WO2025088330A1

WO2025088330A1 - Components for aerosol provision systems

Info

Publication number: WO2025088330A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/052730
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaofeng Xu; Hongqiang LIU
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-26
Filing date: 2024-10-25
Publication date: 2025-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-26

Abstract

A component of an electronic aerosol delivery system, the component comprising: a housing element comprising an atomiser supporting region configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening configured to receive a contact element; and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact element when a connecting lead and contact element are received in the first channel.

Description

COMPONENTS FOR AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEMS

Field

The present disclosure relates to components for aerosol delivery systems.

Background

Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a supply of aerosol generating material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol generation chamber containing an aerosol generator arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the vaporiser, air is drawn into the device through an inlet hole and along an inlet air channel connecting to the aerosol generation chamber where the air mixes with vaporised precursor material to form a condensation aerosol.

Typically in electronic aerosol delivery systems, the aerosol generator comprises an electrically operated atomiser, which may comprise, for example, a heating element. Circuitry within the electronic aerosol delivery system is configured to connect such an electrically operated atomiser to power supply components (e.g. a power supply such as a battery, and associated control circuitry configured to control a supply of electrical current from the power supply to the atomiser). In two-part electronic aerosol delivery systems, power supply components (e.g. power supply and power control circuitry) are typically provided in a device part which may be reusable, and an aerosol generator is typically provided in a consumable I cartridge part which may be disposable, and which can be detachably connected to the device part. In such two-part systems, the electrical path between the power supply components in the device part and the atomiser in the consumable I cartridge part typically comprises cooperating electrical contacts disposed on mating portions of the device part and consumable I cartridge part. These electrical contacts provide an electrical connection between the device part and the consumable I cartridge part when these parts are connected together for use.

Known approaches for configuring and assembling connecting circuitry for providing electrical connectivity between power control circuitry and electrically operated atomisers in electronic aerosol delivery systems can lack robustness, and be complicated to manufacture reliably.

Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate at least some of the issues discussed above.

Summary According to embodiments of the disclosure there is provided a component of an electronic aerosol delivery system, the component comprising: a housing element comprising an atomiser supporting region configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening configured to receive a contact pin; and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact pin when a connecting lead and contact pin are received in the first channel.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the atomiser supporting region and the respective opening of each of the at least one first channels are disposed on opposing sides of the housing element.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the component comprises at least one second channel for receiving a portion of a connecting lead disposed between the atomiser supporting region and an opening to a respective one of the at least one first channels.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure each at least one second channel comprises an aperture through the housing element.

According to certain other embodiments of the disclosure each at least one second channel comprises a slot or groove disposed on a surface of the housing element.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure at least a portion of each slot or groove is disposed on a same side of the housing element as the opening to the respective one of the at least one first channels.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the atomiser supporting region, the at least one first channel, and the at least one second channel of the housing element are integrally formed.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the inner surface of the at least one first channel comprises a resilient material.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the connecting lead of the atomiser comprises a wire.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the component comprises an atomiser and at least one contact pin; wherein at least one connecting lead of the atomiser is routed from the atomiser supporting region, through a second channel, and into the opening of a first channel, and a contact pin is located in the first channel to retain part of the connecting lead between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact pin According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the at least one contact pin is formed of a more resilient material than the portion(s) of the housing element comprising each of the at least one channels.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the at least one contact pin comprises a metal material and the housing element comprises a plastics material.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises an outer housing; and the housing element comprises a side surface around the periphery of the housing element, the side surface being configured to engage with an internal surface of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure one or more resilient sealing elements are disposed around the side surface of the component to form a seal with the internal surface of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing, or to form a seal with a component of an atomising assembly which is configured to be received within the outer housing.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure at least one of the one or more resilient sealing elements comprises an O-ring.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure a slot or keyway is provided on an inner surface of the at least one first channel, the slot or keyway being configured to retain a portion of a connecting lead received in the first channel.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure there is provided an electronic aerosol delivery system comprising a reservoir for storing aerosol generating liquid, a first airflow path disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomiser for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; and wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system further comprises the component according to embodiments of the disclosure.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises a cartridge which configured to be reversibly attachable to an electronic aerosol generating device comprising a power supply and a controller.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the component is comprised in the electronic aerosol generating device.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the component is comprised in the cartridge. According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises at least one contact pin, wherein a first end of each contact pin is configured to be received into an opening of a respective first channel, and a second end of each contact pin comprises an electrical contact region disposed on an exterior of the cartridge when the contact pin is received in the opening.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the cartridge comprises an outer housing, wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the outer housing during assembly of the electronic aerosol delivery system.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure there is provided a method of manufacturing a component of an electronic aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: providing a housing element comprising an atomiser supporting region configured to support an atomiser, and further providing at least one first channel in the housing element, each first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead of the atomiser therein, wherein each first channel comprises an opening configured to receive a contact pin, and wherein each first channel is shaped to retain a received portion of a connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact pin, when the connecting lead and contact pin are received in the channel.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the method further comprises mounting an atomiser on the atomiser supporting region; inserting an end portion of the connecting lead into a first channel via an opening of the first channel; and inserting a contact pin into the first channel to retain a portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact pin.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the method further comprises routing a connecting lead of the atomiser from the atomiser supporting region to the opening of the first channel through at least one second channel disposed between the atomiser supporting region and the opening.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the second channel comprises an aperture.

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure the second channel comprises an slot or groove on an outer surface of the housing element.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described above. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system into which a component according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be assembled.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge part for an aerosol delivery system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figures 3 to 8 are schematic diagrams of a component for an aerosol delivery device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figures 9A and 9B are schematic section views of a portion of a component for an aerosol delivery device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figures 10A and 10B are schematic section views of first channels of a component for an aerosol delivery device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figures 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams of aspects of an atomising sub-assembly for an aerosol delivery device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a schematic section view through a portion of an atomising sub-assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed I described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed I described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

Terminology

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user in use, 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.

According to the present disclosure, 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.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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.

Typically, 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. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosolgenerating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles, cartridges, or cartomisers throughout the disclosure, and these terms should be understood to be interchangeable herein.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.

In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolgenerating 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. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material which 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.

In some embodiments, 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.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "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. Alternatively, 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 balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. 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.

In some embodiments, 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.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "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, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

A consumable or cartridge 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 aerosol-generating 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 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 aerosol-modifying 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 aerosol-modifying 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. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes. Throughout the following description the term “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 and electronic aerosol delivery system I device. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms "aerosol" and "vapour", and related terms such as "vaporise", "volatilise" and "aerosolise", may generally be used interchangeably.

Aerosol delivery systems (e-cigarettes) often, though not always, comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device part and a replaceable (disposable/consumable) cartridge part. Often, the replaceable cartridge part will comprise the aerosol generating material and the vaporiser I atomizer / aerosol generator (which may collectively be called a ‘cartomizer’) and the reusable device part will comprise the power supply (e.g. rechargeable power source) and control circuitry. It will be appreciated these different parts may comprise further elements depending on functionality. For example, the reusable device part will often comprise a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device part in some cases comprises a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature. Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place. Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two- part systems/devices. Aerosol delivery systems may alternatively comprise a single unit which does not comprise a cartridge part and reusable device part configured to be detachably coupled together by a user. Such an aerosol delivery system may be referred to as a ‘single part’ aerosol delivery system or device. In such a system I device, which may be intended to be disposed of after a supply of electrical power in a battery and / or a supply of aerosol generating material supplied with the system I device is exhausted, without refilling or recharging the device, components including a reservoir of aerosol generating material, an aerosol generator, a power supply (e.g. a battery), and control circuitry, may all be housed within a single housing. Such an aerosol delivery system or device may be referred to as ‘disposable’. It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges. However, it will be appreciated that the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for different configurations, for example single-part systems or modular systems comprising more than two parts, refillable devices and single-use disposables, as well as other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a boxier shape. More generally, it will be appreciated certain embodiments of the disclosure are based on aerosol delivery systems which are operationally configured to provide functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and the constructional aspects of systems configured to provide the functionality in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure is not of primary significance.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises two main components, namely a reusable device part 50 and a cartridge I consumable part 40. However, in other embodiments the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises a single-part device in which a power source 501 , controller 502, atomiser 20, and reservoir 2 of aerosol generating material are provided within a single housing. It will be understood aspects of the present disclosure not specifically related to detachable connection of a reusable device part 50 and a cartridge part 40 apply to single-part I disposable device embodiments, which are within the scope of the present disclosure. In normal use the reusable device part 50 and cartridge I consumable part 40 are releasably coupled together at an interface. As in the non-limiting example of Figure 1 , the interface may be provided by a cartridge-receiving recess 507 of the reusable device part 50, into which a portion of the cartridge part 40 is configured to be received. When the cartridge part is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to a different cartridge part, the cartridge part 40 may be removed from the reusable part 50 and a replacement cartridge part 40 attached to the reusable part in its place. The interface provides a structural and electrical connection between the two parts, and optionally an airflow connection, and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and an optional airflow path between the reusable part and cartridge parts as appropriate. The specific manner by which the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling provided by magnets of opposing polarity disposed on or proximate to the ends of the cartridge part 40 and reusable device part 50 which are configured to be connected together (not represented in Figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts. For example, in some implementations an aerosol generator / atomiser 20 may be provided in the reusable part 50 rather than in the cartridge part 40, and the cartridge part 40 1 consumable I article comprises a supply of aerosol generating material which is brought into proximity with the aerosol generator when the consumable and reusable device part 50 are connected for use. Furthermore, in some implementations the airflow through the delivery system 1 might not go through the reusable part 50, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 50 and the cartridge part 40 is not needed. In some examples, such as in Figure 1 , an air inlet channel for providing air to the cartridge part 40 may be defined at the interface between portions of reusable part 50 and cartridge part 40 when these are coupled together for use, as described further herein.

The cartridge part 40 may, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, be broadly conventional. In Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 comprises an outer housing 6 formed of a plastics material, but in embodiments the outer housing may comprise metal, glass, or any other material known to the skilled person for use in outer housings of aerosol delivery systems. The outer housing 6 may typically support other components of the cartridge part and may provide at least part of the mechanical interface with the reusable part 50, in that part of the outer surface of the outer housing 6 may engage a portion of the reusable part 50 when the reusable part 50 and cartridge part 40 are connected together for use. The outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40 may have any cross-sectional shape, for example: round, oval, square, diamond, or cuboidal. In this example, the cartridge part 40 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 2 cm in the widest dimension. However, it will be appreciated the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, are not of particular significance to the principles described herein.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 comprises a reservoir 2 configured to hold a supply of aerosol generating material, comprising, for example, a liquid material. In this example, the reservoir 2 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge outer housing 6 and an inner wall defined by an airflow / aerosol passage 41 which passes through the cartridge part 40. The reservoir 2 is closed at each end by end walls which contain the aerosol generating material. The wall at the mouthpiece end, distal to the end comprising contacts 32, may be integrally formed with the rest of the outer housing 6. The reservoir 2 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40. The structural relationship between the airflow path 41 and the reservoir 2 is exemplary, and may be arranged in other ways, such that, for example, the airflow path 41 does not pass through the reservoir, and I or the airflow path 41 may branch into a plurality of sub-paths.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , the cartridge part 40 further comprises an aerosol generator I atomiser 20. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject aerosol-generating material from the reservoir 2 to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatile materials from the aerosol-generating material to form a vapour I aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration (e.g. piezoelectric atomisation), increased pressure, or electrostatic energy. Whilst examples herein use an atomiser 20 comprising a wick and a heating element for the sake of providing a concrete example, it should be appreciated that the specific type of aerosol generator I atomiser 20 should not be considered limiting to other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and in particular, the contact pin and connecting lead arrangements described herein.

It will be appreciated that in a two-part device such as shown in the example of Figure 1 , the aerosol generator 20 may be in either of the reusable part 50 or the cartridge part 40. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 may be comprised in the reusable part 50, and brought into proximity with a portion of aerosol generating material in the cartridge 40 when the cartridge is engaged with the reusable part 50. In such embodiments, the cartridge 40 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generator 20 is configured to be at least partially inserted into or at least partially surround the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge 40 is engaged with the reusable device part 50. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator 20 in the reusable device part 50 may comprise an inductive drive coil configured to electromagnetically couple with a susceptor within the atomiser 20 in the reusable device part 50, or in the cartridge part 40.

For the sake of providing a concrete example, Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator 20 comprising a wick and coil arrangement configured to aerosolise liquid aerosol forming material, whereby an elongate wick I capillary element is in contact with a resistive heating element, which in this example is coiled around the wick. The aerosol generator 20 extends transversely a an aerosol generation chamber cross through the airflow passage 41 through the cartridge. Respective ends of the wick are in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of liquid aerosol generating material. In some examples, an atomising unit cover 80 I reservoir stopper 80, defines an end of the reservoir proximate to the aerosol generator 20, and comprises openings to allow liquid to pass from the reservoir 2 to the ends of the wick, along paths generally indicated by dashed arrows in Figure 1 . The aerosol generator I atomiser 20 is arranged in the cartridge airflow path 41 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 41 proximate to the aerosol generator 20 in effect defines a vaporisation region (alternatively referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber) of the cartridge part 40. Where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, and the aerosol generator comprises a capillary wick, liquid from the reservoir 2 infiltrates the wick and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking). Where the aerosol generator 20 comprises a heating element, this may comprise an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick. In the example of Figure 1 , the heating element may comprise a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the wick may comprise an elongate bundle of cotton or glass fibres, or a porous ceramic rod. In other examples, the heating element may comprise a conductive layer deposited on a porous ceramic or glass wick element. However, it will be appreciated any aerosol generator I atomiser 20 configuration can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 1 , electrical power is supplied to the aerosol generator I atomiser 20 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the heating element by the wick. Vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path 41 from the vaporisation region I aerosol generation chamber for user inhalation at an outlet disposed at a mouthpiece end of the cartridge part 40.

In the example shown in Figure 1 , an atomising sub-assembly 90 of the cartridge is comprised of a reservoir stopper I atomising unit cover 80, a component 10 as described further herein, and an atomising unit base 70, the atomising unit base comprising at least one cartridge contact pad 32, each of which is configured to engage a corresponding electrical contact 506 of the reusable device part 50, to provide for electrical communication between the cartridge part 40 and the reusable device part 50 when these parts are connected to form the aerosol delivery system 1. As described further herein, in embodiments where these elements are provided, the reservoir stopper I atomising unit cover 80 and atomising unit base 70, may comprise separately formed elements configured to be assembled together with the component 10, or may comprise regions of a single, integrally formed component 10 performing the functionality of the atomising unit cover 80 and atomising unit base 70 as described herein. In embodiments where a reservoir stopper I atomising unit cover 80 and I or atomising unit base 70 are provided, these can be formed using the same materials and manufacturing approaches as described herein for manufacturing the component 10.

The rate at which aerosol generating material from the reservoir 2 is vaporised by the aerosol generator 20 will typically depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20 from a power supply 501 of the aerosol delivery system by a controller 502 of the aerosol delivery system. Thus in a two-part device such as shown in Figure 1 , electrical power is routed from a power supply 501 in the reusable part 50 to the aerosol generator 20 in the cartridge part 40 to selectively generate aerosol, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 20, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques known in the art, and implemented by a controller 502 disposed on an electrical path between the power supply 501 and the aerosol generator 20.

In the example of Figure 1 , the reusable part 50 comprises an outer housing 505, a power supply 501 (for example a battery) for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system 1 , and control circuitry 502 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. The reusable part 50 may further comprise optional elements such as a first user input button 504, and one or more visual display elements 503.

The outer housing 505 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and will typically have a cross sectional shape generally conforming to that of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40 so as to provide a smooth transition between the cartridge and device parts at their connecting interface. In this example the reusable part 50 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the aerosol delivery system 1 when the cartridge part 40 and reusable part 50 are coupled together is around 12 cm. However, and as already noted, it will be appreciated that the specific overall shape and size of an aerosol delivery system 1 of the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.

The power source 501 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example a lithium ion or similar cell or battery of the kind normally used in aerosol delivery systems I electronic cigarettes and I or other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The power source 501 may be recharged according to approaches known in the art, such as through a suitable charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.

One or more user input devices 504 may be provided, such as conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact, though the specific manner in which a user input device 504 is implemented is not significant. A user input device 504 may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a level of power to be supplied from the power source 501 to an aerosol generator 20. However, the inclusion of a user input device 504 is optional, and in some embodiments these may not be included.

One or more display elements 503 may be provided to provide a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system 1 , for example current power setting information, a remaining level of power available in power source 501 , and so forth. A display element 503 may be implemented in various ways, for example comprising a pixilated LCD screen that may be driven by the controller 502 to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques. In other implementations a display element 503 may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display desired information, for example through particular colours and I or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which one or more display elements 503 are provided and information is displayed to a user using such elements is not significant to the principles described herein. For example, some embodiments may not include any visual display elements 503, and may optionally include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio or haptic signalling known to the skilled person, or may not include any means for providing a userwith information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.

Typically, a controller 502 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described further herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 in line with the established techniques for controlling such devices. The controller (processor circuitry) 502 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the controller 502 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 501 to the aerosol generator 20 in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input (e.g. from one or more user input devices 504), 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 display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the controller 502 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 application-specific integrated circuit(s) I circuitry I chip(s) I chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality. By way of nonlimiting examples, the control logic of the controller 502 may be implemented as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or an MCU (microcontroller unit), configured according to approaches known in the art.

Optionally, the reusable part 50 may comprise an airflow sensing unit 508 which is electrically connected to the controller 502. Typically, an airflow sensing unit 508 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensing unit 508 is configured to detect when a user is puffing I inhaling on the device. The airflow sensing unit 508 is shown schematically in Figure 1 , but may be implemented in accordance with known techniques. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the airflow sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor or microphone positioned in fluid and I or acoustic and I or pressure communication with the airflow path 41 through the aerosol delivery system 1 , so that pressure changes and I or acoustic signals induced by a user puffing I inhaling on a mouthpiece of the system can be detected by the airflow sensing unit. In the example shown in Figure 1 , airflow enters the aerosol delivery system at the interface of the cartridge part 40 and reusable part 40, passing between the outer housing 6 of the cartridge 40 and the inner surface of the cartridge receiving recess 507 of the reusable device part 50, but this is only one air inlet configuration which may be adopted in aerosol delivery systems 1 according to the present disclosure. In embodiments, the airflow sensing unit 508 is provided as a chamber containing a microphone, the chamber being open to the cartridge receiving recess 507, with the opening being covered by a water resistant membrane. In other embodiments, the controller 502 may be configured to detect a user interacting the user input device 504, and initiate a supply of current to the atomiser 20 when user interaction is detected.

Aspects of an atomiser I aerosol generator 20 arrangement for an aerosol delivery system 1 such as the example shown schematically in Figure 1 , and described above, will now be described. It will be understood that whilst Figure 1 describes a context of a two-part device in which the atomiser 20 comprises a heating element, these aspects are exemplary, and in embodiments of the present disclosure, components 10 for electronic aerosol delivery systems as described herein may be configured for use in other single-part devices (for example, so-called ‘disposable’ devices in which all the device components are comprised in a single housing. It will further be appreciated that components 10 for electronic aerosol delivery systems as described herein may be configured for use in electronic aerosol delivery systems where the atomiser 20 is located in a reusable device part 50, being configured to generate aerosol (for example by heating) from a consumable (e.g. a consumable comprising solid aerosol generating material) which is connected to the reusable device part 50 for use. It will further be appreciated that components 10 according to the present disclosure may be configured for use with any electronic aerosol delivery system comprising an atomiser with at least one connecting lead, whether the principle of operation is based on heating, piezoelectric vibration, or any other principle for aerosol or vapour generation known to the skilled person. Whilst the present disclosure describes examples in which the atomiser comprises a heater, this is for the sake of providing a concrete example of an aerosol generator comprising connecting leads. Thus, according to aspects of the present disclosure, there is described a component of an electronic aerosol delivery system, the component comprising: a housing element comprising an atomiser supporting region configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening configured to receive a contact pin; and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact pin via compression when a connecting lead and contact pin are received in the channel. The component may be interchangeably referred to as an atomiser supporting element, or an atomiser support.

Figure 2 shows an assembly view of a cartridge part 40 of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 into which a component 10 according to the present disclosure may be assembled, though it will be appreciated the component 10 may be provided as a standalone part, or provided as a sub-assembly including an atomiser 20, and I or an atomising unit cover 80, and I or an atomiser base part 70, and I or contact pins 32. The cartridge 40 shown in Figure 2 details more specific aspects of the cartridge 40 shown schematically in Figure 1. The cartridge part 40 comprises an outer housing 6 , formed from a metallic or plastics material (for example, by injection moulding) and comprising a mouthpiece at an upper end in which an aerosol outlet is disposed for a user to inhale aerosol from the aerosol delivery system 1 in use. In the example of Figure 2, an atomising sub-assembly is configured for insertion into an opening of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40, the opening being disposed at an end of the cartridge outer housing 6 distal to a mouthpiece end. The atomising sub-assembly comprises a component 10 configured to support an atomiser 20. In the example of Figure 2, the atomising sub-assembly 90 further comprises an atomising unit cover 80 configured to engage with the upper side of an atomiser 20 supported on the component 20, an atomising unit base 70 configured to engage with a side of the component 10 opposite the side which supports the atomiser 20, and two contact pins 32. The component 10 is configured with at least one first channel (described further herein), each of which is configured to receive a contact pin 30. During assembly of the atomising sub-assembly shown in Figure 2, two contact pins 30 are inserted into two first channels of the component 10. Portions of the two contact pins 30 which extend out of the first channels pass through the atomising unit base 70, and terminal portions of the contact pins 30 comprise cartridge contact pads 32 which are exposed on the basal surface of the atomising unit base when the cartridge 40 of Figure 2 is assembled for use, as described further herein. The basal surface of the atomising unit base 70 comprises the basal exterior surface of the cartridge 40, which is received in the receiving recess 507 of a reusable device part 50 of the aerosol delivery system 1 in the manner shown schematically in Figure 1. Accordingly, the cartridge contact pads 32 are arranged to contact corresponding electrical contacts 506 of the reusable device part 50 when the cartridge part 40 is received in the receiving recess 507, forming an electrical circuit between the controller and the atomiser 20.

As described further herein, the component 10 is configured to support the atomiser 20, and provide a simple and robust electrical connection between at least one electrical connecting lead 21 of the atomiser 20 and a corresponding contact pin 30. While the contact pins 30 shown in Figure 2 comprise cartridge contact pads 32 for detachable electrical connection with electrical contacts 506 of a reusable device part 50, it will be appreciated in other embodiments (for example where the atomiser 20 is comprised in the reusable device part 50, or the aerosol delivery system 1 is a single-part device), the contact pins may connect to circuitry of the aerosol delivery system 1 (e.g. the power source 501 and I or controller 502) in another way. For example, circuitry of the power source 501 and I or controller 501 may be connected to the contact pins 30 via non-reversible means, such as soldering, welding, or crimping. Where the component 10 and atomiser 20 are configured to be disposed in a reusable device part 50, the contact pins 30 may be mechanically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) comprised in the controller 502.

Figure 3 shows a detail view of a component 10 according to embodiments of the disclosure, which will be recognised from Figure 2. The component 10 comprises a housing element 100, which comprises a three-dimensional structure which in some embodiments comprises an electrical insulator, such as a plastics or ceramic material, and may be formed by injection moulding, machining, or other forming processes known to the skilled person. Where a plastics material is used, this may comprise an engineering polymer such as polyetherketone (PEEK), polycarbonate, or polyimide, or ABS. In embodiments, a component 10 may comprise a combination of materials, so that, for example, a housing of the component 10 may be substantially formed from a first material and an atomiser supporting region 110 as described further herein may be formed from a second material. In some embodiments the first material comprises an easily mouldable, resilient material such as PEEK or silicone rubber, and the second material comprises a temperature resistant material such as polyimide, to provide improved heat resistance, relative to the first material, in regions proximate to a heating element of an atomiser in the assembled aerosol delivery system 1. Where metallic component(s) are comprised in the component 10, these may be co-moulded with plastics I polymer component(s).

An atomiser supporting region 110 is provided on a first side of the housing element 100, uppermost in the example of Figure 3, which is configured to provide mechanical support to an atomiser 20. The shape of the atomiser supporting region 110 in a particular implementation of a component 10 will depend on the characteristics (e.g. shape and size) of an atomiser 20 to be supported. In the example of Figure 3, the atomiser supporting region 110 is configured to support an elongate wick and coil atomiser 20 of generally cylindrical cross-section, and the atomiser supporting region 110 thus comprises two curved cradle portions configured to support longitudinally-spaced portions of a cylindrical wick 202, as shown in further detail in Figures 4 to 6. An optional resilient sealing element 200 comprising an O-ring is shown disposed around a side surface of the housing element 100, being configured to form a seal with other components of the aerosol delivery system (for example, to seal against the internal surface of the outer housing 6 of the cartridge part 40, in embodiments where the component 10 is configured to be received in an outer housing 6 of a cartridge part 40, or to seal against an interior surface of an atomising unit base 70, when the component 10 is configured to be assembled into an atomising sub-assembly as shown in Figures 2 and 11 B).

Figure 4 will be recognised from Figure 3, and shows a component 10 with an atomiser 20 mounted to the atomiser supporting region 110. The atomiser 20 in this example comprises an elongate wick 202 of cylindrical cross-section, with a resistive wire heating element 201 coiled around a central portion. The atomiser supporting region 110 is configured in this example to support longitudinally spaced portions of the elongate wick 202, supporting it in a bridging manner above an air inlet, which is shown in Figures 7 and 8, and which in this example is configured to direct airflow induced by user inhalation onto a central, aerosol generating region of the atomiser 20. The two curved cradle portions of the atomiser supporting region 110 may be configured to match part of the cross-sectional shape of the wick, so that in this example, where the wick 202 is generally circular in cross-section, the cradle portions of the atomiser supporting region 110 comprise a semi-circular profile configured to conform closely to the outer surface of the wick 202. As shown in Figure 6, the radius of the cradle portions may be configured to be smaller than that of the wick 202, so that the wick 202 is compressed by the cradle portions when the wick 201 is mounted to the atomiser supporting region 110. As described further herein, this may assist in preventing liquid leaking from liquid receiving recesses of the component 10 into the aerosol generating chamber. However, the manner in which the atomiser supporting region 110 is configured in a given embodiment will depend on the type and dimensions of the atomiser 20 to be supported. In embodiments where the atomiser 20 does not come into direct contact with liquid, features such as a resilient sealing member and liquid receiving recesses may not be included. Figures 5 and 6 respectively show side and top views of a component 10 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 6 shows the compression of the wick 202 by the cradle portions of the atomiser supporting region 110. As discussed further herein, a component 10 configured for use in an aerosol delivery system 1 configured to aerosolise liquid aerosol generating material may be provided with liquid receiving recesses 115 which are in fluid communication with the reservoir 2 of the cartridge, and into which ends of the wick 202 Are configured to extend. Optionally, axial compression of the wick by the atomiser supporting region 110 at one or more positions disposed between each liquid receiving recess 115 and the atomising chamber region 150 provides a barrier to liquid leakage from the liquid receiving recesses 115 into the airflow path through the component 10. Where the component 10 is assembled into an atomising subassembly comprising an atomising unit cover, the atomising unit cover may comprise similarly configured atomiser supporting regions configured to provide similar compression to an upper part of the wick 202 when the atomising unit cover and component 10 are assembled together, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

Figure 7 will be recognised from Figure 6, and shows a top view of the component 10 without the atomiser 20 mounted to the atomiser supporting region 110. In embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 7, portions of an atomiser supporting region 110 (comprising cradle portions in this example) are positioned on either side of an atomising chamber region 150 which is configured to form part of an airflow path 41 through an assembled aerosol delivery system 1. A component air inlet 60 is provided in the base of the component 10 configured to provide for the entry of air into the atomising chamber region 150. In this example, the air inlet 60 is offset from the centre of the component 10 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, though in other embodiments the air inlet 60 may be positioned centrally, and / or a plurality of air inlets 60 may be provided. However, in other embodiments where the component 10 is not configured to allow airflow through the housing 100, air inlets 60 and an atomising chamber region 150 may not be provided. Apertures 1301 provide portions of second channels 130 (described further herein) communicating between the side of the component 10 on which the atomiser supporting region 110 is disposed (e.g. the upper surface), to an opposing side of the component 10 (e.g. the basal surface). Whilst two apertures 1301 are shown in the example of Figure 7, in other embodiments a single aperture 1301 may be provided, or one or more air inlets 60 may provide the functions of the aperture(s) 1301 through the housing element of the component 10. Each of the at least one second channels 130 is configured for receiving a portion of a connecting lead of an atomiser 20 supported on the atomiser supporting region 110 of the component 10, such that each of one or more connecting leads of the atomiser 20 is received through one or more second channels 130 (noting more than one lead may be received through a single second channel 130). In embodiments of the present disclosure, each second channel 130 is disposed between the atomiser supporting region 110 and a surface of the housing 100 on which at least one opening 121 is disposed, and each opening is associated with a first channel 120 configured to receive a connecting lead of the atomiser 20 and a contact pin 30, as described further herein. As set out above, in some embodiments, one or more air inlets 60 may perform the function of second channels 130. Whilst two apertures 1301 comprising portions of second channels 130 are shown in Figure 7, formed in a basal surface of atomising chamber region 150, this is not essential, and the second channels 130 may be formed in any portion of the housing 100 of the component 10 proximal to the atomiser supporting region 110, so that one or more connecting leads of the atomiser 20 can be routed through the second channel(s) 130. In some embodiments, one or more second channels 130 do not comprise apertures 1301 through the material of the component 10, but comprise slots or grooves disposed on a peripheral surface of the housing 100 of the component 10 to provide paths for routing respective connecting leads from the side of the housing 100 comprising the atomiser mounting region 110 to the side comprising the first channels 120 (as described further herein).

Figure 8 shows a base view of the component 10 shown in Figures 3 to 7, with an atomiser 20 mounted to the atomiser supporting region 110 (which is on an opposing side of the housing 100 to the side visible in Figure 8). A portion of the atomiser 20 comprising heating element 201 and wick 202 is visible through the slot-shaped air inlet 60. The atomiser 20 in this example comprises two connecting leads 21 , corresponding to positive and negative terminals of the heating element 201. In embodiments, each connecting lead comprises an opposite end of a wire which forms a heating element 201 of the atomiser 20, as in Figure 8. When two connecting leads are provided as in Figure 8, a first connecting lead 21a extends from a first aperture 1301a, and a second connecting lead 21 b extends from a second aperture 1301 b, each connecting lead having been introduced through a respective one of the apertures 1301 from the opposite side of the housing 100, to which the atomiser 20 is mounted. In embodiments, a second portion of at least one second channel 130 is formed by a slot or groove 1302, each of which is disposed on a path disposed between the atomiser supporting region 110 and an opening 121 to a respective one of the at least one first channels 120. In Figure 8, a first connecting lead 21a is seen extending I emerging from a first aperture 1301a, having been routed from the atomiser 20. The first connecting lead 21a then bends through 90 degrees to run along a first slot / groove 1302a in the direction of a first opening 121a of a first channel 120a. The first connecting lead 21a bends through 90 degrees again to be received in the first channel 120a through the first opening 121a. Thus in this example, a second channel 130a comprising a first aperture portion 1301a disposed through the material of the component 10, and a first slot I groove portion disposed on an outer surface of the component 10, provides a path for routing a first connecting lead 21a from the atomiser supporting region 110 to a first channel 120a in which an end of the connecting lead 21a is received. In the example of Figure 8, a second connecting lead 21 b is routed similarly through a second channel 130b comprising a second aperture portion 1301 b disposed through the material of the component 10, and a second slot I groove portion 1302b disposed on an outer surface of the component 10, to a different first channel 120b in which an end of the connecting lead 21 b is received. It will be appreciated that throughout the application, the ‘first channels’ may alternatively be referred to as contact-pin receiving holes.

Cross-sectional dimensions of an aperture 1301 of a second channel 130, where at least one is provided, and a slot I groove 1302 of a second channel 130, where at least one is provided, may be selected in one of the following ways. In embodiments, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of each aperture 1301 may be matched to that of a respective connecting lead 21 to provide a sliding fit between the connecting lead 21 and its respective aperture 1301. In embodiments where the component 10 comprises a more resilient material than the connecting leads 21 , the cross-sectional dimensions of each aperture 1301 may be slightly under-sized to those of the respective connecting lead 21 , such that an interference fit is provided when each connecting lead 21 is received in its respective aperture 1301. In embodiments, the cross-sectional dimensions of each aperture 1301 may be over-sized to those of its respective connecting lead 21 , as shown in Figure 8, providing a clearance around each connecting lead 21 and the respective aperture 1301. In embodiments, the width of each slot I groove (i.e. in the direction parallel to the surface in which the slot I groove is formed, and perpendicular to the long axis of the slot I groove) may be matched to that of each respective connecting lead 21 to provide a sliding fit between each connecting lead 21 and its respective slot I groove 1302. In embodiments where the component 10 comprises more resilient material than the connecting leads 21 , the width of each slot I groove may be slightly under-sized to that of the respective connecting lead 21 , such that an interference fit is provided when a connecting lead 21 is received in its respective slot I groove 1302. In embodiments, the width of each slot I groove 1302 may be over-sized to that of the respective connecting lead 21 , as shown in Figure 8, providing a clearance around each connecting lead 21 and the respective slot I groove 1302. In embodiments, the depth of each slot I groove 1302 is configured to be equal to or greater than that of each respective connecting lead 21 , such that when received in its respective slot I groove, each connecting lead 21 is fully recessed below the outer surface of the housing 100 of the component 10. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the second channels 130 may not comprise a slot/ groove 1302, or the slot / groove may be configured with a depth shallower than the depth of its respective connecting lead 21 , so that all or part of the thickness of the connecting lead 21 is exposed above the outer surface of the housing 100 of the component 10 over the path between the respective aperture 1301 and opening 121 of the first channel 120 into which an end of the connecting lead 21 is configured to be received. In these embodiments, the exposed portions of the connecting leads 21 may form electrical contact portions for making electrical contact with electrical contact pins, pads, or regions, of another component of an aerosol delivery system 1 with which the component 10 is configured to be brought into contact in use. It will be appreciated the first channels 120 shown in the example of Figures 3 to 8 are blind holes, each having a single opening 121 on a side of the component 10 opposite to the side comprising the atomiser supporting region 110. However, in embodiments one or more (e.g. all) first channels 120 may pass through the material of the component, each having two openings on opposed surfaces. In these latter embodiments, each connecting lead 21 may be routed into a respective first channel 120 without being first routed through a second channel 130. For example, a connecting lead 21 may be routed into a respective first channel 120 via an opening on the same side of the component 10 as the atomiser supporting region. It will be further appreciated that whilst the openings 121 of each channel in the example shown in Figures 3 to 8 are on a surface of the component 10 opposite a surface on which an atomiser supporting region is provided, one or more openings 121 may be disposed on another surface of the component 10, for example, on a peripheral wall perpendicular to a surface on which the atomiser supporting region is provided.

Figure 9A shows a schematic detail view of a section through part of a component 10 according to the present disclosure, showing the location of an aperture portion 1301 and a slot I groove portion 1302 of a second channel, and a first channel 120 with which the second channel is associated, and to which a connecting lead 21 is routed from an atomiser, through the second channel. The section is aligned with the centreline of a first channel 120 and its associated aperture portion 1301. A connecting lead 21 extending from an atomiser (not shown), supported on an atomiser supporting region (not shown) of the component 10, is routed through the aperture 1301 , which in this example is oversized to the diameter of the connecting lead 21. On exiting the aperture 1301 , the connecting lead 21 bends 90 degrees to pass in the direction of the opening 121 of the first channel 120, passing through a slot I groove 1302, the depth of which is also oversized to the diameter of the connecting lead 21. On reaching the rim of the opening 121 of the first channel 120, the connecting lead 21 bends 90 degrees to pass into the opening 121a and along the inner wall of the first channel 120.

Figure 9B will be recognised from Figure 9B, and shows the arrangement of Figure 9A in a configuration where a contact pin 30 has been inserted into the first channel via the opening, mechanically retaining the connecting lead 21 in the first channel. In embodiments of the disclosure, the contact pin 30 comprises a conductive material, such as a metallic material. Examples of suitable metallic materials for contact pins in embodiments of the present disclosure include brass, steel, stainless steel, and copper. The contact pins may comprise a combination of materials, for example, a core of a first material with an outer layer of a second material. The first material may comprise a polymer material or a ceramic material, and the second material may comprise a metal. In embodiments of the disclosure, the cross-sectional shape of a contact pin 30 may be round, oval, square, cuboidal, or any other shape. The contact pin 30 may be solid or hollow. Where the contact pin 30 has a flat insertion end, the edges of the end face may be chamfered or filleted on its edges to aid insertion of the contact pin 30. Alternatively, to aid insertion, the insertion end of the contact pin 30 may be pointed. In embodiments, the inner surface of the first channel 120 may be lined with a different material to the material I materials comprising the other portions of the housing 100 of the component 10. For example, the inner surface of each first channel 120 may be lined with a more resilient material than the rest of the housing of the component 10, such that where the component 10 comprises a metal, ceramic, or glass material, each first channel 120 may be lined with a plastics material, to facilitate an interference fit with a contact pin 30. When a shaft portion of the contact pin 30 is received in the first channel, a contact portion 32 remains exposed, providing a surface for making electrical contact with further circuitry of the aerosol delivery system 1 . As described further herein, in some embodiments, the contact region 32 comprises a cartridge contact pad configured to be exposed on an exterior surface of an assembled cartridge part 40 comprising the component 10, as shown schematically in Figure 1. In other scenarios, an electrical connector may be soldered, threaded, or clamped, to the contact region 32 of a contact pin 30, and the contact region can be configured with a shape suitable for any forth of electrical connector known to the skilled person.

In embodiments, the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the contact pin 30 are configured relative to those of the first channel 120, and those of the connecting lead 21 , so that the portion of the connecting lead 21 received in the first channel 120 is retained mechanically within the first channel when the contact pin 30 is received in the first channel. This mechanical retaining is achieved by providing an interference fit between the peripheral surface of the contact pin 30 and the inner wall surface of the channel 120 when the connecting lead is disposed between these surfaces. This is shown schematically in Figures 10A and 10B, which show cross-sections through exemplary embodiments of a component 10, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a first channel 120. In Figure 10A, the diameter of the contact pin 30 (D_p) is sized relative to the diameter of the first channel 120 (D_c) and the diameter of the connecting lead 21 (DL) such that the diameter of the first channel 120 is smaller than the combined diameters of the connecting lead 21 and contact pin 30 (i.e. D_c < DL + D_p). A suitable difference between D_c and DL + D_p can be experimentally determined based on the resilience of the portion of the housing 100 in which the first channel 120 is formed, and the resilience of the contact pin 30 and connecting lead 21 , so that when the connecting lead 21 and contact pin 30 are received in the first channel 120, deformation of the connecting lead 21 and I or contact pin 30 and I or walls of the first channel 120 leads to a static compression of the connecting lead 21 between the peripheral surface of the contact pin 30 and the inner wall surface of the first channel 120, to retain the connecting lead 21 within the first channel when the contact pin 30 is inserted.

In Figure 10B, a slot or keyway is provided along an internal wall surface of the first channel 120, with a width sized to receive the connecting lead 21 , and a depth (defined perpendicular to the inner surface of the first channel 120) shallower than the diameter of the connecting lead 21 , such that part of the thickness of a connecting lead 21 received in the slot or keyway extends into the first channel 120. The diameter of the contact pin 30 (D_p) is sized relative to the combined diameter of the first channel 110 (D_c) and the slot or keyway (D_s) and the diameter of the connecting lead 21 (DL) such that the combined diameter of the first channel 110 and the slot or keyway is smaller than the combined diameters of the connecting lead 21 and contact pin 30 (i.e. D_c + D_s < DL + D_p), and the difference can, as with the embodiment of Figure 10A, be determined based on the respective resilience of the materials forming the contact pin 30 and the wall of the first channel. Providing a slot or keyway can assist in locating the portion of the connecting lead 21 to be received in the first channel 120, prior to insertion of the contact pin 30. It will be appreciated that a slot or keyway for receiving part of a connecting lead 21 can alternatively be formed along an outer surface of a shaft portion of a contact pin 30.

Each contact pins 30 inserted into a respective first channel 120 of the component 10 is configured to retain portions of a respective connecting lead 21 of an atomiser 20, and configured to provide locations of electrical contact for connection to further electrical circuitry of an aerosol delivery system 1 into which the component 80 is configured to be assembled. In embodiments of the disclosure, each contact pin 30 comprises a contact pad portion 32 which is configured to be exposed on an external surface of a cartridge part 40 of the aerosol delivery system 1 . An example of this configuration is shown in Figures 11 A to 11C.

Figure 11A shows a perspective view of the base of a component 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 8. A contact pin 30 is received in each of the two first channels 120 shown in Figure 8, via a first channel opening 121 of each first channel, to retain an end of a respective connecting lead 21 received in each first channel as described further herein. In embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion of each contact pin 30 distal to the end configured for insertion into a first channel 120 of the component 10 is configured as a cartridge contact pad 32 for establishing electrical connection between the cartridge contact pad 32 and a respective electrical contact 506 of a reusable device part 50 with which the cartridge part 40 is configured for use. In examples where a base of the component 10 forms an exterior of a cartridge part 40 of an aerosol delivery system, the contact pad 32 of each contact pin 30 may be configured to lie flush to the basal surface of the component 10. In the example of Figure 11a, the cross-sectional area of the contact pad 32 of each contact pin 30 is larger than that of a shaft section of the contact pin configured for insertion into a first channel 120 of the component 10, though this is optional, and in other examples the contact pad 32 may have the same cross sectional area or a smaller cross sectional area than the shaft section. In the example shown in Figure 11 A, the contact pad 32 is spaced apart from the base of the component 10 from which each contact pin 30 extends to allow clearance for an atomiser base part 70 which forms the base of the cartridge part 40 in this example, though in other embodiments the length of a contact pin 32 may be configured relative to the depth of its associated first channel 120 so that the surface of the contact pad 32 is flush with the surface of the component 10, or recessed within the first channel 120.

Figure 11 B shows the component 10 of Figure 11A assembled together with an exemplary atomiser base part 70. A basal surface 730 of the atomiser base part 70 forms an exterior of the cartridge part 40 when the atomiser base part is assembled into an opening of the cartridge outer housing 6 which is distal to the mouthpiece end of the cartridge part 40, as shown in the assembly drawing of Figure 2. In the example of Figure 11 B, the base of the component 10, with atomiser 20 mounted to the atomiser supporting region 10 and connecting leads 21 routed into the first channels 120, is received into a recess of the atomiser base part 70 on a side opposite to the basal surface 730. This recess is sized to receive the component 10 in an interference fit, optionally assisted by the presence of a sealing element (e.g. an O-ring) disposed around the periphery of the component 10. Channels through the basal surface of the atomiser base part 70 are positioned to align with the positions of the openings 121 of the first channels 120 of the component 10, and are dimensioned to allow the associated contact pins 30 to be received therethrough. Once the component 10 and atomiser base part 70 have been assembled together, contact pins 30 are inserted through the basal surface 730 of the atomiser base part, each being received via an interference fit in a first channel 120 to retain a connecting lead 21 of the atomiser 20 as described further herein. An air inlet 720 of the atomiser base part 70 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 60 of the component 10, providing a path for air to flow from the exterior of the assembled cartridge part 40 into the component 10. Figure 11C shows the assembled component 10 and atomiser base part 70 further connected to an atomising unit cover 80 to form an atomising sub-assembly 90. In embodiments, the component 10 and atomiser 20 are retained in an internal space defined within peripheral walls of the atomiser base part 70 and atomising unit cover 80, as shown in the assembly drawing of Figure 2. In embodiments of the disclosure, an atomiser base part 70 may be provided with mechanical connectors (such as the recess 750 shown in Figure 12) configured to engage cooperating mechanical connectors of the atomising unit cover 80 (such as the lug 850). In embodiments, the component 10, atomising unit cover 80, and atomiser base part 70, may be coupled together mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets, or may be bonded together with an adhesive, or welded together. In other embodiments of an atomiser subassembly 90 according to embodiments of the disclosure, the component 10, atomising unit cover 80, and atomiser base part 70, may be integrally formed, with the respective functions of the component 10, atomising unit cover 80, and atomiser base part 70, as described herein being provided by an integrally formed atomiser sub-assembly 90 comprising a component 10 region, an atomising unit cover region 80, and an atomiser base part region 70.

In the example of Figure 11C, optional sealing elements 740 and 810 comprising rings of resilient material such as silicone rubber are provided around a periphery of the atomiser base part 70 and atomising unit cover 80 respectively, being located in positioning grooves circumscribing the periphery of each component. The atomiser base part 70 may be provided with mechanical connectors (such as the lugs 710 shown in Figure 11 C), configured to engage cooperating mechanical connectors (such as recesses) of cartridge outer housing 6 to retain the atomising sub-assembly 90 comprising atomiser base part 70, component 10, atomiser 20, and atomising unit cover 80, within the cartridge outer housing 6 when this assembly is received in the cartridge outer housing 6.

Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-section through the portion of an atomising sub-assembly 90 comprising a component 10, atomiser 20, and atomising unit cover 80 disposed over the atomiser 20 mounted to the component 10, showing aspects of liquid and aerosol management. The atomiser 20 is disposed on an atomiser supporting region of the component 10 as described further herein, with ends of the wick 202 of the atomiser projecting into liquid receiving recesses of the component 10, which align with liquid supply ports 840 of the atomising unit cover 80, such that liquid from the cartridge reservoir 2 can flow along paths generally indicated by the dashed lines to be absorbed by the wick 202 of the atomiser and drawn to the heating element 201 by capillary action. An aerosol outflow port 830 of the atomising unit cover 80 is configured to connect to an aerosol outlet passage of the cartridge housing 6 when the atomising unit cover 80 is engaged with the cartridge housing 6. The aerosol outflow port 830 is in fluid communication with an atomising chamber region 150 of the component 10, containing the heating element 201 of the atomiser 20, such that air flowing into the inlet 60 of the component 10 passes into the atomising chamber region 150, entraining vapor I aerosol generated by the atomiser 20, and flows out of the aerosol outflow port 830 along a direction generally indicated by the solid arrow. Figure 12 further shows schematically the routing of connecting leads of the heating element 201 of the atomiser 20 to be retained in first channels by contact pins 30 as described further herein. In embodiments where the atomiser is configured to draw free liquid from a reservoir, the atomiser supporting regions (comprising, for example, curved cradle portions) of the component 10 and atomising unit cover 80 respectively will typically be configured to couple together to form a continuous seal around portions of the a wick 202 disposed between the component 10 and atomising unit cover 80, and to provide compression of the wick 202 at positions between liquid receiving recesses and the aerosol generation chamber, to limit or prevent leakage of free liquid from the liquid receiving recesses into the aerosol generation chamber.

Thus there has been described a component of an electronic aerosol delivery system, the component comprising: a housing element comprising an atomiser supporting region configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening configured to receive a contact pin; and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact pin when a connecting lead and contact pin are received in the first channel.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. The delivery system described herein can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system. Respective features of the present disclosure are defined by the following numbered paragraphs:

Paragraph 1. A component (10) of an electronic aerosol delivery system (1), the component comprising: a housing element (100) comprising an atomiser supporting region (110) configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel (120) configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead (21) of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening (121) configured to receive a contact element (30); and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface (122) of the first channel and an outer surface (31) of a respective contact element when a connecting lead and contact element are received in the first channel.

Paragraph 2. The component of paragraph 1, wherein the inner surface of the at least one first channel comprises a resilient material.

Paragraph 3. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 2, wherein the atomiser supporting region and the respective opening of each of the at least one first channels are disposed on opposing sides of the housing element.

Paragraph 4. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 3, comprising at least one second channel (130) for receiving a portion of a connecting lead disposed between the atomiser supporting region and an opening to a respective one of the at least one first channels.

Paragraph 5. The component of paragraph 4, wherein each at least one second channel comprises an aperture (1301) through the housing element.

Paragraph 6. The component of any of paragraphs 4 to 5, wherein each at least one second channel comprises a slot or groove (1302) disposed on a surface of the housing element.

Paragraph 7. The component of paragraph 6, wherein at least a portion of each slot or groove is disposed on a same side of the housing element as the opening to the respective one of the at least one first channels. Paragraph 8. The component of any of paragraphs 3 to 7, wherein the atomiser supporting region, the at least one first channel, and the at least one second channel of the housing element are integrally formed.

Paragraph 9. The component of any of paragraphs 3 to 8, further comprising the atomiser and the at least one contact element; wherein at least one connecting lead of the atomiser is routed from the atomiser supporting region, through a second channel, and into the opening of a first channel, and a contact element is located in the first channel to retain part of the connecting lead between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact element.

Paragraph 10. The component of paragraph 9, wherein the at least one contact element is formed of a more resilient material than the portion(s) of the housing element comprising each of the at least one channels.

Paragraph 11. The component of paragraph 10, wherein the at least one contact element comprises a metal material and the housing element comprises a plastics material.

Paragraph 12. The component of any of paragraphs 9 to 11 , wherein each of the at least one connecting leads of the atomiser comprises a wire.

Paragraph 13. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises an outer housing (6); and wherein the component comprises a side surface (140) around the periphery of the housing element, the side surface being configured to engage with an internal surface (22) of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing.

Paragraph 14. The component of paragraph 13, comprising one or more resilient sealing elements (200) disposed around the side surface to form a seal with the internal surface of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing.

Paragraph 15. The component of paragraph 14, wherein at least one of the one or more resilient sealing elements comprises an O-ring (2001).

Paragraph 16. The component of any of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein a slot or keyway is provided on an inner surface of the at least one first channel, the slot or keyway being configured to retain a portion of a connecting lead received in the first channel.

Paragraph 17. The component of any preceding paragraph, wherein each contact element comprises an elongate shaft region configured to be received in a first channel. Paragraph 18. The component of paragraph 17, wherein each contact element comprises a flat electrical contact surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the elongate shaft region.

Paragraph 19. The component of paragraph 18, wherein the surface area of the flat electrical contact surface is greater than the cross-sectional area of the elongate shaft region.

Paragraph 20. An electronic aerosol delivery system (1), comprising a reservoir (2) for storing aerosol generating liquid, a first air flow path (41) disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomiser (20) for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; and wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system further comprises the component of any of paragraphs 1 to 18.

Paragraph 21. The electronic aerosol delivery system of paragraph 20, wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises a cartridge (40) configured to be reversibly coupled to an electronic aerosol generating device (50) comprising a power supply and a controller.

Paragraph 22. The electronic aerosol delivery system of paragraph 21, wherein the component is comprised in the cartridge.

Paragraph 23. The electronic aerosol delivery system of paragraph 21, wherein the component is comprised in the electronic aerosol generating device.

Paragraph 24. The electronic aerosol delivery system of paragraphs 22, wherein the cartridge comprises an outer housing (6), and wherein the component is configured to be inserted into an open end of the outer housing during assembly of the electronic aerosol delivery system.

Paragraph 25. A method of manufacturing a component (10) of an electronic aerosol delivery system (1), the method comprising: providing a housing element (100) comprising an atomiser supporting region (110) configured to support an atomiser (20), and further providing at least one first channel (120) in the housing element, each first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead (21) of the atomiser therein, wherein each first channel comprises an opening (121) configured to receive a contact element (30), and wherein each first channel is shaped to retain a received portion of a connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact element, when the connecting lead and contact element are received in the channel. Paragraph 26. The method of paragraph 25, further comprising: mounting an atomiser on the atomiser supporting region; inserting an end portion of the connecting lead into a first channel via an opening of the first channel; and inserting a contact element into the first channel to retain a portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact element.

Paragraph 27. The method of paragraph 26, further comprising: routing the connecting lead of the atomiser from the atomiser supporting region to the opening of the first channel through at least one second channel (130) disposed between the atomiser supporting region and the opening.

Paragraph 28. The method of paragraph 27, wherein the second channel comprises an aperture.

Paragraph 29. The method of either of paragraphs 27 and 28, wherein the second channel comprises an slot or groove on an outer surface of the housing element.

Paragraph 30. Component means (10) of an electronic aerosol delivery system (1), the component comprising: housing element means (100) comprising an atomiser supporting region means (110) configured to support an atomiser means; wherein the housing element means comprises at least one first channel means (120) configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead means (21) of the atomiser means therein; wherein each at least one first channel means comprises an opening means (121) configured to receive a contact element means (30); and wherein each at least one first channel means is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead means in abutment between an inner surface means (122) of the first channel means and an outer surface means (31) of a respective contact element means when a connecting lead means and contact element means are received in the first channel means.

Claims

1. A component (10) of an electronic aerosol delivery system (1), the component comprising: a housing element (100) comprising an atomiser supporting region (110) configured to support an atomiser; wherein the housing element comprises at least one first channel (120) configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead (21) of the atomiser therein; wherein each at least one first channel comprises an opening (121) configured to receive a contact element (30); and wherein each at least one first channel is shaped to retain the portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface (122) of the first channel and an outer surface (31) of a respective contact element when a connecting lead and contact element are received in the first channel.

2. The component of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the at least one first channel comprises a resilient material.

3. The component of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein the atomiser supporting region and the respective opening of each of the at least one first channels are disposed on opposing sides of the housing element.

4. The component of any of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one second channel (130) for receiving a portion of a connecting lead disposed between the atomiser supporting region and an opening to a respective one of the at least one first channels.

5. The component of claim 4, wherein each at least one second channel comprises an aperture (1301) through the housing element.

6. The component of any of claims 4 to 5, wherein each at least one second channel comprises a slot or groove (1302) disposed on a surface of the housing element.

7. The component of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of each slot or groove is disposed on a same side of the housing element as the opening to the respective one of the at least one first channels.

8. The component of any of claims 3 to 7, wherein the atomiser supporting region, the at least one first channel, and the at least one second channel of the housing element are integrally formed.

9. The component of any of claims 3 to 8, further comprising the atomiser and the at least one contact element; wherein at least one connecting lead of the atomiser is routed from the atomiser supporting region, through a second channel, and into the opening of a first channel, and a contact element is located in the first channel to retain part of the connecting lead between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact element.

10. The component of claim 9, wherein the at least one contact element is formed of a more resilient material than the portion(s) of the housing element comprising each of the at least one channels.

11. The component of claim 10, wherein the at least one contact element comprises a metal material and the housing element comprises a plastics material.

12. The component of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises an outer housing (6); and wherein the component comprises a side surface (140) around the periphery of the housing element, the side surface being configured to engage with an internal surface (22) of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing.

13. The component of claim 12, comprising one or more resilient sealing elements (200) disposed around the side surface to form a seal with the internal surface of the outer housing when the housing element is received within the outer housing.

14. The component of claim 13, wherein at least one of the one or more resilient sealing elements comprises an O-ring (2001).

15. The component of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein a slot or keyway is provided on an inner surface of the at least one first channel, the slot or keyway being configured to retain a portion of a connecting lead received in the first channel.

16. The component of any preceding claim, wherein each contact element comprises an elongate shaft region configured to be received in a first channel.

17. The component of claim 16, wherein each contact element comprises a flat electrical contact surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the elongate shaft region.

18. The component of claim 17, wherein the surface area of the flat electrical contact surface is greater than the cross-sectional area of the elongate shaft region.

19. An electronic aerosol delivery system (1), comprising a reservoir (2) for storing aerosol generating liquid, a first air flow path (41) disposed between an air inlet and an air outlet, and an atomiser (20) for vaporising source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapour into the air flow path; and wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system further comprises the component of any of claims 1 to 18.

20. The electronic aerosol delivery system of claim 19, wherein the electronic aerosol delivery system comprises a cartridge (40) configured to be reversibly coupled to an electronic aerosol generating device (50) comprising a power supply and a controller.

21. The electronic aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the component is comprised in the cartridge.

22. The electronic aerosol delivery system of claim 20, wherein the component is comprised in the electronic aerosol generating device.

23. A method of manufacturing a component (10) of an electronic aerosol delivery system (1), the method comprising: providing a housing element (100) comprising an atomiser supporting region (110) configured to support an atomiser (20), and further providing at least one first channel (120) in the housing element, each first channel configured to receive a portion of a connecting lead (21) of the atomiser therein, wherein each first channel comprises an opening (121) configured to receive a contact element (30), and wherein each first channel is shaped to retain a received portion of a connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of a respective contact element, when the connecting lead and contact element are received in the channel.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: mounting an atomiser on the atomiser supporting region; inserting an end portion of the connecting lead into a first channel via an opening of the first channel; and inserting a contact element into the first channel to retain a portion of the connecting lead in abutment between an inner surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the contact element.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: routing the connecting lead of the atomiser from the atomiser supporting region to the opening of the first channel through at least one second channel (130) disposed between the atomiser supporting region and the opening.