AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE HEATING ELEMENTS

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system includes a reservoir containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The system also includes first and second heating elements and first and second liquid transfer elements. The first and second heating elements are spaced apart from the reservoir. The first and second liquid transfer elements are configured to deliver aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the heating elements. The first liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the first heating element. The second liquid transfer element has first and second end portions and a portion between the first and second end portions at the second heating element. The portion of the first liquid transfer element at the first heating element may extend in a first direction. The portion of the second liquid transfer element at the second heating element may extend in a second direction.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system comprising: a vaporizing unit including, a proximal end plate, a pad of liquid retention material, at least one liquid transfer element, and at least one heating element, the proximal end plate defining a first portion of a central opening and a plurality of other openings at least partially surrounding the central opening, the pad of liquid retention material parallel with a first side of the proximal end plate, and the pad of liquid retention material defining a second portion of the central opening, the at least one liquid transfer element and the at least one heating element aligned with the central opening; a first part releasably coupleable to the vaporizing unit; and a second part releasably coupleable to the vaporizing unit and the first part.

2. The aerosol-generating system of claim 1, wherein the vaporizing unit is releasably coupleable to a capsule, and the first part is configured to encase the vaporizing unit and the capsule.

3. The aerosol-generating system of claim 2, wherein the capsule comprises a reservoir configured to receive a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and the reservoir is configured to be in communication with the at least one liquid transfer element.

4. The aerosol-generating system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of other openings are aligned with distal end openings of the reservoir.

5. The aerosol-generating system of claim 3, wherein the at least one heating element comprises: a first heating element spaced apart from the reservoir in a first direction of a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system; and a second heating element also spaced apart from the reservoir in a second direction of the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system.

6. The aerosol-generating system of claim 5, wherein the at least one liquid transfer element comprises: a first liquid transfer element configured to deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the first heating element; and a second liquid transfer element configured to deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the second heating element.

7. The aerosol-generating system of claim 6, wherein the first liquid transfer element comprises: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a main portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the main portion near the first heating element, the first end portion and the second end portion configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-gorming substrate from the reservoir to the first heating element.

8. The aerosol-generating system of claim 7, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of the first liquid transfer element are in fluid communication with the reservoir.

9. The aerosol-generating system of claim 7, wherein the first liquid transfer element is U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

10. The aerosol-generating system of claim 6, wherein the second liquid transfer element includes: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a main portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the main portion near the second heating element, the first end portion and the second end portion configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-gorming substrate from the reservoir to the second heating element.

11. The aerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of the second liquid transfer element are in fluid communication with the reservoir.

12. The aerosol-generating system of claim 10, wherein the second liquid transfer element is U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

13. The aerosol-generating system of claim 2, wherein the vaporizing unit includes one or more protruding elements configured to be received in recesses in the capsule.

14. The aerosol-generating system of claim 1, wherein the vaporizing unit is fixedly coupleable to a capsule, and the first part is configured to encase the vaporizing unit and the capsule.

15. The aerosol-generating system of claim 14, wherein the capsule includes a reservoir configured to receive a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and the reservoir is configured to be in communication with the at least one liquid transfer element.

16. The aerosol-generating system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of other openings are aligned with distal end openings of the reservoir.

17. The aerosol-generating system of claim 15, wherein the at least one heating element comprises: a first heating element spaced apart from the reservoir in a first direction of a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system; and a second heating element also spaced apart from the reservoir in a second direction of the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system.

18. The aerosol-generating system of claim 17, wherein the at least one liquid transfer element includes: a first liquid transfer element configured to deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the first heating element; and a second liquid transfer element configured to deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the second heating element.

19. The aerosol-generating system of claim 18, wherein the first liquid transfer element includes: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a main portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the main portion near the first heating element, and the first end portion and the second end portion are configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the first heating element.

20. The aerosol-generating system of claim 19, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of the first liquid transfer element are in fluid communication with the reservoir.

21. The aerosol-generating system of claim 19, wherein the first liquid transfer element is U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

22. The aerosol-generating system of claim 18, wherein the second liquid transfer element includes: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a main portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the main portion near the second heating element, and the first end portion and the second end portion are configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the second heating element.

23. The aerosol-generating system of claim 22, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion of the second liquid transfer element are in fluid communication with the reservoir.

24. The aerosol-generating system of claim 22, wherein the second liquid transfer element is U-shaped, C-shaped, or V-shaped.

25. The aerosol-generating system of claim 1, wherein the first part includes a power supply and an electronic circuity that are configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one heating element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more features described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other features not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number. In addition, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components.

[0074] FIG. 1A is a side view of disconnected parts and cover, and illustrates internal components of the parts according to at least one example embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 1B is a side view of connected parts illustrating internal components of the parts according to at least one example embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 1C is a side view of connected parts showing only exterior portions of the cover and part containing a power supply according to at least one example embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 2A shows the parts connected and the cover removed according to at least one example embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 2B shows the system with the cover secured in place according to at least one example embodiment.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an aerosol-generating system having connected parts and cover, and illustrating a flow path according to at least one example embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 4 is a schematic face view of an example of a vaporizing unit showing liquid transfer elements disposed under proximal end plate according to at least one example embodiment.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing components of a vaporizing unit according to at least one example embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective exploded view showing components of a vaporizing unit according to at least one example embodiment.

[0083] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are shown. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Thus, the embodiments may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope.

[0085] In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity, and like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0086] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0087] It will be understood that, if an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected, or coupled, to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

[0088] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” if used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

[0089] Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or a relationship between a feature and another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, for example, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation that is above, as well as, below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or viewed or referenced at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0090] Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures). As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, may be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but may include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle may have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient (e.g., of implant concentration) at its edges rather than an abrupt change from an implanted region to a non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation may take place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes do not necessarily illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and do not limit the scope.

[0091] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

[0092] Although corresponding plan views and/or perspective views of some cross-sectional view(s) may not be shown, the cross-sectional view(s) of device structures illustrated herein provide support for a plurality of device structures that extend along two different directions as would be illustrated in a plan view, and/or in three different directions as would be illustrated in a perspective view. The two different directions may or may not be orthogonal to each other. The three different directions may include a third direction that may be orthogonal to the two different directions. The plurality of device structures may be integrated in a same electronic device. For example, when a device structure (e.g., a memory cell structure or a transistor structure) is illustrated in a cross-sectional view, an electronic device may include a plurality of the device structures (e.g., memory cell structures or transistor structures), as would be illustrated by a plan view of the electronic device. The plurality of device structures may be arranged in an array and/or in a two-dimensional pattern.

[0093] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0094] In order to more specifically describe example embodiments, various features will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, example embodiments described are not limited thereto.

[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-C, an aerosol-generating system 100 includes a first part 10, a vaporizing unit 20, a capsule 30, and a cover 40. The first part 10 is releasably connectable to the vaporizing unit 20. The vaporizing unit 20 is releasably connectable to the capsule 30. The cover 40 is disposable over the vaporizing unit 20 and capsule 30. The cover 40 is releasable securable in a position relative to the vaporizing unit 20 and capsule 30. In at least one example embodiment, (not depicted) the components of the vaporizing unit and capsule, may comprise a single unit.

[0096] The first part 10 comprises a housing 130 in which a power supply 110 and electronic circuitry 120 are disposed. The electronic circuitry 120 is electrically coupled to the power supply 110. Electrical conductors 140 may connect contacts (not shown) for example exposed through, positioned on, or integral to the housing 130.

[0097] The vaporizing unit 20 comprises a housing 240 in which liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B and heating elements 220A, 220B are disposed. The first liquid transfer element 210A is substantially U-shaped, having first and second end portions and a central portion between the first and second end portions. The central portion of the first liquid transfer element 210A is in thermal connection with the first heating element 220A. The second liquid transfer element 210B is also substantially U-shaped, having first and second end portions and a central portion between the first and second end portions. The central portion of the second liquid transfer element 210B is in thermal connection with the second heating element 220B. Electrical conductors 230A, 230B electrically couple the heating elements 220A, 220B to electrical contacts (not shown) exposed through, positioned on, or integral to the housing 240. When the vaporizing unit 20 is connected to the first part 10 (as shown in FIG. 1B), the heating element 220 is electrically coupled with the circuitry 120 and power supply 110. The heating elements 220A, 220B may be connected in any suitable manner, such as in parallel, in series, or separately coupled to electrical circuitry 120.

[0098] The capsule 30 comprises a housing 310 defining a reservoir 300 in which a liquid aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) is stored. When the capsule 30 is connected to the vaporizing unit 20, the reservoir 300 and thus the aerosol-forming substrate is in fluid communication with the liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B.

[0099] The capsule 30 may include valves 399 configured to be closed when the vaporizing unit 20 and capsule 30 are not connected (such as in FIG. 1A) and configured to be open when the vaporizing unit 20 and capsule 30 are connected (such as in FIG. 1B). The valves 399 are aligned with distal openings in the capsule 30 and proximal openings in the vaporizing unit 20 such that when the valves are open, liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir 300 is in communication with liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B.

[0100] The vaporizing unit 20 includes proximal protruding elements 249 configured to be received in recesses 349 of the capsule 30 to securely couple the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30. A mechanism (not shown) coupled to valve 349 may be positioned in one or more recesses 349 such that when protruding element 249 is inserted into recess 349, the valve 399 opens and when protruding element 249 is withdrawn from recess 349, the valve 399 closes.

[0101] Also shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are passageways for air or aerosol flow through the system 100. The vaporizing unit 20 comprises inlets in housing in communication with passageway 215 that extends to the proximal end of the vaporizing unit 20. A central passageway 315 extends through the capsule 30 and is in communication with the passageway 215 of the vaporizing unit 20 when the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30 are connected. The cover 40 comprises a central passageway 415. The central passageway 415 of the cover 40 is in communication with the central passageway 315 of the capsule 30 when the cover 40 is disposed over the capsule 30.

[0102] In at least one example embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1A-C, the cover 40 is configured to be disposed over the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30. In at least one example embodiment, a smooth transition is formed across the outer surface of the system 100 at the transition between the cover 40 and the first part 10. The cover 40 may be maintained in position in any suitable manner, such as such as threaded engagement, snap-fit engagement, interference-fit engagement, magnetic engagement, or the like to any one or more of the first part 10, vaporizing unit 20, or capsule 30 (engagement not shown).

[0103] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-B, an aerosol-generating system 100 may include a first part 10, a vaporizing unit 20, a capsule 30 and a cover 40. The parts are generally as described with regard to FIGS. 1A-C. In at least one example embodiment, (not depicted) the components of the vaporizing unit may be included in the capsule, and the system would not include a separate vaporizing unit.

[0104] The connected system depicted in FIGS. 2A-B extends from a mouth end 101 to a distal end 102. The housing of the capsule 30 defines an opening 35 in communication with a passage through the length of the capsule 30. The passage defines a portion of an aerosol flow path through the system 100. The housing of the vaporizing unit 20 defines an air inlet 240 in communication with a passage through the capsule 20. The passage through the vaporizing unit 20 is in communication with the passage through the capsule 30. The cover 40, which is configured to cover the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30, comprises a sidewall defining an air inlet 44 that is in communication with the air inlet 240 of the vaporizing unit 20 when the cover 40 is secured in place relative to the other parts of the system. The housing of the cover 40 also defines a mouth end opening 45 that is in communication with the passage through the capsule 30. Accordingly, when an adult vaper draws on the mouth end 101 of the system 100, air enters inlet 44 of cover 40, then enters inlet 240 of the vaporizing unit 20, flows through the passage in the vaporizing unit 20, through the passage in the capsule 30, through the opening 35 at the proximal end of the capsule, and through the mouth end opening 45.

[0105] In at least one example embodiment, (not shown), air inlets may be formed in the housing of the first part and a passage extends through the housing to a passage in the vaporizing unit.

[0106] The first part 10 of the aerosol-generating system depicted in FIGS. 2A-B includes a button 15 that may be depressed to activate, and optionally, to deactivate the system. The button 15 is coupled to a switch of the circuitry of the first part 10.

[0107] Also shown in the system 100 depicted in FIG. 2A, the housing of the first part 10 defines a rim 12 at the proximal end. The distal end of the cover 40 contacts the rim 12 when the cover 40 is secured in place over the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30. In at least one example embodiment, the size and shape of the outer edge of the rim 12 of the housing of the first part 10 is substantially the same as the size and shape of the outer edge of the distal end of the cover 40 so that a smooth along the outer surface of the system is formed at the junction of the first part and the cover.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow path through the system 100 is illustrated by thick arrows. As in FIGS. 1A-C and 2A-B, the system includes a first part 10, vaporizing unit 20, capsule 30, and cover 40 disposed over the vaporizing unit 20 and the capsule 30 and in contact with a rim of the first part 10. In some example embodiments (not depicted), the components of the vaporizing unit may be included in the capsule, and the system might not include a separate vaporizing unit. When the parts of the system are connected, heating elements 220A, 220B are coupled to control electronics and power supply (not shown) of first part 10, valves 399 are open to allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate to flow to liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B. Valves 399 may be opened by interaction of protruding elements 249 with mechanism (not shown) in recesses 349.

[0109] When an adult vaper draws on the mouth end 101, fresh air enters into the system through a sidewall 410 of the cover, such as through an air inlet 44 as depicted in FIG. 2A. The air may then flow into the vaporizing unit 20, such as through inlet 240 as depicted in FIG. 2A, and through a passage 215 in vaporizing unit 20 with which liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B are in communication. The liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B which carry aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by heating elements 220A, 220B to cause aerosol to be generated from the heated substrate. The aerosol may be entrained in the air, which flows through a passage 315 in the capsule 30, through a passage 415 in the cover 40 and out of the mouth end 101, such as through mouth end opening 45 as depicted in FIG. 2B. The first 220A and second 220B heating elements are mounted in the flow passage of the system, spaced apart in the direction of flow through the passage.

[0110] Referring now to FIG. 4, a top-down view of a vaporizing unit is shown. Liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B and heating elements 220A, 220B are depicted, but other components are not shown for purposes of illustration. The liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B and heating elements 220A, 220B are disposed under proximal end plate 280, which defines a central opening 215 in communication with the flow path and openings 290A, 290B, 290C, 290D that are configured to be longitudinally aligned with corresponding distal end openings of a reservoir when vaporizing unit is connected to a capsule. As such, the proximal end plate 280 forms part of a capsule or reservoir connecting end of the vaporizing unit. The first and second heating elements 220A, 220B are spaced at a distance from the proximal end plate 280 in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vaporizing unit. The central portions of the first and second liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B are configured to extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first and second end portions of the first and second liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B extend between the central portions at the first and second heating elements 220A, 220B and the openings of the proximal end plate 280, substantially in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the vaporizing unit. As such the first and second end portions of the first and second liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B are configured to deliver liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir to the first and second heating elements 220A, 220B when the vaporizing unit is connected to a capsule. First and second ends of the liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B are positioned to be aligned with openings 290A, 290B, 290C, 290D such that each end may be separately fed, at least to some extent, from the reservoir. Heating elements 220A, 220B are depicted as coils wrapped around liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B.

[0111] As can be seen from FIG. 4, the arrangement of the liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B in a non-aligned manner increases the area of the liquid transfer elements that will be exposed to flow parallel to the longitudinal axis of the system through opening 215 relative to the area that would be exposed if the liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B were stacked in a parallel arrangement.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 5, some parts of a vaporizing unit are shown. The vaporizing unit comprises a proximal end plate 280 (such as depicted in FIG. 4), a pad of liquid retention material 270, for example capillary material, and first 210A and second 210B liquid transfer elements. The end plate 280 and the liquid retention material 270 are arranged at a reservoir connecting end of the vaporizing unit. An annular element 216 extends from an inner surface of the plate 280. Annular element 216 may serve to separate components of the fluid flow path of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol path, which includes flow through annular member 216. The liquid retention material 270 forms a disc having two opposing substantially planar surfaces, and includes a central opening 275 configured to be disposed about the annular member 216. Each of the first end 211A and second end 213A of the first liquid transfer element 210A and the first end 211B and second end 213B of the second liquid transfer element 210B substantially lie on a common plane, such that each end contacts a substantially planar surface of the liquid retention material 270. Each end of the first and second liquid transfer elements 210A, 210B contacts the liquid retention material 270 at a location longitudinally aligned with an opening, such as opening 290B, that is in fluid communication with the reservoir, in use. The first and second end portions of each liquid transfer element 210A, 210B carry liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the respective central portions 212A, 212B. The central portion 212B of the second liquid transfer element 210B extends further from the liquid retention material 270, and thus further from the reservoir, than the central portion 212A of the first liquid transfer element 210A. In this example, the first and second liquid transfer elements comprise fused silica wicks comprising a bundle of silica fibers. The diameter of the wick of the second liquid transfer element is greater than that of the wick of the first liquid transfer element to facilitate the transport of liquid to the second heating element. In at least one example embodiment, the second liquid transfer element 210B has a diameter of about 3.5 mm, while the diameter of the first liquid transfer element 210A is about 2.5 mm.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 6, parts of a vaporizing unit are shown. The vaporizing unit includes a distal end plate 280 and an annular sidewall 282 extending distally from the plate 280. The pate 280 defines an aerosol flow path opening 275 and fluid flow path openings, such as opening 290B, configured to be in fluid communication with a reservoir. The annular sidewall 282 is configured to receive a liquid retention material 270, which may be placed in contact with the inner surface of the plate 280. The liquid retention material 270 comprises a mat of polymer fibers, for example PET fibers. Annular sidewall 282 is also configured to receive first 210A and second 210B liquid transfer elements. Ends of first 210A and second 210B liquid transfer elements are configured to contact liquid retention material 270 at positions longitudinally aligned with fluid openings of plate 280, such as opening 290B. A first heating element 220A, depicted as a coil, is in contact with a central portion of the first liquid transfer element 210A. The first heating element 220A is electrically coupled to first 230A1 and second 230A2 conductors, which may ultimately electrically couple with electronic circuitry and power supply. A second heating element 220B, depicted as a coil, is in contact with a central portion of the second liquid transfer element 210B. The second heating element 220B is electrically coupled to first 230B1 and second 230B2 conductors, which may ultimately electrically couple with electronic circuitry and power supply. The vaporizing unit may include an annular outer housing 284 configured to receive the annular sidewall 282 and other components and to abut plate 280 at a rim about the sidewall 282.

[0114] Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific example embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical arts, electrical arts, and aerosol generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.