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WO2024175504A1 - Ensemble suscepteur pour système de génération d'aérosol et procédé de fabrication associé - Google Patents

Ensemble suscepteur pour système de génération d'aérosol et procédé de fabrication associé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024175504A1
WO2024175504A1 PCT/EP2024/054032 EP2024054032W WO2024175504A1 WO 2024175504 A1 WO2024175504 A1 WO 2024175504A1 EP 2024054032 W EP2024054032 W EP 2024054032W WO 2024175504 A1 WO2024175504 A1 WO 2024175504A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
susceptor
aerosol
wicking
susceptor assembly
cartridge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2024/054032
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Onur DAYIOGLU
Emeric Romain GRANDJEAN
Farhang MOHSENI
Patrick Charles SILVESTRINI
Jean-Marc Widmer
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Publication of WO2024175504A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024175504A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • 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
    • A24F40/70—Manufacture
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating system, and a method of manufacture for a susceptor assembly.
  • Aerosol-generating systems that employ inductive heating to generate inhalable aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art.
  • Such electrically heated smoking systems are typically handheld, and comprising a power supply, a reservoir for holding the aerosolforming substrate and an inductive heating system.
  • the inductive heating system typically includes a coil arranged around a susceptor element to which liquid aerosol-forming substrate is supplied. Alternating current flows through the coil, inducing eddy currents in the susceptor element, thereby heating the susceptor element. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate in contact with, or close, to the susceptor element is thereby heated and vaporised.
  • the aerosol-generating system typically further comprises a wicking element configured to draw aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir to the susceptor element to be heated.
  • a wicking element configured to draw aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir to the susceptor element to be heated.
  • An airflow passing over the susceptor element entrains the generated vapor.
  • the entrained vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol.
  • This aerosol can then inhaled by a user.
  • the susceptor assembly of inductive aerosol-generating systems may comprise a single wicking element comprising a single wicking layer.
  • a susceptor assembly comprising a susceptor element that wraps around a central wicking element to overlie the outward-facing surfaces of the wicking element, wherein the susceptor element comprises a mesh.
  • vaporised aerosol-forming substrate may advantageously escape from the wicking element through interstices present when employing a meshed construction for the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor a woven mesh made of ferritic stainless steel wires, which is heated when an alternative magnetic field is applied.
  • a disadvantage of a woven susceptor is that it is fragile and can therefore be difficult to manufacture.
  • a susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating system, a susceptor element in the form of a sheet and a wicking element comprising at least one wicking layer for transporting a liquid aerosol-forming substrate across the surface of the sheet, wherein the wicking element forms an exterior surface of the susceptor assembly.
  • the wicking element will comprise a plurality of apertures that expose portions of the susceptor element.
  • the wicking layers have apertures to allow the generated vapor to mix with an airflow.
  • the apertures may have a diameter between 0.05mm and 1.0mm. Preferably, the apertures have a diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.5mm.
  • the at least one wicking layer of the wicking element may comprise a top wicking layer and a bottom wicking layer that each form an exterior surface of the susceptor assembly.
  • the top wicking layer and bottom wicking layer may be separate components. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacturing the susceptor assembly.
  • the susceptor element may comprise a blank sheet.
  • the susceptor element may be a blank sheet.
  • a blank sheet means a sheet that is formed from a single piece of material and that is free from perforations or apertures.
  • the susceptor element may have no perforations. This means that no complex machining needs to be performed.
  • this design significantly lowers manufacturing complexity compared to a mesh susceptor element as fewer steps are necessary to produce the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor element may be configured to heat and vaporise the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the susceptor element may be fluid impermeable.
  • a susceptor element in the form of a blank sheet has superior mechanical properties to a woven susceptor. This leads to easier handling of the susceptor element during the manufacturing process.
  • a susceptor sheet allows for higher freedom in part sourcing and reduces overall manufacturing difficulties.
  • Another benefit of a susceptor sheet over a woven susceptor is that there is no risk of loose parts from the susceptor element being lost into the mainstream of the system when in use.
  • a non-woven susceptor allows for the possibility of more complex shapes than simply a flat rectangle, e.g. S-shape.
  • the susceptor element may be sandwiched between the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer, wherein the top wicking layer and bottom wicking layer substantially cover opposing surfaces the susceptor element.
  • the wicking element provides wetting of the susceptor element during use of the susceptor assembly. This may advantageously mean that, in operation, the susceptor element is wetted on two sides. This may increase the amount of aerosol-forming substrate that is vapourised in a given time compared to a susceptor assembly comprising only one wicking layer.
  • the susceptor element may have a variety of shapes.
  • the susceptor element may be substantially planar.
  • a planar susceptor element is a susceptor element with a substantially greater length and width than thickness. The length and width directions are orthogonal to one another and define a first plane.
  • a planar susceptor element may have two opposing major surfaces extending in planes parallel to the first plane. One or both major surfaces is advantageously flat.
  • the susceptor element may have an S-shape.
  • this allows liquid aerosolforming substrate to reach all regions of the susceptor more easily than a rectangular shape.
  • the term “aerosol-generating device” is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosolgenerating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth.
  • an “aerosol-generating system” means a system that generates an aerosol from one or more aerosol-forming substrates.
  • aerosol-forming substrate refers to a substrate consisting of or comprising an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.
  • liquid refers to a substance provided in liquid form and encompasses substances provided in the form of a gel.
  • a “susceptor element” means an element that is heatable by penetration with an alternating magnetic field.
  • a susceptor element is typically heatable by at least one of Joule heating through induction of eddy currents in the susceptor element, and hysteresis losses.
  • Suitable materials for the susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium and other conductive materials.
  • the susceptor element may be formed of ferromagnetic material.
  • the wicking element may comprise a porous material.
  • the wicking element may comprise a capillary material.
  • a capillary material is a material that is capable of transporting liquid from one end of the material to another by means of capillary action.
  • the capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure.
  • the capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries.
  • the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibres or threads or other fine bore tubes.
  • the capillary material may comprise sponge-like or foam-like material.
  • the wicking element may comprise or consist of an electrically insulating material.
  • the wicking element may comprise a non-metallic material.
  • the wicking element may comprise a hydrophilic material or an oleophilic material. This may advantageously encourage the transport of the aerosol-forming substrate through the wicking element.
  • wicking layer means a single layer of wicking material that can cover one or more exterior surfaces of the susceptor element either partially or fully.
  • the wicking element may comprise or consist of cotton, rayon or glass fibre.
  • the top wicking layer may preferably comprise or consist of cotton.
  • the bottom wicking layer may comprise or consist of cotton.
  • the wicking element may comprise a mesh. Interstices present in the mesh allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the mesh towards the susceptor element to be vapourised.
  • the wicking element may comprise apertures.
  • the apertures may be are arranged in a uniform pattern.
  • a uniform arrangement allows for a simpler manufacturing process and also allows more equal distribution of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the wicking element may comprise a plurality of fibres.
  • a diameter of the apertures may be greater than the diameter of the fibres.
  • a distance between the edge of an aperture and an edge of a proximate aperture may be between 0.05mm and 0.5mm.
  • the distance between the edge of an aperture and an edge of a proximate aperture may be between 0.1 and 0.4mm.
  • the apertures may be a hole, cutup, or channel.
  • the apertures may be defined through the a wicking layer.
  • the apertures may have a circular cross-section.
  • the apertures may have a diameter of at least 0.1 millimetres.
  • the apertures may have a rectangular cross-section.
  • the apertures may have a triangular cross-section.
  • the apertures may have any suitable cross-section.
  • the apertures may have a cross-sectional area of at least 0.005 millimetres squared.
  • the apertures may have a cross- sectional area of at least 0.01 millimetres squared.
  • the top wicking layer may have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.5 millimetres.
  • the top wicking layer has a thickness between 0.2 millimetres and 0.4 millimetres.
  • the bottom wicking layer may have a thickness between 0.1 and 0.5 millimetres.
  • the bottom wicking layer has a thickness between 0.2 millimetres and 0.4 millimetres.
  • the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer have substantially the same thickness.
  • the wicking element may be folded around the susceptor element, covering its outward facing surfaces.
  • this increases the surface area of the susceptor element in contact with the wicking element, thereby promoting increased heat transfer between the susceptor element and the wicking element.
  • increased heat transfer from the susceptor element to the wicking element may enhance the generation of vapour from liquid aerosol-forming substrate entrained in the wicking element.
  • wicking layer that has uniformly arranged apertures across its entire surface is easier to produce.
  • the susceptor assembly may comprise a heating region and a non-heating region.
  • the heating region is a region of the susceptor assembly that is configured to be heated to a temperature required to vaporise the aerosol-forming substrate upon penetration by a suitable alternating magnetic field.
  • the heating region of the susceptor assembly may comprise at least a portion of the susceptor element.
  • the cross sectional-area of the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer are the same.
  • the cross-sectional area of the top wicking layer and bottom wicking layer are preferably greater than the cross-sectional area of the susceptor element.
  • a length of the susceptor element and wicking element may be the same.
  • a width of the wicking element may be larger than the susceptor element.
  • a wicking element comprises a first region overlying the susceptor element and at least a second region that does not overlie the susceptor element, wherein the apertures are positioned over the first region, and each of the second regions do not include apertures.
  • the first region may be positioned between two second regions.
  • the susceptor assembly has an upstream end and a downstream end arranged so that air flows across the susceptor assembly from the upstream end to the downstream end during use within an aerosol-generating system.
  • the airflow path may be parallel to the length of the susceptor assembly and perpendicular to the width of the susceptor assembly.
  • the thickness of the susceptor assembly may be substantially uniform.
  • the susceptor element may be a blank piece of metal.
  • the susceptor element may comprise a ferrous material.
  • the susceptor element may comprise an annealed steel.
  • annealed steel has increased ductility, allowing it to be shaped more easily than a hardened steel, or a steel that hasn’t undergone heat treatment.
  • Annealed steel also has increased toughness; allowing it to take more force before permanent deformation occurs.
  • the susceptor element may comprise ferritic stainless steels. Due to its chemical makeup, ferritic stainless steels are relatively inexpensive in comparison to other varieties of stainless steels. Another advantage to a stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion, which is a desirable property for a susceptor element material.
  • the susceptor element may comprise at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium and aluminium.
  • the susceptor assembly may comprise one or more ferromagnetic materials.
  • ferromagnetic material is advantageous because of its magnetic properties, as it is utilised in the heating of the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor element comprises AISI 430 stainless steel.
  • the susceptor element may have a relative magnetic permeability between 1 and 40000, when measured at a suitable frequency and temperature, for example when measured at frequencies up to 10 kHz at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
  • a lower permeability material may be used, and when hysteresis effects are desired then a higher permeability material may be used.
  • the material has a relative permeability between 500 and 40000. This may provide for efficient heating of the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor element may be heatable by at least one of Joule heating through induction of eddy currents in the susceptor element and hysteresis loses.
  • air inlet and ‘air outlet” are used to describe one or more apertures through which air may be drawn into, and out of, respectively, of a component or portion of a component of the cartridge, aerosol-generating system or aerosol-generating device.
  • carrier also refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
  • a cartridge also may be disposable.
  • a cartridge may comprise a susceptor assembly according to the first aspect of the disclosure, and a liquid reservoir holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the wicking element of the susceptor assembly is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir.
  • the cartridge may comprise a liquid reservoir housing.
  • the cartridge may comprise a retention material contained within the reservoir, the retention material for holding a liquid aerosolforming substrate.
  • the retention material may be a foam, a sponge, or a collection of fibres.
  • the retention material may be formed from a polymer or a co-polymer.
  • the retention material may be a spun polymer.
  • the susceptor element may be continuously wetted by the liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the reservoir by means of the wicking element which is in direct contact with both the liquid reservoir and susceptor element.
  • the cartridge may further comprise an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path extending from the air inlet, past the susceptor assembly to the air outlet.
  • this arrangement allows for air flow over the susceptor assembly when it is in use, so aerosolised liquid-aerosol- forming substrate can continuously travel to the air outlet and to the user during a puff.
  • the term “puff” is used to describe the action of a user drawing air through the aerosol-generating system by inhalation.
  • the cartridge may further comprise a susceptor holder that holds the susceptor assembly, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by the susceptor holder.
  • the susceptor holder may have an elongate shape.
  • the susceptor holder may be a tubular susceptor holder.
  • the susceptor holder may be coupled to the susceptor assembly.
  • the susceptor holder may be positioned within the reservoir housing.
  • the susceptor holder may support the susceptor assembly.
  • the susceptor holder may be in contact with the wicking element.
  • the susceptor element may be in contact with one or more wicking layers.
  • the susceptor holder may retain the susceptor assembly so that at least one wicking layer is in direct fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir.
  • the susceptor holder may internally define the air channel.
  • the susceptor holder is configured to internally retain the susceptor element to intercept the airflow generated by a user during a puff.
  • the susceptor holder may provide a liquid seal around the susceptor assembly to prevent escape of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir except through at least one wicking layer.
  • the susceptor holder may comprise a thermally insulative material.
  • the susceptor holder may comprise an electrically insulative material.
  • the susceptor holder may comprise at least one polymer.
  • the susceptor holder may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • the susceptor holder may be formed by injection moulding.
  • injection moulding may simplify manufacturing of the cartridge.
  • the liquid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second portion of the wicking element.
  • the liquid reservoir may be in fluid communication with side portions of the wicking element.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. Volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both liquid and solid components.
  • the liquid aerosolforming substrate may comprise nicotine.
  • the nicotine containing liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material.
  • the liquid aerosolforming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers.
  • An aerosol-former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the system.
  • suitable aerosol formers include glycerine and propylene glycol.
  • Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono- , di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavours.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine and at least one aerosol former.
  • the aerosol former may be glycerine or propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol former may comprise both glycerine and propylene glycol.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%.
  • At least one wicking layer of the susceptor assembly may extend in a transverse direction to the direction of airflow in the airflow channel past the susceptor assembly.
  • the direction of liquid feed from the liquid reservoir may be perpendicular to the direction of the airflow in the airflow channel past the susceptor assembly.
  • the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises the air outlet.
  • air may enter the cartridge through the cartridge air inlet, flow through the airflow channel, across the susceptor assembly, and exit the cartridge through the air outlet defined by the mouthpiece.
  • Vaporised liquid aerosol-forming substrate generated by the susceptor assembly may be entrained in the airflow in the airflow channel. The entrained vapor condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user as the aerosol exits the cartridge through the air outlet defined by the mouthpiece.
  • the cartridge may comprise at least one seal extending across a portion of the airflow channel.
  • the cartridge may comprise an upstream seal extending across the cartridge air inlet.
  • the upstream seal may be sealed to the holder.
  • the upstream seal may be sealed to the cartridge outer housing.
  • the upstream seal may be sealed to both the holder and the cartridge outer housing.
  • the upstream seal may be frangible or removable.
  • the upstream seal may be arranged to be automatically ruptured upon insertion of the cartridge into an aerosol-generating device.
  • the cartridge may comprise a downstream seal.
  • the downstream seal may extend across the air outlet defined by the mouthpiece.
  • the downstream seal may be sealed to the mouthpiece.
  • the downstream seal may be frangible or removable.
  • the mouthpiece may be formed integrally with the cartridge outer housing.
  • the mouthpiece may be formed separately from the cartridge outer housing and connected to the cartridge outer housing.
  • the mouthpiece may be connected to the cartridge outer housing by an interference fit.
  • each of the mouthpiece and the cartridge outer housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials.
  • the mouthpiece and the cartridge outer housing are formed from a plastic or thermoplastic that is suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications.
  • each of the mouthpiece and the cartridge outer housing may comprise at least one of polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material is preferably light and non-brittle.
  • an aerosolgenerating system may comprise a cartridge according to the second aspect of the present disclosure and an aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor coil and a power supply, connected to the inductor coil and configured to provide a current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating field; wherein the cartridge and aerosol-generating device are connectable with one another, such that the susceptor assembly is positioned within the magnetic field.
  • less power is required to heat the susceptor element in this arrangement compared to the susceptor being placed elsewhere in the system.
  • the cartridge of the aerosol-generating system may comprise a mouth end and a connection end, wherein the connection end is configured to connect the cartridge to an the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating system may comprise control circuitry.
  • the control circuitry may comprise a sensor for detecting when a user puffs on the aerosol-generating system.
  • the sensor may be configured to be in fluid communication with the device airflow passage when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the control circuitry may be configured to detect when a user is puffing on the system based on a signal from the sensor.
  • the sensor may be an airflow sensor.
  • the sensor may be a pressure sensor. The sensor may allow the aerosol-generating system to supply power on a puff-by-puff basis.
  • the control circuitry may be configured to supply power to the inductor coil continuously following activation of the system or may be configured to supply power intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis.
  • the power may be supplied to the inductive heating assembly in the form of pulses of electrical current, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM).
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the control circuitry may comprise DC/AC inverter, which may comprise a Class-D or Class-E power amplifier.
  • the control circuitry may comprise further electronic components.
  • the control circuitry may comprise any of: sensors, switches, display elements.
  • the inductor coil may be a helical coil, wherein at least a portion of the helical coil circumscribes the susceptor assembly when the aerosol-generating device and cartridge are connected to one another.
  • the helical coil may have a circular cross section when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system.
  • the inductor coil may comprise one or more coils.
  • the aerosol-generating system may be a handheld aerosol-generating system configured to allow a user to puff on the mouthpiece to draw an aerosol through the system air outlet.
  • the aerosol-generating system may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette.
  • the aerosol-generating system may have a total length between about 30 millimetres and about 150 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating system may have an external diameter between about 5 millimetres and about 30 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating system may be an electrically operated smoking system.
  • the power supply may be a DC power supply.
  • the power supply may be a battery.
  • the battery may be a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron-Phosphate, a Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery.
  • the battery may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery or a Nickel cadmium battery.
  • the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor.
  • the power supply may be rechargeable and be configured for many cycles of charge and discharge.
  • the power supply may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for one or more user experiences of the aerosol-generating system; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for the continuous generation of aerosol for a period of around six minutes, corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the susceptor assembly.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a susceptor assembly according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the device may comprise an inductor coil and a power supply.
  • the power supply is connected to the inductor coil and is configured to provide a current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating field, such that the susceptor assembly is positioned within the magnetic field.
  • a current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating field, such that the susceptor assembly is positioned within the magnetic field.
  • less power is required to heat the susceptor element in this arrangement compared to the susceptor being placed elsewhere in the system.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise control circuitry.
  • the control circuitry may comprise a sensor for detecting when a user puffs on the aerosol-generating system.
  • the sensor may be configured to be in fluid communication with the device airflow passage when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol-generating device.
  • the control circuitry may be configured to detect when a user is puffing on the system based on a signal from the sensor.
  • the sensor may be an airflow sensor.
  • the sensor may be a pressure sensor. The sensor may allow the aerosol-generating system to supply power on a puff-by-puff basis.
  • the control circuitry may be configured to supply power to the inductor coil continuously following activation of the device or may be configured to supply power intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis.
  • the power may be supplied to the inductive heating assembly in the form of pulses of electrical current, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM).
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • the control circuitry may comprise DC/AC inverter, which may comprise a Class-D or Class-E power amplifier.
  • the control circuitry may comprise further electronic components.
  • the control circuitry may comprise any of: sensors, switches, display elements.
  • the inductor coil may be a helical coil, wherein at least a portion of the helical coil circumscribes the susceptor assembly.
  • the helical coil may have a circular cross section when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may further comprise an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path extending from the air inlet, past the susceptor assembly.
  • the airflow path may be perpendicular to the direction of the liquid feed from the liquid reservoir.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a susceptor holder that holds the susceptor assembly, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by the susceptor holder. This is advantageous because vapourised aerosol-forming substrate leaving the susceptor assembly immediately mixes in the air of the airflow path to be inhaled by the user.
  • the susceptor holder may provide a liquid seal around the susceptor assembly to prevent escape of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir except through the at least one wicking layer.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device configured to allow a user to puff on the mouthpiece to draw an aerosol through the device air outlet.
  • the aerosol-generating system may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette.
  • the aerosol-generating device may have a total length between about 30 millimetres and about 150 millimetres.
  • the aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between about 5 millimetres and about 30 millimetres.
  • a method of manufacturing a susceptor assembly comprising steps of: providing a first sheet of material capable of being heatable through induction of eddy currents and hysteresis losses to vaporise an aerosol-forming substrate; providing at least one layer of wicking material for transporting an aerosol-forming substrate across the surface of the sheet; assembling the first sheet of material and the at least one layer of wicking material, wherein the at least one layer of wicking material at least partially covers an exterior surface of the first sheet of material and wherein the wicking element forms an exterior surface of the susceptor assembly.
  • Example Ex1 A susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating system, the susceptor assembly comprising: a susceptor element in the form of a sheet; and a wicking element comprising at least one wicking layer for transporting a liquid aerosol-forming substrate across a surface of the sheet, wherein the wicking element forms an exterior surface of the susceptor assembly.
  • Example Ex2 A susceptor assembly according to example Ex1 , wherein the wicking element comprises a plurality of apertures that expose portions of the susceptor element.
  • Example Ex3 A susceptor assembly according to examples Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the wicking element consists of a top wicking layer and bottom wicking layer.
  • Example Ex4 A susceptor assembly according to example Ex3, wherein the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer are separate components.
  • Example Ex5 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element is a blank sheet.
  • Example Ex6 A susceptor assembly according to examples Ex3 to Ex5, wherein the susceptor element, the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer are substantially parallel.
  • Example Ex7 A susceptor assembly according to example Ex3 to Ex6, wherein the susceptor element is sandwiched between the top wicking layer and the bottom wicking layer, wherein the top wicking layer and bottom wicking layer substantially cover surfaces of the susceptor element.
  • Example Ex8 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor assembly is substantially planar.
  • Example Ex9 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element has an S-shape.
  • Example Ex10 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element comprises a porous material.
  • Example Ex11 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element comprises cotton.
  • Example Ex12 A susceptor assembly according to any one the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh.
  • Example Ex13 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the apertures are arranged in a uniform pattern.
  • Example Ex14 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element comprises a plurality of fibres, and wherein a diameter of each of the apertures is greater than the diameter of each of the fibres.
  • Example Ex15 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the distance between the edge of an aperture with a proximate aperture is between 0.05mm and 0.5mm
  • Example Ex16 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a width of the wicking element is greater than a width of the susceptor element.
  • Example Ex17 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises a central opening.
  • Example Ex18 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element comprises a first region overlying the susceptor element and at least one second region that does not overlie the susceptor element, wherein the apertures are positioned in the first region and wherein each of the second regions do not include apertures.
  • Example Ex19 A susceptor assembly according to example Ex18, wherein the first region is positioned between two second regions.
  • Example Ex20 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises a ferrous material.
  • Example Ex21 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises an annealed steel.
  • Example Ex22 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises ferritic stainless steels.
  • Example Ex23 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises at least one of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium and aluminium.
  • Example Ex24 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises at least one ferromagnetic material.
  • Example Ex25 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element comprises AISI 430 stainless steel.
  • Example Ex26 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element has a relative permeability between 1 and 40000, when measured at frequencies up to 10 kHz at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Example Ex27 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples wherein the susceptor element has a relative permeability between 500 and 40000, when measured at frequencies up to 10 kHz at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
  • Example Ex28 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the wicking element is folded around the susceptor element.
  • Example Ex29 A susceptor assembly according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor element is heatable by at least one of Joule heating through induction of eddy currents in the susceptor element, and hysteresis loses.
  • Example Ex30 A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a susceptor assembly according to any preceding example; a liquid reservoir holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir, wherein the wicking element of the susceptor assembly is arranged in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir.
  • Example Ex31 A cartridge according to example Ex30, further comprising an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path extending from the air inlet, past the susceptor assembly to the air outlet.
  • Example Ex32 A cartridge according to example Ex31 , further comprising a susceptor holder that holds the susceptor assembly, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by the susceptor holder.
  • Example Ex33 A cartridge according to example Ex32, wherein the susceptor holder retains the susceptor assembly so that at least a part of the susceptor assembly is positioned in the airflow path and such that the at least one wicking layer is in direct fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir.
  • Example Ex34 A cartridge according to example Ex33, wherein the susceptor holder provides a liquid seal around the susceptor assembly to prevent escape of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir except through at least one wicking layer.
  • Example Ex35 A cartridge according to examples Ex30 or Ex34, wherein at least one wicking layer extends transverse to a direction of airflow past the susceptor assembly.
  • Example Ex36 A cartridge according to any one of examples Ex30 to Ex35, wherein opposite ends of the at least one wicking layer are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir.
  • Example Ex37 A cartridge according to any one of examples Ex30 to Ex36, further comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises the air outlet.
  • Example Ex38 An aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge according to any one of examples Ex30 to Ex37; and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising; an inductor coil; a power supply connected to the inductor coil and configured to provide a current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field; wherein the cartridge and aerosolgenerating device are connectable with one another such that the susceptor assembly is positioned within the alternating magnetic field.
  • Example Ex39 An aerosol-generating system according to Ex38, further comprising control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is connected to the inductor coil, and configured to control power delivery to the inductor coil.
  • Example Ex40 An aerosol-generating system according to examples Ex39 or Ex40, wherein the inductor coil is a helical coil positioned around the susceptor assembly when the aerosolgenerating device and the cartridge are connected to one another.
  • Example Ex41 An aerosol-generating device comprising: a susceptor assembly according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex30; a liquid reservoir holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir, wherein the wicking element of the susceptor assembly is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir; an inductor coil; and a power supply, connected to the inductor coil and configured to provide an alternating current to the inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field; wherein the susceptor assembly is positioned within the alternating magnetic field.
  • Example Ex42 An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex41 , further comprising control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is connected to the inductor coil, and is configured to control power delivery to the inductor coil.
  • Example Ex43 An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex42, wherein the control circuitry comprises a sensor, and is configured such that on detection of a puff by the sensor the control circuitry delivers power from the power supply to the coil.
  • Example Ex44 An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex41 to Ex43, wherein the inductor coil is a helical coil positioned around the susceptor element.
  • Example Ex45 An aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex41 to Ex44, further comprising an air inlet, an air outlet and an airflow path extending from the air inlet, past the susceptor assembly to the air outlet.
  • Example Ex46 An aerosol-generating device according to any one of example Ex41 to Ex45, further comprising a susceptor holder that holds the susceptor assembly, wherein at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by the susceptor holder.
  • Example Ex47 An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex46, wherein the susceptor holder retains the susceptor assembly so that at least a part of the susceptor element is positioned in the airflow path and such that the at least wicking layer is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir.
  • Example Ex48 An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex47, wherein the susceptor holder provides a liquid seal around the susceptor assembly to prevent escape of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir except through the at least one wicking layer.
  • Example Ex49 A method of manufacturing a susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: providing a first sheet of material capable of being heatable through induction of eddy currents and hysteresis losses to vaporise an aerosol-forming substrate; providing at least one layer of wicking material for transporting an aerosol-forming substrate across the surface of the sheet; and assembling the first sheet of material and the at least one layer of wicking material, wherein the at least one layer of wicking material at least partially covers an exterior surface of the first sheet of material and wherein the wicking element forms an exterior surface of the susceptor assembly.
  • Figure 1A shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a cartridge for an aerosolgenerating system, the cartridge comprising a susceptor assembly;
  • Figure 1 B shows a schematic illustration of an alternative cross-section of the cartridge of Figure 1 A;
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a further alternative cross-section of the cartridge of Figures 1A and 1 B;
  • Figure 3A shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of an aerosol-generating system formed of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device, in which the cartridge is decoupled from the aerosol-generating device;
  • Figure 3B shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 3A, in which the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generating device.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the aerosol-generating device, the device comprising a susceptor assembly
  • Figure 5A shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a susceptor assembly according to the present disclosure, in which the wicking element substantially covers the top surface and bottom surface of the susceptor element;
  • Figure 5B shows an exploded view of the susceptor assembly in Figure 5A;
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a susceptor assembly according to the present disclosure, in which the wicking element substantially covers the top surface and bottom surface of the susceptor element and in which side portions of the wicking layer are without perforations.
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the susceptor element in an S- shape.
  • Figures 1A and 1 B show schematic illustrations of two cross sections of a cartridge 10 for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprises a susceptor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the two cross sections are taken in two planes perpendicular to one another.
  • FIG. 1 shows the cartridge 10 comprising a susceptor holder 14 and a susceptor assembly 12 mounted in the susceptor holder 14.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 in this embodiment is planar, and thin, having a thickness dimension that is substantially smaller than a length dimension and a width dimension.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 is shaped in the form of a rectangle, and comprises a susceptor element 16, sandwiched between the wicking element.
  • the width WSE of the susceptor element 16 is smaller than the width WE of the wicking element 18, with the susceptor element 16 sandwiched between a central region of the wicking element 18 to define outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 which are not in contact with the susceptor element 16.
  • the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 protrude through a pair of openings 28 arranged on opposed sides of an internal side wall 27 of the susceptor holder 14, into one of two channels 45.
  • the internal side wall 27 defines an internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the susceptor element 16 comprises a blank sheet formed from ferritic stainless steel.
  • the wicking element 18 comprises a porous body of rayon filaments. The wicking element 18 is configured to deliver liquid via the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 to the susceptor element 16.
  • the susceptor element 16 is configured to be heatable by penetration with an alternating magnetic field, for vaporising an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 protrude through the pair of openings 28 in the susceptor holder 14, such that the susceptor holder 14 supports the susceptor assembly 12 in position in the cartridge 10.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 is partially arranged inside the internal passage 26 of the tubular susceptor holder 14, and extends in a plane parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the susceptor element 16 is arranged entirely within the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14 and the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 extend through the pair of openings 28 in the internal side wall 27 of the susceptor holder 14 into the two channels 45.
  • the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 define mounting regions of the susceptor assembly 12 for mounting the susceptor assembly in the susceptor holder 14.
  • the cartridge 10 has a mouth end and a connection end opposite to the mouth end.
  • An outer housing 36 defines a mouth end opening 38 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10.
  • the connection end is configured for connection of the cartridge 10 to an aerosol-generating device 60, as described in detail below.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 are located towards the connection end of the cartridge 10.
  • the outer housing 36 is formed from a mouldable plastics material, such as polypropylene.
  • the outer housing 36 defines an internal space in which the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 are contained.
  • the external width of the outer housing 36 is greater at the mouth end of the cartridge 10 than at the connection end, which are joined by a shoulder 37. This enables the connection end of the cartridge 10 to be received in a cavity of an aerosol-generating device 60, with the shoulder 37 locating the cartridge in the correct position in the aerosol-generating device 60. This also enables the mouth end of the cartridge 10 to remain outside of the aerosol-generating device 60, with the mouth end conforming to the external shape of the aerosol-generating device 60.
  • the cartridge 10 further comprises a liquid reservoir 44.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 is defined in the cartridge 10 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 extends from the mouth end of the outer housing 36 to the connection end of the outer housing 36, and comprises an annular space defined by the outer housing 36 and an internal side wall of the cartridge 10.
  • the internal side wall of the cartridge 10 defines an internal passage 48 that extends between the mouth end opening 38, and an open end of the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 further comprises the two channels 45, the two channels 45 being defined between the outer housing 36 at the connection end and the internal side wall 27 defining the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the two channels 45 extend from the annular space defined by the outer housing 36 and the internal side wall of the cartridge 10 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10, to the connection end of the cartridge 10.
  • the outer, exposed portions 20 of the wicking element 18 extend through the openings 28 in the internal side wall 27 of the susceptor holder 14 into the two channels 45.
  • the two channels 45 extend from the annular space defined by the outer housing 36 and the internal side wall of the cartridge 10 at the mouth end of the cartridge 10, on opposite sides of the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the susceptor holder 14 comprises a base 30 that partially closes one end of the internal passage 26.
  • the base 30 comprises a plurality of air inlets 32 that enable air to be drawn into the internal passage 26 through the partially closed end.
  • An air passage is formed through the cartridge 10 by the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14, and internal passage 48.
  • the air passage extends from the air inlets 32 in the base 30 of the susceptor holder 14, through the internal passage 26 of the susceptor holder 14, and through the internal passage 48 to the mouth end opening 38.
  • the air passage enables air to be drawn through the cartridge 10 from the connection end to the mouth end.
  • FIG 2 shows a schematic illustration of a further alternative cross section of the cartridge 10 of Figures 1 A and 1 B.
  • the cartridge 10 is viewed perpendicular to the views shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B, such that the cross section shown in Figure 1 A is indicated by the dashed line AB, and the cross section shown in Figure 1 B is indicated by the dashed line CD.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises susceptor holder 14.
  • the susceptor holder 14 comprises a tubular body formed from a mouldable plastic material, such as polypropylene.
  • the tubular body of the susceptor holder 14 comprises the internal side wall 27 defining the internal passage 26 having open ends.
  • the pair of openings 28 extend through the internal side wall 27, at opposite sides of the tubular susceptor holder 14.
  • the openings 28 are arranged centrally along the length of the susceptor holder 14.
  • the pair of openings 28 in the side wall 27 of the susceptor holder 14 are sized to accommodate the susceptor assembly 12 with a friction fit, such that the susceptor assembly is secured in the susceptor holder 14.
  • the friction fit between the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 results in the mounting regions directly contacting the susceptor holder 14 at the openings 28.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 are secured together such that movement of the susceptor holder 14 also moves the susceptor assembly 12.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 and the susceptor holder 14 may be secured together by other means.
  • the susceptor assembly 12 is secured to the susceptor holder 14 by an adhesive at the mounting regions of the susceptor assembly 12, such that the mounting regions indirectly contact the susceptor holder 14.
  • the two channels 45 are positioned on opposite sides of the internal passage 26, and in use the two channels 45 supply liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor assembly 12.
  • the outer, exposed portions of the wicking element 18 which form the mounting regions of the susceptor assembly 12 extend out of the internal passage 26 into the channels 45 via the openings 28.
  • the channels 45 are shown empty in Figure 2, but can be understood to be filled with liquid aerosol-forming substrate prior to use.
  • the cartridge 10 is viewed in Figure 2 from the mouth end towards the connection end.
  • the plurality of air inlets 32 in the base 30 can therefore be seen in Figure 2.
  • Figure 3A shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of an aerosol-generating system 100 according to the present disclosure, with cartridge 10 decoupled from an aerosol generating device 60.
  • the cartridge 10 is identical to that presented in Figures 1 A, 1 B and 2, and their corresponding descriptions.
  • the aerosol-generating device 60 comprises a generally cylindrical device outer housing 62 having a connection end and a distal end opposite the connection end.
  • a cavity 64 for receiving the connection end of the cartridge 10 is located at the connection end of the device 60, and an air inlet 65 is provided through the device outer housing 62 at the base of the cavity 64 to enable ambient air to be drawn into the cavity 64.
  • the aerosol-generating device 60 further comprises an inductive heating arrangement arranged within the device outer housing 62.
  • the inductive heating arrangement includes an inductor coil 90, control circuitry 70 and a power supply 72.
  • the power supply 72 comprises a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery, which is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the device.
  • the control circuitry 70 is connected to the power supply 72, and to the inductor coil 90, such that the control circuitry 70 controls the supply of power to the inductor coil 90.
  • the control circuitry 70 is configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil 90.
  • the single inductor coil 90 is positioned around the susceptor assembly 12 when the cartridge 10 is received in the cavity 64.
  • the inductor coil 90 has a size and a shape matching the size and shape of the susceptor element 16.
  • the inductor coil 90 is made with a copper wire having a round circular section, and is arranged on a coil former element (not shown).
  • the inductor coil 90 is both tubular and helical, and defines a circular cross section when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 60.
  • the inductor coil 90 is configured such that when the alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil, the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of the susceptor assembly 12 when the cartridge 10 is received in the cavity 64.
  • the inductive heating arrangement further includes a flux concentrator element 91 .
  • the flux concentrator element 91 has a greater radius than the inductor coil 90, and so partially surrounds the inductor coil 90.
  • the flux concentrator element 91 is configured to reduce stray power losses from the generated magnetic field.
  • Figure 3B shows a schematic illustration of a cross section of the aerosol-generating system 100 of Figure 3A, but with the cartridge 10 coupled to the aerosol-generating device 60.
  • the control circuitry 70 controls the supply of electrical power from the power supply 72 to the inductor coil 90 when the system is activated.
  • the control circuitry 72 is coupled to an airflow sensor 63.
  • the airflow sensor 63 is in fluid communication with the passage of ambient air which is drawn through the system by the user.
  • the control circuitry 72 supplies electrical power to the inductor coil 90 when user-applied puffs on the cartridge 10 are detected by the airflow sensor 63.
  • an alternating current is established in the inductor coil 90, which generates alternating magnetic fields in the cavity 64 in which the susceptor assembly 12 is located, causing the susceptor element 16 to heat.
  • Liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the channels 45 is drawn into the susceptor assembly 12 through the wicking element 18 towards the susceptor element 16.
  • the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 42 at the susceptor element 16 is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are released into the air passage defined by the internal passage 48 of the cartridge 10, and cool to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol is entrained in the air being drawn through the internal passage 48 of the cartridge 10, and is drawn out of the cartridge 10 at the mouth end opening 38 for inhalation by the user.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a cross-section of the aerosol-generating device 200, the device 200 comprising a susceptor assembly 112.
  • the words aerosolgenerating device and device are used interchangeably.
  • ambient air is drawn into the device 200 through an air inlet 165.
  • the ambient air flows through the device 200 from the air inlet 165 to the mouth end opening 138, through the air passage defined by internal passage 126 and over the susceptor assembly 112.
  • the control circuitry 170 controls the supply of electrical power from the power supply 172 to the inductor coil 190 when the system is activated.
  • the control circuitry 172 is coupled to an airflow sensor 163.
  • the airflow sensor 163 is in fluid communication with the passage of ambient air which is drawn through the system by the user.
  • the control circuitry 172 supplies electrical power to the inductor coil 190 when user-applied puffs on the aerosol-generating device 200 are detected by the airflow sensor 163.
  • the aerosol-generating device 200 When the aerosol-generating device 200 is activated, an alternating current is established in the inductor coil 190, which generates alternating magnetic fields in the cavity 64 in which the susceptor assembly 112 is located, causing the susceptor element 116 to heat. Liquid aerosolforming substrate in the channels 145 is drawn into the susceptor assembly 112 through the wicking element 118 towards the susceptor element 116. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 142 at the susceptor element 16 is heated, and volatile compounds from the heated aerosol-forming substrate are released into the air passage defined by the internal passage 148 of the aerosolgenerating device 200, and cool to form an aerosol. The aerosol is entrained in the air being drawn through the internal passage 148 of the aerosol-generating device 200, and is drawn out of the internal passage 148 at the mouth end opening 138 for inhalation by the user.
  • the aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a generally cylindrical device outer housing 162 having a connection end and a distal end opposite the connection end.
  • An air inlet 65 is provided through the device outer housing 62 at the base of the cavity 64 to enable ambient air to be drawn into the cavity 64.
  • the aerosol-generating device 200 further comprises an inductive heating arrangement arranged within the device outer housing 162.
  • the inductive heating arrangement includes an inductor coil 190, control circuitry 170 and a power supply 172.
  • the power supply 172 comprises a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery, which is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) at the distal end of the device.
  • the control circuitry 170 is connected to the power supply 172, and to the inductor coil 190, such that the control circuitry 170 controls the supply of power to the inductor coil 190.
  • the control circuitry 170 is configured to supply an alternating current to the inductor coil 190.
  • the single inductor coil 190 is positioned around the susceptor assembly 112 in the aerosolgenerating device 200.
  • the inductor coil 90 has a size and a shape matching the size and shape of the susceptor element 116.
  • the inductor coil 190 is made with a copper wire having a round circular section, and is arranged on a coil former element (not shown).
  • the inductor coil 190 is both tubular and helical, and defines a circular cross section when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 200.
  • the inductor coil 190 is configured such that when the alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil, the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field in the region of the susceptor assembly 112.
  • the inductive heating arrangement further includes a flux concentrator element 191 .
  • the flux concentrator element 191 has a greater radius than the inductor coil 190, and so partially surrounds the inductor coil 190.
  • the flux concentrator element 191 is configured to reduce stray power losses from the generated magnetic field.
  • FIG. 5A shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a susceptor assembly 212 according to the present disclosure, in which the wicking element substantially covers the top surface and bottom surface of the susceptor element 16.
  • the top wicking layer 221 covers the top surface of the susceptor
  • the bottom wicking layer 222 covers the bottom surface of the susceptor.
  • FIG 5B shows an exploded view of the susceptor assembly in Figure 5A.
  • Each wicking layer is exclusive to one another.
  • the susceptor element 16 has a smaller surface area than the wicking element.
  • Apertures 280 substantially cover the entire surface of the wicking element 18.
  • the apertures 280 are distributed in a uniform pattern across the surface of the wicking element.
  • the apertures 280 extend from one surface of a wicking layer 221 , 222 through to the opposite surface of a wicking layer 221 , 222, where a region of apertures 280 expose portions of the susceptor element 16.
  • the cross section of the apertures 280 are circular.
  • the width of the wicking element 218 is larger than the susceptor element 16, the length of the wicking element 218 is substantially the equal to the length of the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor element 16 is a blank sheet. In this embodiment, the susceptor element 16 is a planar rectangular shape. The susceptor element 16 is located in the in the middle of the wicking element 218, so that side portions 20 of the wicking element are of equal width. Side portions 20 of the wicking element 218 are in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 44. Liquid aerosolforming substrate travels from the liquid reservoir 44, across the wicking element 16 to the susceptor element 16 to be aerosolised. A top wicking layer 221 and a bottom wicking layer 222 allows the susceptor element 16 to be wetted on both surfaces.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a susceptor assembly according to the present disclosure, in which the wicking element 318 substantially covers the top surface and bottom surface of the susceptor element 16.
  • apertures 380 are only present in the region of the wicking element 318 covering the surface of the susceptor element 16.
  • the regions of the wicking element 318 that do not cover the surface of the susceptor element 16 do not have apertures 380.
  • the wicking element 318 comprises a top layer 321 and a bottom layer 322.
  • the airflow path 330 is parallel to the length of the susceptor assembly 312 and perpendicular to the width of the susceptor assembly 312. Liquid is fed to the susceptor assembly 312 in parallel with the width of the susceptor assembly 312.
  • the thickness of the susceptor assembly is substantially the same throughout any section.
  • the apertures 380 are distributed in a uniform pattern across the region of the wicking element 318 covering the susceptor element 16.
  • the apertures 380 extend from one surface of a wicking layer through to the opposite surface of a wicking layer so that the apertures 380 expose portions of the susceptor element 16.
  • the cross section of the apertures 380 are circular.
  • the susceptor assembly may take any other suitable shape or form.
  • the susceptor may take an S- shape form.
  • An example of this arrangement is shown in Figure 7.
  • FIG 7 shows a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a susceptor assembly 612.
  • the susceptor assembly 612 comprises a planar S-shape susceptor element 616.
  • the wicking element 618 substantially covers the top and bottom surface of the S-shape susceptor element 616 in the same as the embodiment in Figure 6.
  • the wicking element 616 is rectangular in this embodiment. There may be other embodiments where the wicking element has a different planar polygonal shape.
  • apertures 680 cover the rectangular area where the S-shape susceptor element 616 is present. There may be other embodiments where the apertures solely cover the surface of the wicking element that covers the S-shape susceptor element 616.
  • the wicking element 618 in this embodiment comprises a top layer 621 and a bottom layer 622.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble suscepteur (312) pour un système de génération d'aérosol. L'ensemble suscepteur comprend un élément suscepteur (16) sous la forme d'une feuille et un élément à effet de mèche (318). L'élément à effet de mèche comporte une ou plusieurs couches à effet de mèche (321, 322) qui sont en communication fluidique avec un réservoir de liquide. Ladite couche à effet de mèche transporte un substrat de formation d'aérosol liquide à travers la surface de l'élément suscepteur, l'élément à effet de mèche formant une surface extérieure de l'ensemble suscepteur. L'invention concerne également une cartouche pour un système de génération d'aérosol, un système de génération d'aérosol, un dispositif de génération d'aérosol et un procédé de fabrication de l'ensemble suscepteur.
PCT/EP2024/054032 2023-02-20 2024-02-16 Ensemble suscepteur pour système de génération d'aérosol et procédé de fabrication associé WO2024175504A1 (fr)

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EP23157578.8 2023-02-20

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20200077703A1 (en) * 2018-09-11 2020-03-12 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Wicking element for aerosol delivery device
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CN216088892U (zh) * 2021-10-14 2022-03-22 东莞市麦斯莫科电子科技有限公司 防止烟油烧焦的雾化结构及电子烟
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US20200077703A1 (en) * 2018-09-11 2020-03-12 Rai Strategic Holdings, Inc. Wicking element for aerosol delivery device
KR20210128762A (ko) * 2020-04-17 2021-10-27 주식회사 케이티앤지 카트리지 및 이를 포함하는 에어로졸 생성 장치
WO2022063797A1 (fr) * 2020-09-23 2022-03-31 Philip Morris Products S.A. Système de génération d'aérosol chauffé par induction fournissant un chauffage efficace et régulier d'un élément suscepteur plan
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