U.S. patent application number 17/594464 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-30 for housing and cartomiser for an aerosol provision system.
The applicant listed for this patent is NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED. Invention is credited to Mohsin MASIH-UD-DIN, Joseph SUTTON, My-Linh TRAN.
Application Number | 20220202087 17/594464 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006257351 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220202087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SUTTON; Joseph ; et
al. |
June 30, 2022 |
HOUSING AND CARTOMISER FOR AN AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol
provision system. The housing comprising a reservoir for an
electrically conductive aerosolisable material, wherein the
potential difference between any two exposed and/or exposable
surfaces of one or more metal components which are contained in the
housing, is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, wherein the two surfaces are
capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolisable
material. Also disclosed is a cartomiser comprising a reservoir
containing an electrically conductive aerosolisable material, and
two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal
components, wherein the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously
being in contact with the electrically conductive aerosolisable
material and wherein the change in dissolved metal content of the
electrically conductive aerosolisable material after storage of the
cartomiser for about 1 to about 8 weeks at about 40.degree. C. is
between 0 and about 20%.
Inventors: |
SUTTON; Joseph; (London,
GB) ; MASIH-UD-DIN; Mohsin; (London, GB) ;
TRAN; My-Linh; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006257351 |
Appl. No.: |
17/594464 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
April 17, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2020/050971 |
371 Date: |
October 18, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/10 20200101;
A24F 40/42 20200101; A24F 40/46 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/46 20060101
A24F040/46; A24F 40/42 20060101 A24F040/42; A24F 40/10 20060101
A24F040/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 18, 2019 |
GB |
1905539.1 |
Claims
1. A housing for an aerosol provision system comprising: a
reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material,
wherein a potential difference between any two exposed and/or
exposable surfaces of one or more metal components which are
contained in the housing, is from 0 mV to about 35 mV, wherein the
two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are capable of simultaneously
being in contact with the aerosolizable material.
2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the one or more metal components
are part of an aerosol generating element.
3. The housing of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating element
is integrated with the reservoir.
4. The housing of claim 1, wherein at least one metal component is
a plated metal and the exposable surface of said component is the
metal underneath the plating material.
5. The housing of claim 1, wherein the metal components in the
housing are composed of a single metal or metal alloy.
6. The housing of claim 5, wherein the metal is selected from the
group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, aluminum and titanium
or wherein the metal alloy comprises nickel, stainless steel,
aluminum or titanium.
7. The housing of claim 1, wherein the potential difference is from
0 mV to about 20 mV.
8. The housing of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material is a liquid.
9. The housing of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material contains nicotine or a salt thereof.
10. A cartomizer comprising the housing of claim 1, wherein the
cartomizer is a closed or open system.
11. A cartomizer for an aerosol provision system comprising: a
reservoir containing an electrically conductive aerosolizable
material, and two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more
metal components, wherein the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces
are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the
electrically conductive aerosolizable material, and wherein a
change in dissolved metal content of the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material after storage of the cartomizer for about 1
to about 8 weeks at about 40.degree. C. is between 0 and about
20%.
12. An aerosol provision system comprising the cartomizer of claim
11.
13. Use of one or more metal components in an aerosol provision
system to reduce galvanic corrosion, wherein the one or more metal
components have two surfaces which are simultaneously exposed
and/or exposable to an electrically conductive aerosolizable
material in the aerosol provision system, and said surfaces have a
potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV.
14. The use of claim 13, wherein the potential difference of the
exposed and/or exposable surfaces is from 0 mV to about 20 mV.
15. The use of claim 13, wherein the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material comprises nicotine or a salt thereof.
16. An aerosol provision system comprising the housing of claim
1.
17. The housing of claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating element
is integrated with the reservoir.
18. The housing of claim 17, wherein at least one metal component
is a plated metal and the exposable surface of said component is
the metal underneath the plating material.
19. The housing of claim 18, wherein the metal components in the
housing are composed of a single metal or a metal alloy, wherein
the single metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel,
stainless steel, aluminum and titanium, or wherein the metal alloy
comprises nickel, stainless steel, aluminum or titanium.
20. The housing of claim 19, wherein the potential difference is
from 0 mV to about 20 mV.
Description
[0001] The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT
Application No. PCT/GB2020/050971, filed Apr. 17, 2020 which claims
priority from GB Patent Application No. 1905539.1 filed Apr. 18,
2019, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a housing for an aerosol
provision system. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a
cartomizer comprising the housing, a cartomizer for an aerosol
provision system, and an aerosol provision system comprising the
housing.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic aerosol provision systems or devices such as
electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain a cartomizer
with a reservoir for an aerosolizable material, from which vapor or
aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through
heat vaporization. Generally nicotine and often flavorants or
flavor agents are present in the aerosolizable material of the
reservoir, and the vapor or aerosol generating element is either
downstream of the reservoir or integrated therein so as to vaporize
a portion of the aerosolizable material. Cartomizers where the
reservoir is not refillable with aerosolizable material are often
referred to in the art as "closed" systems, whereas cartomizers
which facilitate refilling of the aerosolizable material are
generally referred to as "open" systems.
[0004] In an open or closed system, the vapor or aerosol generating
element is typically located downstream of the reservoir, e.g. in
an aerosol generation chamber, so that as a user inhales on the
system and electrical power is supplied to e.g. the heater, air is
drawn into the system through inlet holes and mixes with the
vaporized material in the aerosol generation chamber. There is then
a flow path connecting the aerosol generation chamber and an
opening in the mouthpiece of the device, so that incoming air drawn
through the aerosol generation chamber continues along the flow
path, carrying at least some of the aerosol with it and out through
the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user. The term
"downstream" is thus understood to mean in the direction of aerosol
flow, from the reservoir containing the aerosolizable material, via
the aerosol generation chamber, to the mouthpiece of the aerosol
provision system where aerosol is inhaled by the user.
[0005] In open systems, the aerosol generating element is generally
intended to be replaceable, in that a user can access the aerosol
generating element and replace it when appropriate. In a closed
system, the vapor or aerosol generating element is generally not
intended for replacement and can be integrated with the reservoir
to form a single unit along with the aerosolizable material and an
aerosol generation chamber. As a user inhales on the system and
electrical power is supplied to the element, air is drawn into the
system and mixes with the vaporized material in the aerosol
generation chamber. There is then a flow path connecting the
integrated system with an opening in a mouthpiece of the device so
that generated aerosol or vapor can be inhaled by the user.
[0006] Aerosolizable material may also be referred to in the art as
aerosol or vapor precursor material, and typically includes a
solvent along with acids, bases and/or salts such that the material
is electrically conductive.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to some embodiments described herein, there is
provided a housing for an aerosol provision system comprising a
reservoir for an electrically conductive aerosolizable material,
wherein the potential difference between any two exposed and/or
exposable surfaces of one or more metal component which is
contained in the housing is from 0 mV to about 35 mV. The two
surfaces are further defined as capable of simultaneously being in
contact with the aerosolizable material.
[0008] The one or more metal component may be part of an aerosol
generating element, and the aerosol generating element may be
integrated with the reservoir. Alternatively the aerosol generating
element may be downstream of the reservoir. The electrically
conductive aerosolizable material may be a liquid, and may further
contain nicotine or a salt thereof.
[0009] Of the metal components contained in the housing, at least
one may be a plated metal and the exposable surface of said
component may be the metal which is plated. For instance, the
component may be gold-plated such that the exposable surface is the
metal which is plated with gold, e.g. brass. The metal components
contained in the housing may also be identical in the sense that
they are composed of a single metal. This metal may be selected
from the group consisting of nickel, stainless steel, titanium and
aluminum. Alternatively the metal components may be identical in
the sense that they are composed of the same metals, e.g. an alloy
or a plated-alloy. For example, the metal components contained in
the housing may include nickel plated with gold or may be composed
solely of nickel. The potential difference between the exposed
and/or exposable surfaces of the one or more metal components may
be from 0 mV to about 20 mV.
[0010] Also provided is a cartomizer comprising the housing
described herein, wherein the cartomizer is a closed or open
system, i.e. non-fillable or refillable with aerosolizable
material.
[0011] In addition there is provided a cartomizer for an aerosol
provision system comprising a reservoir containing an electrically
conductive aerosolizable material and two exposed and/or exposable
surfaces of one or more metal components which are capable of
simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material, and wherein the change in dissolved metal
content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material after
storage of the cartomizer for about 1 to about 8 weeks, e.g. about
2 weeks or 14 days, at 40.degree. C. is between 0 and about
20%.
[0012] Also provided is an aerosol provision system comprising the
housing described herein or one of the cartomizers described
herein.
[0013] Finally there is provided the use of one or more metal
components in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic
corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components have two
surfaces which are simultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an
electrically conductive aerosolizable material in the aerosol
provision system, and said surfaces have a potential difference of
from 0 mV to about 35 mV.
[0014] In the described use the potential difference of the exposed
and/or exposable surfaces may be from 0 mV to about 20 mV. Further,
the electrically conductive aerosolizable material may be a liquid
and/or may comprise nicotine or a salt thereof.
[0015] These embodiments are set out in the appended independent
and dependent claims. It will be appreciated that features of the
dependent claims may be combined with each other and with features
of the independent claims in combinations other than those
explicitly set out in the claims. Furthermore the approaches
described herein are not restricted to specific embodiments such as
those set out below, but include and contemplate any appropriate
combinations of features presented herein. For example, the
housing, the cartomizer comprising the housing, the cartomizer
defined by the dissolved metal content in the electrically
conductive aerosolizable material after storage, the aerosol
provision system comprising the housing or the cartomizer, and the
use described herein may be provided in accordance with approaches
described herein which includes any one or more of the various
features described below as appropriate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic drawing of an aerosol
generating element in accordance with some embodiments of the
disclosure. As is discussed in more detail below, FIG. 1 shows a
substrate 1 with a heating surface 4 and two electrical contacts,
e.g. wires 2 each independently connected to an electrical
connector 3.
[0018] FIGS. 2 to 5 are graphs plotted from the ICP-MS values
obtained in Example 3 for dissolved nickel, copper, zinc and gold
content following use of each of the heating elements analyzed in
this example, alongside the liquid control. These figures are
discussed in more detail below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are
discussed and described herein. Some aspects and features of
certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally
and these are not discussed or described in detail in the interests
of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features
of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described
in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional
techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
[0020] As discussed herein, the present disclosure provides a
housing for an aerosol provision system in which any two exposed
and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components thereof
have a potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV, the two
surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact with the
aerosolizable material. Also provided is a cartomizer or aerosol
provision system comprising the housing, along with a cartomizer
which after storage for about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40.degree. C.
exhibits a change in dissolved metal content in the electrically
conductive aerosolizable material between 0% and about 20%.
[0021] In arriving at the present disclosure, the inventors
observed discoloration at the bottom of the cartomizer, followed by
discoloration in the e-liquid and on the aerosol generating element
(the heater) after use. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the
inventors believed that the combination of the gold/nickel plated
brass electrical connectors and nickel contact in the heater was
forming a galvanic cell when both metal components were in contact
with the conductive e-liquid. The galvanic cell was then causing
corrosion of the metal components, potentially releasing metal ions
into solution and thereby leading to the observed
discoloration.
[0022] Following further experiments which are set out in detail in
the Examples, the discoloration was confirmed as comprising
propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and at least the following
metals: gold, nickel, copper and zinc. Comparing a discolored
sample with a control sample specifically identified an increase in
at least the dissolved copper, nickel and zinc content of the
e-liquid.
[0023] As is known in the art, the basis for a galvanic cell is
always a redox reaction which includes two half-reactions:
oxidation at an anode and reduction at a cathode. Electricity is
generated due to an electric potential difference between two
electrodes which is created as a result of the difference between
individual potentials of the two metal electrodes with respect to
the electrolyte. In other words, it is the measure of reducing
power of any element or compound. More specifically, a galvanic
cell involves a spontaneous redox reaction because the Gibbs free
energy is negative in accordance with the following equation:
.DELTA.G.sub.cell.sup.o=-nFE.sub.cell.sup.o
where n is the number of moles of electrons per mole of products
and F is the Faraday constant, approximately 96485 C/mol. With a
negative Gibbs free energy, a spontaneous redox reaction drives the
cell to produce an electric potential. It follows that for a
galvanic cell, E.sub.cell.sup.o must be >0 where
E.sub.cell.sup.o=E.sub.cathode.sup.o-E.sub.anode.sup.o and
E.sub.anode.sup.o is the standard potential at the anode and
E.sub.cathode.sup.o is the standard potential at the cathode.
Standard electrode potentials are known in the art.
[0024] For example, the standard electrode potential of zinc is
-0.76 V. Thus zinc will be oxidized by any electrode whose standard
electrode potential is greater than -0.76 V, e.g. copper (0.34 V)
and reduced by any electrode whose standard electrode potential is
less than -0.76 V, e.g. sodium (-2.71 V).
[0025] To identify the possible source of the galvanic cell, the
potential difference between each of the metal components in the
heating element was measured. The results were 101 mV.+-.10 mV for
the nickel contact and gold/nickel plated brass electrical
connector; 8 mV.+-.10 mV for the two nickel heater wires; 2
mV.+-.10 mV for the two gold/nickel plated brass electrical
connectors; and 25 mV.+-.10 mV for the two combinations of nickel
contact with gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector. In view
of these results, it was hypothesized that a galvanic cell was
arising at least between the nickel contact and the gold/nickel
plated brass electrical connector when both in contact with the
e-liquid, i.e. the two metal surfaces having the highest potential
difference.
[0026] The present disclosure provides a solution to this galvanic
corrosion problem by incorporating the same or similar metals into
the housing, a "similar" metal being understood as having a
potential difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV. In particular the
defined potential difference is between any two exposed and/or
exposable surfaces of one or more metal component of the housing,
the surfaces being capable of simultaneously being in contact with
the aerosolizable material. Advantageously the present disclosure
is thus able to reduce the level of metal found in the
aerosolizable material and/or aerosol and thereby improve user
experience and consistency of aerosol delivery.
[0027] For ease of reference, these and further features of the
present disclosure are now discussed under appropriate section
headings. However, the teachings under each section are not limited
to the section in which they are found.
[0028] Housing
[0029] The present disclosure provides a housing for an aerosol
provision system comprising a reservoir for an electrically
conductive aerosolizable material. The housing may be formed of a
plastics material and as well as supporting other components, the
housing may provide a mechanical interface when incorporated into a
cartomizer so that the cartomizer can be connected to a control
unit of an aerosol provision system as required. The manner by
which the housing interfaces with the control unit is not
significant for the present disclosure. It may, for example,
comprise a screw thread fitting or any other attachment or
connection means known to the person skilled in the art. The shape
of the housing is also not limited and may be any shape known in
the art.
[0030] The reservoir for the electrically conductive aerosolizable
material may be contained in an aerosol generation chamber or may
be in fluid communication with such a chamber. By the term "fluid
communication" is meant that the aerosolizable material contained
in the reservoir is able to flow or move easily from the reservoir
towards or in the direction of the aerosol generation chamber. When
the reservoir is contained in an aerosol generation chamber, the
reservoir may comprise the majority of the interior volume of the
aerosol generation chamber. The reservoir may generally conform to
the interior of the aerosol generation chamber.
[0031] In some examples, at least an outer wall of the reservoir
may be integrally molded with the aerosol generation chamber. In
other examples, the reservoir may be a component which is formed
separately from, but supported in position by, the aerosol
generation chamber. In examples, the reservoir may have a tapered
circular cross-section but have a flat face running longitudinally
along one side to create a space between an outer wall of the
reservoir and an inner wall of the aerosol generation chamber to
define a flow path through the cartomizer through which aerosol
generated in the cartomizer is drawn during use towards an opening
or outlet in the end of the cartomizer. In other examples, the
reservoir may have an annular shape, with the outer annular surface
defined by the aerosol generation chamber, and the inner annular
surface defining a flow path. It will be appreciated that there are
many configurations which allow for the provision of a liquid
reservoir alongside a flow path within the cartomizer.
[0032] The reservoir may be formed in accordance with conventional
techniques, for example comprising a molded plastics material,
machined plastic components, cast plastic components, machined
metal components, cast or drawn metal components, metal components
that are formed and subsequently plated with other metal materials,
or mixtures thereof.
[0033] Electrically Conductive Aerosolizable Material
[0034] Any reference herein to an "aerosolizable material" is to an
electrically conductive aerosolizable material. The term
"aerosolizable material" may be used interchangeably with the terms
"aerosol generating material", "vapor generating material",
"aerosol precursor material" and/or "vapor precursor material". By
the term "aerosolizable material" is meant a material that is
capable of generating aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated
or energized in any other way. As appropriate, the aerosolizable
material may comprise one or more active agents, one or more
flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more
other functional materials.
[0035] Aerosolizable materials may, for example, be in the form of
a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or
flavorants.
[0036] By the term "electrically conductive" is meant that the
aerosolizable material is able to transport an electric charge. As
mentioned above, the electrical conductivity of the aerosolizable
material may arise from the presence of acids, bases and/or salts.
In various embodiments, the electrical conductivity of the
aerosolizable material may arise from the presence of salts or
other ionic compounds. In various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the aerosolizable material is therefore an electrolyte
because of these ionic compounds and/or salts. The skilled person
in the art is aware of suitable techniques to determine electrical
conductivity or ionic content of an aerosolizable material, and is
also able to provide a suitably electrically conductive
aerosolizable material.
[0037] Aerosolizable material may, for example, be in the form of a
solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active agent
and/or flavorants. In various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the electrically conductive aerosolizable material is a
liquid. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may
alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e.
non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a
dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain
some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the
aerosolizable material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %,
60 wt %, 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or
100 wt % of amorphous solid.
[0038] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material comprises a vapor- or aerosol-generating
agent; otherwise referred to as an aerosol-former material. The
aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents
capable of forming an aerosol. Examples of such agents/constituents
are glycerine/glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol,
triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol,
erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a
diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture,
benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate,
lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate, and mixtures
thereof.
[0039] In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may
comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene
glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene
glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl
laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a
diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate,
tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and
propylene carbonate.
[0040] The one or more other functional materials may comprise one
or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders,
fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
[0041] The aerosolizable material may be present on or in a
support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or
comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted
material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite
material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments,
the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the
susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative
embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the
material.
[0042] A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration
with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic
field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so
that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes
induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may
be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying
magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating
material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and
magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating
mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying
magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator,
herein.
[0043] The aerosolizable material may also include at least one
"flavor", "flavoring agent" or "flavorant". The terms "flavor",
"flavoring agent" and "flavorant" are used interchangeably to refer
to materials which, where local regulations permit, are added to a
material to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial
sensation in a product for adult consumers. Reference here to
"flavor", "flavoring agent" or "flavorant" include both singular
and multi-component flavors. They may include naturally occurring
flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically
obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco,
cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white
bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha,
menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian
spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry,
cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime,
tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit,
cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon,
scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint,
lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg,
sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine,
honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange
blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine,
ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander,
coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha,
eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo
biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such
as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay
leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel,
mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian,
pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil,
chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene),
flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial
receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar
substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame,
saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose,
sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal,
chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents.
They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends
thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such
as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
[0044] The flavor, flavoring agent or flavorant may be selected
from the group consisting of extracts, for example liquorice,
hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, tobacco, chamomile,
fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb,
wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon,
scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery,
cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence,
rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac,
jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise,
coriander, coffee, flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site
blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars
and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium,
aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose,
fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as
charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening
agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or
blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil,
liquid, or powder.
[0045] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint
and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor
components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some
embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from
tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor
components extracted from cannabis.
[0046] In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate,
which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are
usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the
fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place
of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing
heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect
agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a
suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol,
WS-3.
[0047] The aerosolizable material may also comprise other
components. Such other components may be conventional in the sense
that they are typically included in aerosolizable materials for
e-cigarettes. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material further comprises an active agent. By the
term "active agent" is meant any agent which has a biological or
physiological effect on a subject when the vapor containing the
active is inhaled. The active may be a physiologically active
material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a
physiological response. The active may, for example, be selected
from nutraceuticals, nootropics or psychoactives. The one or more
active agents may be selected from nicotine, botanicals, salts
thereof and mixtures thereof. The one or more active agents or
salts thereof may be of synthetic or natural origin. The active or
salt thereof could be an extract from a botanical, such as from a
plant in the tobacco family. An example active is nicotine.
[0048] In some embodiments the active agent may be selected from
nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or
C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives (e.g.
salts) or combinations thereof. The active agent may comprise one
or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis
or another botanical. Constituents, derivatives or extracts of
cannabis may include one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
[0049] As noted herein, the active agent may comprise or be derived
from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or
extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any
material derived from plants including, but not limited to,
extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers,
fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the
material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a
botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form
of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules,
pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals
are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel,
lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax,
ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice
(liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea
such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee,
aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin,
nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel,
mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant,
curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom,
myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive,
lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium,
mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana,
guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint
may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis,
Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita
citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha
cardifolia, Mentha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha
pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
[0050] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or is
derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or
extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
[0051] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived
from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or
extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus,
star anise, cocoa and hemp.
[0052] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises or derived
from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or
extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and
fennel.
[0053] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises nicotine
and/or a salt thereof. In some embodiments, the active agent
comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
[0054] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material comprises nicotine and/or a salt thereof.
Nicotine may be provided in any suitable amount depending on the
desired dosage when inhaled by the user. Depending on the other
components of the aerosolizable material, nicotine may be in a salt
form in the aerosolizable material. If, for example, an acid is
added (e.g. an organic acid) then nicotine will typically be
protonated leaving the residual anion of the acid in solution.
Consequently, it may be the presence of nicotine salts which give
rise to the electrical conductivity properties of the aerosolizable
material. The invention is not, however, limited to an
aerosolizable material comprising nicotine and/or a salt thereof
and the skilled person will be aware of other components (e.g.
other actives or aerosol-generating agents) which result in an
electrically conductive aerosolizable material because of the
formation of ionic compounds and/or salts.
[0055] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, nicotine
is present in the aerosolizable material in an amount of no greater
than about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable
material. By the expression "total weight of the aerosolizable
material" is meant the total weight of the aerosolizable material
in which the nicotine is present.
[0056] In various embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of
from about 0.4 to about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present
in an amount of from about 0.8 to about 6 wt % based on the total
weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments
nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to about 6 wt %
based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments, nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1.8 to
about 6 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable
material.
[0057] In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of no
greater than about 3 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments, nicotine is present
in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 3 wt % based on the total
weight of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments,
nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to about 3 wt %
based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to
about 3 wt % based on the total weight of the aerosolizable
material. In various embodiments nicotine is present in an amount
of from about 1.8 to about 3 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material.
[0058] In other embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of
less than about 1.9 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present
in an amount of less than about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight
of the aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is
present in an amount of from about 0.4 to less than about 1.9 wt %
based on the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.4 to
less than about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present
in an amount of from about 0.5 to less than about 1.9 wt % based on
the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to
less than about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present
in an amount of from about 0.8 to less than about 1.9 wt % based on
the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 0.8 to
less than about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material. In various embodiments nicotine is present
in an amount of from about 1 to less than about 1.9 wt % based on
the total weight of the aerosolizable material. In various
embodiments nicotine is present in an amount of from about 1 to
less than about 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the
aerosolizable material.
[0059] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material may contain one or acids. The aerosolizable
material may, for example, contain one or more acids in addition to
nicotine (as the active agent). The one or more acids may be one or
more organic acids, e.g. one or more organic acids selected from
the group consisting of benzoic acid, levulinic acid, malic acid,
maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid,
succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. As noted above, when included
in the aerosolizable material in combination with nicotine, the one
or more acids may provide a formulation in which the nicotine is at
least partially in protonated (such as monoprotonated and/or
diprotonated) form.
[0060] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
aerosolizable material comprises nicotine or another active,
optionally a flavorant or flavor agent, and one or more acids. In
various embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosolizable
material comprises nicotine in one of the above described amounts,
optionally a flavorant or flavor agent, and one or more acids
selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, levulinic acid,
malic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, lactic acid,
acetic acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. In various
embodiments, the flavorant or flavor agent is present in the
aerosolizable material and is defined as above.
[0061] Potential Difference
[0062] In the present disclosure, the potential difference between
any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal
components contained in the housing is limited to being from 0 mV
to about 35 mV; the two surfaces being capable of simultaneously
being in contact with the aerosolizable material.
[0063] By the term "potential difference" is meant the difference
of electrical potential between two points. As is known in the art,
a potential difference is measured with a voltmeter under
atmospheric pressure and at room temperature in a suitable
electrolyte. In the present disclosure, the potential difference is
measured under atmospheric pressure and room temperature
(approximately 20.degree. C.) in the aerosolizable material to be
used with the housing in the aerosol provision system.
[0064] Whether a particular combination of metals is going to give
rise to a potential difference within the present disclosure can
also be estimated based on the galvanic or electropotential series.
This series ranks metals (and other materials) in order of standard
electrode potential, and an extract from this series is shown in
the following table:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Approximate Electrode Potential from Extract
from Series Ranks Metals Approximate Electrode Metal/Other Reaction
Potential (V) Gold Au.sup.+ + e.sup.- = Au 1.692 Gold Au.sup.3+ +
3e.sup.- = Au 1.498 Platinum Pt.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Pt 1.18
Palladium Pd.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Pd 0.951 Copper Cu.sup.+ + e.sup.-
= Cu 0.521 Copper Cu.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Cu 0.3419 Iron Fe.sup.3+ +
3e.sup.- = Fe -0.037 Lead Pb.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Pb -0.1262 Tin
Sn.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Sn -0.1375 Nickel Ni.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Ni
-0.257 Cobalt Co.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Co -0.28 Cadmium Cd.sup.2+ +
2e.sup.- = Cd -0.403 Iron Fe.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Fe -0.447 Chromium
Cr.sup.3+ + 3e.sup.- = Cr -0.744 Zinc Zn.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Zn
-0.7618 Chromium Cr.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Cr -0.913 Manganese
Mn.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Mn -1.185 Titanium Ti.sup.3+ + 3e.sup.- = Ti
-1.37 Titanium Ti.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Ti -1.63 Aluminum Al.sup.3+ +
3e.sup.- = Al -1.662 Magnesium Mg.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Mg -2.372
Magnesium Mg.sup.+ + e.sup.- = Mg -2.7 Sodium Na.sup.+ + e.sup.- =
Na -2.71 Calcium Ca.sup.2+ + 2e.sup.- = Ca -2.868 Potassium K.sup.+
+ e.sup.- = K -2.931 Lithium Li.sup.3+ + 3e.sup.- = Li -3.0401
Calcium Ca.sup.+ + e.sup.- = Ca -3.8
[0065] A nickel surface and a cobalt surface in contact with an
electrically conductive aerosolizable material will, for example,
have a potential difference of approximately 0.023 V or 23.0 mV. In
contrast, a nickel surface and a gold surface will have a potential
difference of at least approximately 1.755 V.
[0066] The potential difference which is the subject of the present
disclosure is between any two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of
one or more metal components contained in the housing, where the
surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact with the
aerosolizable material. By the term "exposed" is meant a surface
which is not covered or hidden, i.e. the surface is visible in the
housing. By the term "exposable" is meant a surface which is hidden
or covered, e.g. by plating, but can be uncovered or made visible
during use of the housing in an aerosol provision system. For
example, a component made from a plated metal will have an exposed
surface--the plating--and an exposable surface--the metal
underneath the plating. During use of the housing in an aerosol
provision system, the metal underneath the plating may become
exposed as the plating degrades.
[0067] By the expression "capable of simultaneously being in
contact with the aerosolizable material" is meant that the
aerosolizable material is able to form a contact junction between
the exposed and/or exposable surfaces of the one or more metal
components such that the surfaces are in electrical contact and
electric charge can flow between the surfaces. The location of the
one or more metal components in the housing is not therefore
limited; the metal components must be separate from one another but
in electrical contact.
[0068] The contact junction may, for example, be formed by the
aerosolizable material in the reservoir, in an aerosol generating
element integrated with the reservoir, in an aerosol generating
element which is separate from the reservoir, or downstream of the
reservoir and/or aerosol generating element if the aerosol formed
from the aerosolizable material forms deposits on two suitable
surfaces in the flow path to the mouthpiece of the device. The
contact junction formed by the aerosolizable material and two
exposed/exposable surfaces of one or more metal components in the
present disclosure does not, however, form a galvanic cell because
the potential difference between the surfaces is from 0 mV to about
35 mV.
[0069] For example, both the exposed and/or exposable surface of a
first metal component may have a potential difference of from 0 mV
to about 35 mV with respect to any other exposed and/or exposable
surface of a second metal component contained in the housing which
is capable of being in contact with the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material at the same time as said first exposed
and/or exposable surface. In this manner, the housing avoids metal
degradation.
[0070] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
contact junction formed by the aerosolizable material and two
exposed and/or exposable surfaces is in an aerosol generating
element which is integrated with the reservoir. In such
embodiments, the exposed and/or exposable surface of a first metal
component of the aerosol generating element has a potential
difference of from 0 mV to about 35 mV with respect to any other
exposed and/or exposable surface of a second metal component of the
aerosol generating element. Provided of course that the surfaces
are capable of being in contact with the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material at the same time.
[0071] The potential difference between the surfaces is from 0 mV
to about 35 mV. In various embodiments of the present disclosure,
the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 30 mV. In various
embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 25 mV.
In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to
about 20 mV. In various embodiments, the potential difference is
from 0 mV to about 18 mV. In various embodiments, the potential
difference is from 0 mV to about 15 mV. In various embodiments, the
potential difference is from 0 mV to about 12 mV. In various
embodiments, the potential difference is from 0 mV to about 10
mV.
[0072] In various embodiments, the potential difference is from 0
mV to about 10 mV.
[0073] Aerosol Generating Element
[0074] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or
more metal components having two exposed and/or exposable surfaces
are part of an aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating
element is able to produce aerosol from the aerosolizable material
by any suitable means, e.g. heat, irradiation or any other method
of energizing a material to form vapor or aerosol.
[0075] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating element is a
heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to
heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the
aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some
embodiments, the aerosol generator/aerosol generating element is
configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the
aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the
aerosol generator may be configured to subject the
aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased
pressure, or electrostatic energy.
[0076] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or
more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element
which comprises a wick and a heater. Other known arrangements may
of course be used. The wick and heater are arranged in a space
within the housing, e.g. in an aerosol generation chamber, such
that the wick extends transversely across the chamber with its ends
extending into the reservoir of aerosolizable material, through
openings in the inner wall of the reservoir. The openings in the
inner wall of the reservoir may be sized to broadly match the
dimensions of the wick and thereby provide a reasonable seal
against leakage from the reservoir into the flow path whilst
avoiding unduly compressing the wick, which may be detrimental to
its fluid transfer performance. Aerosolizable material, e.g.
liquid, may infiltrate the wick through surface tension or
capillary action. The heater then comprises the one or more metal
components with two exposed and/or exposable surfaces which are
capable of simultaneously being in contact with the aerosolizable
material, as described herein.
[0077] In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the one or
more metal components are part of an aerosol generating element as
shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol generating element shown in FIG. 1 may
be located in the reservoir of the housing or as a separate
component to the reservoir. When located in the reservoir, the
aerosol generating element may be integrated therewith and be
located in an aerosol generation chamber as described above, such
that the reservoir and aerosol generation chamber are formed as a
single molded component. The aerosol generating element of FIG. 1
comprises a porous, wick substrate 1, e.g., a ceramic disc, so that
the aerosolizable material within the reservoir may seep through
the disc to a heating substrate 4 for vaporization. Attached to the
substrate 1 are contacts 2 connected to electrical connectors, e.g.
electrode pins 3.
[0078] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the one or more metal
components which have two exposed and/or exposable surfaces capable
of simultaneously contacting the aerosolizable material may be the
contacts 2, the electrode pins or electrical connectors 3, the
heating substrate 4 and/or a combination thereof. The contacts 2
may have exposed surfaces, the electrical connectors 3 may have
exposed and exposable surfaces, being made of a plated metal,
and/or the heating substrate may include an exposed or exposable
surface. Alternatively, the contacts 2 may have an exposed
surface(s), the electrical connectors 3 may have an exposed
surface(s) and/or the heating substrate 4 may have an exposed
surface(s). The skilled person will be aware of suitable techniques
for making an aerosol generating element as shown in FIG. 1. For
example, the heating substrate could be applied to the surface of
the wick substrate via known printing techniques for applying
conductive inks to surfaces etc.
[0079] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
contacts 2, electrical connectors 3 and/or heating substrate 4 have
exposed and/or exposable surfaces which are capable of being in
simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable
material and which have a potential difference of from 0 mV to
about 35 mV. This potential difference may be from 0 my to about 30
mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV, from 0 mV to about 20 mV, from 0 mV
to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about 15 mV, from 0 mV to about 12 mV
or from 0 mV to about 10 mV.
[0080] In various embodiments, the contacts 2, connectors 3 and
heating substrate 4 comprise the same metal or metal alloy, e.g.
nickel or a nickel alloy. titanium or a titanium alloy, or
stainless steel. Exemplary nickel alloys and titanium alloys will
be known to the person skilled in the art; the nickel alloy may be
NiCrFe or NiCr. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating element
is composed of a single conductive material, i.e. a single metal or
metal alloy.
[0081] Cartomizer
[0082] Also provided by the present disclosure is a cartomizer
comprising the housing as defined herein. As is known in the art,
cartomizers may also be referred to as cartridges. Throughout the
description herein, the term "cartridge" may therefore be used
interchangeably with "cartomizer".
[0083] The cartomizer of the present disclosure may be a closed or
open system as defined herein. In various embodiments of the
present disclosure, the cartomizer is a closed system such that the
aerosol generating element is integrated within the reservoir as
already described herein. The aerosol generating element may be as
shown in FIG. 1 with the potential difference values between metal
components having exposed or exposable surfaces capable of being in
simultaneous contact with the electrically conductive aerosolizable
material, as described above.
[0084] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
cartomizer comprising the housing is a closed system with an
aerosol generating in fluid contact with the reservoir, the one or
more metal components with two exposed and/or exposable surfaces,
being part of the aerosol generating element. In such embodiments,
the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces are capable of
simultaneously being in contact with the electrically conductive
aerosolizable material and have a potential difference of from 0 mV
to about 35 mV. This potential difference may also be from 0 mV to
about 30 mV, from 0 mV to about 25 mV, from 0 mV to about 20 mV,
from 0 mV to about 18 mV, from 0 mV to about 15 mV, or from 0 mV to
about 10 mV.
[0085] Additionally the present disclosure provides a cartomizer
for an aerosol provision system comprising a reservoir containing
an electrically conductive aerosolizable material and two exposed
and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal components, wherein
the two surfaces are capable of simultaneously being in contact
with the electrically conductive aerosolizable material. In such a
cartomizer, the change in dissolved metal content of the
electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storage of the
cartomizer for about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40.degree. C., e.g.
about 2 weeks or 14 days, is between 0 and about 20%.
[0086] The features overlapping with the above-described housing
are defined according to the description already provided. For
example, the reservoir, the electrically conductive aerosolizable
material, the two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more
metal components, and the simultaneous contact of these surfaces
with the aerosolizable material. The cartomizer may also be a
closed or open system. In various embodiments, the cartomizer may
be a closed system.
[0087] By the feature "change in dissolved metal content of the
electrically conductive aerosolizable material after storage of the
cartomizer from about 1 to about 8 weeks at 40.degree. C." is meant
that the level of dissolved metals measured in the electrically
conductive aerosolizable material at the point of filling the
cartomizer (T=0) and on removal of the cartomizer from storage is
no greater than about 20%. In other words, any change or increase
is relative to the background or baseline level of metals in the
electrically conductive aerosolizable material (e.g. the e-liquid).
Dissolved metal content is determined according to methods known in
the art. In particular, dissolved metal content is determined by
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metal
content refers to all measurable metals in the e-liquid, for
example any metals that may be present due to the construction of
the product including nickel, copper, zinc, gold, titanium,
beryllium, silver, aluminum, manganese, lead, chromium, arsenic,
molybdenum, cobalt, iron and/or tin.
[0088] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the change
in dissolved metal content is determined after storage of the
cartomizer for about 1 to about 6 weeks at 40.degree. C. or about 1
to about 4 weeks, e.g. about 2 weeks or 14 days. In various
embodiments of the present disclosure, the change in dissolved
metal content of the electrically conductive aerosolizable material
is further between 0 and about 15%. In other embodiments the change
in dissolved metal content is between 0 and about 10% or between 0%
and about 5%. In various embodiments of the present disclosure,
there is substantially no change in dissolved metal content. By the
expression "substantially no change" means less than 5%. As the
person skilled in the art will appreciate, the change in dissolved
metal content is an indication that galvanic corrosion is not
taking place.
[0089] Aerosol Provision System
[0090] The present disclosure further provides an aerosol provision
system comprising the housing as described herein or one of the
cartomizers as described herein.
[0091] As is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol",
and related terms such as "vaporize", "volatilize" and
"aerosolize", may be used interchangeably. Aerosol provision
systems/devices may therefore be referred to herein as "vapor
provision systems/devices", "aerosol delivery devices/systems",
"electronic vapor provision devices/systems", "electronic aerosol
provision devices/systems", or "e-cigarettes/electronic
cigarettes". These terms may be used interchangeably and are
intended to refer to combustible or non-combustible aerosol
provision systems/devices. In some embodiments the aerosol
provision system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system such
as a heating device that releases compounds from aerosolizable
material(s) without burning or combusting the aerosolizable
materials.
[0092] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol
provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating
material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is
combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of
at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery
system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system
selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and
a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component
for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a
filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an
aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a
thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper
or a cigarette paper.
[0093] The non-combustible aerosol provision system is one where a
constituent aerosol-generating material (aerosolizable material) of
the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not
therefore combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at
least one substance to a user, and this system can include
electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes that create aerosol from
aerosol precursor materials by heating or other techniques such as
vibration; and hybrid systems that provide aerosol via a
combination of aerosol precursor materials and solid substrate
materials, for example hybrid systems containing liquid or gel
precursor materials and a solid substrate material.
[0094] In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a
non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered
non-combustible aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the
non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible
aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a
controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power
source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the
exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be
energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an
aerosolizable material or to a heat transfer material in proximity
to the exothermic power source.
[0095] The aerosol provision system can comprise a cartomizer or
housing of the present disclosure and generally a control unit. The
control unit of the aerosol provision system may generally comprise
an outer housing, an electrical power source (e.g. a battery),
control circuitry for controlling and monitoring the operation of
the aerosol provision system, a user input button, and optionally a
mouthpiece (which may be detachable). The battery may be
rechargeable and be of a conventional type, for example of the kind
typically used in electronic cigarettes and other applications
requiring provision of relatively high currents over a relatively
short period. Similarly, a user input button (or other aerosol
generation function) and control circuitry may be conventional. The
outer housing may be formed, for example, from a plastics or
metallic material. Other suitable materials are known in the art.
As will be appreciated, the aerosol provision system will in
general comprise various other elements associated with its
operating functionality. For example, a port for charging the
battery, such as a USB port or the like, and these other elements
may be conventional.
[0096] When a user sucks/inhales on the aerosol provision system of
the present disclosure, air should be drawn from the environment
into the system and at least a portion of this air enters the
housing or cartomizer. Typically, the incoming air flows past an
aerosol generation component (e.g. heater) while the heater is
receiving electrical power from the battery in the control unit so
as to generate aerosol from an aerosol precursor material. The
aerosolized material is then incorporated/entrained into the
airflow and drawn through and out of the cartomizer for inhalation
by a user. The aerosol may be produced or released in various ways
depending on the nature of the device, system or product. These
include heating to cause evaporation, heating to release compounds,
and vibration of a liquid or gel to create droplets.
[0097] During normal use, the control circuitry may be configured
to monitor various operational aspects of the aerosol provision
system. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to
monitor a level of power remaining in the rechargeable battery, and
this may be performed in accordance with conventional techniques.
Additionally the control circuitry may be configured to estimate a
remaining amount of aerosol precursor material in the cartomizer,
or substrate material in the consumable, for example based on an
accumulated time of usage since a new cartomizer or consumable was
installed, or based on sensing the levels in the cartomizer or
consumable. This may be performed in accordance with any
conventional technique(s). It may, for example, be based on sensing
the number of puffs on the aerosol provision system in accordance
with any conventional technique(s).
[0098] If it is determined through monitoring the operational
aspects of the aerosol provision system that a certain operating
condition has arisen, for example, a cartomizer is approaching
depletion, or a battery level is falling below a predetermined
threshold (which may be predefined or user set), the aerosol
provision system may be configured to provide a user notification
according to any conventional technique(s). Although described with
reference to the control circuitry, other user notifications are
known in the art and may be implemented in the aerosol provision
system of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be
appreciated that there are many other situations in which a user
notification might be desired, the present disclosure is not
limited to providing notification of low levels of liquid or
substrate material or remaining battery power.
[0099] In one embodiment the aerosol provision system is an
electronic non-combustible aerosol provision system. In one
embodiment, the aerosol provision system is an electronic
cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine
delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of
nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.
[0100] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision
system is an aerosolizable material heating system, also known as a
heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco
heating system.
[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol provision system (e.g. the
non-combustible aerosol provision system) is a hybrid system for
providing aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of
aerosolizable materials. In some embodiments, the non-combustible
aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol
using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality
of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be,
for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may
not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system
comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid
aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may
comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
[0102] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may
comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a
consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision
device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables
comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used
with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables
are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the
disclosure.
[0103] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision
system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an
aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a
mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
[0104] In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the
non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise
aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage
area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol
generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a
filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
[0105] Reduction of Galvanic Corrosion
[0106] The present disclosure also provides the use of one or more
metal components in an aerosol provision system to reduce galvanic
corrosion, wherein the one or more metal components have two
surfaces which are simultaneously exposed and/or exposable to an
electrically conductive aerosolizable material in the aerosol
provision system, and said surfaces have a potential difference of
from 0 mV to about 35 mV.
[0107] The features overlapping with the above-described housing
are defined according to the description already provided. For
example, the electrically conductive aerosolizable material, the
two exposed and/or exposable surfaces of one or more metal
components, the potential difference and the simultaneous contact
of these surfaces with the aerosolizable material. In particular,
the potential difference values described above are equally
applicable to the use of the present disclosure as to the housing
and cartomizer. Additionally, the one or more metal components in
the use of the present disclosure may be part of an aerosol
generating element according to the above description.
[0108] The term "galvanic corrosion" is known in the art and may
also be referred to as bimetallic corrosion. It is an
electrochemical process in which one metal corrodes preferentially
when it is in electrical contact with another, in the presence of
an electrolyte. The reduction of galvanic corrosion, as provided by
the present disclosure, may be measured by determining the
dissolved metal content in the aerosolizable material after use of
the aerosol provision system and/or by determining the metal
content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision
system.
[0109] Measurement of metal content in the aerosolizable material
may be carried out according to ICP-MS as noted above. Measurement
of metal content in the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision
system may be carried out according to any fully quantitative
method using calibration standards that are appropriate to the
expected values in the test liquids. Any increase in metal content
of the aerosolizable material relative to the control value of the
original aerosolizable material indicates transfer of metal(s) and
hence galvanic corrosion.
[0110] The present disclosure will now be exemplified with
reference to the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0111] Observations were carried out on a set of cartomizers
comprising a heating element having nickel contacts connected with
gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors. In cartomizers
where leakage or seepage of the e-liquid from the reservoir onto
the heater element of the cartomizer had occurred, discoloration of
the liquid contained in the reservoir (the e-liquid), after use in
an aerosol provision system was observed. As discussed in Examples
2 and 3 below, this correlated with elevated metal content in the
aerosolizable material.
[0112] It was thus hypothesized that the contact of the metal
components of the heater element--the gold plated and nickel plated
brass electrical connector and nickel contact, e.g. wire--with the
e-liquid was forming a galvanic cell, thereby causing galvanic
corrosion of the heating element and releasing metal into the
system. Corrosion was visually confirmed by an observation of
cracks in the plating of the electrical connector. Quantitative
confirmation was then obtained by carrying out an analysis of
e-liquid with and without discoloration using ICP-MS. The results
of this analysis are shown in Table 2 below:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Quantitative Analysis of E-Liquid Using
ICP-MS. ICP-MS of the liquid taken from No discoloration;
Discoloration; the cartomizer reservoir .mu.g/g .mu.g/g Cu 2.4 31
Au <0.005 <0.005 Ni 0.25 2.6 Zn 0.16 21
[0113] It can be seen from these results that the discoloration of
the e-liquid is attributable to an increase in copper, nickel
and/or zinc content. Given that the heating element had nickel
contacts and gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors, it
appears that the nickel surface of the contact and/or the nickel
plating of the connector, along with the brass surface of the
connector are being corroded.
Example 2: Potential Difference Experiments
[0114] It is known in the art that galvanic corrosion occurs when
two dissimilar metals are in contact with each other in the
presence of an electrolyte. This contact forms a galvanic cell
leading to H.sub.2 formation on the more noble metal and the
resulting electrochemical potential then develops an electric
current that electrolytically dissolves the less noble material. To
confirm that the corrosion observed in Example 1 was galvanic
corrosion and to isolate the surfaces forming the galvanic cell,
experiments were therefore conducted to measure the potential
difference between the various components of the heating element.
The combinations measured were: [0115] (i) nickel contact vs.
gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector; [0116] (ii) nickel
contact vs. nickel contact; [0117] (iii) gold/nickel plated brass
electrical connector and nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated
brass electrical connector and nickel contact; and [0118] (iv)
gold/nickel plated brass electrical connector vs. gold/nickel
plated brass electrical connector.
[0119] Measurement of the potential difference was with a
voltmeter.
[0120] The e-liquid was prepared by diluting commercially available
e-liquid with 15% water wt/wt. The e-liquid contained flavorant, 5%
nicotine, and 1 MeQ lactic acid.
[0121] To determine the potential difference between metal
surfaces, each of the combinations (i) to (iv) were placed into the
e-liquid and the potential difference was measured with the
voltmeter. The results are shown in Table 3 below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Measurement of Potential Difference.
Potential Difference Combination (mV .+-. 10 mV) (i) nickel contact
vs. gold/nickel plated 101 brass electrical connector (ii) nickel
contact vs. nickel contact 8 (iii)gold/nickel plated brass
electrical 25 connector and nickel contact vs. gold/nickel plated
brass electrical connector and nickel contact (iv)gold/nickel
plated brass electrical 2 connector vs. gold/nickel plated brass
electrical connector
[0122] It can be seen from these values that the highest voltage in
e-liquid was recorded using the gold/nickel plated brass electrical
connector on one probe and nickel contact on the second probe. This
suggests that the increased copper, nickel and zinc content seen in
Table I was due to a galvanic cell arising between the exposed
nickel contact and the exposed brass electrical connector surface.
The lowest voltages were seen with the nickel contact on both
probes and the gold/nickel plated brass electrical connectors on
both probes, i.e. where the metal components are identical. This
suggests that removing the gold/nickel plated brass electrical
connector from the cartomizer and replacing it with a nickel
electrical connector should reduce the risk of the galvanic cell
effect.
Example 3: Dissolved Metal Content Testing
[0123] Example 3 involved the following aerosol generating
elements, otherwise referred to as heating elements: [0124]
Nickel/Copper/Zinc Heating Element: Wick Substrate-Heating
Substrate-Nickel Contacts-Gold/Nickel Plated Brass Electrical
Connectors [0125] Nickel/Nickel Heating Element: Wick
Substrate-Heating Substrate-Nickel Contacts-Nickel Electrical
Connectors [0126] Nickel/Gold Heating Element: Wick
Substrate-Heating Substrate-Nickel Contacts-Nickel/Au Plated
Electrical Connectors
[0127] With reference to FIG. 1, all elements had a wick substrate
1, a heating substrate 4, nickel legs or contacts 2, and either
gold/nickel-plated brass electrical connectors 3, nickel electrical
connectors 3 or nickel/Au electrical connectors 3.
[0128] Three samples of each heating element were placed in bottles
with 2 ml of e-liquid and the bottles gently shaken so that the
liquid covered the nickel contacts and electrical connectors in
their entirety. The bottles containing the heating element and
e-liquid were then stored at accelerated conditions of 40.degree.
C./75% RH for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. The e-liquid was the same as
Example 2.
[0129] At each time point, the required samples were removed from
storage, assessed visually for any discoloration, gently shaken to
homogenize the liquid, and the liquid then sampled directly from
the bottles. The samples of liquid were analyzed with ICP-MS for
the presence of various metals. A liquid control, i.e. without any
heating element, was also analyzed. The ICP-MS results for the
various metals tested were averaged and then normalized relative to
the maximum measured value for that particular metal. FIGS. 2 to 5
are graphs showing the results for each of the heating elements
analyzed alongside the liquid control.
[0130] FIG. 2 shows the average dissolved nickel content for each
of the heating elements and the liquid control relative to the
maximum measured value for nickel (set at 100.00). It can be seen
that moving from the nickel/copper/zinc heating element to either
the nickel/nickel or nickel/gold heating element reduces the level
of dissolved nickel in the e-liquid. This is an indication that
galvanic corrosion is reduced and even eliminated in the
nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. The difference between the
nickel/gold and nickel/nickel heating elements is simply due to the
higher level of nickel in the system. It is not evidence of an
increase in galvanic corrosion.
[0131] FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show the average dissolved copper
and zinc content for each of the heating elements and the liquid
control relative to the maximum measured value for each metal (set
at 100.00). As for the nickel content, it can be seen that moving
from the nickel/copper/zinc heating element to the nickel/nickel or
nickel/gold heating element reduces the level of dissolved copper
and zinc in the e-liquid. This is further evidence that galvanic
corrosion is significantly reduced or even eliminated in the
nickel/gold and nickel/nickel systems. In summary, by replacing the
electrical connector with a component that has an exposable surface
with a electrode potential which differs from that of the
electrical contact by 0 mV to about 35 mV, copper and zinc
degradation is eliminated.
[0132] Finally, FIG. 5 shows the average dissolved gold content for
each of the heating elements and the liquid control relative to the
maximum measured value for gold (set at 100.00) Compared to the
nickel/copper/zinc heating element, the average dissolved gold
content can be seen to decrease with the nickel/nickel heating
element and increase with the nickel/gold heating element.
[0133] On balance it can therefore be concluded that the use of
metal components for the aerosol generating element which have
exposed and/or exposable surfaces whose potential difference is
from 0 mV to about 35 mV, where the surfaces are capable of
simultaneously contacting the electrically conductive aerosolizable
material, reduces galvanic corrosion in the aerosol provision
system comprising the aerosol generating element. More
particularly, when at least the electrical contact and electrical
connector of the aerosol generating element are made of the same
metal (e.g. nickel), galvanic corrosion is practically eliminated;
notably the nickel, copper, zinc and gold levels in the e-liquid
are significantly reduced compared to the current heating
element.
[0134] The various embodiments described herein are presented only
to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These
embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments
only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be
understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions,
features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not
to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as
defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims,
and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be
made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.
Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist
of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the
disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means etc.
other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this
disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
[0135] The aerosol provision system described herein can be
implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, or a
non-combustible aerosol provision system as defined
hereinabove.
* * * * *