Invented by Oleg Mironov, Ihar Nikolaevich ZINOVIK, Michel THORENS, Philip Morris Products SA

The market for aerosol generating systems incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for efficient and effective aerosol delivery systems in various industries. This technology has revolutionized the way aerosols are generated and delivered, providing numerous benefits and advantages over traditional methods. Aerosol generating systems incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor are designed to produce a fine mist or spray of a liquid substance by utilizing a susceptor material that allows for the controlled release of the liquid. The susceptor material is typically made of a porous or permeable material that allows the liquid to pass through while retaining any solid particles or impurities. One of the key advantages of this technology is its ability to produce a consistent and uniform aerosol spray. The fluid-permeable susceptor ensures that the liquid is evenly distributed and atomized, resulting in a fine mist that is easily absorbed or inhaled by the target surface or organism. This is particularly important in industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and agriculture, where precise and controlled delivery of aerosols is crucial. Another significant advantage of aerosol generating systems incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor is their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These systems are designed to minimize wastage and ensure maximum utilization of the liquid substance. The susceptor material acts as a filter, preventing any solid particles or impurities from being released into the aerosol spray, thereby reducing the need for additional filtration or purification processes. Furthermore, the use of a fluid-permeable susceptor allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of the aerosol generating system. The susceptor material can be easily removed and cleaned, ensuring the system remains free from any residue or buildup that may affect its performance. This not only saves time and effort but also extends the lifespan of the system, resulting in long-term cost savings for businesses. The market for aerosol generating systems incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor is witnessing significant growth across various industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, these systems are widely used for the delivery of medications through inhalation, providing a more efficient and targeted approach to drug administration. In the healthcare sector, they are utilized for disinfection purposes, ensuring the effective distribution of disinfectants in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Additionally, the agricultural industry is also adopting this technology for the controlled release of pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals. The precise and uniform distribution of these substances ensures maximum effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact. In conclusion, the market for aerosol generating systems incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor is expanding rapidly due to the numerous advantages it offers. From precise and controlled delivery to increased efficiency and cost savings, this technology is revolutionizing the way aerosols are generated and delivered in various industries. As the demand for efficient and effective aerosol delivery systems continues to grow, the market for these systems is expected to witness further advancements and innovations in the coming years.

The Philip Morris Products SA invention works as follows

The cartridge includes: an aerosol forming substrate that contains a liquid in a capillary; and a susceptor having first and second fluid permeable portions. The first fluid-permeable part is disposed on the first side of capillary, while the second is disposed on the opposite side. This means the capillary is positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the susceptor. “A heater assembly for an electronically heatable aerosol generating system and an electrically heated aerosol generating system are also provided.

Background for Aerosol generating system incorporating a fluid-permeable susceptor

The cartridge comprises: a housing that is configured to engage with the device housing, and contains an aerosol forming substrate. The housing has an external surface around the aerosol forming substrate. At least a portion on the external surface of the housing is formed by a susceptor element.

The cartridge is designed to be used in conjunction with an electrically heated system that includes an aerosol generating device. This system comprises an aerosol generating device and an aerosol forming substrate.

A high-frequency oscillating coil is used to create an alternating magnetic fields that cause a voltage to be induced in the susceptor. The induced current flows in the susceptor, and this current heats up the aerosol-forming surface. The susceptor may generate heat if it is ferromagnetic. The susceptor element can allow the vapourised aerosol-forming material to pass through and cool down to produce an aerosol that is delivered to the user.

This arrangement uses inductive heating, which has the benefit that no electrical contact is required between the cartridges and the devices. The heating element (in this case, the susceptor) does not need to be electrically connected to other components. This eliminates the need for any bonding materials or solder. The coil is also included in the device, making it easy to build a cartridge which is inexpensive, robust and simple. Cartridges, which are disposable items, are produced in greater quantities than the devices that they work with. “Reducing the price of cartridges can save both manufacturers and consumers money, even though it may require a more expensive product.

As used in this document, “high frequency oscillating present” means an oscillating frequency between 500 kHz to 30 MHz. The high-frequency oscillating present may have a range of frequencies between 1 and 30MHz, more preferably 1 to 10MHz and even more preferably 5 to 7MHz.

As used in this document, a “susceptor component” is a conductive element that heats up when exposed to varying magnetic fields. A conductive element which heats up in response to a changing field of magnetic flux. The susceptor element may heat up due to eddy currents or hysteresis loss. Susceptor elements can be made of graphite or silicon carbide. Stainless steels, aluminium, niobium and other materials are also possible. The susceptor is an element made of ferrite. Material and geometry of the susceptor can be selected to achieve the desired electrical resistance or heat generation. The susceptor can be made up of a mesh, spiral coils, fibres, or fabric.

As used in this document, a “fluid permeable” element is an element that allows liquid or gas to pass through it. A fluid permeable element is one that allows liquid or gas to pass through. The susceptor may be formed with multiple openings to allow fluids to pass through. The susceptor element, in particular, allows the aerosol-forming substance, either in gaseous or liquid phase, to pass through it.

The susceptor may take the form of a thin sheet that extends over the opening in the cartridge housing. The susceptor may wrap around the perimeter of the cartridge housing.

The device housing can have a cavity that receives at least a part of the cartridge, when the cartridge housing engages with the housing. This cavity has an internal surface. The inductor coil can be placed on the surface of the cavity nearest to power supply or next to it. The inductor coil can be shaped so that it conforms to the interior surface of the cavity.

The device housing can consist of a main body, and a mouthpiece. The cavity can be located in the main body, and the mouthpiece may include an outlet that allows aerosol produced by the system to be drawn into the user’s mouth. The coil can be located in either the mouthpiece or the main body.

Alternatively, a mouthpiece part may be included in the cartridge. The term “mouthpiece portion” is used in this document to refer to a portion of a device or cartridge placed in a user’s oral cavity in order for the user directly inhale the aerosol produced by the aerosol generating system. The mouthpiece portion is used to deliver the aerosol directly into the user’s oral cavity.

The system can consist of an air path that extends from an inlet to a outlet. This air path may pass through the coil. The compactness of the system is achieved by allowing air to flow through the coil.

The cartridge can be simple in design.” The aerosol-forming material is contained in a cartridge housing. The cartridge housing is made of a material which is impermeable by liquid. As used herein ?rigid housing? “A housing that is self-supporting.

The aerosol-forming substratum is a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile substances which can be converted into aerosols. The volatile compounds can be released from the aerosol-forming surface by heating it. Aerosol-forming substrates can be liquid or solid, or a combination of both.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be made of plant-based materials. The aerosol-forming material may be tobacco. The aerosol forming substrate can be a tobacco-containing substance containing volatile flavour compounds of tobacco, which are released by the aerosol forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming material can be homogenised plant-based materials. The aerosol forming substrate can be homogenised tobacco. At least one aerosol former may be included in the aerosol forming substrate. Aerosol-formers are any known compounds or mixtures of compounds which, when used, form a dense, stable aerosol at the operating temperature of the system. Aerosol-formers that are suitable are known to the art. They include, but aren’t limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerine, esters such as mono-, tri-, or diacetate of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, and aliphatic ester of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarbox Polyhydric alcohols, or mixtures of them, are preferred aerosol formers. These include triethylene glycol 1,3-butanediol, and, in particular, glycerine. Aerosol-forming substances can also contain other ingredients and additives, like flavourants.

The aerosol-forming material can be coated, impregnated, or loaded in other ways onto a carrier. In one example, an aerosol-forming material is a liquid held in capillary materials. The capillary material can have a fibrous, spongy or other structure. Preferably, the capillary material comprises a bundle. The capillary material can be a number of threads, fibres, or fine bore tubes. The threads or fibres can be aligned in a general direction to transport liquid to the heater. The capillary material can also be made of foam or sponge material. The capillary material is arranged in a series of tubes or small holes through which liquids can be transported via capillary action. The capillary material can be made of any material or combination. Materials that are suitable include sponges or foams, ceramic or graphite materials in fibres or powder form, foamed metals or plastics, fibrous materials made from spun or extruded fibers such as nylon, polyester or bonded polyethylene, polyethylene or polypropylene, fibres of cellulose acetate or polyester, and fibres of terylene, polyethylene or polypropylene. Capillary materials can be made with any capillarity or porosity to suit different liquid properties. Capillary action is used to transport liquids with physical properties such as viscosity and surface tension. The capillary materials may be designed to transport the aerosol-forming substance to the susceptor elements. The capillary may extend into the interstices of the susceptor.

The susceptor element can be located on the wall of the cartridge when it is inserted into the device housing. It is beneficial to place the susceptor close to the coil to maximize the voltage that is induced into the susceptor.

When the cartridge housing engages with the device housing, an airflow passage can be provided between the coil of the inductor and the susceptor. The air flowing through the airflow passage may contain vaporised aerosol-forming material, which cools down to form aerosol.

The inductor coil can be either a spiral or helical coil. In this context, a “flat spiral coil” is used. A coil that is usually planar, with the coil’s axis of coiling being parallel to the surface on which it is located. The term “flat spiral coil” is used instead. As used in this document, flat spiral coils can be either planar or shaped to fit a curved surface. Flat spiral coils allow for a compact design, robust design and low cost of manufacture. The coil is held inside the housing of the device and does not need to be exposed. This prevents deposits and corrosion on the coil. “The use of a spiral coil allows for an easy interface between the device, and a cartridge. This allows for an inexpensive and simple cartridge design.

The flat spiral inductor is able to have any shape that you desire within the plane of coil. The flat spiral coil can have any shape within the plane of the coil.

The coil’s diameter can range from 5 mm to 10 mm.

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