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WO2025158159A1 - Système de fourniture d'aérosol - Google Patents

Système de fourniture d'aérosol

Info

Publication number
WO2025158159A1
WO2025158159A1 PCT/GB2025/050131 GB2025050131W WO2025158159A1 WO 2025158159 A1 WO2025158159 A1 WO 2025158159A1 GB 2025050131 W GB2025050131 W GB 2025050131W WO 2025158159 A1 WO2025158159 A1 WO 2025158159A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
power signal
carbon
heater element
allotrope
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/GB2025/050131
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard HAINES
Damyn Musgrave
Kate DARLINGTON
Mahmoud ABOUKHEDR
Mohammed Al-Amin
David Bishop
Jack Warren
Jonathan STAFFORD
Christopher Martin HUGHES
Joel-David BRISCOE
Keiann WILLIAMS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP24153983.2A external-priority patent/EP4591736A1/fr
Priority claimed from GBGB2411097.5A external-priority patent/GB202411097D0/en
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025158159A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025158159A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
  • the present disclosure relates to selective energisation of aerosol generators for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art.
  • Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generator which is capable of converting an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosol-generating material is first vaporised and then allowed to condense into an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generated is an aerosol which results from the atomisation of the aerosol-generating material.
  • Such atomisation may be induced mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosol-generating material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow.
  • such atomisation may be induced electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure.
  • aerosol generation performance in terms of the amount of aerosol generated
  • aerosol generation performance is sometimes less with the first activation of the aerosol generator.
  • aerosol generation performance on the first inhalation of the aerosol provision system, some users may be provided with an unsatisfactory delivery of aerosol.
  • an aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol provision system includes a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; and control circuitry configured to supply a first power signal to the heater element to cause heating of the heater element to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming with aerosol-generating material, and in response to determining the heater element requires priming, the control circuitry is configured to apply a priming power signal to the heater element, wherein the priming power signal is set such that a duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is less than a duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal.
  • the duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is set so as to alter one or more properties of the aerosol-generating material in the proximity of the heater element without generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the one or more properties includes the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material, and wherein applying the priming power signal causes the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material to decrease.
  • the one or more properties includes the state of the aerosol-generating material, and wherein applying the priming power signal causes the state of the aerosol-generating material to change.
  • the duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal is set so as to be suitable for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the total energy supplied to the heater element by the first power signal is more than the total energy supplied to the heater element by the priming power signal.
  • the priming power signal is configured such that the total energy supplied to the heater element by the priming power signal is less than the energy required to reach an operational temperature of the heater element for aerosolising the aerosol-generating material.
  • the duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal is variable.
  • the duration of the priming power signal is 50 ms or less, 40 ms or less, 30 ms or less, 20 ms or less, or 10 ms or less, and/or wherein the magnitude of the priming power signal is 250 mW or less, 200 mW or less, 150 mW or less, or 100 mW or less.
  • control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming based on whether the heater element has previously been operated to generate aerosol or whether the heater element has previously been operated to generate aerosol within a predetermined time period.
  • the heater element is configured to be electrically coupled to a body of the aerosol provision system, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming based on whether the heater element is first electrically coupled to the body of the aerosol provision system.
  • control circuitry is configured to determine when the heater element is electrically coupled to and decoupled from the body of the aerosol provision system. In some examples, the control circuity is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming based on detection of electrical coupling of the heater element to the body of the aerosol provision system after detection of electrical decoupling of the heater element from the body of the aerosol provision system. In some examples, the heater element is provided with an identification component capable of identifying the heater element, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming based on detection of electrical coupling of the heater element to the body of the aerosol provision system provided the control circuitry determines that the heater element has not been previously been coupled to the body of the aerosol provision system based on the identification component.
  • the aerosol provision system comprises a cartridge detachably provided with the body of the aerosol provision system, and wherein the cartridge comprises the heater element.
  • the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosol-generating material, wherein the duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is set in dependence on the aerosol-generating material.
  • the allotrope of carbon comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm -1 to about 1650 cm -1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm -1 to about 1400 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio I D /IG of the intensity l D of the D band peak to the intensity l G of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2, preferably from about 1 to about 1.8.
  • an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol provision device includes: control circuitry configured to supply a first power signal to a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material to cause heating of the heater element to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming with aerosol-generating material, and in response to determining the heater element requires priming, the control circuitry is configured to apply a priming power signal to the heater element, wherein the priming power signal is set such that a duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is less than a duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal.
  • a method of preparing an aerosol provision system for use comprising a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material and control circuitry configured to supply a first power signal to the heater element to cause heating of the heater element to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the method includes determining whether the heater element requires priming with aerosol-generating material, and in response to determining the heater element requires priming, applying a priming power signal to the heater element, wherein the priming power signal is set such that a duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is less than a duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal.
  • an aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol provision means includes heater means configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; and control means configured to supply a first power signal to the heater means to cause heating of the heater means to generate aerosol from an aerosolgenerating material.
  • the control means is configured to determine whether the heater means requires priming with aerosol-generating material, and in response to determining the heater means requires priming, the control means is configured to apply a priming power signal to the heater means, wherein the priming power signal is set such that a duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is less than a duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing (not to scale or proportion) of a non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure
  • Fig. 7 is a graph representing power provided to an aerosol generator and the temperature of the aerosol as a function of time for the application of an aerosol power signal for generating aerosol from the aerosol generator (top graph) and for the application of a priming power signal for priming the aerosol generator (bottom graph) according to the present disclosure;
  • Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a method for priming the aerosol generator according to a first example of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for priming the aerosol generator according to a second example of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 10 shows a Raman spectra of an allotrope of carbon sample, in which the x-axis corresponds to Raman shift (cm -1 ) and the y-axis corresponds to intensity (counts), with a D band peak, a G band peak, and a 2D band peak.
  • the present disclosure relates, but is not limited, to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, and articles, that generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • 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 non- combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
  • 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.
  • 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 may comprise a power source and/or a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the article (e.g. to the aerosol generator).
  • the controller may be for controlling the article (e.g. for controlling the supply of power to the article, e.g. to the aerosol generator).
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosol-generating material), an aerosolgenerating material transfer component (also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material transfer component or an aerosol-generating material transfer component), an aerosol generator (also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component), an aerosol generation area (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber), a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • an aerosol-generating material storage area which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosol-generating material
  • an aerosolgenerating material transfer component also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material transfer component or an aerosol-generating material transfer component
  • an aerosol generator also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component
  • an aerosol generation area also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber
  • e-cigarette and “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used. However, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustible aerosol (vapour) provision system as explained above.
  • the systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosol-generating material.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine.
  • the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v..Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3- butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
  • the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
  • the term “consumable” may refer to 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 aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying 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.
  • the consumable may be suitable for holding (or containing) the aerosol-generating material. In this way, the consumable may, but need not necessarily, hold (or contain) the aerosol-generating material.
  • the term “susceptor” refers to 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.
  • the term “component” is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall.
  • An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette.
  • the present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) systems comprising two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser), and a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.
  • a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser)
  • a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosolmodifying agent may be free from filtration material.
  • An aerosol generator (or aerosol generating component) 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.
  • Fig. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale or proportion) of an example non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 such as an e-cigarette.
  • the aerosol provision system 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a “device”) and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an “article”, “consumable”, “cartomizer”, or “cartridge”) that operates as a vapour or aerosol generating component.
  • a control or power component or section 20 which may be referred to herein as a “device”
  • a cartridge assembly or section 30 which may be referred to herein as an “article”, “consumable”, “cartomizer”, or “cartridge” that operates as a vapour or aerosol generating component.
  • the article 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to herein as an “aerosolgenerating material storage area” or a “reservoir”) 3 containing an aerosol-generating material which comprises (for example) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated.
  • the liquid formulation may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as water or flavourings.
  • the storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, i.e.
  • the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibre which holds the aerosol-generating material within a porous structure.
  • the storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the aerosol-generating material is consumed, or may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosol-generating material can be added.
  • the article 30 also comprises an electrical aerosol generator 4 located externally of the storage compartment 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heating element (a heater) which is heated by the passage of electrical current (via resistive or inductive heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material until it evaporates.
  • An aerosol generating material transfer component (not shown in Fig. 1), e.g. a wick or other porous element, may be provided to deliver aerosol-generating material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol generator 4.
  • the aerosol generating material transfer component may have one or more parts located inside the storage compartment 3 so as to be able to absorb aerosol-generating material and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the aerosol generating material transfer component that are in contact with the aerosol generator 4. This aerosol-generating material is thereby vaporised, and is to be replaced by new aerosol-generating material transferred to the aerosol generator 4 by the aerosol generating material transfer component.
  • a heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same or similar functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly.
  • the parts may be differently arranged compared to the highly schematic representation of Fig. 1.
  • the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generating material transfer component 4 may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment 3 and the aerosol generator 4 which are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid out of the storage compartment and deliver it for vaporisation.
  • an atomiser can be considered to be an aerosol generator 4 able to generate vapour from aerosol-generating material delivered to it, and an aerosol generating material transfer component able to deliver or transport liquid from the storage compartment 3 or similar liquid store to the aerosol generator by a capillary force.
  • the aerosol generator is at least partially located within an aerosol generating chamber that forms part of, or is fluidly coupled to, an airflow channel through the electronic cigarette/system. Vapour produced by the aerosol generator is driven off into this chamber, and as air passes through the chamber, flowing over and around the aerosol generator, it collects the produced vapour whereby it condenses to form the demanded aerosol.
  • the article 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 4, and delivered through the airflow channel.
  • the power component (or device) 20 includes a power source or cell 5 (e.g. a “battery”), which may be re-chargeable, to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular the aerosol generator 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the aerosol provision system 10.
  • the control electronics/circuitry enable the aerosol generating element 4 to be powered by the battery 5 when vapour is demanded, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets (not shown) in the wall of the device 20 to flow along the airflow channel.
  • the aerosol generator 4 When the aerosol generator 4 receives power from the cell 5, the aerosol generator 4 vaporises aerosol-generating material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate the aerosol, and the aerosol is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35.
  • the aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along the airflow channel (not shown) that connects the air inlet to the air outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35.
  • An airflow path through the aerosol provision system 10 is hence defined, between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be provided in the device 20) to the atomiser and on to the air outlet at the mouthpiece 35.
  • the air flow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so that the atomiser can be described as arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.
  • the device 20 and the article 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the components 20, 30 are joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the device 20 and the article 30.
  • cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting
  • the two components 20, 30 may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1 , or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement.
  • Either or both components 20, 30 may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir is empty or the battery is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomiser.
  • the aerosol provision system 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are comprised within a single body or housing. Examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.
  • a type of aerosol generator that may be utilised in an atomising portion of an aerosol provision system 10 (that is, a part configured to generate vapour from a source liquid) combines the functions of heating and liquid delivery by being both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous. That is to say, in some implementations, the aerosol generator 4 is capable of both heating a liquid aerosol-generating material and transporting (e.g., wicking via capillary action) the liquid aerosol-generating material. Such an aerosol generator 4 may be present in combination with a separate aerosol-generating material transport component (e.g. such as a wicking material) or such an aerosol generator 4 may replace such an aerosol-generating material transport component.
  • a separate aerosol-generating material transport component e.g. such as a wicking material
  • the aerosol generator 4 may be of a sheet-like form, i.e. a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth. It is possible for the planar aerosol generator to define a curved plane and in these instances reference to the planar aerosol generator forming a plane means an imaginary flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.
  • the aerosol generator 4 may be formed of, or comprise, an allotrope of carbon.
  • the aerosol generator 4 e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the aerosol generator 4 e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the presence of voids and/or interstices may mean air can permeate through said aerosol generator 4 (e.g., provided they are not obstructed I saturated with liquid).
  • the allotrope of carbon of the aerosol generator may be configured to be electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating.
  • An aerosol generator (e.g. which is planar and/or sheet-like) may be arranged within a noncombustible aerosol provision system (e.g. an electronic cigarette), such that the aerosol generator lies within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of an airflow channel.
  • the aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a surface direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2010/045670 and WO2010/045671 , the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Air can thence flow over the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), and gather vapour. Aerosol generation is thereby made effective.
  • the aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have a high degree of porosity.
  • a high degree of porosity may ensure that the heat produced by the aerosol generator is predominately used for evaporating the liquid and high efficiency can be obtained.
  • a porosity of greater than 50% may be envisaged. In one example, the porosity of the aerosol generator is 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater.
  • the aerosol generator may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces.
  • the generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal.
  • the aerosol generator may have a uniform thickness.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating).
  • the electrical resistance of the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) can be selected appropriately.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the allotrope of carbon thereof may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, such as 1.0 ohm or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less.
  • 2 ohms or less such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms
  • the parameters of the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • material, thickness, width, length, porosity, etc. can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance.
  • a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolisation.
  • the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof).
  • the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 1 ohms to 1000 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 1 ohms to 200 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 10 ohms to 150 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of from 20 ohms to 100 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g.
  • the allotrope of carbon thereof may have an electrical resistance of from 30 ohms to 70 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the aerosol generator may have an electrical resistance of from 40 ohms to 60 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof
  • the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof).
  • the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
  • the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) has a resistance of from 1 Ohm to 100 Ohms. In one embodiment, the laser induced substrate has a resistance of from 1 Ohms to 25 Ohms. In one embodiment, the laser induced substrate has a resistance of from 1 Ohms to 15 Ohms.
  • Sheet resistance is measured in Ohm.sq and is typically used to describe the resistance of essentially two-dimensional (2D) surfaces.
  • the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 750 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 500 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 250 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 100 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 75 Ohm.sq.
  • the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 50 Ohm.sq. In some examples, the Rs of the allotrope of carbon is from about 10 Ohm.sq to about 25 Ohm.sq. In some implementations, the sheet resistance of the allotrope of carbon is within ⁇ 10%, ⁇ 9%, ⁇ 8%, ⁇ 7%, ⁇ 6%, ⁇ 5% or ⁇ 4% of the Ohm.sq values listed above.
  • Fig. 2 shows an example arrangement of an article 100, for example for use with the aerosol provision device 20 of Fig. 1 , in more detail.
  • the article 100 comprises a reservoir 101 , a housing 109 and an, optional, aerosol generator support 129 (comprising a conduit 130), which together form an internal volume 104 in which aerosol-generating material 200 is capable of being stored, an aerosol generator 102 which, in this example, is an allotrope of carbon 103, an optional seal 125 (comprising opening 126) between the aerosol generator support 129 and the allotrope of carbon 103, an optional electrically insulating substance 108 (comprising apertures 135) provided between the seal 125 and the allotrope of carbon 103, and electrical contacts 123 retained in position and in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 103 via retaining members 124.
  • the general working principle of the article 100 is as follows.
  • the aerosolgenerating material 200 stored in the internal volume 104 may flow from the volume 104 of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 which is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir 101.
  • this may involve aerosol-generating material 200 flowing from the volume 104 of the reservoir
  • a power source such as the battery 5 of the device 20, may supply power to the aerosol generator 102 to energise (e.g. heat) the aerosol generator
  • Figs. 3 and 4 schematically show two different arrangements of the reservoir 101 including the allotrope of carbon 103. These figures will be explained in more detail below at the relevant parts.
  • the aerosol generator 102 is for generating aerosol from an aerosolgenerating material 200, and any suitable component which is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200 may be used as the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material 200 in any suitable way.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to increase its temperature (or the temperature of a part thereof) in order to vaporise the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the aerosol generator 102 comprises the allotrope of carbon 103. At least a part of the allotrope of carbon 103 is capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 by heating. In some examples, heating of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be achieved by passing an electrical current through the allotrope of carbon 103 at a sufficient amperage to cause vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material 200. For example, a pair of electrical contacts 123 may be provided in electrical contact with regions of the allotrope of carbon 103 to allow an electrical current to be passed through the allotrope of carbon 103 between the electrical contacts 123 when a current is applied thereto.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be a susceptor and is configured to be inductively heated (e.g., via proximity to a magnetic field generator such as a drive coil that, when an AC current is applied thereto, generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates the allotrope of carbon 103 to cause inductive heating of the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • a magnetic field generator such as a drive coil that, when an AC current is applied thereto, generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates the allotrope of carbon 103 to cause inductive heating of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Either the article 100 or the aerosol provision device may comprise the magnetic field generator.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be porous, or otherwise comprise a plurality of interconnected pores, cells or interstices.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may include pores.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be porous.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be permeable, e.g. liquid and/or gas permeable.
  • the pores or interstices allow transport of aerosol-generating material through the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the pores or interstices may allow aerosol-generating material to flow from a surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 that faces the volume 104 inside the reservoir 101 through the allotrope of carbon 103 to an opposite surface that faces the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101.
  • aerosol-generating material may also be capable of moving laterally within the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be a monolithic material.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a heating surface.
  • the heating surface may be partially or completely exposed. In use, aerosol may be emitted from the heating surface.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise one or more portions 106, 107.
  • Fig. 4 shows an implementation in which the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a plurality of portions 106, 107.
  • Portion 106 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as an aerosolgenerating portion 106.
  • the aerosol generating portion 106 may comprise the heating surface.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be configured to reach temperatures for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200. That is, the aerosol-generating portion 106 is the portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 that is configured, in use, to be energised (e.g., heated to a sufficient temperature) to cause generation of an aerosol from the aerosolgenerating material 200.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 (e.g. a surface thereof) is exposed to the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 , and hence aerosol is capable of being generated in the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 , and in particular, in the vicinity of the exposed surface of the aerosol-generating portion 106.
  • Portion 107 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as a transport portion 107.
  • the transport portion 107 is configured to transfer aerosol-generating material 200 (e.g. in the reservoir 101) to the aerosol-generating portion 106 of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the transport portion 107 may be exposed to the volume 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the transport portion 107 may extend from the volume 104 inside of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol-generating portion 106.
  • the transport portion 107 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may not reach temperatures sufficient to cause vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • aerosol generation may be broadly confined to the aerosol-generation portion 106.
  • the surface area of the aerosol-generating portion 106 exposed to the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 may be greater than the surface area of the transport portion 107 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed. That is, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of a single piece (which may include multiple portions, as discussed above). It has been found that when the allotrope of carbon 103 that is integrally formed, the allotrope of carbon 103 is robust and efficient to manufacture and assemble relative to an allotrope of carbon formed of separate pieces.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 provides for an aerosol generator 102 which is particularly effective in non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be considered as providing a carbonaceous surface (e.g. the aerosol-generating portion 106) which distributes and generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 in use.
  • the carbonaceous surface may have a high surface free energy and therefore a high wettability (and low contact angle).
  • a thin layer of aerosol-generating material may be evenly distributed across the carbonaceous surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 and efficiently aerosolised.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 has a high power density and a low thermal mass, and a small volume of the aerosol-generating material can be thinly formed across a given surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103, relative to materials having a surface across which aerosol-generating material cannot be as thinly formed. This provides for efficient transfer of energy to the aerosol-generating material 200 in use.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as a foam. It will be understood that “allotrope of carbon formed as a foam” means the allotrope of carbon 103 per se is a foam.
  • the foam may comprise a foam structure and a plurality of cells. It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon forms the foam structure, and that the foam structure defines the plurality of cells.
  • the foam structure may define the plurality of cells. A plurality of the cells may be interconnected.
  • the foam may be an open-cell foam, such as a reticulated foam. It will be understood that the foam is a solid foam (e.g. at least from 20°C to 350°C and 101325 Pa).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a capillary structure.
  • the foam may comprise a capillary structure.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 formed as a foam provides for a particularly effective aerosol generator 102.
  • the foam which may have a high thermal conductivity and a high electrical conductivity
  • the aerosol generator can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator.
  • the foam may be compliant to thermal expansion in use. As such, the foam may be resistant to heat-induced degradation in use.
  • the foam can facilitate a reduced battery throughput and/or an extended battery life. Additionally, it has been found that the foam can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the foam can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosol-generating material 200, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation (“first puff”) by a user. Moreover, the foam can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user (“puff to puff consistency”). The use of the foam may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as a “carbon foam”.
  • the carbon foam includes, for example, graphite foam, graphene foam, or any other carbon-based foam.
  • various methods may be used to make the foam, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, laser induction, laser-induced pyrolysis, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition. In the examples of the figures, laser induction was used to make the foam 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam, the foam may comprise multiple layers. Each layer may comprise or consist of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure, such as a honeycomb lattice structure.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise carbon structured so as to contain a plurality of carbon to carbon bonds lying in the same plane.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise graphite.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphite
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a plurality of stacked layers of carbon atoms, the carbon atoms of each layer being bonded to three adjacent carbon atoms in the layer, with each bond lying in the same plane so as to form a hexagonal lattice structure.
  • Non-covalent bonding exists between the stacked layers.
  • graphite includes multiple stacked layers of carbon, in which the layers of carbon are parallel relative to each other. There are two forms of graphite: alpha graphite, in which the layers are ABA stacked; and beta graphite, in which the layers are ABC stacked.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is (or comprises) graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, i.e. a one-atom thick layer of carbon, are arranged such that the carbon atoms form a hexagonal lattice structure. It has been found that graphene provides for an effective aerosol generator 102.
  • the high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of graphene is such that the graphene can effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of the hot spots.
  • the aerosol generator 102 can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator 102.
  • graphene may be elastic and therefore compliant to thermal expansion (e.g. of the electrically insulating substrate 108; discussed below) in use. Therefore, the aerosol generator 102 may be resistant to degradation due to a difference in thermal coefficient of expansion of the graphene and the electrically insulating substrate (for example).
  • graphene can provide for a reduced battery throughput and thus an extended battery life. Additionally, the use of graphene can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the use of graphene can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosolgenerating material, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation (“first puff’) by a user. Moreover, the use of graphene can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user (“puff to puff consistency”). The use of graphene may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene
  • more than one layer of graphene may be present.
  • at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other.
  • non-parallel it is meant that an imaginary plane through one layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through a non-planer layer of graphene 103), is non-parallel relative to an imaginary plane through another layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through the another non-planar layer of graphene 103).
  • the layers of graphene 103 are electrically connected to form a current path.
  • a porous graphene structure By providing non-parallel layers of graphene, a porous graphene structure can be provided.
  • the combination of porosity and the low surface energy of graphene at typical aerosolisation temperatures is such that aerosol-generating material can be effectively distributed across not only the outermost surface of the graphene, but also the bulk structure of the graphene.
  • aerosol-generating material can be provided in intimate contact with an increased surface area of heated material, provided by the graphene layers.
  • This provides for efficient and effective aerosolisation performance.
  • at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least eight, or at least ten of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other. Where more than one layer of graphene 103 is present, at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be parallel relative to each other.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be bilayer graphene.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene
  • the allotrope of carbon e.g. the one or more layers of graphene
  • Three dimensional graphene may be considered as one or more graphene sheets (or layers) folded back (e.g. on one another) to form a three-dimensional structure.
  • the layer or layers may be provided in various forms.
  • the one or more layers of graphene 103 may be formed as a plurality of three-dimensional structures.
  • the three-dimensional graphene structures may be selected from cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders (e.g. tubes), spheres, pyramids, and/or prisms. It will be understood that various methods may be used to produce three-dimensional graphene structures, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon. In some preferred implementations, the allotrope of carbon 103 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. In some implementations, the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon and/or nanocrystalline graphite. In some preferred implementations, the allotrope of carbon 103 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, nanocrystalline graphite, or a combination thereof.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and a D band. The Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 also comprises a 2D band.
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm -1 to about 1650 cm -1 .
  • Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm -1 to about 1400 cm -1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2600 cm' 1 to about 2750 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm' 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm' 1 to about 2680 cm' 1 .
  • a ratio I D /IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak may be from about 0.8 to about 2.
  • the ratio ID/IG may be from about 0.9 to about 1 .9.
  • the ratio ID/IG may be from about 1 to about 1 .8.
  • the G band peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of at from about 30 cm' 1 to about 100 cm' 1 .
  • the G band peak may have a FWHM of from about 30 cm' 1 to about 70 cm' 1 .
  • the 2D band may follow a Gaussian curve model or a Lorentzian curve model.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm' 1 to about 1650 cm' 1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm' 1 to about 1400 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio ID/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2.
  • a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 , and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm' 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio ID/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 1 to about 1.8.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is porous.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is electrically conductive.
  • the Raman spectrum may be measured using Raman microspectroscopy.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a laser wavelength of 638 nm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a grating having 1800 grooves/mm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a laser power of 10.9 mW.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using an acquisition time of 5 seconds.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using 20 accumulations.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a confocal pinhole of 300 pm.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at a wavelength range of from about 1000 cm' 1 to about 3000 cm' 1 .
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a microscope objective of 50x LWD (long working distance) and 0.8 NA (numerical aperture).
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at 21 °C.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 subjected to the Raman microspectroscopy may be unused. That is, the allotrope of carbon 103 has not been used to generate aerosol and/or has not been heated to typical aerosolisation temperatures (post-manufacture of the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is thermally conductive.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 5500 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 4000 Wnr 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 2000 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 150 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 1000 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 180 Wnr 1 K' 1 to 700 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 500 Wm' 1 K' 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is electrically conductive.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 1 Snr 1 to 2.5x10 6 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 100 Snr 1 to 1.0x10 6 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 200 Snr 1 to 100000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 400 Snr 1 to 50000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 500 Snr 1 to 10000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 600 Snr 1 to 5000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 800 Snr 1 to 3000 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 900 Snr 1 to 1300 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm' 1 K' 1 to 500 Wm’ 1 K’ 1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Srm 1 to 1300 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm’ 1 K’ 1 to 500 WOT 1 K' 1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Srm 1 to 1300 Snr 1 .
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be resiliently deformable.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a non-linear elasticity.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103, or a portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be of a sheet-like form.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be of a sheet-like form.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103, or a portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be substantially planar.
  • the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be substantially planar.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, measured orthogonally, between an outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 facing the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 and the opposing outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, measured orthogonally to the plane or lateral extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, between outer surfaces of the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 or the aerosolgenerating portion 106) includes internal cells or pores, these are effectively ignored for in the measurement of thickness.
  • suitable methods for measuring the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 e.g. electron microscopy.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 500 pm, from 0.345 nm to 400 pm, from 0.345 nm to 300 pm, from 0.345 nm to 200 pm, from 0.345 nm to 100 pm, from 0.345 nm to 80 pm, or from 0.345 nm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 500 pm, from 1 pm to 400 pm, from 1 pm to 300 pm, from 1 pm to 200 pm, from 1 pm to 100 pm, from 1 pm to 80 pm, or from 1 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 10 pm to 500 pm, from 10 pm to 400 pm, from 10 pm to 300 pm, from 10 pm to 200 pm, from 10 pm to 100 pm, from 10 pm to 80 pm, or from 10 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 500 pm, from 20 pm to 400 pm, from 20 pm to 300 pm, from 20 pm to 200 pm, from 20 pm to 100 pm, from 20 pm to 80 pm, or from 20 pm to 60 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thickness of from 30 pm to 500 pm, from 30 pm to 400 pm, from 30 pm to 300 pm, from 30 pm to 200 pm, from 30 pm to 100 pm, from 30 pm to 80 pm, from 30 pm to 60 pm, or from 30 pm to 50 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 50 pm to 500 pm, from 50 pm to 300 pm, from 80 pm to 300 pm, from 90 pm to 200 pm, from 100 pm to 150 pm, or from 120 pm to 130 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 20 pm to 150 pm, from 30 pm to 120 pm, from 40 pm to 110 pm, or from 50 pm to 100 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 1 pm to 50 pm, from 1 pm to 20 pm, from 1 pm to 10 pm, or from 1 pm to 5 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of up to about 50 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of up to about 40 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of up to about 30 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of up to about 20 pm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 has a thickness of up to about 5 pm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of no greater than 6 mm, no greater than 5 mm, no greater than 4 mm, no greater than 3 mm, or no greater than 2 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or at least 1 .3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a length of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 4 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 .3 mm to 2 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of no greater than 6 mm, no greater than 5 mm, no greater than 4 mm, no greater than 3 mm, no greater than 2.5 mm, or no greater than 2.3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 1 .7 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 4 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, or from 1 .7 mm to 2.3 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) takes a substantially rectangular form (e.g. when viewed from above).
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm. In some examples, allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length of from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 6 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 1 mm to about 4 mm and a width of from about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm and a width of from about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2.2 mm to about 3 mm and a width of from about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm. In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) has a length from about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm and a width of from about 1.7 mm to about 2.1 mm.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may not include metal.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may not include metal.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may not include a metal-containing electrical contact.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the aerosol generator 102 may be metal-free.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be connected directly to a power source, without requiring a metal-containing electrical contact as part of the allotrope of carbon 103. In this way, the metal emissions of the aerosol generator 102 may be reduced in use.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 2 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 4 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 20 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 10 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 2 mg to 10 mg.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 4 mg to 8 mg.
  • the aerosol collected mass corresponds to the amount of aerosol collected per puff based on a puff regimen of 25 puffs, each puff having a puff volume of 55 mL, a puff duration of 3 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the foam may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the laser irradiation may comprise irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 108 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be formed of polyimide (PI).
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in an inert environment.
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in an ambient environment.
  • the laser irradiation may be performed in atmospheric air (air from the Earth’s atmosphere).
  • a method of forming the aerosol generator 102 may comprise the step of: forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on an electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation comprising irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 108 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), and optionally the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the method of forming the aerosol generator 102 may comprise the step of: forming at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may be as defined herein.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may be formed by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the step of forming the at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108 occurs before the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 108 through which the at least one aperture 132 extends.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may extend through and/or be covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the method of forming an aerosol generator 102 comprises:
  • step (B) forming an allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the at least one aperture 132 extends through and/or is covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the step of forming the at least one aperture 132 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108 occurs after the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 103 on the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may cover (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 132.
  • the method of forming an aerosol generator 102 comprises:
  • step (B) forming at least one aperture 132 through the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 108, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 108 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the allotrope of carbon 103 covers (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 132.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.
  • the energy from the laser beam can form a porous, conductive carbon-containing material (103) having a porous (e.g. foam) structure from the electrically insulating substrate 108 (e.g. PI).
  • various properties of the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the at least one aperture 132 may be controlled by adjusting laser beam parameters such as pulse duration, power, focal distance, frequency, wavelength, and/or scanning speed.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 108 by laser induced deposition.
  • the present inventors have analysed various allotrope of carbon 103 samples using Raman microspectroscopy.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was prepared by laser irradiation of a polyimide (poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide), Kapton® HN, Dupont) substrate 102 (an electrically insulating substrate).
  • a polyimide substrate had a length of approximately 4.5 mm, a width of about 4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 125 pm, and was shaped as a rectangular prism. This involved irradiating an area of about 4.5 mm by about 2 mm (i.e. about 9 mm 2 ; and rectangular) of each polyimide substrate with a laser beam to form the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was subjected to Raman microspectroscopy.
  • Each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples was porous and electrically conductive.
  • Raman spectroscopy is considered as a non-destructive vibrational spectroscopic technique that utilises a laser to excite the bonds within a sample (e.g. carbon) and interprets the inelastic scattering of the bond vibrations as a relative Raman shift. The inelastic scattering from interaction with the sample produces a relative Raman shifts and thereby a spectrum that can be utilised to interpret the characteristics and/or identity of the sample.
  • the D band can be referred to as the “disorder band” and is an indication of sp 3 hybridization of carbon within the sample.
  • the G band can be referred to as the “graphene band” and is utilised to determine the sp 2 hybridization of the carbon structure within the sample.
  • the Raman spectrum of a pristine graphene sample would typically include a high intensity, narrow G band and no D band.
  • the Raman spectrum of a graphite sample would typically include a G band and a D band, with the D band being lower in intensity than the G band.
  • the I D /IG ratio can be utilized by determining the counts of the intensity (a.u.) of the D band peak (l D ) to the counts of the intensity of the G band peak (l G ) and can be used to determine the allotrope of carbon present within the sample.
  • the 2D band can also be utilized by interpreting the area of the curve and peak position to determine the morphology of the allotrope.
  • crystalline graphite would typically exhibit a sharp and narrow peak curve that would follow a Lorentzian curve fit model while the 2D band of a sample including amorphous carbon would typically exhibit broader and flatter band which follows a Gaussian curve fit model.
  • the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of a peak also can be used to determine crystallinity within a sample. The FWHM is measured by determining the width of the peak in question at half the total intensity of the sample.
  • the Raman microspectroscopy involved measuring a Raman spectrum of each of the samples using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer and the following parameters: a laser wavelength of 638 nm; a grating having 1800 grooves/mm; an acquisition time of 5 seconds;
  • the Raman microspectroscopy was performed at 21 °C.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 samples subjected to Raman microspectroscopy were unused.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples comprised a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak was within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm' 1 to about 1590 cm' 1 , and a D band peak was within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 erm 1 to about 1340 cm' 1 , wherein a ratio I D /IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak was from 1 to 1.8.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples comprised a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm' 1 to about 2680 cm' 1 .
  • the G band peak had a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of from about 45 cm' 1 to about 62 cm' 1 .
  • the 2D band typically followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.
  • the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples indicated that the samples included disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.
  • Fig. 14 shows the Raman spectrum of one of the allotrope of carbon 103 samples. The sample was unused. As shown in Fig. 14, a G band peak was observed at about 1573 cm' 1 , a D band peak was observed at about 1320 cm' 1 , and a 2D band peak was observed at about 2630 erm 1 . The ratio l G /l D of the intensity l G of the G band peak to the intensity l D of the D band peak was about 1.6. The G band peak had a FWHM of about 62 cm' 1 . The 2D band followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.
  • the present inventors have found that the allotrope of carbon 103 comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, nanocrystalline graphite, or a combination thereof provided for a particularly effective aerosol generating component.
  • Such allotropes of carbon 103 were found to effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of any hot spots.
  • Such allotropes of carbon 103 exhibited a low electrical resistance (and high electrical conductivity) that was particularly suited to use in non-combustible aerosol provision systems.
  • Such allotropes of carbon 103 also facilitated effective liquid distribution, e.g. across the surface of and/or within the allotrope of carbon.
  • the reservoir 101 is suitable for storing an aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the reservoir 101 may take various forms. As shown in Fig. 2, the reservoir 101 may have at least one wall 109 defining an interior volume 104 in which the aerosol-generating material 200 may be stored.
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows the reservoir 101 being formed of the outer walls 109 and an (optional) aerosol generator support 129.
  • the outer walls 109 and aerosol generator support 129 define the interior volume 104 of the reservoir 101 in which the aerosol-generating material 200 may be located.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 is replaced by a further outer wall 109.
  • the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged such that aerosol-generating material 200 is able to be supplied thereto.
  • the reservoir 101 may comprise an opening or channel through the outer wall 109 or aerosol generator support 129 (in particular, see flow conduit 130 of Fig. 2) that permits aerosol-generating material 200 to pass from the internal volume 104 of the reservoir 101 to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may extend through the wall 109 and/or be formed as part of the wall 109.
  • Fig. 3 schematically shows a close-up cross-section of the reservoir 101 and allotrope of carbon 103 of an article 100 according to another example.
  • the reservoir 101 converges towards the allotrope of carbon 103. That is, an inner surface of the reservoir 101 may converge towards the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Such arrangements help to direct aerosol-generating material 200 towards or to the allotrope of carbon 103 in use. This is particularly beneficial when the surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101 is significantly less than the total surface area of the inner surface of the reservoir 101.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is placed extending between the outer wall 109.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and the reservoir 101 may be integrally formed.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 and the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be integrally formed.
  • the article 100 can be manufactured efficiently, without the need to assemble the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 as separate components.
  • the article 100 can be more robust than an article in which the allotrope of carbon 103 and the reservoir 101 are formed of separate components.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a plurality of portions, such as an aerosol-generating portion 106 and/or a transport portion 107.
  • a cross-sectional area of the transport portion 107 may be less than a cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating portion 106, wherein each cross-sectional area is measured orthogonally to the thickness extent of the wall 109.
  • This arrangement can facilitate transfer of aerosol-generating material 200 at a controlled rate (e.g. with a reduced risk of leakage) and a desirable aerosol generation profile.
  • the transport portion 107 may comprise a first portion 112 and a second portion 113.
  • the first portion 112 may be exposed to the inside volume 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the second portion 113 may extend from the first portion 112 to the aerosolgenerating portion 106.
  • the transport portion 113 may or may not be exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101.
  • the reservoir 101 may be at least partially formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the portion of the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the portion of the wall 109 that is contiguous with the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
  • the electrically- insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
  • the plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK).
  • the polyimide (PI) is selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamideimide (PAI).
  • the glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and nonsilicate glass.
  • the silicate glass is borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz).
  • the glass may be flexible.
  • the glass may be non-porous.
  • the form and structure of the reservoir 101 is not particularly limited, and the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to any particular form or structure of reservoir 101.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may comprise an (optional) electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged on (or deposited on or supported on) the electrically insulating substrate 108. It has been found that the electrically insulating substrate 108 may provide a useful structural support for the allotrope of carbon 103, and thereby improve the robustness of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be non-porous or porous.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be made of any suitable electrically insulating material, which may also be thermally insulating.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may comprise or be formed of plastic (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), glass (e.g., quartz glass), paper, and/or ceramic.
  • PEEK polyetheretherketone
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from 100 pm to 4 mm, although the thickness of the electrically insulating substrate 108 is not limited to these thicknesses.
  • At least one aperture 132 is shown extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108. It has been found that the at least one aperture 132 facilitates effective delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • aerosolgenerating material 200 can be delivered from the surface of the substrate 108 opposite from the surface on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is supported, through the at least one aperture 132, to the allotrope of carbon 103. In this way, the aerosol-generating material 200 delivered through the at least one aperture 132 can spread across the allotrope of carbon 103 in a controlled manner, while the allotrope of carbon 103 is shielded from the bulk volume of aerosol-generating material 200 by the substrate 108.
  • the at least one aperture 132 permits controlled delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., such as the dimensions of the cross-section of the at least one aperture 132 and/or the number of apertures 132), whilst the structure of the substrate 108 prevents aerosol from inadvertently flowing into the reservoir 101.
  • the at least one aperture 132 may comprise a plurality of the apertures 132. That is, the aerosol generator 102 may comprise a plurality of apertures 132 each extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108. The plurality of apertures 132 may each extend from a first surface the electrically insulating substrate 108 to a second (e.g. opposing) surface of the electrically insulating substrate 108. The plurality of apertures 132 may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of apertures 132 may comprise at least three apertures. The plurality of apertures 132 may form an array, or a two-dimensional pattern.
  • the plurality of apertures 132 may form an array or a two dimensional pattern across the first surface and/or the second surface.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 is provided in conjunction with the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the conduit 130 of the aerosol generator support 129 is provided in fluid communication with the one or more apertures 132 of the electrically insulating substrate 108.
  • the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be provided in implementations where the aerosol generator support 129 is omitted.
  • the article 100 may comprise a aerosol generator support 129.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 supports the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be mounted on the aerosol generator support 129. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 helps to maintain the structural integrity of the aerosol generator 102, particularly where the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the electrically insulating substrate 108 are fragile. In use, the aerosol generator support129 may restrict and/or reduce the flow) of aerosolgenerating material 200 inside the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may include at least one conduit 130.
  • the inner diameter of the or each conduit 130 may be less than the inner diameter of the reservoir 101.
  • the or each conduit 130 may extend towards (or to) the aerosol generator 102.
  • the or each conduit 130 may be aligned with the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may comprise a solid structure 131 through which the at least one conduit 130 extends.
  • aerosol-generating material may preferentially (or may only) traverse the aerosol generator support 129 through the or each conduit 130. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 can help to control the flow of aerosol-generating material 200 to the aerosol generator 102, whilst shielding the aerosol generator 102 from the bulk volume of the aerosol generating material 200. In this way, the aerosol generator support 129 may be considered as a thermal break. It also has been found that the conduit(s) 130 can help to channel liquid towards the aerosol generator 102, and/or to reduce or prevent the formation of air bubbles (which may be formed by movement of the article 100).
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be made of a thermally insulating material. Various thermally insulating materials may be used. The thermally insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be arranged so that aerosol-generating material 200 inside the reservoir 101 that is transferred to the aerosol generator 102 passes through the at least one channel 130.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be an integrally formed part of the reservoir 101.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 may be a separable or separate part of the reservoir 101.
  • a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 may comprise the aerosol generator support 129.
  • a wall 109 (or a portion thereof) through which the allotrope of carbon at least partially extends may comprise the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may at least partially extend through the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed with the aerosol generator support 129.
  • the article 100 may comprise an optional seal 125.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the seal 125 may be a gasket.
  • the seal 125 may be a mechanical seal.
  • the seal 125 may be formed of various materials.
  • the seal 125 may be formed of a flexible and/or deformable material.
  • the seal 125 may comprise or be formed of a polymeric material, a fibrous material, a metallic material, and/or a glass material.
  • the polymeric material may be silicone or polyimide (for example).
  • the seal 125 may comprise or be formed of an adhesive. Such a seal 125 may be referred to as an adhesive seal 125.
  • the adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to the reservoir 101 , for example in implementations where the aerosol generator 102 is not formed as part of the wall 109 of the reservoir 101.
  • the adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 (e.g. the aerosol generator support 129).
  • the seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the aerosol generator 102.
  • the seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • At least one opening 126 may be provided in the seal 125.
  • the at least one opening 126 may superpose or overlay the aerosol generator 102.
  • aerosolgenerating material 200 in the reservoir 101 can flow to the aerosol generator 102 (e.g. to the allotrope of carbon 103) through the at least one opening 126.
  • the article 100 may include at least one electrical contact 123.
  • the article 100 may comprise at least two (e.g. a pair of) electrical contacts 123. It will be understood that the or each electrical contact 123 is electrically conductive.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be for connection to a power source, such as a cell 5 provided in the device 20 of the aerosol provision system 10.
  • the power source may be for supplying electrical power to the aerosol-generator 102 such that the aerosol-generator 102 generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 (e.g., via heating).
  • Figs. 3 and 4 show the at least one electrical contact 123 arranged on or in contact with the aerosol generating component 102 (e.g., the allotrope of carbon 103).
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 is provided to make contact with an electrical conductor (e.g., such as a pogo pin or the like) of the device 20 when the article 100 is coupled to the device 20. Accordingly, electrical power can be provided to the allotrope of carbon 103 for heating the aerosol generating material 200.
  • the at least one electrical contact 123 may be provided in various forms.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may be bonded to or contacted with the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the or each electrical contact may comprise or be formed of a metallic material.
  • the metallic material may be a metal alloy, such as a solder.
  • the metallic material may be silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, or nickel.
  • the metallic material may be silver chloride.
  • At least two of the electrical contacts 123 may be arranged in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103, such that the path of least electrical resistance extends through the aerosol-generating portion 106 whilst bypassing the transport portion 107.
  • the aerosol generating portion 106 can reach temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material whilst the transport portion 107 may not.
  • Such an arrangement may result in improved efficiency and performance (relative where the entire allotrope of carbon 103 reaches aerosolisation temperatures).
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may have a substantially planar contact surface.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may be formed as a plate. The plate may have a substantially planar contact surface. The substantially planar contact surface may be arranged in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such arrangements reduce the pressure applied by the electrical contact(s) to the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • Fig. 5 schematically represents an example arrangement of a part of the reservoir 101 and aerosol generator 102 of Fig. 2 in more detail, and in particular an arrangement in which the retaining element 124 is provided for retaining the aerosol generator 102 and/or electrical contacts 123 in a suitable position.
  • the aerosol generator support 129 is shown having recesses 128. Between the aerosol generator 102 and the aerosol generator support 129 is shown the seal 125. The seal 125 similarly has recess I channel portions running therethrough (not labelled in Fig. 5).
  • a pair of electrical contacts 123 are shown either side of the allotrope of carbon 103 (which also includes the electrically insulating substrate 108). In particular, each electrical contact 123 is positioned at either side or end of the allotrope of carbon 103. The electrical contacts 123 each have a through hole (not labelled in Fig. 5). As can be seen in Fig.
  • the retaining element 124 which in this implementation is a screw or pin, is located in the respective through holes of the electrical contacts 123 and seal 125 and is fixed into the recesses 128.
  • the retaining element 124 retains the electrical contacts 123 in position relative to the reservoir 101 and, additionally, helps to retain the electrical contacts 123 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the screw / pin as the retaining element 124, the allotrope of carbon 103 and the electrical contacts 123 are capable of being retained in position.
  • Fig. 5 depicts an example arrangement for the retaining element 124 and, in other implementations, the retaining element 124 may take different forms.
  • the retaining element 124 may be an adhesive (e.g., provided between the electrical contact 123 and the seal 125 / aerosol generator support 129).
  • the retaining element 124 may be biasing element, such as a resiliently biasing element, such as a clamp or a clip.
  • the retaining element(s) 124 may be separate from, or integrally formed with, the electrical contact(s) 123.
  • the or each electrical contact 123 may comprise an integrally formed retaining element 124.
  • the aerosol provision system 10 defines an airflow path through the system 10 from an air inlet to an air outlet (at the mouthpiece 35 of the aerosol provision system 10).
  • the article 100 is coupled to the device 20 in use, and thus the article 100 comprises a housing 134 comprising an air inlet 135, an air outlet 136, and an air passageway 137 extending between the air inlet 135 and the air outlet 136.
  • the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged in fluid communication with the air passageway 137 so as to be able to deliver aerosol into the air passageway 137 when a user inhales on the aerosol provision system 10.
  • Fig. 6 schematically represents an article 100 comprising a housing 134 and an air passageway 137.
  • the housing 134 comprises an air inlet 135 and an air outlet 136 provided at outer surfaces of the housing 134.
  • the air inlet 135 may be provided in various positions, such as at a base of the housing 134.
  • the air outlet 136 may be provided in various positions, such as at a top of the housing 134.
  • the air inlet 134 and air outlet 136 are provided at different positions relative to the housing 134 and at positions which define or facilitate an airflow around the aerosol generator 102.
  • the article 100 may comprise a mouthpiece (not shown in the figures) and the air outlet 136 may be formed at or by the mouthpiece while the air inlet 135 is provided at an opposing end of the article 100.
  • the air passageway 137 is provided so as to surround the outer wall 109 of the reservoir 101 (or at least a portion thereof). That is to say, the air passageway 137 comprises an upstream portion (upstream from the aerosol generator 102) which splits into a plurality of midstream portions that pass either side of the reservoir 101 before joining at a downstream portion, which extends to the air outlet 136.
  • the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to this particular configuration of air passageway 137, and different designs of the article 100 and reservoir 101 may lead to other configurations of the air passageway 137 as necessary.
  • the air passageway 137 may be provided centrally in the housing 134 with the reservoir 101 positioned around the air passageway 137 (e.g., as an annular cylinder having inner and outer walls defining the volume 104 while the air passageway 137 runs through the tubular portion defined by the inner wall.
  • the air passageway 137 may be provided centrally in the housing 134 with the reservoir 101 positioned around the air passageway 137 (e.g., as an annular cylinder having inner and outer walls defining the volume 104 while the air passageway 137 runs through the tubular portion defined by the inner wall.
  • the air passageway 137 may be provided centrally in the housing 134 with the reservoir 101 positioned around the air passageway 137 (e.g., as an annular cylinder having inner and outer walls defining the volume 104 while the air passageway 137 runs through the tubular portion defined by the inner wall.
  • Various forms of the air passageway 137 are envisaged.
  • Airflow through the air passageway 137 may enter the housing 134 at the air inlet 135, and flow towards the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the air flowing past the aerosol-generator 102 entrains aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 102, and the resulting air-aerosol mixture flows through the remainder of the air passageway 137, and exits the housing 134 at the air outlet 136, into the mouth of a user.
  • the electrical contacts 123 and the corresponding electrical contacts of the control part 20 that is coupled to the article 100 in use to form the aerosol provision system 10.
  • the electrical contacts of the control part 20 may protrude through the housing 134, for example through openings in the housing 134, in order to make electrical contact with the electrical contacts 123.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may be “primed” prior to performing aerosol generation.
  • “priming” is the process of providing aerosolgenerating material 200 to the aerosol generator 102 in advance of generating aerosol, such that the aerosol-generating material 200 is brought into sufficient proximity of the aerosol generator 102 to be aerosolised (i.e. , within thermal communication of the aerosol generator 102).
  • priming the aerosol generator 102 with aerosol-generating material 200 includes either penetrating or saturating the aerosol generator 102 with aerosolgenerating material.
  • priming the aerosol generator 102 with aerosolgenerating material 200 includes moving or transporting the aerosol-generating material from an initial location (e.g., such as in the reservoir 101) to a location proximate the surface of the aerosol generator 102.
  • “priming” helps to reduce instances of the aerosol generator 102 being activated with an insufficient amount of aerosol-generating material 200 in thermal communication with the aerosol generator 102. This may help prevent instances where the aerosol generator 102 overheats and/or where the aerosol generator 102 causes burning of the aerosol-generating material 200 (which may lead to foul or off-tastes in the generated aerosol).
  • the aerosol generator 102 In order to “prime” the aerosol generator 102, the aerosol generator 102 is heated, but to a lesser degree than during an aerosol generation operation.
  • Fig. 7 is a graph representing the magnitude in arbitrary units of an electrical power signal, P (x-axis, left hand side), and a temperature in arbitrary units of the aerosol generator, T (x-axis, right hand side) as a function of time, t (y-axis).
  • the graph shows the power signal as applied to the aerosol generator to generate aerosol and resulting temperature profile of the aerosol generator 102 (top part of the graph) and the power signal as applied to the aerosol generator to prime the aerosol generator 102 and resulting temperature profile of the aerosol generator 102 (lower part of the graph).
  • the aerosol generator 102 When the aerosol generator 102 is controlled to generate aerosol, the aerosol generator 102 is provided with an electrical power signal that is sufficient to cause aerosol to be generated (herein an aerosol power signal).
  • Fig. 7 shows the aerosol power signal, Pa, in the top part of the graph of Fig. 7.
  • the aerosol power signal, Pa is defined by a magnitude (the power level, for example in Watts) and a duration (e.g., in seconds).
  • the duration of the aerosol power signal Pa in Fig. 7 is t2 - to (that is, the aerosol power signal Pa is applied at a time to and is stopped at a time t2). More generally, the aerosol power signal is an electrical power signal of a certain magnitude applied to the aerosol generator 102 for a certain duration.
  • the magnitude and duration of the aerosol power signal result in an amount of energy being provided to the aerosol generator 102 which is sufficient to raise the temperature of the aerosol from an ambient temperature to an operational temperature To (indicated by a horizontal dashed-line in Fig. 7) and to then maintain the temperature of the aerosol generator 102 at the operational temperature To to generate aerosol for delivery to the user.
  • this is seen by the temperature curve labelled, Ta, in the top part of Fig. 7.
  • the aerosol power signal, Pa is applied at time to, the temperature of the aerosol generator 102 gradually increases until it reaches the operational temperature To (shown at time t1).
  • the operational temperature To is a temperature at which the aerosol-generating material 200 is capable of being vaporised and subsequently form an aerosol.
  • the specific temperature will depend on the properties of the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the temperature of the aerosol generator 102 is held at the operational temperature To for the period between t1 and t2, and it is during this time that the majority of aerosol will be generated by the aerosol generator 102.
  • Fig. 7 also shows a decrease in temperature of the aerosol generator 102 from time t2 to t3 as a result of no electrical power (i.e., the aerosol power signal Pa) being applied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the rate for example ml/s, at which aerosol-generating material is vaporised.
  • any excess energy which would otherwise raise the temperature of the aerosol beyond the operational temperature, To is effectively lost I transferred to the aerosol-generating material 200 to vaporise the aerosol-generating material.
  • the greater the duration of the aerosol power signal Pa the greater the amount of aerosol generated (assuming the operational temperature To is reached).
  • the magnitude of the aerosol power signal may be a fixed or variable magnitude (e.g., variable between a fixed range).
  • the manufacturer of the aerosol provision system 10 may set the magnitude of the aerosol power signal at a fixed level, while in some other implementations, the magnitude of the aerosol power signal may be set by the user of the system 10, for example from one of a plurality of levels. That is to say, the magnitude of the aerosol power signal may be fixed or variable.
  • the aerosol power signal may be applied for a predetermined period of time (e.g., the time period tO to t2 is set in advance) from the start of heating or for a user determined period which may end when the user stops inhaling on the aerosol provision system 10 (e.g., when an inhalation senses the end of a user inhalation at a time t2). That is, the duration for which the aerosol power signal is applied to the aerosol generator 102 may be variable. However, in normal use, the duration for which the aerosol power signal is applied for is likely to be on the order of at least 0.5 to 2 seconds (corresponding to a typically inhalation duration). While Fig.
  • the aerosol power signal Pa may be a modulated signal, such as a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal.
  • PWM pulse width modulated
  • Such a modulated cycle is comprised of periods where power is supplied to the aerosol generator 102 (a so-called ON period) and periods where power is not supplied to the aerosol generator 102 (a so-called OFF period); whereby, the average power is capable of being varied by changing the length of the ON and OFF periods.
  • the duration of the aerosol power signal is to be understood as the total duration (including the duration of the ON and OFF periods), and the magnitude is understood to be the average power level that is applied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • control circuitry such as PCB 28, is controlled to cause the aerosol power signal, Pa, to be supplied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the magnitude and duration of the aerosol power signal is set such that the aerosol generator 102, when supplied with the aerosol power signal, is capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the control circuitry is controlled to cause a priming power signal to be supplied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the priming power signal is shown in the lower graph of Fig. 7 by the line labelled Pp.
  • the priming power signal Pp is a similar electrical power signal to the aerosol power signal Pa, but has different parameters compared to the aerosol power signal. In particular, at least one of the magnitude (e.g., the average power level) and the duration of the priming power signal is less than the magnitude or duration respectively of the aerosol power signal, Pa.
  • the priming power signal is an electrical power signal that has a lower magnitude than the aerosol power signal and/or is applied for a shorter duration than the aerosol power signal.
  • the priming power signal Pp has the same magnitude as the aerosol power signal Pa, but is supplied for a shorter duration (until a time t4).
  • the purpose of the priming power signal Pp is to cause heating of the aerosol generator 102, but to a lower temperature than the operating temperature To (at which aerosol is generated).
  • Fig. 7 shows the temperature of the aerosol generator 102 resulting from the application of the priming power signal Pp with the trace labelled T p.
  • the maximum temperature that is reached by the aerosol generator 102 as a result of applying the priming power signal Pp is less than the operating temperature To (which is again shown on the lower graph f Fig. 7 via the dashed line). Therefore, when the priming power signal is applied to the aerosol generator 102, it is not expected that any aerosol will be generated.
  • the magnitude and duration of the priming power signal Pp is set such that, upon heating of the aerosol generator 102, one or more properties of the aerosol generating material 200 in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 102 are altered.
  • the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material may decrease (i.e., the liquid aerosol-generating material flows more easily). Accordingly, in this instance, it should be appreciated that the liquid aerosol-generating material is capable of more easily flowing to the aerosol generator 102, and hence being delivered to the aerosol generator 102, by virtue of altering the viscosity of the aerosol-generating material 200.
  • the aerosol-generating material is now in thermal contact with the aerosol generator 102 (or, in some instances, more of the aerosol-generating material is in thermal contact with the aerosol generator 102), and subsequently the aerosol generator 102 has now been primed and is ready for use in generating aerosol.
  • viscosity is not the only parameter that may be altered by heating of the aerosol-generating material via the priming power signal Pp.
  • other parameters such as surface tension, for example may alternatively or additionally be changed, which may also impact the ability of the aerosol-generating material to flow.
  • the aerosol-generating material may be heated via the priming power signal Pp in order to undergo a state or phase change - for example, from a solid (at room temperature) to a liquid (when heated) - which similarly enables the aerosol-generating material 200 to flow towards the aerosol generator 102.
  • a state or phase change for example, from a solid (at room temperature) to a liquid (when heated) - which similarly enables the aerosol-generating material 200 to flow towards the aerosol generator 102.
  • the energy supplied to the aerosol generator 102 via the priming power signal is sufficient to cause the aerosol-generating material to change phase (e.g., the latent heat of the respective phase change, e.g., solid to liquid).
  • the aerosol-generating material is now in thermal contact with the aerosol generator 102 (or, in some instances, more of the aerosol-generating material is in thermal contact with the aerosol generator 102), and subsequently the aerosol generator 102 has now been primed and is ready for use in generating aerosol.
  • the priming power signal Pp is set such that, after application of the priming power signal Pp, a property (viscosity, surface tension, state or phase, etc.) of the aerosol generating material is changed which allows for the aerosol-generating material to be more readily transported to or through the aerosol generator 102.
  • the priming power signal Pp is set such that the aerosol-generating material 200 is not aerosolised. Accordingly, depending on the property of the aerosol-generating material to be altered and the properties of the aerosol generator
  • the magnitude and/or duration of the priming power signal Pp may be suitably set to achieve both of these criteria.
  • the precise values for the magnitude and/or duration may be determined empirically or via computer modelling.
  • the total energy provided to the aerosol generator 102 by the priming power signal (which may be a product of the magnitude and duration of the priming power signal, minus any heating losses over the same duration) is less than the total energy required to reach the operating temperature of the aerosol generator 102.
  • the magnitude of the priming power signal may be greater than the magnitude of the aerosol power signal; however, in such instances, the duration of the priming power signal may be less than the duration of the aerosol power signal.
  • the total energy imparted by the priming power signal Pp (which is the product of the magnitude of the power with the duration of the to to t4) is less than the total energy required to reach the operating temperature To (which is the product of the same magnitude of power with the duration to to t1).
  • the total energy provided to the aerosol generator 102 by the priming power signal (which may be a product of the magnitude and duration of the priming power signal, minus any heating losses over the same duration) is less than the total energy provided to the aerosol generator 102 by the aerosol power signal.
  • the aerosol generator 102 is the allotrope of carbon
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a structure that has pores, interstices, or the like capable of receiving aerosol-generating material 200. As described above, the pores or interstices allow for the transport of aerosol-generating material 200 into and through the allotrope of carbon 103.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 may also be electrically conductive. Therefore, the allotrope of carbon 103 in the described implementation is configured to dually transport aerosol-generating material and heat aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 heats the aerosol-generating material 200 in the vicinity thereof to change the properties of the aerosol-generating material 200, e.g., such as the viscosity or surface tension, without generating aerosol.
  • the allotrope of carbon 103 is therefore considered “primed” when aerosol-generating material 200 is located within the pores, interstices, etc. prior to aerosolisation.
  • the duration of the priming power signal may be selected to be 50 ms or less, 40 ms or less, 30 ms or less, 20 ms or less, or 10 ms or less, and the magnitude of the priming power signal may be selected to be 250 mW or less, 200 mW or less, 150 mW or less, or 100 mW or less.
  • the control circuitry (such as PCB 28) is configured to determine whether the aerosol generator 102 requires priming.
  • the aerosol generator 102 may require priming in certain situations, namely where there is insufficient aerosol-generating material 120 in proximity to and I or within the aerosol generator 102.
  • a first example of such a situation is when an article 100 is newly manufactured.
  • the aerosol-generating material 200 may not penetrate, or sufficiently penetrate, the aerosol generator 102 (such as the allotrope of carbon 103), whereby the surface tension I viscosity of the aerosol-generating material 200 may prevent the aerosol-generating material penetrating into the pores or interstices.
  • any aerosol-generating material that is stored in the pores I interstices of the aerosol generator 102 may be reduced or lost, for example to leakage or evaporation or the like. Therefore, if the time between uses of the aerosol generator 102 is above a predetermined time, then the aerosol generator 102 may require priming before further use of the aerosol generator 102 to generate aerosol to replenish the lost aerosol-generating material.
  • the control circuitry may determine whether the aerosol generator 102 requires priming in a variety of different ways. According to a first example, the control circuitry may determine whether the aerosol generator 102 requires priming based on detecting whether the article 30/100 is first coupled to the aerosol provision device 20.
  • Fig. 8 is a flow diagram representing an example method for determining whether the aerosol generator 102 requires priming or not.
  • step S1 the article 30/100 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. As stated above, this involves coupling, physically and/or electronically, the article 30/100 to the aerosol provision device 20 at interfaces 21 , 31.
  • the aerosol provision device 20 determines whether the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. This may be implemented in a number of different ways.
  • the aerosol provision device 20 determines whether the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 based on a change in the connection state of the interface 21 of the aerosol provision device 20.
  • the control circuitry such as PCB 28, is configured to monitor the interface 21 and determine whether an article 30/100 is connected to the aerosol provision device 20 or not.
  • the control circuitry may monitor the resistance between two electrical contacts of the aerosol provision device 20 arranged to electrically connect to the electrical contacts 123 of the article 30/100.
  • the control circuitry When the article 30/100 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 (for example, when the measured resistance is in a suitable range), the control circuitry identifies the presence of the article 30/100 and records or stores a suitable value or flag indicating a connected status. Equally, when the article 30/100 is not coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 (for example, when the measured resistance is outside, and in particular larger than, the suitable range mentioned above), the control circuitry identifies the absence of the article 30/100 and records or stores a suitable value or flag indicating a disconnected status.
  • step S2 Upon a determination that the status of the interface has changed from disconnected to connected, indicating that an article 30/100 has been newly coupled to the aerosol provision device 20, the control circuitry determines that the article 30/100 has not been previously coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. In this case, step S2 is answered in the negative (i.e. , a NO at step S2). Otherwise, step S2 is answered in the affirmative (i.e., a YES at step S2).
  • the article 30/100 is coupled to an aerosol provision device 20, it is done so for the first time. Moreover, it is assumed that the article 30/100 remains coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 until it is depleted (i.e., the aerosolgenerating material is depleted), and then switched for a replacement article 30/100. However, in some instances, this may not be how the article 30/100 is intended to be used. For example, different articles 30/100 may contain different flavoured aerosol-generating material and may be switched between prior to depletion of the aerosol-generating material.
  • a second example is the same as the first example except the aerosol provision device 20 performs a further check to determine whether the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. This further check may help to determine instances when the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to a particular aerosol provision device 20 or any aerosol provision device 20.
  • the article 30/100 is provided with an identifier that is capable of uniquely identifying the article 30/100.
  • the identifier may be a bar code or similar visual identifier that is capable of being read by a suitable reader in the aerosol provision device 20 (such as a camera, for example).
  • the identifier may alternatively be a digital code or the like stored in an electronically readable memory provided as part of the article 30/100, which is capable of being read by the aerosol provision device 20 (such as via the control circuitry).
  • the form of the identifier is not limited, and other implementations may utilise different forms of the identifier and associated reader.
  • the control circuitry is configured to obtain the identifier from the article 30/100 (e.g., via the reader) and determine whether the identifier is present in a list of identifiers stored in the aerosol provision device 20 (for example, in a memory forming part of, or provided in communication with, the control circuitry). If the identifier is not present in the list of stored identifiers, the control circuitry is configured to determine that the article 30/100 has not previously been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20, and step S2 is answered in the negative (i.e., a NO at step S2). At the same time or after step S2, the control circuitry records the identifier in the list of stored identifiers.
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine that the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 and step S2 is answered in the affirmative (i.e. , a YES at step S2). It should be appreciated that such implementations allow a given aerosol provision device 20 to determine whether a particular article 30/100 has previously been coupled to that particular aerosol provision device 20, and to differentiate between instances where the article 30/100 is removed from the aerosol provision device 20 and then re-coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. Compared to the first example, it should be appreciated that the article 30/100 includes further components (namely an identifier or an element capable of storing the identifier), which may add cost to the article 30/100.
  • the article 30/100 comprises a memory or the like which is capable of being read and written to by the aerosol provision device 20.
  • the memory stores a flag or similar that indicates whether the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to an aerosol provision device 20.
  • the control circuitry determines the status of the flag in the memory of the article 30/100. The flag is initially set to indicate that the article 30/100 has not previously been coupled to an aerosol provision device 20.
  • control circuitry obtains the value of the flag from the article 30/100 and determines that the article 30/100 has not previously been coupled to an aerosol provision device 20, and step S2 is answered in the negative (i.e., a NO at step S2).
  • control circuitry causes the value of the flag to be changed (e.g., by application or a suitable write signal to the memory of the article 30/100).
  • the control circuitry reads the flag as indicating that the article 30/100 has previously been coupled to an aerosol provision device 20 and step S2 is answered in the affirmative (i.e., a YES at step S2). It should be appreciated that such implementations allow for any aerosol provision device 20 to determine whether a particular article 30/100 has previously been coupled to any aerosol provision device 20, and to differentiate between instances where the article 30/100 is removed from an aerosol provision device 20 and then re-coupled to an aerosol provision device 20 (which may be the same or a different aerosol provision device 20).
  • the article 30/100 includes further components (namely an element capable of storing the flag which is capable of being written to), which may add cost to the article 30/100.
  • step S2 if step S2 is answered in the negative, i.e., a NO at step S2, the method proceeds to step S3.
  • the control circuitry is configured to cause the priming power signal to be applied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the priming power signal causes heating of the aerosol generator 102 to a lower temperature than the operating temperature To (at which aerosol is generated), to thereby alter the properties of the aerosol-generating material in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 102. This allows for the aerosol-generating material to penetrate the aerosol generator 102 or otherwise move to a closer proximity of the aerosol generator 102.
  • step S4 the method proceeds to step S4 where, in response to a user’s intention to generate aerosol, the control circuitry is configured to cause the aerosol power signal to be applied to the aerosol generator 102.
  • the aerosol power signal causes the aerosol generator 102 to heat to the operational temperature To to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the user may indicate their intention to generate aerosol some time after step S3 has been performed (e.g., by inhaling on the system which may be detected by a pressure or flow sensor, or by pressing a button or the like on the system, as described above).
  • Step S4 need not be performed immediately after step S3.
  • step S2 is answered in the affirmative, i.e., a YES at step S2, the method proceeds directly to step S4.
  • step S3 is not performed if it is determined that the article 30/100 has been previously coupled to the (or a) aerosol provision device 20.
  • the aerosol-generating material has sufficiently penetrated the aerosol generator 102 or otherwise is in close proximity of the aerosol generator 102.
  • step S2 proceeds to check, periodically, whether the article 30/100 has been coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 while the aerosol provision device 20 is switched on (i.e., step S2).
  • step S2 is performed as soon as the article 30/100 is coupled to the aerosol provision device at step S1.
  • step S2 is performed when the aerosol provision device 20 is first switched on.
  • priming of the aerosol generator 102 is performed prior to first use of the article 30/100 to generate aerosol (e.g., such as when the article 30/100 is first coupled to the aerosol provision device 20).
  • the premise of the method of Fig. 8 is that priming of the aerosol generator 102 is to be performed before the very first use of the aerosol generator 102 to help ensure that the aerosol-generating material is provided in close proximity to the aerosol generator 102 before operating the aerosol generator 102 to generate an aerosol.
  • priming of the aerosol generator 102 may be performed if the time between activations of the aerosol generator 102 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such instances, it may be assumed that any aerosol-generating material that has penetrated the aerosol generator 102 may subsequently, over time, leak out of the aerosol generator 102 and/or evaporate leaving the aerosol generator 102 relatively drier (or devoid of aerosolgenerating material), and thus priming of the aerosol generator 102 may be performed to help ensure that aerosol-generating material is provided to the aerosol generator 102 prior to activation of the aerosol generator 102 to generate aerosol.
  • Fig. 9 is a flow diagram representing a further example method for determining whether the aerosol generator 102 requires priming or not.
  • Fig. 9 starts at step S11 , where a timer starts.
  • the timer is provided as part of the aerosol provision device 20, for example as part of the control circuitry.
  • the timer may output any suitable indication of time.
  • the timer may comprise a counter that is configured to increment by one after a timer period has elapsed, such as once every second.
  • the timer may output a timestamp or the like, for example when step S1 is performed.
  • the specific implementation of the timer is not significant to the principles of the present disclosure, and it should be appreciated that the timer may take any suitable form.
  • the aerosol provision device 20 (or control circuitry thereof) is configured to start the timer or record a value output by the timer when the aerosol generator 102 is activated. That is to say, when the aerosol provision device 20 receives an indication of the user’s intention to generate aerosol (e.g., such as detecting an inhalation on the aerosol provision system), the control circuitry is configured to start the timer. In some implementations, the timer may also be started when the aerosol provision device 20 detects the article 30/100 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 20 (e.g., such as at step S1 of Fig. 8).
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the timer value surpasses a threshold. Step S12 may be performed periodically, for example, every hour or the like, once the timer has been started at step S11.
  • the control circuitry obtains the current value of the timer (e.g., such as the counter value) and compares the current value of the timer to a threshold.
  • the threshold may be set at a suitable value corresponding to a period of time that it is assumed, after activation of the aerosol generator 102, the amount of aerosolgenerating material in the vicinity of or penetrating the aerosol generator 102 has dropped to an insufficient amount.
  • the precise amount of aerosol-generating material in the vicinity of or penetrating the aerosol generator 102 and the time that this corresponds to may vary between aerosol generators 102, and thus may be determined empirically.
  • the threshold may be set at a value indicative of 48 hours, and this may be considered to represent that the aerosol generator 102 is less than 20% saturated with aerosol-generating material.
  • step S12 is answered in the affirmative, i.e., a YES at step S12, the method proceeds to step S3.
  • Step S3 of Fig. 9 is identical to step S3 of Fig. 8, and thus a detailed discussion is not repeated herein.
  • step S12 is answered in the affirmative, then this means that the timer value exceeds the threshold and means that the aerosol generator 102 has not been activated for a period exceeding the threshold.
  • step S13 the timer is reset (or the current value recorded) and the method proceeds back to step S12.
  • step S12 If conversely step S12 is answered in the negative, i.e., a NO at step S12, the method proceeds to step S4.
  • Step S4 of Fig. 9 is identical to stepS4 of Fig. 8, and thus a detailed discussion is not repeated herein.
  • step S14 the timer is reset (or the current value recorded) and the method proceeds back to step S12.
  • priming of the aerosol generator 102 is performed when the time since the last activation of the aerosol generator 102 exceeds a predetermined time period.
  • the control circuitry is configured to cause the priming power signal to be applied, thereby priming the aerosol generator 102 with aerosol-generating material ready for a subsequent activation of the aerosol generator 102.
  • any aerosol-generating material that has penetrated the aerosol generator 102 that over time leaks out of the aerosol generator 102 and/or evaporates can be compensated for.
  • the article 30/100 may alternatively or additionally comprise circuitry including a timer, and the control circuitry of the aerosol provision device 20 is configured to obtain the timing information from the article 30/100.
  • the article 30/100 may be provided with a power source to maintain operation of the timer.
  • the article 30/100 may comprise a capacitor of the like which is capable of receiving power from the aerosol provision device 20 once coupled thereto, and which is capable of causing the timer to run for a predetermined time when removed from the aerosol provision device 20 as the capacitor discharges.
  • Such implementations may be suitable in implementations where it is expected that the user will switch articles 30/100 prior to depletion of the aerosol-generating material therein.
  • the duration of discharge of the capacitor may be equal to or greater than the threshold of step S12; however, step S12 may be modified and answered in the affirmative if no value for the timer is able to be obtained (e.g., because the capacitor has fully discharged).
  • the aerosol provision system may be configured to apply the priming power signal to the aerosol generator 102 in the event that either it is determined that the aerosol generator 102 has not previously been used with the (or a) aerosol provision device 20, or that the time since the last activation of the aerosol generator 102 exceeds a threshold.
  • a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 comprising the article 30/100 and an aerosol provision device 20 comprising a power source.
  • the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30/100 are separable from one another, and one (e.g., the article 30/100) may be replaced independently of the aerosol provision device 20.
  • the device may be for receiving the article 30/100.
  • the device may enclose the article 30100.
  • the device 20 may comprise a mouthpiece (for example, that enclosed the article 30/100), or alternatively the mouthpiece may form a part of the article 30/100.
  • the aerosol provision device 20 comprises the frequency filter arrangement 301/302.
  • the article 30/100 comprises the frequency filter arrangement 301/302.
  • the article 30/100 may comprise the variable power generator 305.
  • the device 20 and article 30/100 may be formed as a unitary structure (that is, the device 20 and article 30/100 are integrally formed as the aerosol provision system 10). The system may include any feature or features of the system described herein.
  • an aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol provision system includes: a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; and control circuitry configured to supply a first power signal to the heater element to cause heating of the heater element to generate aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
  • the control circuitry is configured to determine whether the heater element requires priming with aerosolgenerating material, and in response to determining the heater element requires priming, the control circuitry is configured to apply a priming power signal to the heater element, wherein the priming power signal is set such that a duration and/or magnitude of the priming power signal is less than a duration and/or magnitude of the first power signal.
  • an aerosol provision device and a method of operation.
  • any aspect of the present disclosure may be defined in relation to any of the other aspects of the present disclosure.
  • one aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure and/or the features of one aspect of the present disclosure may be as defined in relation to the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

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  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de fourniture d'aérosol conçu pour générer un aérosol à partir d'un matériau de génération d'aérosol est décrit. Le système de fourniture d'aérosol comprend : un élément dispositif de chauffage conçu pour générer de la chaleur pour transformer un matériau de génération d'aérosol en aérosol ; et un circuit de commande conçu pour fournir un premier signal de puissance à l'élément dispositif de chauffage pour provoquer le chauffage de l'élément dispositif de chauffage pour générer un aérosol à partir d'un matériau de génération d'aérosol. Le circuit de commande est conçu pour déterminer si l'élément dispositif de chauffage nécessite un amorçage avec un matériau de génération d'aérosol, et en réponse à la détermination du fait que l'élément dispositif de chauffage nécessite un amorçage, le circuit de commande est conçu pour appliquer un signal de puissance d'amorçage à l'élément dispositif de chauffage, le signal de puissance d'amorçage étant réglé de telle sorte qu'une durée et/ou une amplitude du signal de puissance d'amorçage soit inférieure à une durée et/ou à une amplitude du premier signal de puissance. Un dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol et un procédé de fonctionnement sont également décrits.
PCT/GB2025/050131 2024-01-25 2025-01-24 Système de fourniture d'aérosol Pending WO2025158159A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24153983.2A EP4591736A1 (fr) 2024-01-25 2024-01-25 Système de fourniture d'aérosol
EP24153983.2 2024-01-25
EP24155535.8 2024-02-02
EP24155535.8A EP4591737A1 (fr) 2024-01-25 2024-02-02 Système de fourniture d'aérosol
GB2411097.5 2024-07-29
GBGB2411097.5A GB202411097D0 (en) 2024-01-25 2024-07-29 Aerosol provision system

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WO2025158159A1 true WO2025158159A1 (fr) 2025-07-31

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045670A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
WO2018211252A1 (fr) 2017-05-16 2018-11-22 Nicoventures Holdings Limited Atomiseur pour dispositif de fourniture de vapeur
US20200187560A1 (en) * 2017-12-02 2020-06-18 Michael Trzecieski Vaporizer device and system
US20220104545A1 (en) * 2019-02-01 2022-04-07 Hexo Operations Inc. Vaporization apparatus, systems, and methods
US20220229453A1 (en) * 2021-01-18 2022-07-21 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (hnb) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater
CN116391914A (zh) * 2023-04-21 2023-07-07 松山湖材料实验室 一种多孔碳芯及制备方法、雾化芯、电子雾化器
EP4011226B1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2023-11-08 Shenzhen Happy Vaping Technology Limited Cigarette électronique capable de préchauffer automatiquement après la pré-détermination d'une action de vapotage, et procédé de commande pour cigarette électronique
WO2023219425A1 (fr) * 2022-05-11 2023-11-16 Kt&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé d'utilisation

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010045670A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
WO2010045671A1 (fr) 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Helmut Buchberger Inhalateur
WO2018211252A1 (fr) 2017-05-16 2018-11-22 Nicoventures Holdings Limited Atomiseur pour dispositif de fourniture de vapeur
US20200187560A1 (en) * 2017-12-02 2020-06-18 Michael Trzecieski Vaporizer device and system
US20220104545A1 (en) * 2019-02-01 2022-04-07 Hexo Operations Inc. Vaporization apparatus, systems, and methods
EP4011226B1 (fr) * 2019-10-18 2023-11-08 Shenzhen Happy Vaping Technology Limited Cigarette électronique capable de préchauffer automatiquement après la pré-détermination d'une action de vapotage, et procédé de commande pour cigarette électronique
US20220229453A1 (en) * 2021-01-18 2022-07-21 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (hnb) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater
WO2023219425A1 (fr) * 2022-05-11 2023-11-16 Kt&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et son procédé d'utilisation
CN116391914A (zh) * 2023-04-21 2023-07-07 松山湖材料实验室 一种多孔碳芯及制备方法、雾化芯、电子雾化器

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