or the battery 16 may be recharged inductively via suitable components for inductive charging (e.g. a susceptor assembly (not shown) configured to form part of an induction circuit with an inductive charger).
  • the input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry.
  • the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger vapour generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant.
  • other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques
  • the indicator 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on I off I standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions.
  • the indicator 22 may be provided by one or more LEDs. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and I or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.
  • the indicator 22 may be provided by a display, configured to display information to a user.
  • the control circuitry 18 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes.
  • the control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation.
  • the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units I circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry.
  • control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and I or one or more suitably configured applicationspecific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a housing 32, a mouthpiece end 52, an interface end 54, an aerosolgenerating material storage area 44 (e.g. a reservoir for liquid aerosol-generating material), and an aerosol generator 40, which may be provided in combination with a liquid transport element 42 (e.g. for conveying liquid aerosol-generating material from a reservoir to the aerosol generator 40).
  • a liquid transport element 42 e.g. for conveying liquid aerosol-generating material from a reservoir to the aerosol generator 40.
  • the aerosol generator 40 and the liquid transport element 42 may be considered a single component (e.g. the liquid transport element 42 is a part of the aerosol generator 40).
  • the cartridge 4 is configured to contain an aerosol generating material (e.g. a liquid contained in a reservoir 44).
  • the cartridge 4 may in some examples be termed a cartomiser in that it is configured to comprise an aerosol generator 40 and an aerosol-generating material.
  • the housing 32 defines the external shape (e.g. appearance) of the cartridge 4 (e.g. a portion of the aerosol delivery system 1 defined by the cartridge).
  • the housing 32 defines a mouthpiece configured to accommodate a user’s mouth during a puff.
  • the housing 32 may be comprise a mouthpiece opening/ vapour outlet 60 at the downstream end of the cartridge 4 (and system 1).
  • the mouthpiece opening/ vapour outlet 60 in fluid communication with the aerosol generator 40 via an inner tube 62 connecting an aerosol generation chamber 50 to the mouthpiece opening 60.
  • the housing 32 defines an interface end portion 6 of the cartridge which is configured to engage with a receptacle 8 of the control unit 2, as described above.
  • the housing 32 may be formed a plastic or metal material.
  • the housing 32 may be formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene or a metal material such as aluminium.
  • the housing 32 may be integrally formed as a single component.
  • the housing 32 may be formed from a single moulding defining the mouthpiece end including the mouthpiece opening 60, and an interface end portion 6 configured to be received by the receptacle 8.
  • the housing 32 may further include the inner tube 62, which may also be integrally formed with the remainder of the housing 32 as a single component.
  • the housing 32 may be an assembly of multiple components which are joined together.
  • the housing 32 may be formed by joining an upper portion defining the mouthpiece end 52 to a lower portion defining the interface end 6 of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 1 comprises an (aerosol-generating material) storage area or reservoir 44 defined between the housing 32 and the inner tube 62.
  • the reservoir or storage area 44 is for containing aerosol generating material (e.g. liquid aerosol generating material).
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way.
  • a reservoir 44 is provided which is configured to store a supply of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 has a substantially annular shape defined by the housing 32, defining the outer annular wall, and the inner tube 62, defining the inner annular wall. The reservoir 44 is closed at mouthpiece end 52 with an end wall to contain the aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generator 40 is located towards the interface end 54 of the cartridges 4.
  • the aerosol generator 40 may be a heater 40 (and is referred to, interchangeably, as such below) which is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat, so as to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in order 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 aerosol-generating 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.
  • the cartridge 4 is coupled to the control unit 2, and the control unit 2 is activated to supply power to the aerosol generator 40 via an electrical connection formed at the interface between the cartridge 4 and control unit 2.
  • Power passes through electrical leads (e.g. wires and /or conductive electrodes) from the interface end 54 to the heater 40.
  • the heater is thus electrically heated and so vaporises or aerosolises a portion of the aerosol-generating material in the vicinity of the heater.
  • air is drawn into the cartridge 4 through the air inlet 56 in the interface end 54 and along an air pathway 46.
  • the incoming air mixes with vapour generated from the heater 40 to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the inner tube 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet/vapour outlet 60 for user inhalation.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a liquid transport element 42 for providing or conveying liquid aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 44 to the aerosol generator 40 (i.e. heater).
  • the liquid transport element 42 is a wick 42 (i.e. an element configured to wick the liquid aerosol-generating material) which is provided in contact with the heater 40.
  • the wick 42 extends transversely across the primary (or first) airflow path with the ends of the wick extending into a pocket, recess or conduit 48 fluidly connected to a reservoir 44 of a liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the liquid transport element 42 is configured such that liquid that is vaporised or aerosolised from the liquid transport element 42 is replaced by more liquid drawn from the reservoir 44 by capillary action.
  • the heater 40 in the example of figure 1 comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 42.
  • the heater 40 may comprise a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 42 may comprise a glass fibre bundle.
  • the wick 42 could instead be cotton and the heater 40 could instead be steel.
  • a reservoir 44 for liquid is formed by the space outside the inner tube 62 and an inner surface of the housing 32. This may be filled with liquid aerosol-generating material during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means.
  • the specific nature of the liquid for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional liquid of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used.
  • the reservoir 44 is closed at the interface end 54 of the cartridge 4 by one or more sealing elements or components.
  • the reservoir 44 may be closed by an upper, or downstream, sealing component (not shown).
  • the upper sealing component may at least partly provide openings for receiving ends of the liquid transport element (capillary wick) 42, which extend from the air channel 46.
  • the upper sealing component may be configured to comprise a conduit or recess fluidly connecting the reservoir 44 to the openings through which the ends of the liquid transport element 42 extend.
  • the ends of the liquid transport element 42 are in fluid connection with the reservoir 44 from which they draw liquid through the openings in the air channel 46 to the heater 40 for subsequent vaporisation.
  • the upper, or downstream, sealing component may cooperate with a lower, or upstream, sealing component to provide the openings for receiving the ends of the liquid transport element (capillary wick) 42.
  • the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component may be considered in combination to be a sealing element.
  • both the lower sealing component and the upper sealing component may be shaped such that an inner wall of each is recessed (adjacent to the section of the airflow path 46 containing the aerosol generator 40) to define a pair of diametrically opposing slots. Each slot may provide a semi-circular surface for accommodating an end of the liquid transport element 42.
  • Respective slots of the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component are aligned so that the upper sealing component and the lower sealing component cooperate to define holes through which the ends of the liquid transport element 42 extend.
  • the size of the holes through which the liquid transport element 42 passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the liquid transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the sealing components. This allows liquid to be transported along the liquid transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which liquid which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings.
  • an outer edge of the upper sealing component may be inserted into a part of the housing 32 to seal the reservoir 44.
  • the upper sealing component may be shaped to be received in an aperture towards the interface end 54 of the housing part 32.
  • the upper sealing component may include one or more circumferential ridges which engage with an inner surface of the housing part 32 and ensure a tight fit, when the upper sealing component is inserted into the housing part 32.
  • the upper sealing component comprises an additional element such as a silicone sleeve to facilitate the connection of the upper sealing component to the housing 32 and the sealing of the reservoir 44.
  • the connection may be configured such that the movement of liquid along the inner surface of the housing part 32 may be inhibited (e.g. by virtue of the tight fit).
  • a similar, engagement mechanism could be provided between the upper sealing component and the inner tube 62.
  • the lower sealing element may also be configured to be received by the housing 32, and to provide a level of sealing which inhibits or prevents the movement of liquid between the lower sealing element and the housing 32.
  • the interface end 54 also defines an air inlet 56 through which air is drawn into the air channel 46 of the cartridge 4.
  • the air inlet 56 is configured to align with an outlet of the control part 2, with the air channel 46 comprising a portion in the control part 2 (up to the control part 2 outlet) and a portion in the cartridge 4 (starting at the inlet of the cartridge 4).
  • air may enter the air inlet 56 at the interface end 54 of the cartridge 4 via one or more pathways formed between the control part 2 and the cartridge 4 by the connection of the control part 2 to the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises an (aerosol-generation) chamber 50 which is defined by the surface of components surrounding or proximate to the aerosol generator 40.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 40 to vaporise or aerosolised an amount of aerosolgenerating material into a region of the airflow path 46 defined by the chamber 50.
  • the vaporised aerosol generating material may become entrained in air drawn along the airflow path 46 through the chamber 50.
  • the region into which the aerosol is provided or released e.g. defined by the boundaries of the chamber
  • the chamber 50 is fluidly connected to the air inlet 56 to the cartridge 4 (e.g.
  • the chamber 50 has a chamber air outlet 58 at the downstream (or upper) end of the chamber 50 which connects the chamber 50 to the inner tube 62.
  • the cartridge 4 further comprises a flange 70 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58.
  • the flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from entering the air passageway downstream of the chamber 50.
  • the flange 70 is configured to prevent or reduce the movement of liquid from the chamber 50 to the inner tube 62 defining the air pathway 46 downstream of the chamber.
  • a flange 70 it is meant a ridge, barrier or projection which acts to prevent the flow of liquid by obstructing the pathway between the chamber 50 and air passageway downstream of the chamber 50 (e.g. inner tube 62 providing a downstream portion of the airflow path 46).
  • liquid could flow along a wall of the chamber 50 and, in the absence of any barrier, flow into the inner tube 62.
  • a flange 70 By providing a flange 70, liquid flowing along a wall of the chamber 50 is blocked by flange and essentially captured such that it cannot continue to flow into the air passageway downstream of the chamber 50.
  • the liquid may, for example, be a liquid aerosol-generating material that has leaked from an storage region 44 of the cartridge, and I or the liquid may, for example, be a liquid that has condensed within the chamber 50 (or in a passageway upstream of the chamber 50).
  • a capture region or recess 72 is formed between the flange 70 and a wall defining the chamber 50 (e.g. a wall of a component defining the chamber).
  • an aerosol-generating material comprises a liquid aerosol-generating material
  • the liquid aerosol-generating material may move or flow from the aerosol generator 40 or liquid transport element 42 towards the chamber outlet 58 along a surface of the chamber 50.
  • the liquid aerosol-generating material may flow from the junction of the liquid transport element 42 and a sealing element through which the liquid transport element 42 extends to interact with the storage region 44.
  • Liquid may leak during transport (e.g. shipping) from the junction, or from the liquid transport element 42 or aerosol generator 40 directly, and may flow under the influence of gravity (depending on the orientation of the cartridge 4) towards the mouth end 52 of the cartridge 4.
  • the flange is configured to inhibit liquid flowing from the aperture to the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g. provided on a shortest pathway between the aperture and the chamber air outlet).
  • the recess 72 can be configured to accommodate a certain amount of liquid corresponding to an amount of contained in the storage region 44.
  • the storage region 44 may have a first volume and the recess 72 may have a second volume.
  • the second volume may be in the range of between 0.1 and 10% of the first volume, and preferably the second volume may be in the range of between 1 and 5% of the first volume.
  • the recess 72 is configured to retain at least 0.1 ml of liquid aerosol-generating material (e.g. the second volume is configure to accommodate 0.1 ml of liquid).
  • Such a recess 72 may be suitable, for example, when provided with a storage region 44 of around, or up to, 2 ml.
  • condensation may form in the aerosol delivery system 1.
  • condensation may form when an aerosol cools within the air pathway 46 prior to inhalation by the user (e.g. in the aerosol generation chamber 50).
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprising the cartridge may be placed on a surface or in a bag or pocket until a next use.
  • the cartridge 4 may be separated from the control part 2 and set aside for later use (e.g. if a user wants to change to a different cartridge containing a different flavour aerosol-generating material).
  • the orientation of the system 1 may be such that the mouthend 52 is directed substantially downwards such that liquid may move under the force of gravity in a downstream direction towards the mouthpiece outlet 60. It will be appreciated that in some situations, liquid may flow towards the chamber outlet 58 even if the overall cartridge 4 is horizontal or directed with a mouthend 52 slightly upwards, if a surface of the chamber 50 upon which the liquid is present is locally orientated downwards.
  • liquid either leakage, condensation or liquid from another source
  • liquid could accumulate in the inner tube 62 and be inhaled by a user on their first, or next, usage (i.e. as an unaerosolised liquid rather than an aerosol), or may leak from the cartridge 4 into surrounding materials which could contact a user’s skin (e.g. hands or lips).
  • the flange 70 provides a gravitational barrier preventing the flow of liquid under gravity towards the air passageway downstream of the chamber 50. As such, liquid flowing towards the air passageway may instead be captured or retained in the recess 72 formed by the flange 70, because the liquid would need to overcome gravity in order to flow over the flange 70.
  • the flange 70 may be integrally formed with a component defining a portion of the chamber 50 (e.g. an upper or downstream chamber housing component).
  • the flange 70 may comprise a barrier protruding from the surface of the chamber 50.
  • the flange 70 may be integrally formed with the inner tube 62 and may, for example, comprise an extension of the inner tube 62 into the chamber 50.
  • the flange 70 may be a separate, distinct, component which is attached or fixed to a housing of the chamber 50 and/or the inner tube 62. The separate component providing a seal against the movement of liquid between the flange 70 and the surface of the chamber 50 to which it is attached.
  • the flange 70 may be formed of an elastomeric material (e.g. rubber or silicone). In other examples, the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • an elastomeric material e.g. rubber or silicone
  • the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • each portion of the flange 70 may be positioned to block certain flow paths, such as the shortest flow path between junctions, or contact surfaces, of the liquid transport element 42 with the surface of the chamber 50 and the chamber outlet 58 (the contact may encourage leakage from the liquid transport element 42 and hence these contact areas may be sources of liquid in the chamber 50).
  • Figure 2 schematically represents a cross-sectional view through an example cartridge 4 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the cross-sectional view shown comprises a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58.
  • the example cartridge 4 of figure 2 may be a cartridge 4 in accordance with figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 2 comprises a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50 which may be substantially as described in relation to figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 2 further depicts a chamber housing 36 and a flange 70 which extends around, or otherwise surrounds, an entire periphery of the chamber outlet 58.
  • the recess 72 is formed around an entire periphery of the chamber outlet 58 on a distal or radially outward side of the flange 70 (e.g. from a centre of the chamber outlet 58).
  • the recess 72 is further bounded by the chamber housing 36.
  • the chamber housing 36 and the flange 70 can be considered to define an annular space for the recess 72.
  • the recess 72 of figure 2 is a rounded shape, such as an oval
  • the recess 72 (defined between the chamber housing 36 and the flange 72) may have a different shape such as a polygonal shape, or a shape defined by a combination of curved and straight edges.
  • a width of the recess 72 may be defined as a distance between a location on the rim of the flange 70 protruding into the chamber 50 and a corresponding location on a wall of the chamber 50 at a same height/depth (e.g. measured along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the chamber outlet 58 or the base of the recess 72 (e.g. on a same contour).
  • the width of the recess 72 is constant around the periphery of the flange 70, whereas in other examples, the width of the recess 72 may vary around the periphery of the flange 70.
  • the flange 70 may be integrally formed with a component defining a portion of the chamber 50 (e.g. an upper or downstream chamber housing component).
  • the flange 70 may comprise a barrier protruding from the surface of the chamber 50.
  • chamber housing 36 may extend towards the chamber outlet 58 (out of the plane of figure 2) and the flange 70 may comprise a component of the chamber housing 36, extending or protruding from the chamber housing 36.
  • the flange 70 may be integrally formed with the inner tube 62 and may, for example, comprise an extension of the inner tube 62 into the chamber 50.
  • the flange 70 may be a separate, distinct, component which is attached or fixed to a housing of the chamber 50 and/or the inner tube 62.
  • the separate component providing a seal against the movement of liquid between the flange 70 and the surface of the chamber 50 to which it is attached.
  • the flange 70 may be formed of an elastomeric material (e.g. rubber or silicone). In other examples, the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • an elastomeric material e.g. rubber or silicone
  • the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • the chamber housing 36 may be a sealing element or component as discussed above in relation to figure 1.
  • the chamber housing 36 which may include the flange 70, may be formed from elastomeric material (e.g. rubber or silicone).
  • the chamber housing 36 of figure 2 further defines a liquid conduit 38 which fluidly connects the reservoir 44 (not shown) to the liquid transport element 42 (not shown).
  • the liquid transport element 42 may extend into one end of the liquid conduit 38, while the reservoir 44 may be provided at a second end of the liquid conduit 38. It will be appreciated that in other examples, particularly those that do not include a reservoir 44 for a liquid aerosol generating material, the chamber housing 36 will not include a liquid conduit 38.
  • Figure 3 schematically represents a further cross-sectional view through an example cartridge 4 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the cross-sectional view shown comprises a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58.
  • the example cartridge 4 of figure 3 may be a cartridge 4 in accordance with figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 3 comprises a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50 which may be substantially as described in relation to figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 3 further depicts a chamber housing 36 (which may be substantially as described in relation to figure 2) and a flange 70 comprising a first end and a second end, and of a chamber 50 comprises at least one protrusion 78 adjacent to the chamber air outlet 58.
  • the first end and the second end may be biased against the at least one protrusion to retain the flange 70 in position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50.
  • the flange 70 of figure 3 comprises a first flange portion 74 (e.g. having the first and second end discussed above) and a second flange portion 76 (e.g. also having a first and second end).
  • Each of the first flange portion 74 and the second flange portion 76 extends around a separate (i.e. disconnected) portion of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58.
  • Each of the first flange portion 74 and the second flange portion 76 extends between the two protrusions 78 (projections or obstructing elements) adjacent to the chamber air outlet 58 (i.e. by adjacent it is meant that the projections are in the vicinity or proximal to the chamber air outlet 58).
  • each of the first flange portion 74 and second flange portion 76 is in contact with a first of the two protrusions 78, whilst the other end of the each of the first flange portion 74 and second flange portion 76 is in contact with a second of the two protrusions 78. It will be appreciated that in other examples there may be more than two protrusions and more than two flange portions.
  • first flange portion 74 and the second flange portion 76 may comprise elastomeric materials which are braced or biased against the protrusions 78 to retain them in position with respect to the chamber air outlet 50.
  • first flange portion 74 and the second flange portion 76 may be distorted from relaxed configurations and exert restoring forces towards the relaxed configurations, with the forces acting to push the ends of each of the flange portions 74,76 into the protrusions 78 thereby aiding the retention of the flange portions 74,76 in place.
  • the flange portions 74,76 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the protrusions 78 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • the protrusions 78 may comprise an obstruction or projection extending from a wall of the chamber 50.
  • the protrusions 78 may be formed integrally with the wall of the chamber 50.
  • the protrusions 78 may be formed integrally with the chamber housing 36.
  • the protrusions 78 may be a resilient, inelastic, material.
  • Each flange portion 74,76 defines a different section or region of the recess 72, with the different regions being separated by the protrusion 78.
  • the protrusions 78 and the flange portions 74,76 may be arranged such that a single recess 72 is provided (e.g. dependent on where the protrusions 78 extend from).
  • Each portion 74, 76 of the flange 70 may be positioned to block certain flow paths, such as the shortest flow path between junctions, or contact surfaces, of the liquid transport element 42 with the surface of the chamber 50 and the chamber outlet 58 (the contact may encourage leakage from the liquid transport element 42 and hence these contact areas may be sources of liquid in the chamber 50).
  • the two flange portions 74,76 align with two liquid conduits 38 which each interact with respective ends of a liquid transport element 42 (not shown). As such, the liquid may leak into the chamber where each portion of the liquid transport element 42 extends into the liquid conduits 38.
  • Each flange portion 74,76 may be considered to advantageously collect leaked liquid from a respective one of these sources of leakage.
  • a single protrusion 78 may be provided adjacent to the chamber air outlet 58.
  • a single discontinuous flange 70 e.g. not a ring
  • Figure 4 schematically represents a still further cross-sectional view through an example cartridge 4 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the cross-sectional view shown comprises a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58.
  • the example cartridge 4 of figure 4 may be a cartridge 4 in accordance with figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 4 comprises a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50 which may be substantially as described in relation to figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4 of figure 4 further depicts a chamber housing 36 (which may be substantially as described in relation to figure 2) and a flange 70 comprising a first flange portion 74 and a second flange portion 76, each of which extends around a separate (i.e. disconnected) portion of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58.
  • the first flange portion 74 of figure 3 extends between a first pair of protrusions 82.
  • one end of the first flange portion 74 may be in contact with one of the first pair of protrusions 82, and the other end of the first flange portion 74 may be in contact with the other of the first pair of protrusions 82.
  • the first flange portion 74 may be an elastomeric material which is distorted from a relaxed configuration and exerts a restoring force towards the relaxed configuration, with the force acting to push the ends of the flange portion 74 into the respective protrusions of the pair of protrusions 82, thereby aiding the retention of the first flange portion 74 in place.
  • the first flange portion 74 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the first pair of protrusions 82 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • the second flange portion 76 of figure 3 extends between a second pair of protrusions 84.
  • one end of the second flange portion 76 may be in contact with one of the second pair of protrusions 84, and the other end of the second flange portion 76 may be in contact with the other of the second pair of protrusions 84.
  • the second flange portion 76 may be an elastomeric material which is distorted from a relaxed configuration and exerts a restoring force towards the relaxed configuration, with the force acting to push the ends of the flange portion 76 into the respective protrusions of the pair of protrusions 86, thereby aiding the retention of the second flange portion 76 in place.
  • the second flange portion 74 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the second pair of protrusions 84 by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • Each one of the first pair of protrusions 82 is provided, adjacent to but separated from a corresponding one of the second pair of protrusions 84 (i.e. not directly adjacent but having a proximal relationship), such that a gap 86 is formed between the corresponding set of protrusions (i.e. a set comprising an adjacent one of the first pair 82 and one of the second pair 84).
  • adjacent it is meant that the relevant protrusions are provided near to one another, with no components separating one from the other. Hence the relevant pairs are only separated by a gap or space.
  • the gap or space advantageously allows for unrestricted airflow.
  • the gap between each corresponding set of protrusions is in the range of 1 to 3 mm.
  • the gap between each corresponding set of protrusions is in the range of 5 to 10 % of a width of the chamber in a direction parallel with an separating the two protrusions.
  • the flange 70 comprises at least a first flange portion 74 and a second flange portion 76
  • the chamber 50 comprise at least four protrusions 82, 84 adjacent to the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g. two pairs of protrusions), wherein the first flange portion 74 is in contact with a first and second of the at least four protrusions (the first pair of protrusions 82), and wherein the second flange portion 76 is in contact with a third and fourth of the at least four protrusions (the second pair of protrusions 84).
  • a (first) gap is formed between the first protrusion and third protrusion (a first set of corresponding protrusions as discussed above) and a further or second gap is formed between the second protrusion and fourth protrusion (a second set of corresponding protrusions as discussed above).
  • a single pair of protrusions having a gap between them may be provided.
  • a discontinuous flange 70 i.e. not a ring
  • the gap may extend between a second set of respective faces of the pair of protrusions (i.e. the second set of faces being on the alternate side of the protrusions to the first set of faces).
  • the flange 70 may be an elastomeric material which is distorted from a relaxed configuration and exerts a restoring force towards the relaxed configuration, with the force acting to push the ends of the flange 70 into the respective faces of the pair of protrusions, thereby aiding the retention of the flange 70 in place.
  • the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the protrusions by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 for providing (e.g. assembling) a cartridge 4 for an aerosol delivery system.
  • the method starts at step 510 with providing a chamber 50 having a chamber air outlet 58.
  • An aerosol generator 40 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in the chamber 50.
  • the aerosol generator 40 and I or an aerosol-generating material may be provided within the chamber 50.
  • the aerosol generator 40 may be suspended between opposing walls of the chamber 50.
  • the aerosol generator 40 may be a resistive heater such as coil heater provided around a liquid transport element 42 (as depicted in figure 1).
  • the aerosol generator 40 may be a resistive heater provided on a surface of the chamber (e.g. adjacent where an aerosol-generating material may be received in the chamber).
  • the aerosol generator 40 may be provided outside of the chamber 50 but may be configured to direct energy (e.g. heat, light) into the chamber 50 to aerosolise aerosolgenerating material within the chamber 50 (such an aerosol generator 40 could be provided in a control part 2 instead of within the cartridge 4).
  • the aerosol generator 40 may generate an aerosol without substantial heating of the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator 40 may eject aerosol particles into the chamber 50, or use vibration to cause the formation of an aerosol.
  • a chamber air outlet 58 it is meant an aperture or opening through which aerosol (and air) may flow towards a user’s mouth during a user inhalation.
  • the chamber 50 is part of an air pathway 46 through which the air may flow, with the aerosol joining the air passing along the air pathway in the chamber 50.
  • the chamber air outlet 58 may be sized to provide a particular resistance to draw, and I or may be sized to match an element downstream of the chamber air outlet 58 such as an inner tube 62 providing an air passageway fluidly connecting the chamber air outlet 58 to a cartridge or mouthpiece air outlet 60.
  • step 520 with providing a flange 70 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58.
  • the flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet 58 from the chamber 50.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a cartridge air outlet 60 (i.e. mouthpiece outlet) in fluid connection with the chamber air outlet 58 via an air passageway (e.g. provided by inner tube 62 and I or other components).
  • the flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from entering the air passageway. By inhibiting liquid it is meant that the flange 70 prevents or reduces the flow of liquid along a wall of the chamber 50 towards and through the chamber air outlet 58. Said liquid is essentially captured such that it cannot continue to flow into the air passageway downstream of the chamber 50.
  • the liquid may, for example, be a liquid aerosol-generating material that has leaked from an storage region 44 of the cartridge, and I or the liquid may, for example, be a liquid that has condensed within the chamber 50 (or in a passageway upstream of the chamber 50).
  • a capture region or recess 72 is formed between the flange 70 and a wall defining the chamber 50 (e.g. a wall of a component defining the chamber).
  • the flange 70 may be provided such that it extends around, or surrounds, the entire periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (for example, in accordance with figure 2).
  • the flange 70 may have a ring shape or similar (e.g. the flange may be formed by a gasket).
  • the flange 70 may formed by a tubular element extending around the entire periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g. the tubular element may be sized to have a slightly larger diameter than that of the chamber air outlet 58).
  • the flange 70 may be provided such that it extends around, or surrounds, one or more parts of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58.
  • the flange 70 may comprise a single element extending around a single portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g. corresponding to a periphery where flow of liquid is expected to occur).
  • the flange 70 may comprise a plurality of flange portions 74,76 each of which extends around a different portion of the of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g. corresponding to portions of the periphery where flow of liquid is expected to occur).
  • flange portions 74, 76 may be provided as discussed above in relation to figures 3 and 4.
  • the flange 70 may be biased against one or more protrusions 78, 82, 84.
  • the flange 70 may be provided by an elastomeric material in a configuration in which the flange 70 (or flange portions 74,76) have been distorted from a relaxed configuration by the one or more protrusions 78,82,84 such that the flange 70 (or flange portions 74,76) exert a restoring force on the one or more protrusions 78,82,84 to aid the retention of the flange 70 (or flange portions 74,76) in position with respect to the chamber air outlet 58.
  • the flange 70 (or flange portions 74,76) may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in a position with respect to the protrusions by, for example, an interference fit or by adhesive or other fixing means.
  • the method 500 then ends.
  • a chamber having a flange 70 in accordance with the principles discussed herein with reference to figures 1 to 4 may be implemented with an aerosol generator other than one formed by winding a coil around a wick.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber, and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet from the chamber.
  • aerosol delivery system for aerosolising an aerosolgenerating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge as described above.
  • cartridge means for an aerosol provision system comprising aerosol generator means, chamber means having chamber air outlet means, wherein the aerosol generator means is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in the chamber means, and flange means extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet means, the flange means configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet means from the chamber means.
  • a method of providing a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system comprising: providing a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein an aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in the chamber; and providing a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit liquid from flowing through the chamber air outlet from the chamber.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une cartouche pour un système de distribution d'aérosol, la cartouche comprenant un générateur d'aérosol pour générer un aérosol à partir d'un matériau de génération d'aérosol, une chambre ayant une sortie d'air de chambre, le générateur d'aérosol étant conçu pour générer un aérosol à l'intérieur de la chambre, et une bride s'étendant autour d'au moins une partie de la périphérie de la sortie d'air de chambre, la bride étant conçue pour empêcher le liquide de s'écouler à travers la sortie d'air de chambre depuis la chambre.
PCT/GB2024/052668 2023-10-26 2024-10-17 Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol Pending WO2025088300A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202311405124.3A CN119896361A (zh) 2023-10-26 2023-10-26 气溶胶输送系统
CN202311405124.3 2023-10-26
GB202317627 2023-11-17
GB2317627.4 2023-11-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025088300A1 true WO2025088300A1 (fr) 2025-05-01

Family

ID=93258783

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2024/052668 Pending WO2025088300A1 (fr) 2023-10-26 2024-10-17 Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025088300A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019141043A (ja) * 2014-01-17 2019-08-29 アール・エイ・アイ・ストラテジック・ホールディングス・インコーポレイテッド エアロゾル前駆体組成物の貯蔵を改善させた電子喫煙物品
KR102040824B1 (ko) * 2019-05-20 2019-11-05 (주)야쓰 카트리지 및 이를 구비한 전자담배
US20220312838A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-10-06 Nicoventures Trading Limited Vapor delivery systems

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019141043A (ja) * 2014-01-17 2019-08-29 アール・エイ・アイ・ストラテジック・ホールディングス・インコーポレイテッド エアロゾル前駆体組成物の貯蔵を改善させた電子喫煙物品
KR102040824B1 (ko) * 2019-05-20 2019-11-05 (주)야쓰 카트리지 및 이를 구비한 전자담배
US20220312838A1 (en) * 2019-07-10 2022-10-06 Nicoventures Trading Limited Vapor delivery systems

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2023241399A1 (en) Aerosol provision systems
US20250351880A1 (en) Electrode assembly for an aerosol provision system and corresponding method
WO2025088300A1 (fr) Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol
WO2025088299A1 (fr) Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol
CN222583655U (zh) 用于气溶胶供应装置的加热组件、气溶胶供应装置及系统
WO2025088298A1 (fr) Systèmes de distribution d'aérosol
EP4613133A1 (fr) Systèmes, dispositifs et procédés de fourniture d'aérosol
CN119896361A (zh) 气溶胶输送系统
WO2025125796A1 (fr) Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025125803A1 (fr) Cartouche pour système de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025125802A1 (fr) Cartouche et dispositif pour système de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
CN119896354A (zh) 气溶胶输送系统
WO2025125801A1 (fr) Ensemble dispositif de chauffage pour système de fourniture d'aérosol, et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025074089A1 (fr) Système de distribution d'aérosol
WO2025125806A1 (fr) Système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025125799A1 (fr) Cartomiseur et cartouche pour système de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
US20240074511A1 (en) Aerosol provision system
WO2025163294A1 (fr) Cartouche pour système de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol à pression d'air réglable
WO2025125686A1 (fr) Système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025186536A1 (fr) Systèmes, dispositifs et procédés de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025088337A1 (fr) Composants pour systèmes de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025224194A1 (fr) Article pour aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025125797A1 (fr) Élément chauffant pour système de fourniture d'aérosol, et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2025215245A1 (fr) Extracteur pour système de fourniture d'aérosol et système de fourniture d'aérosol
WO2024084194A1 (fr) Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 24795272

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1