AEROSOL DELIVERY COMPONENT

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an aerosol delivery component comprising a tank defining a storage chamber for storing a first liquid aerosol precursor and an air bleed channel extending from an outside channel opening outside of the tank to an inside channel opening within the tank. The air bleed channel has a volume between 1% and 20%, e.g. greater than 10% of the volume of the storage chamber. The air bleed channel may comprise an s-bend channel for retaining the first liquid aerosol precursor in an inverted orientation of the component.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery component comprising: a tank defining a storage chamber for storing a first liquid aerosol precursor, the storage chamber having a volume, an air bleed channel extending from an outside channel opening outside of the tank to an inside channel opening within the tank, wherein the air bleed channel has a volume in a range from 1% to 20% of the volume of the storage chamber.

2. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 wherein the air bleed channel has a volume of greater than 5% of the volume of the storage chamber.

3. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 2 wherein the air bleed channel has a volume of greater than 10% of the volume of the storage chamber.

4. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 wherein the air bleed channel comprises an s-bend channel for retaining the first liquid aerosol precursor in an inverted orientation of the component.

5. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 4 wherein the bleed channel comprises a first bend portion extending from the inside channel opening and a crown portion comprising a second bend portion wherein the crown portion is vertically spaced above the first bend portion in the inverted orientation.

6. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 5 wherein the first bend portion and the crown portion are vertically spaced by a first substantially linear portion with a second substantially linear portion extending from the crown portion to the outside channel opening.

7. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 6 wherein the first and second linear portions are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component.

8. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 5, further comprising an aerosol generator comprising a porous liquid transfer element having a conveying portion and an aerosol generating portion and wherein the tank comprises a conduit extending from a tank upper wall, the conveying portion extending within the conduit, wherein the crown portion of the bleed channel is substantially aligned in a horizontal direction with the upstream end of the conduit.

9. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 8 wherein the aerosol generator is a passive aerosol generator configured to generate a first aerosol without the application of heat.

10. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 5 wherein the tank comprises an elongate body extending longitudinally within the storage chamber on an inside surface of the tank and wherein the first and second linear portions of the air bleed channel extend within the elongate body.

11. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 further comprising a container defining a reservoir for storing a second liquid aerosol precursor and a vaporiser for vaporising the second liquid aerosol precursor, wherein a flow passage extends from the vaporiser past the outside opening of the air bleed channel.

12. An aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 wherein the outside channel opening is radially outwards of the inside channel opening.

13. An aerosol delivery device system comprising an aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 and a device comprising a power source.

14. A method of operating an aerosol delivery system comprising inserting an aerosol delivery component according to claim 1 into a device comprising a power source.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

[0100] So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0101] FIGS. 1A and 1B is a schematic drawing of an aerosol delivery system according to a first embodiment;

[0102] FIGS. 2A and 2B is a schematic drawing of an aerosol delivery system according to a second embodiment;

[0103] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a consumable, according to a third embodiment, in a deactivated state;

[0104] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional schematic view of the flavour pod portion of the consumable of the third embodiment;

[0105] FIGS. 3C and 3D are respective top and perspective views of a mouthpiece of the third embodiment; and

[0106] FIG. 4 shows the air bleed channel of the component in an inverted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0107] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a schematic view of an aerosol delivery system in the form of a smoking substitute system 10. In this example, the smoking substitute system 10 comprises an active aerosolisation portion in the form of cartomizer 101 and a passive aerosolisation portion in the form of flavour pod 102 connected to a device 100. In this example, the device 100 includes elements of the smoking substitute system 10 such as a battery, an electronic controller, and a pressure transducer (not shown). The cartomizer 101 may engage with the device 100 via a push-fit engagement, a screw-thread engagement, or a bayonet fit, for example.

[0109] The flavour pod 102 is configured to engage with the cartomizer 101 and thus with the device 100. The flavour pod 102 may engage with the cartomizer 101 via a push-fit engagement, a screw-thread engagement, or a bayonet fit, for example. FIG. 1B illustrates the cartomizer 101 engaged with the device 100, and the flavour pod 102 engaged with the cartomizer 101. As will be appreciated, in this example, the cartomizer 101 and the flavour pod 102 are distinct elements.

[0110] As will be appreciated from the following description, in other embodiments the cartomizer 101 and the flavour pod 102 may be combined into a single integrated component that implements the combined functionality of the cartomizer 101 and flavour pod 102. In other examples, the cartomizer may be absent, with only a flavour pod 102 present.

[0111] As is set forth above, reference to a “consumable” component may mean that the component is intended to be used once until exhausted, and then disposed of as waste or returned to a manufacturer for reprocessing.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown a smoking substitute system 20 comprising a device 200 and a consumable component 203. The consumable component 203 combines the functionality of the active aerosolisation portion (cartomizer 201) and the passive aerosolisation portion (flavour pod 202). In FIG. 2A, the consumable component 203 and the device 200 are shown separated from one another. In FIG. 2B, the consumable component 203 and the device 200 are engaged with each other to form the smoking substitute system 20.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 3A, there is shown a consumable component 303 engageable with a device (not shown) via a push-fit engagement. The consumable component 303 is shown in a deactivated state. The consumable component 303 may be considered to have two portions—an active aerosolisation (cartomizer) portion 301 and a passive aerosolisation (flavour pod) portion 302, both of which are located within a single consumable component 303 (as in FIGS. 2A and 2B). It should, however, be appreciated that in a variation, the cartomizer portion 301 and flavour pod portion 302 may be separate (but engageable) portions.

[0114] The consumable component 303 includes an upstream component inlet opening 306 and a downstream mouthpiece aperture 307 (i.e. defining an outlet of the consumable component 303). In other examples, a plurality of inlets and/or outlets are included. Between, and fluidly connecting, the component inlet opening 306 and the mouthpiece aperture 307 there is an airflow passage comprising (in a downstream flow direction) a vaporising chamber 325 of the cartomizer portion 301, a vapour outlet channel 323 (also within the cartomizer portion 301) and a downstream flow passage 321 (which will hereinafter be referred to as the vapour flow passage 321) of the flavour pod portion 302. The mouthpiece aperture 307 is located at the mouthpiece 309 of the consumable component 303.

[0115] As above, the consumable component 303 includes a passive aerosolisation (flavour pod) portion 302. The flavour pod portion 302 is configured to generate a first (flavoured) aerosol for output from the mouthpiece aperture 307. The flavour pod portion 302 of the consumable component 303 includes a liquid transfer element 315. This liquid transfer element 315 acts as a passive aerosol generator (i.e. an aerosol generator which does not use heat to form the aerosol), and is formed of a porous material. The liquid transfer element 315 comprises a conveying portion 317 and an aerosol generating portion 322, which is located in the vapour flow passage 321. In this example, the aerosol generating portion 322 is a porous nib.

[0116] When activated, as discussed in more detail below, a storage chamber 316 (defined by a tank 318) for storing a first aerosol precursor (i.e. a liquid comprising a flavourant) is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer element 315. The flavoured aerosol precursor, in this embodiment, is stored in a porous body within the storage chamber 316 (but may be a free-liquid). In the activated state, the liquid transfer element 315 is in contact with the flavoured aerosol precursor stored in the storage chamber 316 by way of contact with the porous body/free liquid.

[0117] The liquid transfer element 315 comprises an aerosol generating portion 322 and a conveying portion 317. The aerosol generating portion 322 is located at a downstream end (top of FIG. 3A) of the liquid transfer element 315, whilst the conveying portion 317 forms the remainder of the liquid transfer element 315. The conveying portion 317 is elongate and substantially cylindrical. The aerosol generating portion 322 is bulb/bullet-shaped, and comprises a portion which is wider (has a greater radius) than the conveying portion 317. The aerosol generating portion 322 tapers to a tip at a downstream end of the liquid transfer element 315.

[0118] The liquid transfer element 315 extends into and through the storage chamber 316, such that the conveying portion 317 is in contact with the contents of the storage chamber 316. In particular, an inner wall of the tank 318 defines a conduit 324, through which the liquid transfer element 315 extends. The liquid transfer element 315 and the conduit 324 are located in a substantially central position within the storage chamber 316 and are substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the consumable component 303.

[0119] The porous nature of the liquid transfer element 315 means that first (flavoured) aerosol precursor in the storage chamber 316 is drawn into the liquid transfer element 315. As the flavoured aerosol precursor in the liquid transfer element 315 is depleted in use, further flavoured aerosol precursor is drawn from the storage chamber 316 into the liquid transfer element 315 via a wicking action.

[0120] Before activation, the storage chamber 316 is fluidly isolated from the liquid transfer element 315. In this example, the isolation is achieved via a plug 320 (preferably formed from silicone) located at one end of a conduit 324 surrounding the liquid transfer element 315. In other examples, the plug may be replaced by any one of: a duck bill valve; a split valve or diaphragm; or a sheet of foil.

[0121] The storage chamber 316 further includes an air bleed channel which is not shown in FIG. 3A but is shown in detail in FIG. 4. In the deactivated state, the air bleed channel is sealed by a sealing element in the form of a pierceable membrane (preferably made from foil). Activation (or piercing) member (not shown), which projects inwardly from the mouthpiece 309, and may take the form of a blade, pierces the pierceable membrane and opens the air bleed channel when the consumable component 303 is moved to the activated state (as is discussed in more detail below).

[0122] The aerosol generating portion 322 is located within the vapour flow passage 321 that extends through the flavour pod portion 302. The aerosol generating portion 322, by occupying a portion of the vapour flow passage 321, constricts or narrows the vapour flow passage 321. This constricted or narrowed portion of the vapour flow passage 321 defines an aerosolisation chamber 319 of the consumable component 303. The aerosolisation chamber 319, which is adjacent the aerosol generating portion 322, is the narrowest portion of the vapour flow passage 321. The constriction of the vapour flow passage 321 at the aerosolisation chamber 319 results in increased air velocity and a corresponding reduction in air pressure of the air flowing therethrough and thus may be referred to as a Venturi aperture. The aerosolisation chamber 319 is generally toroidal in shape (extending circumferentially about the aerosol generating portion 322), but this toroidal shape may include one or more interruptions where supports extend inwardly to contact the aerosol generating portion 322 and to support the aerosol generating portion 322 within the aerosolisation chamber 319.

[0123] The cartomizer portion 301 of the consumable component 303 includes a reservoir 305 (defined by a container) for storing a second (e-liquid) aerosol precursor (which may contain nicotine). A wick 311 extends into the reservoir so as to be in contact with (i.e. partially submerged in) the e-liquid aerosol precursor. The wick 311 is formed from a porous wicking material (e.g. a polymer) that draws the e-liquid aerosol precursor from the reservoir 305 into a central region of the wick 311 that is located in the vaporising chamber 325.

[0124] A heater 314 is a configured to heat the central region of the wick 311. The heater 314 includes a resistive heating filament that is coiled around the central region of the wick 311. The wick 311 and the heater 314 generally define a vaporiser, and together with the reservoir 305 act as an active aerosol generator. The vaporiser (i.e. wick 311 and heater 314) and aerosol generating portion 322 are both at least partially located within the airflow passage, with the aerosol generating portion 322 being downstream of the vaporiser.

[0125] So that the consumable component 303 may be supplied with electrical power for activation of the heater 314, the consumable component 303 includes a pair of consumable electrical contacts 313. The consumable electrical contacts 313 are configured for electrical connection to a corresponding pair of electrical supply contacts in the device (not shown). The consumable electrical contacts 313 are electrically connected to the electrical supply contacts (not shown) when the consumable component 303 is engaged with the device. The device includes an electrical power source, for example a battery.

[0126] To transition from the deactivated state (shown in FIG. 3A) to the activated state, mouthpiece 309 is moved along a central longitudinal axis 350 in an upstream direction towards cartomizer portion 301. The mouthpiece 309 is fixed by a collar 308 to the conveying portion 317 of the liquid transfer element 315 and therefore liquid transfer element 315 moves with the mouthpiece 309. The mouthpiece 309 and liquid transfer element 315 are moved relative to the tank 316.

[0127] When the mouthpiece 309 is moved upstream, an activation/piercing member (not shown) contacts and pierces a sealing element in the form of a pierceable membrane extending across the air bleed channel 332 (shown in FIG. 4) thereby fluidly connecting the vapour flow passage 321 the storage chamber 316. This allows air from the vapour flow passage 321 to enter the storage chamber 316 as aerosol precursor is removed from the storage chamber 316 by the liquid transfer element 315.

[0128] In addition to piercing of the membrane by the piercing member, liquid transfer element 315 pushes on, and moves, plug 320 out of the conduit 324 which then allows liquid transfer element 315 to come into contact with the flavoured aerosol precursor stored in the storage chamber 316. The plug 320 may then be unconstrained within the storage chamber, or may be pushed by liquid transfer element 315 into a holding location.

[0129] Once activated, and in use, a user draws (or “sucks”, “pulls”, or “puffs”) on the mouthpiece 309 of the consumable component 303, which causes a drop in air pressure at the mouthpiece aperture 307, thereby generating air flow through the inlet opening 306, along the airflow passage, out of the mouthpiece aperture 307 and into the user's mouth.

[0130] When the heater 314 is activated by passing an electric current through the heating filament in response to the user drawing on the mouthpiece 309 (the drawing of air may be detected by a pressure transducer), the e-liquid located in the wick 311 adjacent to the heating filament is heated and vaporised to form a vapour in the vaporising chamber 325. The vapour condenses to form the e-liquid aerosol within the vapour outlet channel 323. The e-liquid aerosol is entrained in an airflow along the vapour flow passage 321 to the mouthpiece aperture 307 for inhalation by the user when the user draws on the mouthpiece 309.

[0131] The device supplies electrical current to the consumable electrical contacts 313. This causes an electric current flow through the heating filament of the heater 314 and the heating filament heats up. As described, the heating of the heating filament causes vaporisation of the e-liquid in the wick 311 to form the e-liquid aerosol.

[0132] As the air flows through the vapour flow passage 321, it encounters the aerosol generating portion 322. The constriction of the vapour flow passage 321, at the aerosolisation chamber 319, results in an increase in air velocity and corresponding decrease in air pressure in the airflow in the vicinity of the porous aerosol generating portion 322. The corresponding low pressure and high air velocity region causes the generation of the flavoured aerosol from the porous surface of the aerosol generating portion 322 of the liquid transfer element 315. The flavoured aerosol becomes entrained in the airflow and ultimately is output from the mouthpiece aperture 307 of the consumable component 303 and into the user's mouth.

[0133] The flavoured aerosol is sized to inhibit pulmonary penetration. The flavoured aerosol is formed of particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter that is greater than 70 microns. The flavoured aerosol is sized for transmission within at least one of a mammalian oral cavity and a mammalian nasal cavity. The flavoured aerosol is formed by particles having a maximum mass median aerodynamic diameter that is less than 100 microns. Such a range of mass median aerodynamic diameter will produce aerosols which are sufficiently small to be entrained in an airflow caused by a user drawing air through the device and to enter and extend through the oral and or nasal cavity to activate the taste and/or olfactory receptors.

[0134] The e-liquid aerosol generated is sized for pulmonary penetration (i.e. to deliver an active ingredient such as nicotine to the user's lungs). The e-liquid aerosol is formed of particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than 1 micron. Such sized aerosols tend to penetrate into a human user's pulmonary system, with smaller aerosols generally penetrating the lungs more easily. The e-liquid aerosol may also be referred to as a vapour.

[0135] The size of aerosol formed without heating (in the passive aerosolisation portion) is typically smaller than that formed by condensation of a vapour (formed within the active aerosolisation portion).

[0136] FIG. 3B illustrates the flow of vapour through the flavour pod portion 302 of FIG. 3A. The flavour pod portion 302 is shown in the activated state. The cartomizer portion is not shown, but it should be appreciated that the flavour pod portion 302 is engaged with the cartomizer 301 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. In other embodiments, however, the consumable component 303 may not comprise a cartomizer portion, and may provide only flavour to the user.

[0137] As is provided above, the flavour pod portion 302 comprises an upstream (i.e. upstream with respect to flow of air in use) vapour passage inlet 304 (in fluid communication with the vapour outlet channel 323) and a downstream (i.e. downstream with respect to flow of air in use) outlet in the form of a mouthpiece aperture 307. Between, and fluidly connecting the vapour passage inlet 304 and the mouthpiece aperture 307, is a vapour flow passage 321.

[0138] The vapour flow passage 321 comprises a transverse portion 321a. The airflow path through the device deflects at the vapour passage inlet 304 i.e. there is a deflection between the vapour outlet channel 323 and the transverse portion 321a of the vapour flow passage 321.

[0139] The vapour flow passage 321 then deflects again from the transverse portion 321a to a longitudinal portion 321b which extends generally longitudinally between a device housing 310 (which is integral with the mouthpiece 309) and the tank 318. The vapour flow passage deflects again at the upper wall 330 of the tank 318 within the mouthpiece 309, through the aerosolisation chamber 319, towards the mouthpiece aperture 307.

[0140] The vapour flow passage 321 may be a single (annular) flow passage around the tank 318 or it may comprises two braches which split around the tank 318 and re-join within the mouthpiece 309 proximal the liquid transfer element 315.

[0141] A transition surface 326, between the aerosolisation chamber 319 and the mouthpiece aperture 307 flares outwardly in the downstream direction, such that a diameter of the mouthpiece aperture 307 is greater than a diameter of the aerosolisation chamber 319.

[0142] In use, when a user draws on the mouthpiece 309, air flow is generated through the air flow passage through the device. Air (comprising the e-liquid aerosol from the cartomizer portion 301 as explained above with respect to FIG. 3A) flows through the vapour outlet channel 323 and into the vapour passage 321. Further downstream, as air flows past the aerosol generating portion 322 in the aerosolisation chamber 319, the velocity of the air increases, resulting in a drop in air pressure. As a result, the flavoured aerosol precursor held in the aerosol generating portion 322 becomes entrained in the air so as to form the flavoured aerosol. The flavoured aerosol has the particle size and other properties described above with respect to FIG. 3A.

[0143] As the flavoured aerosol precursor becomes entrained within the air, the liquid transfer element 315 transfers further flavoured aerosol precursor from the storage chamber 316 to the aerosol generating portion 322. More specifically, the liquid transfer element wicks the flavoured aerosol precursor from the storage chamber 316 to the aerosol generating portion 322.

[0144] FIGS. 3C and 3D show further views of the flavour pod portion 302 which highlight features of the mouthpiece 309. Many of the reference numerals of FIG. 3B are omitted from FIGS. 3C and 3D for clarity.

[0145] An uneven inner (transition) surface 326 is located between the mouthpiece aperture 307 and the aerosolisation chamber 319. In the present example, the inner surface 326 has the form of a substantially frustoconical surface, but includes grooves or channels 328 to make the inner surface 326 somewhat uneven. In other examples, the inner surface 326 may have another form (for example, the form a substantially cylindrical surface), and may include any type of protrusion or groove to make the inner surface uneven.

[0146] The inner surface 326 is angled with respect to an axial direction (i.e. relative to a central axis extending from a base of the consumable to the mouthpiece) such that the diameter of the passage 321 proximate the mouthpiece aperture 307 increases in the downstream direction. The inner surface 326 is downstream of the aerosolisation chamber 319 of the vapour flow passage 321.

[0147] The grooves 328 are generally V-shaped in cross-sectional profile, and extend in the axial direction for the full length of the inner surface 326. Each groove 328 is formed from a pair of surfaces angled at between 30 and 90 degrees (e.g. 60 degrees) relative to each other. The grooves 328 have a depth (measured normal to the inner surface 326) of at least 0.2 mm (e.g. at least 0.4 mm). The grooves 328 have a depth of less than 0.8 mm (e.g. less than 0.6 mm). The grooves have a depth of substantially 0.5 mm. The inner surface 326 comprises 9 grooves 328, but may comprise more or less grooves.

[0148] The grooves 328 are spaced apart from each other by substantially 1 mm at the downstream end of the inner surface 326. In other examples, the spacing at the downstream end of grooves or protrusions may be selected such that it is equal to or less than the mass median diameter (as described above) of particles in the flavoured aerosol.

[0149] The inner surface 326 comprises a smooth polished surface between the grooves 328. Polishing the surface in this way may provide improved aerodynamic properties. However, in other examples, the inner surface 426 may be textured. In such examples, the texture of the surface may provide the uneven surface, and no grooves may be required.

[0150] In use, the uneven nature of the inner surface 326 may make it easier for droplets to form on the inner surface 326, preventing large droplets from entering the user's mouth. The grooves 328 may help to channel the large droplets back into the consumable.

[0151] FIG. 4 shows the component in an inverted position with the mouthpiece aperture 307 as the vertically lowest point of the component. An air bleed channel 332 extending from an outside channel opening 341 outside of the tank 318 to an inside channel opening 340 within the tank 318/storage chamber 316 is provided. This will also be present in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3D but is not shown in those figures for clarity.

[0152] The air bleed channel comprises an s-bend channel formed of a first bend portion 342 comprising a smooth continuous deflection through 180 degrees proximal the inside channel opening 340. The bleed channel also comprise a first substantially linear portion 343 extending from the first bend portion 342 to a crown portion 344 comprising a second smooth continuous deflection through 180 degree. A second substantially linear portion 345 extends from the crown portion 344 to the outside channel opening 341.

[0153] The linear portions 343, 345 are substantially parallel to one another and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component.

[0154] In the inverted orientation of the component as shown in FIG. 4, the crown portion 344 is vertically spaced above the inside channel opening 340 (and above the first bend portion 342) and aligned in a horizontal direction with the upstream end of the conduit 324 enclosing the conveying portion 317 of the liquid transfer element 315.

[0155] The linear portions 343, 345 and the crown portion 344 are formed within an elongate body 346 which extends within the storage chamber 316 and is integrally formed with the inner surface of the tank 318 and the upper wall 330 of the tank.

[0156] The channel openings 340, 341 and the first bend portion are formed within the tank upper wall 330. The outside channel opening 341 is radially outwards of the inside channel opening 340. The outside channel opening 341 is distal the liquid transfer element 315 i.e. it is radially closer to the outside surface of the tank 318/mouthpiece component 309 than to the liquid transfer element 315.

[0157] The linear portions of the bleed channel may extend (e.g. longitudinally) within the storage chamber.

[0158] In an upright (use) orientation, as the volume of the flavoured liquid in the storage chamber 316 reduces, air flows from the outside channel opening 341 to the inside channel opening 340 along a flow path extending in an upstream (vertically downwards) direction to the crown portion 344 and then in a downstream (vertically upwards) direction to the first bend portion 342 before entering the storage chamber 316 at the inside opening 340.

[0159] The air bleed channel 332 has a volume that is greater than 11.5% that of the volume of the storage chamber 316. In the embodiment shown, the storage chamber 316 has a volume of 0.9 mL (i.e. it can accommodate a maximum volume of 0.9 mL liquid aerosol precursor). Thus the air bleed channel has a minimum volume of 115 mm3.

[0160] Upon inversion of the component 302, flavoured liquid will enter the bleed channel 332 through the inside channel opening 340 and will extend within the channel 332 e.g. within the first bend portion 342 and first linear portion 343. In the event of a temperature increase (e.g. an increase in temperature as may occur when the component is held within a user's pocket), the increase in volume of the flavoured liquid within the bleed channel 332 (resulting from an increase in volume in the air trapped within the storage chamber 316/tank 318) can be accommodated within the bleed channel 332 e.g. within the crown portion 344/second linear portion 345 as shown in FIG. 4. Capillary action helps retain the flavoured liquid within the air bleed channel 332 in the inverted orientation such that leakage from the outside channel opening 341 is prevented.

[0161] Assuming: a storage chamber 316 volume of 0.9 mL; a first aerosol precursor liquid comprising around 15% ethanol (with a volumetric expansion coefficient of 0.00109 I/C) and 85% propylene glycol (with a volumetric expansion coefficient of 0.00057 I/C); ideal behaviour (according to Charles' Law) of air expansion', the following air bleed channel volumes as percentages of storage chamber volume (0.9 mL) were calculated in various temperature change scenarios.

TABLE-US-00001 Volume as Air Minimum percentage Liquid ex- volume of of storage Fill precursor pansion/ liquid bleed chamber level expansion/mL mL channel/mm.sup.3 volume Scenario Full 0.0087 0.0000 9 1.0 1 - office Half full 0.0044 0.0230 27 3.0 to pocket Nearly 0.0000 0.0461 46 5.1 20-35° C. depleted Scenario Full 0.0175 0.0000 17 1.9 2 - office Half full 0.0087 0.0461 55 6.1 to car Nearly 0.0000 0.0922 92 10.2 20-50° C. depleted Scenario Full 0.0204 0.0000 20 2.3 3 - cold Half full 0.0102 0.0577 68 7.5 car to Nearly 0.0000 0.1154 115 11.5 pocket depleted 0-35° C.

[0162] Thus it can be seen that an air bleed channel having a volume of 11.5% the volume of the storage chamber 316 will be able to accommodate a 35° C. change in temperature without leakage of the liquid aerosol precursor.

[0163] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0164] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0165] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0166] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0167] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0168] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

[0169] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.