AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM WITH HEATED MIXING CHAMBER

Abstract

A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system is provided, including a first compartment containing a nicotine source and having a first air inlet and first air outlet, the inlet being upstream of the outlet; a second compartment containing an acid source and having a second air inlet and second air outlet, the inlet being upstream of the outlet; a mixing chamber for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source with an air flow to form an aerosol, the mixing chamber being downstream of both the first air outlet and the second air outlet; and a heating element configured to heat the mixing chamber, at least a portion of the heating element being neither upstream nor downstream of the mixing chamber. An aerosol-generating system and a method for aerosol generation in an aerosol-generating system are also provided.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first air inlet being upstream of the first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source; a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second air inlet being upstream of the second air outlet, the second compartment containing an acid source; a mixing chamber configured for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source in the first compartment and acid from the acid source in the second compartment with an air flow to form an aerosol, the mixing chamber being downstream of both the first air outlet of the first compartment and the second air outlet of the second compartment; and a heating element configured to heat the mixing chamber, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is neither upstream nor downstream of the mixing chamber.

17. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the heating element is further configured to heat the mixing chamber to a temperature of between 60 degrees Centigrade and 80 degrees Centigrade.

18. The cartridge according to claim 17, wherein a temperature of the first compartment or a temperature of the second compartment, or both a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment, does not exceed 250 degrees Centigrade.

19. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor or an electrically resistive heating element, or both a susceptor and an electrically resistive heating element.

20. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the mixing chamber is disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment.

21. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the mixing chamber comprises one or more flow obstructions configured to change a flow direction of at least a portion of the air flow.

22. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the heating element is an electrically resistive wire coil and at least a portion of the wire coil is disposed around at least a portion of the mixing chamber.

23. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein a first portion of the heating element is configured to heat the first compartment or the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment, and a second portion of the heating element is configured to heat the mixing chamber.

24. The cartridge according to claim 16, wherein a first portion of the heating element is disposed adjacent to the first compartment or the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment, and a second portion of the heating element is disposed adjacent to, or within, the mixing chamber.

25. An aerosol-generating system, comprising: a cartridge according to claim 16; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a power supply, the power supply being configured to supply power to the heating element when the cartridge is engaged with the device.

26. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 25, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a second heating element, at least a portion of the second heating element being configured to heat the first compartment or the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment.

27. An aerosol-generating system, comprising: a cartridge for the aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, the first air inlet being upstream of the first air outlet, the first compartment containing a nicotine source, a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, the second air inlet being upstream of the second air outlet, the second compartment containing an acid source, a mixing chamber configured for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source with an air flow to form an aerosol, the mixing chamber being downstream of both the first air outlet of the first compartment and the second air outlet of the second compartment, and a heating element configured to heat the mixing chamber; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and a power supply, the power supply being configured to supply power to the heating element, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge is configured to engage the housing, and at least a portion of the heating element is neither upstream nor downstream of the mixing chamber.

28. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment containing a nicotine source; a second compartment containing an acid source; a mixing chamber configured for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source with an air flow to form an aerosol; and a heating element configured to heat the mixing chamber, wherein at least a portion of the heating element is configured to heat the mixing chamber to a temperature of between 60 degrees Centigrade and 80 degrees Centigrade.

29. An aerosol-generating system, comprising: a cartridge for use in the aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment containing a nicotine source, a second compartment containing an acid source, and a mixing chamber configured for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source with an air flow to form an aerosol; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element and a housing, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge is configured to engage the housing, and at least a portion of the heating element is configured to heat the mixing chamber to a temperature of between 60 degrees Centigrade and 80 degrees Centigrade.

30. A method for aerosol generation in an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising: a cartridge for the aerosol-generating system, the cartridge comprising: a first compartment containing a nicotine source, a second compartment containing an acid source, a mixing chamber configured for mixing nicotine from the nicotine source and acid from the acid source with an air flow to form an aerosol, and a heater; and an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing, wherein the housing is configured to engage at least a portion of the cartridge, wherein the heater comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the heater further comprises a first heating element and a second heating element; and the method comprising: supplying power to the heater such that the first portion of the heater heats the first compartment or the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment, and such that the second portion of the heater heats the mixing chamber, or supplying power to the first heating element such that the first heating element heats the first compartment or the second compartment, or both the first compartment and the second compartment, and supplying power to the second heating element such that the second heating element heats the mixing chamber.

Description

[0080] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0081] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system.

[0082] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device;

[0083] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system;

[0084] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system;

[0085] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating system;

[0086] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of another cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system;

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another an aerosol-generating system;

[0088] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating system;

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of another cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system;

[0090] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating device; and

[0091] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of another aerosol-generating system.

[0092] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system in accordance with a first embodiment. The cartridge 100 comprises a first compartment 102 having a first air inlet 104 and a first air outlet 106. The first compartment 102 contains a nicotine source 108 comprising a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine and menthol. The cartridge 100 further comprises a second compartment 110 having a second air inlet 112 and a second air outlet 114. The second compartment 110 contains an acid source 116 comprising a second carrier material impregnated with lactic acid. The cartridge 100 further comprises a cartridge housing body 118 defining engaging cartridge portions 119, 121, a mixing chamber 120 and a cartridge exit 123. The mixing chamber 120 is positioned between the first and second compartment air outlets 106, 114 and the cartridge exit 123. The cartridge 100 further comprises a cap 130 with a first cap aperture 132 and a second cap aperture 134. The cap 130 is positioned upstream of the first and second compartment air inlets 104, 112.

[0093] The cartridge 100 further comprises a first heating element 122, a second heating element 124, a third heating element 126, and a fourth heating element 128. The first heating element 122 is adjacent to the first compartment 102 and, in use, heats the nicotine source 108 to volatise a nicotine compound. The second heating element 124 is adjacent to the second compartment 110 and, in use, heats the acid source 116 to volatise an acid compound. The third heating element 126 and the fourth heating element 128 are adjacent to the mixing chamber 120. In use, the third heating element 126 and the fourth heating element 128 heat the mixing chamber. The first, second, third, and fourth heating elements are all susceptors, though the cartridge 100 would function in much the same way if one or more of these heating elements were electrically resistive heating elements with connection to a power source.

[0094] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device 200 is compatible with the cartridge 100 shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a device housing 202 which defines a cavity 204 and a first engaging device portion 206 and a second engaging device portion 208. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a power supply 210 connected to a controller 212. In this embodiment, the power supply is a lithium ion battery, though any suitable power supply may be used. The aerosol-generating device 200 further comprises an inductor coil 214 disposed around a portion of the cavity 204. The inductor coil 214 is connected to the controller 212. The controller 212 is configured to control the power supplied from the power supply 210 to the inductor coil 214. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first air inlet 216 and a second air inlet 218. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a flow sensor (not shown) configured to detect an air flow through an air flow passage in the aerosol-generating device. The flow sensor is connected to the controller 212.

[0095] In use, the power supply 210 and the controller 212 connected to the inductor coil 214 provide an alternating electric current to the inductor coil 214 such that the inductor coil 214 generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0096] FIG. 3 is an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge of FIG. 1 engaged with the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 2. The cartridge 100 is received in the cavity 204 of the aerosol-generating device and the first engaging device portion 206 and the second engaging device portion 208 engage the first engaging cartridge portion 119 and the second engaging cartridge portion 121 respectively to secure the cartridge in place.

[0097] The aerosol-generating system 300 further comprises a mouthpiece (not shown). A portion of the mouthpiece surrounds a portion of the cartridge. The mouthpiece engages the device housing 202 to secure the mouthpiece in position.

[0098] In use, the operation of the aerosol-generating system is as follows. A user draws on a downstream end of the mouthpiece. This action draws air in through the first air inlet 216 of the device and the second air inlet 218 of the device. The flow sensor in the aerosol-generating device 200 detects a change in air flow through the device which indicates that a user is taking a puff. The controller 212, in response to the detected change in air flow through the device, increases the power supplied from the power supply 210 to the inductor coil 214 from zero to an operational power. The power supply 210 provides an alternating electric current to the inductor coil 214 such that the inductor coil 214 generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0099] The alternating magnetic field generates eddy currents within the susceptor heating elements 122, 124, 126, 128, which are heated as a result. Further heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptors. In this embodiment, the susceptors operate at temperatures between approximately 100 degrees Centigrade and approximately 200 degrees Centigrade. The susceptors heat the first and second compartments 102, 110 to temperatures between approximately 80 degrees Centigrade and approximately 150 degrees Centigrade. The susceptors heat the mixing chamber 120 to a temperature between approximately 60 degrees Centigrade and approximately 80 degrees Centigrade. Heating elements heat the nicotine source 108 and acid source 116 to volatise nicotine compounds and acid compounds.

[0100] Air flow through the first air inlet 216 of the device flows through the first cap aperture 132 then through the first air inlet 104 of the first compartment 102. This air flow entrains a volatised nicotine compound from the nicotine source 108 which has been heated by adjacent heating element 122. The air flow and entrained, volatised nicotine compound exit the first compartment 102 through the first air outlet 106 of the first compartment 102 into the mixing chamber 120.

[0101] Meanwhile, air flow through the second air inlet 218 of the device flows through the second cap aperture 134 then through the second air inlet 112 of the second compartment 110. This air flow entrains a volatised acid compound from the acid source 116 which has been heated by adjacent heating element 124. The air flow and entrained, volatised acid compound exit the second compartment 110 through the second air outlet 114 of the second compartment 110 into the mixing chamber 120.

[0102] The entrained nicotine compound mixes with the entrained acid compound in the mixing chamber 120. The mixing chamber 120 is heated by heating elements 126, 128. The nicotine compound reacts with the acid compound in the mixing chamber 120 to form an aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid which exits the cartridge 100 through the cartridge exit 123. The aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid then flows through a cavity defined by the mouthpiece and is delivered to the user.

[0103] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system in accordance with a second embodiment. The cartridge 400 comprises a first compartment 402 having a first air inlet 404 and a first air outlet 406. The first compartment 402 also contains a nicotine source 408. The cartridge 400 further comprises a second compartment 410 having a second air inlet 412 and a second air outlet 414. The second compartment 410 also contains an acid source 416. The cartridge 400 further comprises a cartridge housing body 418 defining engaging cartridge portions 419, 421, a mixing chamber 420 and a cartridge exit 423. The mixing chamber 420 is positioned between the first and second compartment air outlets 406, 414 and the cartridge exit 423.

[0104] The cartridge 400 further comprises first heating element 422 and a second heating element 424. First heating element 422 is adjacent to the first compartment 402 and the mixing chamber 420 and, in use, heats the nicotine source 408 and the mixing chamber 420. Second heating element 424 is adjacent to the second compartment 410 and the mixing chamber 420, and, in use, heats the acid source 416 and the mixing chamber 420. The first and second heating elements are susceptors made from aluminium, though the cartridge 400 would function in much the same way if one or both of these heating elements were electrically resistive heating elements with connection to a power source. The cartridge 400 further comprises a cap 430 with a first cap aperture 432 and a second cap aperture 434. The cap 430 is positioned upstream of the first and second compartment air inlets 404, 412. The cartridge 400 further comprises an inductor coil 436 electrically connected to a first electrical contact 438 and a second electrical contact 440. The cartridge 400 further comprises a cavity 442 extending through the cap 430 and into the cartridge housing body 418. The cartridge further comprises a protrusion (not shown) on an outer surface of the cartridge body 418.

[0105] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system 500 comprising an aerosol-generating device 502 engaging the cartridge 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a mouthpiece 504 engaged with the aerosol-generating device 502. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 504 engages the aerosol-generating device 502 via a screw thread, although any type of connection such as a snap fitting or simple push fitting may be used.

[0106] The aerosol-generating device 502 comprises a device housing 506 which defines a cavity and a first engaging device portion 508 and a second engaging device portion 510. The device housing 506 further defines screw threads 512. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a power supply 514. The power supply 514 is connected to a controller 516. The power supply 514 is also connected to first device contact 518 and a second device contact 520. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first air inlet 524 and a second air inlet 526. When the cartridge 400 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 502, the first air inlet 524 of the aerosol-generating device 502 is in fluid communication with the first cap aperture 432 of the cartridge 400 and the second air inlet 526 of the aerosol-generating device 502 is in fluid communication with the second cap aperture 434 of the cartridge 400. The aerosol-generating device 502 further comprises a flow sensor (not shown) configured to detect an air flow through an air flow passage between the first air inlet of the aerosol-generating device 502 and the first cap aperture 432 of the cartridge 400. The flow sensor is connected to the controller 516. The aerosol-generating device 502 further comprises an electrically resistive heating element 522 connected to both the power supply 514 and the controller 516. The controller 516 is configured to control the power supplied from the power supply 514 to the electrically resistive heating element 522 and, when the cartridge 400 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 502, the inductor coil 436. When the cartridge 400 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 502, the heating element 522 of the device is located within the cavity 442 of the cartridge 400. In this embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element 522 is an electrically resistive track on a flexible substrate. Specifically, the heating element comprises a metallic etched foil forming a track, held between two layers of Kapton®. The aerosol-generating device 502 further comprises a recess (not shown) which corresponds to the protrusion on the outer surface of the cartridge body 418.

[0107] Operation of the aerosol-generating system 500 is as follows. The cartridge 400 is inserted into the cavity defined by the aerosol-generating device 502. The protrusion of the outer surface of the cartridge body 418 and the corresponding recess of the aerosol-generating device 502 cooperate to ensure that the cartridge 400 can engage the aerosol-generating device 502 in only one orientation. This ensures that the heating element 522 of the aerosol-generating device can be located in the cavity 442 of the cartridge 400 quickly and easily. The first and second engaging portions 419, 421 of the cartridge 400 engage the first and second engaging portions 508, 510 of the aerosol-generating device 502 respectively. In this engaged positon, the first electrical contact 438 and the second electrical contact 440 of the cartridge 400 engage the first device contact 518 and the second device contact 520 respectively. Thus, in this engaged position, the inductor coil 436 is connected to the power supply 514. The mouthpiece 504 then engages the screw threads 512 of the aerosol-generating device 502.

[0108] A user draws on a downstream end of the mouthpiece 504. This action draws air in through the first and second air inlets of the aerosol-generating device 502. The flow sensor in the aerosol-generating device 502 detects a change in air flow through the device which indicates that a user is taking a puff. The controller 516 increases the power supplied from the power supply 514 to the inductor coil 436 from zero to an inductor coil operational power and the power supplied to the heating element 522 from zero to a heating element operational power. The power supply 514 provides an alternating electric current to the inductor coil 436 such that the inductor coil 436 generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0109] The alternating magnetic field generates eddy currents within the susceptor heating elements 422, 424, which are heated as a result. Further heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptors. Heating elements 422, 424 heat the first compartment 402 and second compartment 410 to temperatures between approximately 80 degrees Centigrade and approximately 150 degrees Centigrade. This heats the nicotine source 408 and acid source 416 to volatise nicotine compounds and acid compounds.

[0110] Air flow through the first air inlet 524 of the device flows through the first cap aperture 432 then through the first air inlet 404 of the first compartment 102. This air flow entrains a volatised nicotine compound from the nicotine source 408 which has been heated by adjacent susceptor heating element 422 and electrically resistive heating element 522. The air flow and entrained nicotine compound exit the first compartment 402 through the first air outlet 406 of the first compartment 402 into the mixing chamber 420.

[0111] Meanwhile, air flow through the second air inlet 526 of the device flows through the second cap aperture 434 then through the second air inlet 412 of the second compartment 410. This air flow entrains a volatised acid compound from the acid source 408 which has been heated by adjacent susceptor heating element 424 and electrically resistive heating element 522. The air flow and entrained acid compound exit the second compartment 410 through the second air outlet 414 of the second compartment 410 into the mixing chamber 420.

[0112] The entrained nicotine compound mixes with the entrained acid compound in the mixing chamber 420. The mixing chamber 420 is heated by heating elements 422, 424 to a temperature of between approximately 60 degrees Centigrade and approximately 80 degrees Centigrade. The nicotine compound reacts with the acid compound in the mixing chamber 420 to form an aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid which exits the cartridge 400 through the cartridge exit 423. The aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid then flows through the downstream end of the mouthpiece 504 and is delivered to the user.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system in accordance with a third embodiment. The cartridge 600 comprises a first compartment 602 having a first air inlet 604 and a first air outlet 606. The first compartment 602 contains a nicotine source 608. The cartridge 600 further comprises a second compartment 610 having a second air inlet 612 and a second air outlet 614. The second compartment 610 contains an acid source 616. The cartridge 600 further comprises a cartridge housing body 618 defining a mixing chamber 620 and a cartridge exit 623. The mixing chamber 620 is positioned between the first and second compartment air outlets 606, 614 and the cartridge exit 623. The cartridge 600 further comprises a cap 630 with a first cap aperture 632 and a second cap aperture 634. The cap 630 defines screw thread 636. The cap 630 is positioned upstream of the first and second compartment air inlets 604, 612.

[0114] The cartridge 600 further comprises a first heating element 622 and a second heating element 624. First heating element 622 is located within the first compartment 602. In use, the first heating element 622 heats the nicotine source 608 and the mixing chamber 620. Second heating element 624 is located within the second compartment 610. In use, the second heating element 624 heats the acid source 616 and the mixing chamber 620. The first and second heating elements are susceptors, though the cartridge 600 would function in much the same way if one or more of these heating elements were electrically resistive heating elements with connection to a power source.

[0115] In the cartridge 600 of FIG. 6, a portion of the mixing chamber 620 is located between the first compartment 602 and the second compartment 604. The cartridge 600 further comprises flow obstructions 638, 640. FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system 700 comprising an aerosol-generating device 702 engaging the cartridge 600 of FIG. 6.

[0116] The aerosol-generating device 702 comprises a device housing 706 which defines a cavity for receiving a portion of cartridge 600. The device housing 706 further defines screw thread 712 which cooperates with screw thread 636 of the cartridge 600 to secure the cartridge in engagement with the aerosol-generating device 702. In this embodiment, the cartridge 600 engages the aerosol-generating device 502 via a screw thread, although with trivial modifications any type of connection such as a snap fitting or simple push fitting may be used.

[0117] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a power supply 714. The power supply 714 is connected to a controller 716. The power supply 714 is also connected to an inductor coil 718. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first air inlet 720 and a second air inlet 722. When the cartridge 600 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 702, the first air inlet 720 of the aerosol-generating device is in fluid communication with the first cap aperture 632 of the cartridge 600 and the second air inlet 722 of the aerosol-generating device 702 is in fluid communication with the second cap aperture 634 of the cartridge 600. The aerosol-generating device 702 further comprises a flow sensor (not shown) configured to detect an air flow through an air flow passage between the first air inlet 720 of the aerosol-generating device 702 and the first cap aperture 632 of the cartridge 600. The flow sensor is connected to the controller 716.

[0118] Operation of the aerosol-generating system 700 is as follows. The cartridge 600 is inserted into the cavity defined by the aerosol-generating device 702. The screw thread 636 cooperates with the screw thread 712.

[0119] A user draws on a downstream end, or mouthpiece portion, of the cartridge 600. This action draws air in through the first and second air inlets of the aerosol-generating device 702. The flow sensor in the aerosol-generating device 702 detects a change in air flow through the device which indicates that a user is taking a puff. The controller 716 increases the power supplied from the power supply 714 to the inductor coil 718 from zero to an inductor coil operational power. The power supply 714 provides an alternating electric current to the inductor coil 436 such that the inductor coil 718 generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0120] The alternating magnetic field generates eddy currents within the susceptor heating elements 622, 624 which are heated as a result. Further heating is provided by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptors. The susceptors heat the first compartment 602 and the second compartment 610 to approximately 100 degrees Centigrade. This heats the nicotine source 608 and acid source 616 to volatise a nicotine compound and an acid compound.

[0121] Air flow through the first air inlet 720 of the device 702 flows through the first cap aperture 632 then through the first air inlet 604 of the first compartment 602. This air flow entrains a volatised nicotine compound from the nicotine source 608 which has been heated by the susceptor heating element 622. The air flow and entrained nicotine compound exit the first compartment 602 through the first air outlet 606 of the first compartment 602 into the mixing chamber 620.

[0122] Meanwhile, air flow through the second air inlet 722 of the device 702 flows through the second cap aperture 634 then through the second air inlet 612 of the second compartment 610. This air flow entrains a volatised acid compound from the acid source 608 which has been heated by the susceptor heating element 624. The air flow and entrained acid compound exit the second compartment 610 through the second air outlet 614 of the second compartment 610 into the mixing chamber 620.

[0123] The entrained nicotine compound mixes with the entrained acid compound in the mixing chamber 620. The mixing chamber 620 is heated by heating elements 622, 624 to a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Centigrade. The air flows and entrained nicotine compound and acid compound contact the flow obstructions 638, 640 in the mixing chamber 620. The flow obstructions 638, 640 help to mix the air flows and entrained compounds by changing flow directions of portions of the air flows. The nicotine compound reacts with the acid compound in the mixing chamber 620 to form an aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid which exits the cartridge 600 through the cartridge exit 623. The aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid then flows through the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge and is delivered to the user.

[0124] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating system 800 in accordance with a fourth embodiment comprising an aerosol-generating device 802 engaging a cartridge 850.

[0125] The aerosol-generating device 802 comprises a device housing 806 which defines a screw thread 812. The aerosol-generating device 802 further comprises a power supply 814. The power supply 814 is connected to a controller 816. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first air inlet 818 and a second air inlet 820. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a flow sensor (not shown) configured to detect an air flow through an air flow passage between the first air inlet of the aerosol-generating device and the first cap aperture of the cartridge. The flow sensor is connected to the controller 816. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an electrically resistive heating element 822 connected to the power supply 814 and the controller 816.

[0126] The cartridge 850 comprises a first compartment 852 having a first air inlet 854 and a first air outlet 856. The first compartment 852 also contains a nicotine source 858. The cartridge 850 further comprises a second compartment 860 having a second air inlet 862 and a second air outlet 864. The second compartment 860 also contains an acid source 866. The cartridge 850 further comprises a cartridge housing body 868 defining a mixing chamber 870, a cartridge exit 872 and a screw thread 874. The mixing chamber 870 is positioned between the first and second compartment air outlets 856, 864 and the cartridge exit 872. The cartridge 850 further comprises a cap 880 with a first cap aperture 882 and a second cap aperture 884. The cap 880 is positioned upstream of the first and second compartment air inlets 854, 862. The cartridge 850 further comprises a cavity 886 extending through the cap 880 and into the cartridge housing body 868.

[0127] When the cartridge 850 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device, the first air inlet of the aerosol-generating device is in fluid communication with the first cap aperture 882 of the cartridge 850 and the second air inlet of the aerosol-generating device is in fluid communication with the second cap aperture 884 of the cartridge 850. When the cartridge 850 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 802, the heating element 822 of the device is located within the cavity 886 of the cartridge 850.

[0128] Operation of the aerosol-generating system 800 is as follows. The cartridge 850 is inserted into the cavity 886 defined by the aerosol-generating device. The screw thread 812 of the device engages the screw thread 874 of the cartridge 850.

[0129] A user draws on a downstream end of a mouthpiece (not shown) which is removably attached to a downstream end of the cartridge. This action draws air in through the first and second air inlets of the aerosol-generating device 802. The flow sensor in the aerosol-generating device 802 detects a change in air flow through the device which indicates that a user is taking a puff. The controller 816 increases the power supplied from the power supply 814 to the electrically resistive heating element 822 from zero to an operational power. The temperature of the heating element 822 increases as a result to approximately 100 degrees Centigrade. The heating element 822 heats the first compartment and the second compartment to approximately 80 degrees Centigrade. The heats the nicotine source 858 and the acid source 866 to volatise nicotine and acid compounds.

[0130] Air flow through the first air inlet of the device flows through the first cap aperture 882 then through the first air inlet 854 of the first compartment 852. This air flow entrains a volatised nicotine compound from the nicotine source 858 which has been heated by heating element 822. The air flow and entrained, volatised nicotine compound exit the first compartment 852 through the first air outlet 856 of the first compartment 852 into the mixing chamber 870.

[0131] Meanwhile, air flow through the second air inlet of the device flows through the second cap aperture 884 then through the second air inlet 862 of the second compartment 860. This air flow entrains a volatised acid compound from the acid source 866 which has been heated by heating element 822. The air flow and entrained, volatised acid compound exit the second compartment 860 through the second air outlet 864 of the second compartment 860 into the mixing chamber 870.

[0132] The entrained, volatised nicotine compound mixes with the entrained, volatised acid compound in the mixing chamber 870. The mixing chamber is heated by heating element 822 to a temperature of approximately 80 degrees Centigrade. The volatised nicotine compound reacts with the volatised acid compound in the mixing chamber 870 to form an aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid which exits the cartridge 850 through the cartridge exit 873. The aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid then flows through the downstream end of the mouthpiece and is delivered to the user.

[0133] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a cartridge for use in an aerosol-generating system in accordance with a fifth embodiment. The cartridge 900 comprises a first compartment 902 having a first air inlet 904 and a first air outlet 906. The first compartment 902 also contains a nicotine source 908. The cartridge 900 further comprises a second compartment 910 having a second air inlet 912 and a second air outlet 914. The second compartment 910 also contains an acid source 916. The cartridge 900 further comprises a cartridge housing body 918 defining engaging cartridge portions 919, 921, a mixing chamber 920 and a cartridge exit 923. The mixing chamber 920 is positioned between that first and second compartment air outlets 906, 914 and the cartridge exit 923. The cartridge 900 further comprises a cap 930 with a first cap aperture 932 and a second cap aperture 934. The cap 930 is positioned upstream of the first and second compartment air inlets 904, 912.

[0134] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device 1000 is compatible with the cartridge 900 shown in FIG. 9. The aerosol-generating device 1000 comprises a device housing 1002 which defines a cavity 1004 and a first engaging device portion 1006 and a second engaging device portion 1008. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a power supply 1010 connected to a controller 1012. The aerosol-generating device 1000 further comprises an electrically resistive coil 1014 disposed around a portion of the cavity 1004. The coil 1014 is connected to the controller 1012. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first air inlet 1016 and a second air inlet 1018. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a temperature sensor (not shown), and a user interface including a user button (not shown). The user interface further comprises a screen for presenting information relating to the aerosol-generating device 1000 to the user.

[0135] In use, a user presses the user button and the power supply 1010 connected to the coil 1014 provides an electric current to the coil 1014 such that the temperature of the coil 1014 increases. This heats the first compartment 902 and the second compartment 910 to temperatures of between approximately 80 degrees Centigrade and approximately 100 degrees Centigrade. This heats the nicotine source 908 and acid source 916 to volatise nicotine and acid compounds.

[0136] FIG. 11 is an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge of FIG. 9 engaged with the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 10. To engage the cartridge 900 with the aerosol-generating device 1002, the cartridge 900 is received in the cavity 1004 of the aerosol-generating device 1002 and the first engaging device portion 1006 and the second engaging device portion 1008 engage the first engaging cartridge portion 919 and the second engaging cartridge portion 921 respectively. This secures the cartridge in place.

[0137] When the cartridge 900 is engaged with the aerosol-generating device 1000, the coil 1014 surrounds the first compartment 902, the second compartment 910, and a portion of the mixing chamber 920.

[0138] The aerosol-generating system 1100 further comprises a mouthpiece (not shown). A portion of the mouthpiece surrounds a portion of the cartridge. The mouthpiece engages the device housing 1002 to secure the mouthpiece in position.

[0139] In use, the operation of the aerosol-generating system is as follows. A user draws on a downstream end of the mouthpiece. This action draws air in through the first air inlet 1016 of the device and the second air inlet 1018 of the device. The user presses the user button. This increases the power supplied from the power supply 1010 to the coil 1014 from zero to an operational power. The temperature of the coil 1014 increases and, as a result, heats the first compartment 902, the second compartment 910, and the mixing chamber 920. This mixing chamber is heated to a temperature between approximately 60 degrees Centigrade and 80 degrees Centigrade. In this embodiment, the system operates in a continuous heating mode. This means that the coil 1014 heats the first compartment, 902, the second compartment 910, and the mixing chamber 920 throughout an operating session rather than in response to sensed user puffs. A temperature sensor and a screen are provided in the aerosol-generating device 1000 so that a user can be provided with an indication of when an operating temperature has been reached. During operation, the coil operates at approximately 200 degrees Centigrade. The heater may operate for a fixed period of time after activation, say 5 minutes, or may operate until a user stops the power supply 1010 from supplying power to the coil 1014 off by pressing the user button again.

[0140] Air flow through the first air inlet 1016 of the device flows through the first cap aperture 932 then through the first air inlet 904 of the first compartment 902. This air flow entrains a volatised nicotine compound from the nicotine source 908 which has been heated by adjacent heating element 922. The air flow and entrained, volatised nicotine compound exit the first compartment 902 through the first air outlet 906 of the first compartment 902 into the mixing chamber 920.

[0141] Meanwhile, air flow through the second air inlet 1018 of the device flows through the second cap aperture 934 then through the second air inlet 912 of the second compartment 910. This air flow entrains a volatised acid compound from the acid source 908 which has been heated by coil 1014. The air flow and entrained, volatised acid compound exit the second compartment 910 through the second air outlet 914 of the second compartment 910 into the mixing chamber 920.

[0142] The entrained, volatised nicotine compound mixes with the entrained, volatised acid compound in the mixing chamber 920. The mixing chamber is heated by coil 1014. The nicotine compound reacts with the acid compound in the mixing chamber 920 to form an aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid which exits the cartridge 900 through the cartridge exit 923. The aerosol containing reacted nicotine and reacted acid then flows through a cavity defined by the mouthpiece and is delivered to the user.

[0143] The figures show particular embodiments of the invention. However, it should be clear that changes may be made to the described embodiments within the scope of the invention. Features described in relation to one embodiment may be applied to one or more of the other embodiments.

[0144] Advantageously, all of the embodiments described herein comprise a heating element configured to heat the mixing chamber to achieve an increased rate of reaction between nicotine and acid in the mixing chamber.