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WO2025093853A1 - Système électronique de fourniture d'aérosol - Google Patents

Système électronique de fourniture d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025093853A1
WO2025093853A1 PCT/GB2024/052695 GB2024052695W WO2025093853A1 WO 2025093853 A1 WO2025093853 A1 WO 2025093853A1 GB 2024052695 W GB2024052695 W GB 2024052695W WO 2025093853 A1 WO2025093853 A1 WO 2025093853A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
provision system
configuration
mouthpiece opening
aerosol provision
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2024/052695
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Colin Dickens
Sally BELL
Joseph Peter Sutton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025093853A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025093853A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to electronic non-combustible aerosol provision systems such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).
  • nicotine delivery systems e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like.
  • Electronic aerosol provision systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid containing a formulation, typically including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated, e.g. through heat vaporisation.
  • An aerosol source for an aerosol provision system may thus comprise an aerosol generator, e.g., a heating element, arranged to vaporise at least a portion of the aerosol precursor material. As a user inhales on the device and electrical power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through inlet holes and into the aerosol generation chamber where the air mixes with the aerosolised precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol.
  • Such devices are usually provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouthpiece end of the system.
  • air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source.
  • There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol source and an opening in the mouthpiece so that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying some of the aerosol from the aerosol source with it.
  • the aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol provision system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.
  • Such aerosol provision systems typically provide an aerosol having certain characteristics or properties. While the way in which a user inhales on the aerosol provision system may enable a user to change these characteristics of the aerosol (for example, the amount of aerosol delivered), inhaling in such a way may not be natural to a user leading to a poorer user experience.
  • an aerosol provision system including an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a first temperature and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • the gas-liquid partition of a constituent component, such as nicotine, of the aerosol-generating material vaporised to form the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system is different in the first configuration than the second configuration.
  • the aerosol provision system is configured such that the amount of aerosol generated, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system, is the same in the first and second configuration.
  • the aerosol provision system is provided with a plurality of selectable airflow paths, wherein in the first configuration a first airflow path extends between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening and in the second configuration a second airflow path extends between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening, wherein the first airflow path and the second airflow path are different.
  • the first airflow path extends a first distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening and the second airflow path extends a second distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening, wherein the first and second distances are different.
  • the first airflow path includes regions defined by a wall of a first material and the second airflow path includes regions defined by a wall of a second material, wherein the first and second materials have different thermal properties.
  • the first airflow path extends to a first mouthpiece opening and the second airflow path extends to a second mouthpiece opening.
  • the first airflow path and the second airflow path extend to a common mouthpiece opening.
  • the aerosol provision system comprises a removable part, and wherein the removable part is able to replaced with a second removable part having different characteristics to cause the aerosol provision system to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration.
  • the aerosol provision system comprises a removable cartridge having at least a part of an airflow path configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, wherein the cartridge is the removable part.
  • the aerosol provision system is provided with the heater between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening, and wherein in the first configuration the aerosol provision system is configured to supply a first electrical power from a power supply to the heater and in the second configuration the aerosol provision system is configured to supply a second electrical power to the heater, wherein the first electrical power causes the secondary heater to exhibit a different degree of heating than the second electrical power.
  • an aerosol provision device for use with an aerosol provision system including an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosolgenerating material by an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a first temperature and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • a consumable for use with an aerosol provision system including an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol generator, wherein the consumable is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a first temperature and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • a method of changing the configuration of an aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosolgenerating material by an aerosol generator, the method including: providing the aerosol provision system in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a first temperature; and changing the configuration of the aerosol provision system to a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • aerosol provision means including an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from aerosol-generating material by aerosol generator means, wherein the aerosol provision means is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece means of the aerosol provision means is at a first temperature and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece means of the aerosol provision means is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece means; B) the degree of heating provided by heater means, different from the aerosol generator means, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece means; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece means.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an aerosol provision system including a device and a replaceable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol generating material in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a cartridge comprising a plurality of selectable air paths according to a first implementation, where the air paths differ in the distance between an aerosol generating region and a mouthpiece opening;
  • Figure 3 schematically shows a cartridge comprising a plurality of selectable air paths according to a modification of the first implementation, where the air paths differ in the distance between an aerosol generating region and a mouthpiece opening;
  • Figure 4 schematically shows a cartridge comprising a plurality of selectable air paths according to a modification of the first implementation, where the air paths supply a common mouthpiece opening;
  • Figure 5 schematically shows a cartridge according to a second implementation, where the cartridge comprises an extendable housing portion capable of changing the distance between an aerosol generating region and a mouthpiece opening;
  • Figure 6 schematically shows a plurality of cartridges, where the air paths of each cartridge differ in the distance between an aerosol generating region and a mouthpiece opening;
  • Figure 7 schematically shows a cartridge according to a fourth implementation, where the cartridge comprises secondary heater provided between an aerosol generating region and a mouthpiece opening and arranged to provide heat energy to aerosol passing by the secondary heater;
  • Figure 8 schematically shows a cartridge according to a fifth implementation, where the cartridge comprises a liner having certain thermal properties arranged to alter the temperature of the aerosol as the aerosol interacts with the liner;
  • Figure 9 shows a flow diagram depicting a method of altering the configuration of an aerosol provision system from a first configuration to a second configuration.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered noncombustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device, electronic cigarette or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • e-cigarette is sometimes used but this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol (vapour) provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosolgenerating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material.
  • the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • 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 implementations, 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 implementations, 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 implementations, 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 or each 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 materials.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v..Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • 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.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma 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, tequi
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerine, 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.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
  • the aerosol provision systems comprise a modular assembly including an aerosol provision device (sometimes referred to as a reusable part) and an article comprising aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a consumable or a replaceable part).
  • the aerosol provision systems may comprise a one-piece arrangement where the article and aerosol provision device are integrally formed.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
  • a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area (or storage portion), an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
  • the heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
  • a susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field.
  • the susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material.
  • the heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material.
  • the susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms.
  • the device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • the aerosol provision system is one in which a source liquid as the aerosol-generating material is vaporised to generate an aerosol for user inhalation.
  • the article is more commonly referred to as a cartridge.
  • the cartridge mechanically engages with the aerosol provision device as described above.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are applicable to aerosol provision systems capable of vaporising different aerosol-generating materials, such as solids or gels, as described above. More generally, the principles of the present disclosure apply to aerosol provision systems for use with any suitable aerosol-generating materials.
  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision system which is configured to be in one of a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • the first and second configurations differ from one another in respect of the (average) temperature of the aerosol that exits the aerosol provision system (e.g., through a mouthpiece) for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system (e.g., of a given strength and/or duration).
  • a user is able to place the aerosol provision system 1 in either the first or second configuration in order to alter the characteristics of the aerosol that exits the aerosol provision system and is delivered to the user.
  • the average temperature of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system has an influence on the gas-liquid partition of nicotine (and potentially other constituents) in the aerosol.
  • the gasliquid partition is indicative of the proportion of nicotine present as a gas (or existing in the gas phase) versus the proportion of nicotine that is present as a liquid (or existing in the liquid phase) in the aerosol.
  • the gas-liquid partition of nicotine in an aerosol plays a part in the perception of the nicotine or aerosol by the user and/or the delivery of the constituents of the aerosol to different parts of a user’s body.
  • the perceivable temperature of the aerosol delivered to the user may be affected.
  • the perceivable temperature of the aerosol signifies a temperature (or average temperature) of the aerosol that is perceived by a user; for example, two aerosols may be perceived warmer or colder by a user depending on the perceivable temperature of the aerosol. Consequently, the user experience can be altered depending on whether the aerosol provision system is in the first or second configuration.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an aerosol provision system 1 provided in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 of Figure 1 is adapted to vaporise a liquid aerosol-generating material (sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid).
  • a liquid aerosol-generating material sometimes referred to as a source liquid or an e-liquid.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to aerosol provision systems 1 adapted to vaporise liquid aerosolgenerating material.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises two main components, namely an aerosol provision device 2 and a replaceable I disposable cartridge 4 (which is an example of an article).
  • the aerosol provision system 1 of Figure 1 is an example of a modular construction of an aerosol provision system 1.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 and the cartridge 4 are able to engage with or disengage from one another at an interface 6.
  • the principles of the present disclosure also apply to other constructions of the aerosol provision system 1, such as one-part or unitary constructions where the device 2 and cartridge 4 may be integrally formed (or in other words, the aerosol provision device 1 is provided with an integrally formed aerosolgenerating material storage area).
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is generally elongate and cylindrical in shape.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be sized so as to approximate a conventional cigarette. However, it should be understood that the general size and shape of the aerosol provision system 1 is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may conform to different overall shapes; for example, the aerosol provision device 2 may be based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape.
  • the device 2 comprises components that are generally intended to have a longer lifetime than the cartridge 4. In other words, the device 2 is intended to be used, sequentially, with multiple cartridges 4.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises components (such as aerosol-generating material) that are consumed when forming an aerosol for delivery to the user during use of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the device 2 and the cartridge 4 are releasably coupled together at the first interface 6.
  • the cartridge 4 may be removed from the device 2 and a replacement cartridge 4 attached to the device 2 in its place.
  • the interface 6 provides a structural connection between the device 2 and cartridge 4 and may be established in accordance with broadly conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, latch mechanism, bayonet fixing or magnetic coupling.
  • the interface 6 may also provide an electrical coupling between the device 2 and the cartridge 4 using suitable electrical contacts. The electrical coupling may allow for power and I or data to be supplied to I from the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 4 may be refillable. That is, the cartridge 4 may be refilled with aerosol-generating material when the cartridge 4 is depleted, using an appropriate mechanism such as a one-way refilling valve or the like (not shown). The cartridge 4 may be removed from the device 2 in order to be refilled. In other examples, the cartridge 4 may be configured so as to be refilled while attached to the device 2.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be designed to be disposable once the aerosol-generating material is exhausted.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be provided with a suitable mechanism, such as a one-way valve or the like, to enable the integrated cartridge 4 (or integrated aerosol-generating material storage area) to be refilled with aerosol-generating material.
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42, an aerosol-generating material storage area 44, an aerosol generator 48, an aerosol-generating material transport component 46, an outlet or mouthpiece opening 50, and an air path 52.
  • the cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the device 2.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is formed from a suitable material, such as a plastics material or a metal material.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 couples to the device 2.
  • the cartridge 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1.5 cm.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a first end, broadly defined by the interface 6, and a second end which is opposite the first end and includes the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the second end including the mouthpiece opening 50 is intended to be received in / by a user’s mouth and may therefore be referred to as a mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 40 or more particularly the reservoir 44, of Figure 1 is configured to store a liquid aerosol-generating material, which may be referred to herein as a source liquid, e-liquid or liquid.
  • the source liquid may be broadly conventional, and may contain nicotine and I or other active ingredients, and I or one or more flavours, as described above. In some implementations, the source liquid may contain no nicotine.
  • the reservoir 44 in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines the air path 52 through the cartridge 4.
  • the reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the liquid.
  • the reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
  • the cartridge 4 further comprises an aerosol generator 48.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the source liquid).
  • the cartridge 4 comprises the aerosol-generating material transport component 46, which is configured to transport the aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44 (e.g., reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport component 46 may not be required, particularly in implementations where the aerosol generator 48 is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage area 44.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48.
  • the heater 48 is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the heater 48 may take the form of an electrically resistive wire or trace intended to have electrical current passed between ends thereof, or a susceptor element which is intended to generate heat upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator 48 may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport aerosolgenerating material from the aerosol-generating material storage area 44 (reservoir 44) to the aerosol generator 48.
  • the nature of the aerosol-generating material may dictate the form of the aerosol-generating material transport element 46.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 is configured to transport the liquid or viscous gel aerosol-generating material using capillary action or a suitable pumping mechanism or the like.
  • the aerosol-generating material transport element 46 may comprise a porous material (e.g., ceramic) or a bundle of fibres (e.g., glass or cotton fibres) capable of transporting liquid I viscous gel using capillary action.
  • the aerosol generator 48 is a heater 48 taking the form of a coil of metal wire, such as a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire.
  • the aerosolgenerating material transport element 46 in the implementation of Figure 1 is a wick 46 taking the form of a bundle of fibres, such as glass fibres.
  • the heater 48 is wound around the wick 46 approximately in a central region thereof as seen in Figure 1 such that the heater 48 is provided in the proximity of the wick 46 and therefore any liquid held in the wick 46.
  • the aerosol generator 48 may comprise a porous ceramic wick 46 and an electrically conductive track disposed on a surface of the porous ceramic wick acting as the heater 48.
  • the heater 48 and wick 46 may be combined into a single component, e.g., a plurality of sintered steel fibres forming a planar structure.
  • the heater 48 and wick 46 are located towards an end of the reservoir 44.
  • the wick 46 extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge air path 52 without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46 is therefore configured to transport liquid from the reservoir 44 to the vicinity of the heater 48 via a capillary effect.
  • the wick 46 and heater 48 are arranged in the cartridge air path 52 such that a region of the cartridge air path 52 provided around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge 4.
  • This vaporisation region is the region of the cartridge 4 where vapour is initially generated.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the heater 48 to vaporise an amount of liquid drawn to the vicinity of the heater 48 by the wick 46.
  • Aerosol is delivered to the user via the mouthpiece opening 50 provided at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.
  • the user may place their lips on or around the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and draw air I aerosol through the mouthpiece opening 50. More specifically, air is drawn into and along the air path 52, past the heater 48 where aerosol is entrained into the drawn air, and the combined aerosol I air is then inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • Figure 1 shows the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 as being an integral part of the cartridge 4, a separate mouthpiece component may be provided which releasably couples to the end of the cartridge 4.
  • the device 2 comprises an outer housing 12, an optional indicator 14, an inhalation sensor 16 located within a chamber 18, a controller or control circuitry 20, a power source 26, an air inlet 28 and an air path 30.
  • the device part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the aerosol provision system 1, a power source 26 for providing operating power for the aerosol provision system 1, a controller or control circuitry 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 , and an inhalation sensor (puff detector) 16 located in a chamber 18.
  • the device 2 further comprises an optional indicator 14.
  • the outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross-section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6.
  • the device 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the aerosol provision system 1 when the cartridge 4 and device 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.
  • the overall shape and scale of an aerosol provision system 1 implementing the present disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • the outer housing 12 further comprises an air inlet 28 which connects to an air path 30 provided through the device 2.
  • the device air path 30 in turn connects to the cartridge air path 52 across the interface 6 when the device 2 and cartridge 4 are connected together.
  • the interface 6 is also arranged to provide a connection of the respective air paths 30 and 52, such that air and/or aerosol is able to pass along the coupled air paths 30, 52.
  • the device 2 does not comprise an air path 30 and instead the cartridge 4 comprises the air path 52 and a suitable air inlet which permits air to enter into the air path 52 when the cartridge 4 and device 2 are coupled.
  • the power source 26 in this example is a battery 26.
  • the battery 26 may be rechargeable and may be of a broadly conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in aerosol provision systems and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods.
  • the battery 26 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.
  • the battery 26 may be recharged through a suitable charging connector provided at or in the outer housing 12, for example a USB connector. Additionally or alternatively, the device 2 may comprise suitable circuitry to facilitate wireless charging of the battery 26.
  • the control circuitry 20 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the aerosol provision system's operation and may be implemented by provision of a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control chip.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be arranged to control any functionality associated with the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the functionality may include the charging or re-charging of the battery 26, the discharging of the battery 26 (e.g., for providing power to the heater 48), in addition to other functionality such as controlling visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) I displays, communication functionality for communicating with external devices, etc.
  • the control circuitry 20 may be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). Note also that the functionality provided by the control circuitry 20 may be split across multiple circuit boards and I or across components which are not mounted to a PCB, and these additional components and I or PCBs can be located as appropriate within the aerosol provision device 2. For example, functionality of the control circuit 20 for controlling the (re)charging functionality of the battery 26 may be provided separately (e.g. on a different PCB) from the functionality for controlling the discharge of the battery 26.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the interface 6 provides an electrical connection between the device 2 and the cartridge 4. More particularly, electrical contacts on the device 2, which are coupled to the power source 26, are electrically coupled to electrical contacts on the cartridge, which are coupled to the heater 48. Accordingly, under suitable control by the control circuitry 20, electrical power from the power source 26 is able to be supplied from the power source 26 to the heater 48, thereby energising the heater 48 and allowing the heater 48 to vaporise liquid in the proximity of the heater 48 held in the wick 46.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 comprises a chamber 18 containing the inhalation sensor 16, which in this example is a pressure sensor 16.
  • the pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with the air path 30 in the device 2 (e.g. the chamber 18 branches off from the air path 30 in the device 2).
  • the pressure sensor 16 detects a change (a drop) in the pressure within chamber 18. If the drop in pressure is sufficient, the pressure sensor 16 (or control circuitry 20 coupled thereto) detects a user inhalation.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is controlled to generate aerosol in response to detecting an inhalation by a user. That is, when the pressure sensor 16 detects a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber 18, the control circuitry 20 responds by causing electrical power to be supplied from the battery 26 to the aerosol generator 48 sufficient to cause vaporisation of the liquid held within the wick 46. This is an example of an aerosol provision system which is said to be “puff actuated”.
  • the pressure sensor 16 may be used to start and I or end the power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the pressure sensor detects the absence of an inhalation).
  • the inhalation sensor 16 may be any suitable sensor, such as an air flow sensor, for sensing when a user inhales on the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 and subsequently draws air along the air paths 30, 52. Accordingly, the presence of the chamber 18 is optional and its presence may depend on the characteristics of the selected inhalation sensor 16. For example, an air flow sensor may sit in the air flow path 30, 52.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 includes a button or other user actuatable mechanism.
  • the control circuitry 20 caused power to be supplied to the heater 48 as described above.
  • the button may be used to start and I or end power supply to the heater 48 (e.g., when the button is released by the user).
  • both a button (or other user actuatable mechanism) and an inhalation sensor 16 may be used to control the delivery of power to the heater 48, e.g., by requiring both the button press and a pressure drop indicative of an inhalation to be present before supplying power to the heater 48.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 further comprises an optional indicator 14.
  • the indicator 14 may be provided for providing feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the indicator 14 may indicate information such as whether the aerosol generator 48 is currently active, a remaining battery life (of the battery 26), total number of activations of the aerosol generator 48, amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 44, etc.
  • the indicator 14 may display operational parameters of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the indicator 14 may be provided in conjunction with an input mechanism (such as one or more buttons) which may allow operational parameters to be programmed and/or settings of the aerosol provision system 1 to be changed.
  • the indicator 14 may be a visual indication (such as a display or one or more LEDs), an audio indicator (such as a speaker) or a haptic indictor (such as a haptic motor).
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to be switchable between at least two different configurations, whereby the two different configurations permit aerosol to exit the mouthpiece opening 50 at different temperatures. It has been found that the overall temperature of the aerosol as it leaves the aerosol provision system 1 influences characteristics of the aerosol delivered to the user. In some implementations, it has been found that the overall temperature of the aerosol as it leaves the aerosol provision system 1 influences the gas-liquid partition of nicotine (and potentially other constituents) in the aerosol.
  • the proportion of nicotine present as a gas (or existing in the gas phase) versus the proportion of nicotine that is present as a liquid (or existing in the liquid phase) in the aerosol is dependent in part on the overall temperature of the aerosol. For example, as aerosol-generating material cools, a larger proportion of the nicotine exists in the liquid phase.
  • An increased proportion of nicotine in the liquid phase may affect the delivery of the aerosol or constituents thereof to a user. For example, and without wishing to be bound by theory, an increased proportion of nicotine in the liquid phase may lead to a smoother mouth feel I throat hit in the mouth or oral cavity of the user. That is to say, the user’s perception of the aerosol is smoother. Conversely, an increased proportion of nicotine in the gas phase may lead to a harsher mouth feel I throat hit in the mouth or oral cavity of the user. That is to say, the user’s perception of the aerosol is harsher.
  • the aerosol-generating material is heated to form an aerosol, e.g., via a heater 48, and thus also the temperature of the generated aerosol may be raised above ambient through the vaporisation, this is not the only way in which the temperature of an aerosol may be elevated above ambient temperature.
  • the aerosol generator 48 may indirectly cause heating of the aerosol-generating material during generation of the aerosol, i.e. , inadvertent heating.
  • an additional heater provided downstream of the aerosol generator 48 (with respect to the flow of air I aerosol during an inhalation) may be provided to cause the aerosol to be heated prior to exiting the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to aerosol provision systems 1 that comprise a heater as the aerosol generator 48.
  • the user may choose to switch between a configuration in which the aerosol is at a relatively lower temperature and thus relatively more of the nicotine is in the gas phase and a configuration in which the aerosol is at a relatively lower temperature and thus relatively more of the nicotine is the liquid phase.
  • Providing the ability to switch between configurations allows the user to customise the delivery of the aerosol to suit their needs or preferences at any given time, and therefore provide a better overall user experience.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is provided such that the first and second configurations vary in the distance from the aerosol-generating region (i.e., the region in the vicinity of the heater 48) to the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the aerosol dissipates heat and therefore cools.
  • Providing first and second configurations having different distances for the aerosol to travel from the aerosol-generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50 means that the amount of heat the aerosol dissipates is able to vary between the first and second configurations and subsequently the temperature of the aerosol as it exits the mouthpiece opening 50 also varies.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a first implementation in which the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being switched from a first configuration to a second configuration.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a cartridge 4 and a part of an aerosol provision device 2.
  • Figure 2 will be understood from Figure 1, and indeed like components are shown with like reference signs. A description of these components will not be repeated herein for conciseness.
  • some elements from Figure 1 have been omitted with respect to Figure 2, again for reasons of clarity and conciseness (for example, such as the heater 48 and pressure sensor 16).
  • a separating wall 54 extends from the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 to a position in the vicinity of the wick 46 and heater 48 (not shown in Figure 2).
  • the separating wall 54 acts to divide a central cylindrical passage (such as the approximately cylindrical air path 52 of Figure 1) to provide two approximate semi-cylindrical air paths 52a, 52b. That is, in the described example, the separating wall 54 extends approximately across a diameter of the cross-section of a cylindrical air path extending from the aerosol-generating region to the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4.
  • a first mouthpiece opening 50a and a second mouthpiece opening 50b are provided and respectively coupled to the first air path 52a and second air path 52b.
  • the first air path 52a and second air path 52b share a common air path upstream of the end of the separating wall 54. That is, compared to Figure 1 , the separating wall 54 bifurcates the common air path formed of the air path 30 in the aerosol provision device 2 and the initial part of air path 52 in the cartridge to the aerosol generating region to form the separate air paths 52a and 52b.
  • the separating wall 54 can therefore be considered to divide the common air path 30 and 52 of Figure 1 into a first and a second air path 52a, 52b.
  • the cartridge 4 may alternatively be provided with separate first and second air paths 52a, 52b that extend from separate air inlets at the interface 6 between the cartridge 4 and the aerosol provision device 2.
  • the first and second air paths 52a, 52b do not need to be semi-cylindrical or semi-circular in crosssection, but may take any suitable shape.
  • first and second air paths 52a, 52b extend different distances from the aerosol-generating region, i.e., the region in the vicinity of the wick 46 and heater 48.
  • first air path 52a is an air path that extends linearly from the aerosol-generating region to the first mouthpiece opening 50a.
  • first air path 52a represents an air path having the shortest distance between the aerosolgenerating region and the mouthpiece opening 50a.
  • second air path 52b is an air path that has components of the air path that extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4.
  • the cartridge 4 comprises a diverter component 56 positioned on one side of the dividing wall 54 and the inner wall of the hollow cylindrical reservoir 44 is modified (i.e., widened in this example) in the vicinity of the diverter component 56. Accordingly, it can be seen that the second air path 52b passes around the outer profile of the diverter component 56. As the diverter component 56 extends from the separating wall 54, it should be appreciated that the second air path 52b extends a greater distance from the aerosol-generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50b that the first air path 52a.
  • the second air flow path 52b extends a greater distance approximately equal to twice the perpendicular extent of the diverter component 56 corresponding to the components of the air flow path 52b that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4.
  • the second air path 52b represents an air path having the greatest distance between the aerosol-generating region and the second mouthpiece opening 50b.
  • the cartridge 4 of Figure 2 also includes a blocking element 52c.
  • the blocking element 52c is configured to selectively block one of the first and second air paths 52a, 52b such that air drawn into the aerosol provision system 1 via air inlet 28 is capable of passing through the aerosol-generating region and along one of the first air path 52a or the second air path 52b.
  • the blocking element 52c is a semi-circular element that is capable of being moved from a first position in which the second air path 52b is blocked and the first air path 52a is not blocked to a second position in which the first air path 52a is blocked and the second air path 52b is not blocked (as shown in Figure 2).
  • the blocking element 52 may be rotatably coupled to an end of the separating wall 54 closest to the aerosol-generating region and may also comprise a mechanism (not shown) that is actuated by a user to move (e.g., rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4) the blocking element 52c between the first position and the second position.
  • the user actuated mechanism may comprised a protrusion or lever that extends outside of the cartridge housing 42 but is coupled to the blocking element 52c and act as a lever for moving or rotating the blocking element 52c between the first and second position.
  • the user is capable of moving the blocking element 52c from a first position in which the first air path 52a is fluidly coupled to the aerosolgenerating region (representing a first configuration of the aerosol provision system 1) to a second position in which the second air path 52b is fluidly coupled to the aerosol-generating region (representing a second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1).
  • the user is capable of placing the aerosol provision system 1 in one of the first configuration or the second configuration.
  • the blocking element 52c blocks the second air path 52b
  • air is drawn into the aerosol provision system 1 via the air inlet 28 and passes along the air path 30 in the aerosol provision device 2.
  • the air subsequently passes into the aerosol-generating region whereby vaporised aerosol-generating material is entrained into the airflow.
  • the blocking element 52c prevents aerosol passing along the second air path 52b and therefore the aerosol passes along the first air path 52a to the first mouthpiece opening 50a.
  • the aerosol experiences a relatively lower degree of cooling as compared to aerosol passing along the second air path 52b (or put another way, the aerosol retains a relatively greater proportion of its heat when it arrives at the mouthpiece opening 50a). Therefore, relative to aerosol that passes through the second air path 52b, the aerosol that exits the mouthpiece opening 50a after passing along the first air path 52a is at a relatively greater temperature. As explained above, this can cause the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 via mouthpiece opening 50a to have a greater proportion of nicotine in the gas phase.
  • the aerosol experiences a relatively greater degree of cooling as compared to aerosol passing along the first air path 52a (or put another way, the aerosol dissipates a relatively greater proportion of its heat by the time it arrives at the mouthpiece opening 50b). Therefore, relative to aerosol that passes through the first air path 52a, the aerosol that exits the mouthpiece opening 50b after passing along the second air path 52b is at a relatively lower temperature. As explained above, this can cause the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 via mouthpiece opening 50b to have a greater proportion of nicotine in the liquid phase.
  • the configuration of Figure 2 allows a user to selectively place the aerosol provision system 1 (or cartridge 4 thereof) into a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • the temperature of the aerosol exiting the respective mouthpiece opening 50a, 50b is different owing to the different degrees of heat dissipation or retention.
  • the characteristics of the aerosol such as the gas-liquid partition, can vary depending on which air path the aerosol has travelled along, or put another way, in which configuration the aerosol provision system 1 is in.
  • the example of Figure 2 is an example in which the cartridge 4 comprises a plurality (i.e., two) air paths 52a, 52b downstream of the aerosol generator 48 or aerosolgenerating region.
  • Each of these air paths is selectively capable of coupling to the aerosolgenerating region, such that, in the first configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, a first air path 52a extends between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50a and, in the second configuration, a second air path 52b extends between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50b.
  • the first air path 52a and the second air path 52b are different.
  • the first air path 52a extends a first distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50a and the second air path 52b extends a second, different distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50b.
  • the second air path 52b is defined, in part, by the diverter component 56, and it is the passage of the second air path 52b around the diverter component 56 that changes the length or distance of the second air path 52b.
  • the first and second air paths 52a, 52b may be provided in different configurations.
  • the second air path 52b may follow a spiral trajectory around a central air passage 52.
  • FIG. 2 Although only two air paths 52a, 52b are shown in Figure 2, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, more than two air paths may be provided.
  • This may allow an aerosol provision system 1 to be placed in a third (or greater) configuration.
  • the third (or greater) configuration may cause the aerosol to exit the aerosol provision system 1 at a temperature that is different to the temperature at which the aerosol exits the aerosol provision system 1 in the first or second configurations. This may therefore provide multiple different configurations in which the aerosol provision system 1 may be placed by a user.
  • Figure 2 shows the blocking element 52c as an element that blocks the opening of the first or second air path 52a, 52b.
  • the blocking element 52c may be provided additionally or alternatively at the end of the first and second air paths 52a, 52b (for example, in the vicinity of the mouthpiece openings 50a, 50b).
  • the blocking element 52c may be implemented in any suitable manner provided the blocking element 52c is capable of moving between a first position and (at least) a second position.
  • the first and second air paths 52a, 52b may be provided in a forked or V-shape arrangement, and the blocking element 52c may be arranged to pivot to block off either channel of the forked or V-shape arrangement.
  • separate blocking elements 52c may be provided in each of the first and second air paths 52a, 52b.
  • the blocking element 52c is mechanically actuated (i.e. , by a user moving a lever of the like) from the first position to the second position.
  • the blocking element 52c may be electronically actuated, e.g., in response to a signal from a user (such as a from a button press or from a wireless transmitter or the like).
  • the blocking mechanism 52c may be provided coupled to a motor or other suitable mechanism for causing the blocking mechanism 52c to move between positions, when a suitable electrical signal is applied thereto. That is to the say, the specific way in which the blocking element 52c is actuated, and indeed the specific motion of the blocking element 52c is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure.
  • FIG 3 is a perspective and exploded view of a modified cartridge 4’ for use with the aerosol provision system 1 of Figure 1.
  • the cartridge 4’ is shown schematically in perspective and exploded view in Figure 3.
  • Figure 3 shows only certain components of the cartridge 4’ and does so in a highly schematic manner for the purposes of explaining the principles of operation of the cartridge 4’; namely, how the first and second air paths 52a, 52b are selectively coupled.
  • the cartridge 4’ is substantially similar to the cartridge 4 of Figure 2; however, the cartridge 4’ is provided in two parts; a first part 4a and a second part 4b.
  • the first and second parts 4a, 4b are shown separated from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4’.
  • the first part 4a is rotatably joined to the second part 4b, e.g., through a rotating mechanism that allows relative rotation of the first part 4a and the second part 4b. That is, the first part 4a is joined to the second part 4b such that the first part 4a is able to rotate with respect to the second part about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4’ (e.g., as indicated by the double-headed arrow in Figure 3).
  • the first part 4a may be joined to the second part 4b via a central axle extending from the second part 4b.
  • the first part 4a of the cartridge 4’ comprises the first air path 52a coupled to the first mouthpiece opening 50a and a second air path 52b coupled to the second mouthpiece opening 52b.
  • the first and second air paths 52a, 52b are shown by dashed-lines in Figure 3 and, although Figure 3 shows these paths 52a, 52b as extending linearly from one side of the first part 4a to another side of the first part 4a, it should be appreciated that in accordance with the above, the first path 52a and second path 52b extend different distances between the two sides of the first part 4a of the cartridge 4’.
  • the second part 4b of the cartridge 4’ comprises an opening of the air path that is off-centre (i.e. , it is not coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 4’).
  • openings to the first and second air paths 52a, 52b as projected onto the surface of the second part 4b are also off-centre.
  • neither of the first path 52a nor the second air path 52b is in fluid communication with the air path of the second part 4b of the cartridge 4’.
  • aerosol is capable of passing along either of the first path 52a or the second path 52b in a similar fashion as described with respect to Figure 2.
  • the air path 52a, 52b that is not coupled to the part of the overall air path in the second part 4b of the cartomiser 4’ is blocked by virtue of the surface of the second part 4b at a region that does not include the opening to the overall air path in the second part 4b.
  • a part of the housing of the second part 4b of the cartomiser 4’ acts to block the first and/or second air path 52a, 52b.
  • a movable blocking element 52c can be omitted.
  • the reservoir 44 may be located solely in the second part 4b of the cartomiser 4’ or suitable transport mechanisms (such as valves or the like) may be provided to selectively allow coupling of the reservoir 44 (or a part thereof) located in the first part 4a of the cartridge 4’ to the reservoir 44 (or a part thereof) located in the second part 4b.
  • each of the first air path 52a and the second air path 52b extend to respective mouthpiece openings 50a, 50b. More generally, the first air path 52a extends to a first mouthpiece opening 50a and the second air path 52b extends to a second mouthpiece opening 50b. However, it should be appreciated that in other implementations, the first and second air paths 52a, 52b extend to a common mouthpiece opening.
  • Figure 4 is an example of such an implementation of the cartridge 4.
  • Figure 4 is based on, and will be understood from, Figure 2.
  • Like components are labelled with like reference signs and a description thereof is omitted for conciseness. Instead, only the differences with respect to Figure 2 are explained below.
  • the separating wall 54 does not extend as far as the mouthpiece 50. That is to say, the separating wall 54 provides separate air paths 52a, 52b but such that the first air path and second air path 52a, 52b share a common air path upstream of a first end of the separating wall 54 and downstream of a second end of the separating wall 54.
  • the main influencing factor is the distance that the aerosol has travelled from the aerosol-generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • Figure 5 schematically shows a second implementation in which the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being switched from a first configuration to a second configuration.
  • Figure 5 schematically shows a cartridge 4 and a part of an aerosol provision device 2.
  • Figure 5 will be understood from Figure 1 , and indeed like components are shown with like reference signs. A description of these components will not be repeated herein for conciseness.
  • some elements from Figure 1 have been omitted with respect to Figure 5, again for reasons of clarity and conciseness (for example, such as the heater 48 and pressure sensor 16).
  • the cartridge 4 comprises an extendable housing portion 42a.
  • the extendable housing portion 42a in this implementation takes the form of a concertinaed wall; however, in other implementations a telescopic or other extendable configuration for the extendable housing portion 42a may be used.
  • the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 including the mouthpiece opening 50 is provided at one end of the extendable housing portion 42a. Accordingly, the extendable housing portion 42a permits the position of the mouthpiece opening 50 to be changed relative to the aerosol generating region of the cartridge 4.
  • the mouthpiece opening 50 is positioned relatively closer to the aerosol-generating region than compared to an extended configuration of the extendable housing portion 42a where the mouthpiece opening 50 is relatively further from the aerosol-generating region.
  • Figure 5 shows the extendable housing portion 42a in a compressed or retracted configuration. However, by pulling on the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 with a suitable force in a direction along arrow A, the extendable housing portion 42a can be moved to the extended configuration.
  • the distance between the aerosolgenerating region and the mouthpiece opening 50 can be changed to provide the aerosol provision system 1 I cartridge 4 in either a first configuration (e.g., in which the distance between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece opening is relatively shorter) or a second configuration (e.g., in which the distance between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece opening is relatively longer).
  • changing between the first and second configuration involves changing or modifying the extent of the air path 52. Specifically, in this case, the air path 52 is lengthened or shortened by adjusting the position of the mouthpiece opening 50 relative to the aerosol generating region.
  • Figure 5 shows the extendable housing portion 42a provided at the mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4, it should be appreciated that the extendable housing portion 42a may be provided at any location within the cartridge 4 between the aerosol generating region of the cartridge 4 and the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the extendable housing 42a may be provided at a location corresponding to the reservoir 44 (where the extendable housing 42a may also subsequently increase the volume of the reservoir 44).
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to movement of the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the cartridge 4 is configured such that the aerosol generating region is capable of being moved relative to the mouthpiece opening 50, e.g., via movement of the aerosol generator, i.e. , the heater 48 and/or wick 46.
  • Such implementations may utilise more complex arrangements and mountings of the aerosol generator relative to the housing 42 of the cartridge 4 so as to enable the movement of the aerosol generator.
  • the cartridge 4, 4’ may be provided with a plurality of selectable air paths 52a, 52b each providing a different distance between the aerosolgenerating region and a common mouthpiece opening 50 or individual mouthpiece openings 50a, 50b, or the cartridge 4 may be provided with a mechanism (i.e., an extendable housing portion 42a) configured to allow the length of the air path 52 (in particular the distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50) to be adjusted.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may also be placed in the first or second configuration by appropriate selection from amongst a plurality of cartridges 4, where each of the plurality of cartridges 4 are configured to have a different distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • Figure 6 schematically shows a third implementation in which the aerosol provision system 1a, 1b is capable of being placed in a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • Figure 6 schematically shows a first cartridge 4c coupled to a part of an aerosol provision device 2 and a second cartridge 4d coupled to a part of the aerosol provision device 2.
  • Figure 6 will be understood at least from Figure 1 , and indeed like components are shown with like reference signs. A description of these components will not be repeated herein for conciseness.
  • some elements from Figure 1 have been omitted with respect to Figure 6, again for reasons of clarity and conciseness (for example, such as the heater 48 and pressure sensor 16).
  • Figure 6 shows a first aerosol provision system 1a formed of an aerosol provision device 2 and a first cartridge 4c.
  • Figure 6 further shows a second aerosol provision system 1b formed of the same aerosol provision 2 but an alternative, second cartridge 4d.
  • the first and second aerosol provision systems 1a, 1b differ from one another by the cartridge (ether first cartridge 4c or second cartridge 4d) that is coupled to the aerosol provision device 2.
  • the first and second cartridges 4c, 4d are largely similar to one another and are also similar to the cartridge 4 described with respect to Figure 1.
  • the first cartridge 4c is configured to have a first distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50, schematically shown by the double-headed arrow labelled Da
  • the second cartridge 4d is configured to have a second distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50, schematically shown by the double-headed arrow labelled Db, where the first and second distances are different to one another (specifically, the first distance, Da, is smaller than the second distance, Db).
  • first cartridge 4c when coupled to the aerosol provision device 2, therefore broadly corresponds to a first configuration of the aerosol provision system 1a (in which the distance between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece opening is relatively shorter), while the second cartridge 4d, when coupled to the aerosol provision device 2, therefore broadly corresponds to a second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1b (in which the distance between the aerosol-generating region and the mouthpiece opening is relatively longer).
  • the user selects one of the two cartridges (either the first cartridge 4c or the second cartridge 4d) and couples the selected cartridge to the aerosol provision device 2.
  • the user In order to change the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1, e.g., from a first configuration to a second configuration, the user firstly removes the first cartridge 4c coupled to the aerosol provision device 2 and attaches the second cartridge 4d to the aerosol provision device 2. Accordingly, it should be understood that the user similarly has the ability to alter the characteristics of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system by changing the configuration of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the aerosol provision system can be placed in a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to selection of one of two configurations, but may be extended to more than two possible configurations.
  • the corresponding cartridges may be provided with a third, fourth, etc., air path which may be selectively fluidly coupled to the aerosol generating region.
  • Each of the first, second, third, fourth, etc. air paths are configured such that the distance between the aerosol generating region and a common or individual mouthpiece is different.
  • each of the configurations are capable of providing aerosol that exits the cartridge at a different temperature (and consequently has different characteristics, such as gas-liquid partition).
  • the extendable housing portion 42a may be arranged in one or more positions between the fully retracted and fully extended configurations, to provide additional configurations of the cartridge 4 I aerosol provision system.
  • a third cartridge or fourth cartridge, etc. may be provided having a distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50 different to the distances Da and Db to provide a third configuration, etc.
  • the first and second configurations differ from one another in respect of the distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening(s).
  • the temperature of the aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening(s) can be varied, which may have a corresponding effect on the characteristics of the aerosol, such as the gas-liquid partition of a constituent component of the aerosol and/or the perceptible temperature of the aerosol.
  • the distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening(s) is not the only way that the temperature of the aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening(s) can be varied.
  • Figure 7 schematically shows a fourth implementation in which the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being in a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • Figure 7 schematically shows a cartridge 4 coupled to a part of an aerosol provision device 2.
  • Figure 7 will be understood at least from Figure 1, and indeed like components are shown with like reference signs. A description of these components will not be repeated herein for conciseness.
  • some elements from Figure 1 have been omitted with respect to Figure 7, again for reasons of clarity and conciseness (for example, such as the heater 48 and pressure sensor 16).
  • the cartridge 4 is provided with a secondary heater 60.
  • the secondary heater 60 is provided in conjunction with the aerosol generator (which in some implementations includes heater 48). More specifically, the secondary heater 60 is provided at a location downstream of the aerosol generator with respect to a direction of airflow along the air path 52 during use of the cartridge 4.
  • the secondary heater 60 is electrically operated. That is to say, the secondary heater 60 is capable of being supplied with electrical power which causes the secondary heater 60 to generate heat.
  • the secondary heater 60 includes a plurality of electrical paths that permit electrical current to flow to the secondary heater 60. The secondary heater 60 may be connected in parallel with the aerosol generator I heater 48 via the electrical paths, or alternatively the electrical paths may lead to dedicated electrical contacts at the interface 6 of the cartridge 4 (for engagement with corresponding electrical contacts of the aerosol provision device 2).
  • the cartridge 4 may be provided with a mechanism (such as a variable resistor or potentiometer, which is coupled to a switch or slider accessible to the user to control the resistance) which enables the user to adjust the magnitude of the electrical current supplied to the secondary heater 60. For example, as the resistance of the variable resistor is increased, the power provided to the secondary heater 60 may be decreased.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 is capable of controlling the power supplied to the secondary heater 60, the user may be able to program or instruct the aerosol provision device 2 to provide a given power to the secondary heater 60.
  • electrically operated secondary heaters 60 do not necessarily require electrical paths as specified above, and may be supplied with electrical power through other means as suitable, such as via induction heating.
  • the secondary heater 60 shown in Figure 7 takes the form of an annular ring that surrounds a part of the air path 52. More particularly, the air path 52 and secondary heater 60 are coaxial, with the secondary heater 60 surrounding the air path 52. It should be appreciated, however, that the secondary heater 60 may take other forms. For example, the secondary heater 60 may take the form of one or more plates positioned around the air path 52, or additionally or alternatively, a plate or blade positioned in the air path 52. Additionally, while the secondary heater 60 is shown as occupying only a part of the air path 52 towards the mouthpiece opening 50, it should be understood that the secondary heater 60 may be positioned at any suitable location within the air path 52 and have any suitable extent along the air path 52. However, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the secondary heater 60 includes at least a portion downstream of the aerosol generating region, with said portion capable of generating heat.
  • the secondary heater 60 can be used to apply heat to air I aerosol moving along the air path 52 towards the mouthpiece opening 50, and in particular, to aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region.
  • the secondary heater 60 is provided in the cartridge 4 such that the secondary heater 60 is in thermal communication with air path 52.
  • a surface (the inner surface of the annulus) of the secondary heater 60 forms the a part of the boundary wall of the air path 52
  • one or more materials may be provided between the surface of the secondary heater 60 and the air path 52.
  • the coating may help protect the surface of the secondary heater 60.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 can be provided in a first configuration (in which the aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region is supplied with a first, relatively higher amount of heat) and a second configuration (in which the aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region is supplied with a second, relatively lower amount of heat).
  • a first configuration in which the aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region is supplied with a first, relatively higher amount of heat
  • a second configuration in which the aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region is supplied with a second, relatively lower amount of heat.
  • the temperature of the aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening 50 is relatively lower.
  • the user is capable of placing the aerosol provision system 1 in either of the first or second configurations as desired to subsequently affect the characteristics of the aerosol delivered to the user and thus the user’s experience.
  • the first and second configurations may both cause power to be supplied to the secondary heater 60, albeit at different levels I magnitudes, to thereby cause the secondary heater 60 to generate heat.
  • mechanisms such as a variable resistor in the cartridge 4 or suitable power control implemented by the aerosol provision device 2 may enable a variation in power to be supplied to the secondary heater 60.
  • power may only be supplied to the secondary heater 60 in the first configuration.
  • the second configuration of the aerosol provision system 1 is, in effect, one in which no additional heat is provided to the aerosol downstream of the aerosol generating region.
  • the cartridge 4 and/or aerosol provision device 2 may be provided with a switch that is controlled to cause the secondary heater 60 to be electrically coupled to a power source (such as power source 26).
  • the operating temperature of the secondary heater 60 may take any value as desired. However, in most implementations, the operating temperature is set to be lower than a temperature required to vaporise the aerosol-generating material. Put another way, in implementations where the aerosol generator comprises heater 48, the operating temperature of the secondary heater 60 is set to be lower than the operating temperature of the heater 48.
  • the secondary heater 60 when the aerosol provision system is put into the first and/or second configuration, power is continuously supplied to the secondary heater 60.
  • the secondary heater 60 may be selectively operated in the first and/or second configurations.
  • the secondary heater 60 may be supplied with electrical power concurrently with the supply of electrical power to the aerosol generator (such as in response to a pressure drop or a button press, as described above).
  • the secondary heater 60 may comprise any other electrically operated component that generates suitable heat.
  • the secondary heater 60 may include an optical heater, a radiative heater, etc. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to electrically operated secondary heaters 60.
  • the secondary heater 60 may be a chemical heater in which a chemical reaction causes heat to be generated.
  • the chemical heater may be activated through force (e.g., a compressive force applied to a container holding the chemical heater).
  • the secondary heater 60 comprises any suitable component that is capable of selectively generating heat capable of being transferred to the generated aerosol.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is placed in the first configuration by enabling the aerosol provision system 1 to cause heating of the second heater 60 at a first level (i.e., a non-zero level of heat generation), and is placed in the second configuration by enabling the aerosol provision system 1 to cause heating of the second heater at a second level (which may be a non-zero or a zero level of heat generation).
  • a first level i.e., a non-zero level of heat generation
  • the secondary heater 60 may include a plurality of heaters.
  • the plurality of heaters may be arranged at the same longitudinal positions (i.e., provided around the air path 52 at different radial positions) and/or at different longitudinal positions.
  • the first and second configurations may differ in respect of which ones of the plurality of secondary heaters 60 are activated.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may activate fewer secondary heaters and/or secondary heaters that are closer to the aerosol-generating region, while in the first configuration, the aerosol provision system 1 may activate more (or all) secondary heaters and/or secondary heaters that are further from the aerosol-generating region (and hence closer to the mouthpiece opening 50).
  • a plurality of cartridges 4 having different secondary heaters 60 may be selected a given cartridge, providing a given degree of heating of the secondary heater 60, and couple the selected cartridge to the aerosol provision device 2 in order to place the aerosol provision system 1 in a given configuration.
  • the cartridge 4 may be configured such that the secondary heater 60 is removable and replaceable.
  • the secondary heater 60, and optionally the mouthpiece may be provided as part of an attachable housing that attaches to an end of the cartridge 4 during use.
  • the different attachable housings, having different secondary heaters 60 and/or arrangements of secondary heaters 60 may be provided. Instead of switching the entire cartridge 4 to switch between the first and second configuration, the user is able to replace only the attachable housing.
  • Figure 7 has been described in respect of a first and second configuration, it should be appreciated that in some implementations, a third configuration, fourth configuration, etc. may be provided. In such implementations, it should be understood that the third configuration provides a different degree of heating via the secondary heater 60 than the first and second configurations, etc.
  • Figure 8 schematically shows a fifth implementation in which the aerosol provision system 1 is capable of being in a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • Figure 8 schematically shows a cartridge 4 coupled to a part of an aerosol provision device 2.
  • Figure 8 will be understood at least from Figure 1, and indeed like components are shown with like reference signs. A description of these components will not be repeated herein for conciseness.
  • some elements from Figure 1 have been omitted with respect to Figure 8, again for reasons of clarity and conciseness (for example, such as the heater 48 and pressure sensor 16).
  • the cartridge 4 is provided with a liner 70.
  • the liner 70 is provided at a location downstream of the aerosol generator with respect to a direction of airflow along the air path 52 during use of the cartridge 4. More particularly, the liner 70 defines at least a part of an inner surface of the air path 52 downstream of the aerosol generating region.
  • the liner 70 is a tubular component that is coaxial with the air path 52 and surrounds a portion of the air path 52.
  • the liner 70 may be integrally formed with the cartridge 4 or be a separate component that is subsequently coupled to the cartridge 4.
  • the liner 70 is a component formed to have a defined thermal property. Namely, the liner 70 is formed so as to have a certain thermal conductivity and/or thermal resistivity. As aerosol passes along the air path 52, the aerosol interacts with the liner 70. Depending on the characteristics of the liner 70, a relatively larger or smaller proportion of the thermal energy of the aerosol is dissipated into the liner 70 when the aerosol interacts with the liner. For example, a liner 70 that has a relatively high thermal conductivity enables more thermal energy to dissipate from the aerosol passing along the air path 52 and therefore leads to greater cooling of the aerosol and a relatively lower temperature of the aerosol as it exits the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • a liner 70 that has a relatively low thermal conductivity (or high thermal resistance) enables less thermal energy to dissipate from the aerosol passing along the air path 52 and therefore leads to reduced cooling of the aerosol and a relatively higher temperature of the aerosol as it exits the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the liner 70 may be formed from a certain material (for example, having certain thermal properties) and/or formed having certain dimensions, such as length or thickness, which may be varied between different liners 70.
  • the thermal conductivity of aluminium is around 220 to 240 W/m K
  • the thermal conductivity of silver is around 350 to 400 W/m K. Therefore, a first liner 70 formed of aluminium has a lower thermal conductivity than a second liner 70 formed of silver, for example.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 can be placed in a first configuration in which aerosol passes by a liner 70 having a first thermal property as the aerosol travels along the air path 52 to the mouthpiece opening 50 (for example, a liner having a relatively higher thermal resistance) and the aerosol provision system 1 can be placed in a second configuration in which aerosol passes by a liner 70 having a second thermal property as the aerosol travels along the air path 52 to the mouthpiece opening 50 (for example, a liner having a relatively higher thermal conductivity).
  • the temperature of the aerosol that exits the mouthpiece opening 50 is relatively higher than the temperature of the aerosol that exits the mouthpiece opening 50 in the second configuration.
  • Figure 8 shows a single cartridge 4 having a single liner 70.
  • Figure 8 shows a single cartridge 4 having a single liner 70.
  • various arrangements of the cartridges 4 described above may be equally applied to implementations implementing one or more liners 70.
  • the liner 70 may be removable from the cartridge 4 and replaced with a different liner 70 having a different thermal property.
  • the liner 70 may be held in place within the cartridge 4 via a cap or latch or the like, and releasing the cap or latch or the like enables the liner 70 to be removed from the cartridge 4 and a different liner 70 to be installed.
  • the cartridge 4 includes a removable mouthpiece piece (including the mouthpiece opening), which can be removed (e.g., via a screwthread connection) to allow access to the liner 70. Accordingly, any suitable mechanism that allows replacement of the liner 70 is envisaged.
  • changing the liner 70 installed in the cartridge 4 allows the aerosol provision system 1 to be placed in the first configuration or the second configuration.
  • each of the cartridges 4 includes a different liner 70 (having a different thermal property). Accordingly, by switching the cartridge 4 coupled to the aerosol provision device 2 with another cartridge 4 having a different liner 70, the user is able to place the aerosol provision system 1 in a first configuration or a second configuration in a similar manner as described above.
  • the liner 70 is an example of a suitable component that may be provided in a cartridge 4 in order to alter the thermal properties of at least a part of the boundary wall of the air path 52.
  • a mouthpiece end of the cartridge 4 may be formed from a material having a certain thermal property, such that switching mouthpiece ends by place the aerosol provision system 1 in a first configuration or a second configuration.
  • the first and second configuration differ in respect of the thermal properties of a material forming at least a part of the walls of the air path 52 between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the first and second configuration both include a liner 70.
  • the first configuration may comprise a cartridge 4 having no liner 70 (or a selectable air path having no liner 70).
  • the second configuration is one where the cartridge 4 includes a liner 70 (or a selectable air path having a liner 70).
  • the liner 70 may be formed of a metal having a generally higher thermal conductivity than the plastic material of the housing 42.
  • liners 70 have been described in the context of providing first and second configurations, it should be appreciated that a third, fourth, etc. configuration may also be provided.
  • the third configuration has a liner 70 or other component having a different thermal property as compared to the first and second configurations.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening 50 of the aerosol provision system 1 is at a first temperature (or average temperature) and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening 50 of the aerosol provision system 1 is at a second temperature (or average temperature).
  • the first and second temperatures are different. This has been found to have an influence on the characteristics of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1, such as the gas-liquid partition and/or the average perceptible temperature of the aerosol. That is to say, the characteristics of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 are different in the first configuration compared to the second configuration.
  • the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening 50; B) the degree of heating provided by a (secondary) heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path 52 between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path 52 between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • the cartridge 4 may be provided with both two different air paths 52a, 52b and one or more secondary heaters 60 and/or one or more liners 70 provided in one or both of the air paths 52a, 52b.
  • the cartridge 4 may be provided with the combination of a liner 70 and a secondary heater 60.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 and/or cartridge 4 is capable of being placed into, and switched between, the first configuration and the second configuration.
  • this is achieved by provided a plurality of selectable airflow paths.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 In the first configuration, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured such that a first airflow path extends between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening and in the second configuration, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured such that a second airflow path extends between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • the airflow paths are different, and may vary based on the distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50, the presence or absence of a secondary heater 60 and I or the operational temperature of the secondary heater 60, and the presence or absence of a liner 70 or the like and I or the thermal properties of the liner 70 or the like.
  • this is alternatively or additionally achieved by modifying the characteristics of the air path 52 or components in or on the air path 52.
  • the aerosol provision system may be provided with a mechanism (such as extendable housing portion 42a) that is capable of altering the distance between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50 to change between configurations.
  • a secondary heater 60 if present, may be controlled (i.e., supplied with power or varying levels of power) to change between configurations.
  • this is alternatively or additionally achieved by replacing a removable part of the aerosol provision system 1 , wherein the removable part is able to replaced with a second removable part having different characteristics to cause the aerosol provision system to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration.
  • the cartridge 4 may be replaced or a component of the cartridge 4.
  • a plurality of cartridges 4 may be provided each having different distances between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening 50.
  • a plurality of cartridges 4 may be provided each having different secondary heaters 60 or secondary heaters 60 that are configured to operate at different temperatures.
  • the secondary heater 60 or a component comprising the secondary heater 60 may be replaced to switch between configurations, where the operating characteristics of the secondary heaters 60 are different.
  • a plurality of cartridges 4 may be provided each having different liners 70 or similar components capable of being in thermal contact with the aerosol, whereby the liners 70 or similar components have different thermal characteristics.
  • the liner 70 or a similar component may be replaced to switch between configurations.
  • a user is able to modify the characteristics of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 , by virtue of the temperature of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 being different in each configuration.
  • the temperature of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 may influence the temperature of the aerosol exiting the aerosol provision system 1 ; for example, the amount of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator, which may be influenced by the user inhalation (i.e., how much air passes the aerosol generator during inhalation) and/or the operation parameters of the aerosol generator (e.g., the temperature of the heater 48).
  • the aerosol provision system 1 is configured such that the amount of aerosol generated, for a given inhalation on the aerosol provision system 1 (i.e., a defined inhalation strength and duration), is the same in both the first configuration and second configuration.
  • Figure 9 is an example flow diagram illustrating an example method for changing the configuration of an aerosol provision system 1 comprising an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol generator.
  • the method starts at step S1 where an aerosol provision system 1 is provided.
  • the aerosol provision system is placed into a first configuration.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may be already provided in the first configuration, i.e., the first configuration is a default configuration of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • step S3 the user places the aerosol provision system 1 into a second configuration.
  • the second configuration differs from the first configuration by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • step S3 requires the user to at least one of: select one of a plurality of air flow paths and couple the selected air flow path to the aerosol generating region; modify the characteristics of the air path 52 or components in or on the air path 52; and replace a removable part of the aerosol provision system 1 with another removable part that differs from the first removable part.
  • an aerosol provision system 1 comprising a replaceable cartridge 4 and a reusable aerosol provision system 1
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to such arrangements of the aerosol provision system 1.
  • the aerosol provision system 1 may instead be provided as a single piece or unitary device where the cartridge and aerosol provision device 2 are integrally formed.
  • the aerosol provision device 2 comprises the aerosol generator and reservoir 44.
  • an aerosol provision system including an aerosol generating region in which aerosol is capable of being generated from an aerosol-generating material by an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to be in a first configuration in which aerosol exiting a mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a first temperature and in a second configuration in which aerosol exiting the mouthpiece opening of the aerosol provision system is at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being different, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration differ by at least one of: A) the distance from the aerosol generating region to the mouthpiece opening; B) the degree of heating provided by a heater, different from the aerosol generator, located in the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening; and C) the thermal properties of the material forming at least a part of the walls of the airflow path between the aerosol generating region and the mouthpiece opening.
  • an aerosol provision device a consumable for use with an aerosol provision system, a method of changing the configuration of an aerosol provision system, and aerosol provision means.
  • this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced.
  • the advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s).

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Abstract

Un système de fourniture d'aérosol est décrit, le système de fourniture d'aérosol comprenant une région de génération d'aérosol dans laquelle un aérosol peut être généré à partir d'un matériau de génération d'aérosol par un générateur d'aérosol. Le système de fourniture d'aérosol est conçu pour être dans une première configuration dans laquelle l'aérosol sortant d'une ouverture d'embout buccal du système de fourniture d'aérosol est à une première température, et dans une seconde configuration dans laquelle l'aérosol sortant de l'ouverture d'embout buccal du système de fourniture d'aérosol est à une seconde température, les première et seconde températures étant différentes. La première configuration et la seconde configuration diffèrent par : A) la distance de la région de génération d'aérosol à l'ouverture d'embout buccal ; B) le degré de chauffage fourni par un dispositif de chauffage, différent du générateur d'aérosol, situé dans la voie d'écoulement d'air entre la région de génération d'aérosol et l'ouverture d'embout buccal ; et C) les propriétés thermiques du matériau formant au moins une partie des parois de la voie d'écoulement d'air entre la région de génération d'aérosol et l'ouverture d'embout buccal. Un dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol, un consommable destiné à être utilisé avec un système de fourniture d'aérosol, un procédé de changement de la configuration d'un système de fourniture d'aérosol, et un moyen de fourniture d'aérosol sont également décrits.
PCT/GB2024/052695 2023-11-01 2024-10-22 Système électronique de fourniture d'aérosol Pending WO2025093853A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB2316769.5 2023-11-01
GBGB2316769.5A GB202316769D0 (en) 2023-11-01 2023-11-01 Electronic aerosol provision system

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WO2025093853A1 true WO2025093853A1 (fr) 2025-05-08

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20200144049A (ko) * 2019-06-17 2020-12-28 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 에어로졸 생성 물품
WO2023139369A1 (fr) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20200144049A (ko) * 2019-06-17 2020-12-28 주식회사 케이티앤지 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 에어로졸 생성 물품
WO2023139369A1 (fr) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Nicoventures Trading Limited Système de fourniture d'aérosol

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