RU2816648C2 - Evaporator cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: various technological processes.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an evaporator. Evaporator comprises a reservoir configured to contain a liquid evaporated material, wherein the reservoir is at least partially confined by at least one wall, wherein the reservoir comprises an accumulation chamber and an overflow volume, a sprayer configured to convert the liquid evaporated material into a gas phase state, a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the accumulation chamber and the sprayer, and a collector located in the overflow volume. At that, collector contains capillary structure made with possibility to keep volume of liquid evaporated material in fluid contact with accumulation chamber. Capillary structure comprises a microfluidic element configured to prevent air and fluid bypass relative to each other during filling and emptying of the manifold.

EFFECT: invention makes it possible to improve control of evaporated material leaks from evaporator, to control air flow inside and/or near evaporator, and also to control condensate in evaporator.

27 cl, 216 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] Настоящая заявка испрашивает приоритет предварительной заявки США № 62/915,005, поданной 14 октября 2019 и озаглавленной “CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE”, предварительной заявки США № 62/812,161, поданной 28 февраля 2019 и озаглавленной “CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPORIZER DEVICE” , US Provisional Application No. 62/747,099, filed October 17, 2018, entitled “WICK FEED AND HEATING ELEMENTS IN A VAPORIZER DEVICE”, US Provisional Application No. 62/812,148, filed February 28, 2019, entitled “RESERVOIR OVERFLOW CONTROL WITH CONSTRICTION POINTS”, US Provisional Application No. 62/747,055, filed October 17, 2018, entitled “RESERVOIR OVERFLOW CONTROL”, US Provisional Application No. 62/747,130, filed October 17, 2018, entitled “VAPORIZER CONDENSATE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING”, US Provisional Application No. 62/913,135, filed October 9, 2019, entitled “HEATING ELEMENT,” and U.S. Application No. 16/653,455, filed October 15, 2019, entitled “HEATING ELEMENT,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosed subject matter generally relates to features of a vaporizer cartridge and, in some examples, to controlling leakage of liquid vaporizable material, controlling air flow in and around the cartridge, heating vaporizable material to result in the formation of an aerosol, and/or other characteristics of the cartridge assembly and to the device to which it can be removably connected.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Vaporizer devices, which are generally referred to herein as vaporizers, include devices that heat the material to be vaporized (e.g., liquid, plant material, some other solid, wax, etc.) to a temperature sufficient to release one or more compounds of vaporized material in a form (eg, gas, aerosol, etc.) in which they can be inhaled by the user of the vaporizer. Certain vaporizers, such as those in which at least one of the compounds released from the vaporized material is nicotine, may be useful as an alternative to smoking smoldering cigarettes.

Brief description of the invention

[0004] For the purpose of briefly describing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features are described herein. It should be understood that not all such benefits may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented or performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one benefit or group of benefits without achieving all the benefits, as may be disclosed or suggested herein. The various features and elements described herein may be included together or may be included separately, except to the extent that would not be practicable based on the present disclosure and as would be understood by one skilled in the art therefrom.

[0005] In one aspect, the vaporizer includes a reservoir configured to contain liquid vaporizable material. The reservoir is at least partially defined by at least one wall, and the reservoir includes a storage chamber and an overflow volume. The evaporator additionally includes a collector located in the overflow volume. The collector includes a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber. The capillary structure includes a microfluidic element designed to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the manifold.

[0006] In one related aspect, which may be included in the evaporator of the preceding aspect, a microfluidic gate for controlling the flow of liquid evaporated material between the storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in the evaporator includes a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold, and a compression point ( cutoff) between multiple holes. The plurality of holes includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel has a higher capillary action than the second channel. Optionally, the microfluidic gate may include an edge of the opening between the collection chamber and the collector that is flatter on the first side facing the collection chamber than on the second, more rounded side facing the collector.

[0007] In another related aspect, which may be combined with other aspects, a manifold configured to be inserted into a vaporizer cartridge includes a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of liquid vaporizable material in fluid contact with the storage chamber of the vaporizer cartridge. The capillary structure includes a microfluidic element designed to prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the manifold.

[0008] In optional variations, one or more of the following features may also be included in any possible combination. For example, the primary passage may be included to provide a fluid connection between the storage chamber and the atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporized material to a gas phase state. The primary passage may be formed through the manifold structure.

[0009] The primary passage may include a first passage configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to flow from the storage chamber toward the wick element in the atomizer. The first channel may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one discontinuity configured to allow fluid in the first channel to bypass an air bubble blocking the remainder of the first channel. The cross-sectional shape may resemble a crosshair. The capillary structure may include a secondary passage that includes a microfluidic element, and the microfluidic element may be configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to move along the length of the secondary passage only with a meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage. The cross-sectional area may be small enough that, based on the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed and the composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material preferentially wets the secondary passage around the entire perimeter of the secondary passage.

[0010] The collection chamber and manifold may be configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the collector in contact with liquid vaporizable material in the collection chamber such that a decrease in pressure in the collection chamber relative to ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material to be at least partially drawn in material in the collector back into the storage chamber. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portions of the secondary passage between the constriction points. The contraction points may have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage toward the collection chamber and a rounded surface directed along the secondary passage away from the collection chamber.

[0011] A microfluidic seal may be located between the collector and the storage chamber. The microfluidic seal may include an opening edge between the collection chamber and the manifold that is flatter on a first side facing the collection chamber than a second, more rounded side facing the manifold. The microfluidic gate may include a plurality of holes connecting the collection chamber and the manifold, and a cut-off point between the plurality of holes. The plurality of openings may include a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having a higher capillary action than the second channel. The meniscus between the air/liquid evaporated material reaching the cut-off point can be directed into the second channel due to the higher capillary action in the first channel, so that an air bubble is formed to exit into the liquid evaporated material in the storage chamber.

[0012] The liquid vaporizable material may include one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

[0013] The manifold may include a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the reservoir and the atomizer configured to convert the liquid vaporized material to a gas phase state, the primary passage being formed through the manifold structure. In optional variations, the capillary structure may include a secondary passage containing a microfluidic element, and the microfluidic element may be configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to move along the length of the secondary passage only with a meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage. The cross-sectional area may be small enough that, based on the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed and the composition of the liquid vaporizable material, the liquid vaporizable material preferentially wets the secondary passage around the entire perimeter of the secondary passage. The collection chamber and manifold may be configured to hold a continuous column of liquid vaporizable material in the collector in contact with liquid vaporizable material in the collection chamber such that a decrease in pressure in the collection chamber relative to ambient pressure causes the continuous column of liquid vaporizable material to the collector is at least partially drawn back into the storage chamber. The secondary passage may include a plurality of spaced constriction points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the portions of the secondary passage between the constriction points. The contraction points may have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage toward the collection chamber and a rounded surface directed along the secondary passage away from the collection chamber.

[0014] In yet another related aspect, a vaporizer cartridge includes a cartridge body, a storage chamber located within the cartridge body and configured to receive liquid material to be vaporized, an inlet port configured to admit air into an internal air flow path within the housing a cartridge, a nebulizer configured to cause at least a portion of the liquid vaporized material to be converted to an inhalable state, a manifold as described in the preceding aspect.

[0015] In optional modifications, such a vaporizer cartridge may include one or more of the features described herein, such as, for example, a wick element located in the internal air flow path and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The wick member may be configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from the storage chamber by capillary action. The heating element may be positioned to cause heating of the wick element to result in the conversion of at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material withdrawn from the storage chamber to a gaseous state. The inhalation condition may include an aerosol formed by condensing at least a portion of the liquid vaporized material from a gaseous state. The cartridge body may include a monolithic hollow structure having a first, open end and a second end opposite the first end. The manifold may be inserted into the first end of the monolithic hollow structure.

[0016] In yet another related aspect, a reservoir is provided for a cartridge suitable for use with a vaporizer device. In one embodiment, the reservoir includes a storage chamber (eg, a reservoir) for storing vaporized material, as well as an overflow volume separated from the storage chamber and in communication with the storage chamber through an outlet leading to a passage in the overflow volume.

[0017] A passage in the overflow volume may lead to a port connected to ambient air. The storage chamber or reservoir may also include a first wick feed (wick feeder) and, optionally, a second wick feed, respectively implemented in the form of a first cavity and a second cavity extending through a manifold located within the cartridge. The manifold may include one or more support structures that define a passage through the overflow volume. The first and second cavities can regulate the flow of evaporated material towards the wick body configured to receive the wick element.

[0018] A wick element located in the wick body or wick element body may be configured to absorb vaporized material passing through the first and second wick feeds such that, upon thermal interaction with the atomizer, the vaporized material absorbed by the wick element is converted to into at least one of steam or aerosol and flows through the exit tunnel structure formed through the manifold and storage chamber to the opening in the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be formed adjacent to the storage chamber.

[0019] The manifold may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be associated with an opening in the mouthpiece, and a second end opposite the first end may be configured to receive a wick or wick member. The wick body, in accordance with some embodiments, may include a set of teeth extending outwardly from a second end to at least partially receive the wick member, and one or more compression ribs located proximate the first or second wick feed and extending from the second end of the manifold. to compress the wick element.

[0020] In yet another related aspect, a vent may be provided to maintain a pressure equilibrium state in the cartridge's storage chamber and to prevent the pressure in the storage chamber from increasing to a point that would cause vaporized material to flood the wick body. The equilibrium pressure condition may be maintained by installing a liquid seal at the outlet located at the point where the storage chamber communicates with the passage in the overflow volume in the cartridge. The liquid seal is installed and maintained in the outlet by maintaining sufficient capillary pressure to form a meniscus of evaporated material in the portion of the outlet leading to the passage in the overflow volume.

[0021] The capillary pressure for the meniscus of the evaporated material can be controlled, for example, by vent structures that define a primary channel and a secondary channel, which effectively form a fluid valve for controlling at least a cutoff point in one of the primary channel or the secondary channel. Depending on the implementation, the primary channel and the secondary channel may have a tapered geometry such that as the menisci continue to descend, the capillary action of the primary channel decreases at a faster rate than the capillary action of the secondary channel. The gradual decrease in capillary action of the primary and secondary channels reduces the partial vacuum in the free (unfilled) space maintained in the storage chamber.

[0022] In yet another related aspect, the primary channel drain pressure falls below the secondary channel drain pressure as a result of a gradual decrease in the capillary action of the primary and secondary channels relative to each other. The meniscus in the primary channel continues to descend when the primary channel drain pressure changes, while the meniscus in the secondary channel remains static. The drain pressure, which causes the retreating contact angle of the primary channel, may fall below the filling pressure, which causes the advancing contact angle of the secondary channel, causing the primary and secondary channels to fill with evaporated material.

[0023] Accordingly, in response to a state of increased pressure within the storage chamber, evaporated material flows into the manifold channel (i.e., the overflow volume) through an outlet, the outlet being designed to maintain a liquid seal at a cut-off point, desirably all time. In some embodiments, the outlet is designed to help create a liquid seal at the orifice from which vaporized material flows between the reservoir storage chamber and the manifold passage in the overflow volume.

[0024] In yet another related aspect, one or more wick feed channels may be implemented to control the forward flow of vaporized material toward the wick. The first wick supply channel may be formed through a manifold located in the overflow volume and independent of the primary and secondary channels of the control valve mentioned above. The manifold may include a support structure that defines a first wick supply channel or additional wick supply channels. The wick may be located in the wick body such that the wick is configured to absorb vaporized material passing through the first channel. Depending on the implementation, the first channel may have a cross-section in the shape of a cross or have a partial dividing wall. The shape of the first channel may provide one or more non-primary subchannels and one or more primary subchannels that have a larger diameter than the non-primary subchannels.

[0025] Depending on the implementation, when the primary subchannel or non-primary subchannel is restricted or obstructed (eg, due to the formation of an air bubble), the evaporated material may pass through the alternative subchannel or primary channel. In the case of a cross-shaped wick feed, the primary subchannel may pass through the center of the cross-shaped wick feed. When the primary subchannel is restricted due to the formation of a gas bubble in a portion of the primary subchannel, vaporized material flows through at least one of the non-primary subchannels.

[0026] In some embodiments, the manifold may have a first end and a second end, with the first end facing the collection chamber and the second end facing away from the collection chamber and configured to include a wick body. The second wick feed may be implemented in the form of a second channel to allow vaporizable material stored in the storage chamber to flow toward the wick at the same time as the vaporizable material flows through the first wick feed. The second wick feed may have a cross-shaped cross-section.

[0027] In accordance with one or more aspects, a reservoir for a cartridge used with a vaporizer device may include a storage chamber configured to receive material to be vaporized. The reservoir may be in operative communication with a nebulizer configured to convert the vaporized material from a liquid phase to a vapor or aerosol phase for inhalation by a user of the vaporizer device. The cartridge may also include an overflow volume for containing at least a portion of the vaporized material, for example, when one or more factors cause the vaporized material in the reservoir chamber to move into the overflow volume in the cartridge.

[0028] One or more factors may include exposing the cartridge to a pressure state that is different from a previous external pressure state (eg, when transitioning from a first pressure state to a second pressure state). In some aspects, the overflow volume may include a passage (channel) that connects to an opening or air control port leading outward from the cartridge (ie, to ambient air). The channel in the overflow volume may also communicate with the reservoir chamber such that the channel can act as an air outlet to equalize the pressure in the reservoir chamber. In response to a negative pressure event in the cartridge environment, vaporized material may be drawn from the reservoir chamber into the atomizer and converted to a vapor or aerosol phase, reducing the volume of vaporized material remaining in the reservoir storage chamber.

[0029] The storage chamber may be connected to the overflow volume by one or more openings between the storage chamber and the overflow volume, for example, such that one or more openings lead to one or more channels through the overflow volume. The flow of evaporated material into the channel through the opening may be controlled by the capillary properties of the liquid outlet leading to one or more channels, or by the capillary properties of the channels themselves. In addition, the flow of vaporized material into one or more channels may be reversible, allowing the vaporized material to move from the overflow volume back into the reservoir chamber.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the flow of vaporized material may be reversed in response to a change in pressure state (eg, when a second pressure state in the cartridge reverts back to a first pressure state). The second pressure condition may be associated with a negative pressure event. A negative pressure condition may result from a drop in ambient pressure relative to the pressure of one or more volumes of air held within a reservoir chamber or other portion of the cartridge. Alternatively, a negative pressure event may result from compression of the internal volume of the cartridge due to mechanical pressure on one or more external surfaces of the cartridge.

[0031] The heating element may include a heating portion and at least two legs. The heating section may contain at least two teeth spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be configured to define an internal volume configured to receive the wick element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wick element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wick element. At least two legs may be associated with at least two teeth and spaced from the heating area. At least two legs may be configured to be electrically connected to a power source. Power is configured to be supplied to the heating portion from a power source to generate heat, thereby vaporizing the vaporizable material stored in the wick member.

[0032] In some implementations, the at least two legs include four legs. In some implementations, the heating portion is configured to contact at least three separate surfaces of the wick element.

[0033] In some implementations, the at least two teeth include a first tooth side portion, a second tooth side portion opposite the first tooth side portion, and a platform tooth portion connecting the first tooth side portion to the second tooth side portion. The platform portion of the teeth may be located approximately perpendicular to a portion of the first side part of the teeth and the second side part of the teeth. The first side part of the teeth, the second side part of the teeth and the platform part of the teeth define the internal volume in which the wick element is located. In some implementations, at least two legs are spaced apart from the heating section by a bridge.

[0034] In some implementations, each of the at least two legs includes a cartridge contact located at the end of each of the at least two legs. The cartridge contact may be electrically connected to a power source. The cartridge contact may be bent at an angle and move away from the heating area.

[0035] In some implementations, the at least two teeth include a first pair of teeth and a second pair of teeth. In some implementations, the teeth of the first pair of teeth are evenly spaced from each other. In some implementations, the teeth of the first pair of teeth are spaced apart by a width. In some implementations, the width in the inner region of the heating element adjacent to the platform portion of the teeth is greater than the width in the outer region of the heating element adjacent the outer edge of the first side portion of the teeth opposite the inner region.

[0036] In some implementations, the evaporator device is configured to measure the resistance of the heating element in each of the four legs to control the temperature of the heating element. In some implementations, the heating element includes a heat shield configured to isolate the heating region from the body of the vaporizer device.

[0037] In some implementations, the vaporizer device further includes a heat shield configured to surround at least a portion of the heating element and isolate the heating portion from the wick body body configured to surround at least a portion of the wick element and the heating element.

[0038] In some implementations, the heating portion is sandwiched between the heating portion and the at least two legs to isolate the heating portion from the at least two legs. In some implementations, the heating portion further includes at least one lobe that extends from the side of the at least two teeth to facilitate easier insertion of the wick element into the internal volume of the heating portion. In some implementations, at least one petal protrudes from the internal volume at an angle.

[0039] In some implementations, at least two legs include a capillary element (feature). The capillary element can cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing the flow of evaporated material outside the capillary element. In some implementations, the capillary element includes one or more bends in at least two legs. In some implementations, at least two legs extend at an angle to the internal volume of the heating section, wherein the angled at least two legs define a capillary element.

[0040] In some implementations, the vaporizer device includes a reservoir containing the material to be vaporized, a wick element in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a heating element. The heating element includes a heating section and at least two legs. The heating section may include at least two teeth spaced apart from each other. The heating portion may be formed to define an internal volume configured to receive the wick element such that the heating portion secures at least a portion of the wick element to the heating element. The heating portion may be configured to contact at least two separate surfaces of the wick element. At least two legs may be associated with at least two teeth and spaced from the heating area. At least two legs may be configured to be electrically connected to a power source. Power is configured to be supplied to the heating portion from a power source to generate heat, thereby vaporizing the vaporizable material stored in the wick member.

[0041] A method for forming an atomizer assembly for a vaporizer device may include securing a wick element to the interior of a heating element. The heating element may include a heating section comprising at least two teeth spaced apart from each other and at least two legs spaced apart from the heating section. The legs may be configured to be electrically coupled to a power source for the vaporizer device. The heating section is configured to contact at least two surfaces of the wick element. The method may also include connecting the heating element to a wick body configured to surround at least a portion of the wick element and the heating element. Attachment may also include sliding the wick element into the interior of the heating element.

[0042] In some implementations, the vaporizer device includes a heating section comprising one or more heater traces integrally formed and spaced apart from each other, wherein one or more heater traces are configured to contact at least a portion of the wick element an evaporation device, a connecting portion configured to receive power from the power source and direct the power to the heating portion, and a coating (plating) layer having a coating material that is different from the material of the heating portion. The coating layer may be configured to reduce contact resistance between the heating element and the power source, thereby localizing heating of the heating element to the heating portion.

[0043] In some aspects of the claimed subject matter, problems associated with condensate collection along one or more internal passages and outlets (e.g., along the mouthpiece) of certain vaporizer devices may be addressed by incorporating one or more of the features described herein or comparable/equivalent approaches, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Aspects of the claimed subject matter relate to systems and methods for collecting condensate of evaporated material in an evaporative device.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more of the following features may optionally be included in any possible combination.

[0045] Aspects of the claimed subject matter relate to a cartridge for a vaporization device. The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to contain the material to be evaporated in a reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include a flash chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wick element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the flash chamber for vaporization by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow path that passes through the vaporization chamber. The cartridge may include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location through capillary action.

[0046] In one aspect consistent with the present disclosure, each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may narrow in size. The reduction in size may result in increased capillary action through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between a pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent to the end of the air flow path and the mouthpiece. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

[0047] In a related aspect, the vaporizer device may include a vaporizer body including a heating element configured to heat the material to be vaporized. The vaporizer device may include a cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the vaporizer housing. The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to contain the material to be evaporated in a reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include a flash chamber in communication with the reservoir, and may include a wick element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the flash chamber for vaporization by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow path that passes through the vaporization chamber. The cartridge may include at least one capillary channel adjacent to the air flow channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location through capillary action.

[0048] Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may narrow in size. The narrowing in size may result in increased capillary action through each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between a pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent to the end of the air flow path and the mouthpiece. At least one capillary channel may collect fluid condensate.

[0049] In a related aspect, the cartridge vaporizer method may include collecting condensate in a first capillary channel from at least one capillary channel of the cartridge. Each of the at least one capillary channel may be configured to receive fluid and direct fluid from a first location to a second location through capillary action. The cartridge may include a reservoir including a reservoir chamber defined by a reservoir barrier. The reservoir may be configured to contain the material to be evaporated in a reservoir chamber. The cartridge may include a flash chamber in communication with the reservoir and may include a wick element configured to draw vaporizable material from the reservoir chamber into the flash chamber for vaporization by the heating element. The cartridge may include an air flow path that may pass through the vaporization chamber. At least one capillary channel may be adjacent to the air flow channel. The method may include directing the collected condensate into the evaporation chamber and along the first capillary channel.

[0050] The method may include evaporating, in an evaporation chamber, the collected condensate. The first capillary channel may narrow in size. Each capillary channel of the at least one capillary channel may be formed by a groove formed between a pair of walls. At least one capillary channel may be in fluid communication with the wick. The first location may be adjacent to the end of the air flow path and the mouthpiece.

[0051] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the description below. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. However, the disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular embodiment.

Brief description of drawings

[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the claimed subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help to explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations, as set forth below.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary evaporative device, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0054] FIG. 2A illustrates a planar view of an exemplary vaporizer housing and insertable vaporizer cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0055] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the evaporation device according to FIG. 2A, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0056] FIG. 2C shows a perspective view of the cartridge according to FIG. 2A, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0057] FIG. 2D shows another perspective view of the cartridge according to FIG. 2C, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0058] FIG. 2E illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for a vaporizer cartridge and/or a vaporizer device to improve airflow in the vaporizer device, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0059] FIG. 2F illustrates a diagram of a reservoir system configured for a vaporizer cartridge or vaporizer device to improve air flow in the vaporizer device, in accordance with another implementation;

[0060] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary planar cross-sectional view of a cartridge having a storage chamber and an overflow volume, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary cartridge implementation of FIG. 3A and 3B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a planar side cross-sectional view of a selected divided portion of a cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0063] FIG. 6A illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0064] FIG. 6B illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary cartridge according to FIG. 6A, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0065] FIG. 7A-7D illustrate exemplary embodiments for a cartridge connection port having a male or female structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a planar top view of a cartridge with an exemplary design or logo, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0067] FIG. 9A and 9B illustrate a perspective view and a planar cross-sectional view of a divided portion of an exemplary cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0068] FIG. 10A and 10B illustrate closed and exploded perspective views of an exemplary implementation of a cartridge with a separable structure for housing a collector mechanism, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0069] FIG. 10C-10E illustrate front and side perspective views of exemplary structural components of a flow control manifold cartridge having one or more flow channels, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0070] FIG. 11A illustrates a planar side view of an exemplary single-channel, single-outlet manifold structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0071] FIG. 11B illustrates a planar side view of an exemplary cartridge with a translucent body structure containing an exemplary manifold such as that shown in FIG. 11A, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0072] FIG. 11C-11E illustrate a perspective view and a planar side view of exemplary manifold structures with flow control constrictors integrated into the flow channels, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0073] FIG. 11F and 11G illustrate front and side views of an exemplary manifold structure with flow control constrictors integrated into the manifold flow channels, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0074] FIG. 1H illustrates a close-up perspective view of an exemplary manifold structure with one or more outlets that can control the flow of liquid between a storage chamber and an overflow volume in a cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0075] FIG. 11I-11K illustrate perspective views of an exemplary flow-controlled manifold structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0076] FIG. 11L-11N illustrate planar front views and enlarged views of an exemplary flow control mechanism in a manifold structure, in accordance with one implementation;

[0077] FIG. 11O-11X illustrate snapshots when a stream of vaporized material collected in the exemplary manifold of FIG. 11L-11N, is controlled to provide proper ventilation when the meniscus of evaporated material stored in the overflow volume continues to descend, according to one implementation;

[0078] FIG. 12A and 12B illustrate examples of multi-channel manifold structures with a single outlet, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0079] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary multi-channel manifold structure with two outlets, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0080] FIG. 14A and 14B illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of an exemplary manifold structure for a dual-wick cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0081] FIG. 15A-15C illustrate additional perspective and cross-sectional views of an exemplary manifold structure for a dual wick feed structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0082] FIG. 16A-16C illustrate a planar side cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge, a planar side view of an exemplary wick element housed in a manifold structure, and a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge with a manifold structure, respectively, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0083] FIG. 17A and 17B illustrate a perspective view of a first side of a cartridge and a sectional view of a second side of a cartridge having a wick member that projects into a storage chamber, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0084] FIG. 18A-18D illustrate an example of a heating element and airflow path in a vaporizer cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0085] FIG. 19A-19C illustrate an example of a heating element and airflow path in a vaporizer cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0086] FIG. 20A-20C illustrate an example of a heating element and airflow path in a vaporizer cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0087] FIG. 21A and 21B illustrate side views of exemplary manifold structures that include one or more sealing lip ribs or profiles that support certain fabrication techniques for attaching the manifold to a storage chamber in the cartridge;

[0088] FIG. 22A-22B illustrate an example of a heating element, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0089] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of a wick body portion, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0090] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of an identification chip, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0091] FIG. 25 illustrates perspective, front, side, and exploded views of an exemplary cartridge embodiment;

[0092] FIG. 26A illustrates perspective, front, side, bottom, and top views of an exemplary V-outlet manifold embodiment;

[0093] FIG. 26B and 26C illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views of exemplary manifold structures from various viewing angles, focusing on structural details for securing the placement of the wick member and wick body relative to the atomizer toward one end of the cartridge, in accordance with one or more implementations ;

[0094] FIG. 26D-26F illustrate planar plan views of exemplary wick feed mechanisms formed or structured through a manifold, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0095] FIG. 27A and 27B illustrate front views of exemplary flow control mechanisms in a manifold structure, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0096] FIG. 28 illustrates a front view of an exemplary cartridge containing an exemplary manifold structure;

[0097] FIG. 29A-29 illustrate perspective, front and side views, respectively, of an exemplary cartridge embodiment;

[0098] FIG. 30A-30F illustrate perspective views of an exemplary cartridge with various fill levels, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0099] FIG. 31A-31C illustrate front views of an exemplary cartridge filled and assembled in accordance with one embodiment;

[0100] FIG. 32A-32C illustrate front, top, and bottom views of an exemplary cartridge air passage;

[0101] FIG. 33A and 33B illustrate front and top views of an exemplary cartridge with air flow, fluid paths, and condensate collection system;

[0102] FIG. 34A and 34B illustrate front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external airflow path;

[0103] FIG. 35 and 36 illustrate a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary manifold structure cartridge having an air gap at a lower edge of the manifold structure;

[0104] FIG. 37A-37C illustrate top views of various exemplary cartridge wick delivery shapes;

[0105] FIG. 37D and 37E illustrate exemplary embodiments of a dual-wick manifold;

[0106] FIG. 38 illustrates an enlarged view of the end of the wick feed, which is positioned proximal to the wick and configured to at least partially receive the wick;

[0107] FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of an example manifold structure having a square-shaped wick feed in combination with an air gap at one end of the overflow channel;

[0108] FIG. 40A illustrates a rear view of a manifold structure, for example, with four separate ejection locations;

[0109] FIG. 40B illustrates a side view of a manifold structure, particularly showing a wick supply clamp-shaped end portion that, for example, can firmly hold a wick in a wick supply passage;

[0110] FIG. 40C illustrates a top view of a manifold structure with wick feed passages for receiving vaporized material from the cartridge storage chamber and directing the vaporized material to a wick held in position at the end of the wick supply passages by the protruding ends of the wick supply passages;

[0111] FIG. 40D illustrates a planar front view of the manifold structures. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed at the bottom of the manifold structure at the end of the lower rib of the manifold structure, where the manifold overflow channel leads to an air control outlet in communication with the surrounding air;

[0112] FIG. 40E illustrates a bottom view of a manifold structure with wick supply channels terminating in a clamp-shaped protrusion which are configured to hold the wick in position at each end;

[0113] FIG. 41A and 41B illustrate planar top and side views of a manifold structure with two clamp-shaped end portions of two corresponding wick feeds;

[0114] FIG. 42A and 42B illustrate various perspective, top and side views of an exemplary manifold with various structural implementations;

[0115] FIG. 43A illustrates various perspective, top and side views of an exemplary wick body, in accordance with one or more embodiments;

[0116] FIG. 43B illustrates the manifold and wick body components of an exemplary cartridge in which a protruding petal is formed into the wick body structure for insertion into a receiving recess or cavity in a corresponding lower portion of the manifold;

[0117] FIG. 44A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0118] FIG. 44B illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0119] FIG. 44C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0120] FIG. 45 shows a schematic view of a heating element for use in an evaporative device consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0121] FIG. 46 shows a schematic view of a heating element for use in an evaporative device consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0122] FIG. 47 shows a schematic view of a heating element for use in an evaporative device consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0123] FIG. 48 shows a schematic view of a heating element located in a vaporizer cartridge for use in a vaporizer device consistent with embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

[0124] FIG. 49 shows a heating element and wick element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0125] FIG. 50 shows a heating element and a wick element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0126] FIG. 51 shows a heating element and wick element located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0127] FIG. 52 shows a heating element and wick element located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0128] FIG. 53 shows a heating element located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0129] FIG. 54 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0130] FIG. 55 shows the heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0131] FIG. 56 shows the heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0132] FIG. 57 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0133] FIG. 58 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0134] FIG. 59 shows the heating element in a partially curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0135] FIG. 60 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0136] FIG. 61 shows the heating element in a partially curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0137] FIG. 62 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0138] FIG. 63 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0139] FIG. 64 shows the heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0140] FIG. 65 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0141] FIG. 66 shows the heating element in a partially curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0142] FIG. 67 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0143] FIG. 68 shows a heating element in a partially curved position and a wick element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0144] FIG. 69 shows a heating element in a bent position and a wick element consistent with embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

[0145] FIG. 70 shows a heating element in a bent position and a wick element consistent with embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

[0146] FIG. 71 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0147] FIG. 72 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0148] FIG. 73 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0149] FIG. 74 shows the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0150] FIG. 75 shows a heating element coupled to a portion of a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0151] FIG. 76 shows a heating element and wick element located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0152] FIG. 77 shows the heating element in a partially curved position, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0153] FIG. 78 shows a heating element in a partially curved position and a wick element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0154] FIG. 79 shows a heating element having a coated portion in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0155] FIG. 80 shows a heating element having a coated portion in a curved position consistent with implementations of the subject matter;

[0156] FIG. 81 shows a heating element having a coated portion located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0157] FIG. 82 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0158] FIG. 83 shows a side view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0159] FIG. 84 shows a front view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0160] FIG. 85 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a bent position and a wick element consistent with embodiments of the claimed subject matter;

[0161] FIG. 86 shows a heating element located in a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0162] FIG. 87 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0163] FIG. 88 shows a side view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0164] FIG. 89 shows a top view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0165] FIG. 90 shows a front view of the heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0166] FIG. 91 shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0167] FIG. 92 shows a top view of the heating element in a non-curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0168] FIG. 93A shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0169] FIG. 93B shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0170] FIG. 94 shows a side view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0171] FIG. 95 shows a top view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0172] FIG. 96 shows a front view of the heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0173] FIG. 97A shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0174] FIG. 97B shows a perspective view of a heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0175] FIG. 98A shows a top view of the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0176] FIG. 98B shows a top view of the heating element in an unbent position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0177] FIG. 99 shows a top perspective view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0178] FIG. 100 shows a bottom perspective view of a sprayer assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0179] FIG. 101 shows an exploded perspective view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0180] FIG. 102 shows a perspective view of a heat shield consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0181] FIG. 103A shows a side cross-sectional view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0182] FIG. 103B shows another side cross-sectional view of a sprayer assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0183] FIG. 104 schematically shows a heating element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0184] FIG. 105 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0185] FIG. 106 shows a side view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0186] FIG. 107 shows a perspective view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0187] FIG. 108 shows a side view of a heating element in a curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0188] FIG. 109 shows a top view of a substrate material with a heating element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0189] FIG. 110 shows a top view of the heating element in a non-curved position consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0190] FIG. 111A shows a top perspective view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0191] FIG. 111B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the wick body of an atomizer assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0192] FIG. 112 shows a bottom perspective view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0193] FIG. 113 shows an exploded perspective view of a spray assembly consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0194] FIG. 114A-114C show a process for assembling an atomizer consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter;

[0195] FIG. 115A-115C show a process for assembling an atomizer consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter; And

[0196] FIG. 116 shows a flowchart illustrating features of a method for forming and implementing a heating element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter.

[0197] FIG. 117 illustrates an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge;

[0198] FIG. 118 illustrates an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge mouthpiece and/or vaporizer device;

[0199] FIG. 119A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an evaporator cartridge condensate recycling system;

[0200] FIG. 19B illustrates a first perspective view of the condensate recycling system of FIG. 119A; And

[0201] FIG. 119C illustrates a second perspective view of the condensate recycling system of FIG. 119A.

[0202] Where convenient, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same, similar or equivalent structures, features, aspects or elements, in accordance with one or more implementations.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0203] An evaporator configured to convert a liquid vaporizable material into a gas phase and/or an aerosol phase (e.g., a suspension of gas phase and powder phase material in air that is in relative local equilibrium between the phases) may typically include a reservoir or a storage container (also referred to herein as a reservoir, storage chamber, or storage volume) containing a volume of liquid vaporizable material, a nebulizer (which may also be referred to as a nebulizer assembly), a heating element (e.g., an electrically resistive element through which an electric current is passed to cause resulting in the conversion of electrical current into thermal energy) that heats the liquid vaporizable material, resulting in the conversion of at least a portion of the liquid vaporizable material into the gas phase, and a wick element (which may simply be called a wick, but which generally refers to an element or combinations of elements that exert capillary action to draw liquid vaporized material from the reservoir to where it is heated by the heating element). The resulting liquid vaporized material in the gas phase may in some cases (depending on a variety of factors) then (and optionally almost immediately) begin to at least partially condense to form an aerosol in the air passing through, over, around, around and etc. sprayer.

[0204] As the liquid vaporizable material in the wick element is heated and converted to a gas phase (and then, optionally, an aerosol), the volume of liquid vaporizable material in the reservoir is reduced. In the absence of a mechanism for the passage of air or some other substance into the void space (for example, the portion of the tank volume not occupied by the liquid vaporized material) created within the tank when the volume of the liquid vaporized material within it is reduced due to conversion to the gaseous/aerosol phase, in a state of reduced pressure (eg, at least a partial vacuum) is created in the container. This reduced pressure condition may adversely affect the effectiveness of the wick element for drawing vaporized material from the storage chamber or reservoir into the area near the heating element for vaporization into the gas phase, since the partial vacuum pressure acts opposite to the capillary pressure created in the wick element.

[0205] More specifically, a low pressure condition in the reservoir may result in the wick being undersaturated and ultimately not having enough vaporized material supplied to the atomizer for reliable operation of the vaporizer. To counteract the reduced pressure condition, ambient air may be introduced into the reservoir to equalize the pressure between the interior of the reservoir and the ambient pressure. Allowing air to refill the empty space in the tank that is created by the liquid vaporized material being evaporated can occur in some evaporators by having air pass into the tank through the wick element. However, this process may typically require that the wick element be at least partially dry. Since a dry wick element may not be easily implemented and/or may be undesirable for reliable operation of the evaporator, another typical approach is to provide an outlet to allow pressure equalization between ambient conditions and inside the tank.

[0206] The presence of air in the empty space of the tank, provided by a wick or some other exhaust or venting structure, can create one or more other problems. For example, once the air pressure in the empty space of a tank is equalized (or at least close to equalized) with the ambient pressure, and especially when the empty space filled with air increases in volume relative to the full volume of the tank, creating a negative pressure differential (e.g. air void space is at a higher pressure than the surrounding environment) between the air in the void space and the ambient conditions may result in leakage of liquid vaporized material from the reservoir, for example through the wick, through any outlet that is provided, etc. d. A negative pressure differential between the air inside the tank and the current ambient pressure can be created by one or more of a number of factors, such as heating the air inside the empty space (for example, by holding the tank in the hand, moving the evaporator from a cold zone to a warmer zone, etc. .), mechanical forces that can distort the shape and thereby reduce the internal volume of the tank (for example, compression of part of the evaporator, causing distortion of the tank volume, etc.), a rapid drop in ambient pressure (for example, as can happen in an airplane during air traffic; when a car or train enters or exits a tunnel; when a window opens or closes while the vehicle is moving at increased speed, etc.), or the like.

[0207] Leaks of liquid vaporized material from the vaporizer reservoir, as described above, are generally undesirable because leaking liquid vaporized material may cause undesirable effects (for example, staining clothing or other items in the vicinity of the vaporizer), may pass into the vaporizer inhalation channel and thus consumed by the user, may interfere with the operation of the vaporizer (for example, due to contamination of the pressure sensor, interference with the functionality of electrical circuits and/or switches, contamination of the loading ports and/or connections between the cartridge and the vaporizer body, etc.), or etc. P. Thus, leaks of liquid evaporated material can interfere with the functionality and cleanliness of the evaporator.

[0208] Examples of vaporizers include, but are not limited to, electronic vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), or devices and systems with the same, similar, or equivalent structural or functional features or capabilities. In fig. 1 shows an exemplary block diagram of an exemplary vaporizer 100. The vaporizer 100 may include a vaporizer body 110 and a vaporizer cartridge 120 (also referred to simply as a vaporizer cartridge 120). The vaporizer housing 110 may include a power source 112 (e.g., a battery, which may be rechargeable), and a controller 104 (e.g., a programmable logic device, processor, or circuitry capable of executing logic code) for controlling the supply of heat to the atomizer 141 to cause converting a vaporized material (not shown) from a condensed form (e.g., solid, liquid, solution, suspension, at least partially unprocessed plant material, etc.) into a gas phase, or more generally, converting a vaporized material into an inhalable form or a precursor to an inhalable form. In this context, the inhalation form may be a gas or an aerosol or some other airborne form. The inhalable form precursor may include a gas phase state of the vaporized material that condenses at least partially to form an aerosol at some point in time (optionally immediately or almost immediately or alternatively with some delay or after some cooling) after the gaseous state has formed phases. The controller 104 may be part of one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) compatible with some implementations and may be used to control certain functions of the evaporator housing 110 in association with one or more sensors 113.

[0209] As shown, the vaporizer housing 110 may, in some implementations of the subject matter, include one or more sensors 113, vaporizer housing contacts 125, a seal 115, and, optionally, a cartridge receptacle 118 configured to accommodate at least at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 for connection to the vaporizer housing 110 through one or more of various mounting structures. As described below with reference to FIG. 7A-7D, a male or female socket structure, or some combination thereof, may be used to connect the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer housing 110. For example, in some implementations of the subject matter, the inner portion of the first end of the cartridge may fit into the cartridge receptacle 118 of the vaporizer body 110, while the outer portion of the first end of the cartridge at least partially covers some portion of the outer surface of the structure on the vaporizer body 110 that defines the receptacle. 118 cartridge. Such an arrangement for connecting the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer body 110 may provide a convenient, easy-to-use connection method that also provides sufficient mechanical strength of the connection to avoid unwanted separation of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer housing 110. Such a configuration may also provide the desired resistance to bending of the evaporator formed by the connection of the evaporator cartridge 120 to the evaporator body 110. With respect to the vaporizer body contacts 125, it should be understood that they may also be referred to as “socket contacts 125,” particularly in implementations in which the corresponding cartridge contacts 124 (discussed below) are located on the portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 that is inserted into the socket or a socket-like structure on the evaporator body 110. However, the terms “evaporator body contacts 125” and/or “socket contacts 125” are also used herein since aspects of the claimed subject matter are not limited to the electrical connection and can be used to provide various benefits in systems other than those in which the electrical connection between the cartridge 120 evaporator housing 110 occurs between the contacts inside the cartridge socket 118 on the evaporator housing 110 and on the portion of the evaporator cartridge 120 that is inserted into the cartridge socket 118.

[0210] In some examples, vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a reservoir 140 for storing liquid vaporizable material and a mouthpiece 130 for delivering a dose of an inhalable form of vaporizable material. The mouthpiece may optionally be a component separate from the structure forming the reservoir 140, or, alternatively, it may be formed from the same part or component that forms at least a portion of one or more walls of the reservoir 140. Liquid vaporizable material within the reservoir 140 may be a carrier solution in which the active or inactive ingredients may be suspended, dissolved or held in solution or in the pure liquid form of the vaporized material itself.

[0211] According to one implementation, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include an atomizer 141, which may include a wick or wick element, as well as a heater (eg, a heating element). As noted above, the wick element may include any material capable of causing liquid to be absorbed by capillary pressure through the wick to deliver an amount of liquid vaporizable material to the portion of the atomizer 141 that includes the heating element. The wick and heating element are not shown in FIG. 1, but are disclosed and discussed below in more detail with reference to FIG. 3A, 3B and 4. Briefly, the wick member may be configured to draw liquid vaporizable material from a reservoir 140 configured to contain liquid vaporizable material such that the liquid vaporizable material can be vaporized (ie, converted to a gas phase state) in heat is supplied from the heating element to the wick element, and the liquid vaporized material is drawn into the wick element. In some implementations, air may enter reservoir 140 through a wick or other opening to at least partially equalize pressure within reservoir 140 in response to liquid vaporizable material being removed from reservoir 140 during vapor and/or aerosol generation.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 1, pressure sensor 113 (and any other sensors) may be mounted on or coupled (eg, electrically, electronically, physically, or wirelessly) to controller 104. Controller 104 may be a printed circuit board assembly or other type of circuit board. To accurately measure and ensure the longevity of the evaporator 100, it may be useful to provide a resilient seal 115 to separate the air flow path from other parts of the evaporator 100. The seal 115, which may be a gasket, may be configured to at least partially surround the pressure sensor 113, so that the connections of the pressure sensor 113 to the internal circuits of the evaporator can be separated from the portion of the pressure sensor exposed to the air flow path.

[0213] The liquid vaporizable material used with the vaporizer 100 may be provided in a vaporizer cartridge 120, which may be refillable when empty or disposable for replacement with a new cartridge containing additional vaporizable material of the same or a different type. The vaporizer may be a cartridge vaporizer or a reusable vaporizer capable of being used with or without a cartridge. For example, a reusable vaporizer may include a heating chamber (e.g., an oven) configured to contain the material to be vaporized directly within the heating chamber, and also to accommodate a cartridge or other replaceable device having a reservoir, volume, or other functional or structural equivalent means for at least partially containing a usable amount of evaporated material.

[0214] In an example of a vaporizer using a cartridge, seal 115 may also separate portions of one or more electrical connections between vaporizer housing 110 and vaporizer cartridge 120. Such seal designs 115 in the evaporator 100 may be useful for mitigating the potentially damaging effects on evaporator components resulting from interactions with one or more environmental factors, such as condensed water, evaporated material that leaks from the reservoir and/or condenses after evaporation, for reducing the air output from the designated air flow channel in the evaporator or the like.

[0215] Unwanted air, liquid, or other fluid passing through and/or contacting the evaporator circuit 100 may cause various undesirable effects, such as changes in pressure readings, and/or may result in the formation of unwanted material (e.g., moisture evaporated material and the like) in parts of the evaporator 100 where the undesirable material may cause an incorrect pressure signal, degradation of the pressure sensor or other electrical or electronic components, and/or result in reduced evaporator life. Leaks in the seal 115 may also result in the user inhaling air that has passed over parts of the vaporizer 100 containing or made of materials unsuitable for inhalation.

[0216] Vaporizers configured to generate at least a portion of the inhalable dose of non-liquid vaporizable material by heating the non-liquid vaporizable material may also be included within the scope of the disclosed article. For example, instead of or in addition to liquid vaporizable material, vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a body of plant material or other non-liquid material (e.g., a solid form of the vaporizable material itself, such as “wax”, that is processed and formed to have direct contact with at least with a portion of one or more resistive heating elements (or heated by the heating element by radiation and/or convection), which may optionally be included in the vaporizer cartridge 120 or in the vaporizer body portion 110. The solid vaporizable material (e.g., material that includes plant matter) material) may release only a portion of the plant material as vaporized material (e.g., such that some of the plant material remains as waste after the vaporized material is released for inhalation), or all of the solid material may ultimately be vaporized for inhalation The liquid vaporizable material may also evaporate completely or may include a portion of the liquid material that remains after all of the inhalable material has been consumed.

[0217] When configured with vaporizable material and a heating element in a vaporizer cartridge 120, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be mechanically and electrically coupled to a vaporizer housing 110, which may include a processor, a power supply 112, and one or more vaporizer housing contacts 125 for connection to corresponding cartridge contacts 124 to complete the circuit with a resistive heating element included in the vaporizer cartridge 120. Various evaporator configurations may be implemented with one or more of the features described herein.

[0218] In some implementations, the vaporizer 100 may include a power supply 112 as part of the vaporizer housing 110, while the heating element may be located in a vaporizer cartridge 120 configured to couple with the vaporizer housing 110. Constructed as such, the vaporizer 100 may include electrical connecting elements to complete a circuit that includes a controller 104, a power supply 112, and a heating element included in the vaporizer cartridge 120.

[0219] In some implementations of the claimed subject matter, the connecting elements may include at least two cartridge contacts 124 on the bottom surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and at least two contacts 125 located near the base of the vaporizer cartridge seat 100 such that the cartridge contacts 124 and socket contacts 125 form electrical connections when vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into and connected to cartridge socket 118. In some implementations of the subject matter, the vaporizer body contacts 125 may be compressible pins (e.g., pogo pins) that are retracted under pressure from the corresponding cartridge contacts 124 when the vaporizer cartridge is inserted and secured into the socket 118. Other configurations are also possible. . For example, brush contacts may be used that form electrical connections to corresponding contacts on the mating portion of the vaporizer cartridge. Such contacts do not require electrical connection to the cartridge contacts at the bottom end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, but may instead be connected by pressing outward from one or more side walls of the cartridge slot 118 to the cartridge contacts 124 on the portion of the side of the vaporizer cartridge 120 that is in the slot when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is properly inserted into the cartridge slot 118.

[0220] The circuitry, complete with electrical connections, may provide electrical current to the resistive heating element and may further be used for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element for use in determining or controlling the temperature of the resistive heating element based on the thermal coefficient of resistivity of the resistive heating element. heating element, to identify the vaporizer cartridge 120 based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistive heating element or other circuitry of the vaporizer cartridge 120.

[0221] In some examples, at least two cartridge contacts 124 and at least two vaporizer body contacts 125 (e.g., socket contacts in an implementation in which a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge socket 118) may be configured to electrically connect to any of at least two orientations. In other words, one or more circuits configured to operate the vaporizer 100 may be completed by inserting (or otherwise connecting) at least a portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge seat 118 in a first rotational orientation (e.g., about an axis along which the end of the cartridge 120 vaporizer is inserted into the cartridge socket 118 of the evaporator body 110) such that a first cartridge contact of at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically coupled to a first socket contact of at least two socket contacts 125, and a second cartridge contact of at least two cartridge contacts 124 cartridge is electrically coupled to a second socket contact of at least two socket contacts 125.

[0222] Additionally, one or more circuits configured to operate the vaporizer 100 may be completed by inserting (or otherwise connecting) the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge slot 118 in a second rotation orientation such that the first cartridge contact of the at least two contacts The cartridge 124 is electrically coupled to a second socket contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 125, and the second cartridge contact of the at least two cartridge contacts 124 is electrically coupled to the first cartridge contact of the at least two socket contacts 125. The vaporizer cartridge 120 may be reversibly inserted into the cartridge slot 118 of the vaporizer housing 110, as described in more detail below.

[0223] In one example of a coupling structure for connecting the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer housing 110, the vaporizer housing 110 may include a retainer (e.g., recess, projection, etc.) projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the cartridge seat 118. One or more outer surfaces of the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include corresponding recesses (not shown in FIG. 1) that may fit or otherwise snap into such latches when the end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge slot 118 on the vaporizer body 110.

[0224] The vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer housing 110 may be connected, for example, by inserting the end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge slot 118 of the vaporizer housing 110. A retainer in the vaporizer body 110 may be positioned in recesses of the vaporizer housing 120 and/or otherwise supported in recesses of the vaporizer cartridge 120 to hold the vaporizer cartridge 120 in place when assembled. Such a retainer-recess assembly may provide sufficient support to hold the vaporizer cartridge 120 in place to provide sufficient contact between the at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two cartridge contacts 125 while allowing the vaporizer cartridge 120 to be released from the housing 110 vaporizer when the user applies reasonable force to the vaporizer cartridge 120 to detach the vaporizer cartridge 120 from the cartridge socket 118 .

[0225] In addition to the above discussion of the electrical connections between the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer housing 110 being reversible such that at least two rotational orientations of the vaporizer cartridge 120 are possible in the cartridge slot 118, in some implementations of the vaporizer 100 form the vaporizer cartridge 120 or at least the shape of the end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, which is configured to be inserted into the cartridge seat 118, may have rotational symmetry of at least two. In other words, the vaporizer cartridge 120, or at least the mechanical mating members and electrical contacts at the insertion end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, may be symmetrical when rotated 180° about the axis along which the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118. In such a configuration, the vaporizer circuit 100 can maintain identical operation regardless of which symmetrical orientation of the vaporizer cartridge 120 occurs. It should be understood that the entire insertion end of the cartridge does not need to be symmetrical in all implementations of the claimed subject matter. For example, a vaporizer cartridge 120 that has rotationally symmetrical mechanical elements for interacting with corresponding elements inside or outside the cartridge slot 118 that is shaped and sized to fit into the cartridge slot 118 of the vaporizer housing 110 and that also has rotationally symmetrical cartridge electrical contacts 124 and internal circuitry (which may optionally be in either or both of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer housing 110) that is compatible with reversal of electrical contacts is consistent with the present disclosure, even if the overall shape and appearance of the insertion end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 is not axisymmetric.

[0226] As noted above, in some exemplary embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 120, or at least the end of the vaporizer cartridge 120, is configured to be inserted into the cartridge receptacle 118 and may have a non-circular cross-section transverse to an axis along which the cartridge 120 of the evaporator is inserted into socket 118 of the cartridge. For example, a non-circular cross-section may be approximately rectangular, approximately elliptical (eg, approximately oval), non-rectangular but with two sets of parallel or approximately parallel opposite sides (eg, parallelogram-shaped), or other shapes having rotational symmetry of at least at least on the order of two. In this context, “approximately shaped” indicates that there is a basic similarity to the described shape, but the sides of the shape in question need not be entirely linear and the vertices need not be entirely sharp. In the description of any non-circular cross-section referred to herein, some degree of rounding of both edges or apexes of the cross-sectional shape is possible.

[0227] The at least two cartridge contacts 124 and the at least two socket contacts 125 may have different shapes. For example, one or both sets of contacts may include conductive pins, tabs, posts, pin or post receiving holes, or the like. Some types of contacts may include springs or other pressure elements to provide better physical and electrical contact between the contacts on the vaporizer cartridge and the vaporizer body. Electrical contacts may be gold plated and/or may include other materials.

[0228] The vaporizer 100, consistent with implementations of the disclosed subject matter, may be configured to communicate (e.g., wirelessly or via a wired connection) with one or more computing devices associated with the vaporizer 100. To do this, the controller 104 may include hardware means of communication 105. The controller 104 may also include a memory 108. The computing device may be a component of an evaporator system that also includes the evaporator 100, and may include stand-alone communications equipment that can establish a wireless communication link with the communication hardware 105 of the evaporator 100.

[0229] A computing device used as part of an evaporator system may include a general purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, some other portable device such as a smart watch, or the like) that executes software to create a user interface to enable a user of the device to interact with the vaporizer 100. In other implementations, the device used as part of the vaporizer system may be a specialized piece of hardware, such as a remote control or other wireless or wired device having one or more physical or software interface controls (e.g., configured on a screen or other display device and selected through user interaction with a touch screen or some other input device such as a mouse, pointer, trackball, cursor buttons, or the like). The vaporizer 100 may also include one or more output elements or devices 117 for providing information to the user.

[0230] A computing device that is part of a vaporizer system as defined above may be used for any of one or more functions such as dosing control (e.g., dose control, dose adjustment, dose limiting, user tracking, etc.) , session management (e.g. session control, session establishment, session limiting, user tracking, etc.), nicotine delivery control (e.g. switching between nicotine and non-nicotine vaporizers, adjusting the amount of nicotine delivered, etc.) , location information (e.g. other users' locations, retailer/commercial locations, vaping locations, relative or absolute location of the vaporizer itself, etc.), vaporizer personalization (e.g. vaporizer name, locking/security vaporizer password, adjusting one or more parental controls, associating the vaporizer with a user group, registering the vaporizer with the manufacturer or warranty service organization, etc., participating in social activities (for example, social networking, interaction with one or more groups and etc.) with other users or the like. The terms “session”, “session”, “vaporizer session” or “evaporation session” may be used to refer to the period relating to the use of the vaporizer. The period may include a period of time, a number of doses, an amount of material to be vaporized, and/or the like.

[0231] In an example in which a computing device provides signals related to activation of a resistive heating element, or in other examples of communication of a computing device with an evaporator to implement various control functions or other functions, the computing device executes one or more computer instructions to provide a user interface and basic data processing. In one example, detection by a computing device of user interaction with one or more user interface elements may cause the computing device to signal the vaporizer 100 to activate the heating element to full operating temperature to produce an inhalable dose of vapor/aerosol. Other functions of the vaporizer 100 may be controlled by user interaction with a user interface on the computing device in communication with the vaporizer 100.

[0232] In some embodiments, the vaporizer cartridge 120 used in the vaporizer body 110 may include an atomizer 141 having a wick element and a heating element. Alternatively, one or both of the wick element and the heating element may be part of the evaporator body 110. In implementations in which any part of the atomizer 141 (such as a heating element or wick element) is part of the vaporizer body 110, the vaporizer 100 may be configured to supply liquid vaporizable material from reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge to the wick and other parts of the atomizer, such as , such as wick element, heating element, etc. Capillary structures that include a wick element will be understood by one skilled in the art as representing one possible embodiment used with the other features described.

[0233] Activation of the heating element may be caused by automatic puff detection based on one or more signals generated by one or more sensors 113, such as, for example, a pressure sensor or sensors located to detect pressure along the air flow path relative to ambient pressure (or may measure changes in absolute pressure), one or more evaporator motion sensors 100, one or more evaporator flow sensors 100, capacitive evaporator lip sensor 100; in response to detecting user interaction with one or more input devices 116 (e.g., buttons or other tactile control devices of the vaporizer 100), receiving signals from a computing device communicating with the vaporizer 100, or through other approaches to determine what is occurring or is about to occur puff.

[0234] The heating element may be or may include one or more of a conduction heater, a radiant heater, and a convective heater. One type of heating element may be a resistive heating element, which may be made of or may at least include a material (e.g., a metal or alloy, such as a chromium-nickel alloy or a non-metallic resistor) configured to dissipate electrical power in the form of heat , when an electric current is passed through one or more resistive segments of a heating element.

[0235] In some implementations, atomizer 141 may include a heating element that includes a resistive coil or other heating element wrapped around, located within, integrated into a 3D mold, pressed into a thermal contact, located adjacent thereto, configured to heat air to cause convective heating, or otherwise adapted to apply heat to the wick element to cause vaporization of the liquid vaporizable material drawn by the wick element from the reservoir 140, for subsequent inhalation by the user in gaseous and/or condensed (e.g., aerosol particles or droplets) phase. Other wick, heating element, or atomizer assembly configurations may also be used, as discussed further below.

[0236] After the vaporized material is converted to the gas phase, and depending on the type of vaporizer, the physical and chemical properties of the vaporized material, or other factors, at least a portion of the vaporized material in the gas phase may condense to form particulate material at least partially local equilibrium with the gas phase as part of the aerosol, which may form part or all of the inhalable dose provided by the vaporizer 100 for a given puff or draw on the vaporizer.

[0237] It should be understood that the interaction between the gas and condensed phases in the aerosol generated by the vaporizer can be complex and dynamic, as factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, chemistry (e.g., acid-base interactions, protonation or its absence in a compound released from the evaporated material due to heating, etc.), flow conditions in the air flow channels (both inside the evaporator and in the respiratory tract of a person or animal), mixing of the evaporated material of the gas phase or aerosol phase with other air streams, etc. may influence one or more physical and/or chemical parameters of the aerosol. In some vaporizers, and particularly in vaporizers for delivering more volatile vaporized materials, the inhaled dose may be predominantly in the gas phase (ie, condensed phase particle formation may be very limited).

[0238] As noted herein, some vaporizers may also (or alternatively) be configured to create an inhalable dose of gas phase and/or aerosol phase vaporizable material, at least in part, by heating a non-liquid vaporizable material, such as, for example, solid phase vaporizable material (eg, wax or the like) or plant material (eg, tobacco leaves or parts of tobacco leaves) containing vaporizable material. In such evaporators, the resistive heating element may be integral with or otherwise come into thermal contact with the walls of a furnace or other heating chamber in which the non-liquid material to be evaporated is placed.

[0239] Alternatively, a resistive heating element or elements may be used to heat air passing through or past the non-liquid vaporizable material to cause convective heating of the non-liquid vaporizable material. In other examples, a resistive heating element or elements may be positioned in close contact with the plant material such that direct conductive heating of the plant material occurs from within the mass of plant material (eg, as opposed to conduction inward from the walls of the oven).

[0240] The heating element may be activated by a controller 104, which may be part of the evaporator housing 110. The controller 104 may cause current from the power supply 112 to flow through a circuit including a resistive heating element, which may be part of the vaporizer cartridge 120). The controller 104 may be activated in association with the user taking a puff (drawing, inhaling, etc.) on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer 100, which may cause air to flow from the air inlet along the air flow path that passes through the atomizer 141 The atomizer 141 may include a wick, for example, in combination with a heating element.

[0241] The air flow caused by the user's puff may flow through one or more condensation zones or chambers at and/or downstream of the atomizer 141 and then toward the air outlet in the mouthpiece. The incoming air passing through the air flow path may thus pass through or over the nebulizer 141 or near, near, around, etc., so that the vaporized material is in the gas phase (or some other form of vaporized material suitable for inhalation ) is drawn into the air because the atomizer 141 converts some of the vaporized material into the gas phase. As noted above, the entrained vaporized material in the gas phase may condense as it passes through the remainder of the air flow path such that an inhalable dose of vaporized material in aerosol form can be delivered from the air outlet (eg, through the inhalation mouthpiece 130 by the user).

[0242] The temperature of the resistive heating element of the evaporator 100 may depend on one or more of a number of factors, including the amount of electrical power supplied to the resistive heating element, or the duty cycle in which electrical power is supplied, conductive and/or radiative heat transfer to other parts of the evaporator 100 or to the environment, specific heat transfer to air and/or liquid or gaseous vaporized material (e.g., raising the temperature of the vaporized material to its vaporization point or raising the temperature of a gas such as air and/or air mixed with vaporized vaporized material), hidden heat loss due to evaporation of vaporized material from the wick and/or atomizer 141 as a whole, convective heat loss due to air flow (e.g., air moving through the heating element or atomizer 141 as a whole as a user inhales at the vaporizer 100), etc. .d.

[0243] As noted above, in order to reliably activate the heating element or heat the heating element to a desired temperature, in some implementations, the vaporizer 100 may use signals from a pressure sensor to determine when the user inhales. The pressure sensor may be located in the airflow path or may be coupled (e.g., through a passage or other path) to an airflow path connecting an inlet for admitting air into the device and an outlet through which the user inhales the resulting vapor and/or aerosol , so that the pressure sensor senses changes in pressure simultaneously with air passing through the evaporator 100 from the air inlet to the air outlet. In some implementations, the heating element may be activated in connection with a user's puff, for example, by automatically detecting the puff, such as a pressure sensor detecting a change in pressure in the air flow path.

[0244] With reference to FIG. 1, 2A, and 2B, the vaporizer cartridge 120 is removably inserted into the vaporizer housing 110 via a cartridge socket 118. As shown in FIG. 2A, which illustrates a planar view of the vaporizer housing 110 adjacent to the vaporizer cartridge 120, the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be made entirely or partially of a translucent material such that the level of liquid vaporizable material 102 in the vaporizer cartridge 120 may be visible. The vaporizer cartridge 120 may be configured such that the level of vaporizable material 102 in the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 remains visible through a window in the vaporizer housing 110 when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into the cartridge slot 118 . Alternatively or additionally, the level of liquid vaporizable material 102 in reservoir 140 may be visible through a transparent or translucent outer wall or window formed in the outer wall of vaporizer cartridge 120.

Embodiments of the air flow channel

[0245] With reference to FIG. 2C and 2D, illustrates an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 120 in which an airflow path 134 is created during a user draw on the vaporizer 100. The airflow path 134 may direct air to a flash chamber 150 (see, for example, FIG. 2D) contained within the wick body. wherein the air is combined with a respirable aerosol for delivery to the user through a mouthpiece 130, which may also be part of a vaporizer cartridge 120. The vapor chamber 150 may include and/or at least partially enclose an atomizer 141 consistent with the remainder of this disclosure. For example, when a user takes a puff on the vaporizer 100, an airflow path 134 may extend between the outer surface of the vaporizer cartridge 120 (e.g., window 132) and the inner surface of the cartridge seat 118 on the vaporizer body 110. Air may then be drawn into the insertion end 122 of the cartridge through a vapor chamber 150 that includes or contains a heating element and a wick element, and exited through an outlet 136 of the mouthpiece 130 to provide a respirable aerosol to the user. Other airflow path configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, those described in more detail below.

[0246] In FIG. 2D illustrates additional features that may be included in a vaporizer cartridge 120 consistent with the claimed subject matter. For example, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may include a plurality of cartridge contacts (such as cartridge contacts 124) located on an insertion end 122 that is configured to be inserted into the cartridge slot 118 of the vaporizer body 110. The cartridge contacts 124 may optionally be part of a single piece of metal that forms a conductive structure (such as conductive structure 126) coupled to one of the two ends of the resistive heating element. The conductive structure may optionally form opposite sides of the heating chamber and may optionally act as thermal shields and/or heat sinks to reduce heat transfer to the outer walls of the evaporator cartridge 120. Further details of this aspect are described below.

[0247] In FIG. 2D also shows a cannula 128 (which is an example of a more general concept also referred to herein as an airflow path) within a vaporizer cartridge 120 that defines a portion of an airflow path 134 passing between a heating chamber (also referred to herein as an atomizer chamber, evaporation chamber, or the like). which may be formed, at least in part, by the conductive structure 126 and the mouthpiece 130. This configuration causes air to flow downward around the insertion end 122 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 into the cartridge seat 118 and then return back in the opposite direction after passing around the insertion end 120 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 end 122 (eg, the end opposite the end that includes the mouthpiece 130) of the vaporizer cartridge 120 as it enters the cartridge body toward the vaporization chamber 150. The air flow path 134 then passes through the interior of the vaporizer cartridge 120, such as through one or more tubes or internal passages (such as cannula 128) and through one or more outlets (such as outlet 136) formed in the mouthpiece 130.

Pressure equalization outlet

[0248] As mentioned above, removal of vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 (e.g., through capillary suction by a capillary element) may create at least a partial vacuum (e.g., a reduced pressure created in a portion of the reservoir that was emptied by consuming liquid vaporizable material) relative to the ambient air pressure in the reservoir 140, and such vacuum may interfere with the capillary action provided by the wick element. This reduced pressure may, in some examples, be large enough in magnitude to reduce the effectiveness of the wick member for drawing liquid vaporizer material 102 into vaporization chamber 150, thereby reducing the effectiveness of vaporizer 100 to vaporize a desired amount of vaporizer material 102, such as when a user takes a puff on evaporator 100. In extreme cases, the vacuum created in the reservoir 140 may result in an inability to draw all of the vaporized material 102 into the flash chamber 150, thereby resulting in underutilization of the vaporized material 102. One or more outlet elements may be included in association with vaporizer tank 140 (regardless of the location of the reservoir 140 in the vaporizer cartridge 120 or elsewhere in the vaporizer) to ensure that the pressure in the tank 140 is at least partially equalized (optionally fully equalized) with the ambient pressure (e.g., the pressure in the ambient air outside the tank 140) to mitigate this problem.

[0249] In some cases, although equalizing the pressure within reservoir 140 improves the efficiency of supplying liquid vaporizable material to atomizer 141, it does so by filling an emptied empty volume (e.g., a space emptied by the use of liquid vaporizable material) within reservoir 140 with air. As described in more detail below, this air-filled empty volume may then experience changes in pressure relative to the surrounding air, which may result, under certain conditions, in liquid vaporizable material leaking out of the reservoir 140 and ultimately out of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and/or another part of the evaporator that contains the reservoir 140. Implementations of the claimed subject matter also provide advantages and benefits with respect to this problem.

[0250] Various features and devices that reduce or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features for controlling air flow as well as vaporizable material flow are described herein, which may provide advantages and improvements over existing approaches while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. The vaporizer devices and/or cartridges described herein include one or more features that control and improve air flow in the vaporizer device and/or cartridge, thereby increasing the performance and efficiency of vaporizing liquid vaporizable material by the vaporizer device without introducing additional features which could lead to leaks of liquid evaporated material.

[0251] FIG. 2E and 2F illustrate schematics of first and second embodiments, respectively, of reservoir systems 200A, 200B configured for a vaporizer cartridge (such as vaporizer cartridge 120) and/or a vaporizer device (such as vaporizer 100) to improve pressure equalization and air flow in the vaporizer . More specifically, the reservoir systems 200A, 200B shown in FIG. 2E and 2F improve pressure control in the reservoir 240 such that the vacuum created in the reservoir 240 is released after the user takes a puff on the vaporizer, reducing or even eliminating the likelihood of liquid vaporized material leaking through the outlet (vent) structure. This allows the capillary action of the porous material (eg, wick element) associated with the reservoir 240 and the vaporization chamber 242 to continue to effectively draw the vaporized material 202 from the reservoir 240 into the vaporization chamber 242 after each puff.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 2E and 2F, the reservoir systems 200A, 200B include a reservoir 240 configured to contain liquid vaporizable material 202. The reservoir 240 is sealed on all sides by the reservoir walls 232 except for a wick body portion that extends between the reservoir 240 and the vaporization chamber 244. A heating element or heater may be contained within the vapor chamber 242 and coupled to the wick element. The wick element is configured to provide capillary action that draws vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240 into flash chamber 242 for vaporization into an aerosol by a heater. The aerosol is then mixed with the air flow 234 passing along the vaporizer air flow path 238 for inhalation by the user.

[0253] Reservoir systems 200A, 200B also include an airflow restrictor 244 that restricts the passage of airflow 234 along the vaporizer airflow path 238, such as when a user takes a puff on the vaporizer. The restriction of airflow 234 caused by airflow restrictor 244 may cause a vacuum to form along a portion of airflow path 238 downstream of airflow restrictor 244. The vacuum created along the airflow path 238 may assist in drawing the aerosol generated in the evaporation chamber 242 (eg, a chamber containing at least a portion of the nebulizer 141) along the airflow path 238 for inhalation by the user. At least one airflow restrictor 244 may be included in each of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B, and the airflow restrictor 244 may include any number of elements for limiting the airflow 234 along the airflow path 238.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 2E and 2F, each of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B may also include an outlet 246 configured to selectively allow air into the reservoir 240 to increase pressure within the reservoir 240 to relieve the reservoir 240 of a negative pressure (vacuum) relative to ambient pressure, occurring when vaporized material 202 is drawn from reservoir 240 as described above. At least one outlet 246 may be in communication with the reservoir 240. The outlet 246 may be an active or passive valve, and the outlet 246 may include any number of elements to allow air to pass into the reservoir 240 to relieve negative pressure created in tank 240.

[0255] For example, an embodiment of the outlet 246 may include an outlet passage that extends between the reservoir 240 and the air flow path 238 and has a diameter (or more generally a cross-sectional area) such that fluid tension fluid, also called surface tension) of the evaporated material 202 prevents the evaporated material 202 from passing through the channel when the pressure is equalized across the outlet 246 (e.g., the pressure in the reservoir 240 is approximately the same as the pressure in the air flow channel 238. However, the diameter (or, In general, the cross-sectional area of the outlet 246 and/or outlet can be calculated such that the vacuum pressure created in the reservoir 240 is able to overcome the surface tension of the evaporated material 202 in the outlet 246 or outlet to cause air bubbles to be released into reservoir 240 through the outlet in response to a sufficiently low pressure within reservoir 240 relative to ambient pressure.

[0256] Accordingly, a volume of air can flow from the air flow path 238 into the reservoir 240 and relieve the vacuum pressure. After adding a volume of air to reservoir 240, the pressure again becomes more closely aligned with outlet 246, thereby allowing the surface tension of vaporized material 202 to prevent air from entering reservoir 240, as well as to prevent vaporized material from leaking from reservoir 240 through the outlet.

[0257] In one exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the outlet 246 or outlet channel may range from about 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and may also include diameters in the range from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm. In some examples, the outlet 246 and/or the outlet passage may be non-circular, such that it may be characterized by a non-circular cross-section along the direction of fluid flow in the outlet passage. In such an example, the cross-section is not determined by the diameter, but rather by the cross-sectional area. Generally speaking, regardless of whether the cross-sectional shape of the outlet 246 and/or exhaust port is circular or non-circular, in some implementations of the subject matter it may be preferable for the cross-sectional area of the outlet 246 to be different along its path between open to ambient air pressure and the interior of the reservoir 240. For example, the portion of the outlet 246 closer to the external ambient pressure may advantageously have a smaller cross-sectional area (e.g., a smaller diameter in the example where the outlet 246 has a circular cross-section) relative to the portion of the outlet 246 closer to the interior portions of the reservoir 240. A smaller cross-sectional area closer to the outside of the system may provide greater resistance to the release of liquid vaporized material, while a larger cross-sectional area closer to the interior of the reservoir 240 may provide relatively less resistance to the release of an air bubble from the outlet 246 into the reservoir 240. In some implementations of the claimed subject matter, the transition between the smaller and larger cross-sectional areas may advantageously not be continuous, but instead include non-uniformity along the length of the outlet opening 246 and/or the outlet channel. Such a structure may be useful to provide greater overall resistance to the exit of liquid material than to equalize the pressure in the reservoir by releasing air bubbles from the outlet 246, since the larger cross-sectional area near the reservoir may have lower capillary action relative to the smaller cross-sectional area, open to the surrounding air.

[0258] The material of the outlet 246 and/or outlet channel may also help control the outlet 246 and/or outlet channel, for example, by affecting the contact angle between the walls of the outlet hole 246 and/or outlet channel and the evaporated material 202. The contact angle may influence the surface tension created by the evaporated material 202, and thus influences the threshold pressure difference that can be created at the outlet 246 and/or outlet channel before a volume of fluid can pass through the outlet 246, as described higher. The outlet 246 may have various shapes/sizes and configurations that are within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, various embodiments of cartridges and cartridge parts that include one or more of a plurality of outlet elements are described in more detail below.

[0259] The location of the outlet 246 (eg, passive outlet) and air flow restrictor 244 relative to the flash chamber 242 facilitates the efficient operation of the reservoir systems 200A, 200B. For example, improper placement of either the outlet 246 or the airflow restrictor 244 may result in unwanted leakage of vaporized material 202 from the reservoir 240. The present disclosure provides for the effective positioning of the outlet 246 and the airflow restrictor 244 relative to the vaporization chamber 242 (containing the wick). For example, little or no pressure drop between the passive outlet and the wick may result in an effective reservoir system to relieve vacuum pressure in the reservoir and result in effective capillary action of the wick in preventing leakage. The configuration of the reservoir system having an effective arrangement of the outlet 246 and the air flow restrictor 244 relative to the flash chamber 242 is described in more detail below.

[0260] As shown in FIG. 2E, air flow restrictor 244 may be located upstream of flash chamber 242 along air flow path 238, and outlet 246 is located along reservoir 240 such that it provides fluid communication between reservoir 240 and a portion of air flow path 238. which is downstream of the vapor chamber 242. Essentially, when a user takes a puff on the vaporizer, a negative pressure is created downstream of the air flow restrictor 244 such that the vapor chamber 242 experiences negative pressure. Likewise, the side of the outlet 246 communicating with the air flow path 238 also experiences negative pressure.

[0261] As such, a small amount of pressure difference is created between the outlet 246 and the vapor chamber 242 during a puff (eg, when the user draws or sucks air from the vaporizer). However, after a puff, the capillary action of the wick will draw vaporizable material 202 from reservoir 240 into the flash chamber 242 to replenish the vaporizable material 202 vaporized and consumed by the previous puff. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240. There will then be a pressure differential between the reservoir 240 and the air flow path 238. As discussed above, the outlet 246 may be configured such that a pressure difference (e.g., a threshold pressure difference) between the reservoir 240 and the air flow path 238 allows a volume of air to flow from the air flow path 238 into the reservoir 240, thereby relieving the vacuum in the reservoir 240 and returning to equalized pressure at outlet 246 and stable reservoir system 200A.

[0262] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F, an air flow restrictor 244 may be located downstream of the flash chamber 242 along the air flow path 238, and an outlet 246 may be located along the reservoir 240 such that it provides fluid communication between the reservoir 240 and a portion of the air flow path 238 which is located upstream of vapor chamber 242. Essentially, when a user takes a puff on the vaporizer, vapor chamber 242 and outlet 246 experience little or no vacuum or negative pressure as a result of the puff, thereby resulting in little or no pressure drop between the vaporization chamber 242 and the outlet 244. Similar to the case in FIG. 2E, the pressure difference created at the outlet 246 will be the result of the capillary action of the wick drawing the vaporized material 202 into the flash chamber 242 after puffing. As a result, a vacuum or negative pressure will be created in the reservoir 240. A pressure differential will then occur across outlet 246.

[0263] As discussed above, the outlet 246 may be configured such that a pressure difference (e.g., a threshold pressure difference) between the reservoir 240 and the air flow path 238 or atmosphere allows a volume of air to pass into the reservoir 240, thereby relieving the vacuum in the reservoir 240 This allows the pressure to equalize at the outlet 246 and stabilize the reservoir systems 200B. The outlet 246 may have various configurations and features and may be located in a variety of positions along the evaporator body 120 to achieve different results. For example, one or more outlets 246 may be adjacent to or form part of the vapor chamber 242 or wick body. In such a configuration, one or more outlets 246 may provide fluid communication (e.g., air communication) between the reservoir 240 and the vapor chamber 242 (through which the air flow passes when the user takes a puff on the vaporizer and which is thus part of air flow channel).

[0264] Similarly, as described above, an outlet 246 located adjacent to or forming part of the flash chamber 242 or wick body may allow air from within the flash chamber 242 to pass into the reservoir 240 through the outlet 246 to increase the pressure within the reservoir 240, thereby effectively releasing the vacuum pressure (rarefaction) created by drawing the vaporizable material 202 into the vapor chamber 242. As such, the vacuum release allows the vaporizable material 202 to be effectively and efficiently drawn by capillary action into the vapor chamber 242 through the wick to create inhalable vapor during subsequent puffs on the vaporizer user. The following description provides various embodiments of a flash chamber outlet element (e.g., an atomizer assembly) that includes a wick housing 1315, 178 (which houses the flash chamber) and at least one outlet 596 coupled to a portion of the housing 1315, 178 wick or forming a part thereof to achieve the above-mentioned effective ventilation of the reservoir 140.

Open End Cartridge Assembly Embodiments

[0265] In FIG. 3A and 3B show an exemplary planar cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cartridge 1320, in which the cartridge 1320 includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece area 1330, a reservoir 1340, and an atomizer (not shown separately). The atomizer may include a heating element 1350 and a wick element 1362, together or separately, depending on the implementation, such that the wick element 1362 is thermally or thermodynamically coupled to the heating element 1350 for the purpose of vaporizing vaporizable material 1302 drawn from the wick element 1362 or stored in German

[0266] In one embodiment, plates 1326 may be included to provide an electrical connection between heating element 1350 and power source 112 (see FIG. 1). An airflow path 1338 defined through or on a side of the reservoir 1340 may connect an area in the cartridge 1320 that houses the wick member 1362 (e.g., a wick body not shown separately) to an opening that leads to a mouthpiece or mouthpiece area 1330. to provide a path for the vaporized vaporized material 1302 to move from the heating element region 1350 to the mouthpiece region 1330.

[0267] As described above, wick element 1362 may be coupled to an atomizer or heating element 1350 (eg, a resistive heating element or coil) that is coupled to one or more electrical contacts (eg, plates 1326). Heating element 1350 (and other heating elements described herein in accordance with one or more implementations) may have various shapes and/or configurations and may include one or more heating elements 1350, 500 or parts thereof, as described in more detail below with with reference to FIG. 44A-116.

[0268] According to one or more example implementations, the heating element 1350 of the cartridge 1320 may be fabricated (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and either crimped around at least a portion of the wick element 1362 or bent to provide a preformed element made to receive the wick element 1362 (eg, the wick element 1362 is pushed into the heating element 1350, and/or the heating element 1350 is held in tension and pulled over the wick element 1362).

[0269] The heating element 1350 may be bent such that the heating element 1350 secures the wick element 1362 between at least two or three portions of the heating element 1350. The heating element 1350 may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 1362. Configurations heating element 1350 provide more consistent and improved manufacturing quality of heating element 1350. Consistent manufacturing quality of heating element 1350 may be particularly important during scalable and/or automated manufacturing processes. For example, the heating element 1350 in accordance with one or more implementations helps reduce tolerance problems that may arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element 1350 having multiple components.

[0270] The heating element 1350 may also improve the accuracy of measurements obtained from the heating element 1350 (e.g., resistance, current, temperature, etc.), at least in part due to the improved stability in the manufacturability of the heating element 1350 having reduced tolerance issues . A heating element 1350 fabricated (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and either crimped around at least a portion of a wick element 1362 or bent to provide a preformed element advantageously helps minimize heat loss and helps ensure that the heating element 1350 behaves in a predictable manner when heated to the appropriate temperature.

[0271] In addition, as further discussed below with respect to the included embodiment relating to a heating element made of a crimped metal, the heating element 1350 may be completely and/or selectively coated with one or more materials to improve the heating efficiency of the heating element 1350. Coating all or part of the heating element 1350 may help minimize heat loss. The coating may also help concentrate heat on a portion of the heating element 1350, thereby providing a heating element 1350 that heats more efficiently and further reduces heat loss. The selective coating may help direct the current entering the heating element 1350 to the proper location. Selective coating may also help reduce the amount of coating material and/or costs associated with manufacturing the heating element 1350.

[0272] In addition to or in combination with the exemplary heating elements described and/or discussed below, the heating element may include a flat heating element 1850 (see FIGS. 18A-18D) located in a vaporizer cartridge 1800 including two airflow path 1838, a folded heating element 1950 (see FIGS. 19A-19C, 22A-22B, and 44A-116) housed in an evaporator cartridge 1900 containing two airflow paths 1938, and a folded heating element 2050 (see FIG. 20A -20C) located in the evaporator cartridge 2000 including one air flow path 2038b.

[0273] As noted above, heating element 1350, in one embodiment, may include a wick element 1362. For example, the wick element 1362 may extend near or adjacent to the plates 1326 and through resistive heating elements in contact with the plates 1326. The wick body may surround at least a portion of the heating element 1350 and connecting the heating element 1350 directly or indirectly to the air flow path 1338. Vaporizable material 1302 may be drawn by wick member 1362 through one or more passages connected to reservoir 1340. In one embodiment, one or both of primary passage 1382 or secondary passage 1384 may be used to assist in directing and delivering vaporizable material 1302 to one or both the end of the wick element 1362 or radially along the length of the wick element 1362.

Options for implementing an overflow collector

[0274] As discussed in more detail below, particularly with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B, the exchange of air and liquid vaporized material into and out of the cartridge reservoir 1340 can be successfully controlled, and the volumetric efficiency of the vaporizer cartridge (defined as the volume of liquid vaporized material that is ultimately converted into an inhalation aerosol, relative to the total volume of the cartridge itself) may also be further improved by including a structure referred to as a manifold 1313.

[0275] According to some implementations, cartridge 1320 may include a reservoir 1340 that is at least partially defined by at least one wall (which may optionally be a wall that shares an outer shell of the cartridge) configured to contain liquid vaporizable material 1302. Reservoir 1340 may include a storage chamber 1342 and an overflow volume 1344, which may include or otherwise contain a collector 1313. The storage chamber 1342 may contain vaporizable material 1302, and the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to collect or retaining at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 when one or more factors cause the vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir storage chamber 1342 to move into the overflow volume 1344. In some implementations of the subject matter, the cartridge may be initially filled with liquid vaporizable material such that that the free space inside the collector is pre-filled with liquid evaporated material.

[0276] In exemplary embodiments, the volumetric size of the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the amount of increase in volume of the contents (e.g., vaporizable material 1302 and air) contained in the storage chamber 1342 when the volume the contents in the storage chamber 1342 expands due to the maximum expected change in pressure that the reservoir can be subjected to relative to ambient pressure.

[0277] Depending on changes in ambient pressure or temperature or other factors, cartridge 1320 may experience a change from a first pressure state to a second pressure state (e.g., a first relative pressure difference between the interior of the reservoir and the ambient pressure and a second relative pressure difference between the inside of the tank and ambient pressure). In some aspects, the overflow volume 1344 may have an opening to the outside of the cartridge 1320 and may be in communication with the reservoir storage chamber 1342 such that the overflow volume 1344 may act as an outlet to provide pressure equalization within the cartridge 1320 and/or to collect and at least temporarily contain and, optionally, recirculating liquid vaporized material that may exit the storage chamber in response to changes in the pressure difference between the storage chamber and the surrounding air. As described here, pressure drop refers to the difference in absolute pressure between the inside of a tank and the surrounding air. Vaporizable material 1302 may be drawn from the storage chamber 1342 into the atomizer and converted into a vapor or aerosol phase, reducing the volume of vaporizable material remaining in the storage chamber 1342 and, in the absence of any mechanism for returning air to the storage chamber to equalize the pressure therein with the pressure environment may result in the state of at least partial vacuum discussed above.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, tank 1340 may be implemented to include first and second divisible regions such that the tank volume 1340 is divided into a tank storage chamber 1342 and a tank overflow volume 1344. The storage chamber 1342 may be configured to store vaporizable material 1302 and may be further coupled to the wick member 1362 through one or more primary passages 1382. In some examples, the primary passage 1362 may be very short in length (e.g., a through hole from a space containing wick or other parts of the atomizer). In other examples, the primary passage may be part of a longer fluid-containing channel between the collection chamber and the wick element. The overflow volume 1344 may be configured to accumulate and hold portions of vaporizable material 1302 that may flow from the storage chamber 1342 in a second pressure state in which the pressure in the storage chamber 1342 is greater than ambient pressure, as described in more detail below.

[0279] In the first pressure state, vaporized material 1302 may accumulate in the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. The first pressure state may exist, for example, when the ambient pressure is approximately the same as or greater than the pressure within the cartridge 1320. In this first pressure state, the structural and functional properties of the primary passage 1382 and the secondary passage 1384 are such that vaporizable material 1302 can flow from the storage chamber 1342 towards the wick element 1362 through the primary passage 1382, for example, by the capillary effect of the wick element to draw liquid near the heating element, which serves to convert the liquid evaporated material into the gas phase.

[0280] In one embodiment, in the first pressure state, no or only limited amounts of vaporized material 1302 flows into the secondary passage 1382. In the second pressure state, vaporized material 1302 can flow from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 of the reservoir 1340, which, for example, includes a manifold 1313 for preventing or limiting unwanted (eg, excess) flow of vaporized material 1302 from the reservoir. A second pressure state may exist or be caused, for example, when an air bubble expands in the storage chamber 1342 (eg, because the ambient pressure becomes less than the pressure within the cartridge 1320).

[0281] Advantageously, the flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be controlled by directing vaporizable material 1302 withdrawn from the storage chamber 1342 by increasing pressure into the overflow volume 1344. The manifold 1313 within the overflow volume may include one or more capillary structures that contain at least a portion (and substantially all) of the excess liquid vaporized material is forced out of the storage chamber 1342 without allowing the liquid vaporized material to reach the outlet of the manifold 1313. The manifold 1313 also preferably includes capillary structures that allow the liquid vaporized material to be forced into the manifold 1313 by excess pressure in the collection chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure, to be drawn back into the collection chamber 1342 when the pressure in the collection chamber 1342 equalizes or otherwise decreases relative to the ambient pressure. In other words, the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313 may have microfluidic features or properties that prevent air and liquid from bypassing each other during filling and emptying of the manifold 1313. That is, microfluidic elements may be used to control the flow of vaporized material 1302 into both the manifold and and from the manifold 1313 (i.e., provide flow reversing properties) to prevent or reduce the leakage of vaporized material 1302 or the entrapment of air bubbles into the storage chamber 1342 or the overflow volume 1344.

[0282] Depending on the implementation, the microfluidic elements or properties noted above may be related to the size, shape, surface finish, structural features, and capillary properties of the wick element 1362, the primary passage 1382, and the secondary passage 1384. For example, the secondary passage 1384 in The manifold 1313 may optionally have different capillary properties than the primary passage 1382 that leads to the wick element 1362 to allow a certain volume of vaporized material 1302 to pass from the storage chamber 1342 to the overflow volume 1344 during the second pressure state.

[0283] In one exemplary implementation, the total resistance of the manifold 1313 to liquid flowing outward is greater than the total resistance of the wick, for example, to the flow of vaporized material 1302 generally through the primary passage 1382 to the wick element 1362 during the first pressure state.

[0284] Wick element 1362 may provide a capillary path through or into wick element 1362 for vaporized material 1302 stored in reservoir 1340. The capillary path (e.g., primary passage 1382) may be large enough to provide wick action or capillary action to replace vaporized material vaporizable material 1302 in wick member 1362, and may be small enough to prevent vaporizable material 1302 from leaking from cartridge 1320 in a negative pressure state. The wick body or wick member 1362 may be treated to prevent leakage. For example, the cartridge 1320 may be coated after filling to prevent leakage or evaporation through the wick member 1362. Any suitable coating may be used, including, for example, a thermally evaporative coating (e.g., wax or other material).

[0285] When a user inhales from mouthpiece area 1330, for example, air flows into cartridge 1320 through an inlet or opening in operative relationship with wick element 1362. Heating element 1350 may be activated in response to a signal generated by one or more sensors 113 (see Fig. 1). The one or more sensors 113 may include at least one pressure sensor, motion sensor, flow sensor, or other mechanism capable of detecting changes in the airflow path 1338. When the heating element 1350 is activated, the heating element 1350 may experience an increase in temperature as a result of current flowing through the plates 1326 or through some other electrically resistive portion of the heating element that serves to convert electrical energy to thermal energy.

[0286] In one embodiment, the generated heat may be transferred to at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 in the wick element 1362 via conductive, convective, or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 drawn into the wick element 1362 is vaporized. Depending on the implementation, the air entering the cartridge 1320 flows through (or around, near, etc.) the wick element 1362 and the heating elements in the heating element 1350 and carries the vaporized vaporized material 1302 into the air flow path 1338, where the vapor can , optionally, condensed and delivered in aerosol form, for example, through an opening in the mouthpiece area 1330.

[0287] With reference to FIG. 3B, the collection chamber 1342 may be coupled to an air flow path 1338 (i.e., through a secondary passage 1384 of the overflow volume 1344) to allow liquid vaporizable material to be displaced from the collection chamber 1342 by the increased pressure in the collection chamber 1342 relative to the environment. , is held without leaving the evaporator cartridge. Although the implementations described herein relate to a vaporizer cartridge containing a reservoir 1340, it should be understood that the described approaches are also compatible and can be used in a vaporizer that does not have a detachable cartridge.

[0288] Returning to the example, the air entering the storage chamber 1342 may expand due to a pressure difference relative to the surrounding air. Expansion of this air in the headspace of the storage chamber 1342 may cause liquid vaporized material to flow through at least a portion of the secondary passage 1384 in the manifold 1313. The microfluidic elements of the secondary passage 1384 may cause the liquid vaporized material to move along the length of the secondary passage 1384 in the manifold 1313 with only a meniscus, completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage 1384 transverse to the direction of flow along the length.

[0289] In some implementations of the subject matter, the microfluidic elements may include a cross-sectional area sufficiently small for the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed, and a liquid vaporizable material composition, the liquid vaporizable material preferably wets the secondary passage 1384 around the entire perimeter of the secondary passage 1384. For an example in which the liquid vaporizable material includes one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the wetting properties of such liquid are advantageously considered in combination with the geometry of the secondary passage 1384 and the materials from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed. Thus, when the sign (e.g., positive, negative, or equal) and magnitude of the pressure difference between the storage chamber 1340 and the ambient pressure changes, a meniscus is maintained between the liquid in the secondary passage and the air coming from the surrounding atmosphere, and the liquid and air cannot move past each other. When the pressure in storage chamber 1340 drops sufficiently relative to ambient pressure, and if there is sufficient void volume in storage chamber 1340 to allow this, fluid in secondary passage 1384 of manifold 1313 may be drawn into storage chamber 1342 sufficiently to force the anterior meniscus at the liquid-air interface to reach the gate or port between the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313 and the collection chamber 1340. At this time, if the pressure drop in the collection chamber 1342 relative to the ambient pressure is negative enough to overcome the surface tension supporting the meniscus at the gate or port, the meniscus is released from the walls of the seal or port and forms one or more air bubbles, which are released into the storage chamber 1342 with sufficient volume to equalize the pressure in the storage chamber relative to the environment.

[0290] When air entering (or otherwise entering) storage chamber 1340, as discussed above, experiences a state of increased pressure relative to its surroundings (for example, due to a drop in ambient pressure, as may occur in an aircraft cabin or other high-altitude locations when a window of a moving vehicle is open, when a train or vehicle leaves a tunnel, etc., or an increase in internal pressure in the storage chamber 1340, as may occur due to local heating, mechanical pressure that distorts the shape and, thus reducing the volume of the storage chamber 1340, etc.), the above process may be reversed. The fluid passes through the seal or port into the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313, and a meniscus is formed at the leading edge of the column of fluid passing into the secondary passage 1384 to prevent air from bypassing and flowing against the flow of the fluid. By maintaining this meniscus due to the presence of the aforementioned microfluidic properties, when the increased pressure in the storage chamber 1340 is later reduced, a column of liquid is drawn back into the storage chamber, optionally until the meniscus reaches the closure or port. If the pressure difference is sufficiently favorable to the ambient pressure relative to the pressure in the storage chamber, then the bubble formation process described above occurs until the pressure is equalized. Thus, the collector acts as a reversible overflow volume that receives liquid vaporized material displaced from the storage chamber under transient conditions of higher pressure in the storage chamber relative to the environment, and allows for the return of at least a portion (and preferably all or most) of the storage chamber. of this overflow volume into a storage chamber for subsequent feeding into a nebulizer to be converted into an inhalation form.

[0291] Depending on the implementation, the collection chamber 1342 may or may not be connected to the wick element 1362 through a secondary passage 1384. In implementations in which the second end of the secondary passage 1384 leads to the wick element 1362, any evaporable material 1302 that can exit from the secondary passage 1384 at the second end (opposite the first end defining the point of connection with the collection chamber 1340) may further saturate the wick element 1362.

[0292] The storage chamber 1340 may optionally be located toward the end of the reservoir 1340, which is adjacent to the mouthpiece area 1330. The overflow volume 1344 may be located near the end of the reservoir 1340 proximal to the heating element 1350, for example, between the storage chamber 1342 and the heating element 1350. The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the volume of the claimed subject matter with respect to the position of various components, disclosed here. For example, the overflow volume 1344 may be located at the top, middle, or bottom of the cartridge 1320. The location and arrangement of the collection chamber 1340 can be adjusted relative to the position of the overflow volume 1344, such that the collection chamber 1342 may be located at the top, middle, or bottom of the cartridge 1320. according to one or more options.

[0293] In one implementation, when the vaporizer cartridge 1320 is filled to capacity, the volume of liquid vaporized material may be equal to the internal volume of the storage chamber 1342 plus the overflow volume 1344 (which in some examples may be the volume of the secondary passage 1384 between the gate or port connecting the secondary passage 1384 with a storage chamber 1340) and a secondary passage outlet 1384. In other words, a vaporizer cartridge consistent with embodiments of the subject matter may be initially filled with liquid vaporizable material such that all or at least a portion of the internal volume of the manifold is filled with liquid vaporizable material. In such an example, liquid vaporized material is supplied to the nebulizer as needed for delivery to the user. The delivered liquid vaporized material may be drawn out of the storage chamber 1340, thereby causing the liquid in the secondary passage 1384 of the manifold 1313 to be drawn back into the storage chamber 1340 since air cannot flow through the secondary passage 1384 due to the meniscus supported by the microfluidic properties of the secondary passage 1384, which prevents air from flowing past the liquid vaporized material in the secondary passage 1384. Once a sufficient amount of liquid vaporized material has been supplied to the nebulizer from the storage chamber 1340 (e.g., for vaporization and inhalation by the user) to cause the initial volume of the manifold 1313 to be drawn into the storage chamber 1340 , the above-described action occurs - air bubbles may be released from the seal or port between the secondary passage 1384 and the storage chamber to equalize the pressure in the storage chamber when more liquid vaporizable material is used. When the air that has entered the collection chamber is at elevated pressure relative to ambient pressure, liquid vaporized material moves from the collection chamber 1340 past the closure or port into the secondary passage until the elevated pressure condition in the collection chamber no longer exists, at which point at which point the liquid vaporized material in the secondary passage 1384 can be drawn back into the storage chamber 1340.

[0294] In some embodiments, the overflow volume 1344 is large enough to contain the percentage of vaporizable material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342, optionally up to about 100%. In one embodiment, the collector 1313 is configured to contain at least 6% to 25% of the volume of vaporized material 1302 stored in the storage chamber 1342. Other ranges are possible.

[0295] The manifold structure 1313 may be configured, designed, molded, manufactured, or positioned within the overflow volume 1344 in various forms and have various properties to allow overflow portions of evaporated material 1302 to at least temporarily accommodate, contain, or accumulate within the overflow volume 1314 in a controlled manner. in a manner (eg, by capillary pressure) to prevent vaporizable material 1302 from leaking from cartridge 1320 or from over-saturating wick member 1362. It should be understood that the above description regarding the secondary passage is not intended to be limited to a single such secondary passage 1384. One or, optionally, more than one secondary passage may be connected to the collection chamber 1340 through one or more than one gate or port. In some implementations of the claimed subject matter, a single gate or port may be connected to more than one secondary passage, or a single secondary passage may be divided into more than one secondary passage to provide additional overflow volume or other benefits.

[0296] In some implementations of the subject matter, an air outlet 1318 may connect the overflow volume 1344 to an air flow path 1338 that ultimately leads to an external environment outside the cartridge 130. This air outlet 1318 may provide a path for air or bubbles that may be formed or trapped in the manifold 1313 to exit through the air outlet 1318, for example, during a second pressure state when the secondary passage 1384 is filled with an overflow of vaporized material 1302.

[0297] In accordance with some aspects, the air outlet 1318 may act as a return outlet and allow pressure equalization within the cartridge 1320 during return to the first pressure state from the second pressure state when the overflow of vaporized material 1302 is returned back to the storage chamber 1342 from the overflow volume 1344. In this embodiment, when the ambient pressure becomes greater than the internal pressure in the cartridge 1320, ambient air can flow through the air outlet 1318 into the secondary passage 1384 and effectively help displace the vaporized material 1302 temporarily stored in the overflow volume 1344, in the opposite direction back to the storage chamber 1342.

[0298] In one or more embodiments, the secondary passage 1384 in the first pressure state may include air. In the second pressure state, vaporized material 1302 may enter the secondary passage 1384, for example, through an opening (i.e., an outlet) at the transition point between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344. As a result, the air in the secondary passage 1384 moves and can escape through the air outlet 1318. In some embodiments, air outlet 1318 may act as a control valve or include a control valve (e.g., selective osmosis membrane, microfluidic seal, etc.) that allows air to exit the overflow volume 1344 but blocks evaporated material 1302 from the exit from the secondary passage 1384 to the air flow channel 1338. As noted above, the air outlet 1318 may act as an air exchange port to allow air to enter and exit the manifold 1313 when, for example, the manifold 1313 fills during a negative pressure event and empties after a negative pressure event (i.e., during transition time between the first and second pressure states described earlier).

[0299] Accordingly, the vaporized material 1302 may be stored in the manifold 1313 until the pressure within the cartridge 1320 stabilizes (for example, when the pressure returns to ambient pressure or satisfies a predetermined equilibrium), or until the vaporized material 1302 will be removed from the overflow volume 1344 (for example, through evaporation in a nebulizer). Thus, the level of vaporized material 1302 in overflow volume 1344 can be adjusted by controlling the flow of vaporized material 1302 into and out of manifold 1313 as ambient pressure changes. In one or more embodiments, the overflow of vaporized material 1302 from storage chamber 1342 into overflow volume 1344 may be reversed or may be reversible depending on detected changes in the environment (e.g., when the pressure event that caused the overflow of vaporized material 1302 subsides or ends ).

[0300] As noted above, in some implementations of the claimed subject matter, in a state where the pressure within the cartridge 1320 becomes relatively lower than the ambient pressure (for example, when transitioning from the second pressure state noted earlier back to the first pressure state), the flow of evaporated material 1302 may be reversed in direction, causing the evaporated material 1302 to flow back from the overflow volume 1344 into the storage chamber 1342 of the reservoir 1340. Thus, depending on the implementation, the overflow volume 1344 may be configured to temporarily contain overflow portions of the evaporated material 1302 in time of the second pressure state. Depending on the implementation, during or after the return to the first pressure state, at least a portion of the overflow of vaporized material 1302 retained in the manifold 1313 is returned back to the storage chamber 1342.

[0301] To control the flow of vaporized material 1302 in cartridge 1320, in other implementations of the subject matter, manifold 1313 may optionally include an absorbent (hygroscopic) or semi-absorbent material (e.g., material having sponge-like properties) for constant or semi-permanently collecting or containing the overflow of vaporized material 1302 passing through the secondary passage 1384. In an exemplary embodiment in which the hygroscopic material is included in the collector 1313, reverse flow of vaporized material 1302 from the overflow volume 1344 into the collection chamber 1342 may not be as practical or possible compared to embodiments that are implemented without (or without as much) hygroscopic material in the collector 1313. Accordingly, the reversibility or rate of reversibility of the evaporated material 1302 into the storage chamber 1342 can be adjusted by including hygroscopic materials of greater or lesser density or volume in the collector 1313 or by controlling the texture of the hygroscopic material, where such characteristics result in higher or lower absorption rates, either immediately or over longer periods of time.

[0302] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary implementation of a cartridge 1320. As shown, the cartridge body 1320 may be made of two interconnected (or separable) parts, such as a first part 1422 (e.g., an upper body) and a second part 1424 (e.g. , lower body), which can be connected to each other according to the model or assembly process from top to bottom. This separable architecture simplifies the assembly and manufacturing process and may not involve the assembly or construction of many smaller parts to construct a larger part. Instead, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, larger pieces (e.g., first piece 1422 and second piece 1424) may be coupled, for example, to external cartridge elements (e.g., a liner) and to smaller internal cartridge components (e.g., opposing rib-shaped elements that define one or more from the collector 1313, reservoir 1340, storage chamber 1342, overflow volume 1344, etc.).

[0303] Referring to FIG. 4, a heating element 1450 may be located in a cavity or housing implemented between the first member 1422 and the second member 1424 of the cartridge body 1420. In one example, a sponge or other absorbent material 1460 may also be located in the area 1430 mouthpiece for the purpose of collecting excess liquid vaporized material (which can be formed, for example, when vaporized material and/or water vapor condenses to form large droplets that can create an unpleasant sensation when consumed during inhalation) moving along the air flow channel 1438. Accordingly, assembly or disassembly of additional components (e.g., heating element 1450 or sponge 1460) can be accomplished in a simple and efficient manner where a large number of machine parts or assembly machines may not be required to construct cartridge 1320 from a small set of components into a single split two-piece housing in example implementation disclosed here.

[0304] The described split two-piece design may provide one or more of the following exemplary advantages or improvements over an alternative implementation: fewer parts, lower assembly or manufacturing costs (e.g., the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 requires fabrication and assembly four parts), absence or reduction of requirements for technological equipment, elimination or limitation of deep, fragile, low-tension tooling; rib structures that are relatively shallow. Depending on the implementation, ultrasonic or laser welding techniques may be used to create a solid weld between the first part 1422 and the second part 1424 of the cartridge 1420.

[0305] Ultrasonic welding is a process commonly used for plastics in which high-frequency ultrasonic acoustic vibrations are locally applied to a workpiece (e.g., first piece 1422 and second piece 1424) that are held together under pressure to create a solid weld. Laser welding is a welding process used to join metal or thermoplastic parts using a laser beam, which provides a concentrated heat source (such as a laser beam), producing narrow, deep welds at high welding speeds.

[0306] With reference to FIG. 5 illustrates a planar side cross-sectional view of a selected portion of the cartridge 1320. Referring to FIG. 4 and 5, the first piece 1422 (not shown in FIG. 5) and the second piece 1424 of the cartridge 1420 may be injection molded from plastic (eg, in a top-down implementation model). In one exemplary embodiment, a draw tooling line may be used to separate the molded halves (e.g., first piece 14422 and second piece 1424, as shown in FIG. 4), allowing each piece to be removed without any hindrance due to undercuts. , and further allowing for significant mold cavitation to promote shorter cycle times and a more efficient manufacturing process.

[0307] In FIG. 6A and 6B, respectively, show a top cross-sectional view and a side perspective view of a cartridge 1320. As shown, a refill port 610 may be implemented in one or more embodiments of a cartridge 1320 to fill a reservoir storage chamber 1342 via, for example, a refill needle 622. How As shown, the fill needle 622 can be easily and conveniently inserted into the fill port 610 via the fill channel 630 leading to the storage chamber 1342 (or overflow volume 1344), depending on the implementation. Accordingly, vaporizable material 1302 may be introduced into reservoir 1340 through fill port 630 using, for example, a prime needle 622. In some embodiments, fill port 630 may be formed or located on a side of cartridge 1320, such as opposite the side where port 1338 is located. air flow.

[0308] In FIG. 7A-7D show alternatives for the cartridge connection port. In fig. 7A and 7B are perspective views, and FIG. 7C and 7D show planar side sectional views of alternative connection port embodiments, which, by way of example, may include male or female interacting members. As shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 7A-7D, the cartridge 1320 may be implemented in various configurations at the end where the cartridge 1320 engages the evaporator body 110. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the vaporizer body 110 may include a cartridge socket 118 for removably positioning the cartridge 1320 with a male port 710 (see FIGS. 7A and 7C) such that, in the attached state, the cartridge contacts 124 located in the male port of the cartridge 1320 engage into the corresponding socket contacts 125 in the cartridge socket 118, for example, by snapping. A counter configuration may be in a cartridge 1320 having a female port 712 (see FIGS. 7B and 7D) for receiving the end of the evaporator body 110 that includes socket contacts 125.

[0309] In FIG. 8 shows a planar top view of a cartridge 1320. In one example, the cartridge 1320 may be implemented using a split two-piece design, where an embossment (e.g., owner's trademark, serial number, patent number, etc.) or optionally decorative or ornamental features may be imprinted on the outer walls of the cartridge 1320 during the molding process. The molding process provides flexibility in designing the external shape or externally displayed logos or decorative elements without affecting the positioning or formation of internal functional components (e.g., reservoir 1340, storage chamber 1342, or overflow volume 1344).

[0310] Note that the JUUL® tag, as shown in FIG. 8 is a registered trademark of JUUL LABS, Inc. Delaware Corporation is headquartered in San Francisco, NY. California. All rights are reserved by the owner or assignee of the trademark. The use of an exemplary marking in FIG. 8 should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter to include such an exceptional design or marking. Some embodiments may be unmarked or may not contain any decorative or visual elements. Thus, FIG. 8 provides an illustration of a molded relief that, without limitation, may appear as a marking or design on one or more sides of the cartridge 130.

[0311] In FIG. 9A and 9B are perspective and planar cross-sectional views of an exemplary cartridge 1320 where the first piece 1422 of the cartridge 1320 is separated from the second piece 1424 (see also FIG. 4). In one or more embodiments, cartridge 1320 may be designed and manufactured by separating parts. That is, depending on the implementation, a plurality of divided parts of a part are connected to each other to form the entire part, as shown in the example of FIG. 4.

[0312] With reference to FIG. 9A, partitioning of the piece can provide a molding fit to hold the electrical contact and the heating element in the wick body area 910. As shown in more detail in FIG. 9B, one or more outlet holes 920 may be drilled or positioned, by injection molding or other suitable method, in the cartridge body 1320 at a location proximate the wick body area 910 to allow high-precision removal of vapor or, for example, air flow to the wick to promote regulate condensation in the 1320 cartridge or influence capillary forces therein.

[0313] In FIG. 10A and 10B show assembled and exploded perspective views of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a cartridge 1320. As noted previously, to create an open cartridge design, for example, with two attachable (or removable) housings including a first piece 1422 and a second detail 1424, a top-down implementation model may be used. As shown, the first piece 1422 (e.g., the upper body) and the second piece 1424 (e.g., the lower body) may provide a two-piece structure having one or more internal cavities that can be used to accommodate at least one of the heating element 1350, a wick member 1362 or plates 1326. It will be appreciated that alternative assembly methods may be used to produce structures having some or all of the features described herein.

[0314] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10A and 10B, instead of or in addition to using molded cavities and walls to form internal structures (eg, reservoir 1340 in FIG. 3A) of the cartridge, certain features, such as secondary passage 1384 (see FIG. 3A), may be implemented in removable or attachable manifold 1313, which can be independently configured as a separate piece and can then either be contained between the first piece 1422 and the second piece 1424 (for example, see FIGS. 10A and 10B) or, alternatively, inserted into an optionally monolithic hollow cartridge body configured to receive the open end manifold 1313 (see FIGS. 10C, 10D, 11B, 13, 16C, 17A, 22F).

[0315] With reference to FIG. 10A-43B, various implementations are disclosed that may employ a manifold 1313 configured, designed, manufactured, manufactured, constructed, wholly or partially independent of the cartridge body 1320. It should be noted that the disclosed embodiments are presented by way of example. In alternative implementations or embodiments, manifold 1313 may be configured as shown in FIG. 10A-14B to have a design that is, at least structurally, partially dependent or completely independent of the design of other components of the cartridge 130.

[0316] In some interchangeable implementations, different embodiments or types of manifold 1313, as shown in FIG. 10A-14B may be inserted or encapsulated, for example, in a standardized cartridge housing 1320. As described in more detail herein, because some of the basic functionality for controlling the flow of vaporized material 1302 in cartridge 1320 can be achieved by manipulating the structure 1313 or the material properties of the manifold, cost savings and other beneficial results and advantages can be obtained from a design that allows the use of interchangeable 1313 manifold models, which can fit, for example, different cartridge bodies.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 10C and 10D, for example, in some implementations, instead of the detachable two-piece structure shown in FIG. 10A and 10B, the cartridge 1320 may have a cartridge body formed by a monolithic hollow structure having a first end and a second end. The first end (i.e., the first end, also referred to as the receiving end of the cartridge body) may be configured to receive by insertion at least a manifold 1313. In one embodiment, the second end of the cartridge body may act as a mouthpiece with an opening or diaphragm (calibrated opening ). An opening or diaphragm may be located opposite the receiving end of the cartridge body where the manifold 1313 may be inserted. In some embodiments, the opening may be coupled to the receiving end via an airflow path 1338 that may pass through, for example, the cartridge body 1320 and the manifold 1313. How in other cartridge embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, an atomizer, such as one that includes a wick element and a heating element as discussed herein, may be positioned adjacent or at least partially within the air flow path 1338 such that the liquid is vaporized material in an inhalable form, or optionally as a precursor to an inhalable form, can be discharged from the nebulizer into the air passing through the air flow path 1338 towards the opening or diaphragm.

Options for implementing an air exchange port

[0318] FIGS. 11A and 11B show illustrative planar side views of a single-gate, single-channel manifold 1313. In these exemplary embodiments, a gate 1102 may be provided in an opening toward a first portion (e.g., top) of the manifold 1313, where the manifold 1313 is in contact with or communicates with the storage chamber 1340 of the reservoir (see also FIGS. 3A and 3B, described previously). The valve 1102 may dynamically couple the storage chamber 1342 to an overflow volume 1344 formed by a second portion (e.g., a middle portion) of the manifold 1313.

[0319] In one embodiment, the second portion of the manifold 1313 may have a finned or multi-finned structure defining an overflow channel 1104 that spirals, tapers, or slopes in a direction from the closure 1102 to the air exchange port 1106, as shown in FIG. 11A to conduct or cause movement of vaporized material 1302 toward the air exchange port 1106 after vaporized material 1302 enters the overflow volume 1344 through the shutter 110. The air exchange port 1106 may be connected to ambient air through an air passage or air flow path that connected to the mouthpiece. This air passage or air flow path is not shown explicitly in FIG. 11A.

[0320] In some implementations, the manifold 1313 is configured to have a central opening or tunnel through which an air flow path leading to the mouthpiece is implemented, as described in more detail below (for example, see the opening indicated by reference numeral 1100 in FIG. 11D) . The air flow path may be coupled to an air exchange port 1106 such that a volume within the manifold overflow port 1313 is connected to ambient air through the air exchange port 1106 and is also connected to a volume in the storage chamber 1342 through a shutter 1102. Essentially, according to one or more In embodiments, the valve 1102 may be used as a fluid control valve to primarily control the flow of liquid and air between the overflow volume 1344 and the storage chamber 1342. The air exchange port 1106 may be used to primarily control the flow of air (and, if necessary, , fluid flow), for example, between the overflow volume 1344 and the air channel leading to the mouthpiece. The overflow channel 1104 may be diagonal, vertical, or horizontal with respect to the elongated body of the cartridge 130.

[0321] The vaporizable material 1302, during filling of the cartridge 1320, may have at least an initial interface with the collector 1313 via the gate 110. This is because the initial interface between the vaporizable material 1302 and the gate 1102 may, for example, prevent the possibility of air entrained in the overflow channel 1104 into the region of the cartridge where the vaporized material 1302 is stored (eg, storage chamber 1342). In addition, such an interface may initiate a first capillary interaction between the evaporated material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 in an equilibrium state to allow a limited amount of evaporated material 1302 to flow into the overflow channel 1104 to achieve or maintain an equilibrium state.

[0322] An equilibrium state refers to a state in which evaporated material 1302 does not flow into or out of the overflow volume 1344, or a state in which such forward or reverse flows are negligible. In at least some embodiments, the capillary action (or interaction) between the walls of the overflow channel 1104 and the evaporated material 1302 is such that an equilibrium state can be maintained when the cartridge 1320 is in a first pressure state, where the pressure within the storage chamber 1342 is approximately equal to the ambient pressure environment.

[0323] The establishment of equilibrium and further capillary interaction between the evaporated material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 can be established or configured by adapting or adjusting the volumetric size of the overflow channel 1104 along the length of the channel. As described in more detail herein, the diameter (which is used herein to refer generally to the cross-sectional area of the overflow channel 1104, including implementations of the claimed subject matter in which the overflow channel does not have a circular cross-section) of the overflow channel 1104 may taper at predetermined intervals or at points or along the entire length of the entire channel to provide sufficiently strong capillary interaction that allows for forward and reverse flow of evaporated material 1302 into/out of manifold 1313, depending on changes in pressure and, in addition, provide a large overall volume of the overflow channel, with maintaining barrier points for the formation of the meniscus to prevent air from flowing past the liquid in the overflow channel 110.

[0324] As described in more detail here, the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 may be sufficiently small or narrow such that the combination of surface tension caused by cohesion in the evaporated material 1302 and wetting forces between the evaporated material 1302 and the walls of the overflow channel 1104 may act to cause formation of a meniscus that separates liquid from air in a direction transverse to the flow axis in the overflow channel 1104 so that air and liquid cannot pass relative to each other. It should be understood that menisci have their own curvature, so reference to a dimension transverse to the direction of flow is not intended to imply that the air-liquid interface is planar in that or any other dimension.

[0325] The wick element 1362 may be in thermal or thermodynamic connection with the heating element 1350 (see, for example, FIGS. 3B and 11B) to cause steam to be generated when the vaporizable material 1302 is heated, as described in detail above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. Alternatively, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to provide a gas release path but impede the flow of vaporized material 1302 from the overflow passage 110.

[0326] As shown in FIG. 11A and 11B, forward or reverse flows of vaporized material 1302 in manifold 1313 may be controlled (e.g., increased or decreased) by implementing suitable structures (e.g., microchannel configurations) to introduce or take advantage of capillary properties that may exist between vaporized material 1302 and confining walls of the overflow channel 110. For example, factors related to the length, diameter, internal surface texture (e.g., rough or smooth), projections, directional constriction of channel structures, restrictions, or the material used to create or cover the surface of the valve 1102, overflow channel 1104, or air exchange port 1106 may positively or negatively affect the rate at which liquid is drawn into or through the overflow passage 1104 due to capillary action or other influencing forces acting on the cartridge 130.

[0327] One or more of the factors identified above, depending on the implementation, may be used to control the movement of vaporized material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 to provide the desired degree of reversibility when vaporized material 1302 is collected in the channel structures of the manifold 1313. As such, in some In embodiments, the flow of vaporized material 1302 into manifold 1313 may be completely reversible or partially reversible by selectively controlling various factors noted above and depending on changes in the pressure state inside or outside the cartridge 130.

[0328] As shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, 11A and 11B, in one or more embodiments, the manifold 1313 may be formed, designed or configured to have a single channel structure with a single outlet. In such embodiments, the overflow channel 1104 may be a continuous passage, tube, channel, or other structure for connecting the closure 1102 to an air exchange port 1106, optionally located adjacent the wick element 1362 (for example, see also FIGS. 3A and 3B showing one elongated overflow channel 1104 in overflow volume 1344). Accordingly, in such embodiments, vaporized material 1302 may enter or leave manifold 1313 from gate 1102 and through a separately created channel, where vaporized material 1302 flows in a first direction when the collector 1313 is filling and in a second direction when the collector 1313 is draining.

[0329] To help maintain equilibrium or, depending on the implementation, control the flow of evaporated material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104, the shape and structural configuration of the overflow channel 1104, closure 1102, or air exchange port 1106 may be adapted or modified to balance the flow rate of evaporated material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 under various pressure conditions. In one example, the overflow channel 1104 may be tapered such that the tapered end (i.e., the end with a smaller opening or diameter) leads to a gate 110.

[0330] In one implementation, the non-constricted end (i.e., the end of the overflow channel 1104 with a large opening or diameter) may lead to an air exchange port 1106, which may be connected to the environment outside the cartridge 1320 or to the air channel from which the vaporized material 1302 has been evaporated. supplied to the mouthpiece (see, for example, FIG. 3A, air outlet 1318 connected to air flow path 1338). In one embodiment, the non-tapered end may also lead to an area near the wick body such that if vaporized material 1302 exits the overflow channel 1104, vaporized material 1302 can be used to saturate the wick element 1362.

[0331] The tapering channel structure, depending on the implementation, can reduce or increase the restriction of flow into the manifold 1313. For example, in an embodiment where the overflow channel 1104 tapers towards the gate 1102, a suitable capillary pressure in the return flow direction is induced in the overflow channel 1104 such that the direction of flow of vaporized material 1302 from the manifold 1313 and into the storage chamber 1342 is established when the pressure condition changes (eg, when the negative pressure event is eliminated or disappears). In particular, implementing the overflow passage 1104 with a smaller opening may impede the free flow of vaporized material 1302 into the manifold 1313. The unconstricted configuration of the overflow passage 1104 in the direction leading to the air exchange port 1106 allows for efficient storage of vaporized material 1302 in the manifold 1313 during the second pressure state ( e.g., negative pressure conditions) as vaporized material 1302 enters manifold 1313 from narrower portions of overflow passage 1104 into larger volume portions of overflow passage 110.

[0332] As such, the diameter and shape of the manifold structure 1313 may be implemented such that the flow of vaporized material 1302 through the gate 1102 and into the overflow channel 1104 is controlled at a desired rate during a second pressure condition (e.g., negative pressure) to inhibit allowing the evaporated material 1302 to flow too freely (eg, exceeding a certain flow rate or threshold) into the manifold 1313, and to direct the reverse flow back to the storage chamber 1342 in the first pressure state (eg, when the negative pressure decreases). It should be noted that the combination of interactions between the outlet 1002, the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313, which constitute the overflow volume 1344, and the air exchange port 1106, in one embodiment, ensures proper venting of air bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors, as well as the controlled flow of evaporated material 1302 into and out of the overflow channel 110.

Options for the implementation of the mouthpiece

[0333] With reference to FIG. 11B (also see FIGS. 10C, 10D), in some embodiments, the portion of the cartridge 1320 that includes the storage chamber 1342 may be configured to also include a mouthpiece that can be used by a user to inhale the vaporized vaporized material 1302. An air flow path 1338 may extend through the storage chamber 1342, thereby connecting the evaporation chamber. Depending on the implementation, the air flow path 1338 may be, for example, a straw- or hollow cylinder-shaped structure that defines a channel within the storage chamber 1340 to allow passage of vaporized vaporized material 1302. Although the air flow path may be circular or at least approximately circular cross-sectional shape, it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes for the airflow path are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0334] The first end of the airflow path 1338 may be coupled to an opening at the first “mouthpiece” end of the collection chamber 1342 from which a user can inhale the vaporized vaporized material 1302. The second end of the airflow path 1338 (opposite the first end) may be inserted into the opening at the first end of the manifold 1313, as described in more detail below. Depending on the implementation, the second end of the air flow path 1338 may pass in whole or in part through a receiving cavity that extends through the manifold 1313 and connects to the wick body, where the wick element 1362 can be located.

[0335] In some configurations, the airflow path 1338 may be an integral part of a monolithic molded mouthpiece that includes a collection chamber 1342, where the airflow path 1338 extends through the collection chamber 1342. In other configurations, the airflow path 1338 may be an independent structure , which may be separately inserted into the collection chamber 1342. In some configurations, the airflow path 1338 may be a structural extension of the manifold 1313 or cartridge body 1320, located internally, for example, from an opening in the mouthpiece portion.

[0336] Without limitation, many different design configurations are possible for connecting the mouthpiece (and the air flow path 1338 internal to the mouthpiece) to the air exchange port 1106 in the manifold 1313. As provided herein, the manifold 1313 may be inserted into the cartridge body 1320, which may also act as a storage chamber 1342. In some implementations, the air flow path 1338 may be configured as an internal sleeve that is integral to the monolithic cartridge body such that an opening at the first end of the manifold 1313 may receive the first end of a sleeve structure defining the air path 1338b flow.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 18A-18D, some embodiments may include a vaporizer cartridge 1800 including a dual mouthpiece 1830 coupled to two airflow passages 1838. In such embodiments, a higher dose of vaporized vaporizable material 1302 can be delivered compared to a single mouthpiece. The dual mouthpiece 1830, depending on implementation, may also advantageously provide a smoother and more satisfying hands-on vaping experience.

Fluid seal embodiments

[0338] With reference to FIG. 10A-11H, depending on the implementation, various factors may be considered to help control and regulate the forward and reverse flows of vaporized material 1302 into and out of the manifold 1313. Some of these factors may include configuring the capillary action of the liquid outlet, referred to herein as the valve 1102. The capillary action of the valve 1102 may be, for example, less than the capillary action of the wick element 1362. In addition, the flow resistance of the manifold 1313 may be greater, than that of the wick element 1362. The overflow channel 1104 may have smooth or wavy internal surfaces to control the rate of flow of evaporated material 1302 through the manifold 1313. The overflow channel 1104 may be configured with a conical curvature to ensure proper capillary interaction and forces that limit the rate flow through the valve 1102 and into the overflow volume 1344 during the first pressure state to provide a reverse flow rate through the valve 1102 and out of the overflow volume 1344 during the second pressure state

[0339] Additional modifications to the shape and structure of the components of the manifold 1313 may be possible to further regulate or fine-tune the flow of vaporized material 1302 into and out of the manifold 1313. For example, a smoothly curved spiral channel configuration (ie, as opposed to a channel with sharp turns or edges) as shown in FIG. 11A-11H may allow additional features, such as one or more outlets, channels, apertures, or tapering structures, to be included in the manifold 1313 at predetermined intervals along the overflow channel 1104. As provided herein in more detail, such additional features, structures, or configurations may help provide a higher level of flow control for vaporized material 1302 along the overflow channel 1104 or, for example, through the valve 1102.

[0340] It should be noted that, regardless of the various structural elements and implementations described in the present disclosure, certain features and functionality (e.g., capillary interaction between various components) may be implemented in the structure of the manifold 1313 to help control the flow of evaporated material 1302. for example, through (1) single-channel, single-outlet structures, (2) multi-channel, single-outlet structures, or (3) multi-channel, multi-outlet structures.

[0341] With reference to FIG. 10E, 11A, 11C, 1D and 11E illustrate exemplary design configurations of manifold 1313 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, a fully or partially inclined helical surface may be implemented to define one or more sides of the internal volume of the overflow channel 1104 of the manifold 1313, so that the evaporated material 1302 can freely flow due to capillary pressure (or gravity) through the overflow channel 1104 when the evaporated material 1302 is included in the overflow channel 1104. One or more, optionally central, channels or tunnels, such as the central tunnel 1100, can be provided through the longitudinal height of the manifold 1313 having two opposite ends.

[0342] At the first end, the central barrel or central tunnel 1100, through the manifold structure 1313, may interact with or connect to a housing area in which a wick member 1362 or atomizer may be located. At a second end, the central tunnel 1100 may interact with, connect to, or receive one end of a channel or tube that defines an airflow channel 1338 in the mouthpiece portion of the cartridge 130. The first end of the airflow channel 1338 may be connected (for example, by insertion) to the second end of the central tunnel 1100. The second end of the air flow path 1338 may include an opening or diaphragm formed in the mouthpiece region.

[0343] In accordance with one or more embodiments, vaporized vaporized material 1302 generated by the atomizer may pass through the first end of the central tunnel 1100 in the manifold 1313, pass through the central tunnel 1100, and then exit the second end of the central tunnel 1100 to the first end of the channel. 1338 airflow. The vaporized vaporized material 1302 may then pass through the air flow path 1338 and exit through a mouthpiece hole formed at the second end of the air flow path 1338.

[0344] The manifold 1313 may be configured as an independent piece with a design or structure that can be inserted into the cartridge body 1320 (see, for example, FIGS. 10C, 11B, 11C-11E). Once inserted, an airtight seal can be formed between the inner walls of the cartridge shell body 1320 and the outer edges of the manifold rib structure 1313, which forms a spiral inclined surface. In other words, the three walls of the overflow channel 1104, closed by the surface of the inner walls of the cartridge shell body 1320, form the overflow channel 1104 after the manifold 1313 is inserted into the cartridge body 130.

[0345] Accordingly, the overflow channel 1104 may be formed by the inner walls of the cartridge body 1320 enclosing the inner walls of the rib structure. As shown in the drawing, a valve 1102 may be located at one end of the overflow channel 1104 in the direction where the storage chamber 1342 is located to regulate and allow the entry and exit of vaporized material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313. An air exchange port 1106 may be located towards the other end of the overflow channel 1104, preferably opposite the end where the valve 1102 is located.

[0346] The valve 1102 may regulate the flow of vaporized material 1302 to/from the overflow passage 1104 in the manifold 1313. The air exchange port 1106 may, through a connecting path to outside air, regulate the flow of air to/from the overflow passage 1104 to regulate the air pressure in the manifold 1313 and, in in turn, in the storage chamber 1340 of the cartridge 1320, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, air exchange port 1106 may be configured to prevent vaporized material 1302 that may fill overflow passage 1104 (e.g., as a result of negative pressure) from exiting overflow passage 110.

[0347] In a certain implementation, the air exchange port 1106 may be configured to cause vaporizable material 1302 to exit in a direction toward a path leading to the area where the wick member 1362 is located. This implementation may help prevent vaporizable material 1302 from leaking into the air flow path (e.g., center tunnel 1100) that leads to the mouthpiece, for example, during a negative pressure event. In some implementations, air exchange port 1106 may have a membrane that allows gaseous material (e.g., air bubbles) to enter and exit, but prevents vaporized material 1302 from entering or exiting manifold 1313 through air exchange port 110.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 11C-11H, the flow rate of vaporized material 1302 into/out of manifold 1313 through valve 1102 can be directly related to the volume pressure within the overflow channel 104. Thus, the flow rate into/out of manifold 1313 through valve 1102 can be controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel. 1104 such that reducing the overall volume of the overflow passage 1104 (e.g., either uniformly or by introducing multiple constriction points) may result in increased pressure in the overflow passage 1104 and control of the flow rate into the manifold 1313. Accordingly, in at least one implementation, a hydraulic the diameter of the overflow channel 1104 may be reduced (e.g., narrowed, pinched, compressed, or restricted) either uniformly or by introducing one or more narrowing points 1111 along the length of the helical path of the overflow channel 110.

[0349] In FIG. 11C-11E, as an example, show two partial length levels and three full length levels formed on one or more sides of the manifold 1313, each full length level on the side shown in the drawings having, for example, three taper points 1111a. It should be noted that, in various implementations, more or fewer levels or restriction points 1111a may be implemented, defined, designed or introduced to control the volumetric pressure in the manifold 1313. The restriction point 1111a, for purposes of illustration, is indicated by a circle at the middle level of the manifold for clarity. 1313.

[0350] Restriction points 1111a may be formed or introduced along the length of the overflow channel 1104 in a variety of ways and forms. Exemplary embodiments with various taper points or shapes are described below to better illustrate certain features. It should be noted, however, that these exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter to any particular configuration or form.

[0351] With reference to FIG. 11C, in one exemplary implementation, the constriction point 1111a may be formed by protrusions, raised edges, projections or protrusions (hereinafter referred to as protrusions) extending from the top or bottom or side wall (or any or all such) surfaces of the overflow channel 1104 (t i.e. collector plates 1313). The shape of the protrusions may be defined as a bulge, finger, tooth, rib, edge, or any other shape that defines a cross-sectional area transverse to the direction of flow in the overflow channel. In the image in FIG. 11C, a side cross-sectional view of the protrusion is shown to be similar to the shape of a shark fin, for example, where the distal end of the protrusions is beveled to an edge.

[0352] As shown in FIG. 11C, the pointed or cantilevered edge of the shark fin shape may be rounded. In other embodiments, however, the cantilevered edge may be beveled to a sharp point. The taper, size, relative location, and frequency of placement of the protrusions in the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated to further fine-tune the liquid-air separating meniscus formed in the overflow channel 110.

[0353] For example, as shown in FIG. 11C, the projections may have a rounded surface on one side and a flat surface on the opposite side. The rounded surface of the projections may face (i.e., away from) the outgoing vaporizer stream 1302 (i.e., the flow from the manifold 1313 and into the storage chamber 1342), while the flat surface of the projections may face the incoming vaporizer stream. material 1302 (i.e., flow into the manifold 1313 and out of the storage chamber 1342) through the valve 110.

[0354] As noted, in various implementations, the formation of projections along the overflow channel 1104 can be manipulated in number, size, shape, location, and frequency to fine-tune the hydraulic flow rate of vaporized material 1302 into/out of manifold 1313. For example, if it is desired to instead maintain flow in the overflow channel 1104 is at a higher velocity than the outgoing flow, the projections may have a flat surface facing the outgoing flow and a rounded surface facing the incoming flow to facilitate the formation and retention of a meniscus against the outgoing fluid flow (e.g. from the collection chamber 1340), allowing the meniscus to be more easily released from the side of the protrusion facing back toward the collection chamber 1340. Thus, a series of such protrusions can function as a sort of “hydraulic ratchet” system in which the return flow of fluid into the collection chamber is microfluidically stimulated relative to the outflow flow from the storage chamber. This effect may be achieved, at least in part, by the relative tendency of the meniscus to collapse on the side of the storage chamber protrusions rather than on the opposite side.

[0355] As shown in FIG. 11C, in one exemplary implementation, in addition to (or instead of) projections extending from the bottom or top of the overflow channel 1104, some projections may extend from the interior walls of the overflow channel 110. As shown more clearly in FIG. 11F, a protrusion may extend from the inner wall of the overflow channel 1104 at the same constriction point 1111a, where two additional protrusions extend from the bottom and top of the overflow channel 1104 to form a C-shaped constriction point 1111a. An exemplary implementation illustrated in FIG. 11D and 11F, can more effectively tune the microfluidic properties of the overflow channel 1104 to help draw fluid flow into the storage chamber 1340, relative to the implementation of FIG. 11C, since the hydraulic diameter of the overflow passage 1104 is more limited (ie, narrowed) at the narrowing point 1111a shown in FIG. 11D and 11F.

[0356] The projections formed along the overflow channel 1104 need not be uniform in shape, size, frequency, or symmetry. That is, depending on the implementation, various throat points 1111a or 1111b may be implemented in different sizes, designs, shapes, locations, or frequencies along the overflow channel 1104. In one example, the shape of the throat point 1111a or 1111b may be similar to the shape of the letter C with circular inner diameter. In some embodiments, instead of forming the inner diameter in a rounded C-shape, the inner wall of the constriction point may have corners (eg, sharp corners) as shown in FIG. 11F and 11G.

[0357] In some examples, the overflow channel 1104, at the first level, may have projections extending from the top of the overflow channel 1104, while at the second level, the projections may extend from the bottom of the overflow channel 1104. At the third level, the projections may extend , for example, from the internal walls. Alternatives to the above implementations are possible by adjusting or changing the number of protrusions and protrusion shapes, or positioning the protrusions in different sequences or levels to promote a microfluidic effect in bidirectional flow in the overflow channel 1104. In one example, restriction points 1111a may be implemented at one or more (or all) levels, sides, or widths of the manifold 1313, e.g., at one or more (or all) levels, sides, or widths of the manifold 1313.

[0358] As shown in FIG. 11E and 11G, in addition to defining narrowing points 1111a along the longer length of the overflow channel 1104 or the wider side of the manifold 1313, one or more additional narrowing points 111b may be defined along the narrower side of the manifold 1313. As such, the exemplary implementation shown in fig. 11E and 11G may improve resistance control or promote separation of the meniscus in a desired direction in the overflow passage 1104 compared to the implementation in FIG. 11D, since the overall hydraulic diameter (or flow volume) of the overflow channel 1104 is more narrowed due to the addition of additional narrowing points 1111b.

[0359] As shown in FIG. 11F and 11G, for better clarity, each complete layer in the illustrated example may include three taper points 1111a on each side, for example, in addition to two more taper points 1111b. Thus, manifold 1313 in FIG. 11D may include a total of 18 constriction points, while manifold 1313 in FIG. 11E can include a total of 26 taper points. In this example, the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 11E provides improved control of microfluidic flow (eg, outward) by increasing capillary pressure at multiple points 1111a and 1111b.

[0360] With reference to FIG. 11H, in some embodiments, closure 1102 may be designed to include an aperture or opening configuration that, like taper point 1111a or 1111b, has a tapered edge, rim, or flange that is flatter in one direction. For example, the edge of the shutter aperture 1102 may be flat on one side (eg, the side facing collection chamber 1342) and rounded on the other side (eg, the side facing away from collection chamber 1342). In such a configuration, the microfluidic forces promoting reverse flow toward the storage chamber 1340 relative to the flow out of the storage chamber 1340 can be enhanced due to the easier separation of the meniscus on the less rounded side relative to the more rounded side.

[0361] Accordingly, depending on the implementation and variations in the structure or design of the constriction points and gate 1102, the resistance to the flow of vaporized material 1302 from the manifold 1313 may be higher than the resistance to the flow of vaporized material 1302 into the manifold 1313 and into the storage chamber 1340. In some In implementations, the valve 1102 is designed to maintain a liquid seal such that a layer of vaporizable material 1302 is present in the environment where the storage chamber 1342 communicates with the overflow channel 1104 in the overflow volume 1344. The presence of the liquid seal may help maintain an equilibrium pressure between the storage chamber 1342 and the overflow volume 1344 to provide a sufficient level of vacuum (e.g., partial vacuum) in the collection chamber 1342, preventing the evaporated material 1302 from completely leaking into the overflow volume 1344, and also avoiding the wick element 1362 being deprived of adequate saturation.

[0362] In one or more example implementations, a single passage or channel in manifold 1313 may be connected to collection chamber 1342 by two outlets such that the two outlets support a fluid seal regardless of the location of cartridge 1320. Forming a fluid seal on gate 1102 also may help prevent air in the manifold 1313 from entering the collection chamber 1342 even when the cartridge 1320 is held diagonally with respect to the horizon, or when the cartridge 1320 is positioned with the mouthpiece facing downward. This is because if air bubbles from the manifold 1313 enter the reservoir, the pressure inside the storage chamber 1342 will be equalized with the ambient pressure. That is, a partial vacuum within the collection chamber 1342 (e.g., created by the leakage of vaporized material 1302 through the wick feeds 1368) will be compensated if ambient air flows into the collection chamber 1342.

[0363] With reference to FIG. 11I-11K show perspective views of alternative gate configurations 1102 for manifold structure 1313. These alternative configurations may provide advantages regarding control and regulation of the flow of air and/or liquid vaporized material 1302. In some scenarios, a headspace vacuum may not be maintained when empty. space (ie, the free space above the evaporated material 1302) in the storage chamber 1342 contacts the valve 1102. As a result, as noted previously, the liquid seal mounted on the valve 1102 may be broken. This effect may be due to the fact that the gate 1102 is unable to maintain a liquid film when the manifold 1313 is emptied and the headspace comes into contact with the gate 1102, resulting in a loss of partial vacuum in the headspace.

[0364] In some implementations, the headspace in the collection chamber 1342 may be at ambient pressure, and if hydrostatic shear exists between the seal 1102 and the atomizer in the cartridge 1320, the contents of the collection chamber 1342 are drained into the atomizer, causing the wick body to prime and leak. To avoid leakage, one or more embodiments may be implemented to eliminate hydrostatic shear between the valve 1102 and the atomizer and maintain the functionality of the valve 1102 when the storage chamber 1342 is nearly empty.

[0365] As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 11I and 11J, miniature separation walls or labyrinth-shaped structures 1190 may be constructed around the valve 1102 to create a high-capillary action connection between the valve 1102 and the bypass passage 1104 in the manifold 1313 to maintain a fluid seal on the valve 110. B example in Fig. 11J shows a groove-shaped structure 1190 as a means for further improving the maintenance of a liquid seal on the valve 1102 in accordance with one or more implementations.

Embodiments of a controlled fluid seal

[0366] In FIG. 11L-11N show planar and enlarged views of a controllable fluid seal 1102 in a manifold structure 1313 in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, passage or overflow channel 1104 in manifold 1313 may be connected to storage chamber 1342 by a V-shaped or horn-shaped controllable fluid valve 1102, for example, such that the V-shaped valve 1102 includes at least two (and preferably three) holes that are connected to the storage chamber 1342. As described in more detail herein, a liquid seal may be supported on the valve 1102 regardless of the vertical or horizontal orientation of the cartridge 1320.

[0367] As shown in FIG. 11L, on the first side of the outlet, between the overflow passage 1104 and the shutter 1102, an outlet passage 1121 may be supported through which air bubbles can escape from the overflow passage 1104 in the manifold into the reservoir. On the second side, one or more high capillary action passages 1123 connected to the reservoir may be implemented to promote separation at the cut-off point 1122 to maintain a fluid seal that prevents air bubbles from prematurely releasing from the overflow passage 1104 and into the reservoir, as well as unwanted supplying air or vaporized material 1302 to the overflow channel 1104 from the reservoir.

[0368] Depending on the implementation, the high capillary action channels shown as an example on the right side of FIG. 11L are preferably maintained compacted due to capillary pressure created by the liquid vaporizable material 1302 in the cartridge reservoir. Low-drive (low capillary action) channels formed on the opposite side (i.e., shown on the left side in Fig. 11L) can be designed to have a relatively lower capillary action compared to high capillary action channels. but still have sufficient capillary action so that in the first pressure state the liquid seal is maintained in both the high capillary action and the low capillary action channels.

[0369] Accordingly, in the first pressure state (for example, when the pressure inside the tank is approximately equal to or greater than the ambient air pressure), a liquid seal is maintained in both the low capillary action channels and the high capillary action channels, preventing entry any air bubbles in the tank. Conversely, in the second pressure state (eg, when the pressure inside the reservoir is less than the ambient air pressure), air bubbles formed in the overflow channel 1104 (eg, by entering through the air exchange port 1106), or more generally, the leading edge of the meniscus of the interface of the liquid evaporated material and air can move upward and toward the controllable fluid seal 1102. When the meniscus reaches the cut-off point 1122 located between the low capillary action channels and the high capillary action channels of the outlet 1104, the air is preferentially directed through the low capillary action channel or channels due to the fact that higher capillary resistance, present in channel(s) of high capillary action.

[0370] Once the air bubbles have passed through the low capillary action passage portion of the seal 1102, the air bubbles enter the reservoir and equalize the pressure within the reservoir with the pressure of the surrounding air. As such, the air exchange port 1106 in combination with the controllable fluid seal 1102 allows ambient air to flow through the overflow passage 1104 into the reservoir until a pressure equilibrium condition is established between the reservoir and the ambient air. As noted earlier, this process may be referred to as tank venting. Once the equilibrium pressure state is established (eg, the transition from the second pressure state back to the first pressure state), a fluid seal is again established at cutoff point 1122 due to the presence of fluid in both the high capillary action and low capillary action channels to which the fluid is supplied. liquid vaporizable material 1302 stored in a reservoir.

[0371] In FIG. 11O-11X depict snapshots in time as the flow of air collected in the exemplary manifold 1313 of FIG. 11L-11N, is controlled to ensure proper venting as the meniscus of vaporized material 1302 continues to settle.

[0372] In FIG. 11O shows a collapsing meniscus where, as vaporized material 1302 is removed from the reservoir and into the wick, the partial vacuum in the headspace increases in intensity. This is sufficient to overcome the decreasing capillary action of the meniscus, moving the meniscus back through the manifold to the point of constriction where the meniscus will experience the highest pressure drop as dictated by the geometry.

[0373] FIG. 11P illustrates how the meniscus crosses the first connection in the valve 1102 as the meniscus approaches the valve 1102. At this first connection, the partial vacuum in the headspace is maximized as it corresponds to the smallest geometry in the structure of the valve 1102, and the partial vacuum in the reservoir continues to increase to this points.

[0374] FIG. 11Q illustrates how many menisci in free space descend when free space reaches a maximum partial vacuum. The menisci are at their tightest curvature along their principal planes, and at these locations the leakage pressures of the three channels are equal, and the three menisci descend simultaneously, as opposed to only one channel. Since the curvature of these menisci now increases as they descend, the pressure difference maintained across them decreases and the partial vacuum in the free space thus begins to decrease.

[0375] FIG. 11R illustrates how secondary menisci begin to fill capillary channels. The cones on these channel geometries are such that as the menisci continue to descend, the capillary action of the primary channel decreases at a greater rate than in the secondary channels. This gradual decrease in capillary action will reduce the maintained partial vacuum in the headspace. When the leak pressure of the primary meniscus drops below the leak pressure of the secondary channels, this meniscus will continue to drain while the other menisci remain static. The drain pressure causing the retreating contact angle of the primary channel may fall below the priming pressure causing the advancing contact angle of the secondary channels, causing them to replenish as shown in the figures.

[0376] In FIG. 11S shows how secondary menisci from one of the two menisci in each secondary channel will reach a tangent point where the two menisci merge to become one. This combined meniscus will have increased curvature and thus lower capillary action. Higher drive (capillary action) of the primary meniscus can cause an immediate response of the system, making the primary meniscus a rising meniscus. Subsequent descent of the primary meniscus will likely occur with the secondary meniscus held in that location.

[0377] In FIG. 11T shows how the secondary meniscus moves towards the commutator. In a scenario where the storage chamber is filled with liquid, the primary meniscus will continue to retreat (sink), further reducing the partial vacuum in the headspace as its curvature increases. As the partial vacuum falls below the increasing capillary pressure of the secondary meniscus, the secondary meniscus will begin to pass through again, causing the gap to close. In a scenario where the storage chamber is empty or nearly empty, the liquid seal on the seal 1102 will be stable until the bubble collapses, connecting the empty space to the surroundings.

[0378] In FIG. 11U shows how the secondary meniscus closes the connection at gate 110. Since the secondary meniscus will advance until it meets the apex of the corner in the primary channel, the geometry is designed to promote separation of the secondary meniscus to fill both gate 1102 and the channels manifold 1313. These two newly formed menisci can act to isolate the headspace from surrounding air, and thus a partial vacuum in the headspace can be restored, ensuring that leakage through the fluid supply passages 3203 is reduced. Since the newly formed menisci have less curvature than before separation, the newly formed menisci will continue to move into the channels due to increased capillary action.

[0379] FIG. 11V-11X illustrate the release of a bubble into the storage chamber 1342. The pressure within the cartridge 1320 at this point reaches stability as the air bubble trapped in the main meniscus channel is pushed out due to the imbalance created by the advancing and descending meniscus. The evaporated material 1302 is then able to enter and move the bubble in the upper right channel. Accordingly, although a high-drive (high capillary action) channel structure can be provided by a closed groove near gate 1102, a shorter groove can instead be used to reduce the risk of bubble entrapment.

[0380] In some implementations, tapered channels may be designed to increase capillary action toward the controlled outlet. Given the cutoff of the two advancing menisci, the reservoir vessel wall and the bottom of the channel can be designed to continue to provide capillary action while the side walls provide a cutoff location for the menisci. In one configuration, the total capillary action of the advancing menisci does not exceed that of the descending menisci, thus maintaining the system statically stable.

Embodiments of a Multi-Gate Multi-Gate Manifold

[0381] In FIG. 12A and 12B show an exemplary side perspective view and an exemplary planar side view of embodiments of a single outlet manifold 1200 structure. As shown in FIG. 12A, the collector 1200 is formed to have a single gate 1202 and a plurality of channels 1204(a)-l204(j). As shown in FIG. 12A, in accordance with one or more implementations, a gate 1202 may be located, for example, at a central or midpoint of the longitudinal width of the manifold 1313 to allow vaporized material 1302 to enter at least the first channel 1204(a) of the manifold 1313 and gradually diffuse inward. and through additional channels l204(b)-l204(j).

[0382] The position of the gate 1202 may be modified depending on the implementation to be in the middle, side or corner or any other location along the length or width of the manifold 1313. The structure of the multi-channel manifold 1200 with a single outlet may have the additional advantage that that vaporized material 1302 may enter through one gate 1202 at a first flow rate and propagate at a second flow rate (e.g., a higher rate than the first rate) through a plurality of channels 1204(a)-l204(j) of the manifold 120.

[0383] Advantageously, the structure of the multi-channel, single-gate manifold 1200 allows for a controlled flow (e.g., restricted flow) of vaporized material 1302 from the storage chamber 1342 into the overflow volume 1344 (see FIG. 3A) and further allows for a less controlled (e.g., less restricted flow) ) flow when the evaporated material 1302 ends up in the overflow volume 1344. In some embodiments, a multi-tiered multi-channel structure may be implemented such that, as shown in FIG. 12B, for example, the flow of vaporized material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) has a second speed, and the flow of vaporized material 1302 in the second set of channels 1204(g)-l204(k) has a third speed. The third speed can be higher or lower than the second speed.

[0384] Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, vaporized material 1302 may flow through gate 1202 at a first rate, through passages 1204(a)-1204(f) at a second rate, and through passages 1204(g)-l204(k) at a third rate. In one or more embodiments, the second speed may be higher than the first speed and the third speed, for example, so that the vaporized material 1302 may have a limited flow through the gate 1202, a less limited flow through the first set of channels (for example, tier 1) and relatively more limited flow in the second set of channels (eg Tier 2). This stacked configuration may serve to improve the flow rate through the manifold 1200, but maintain an adjustable restriction against the rapid flow of vaporized material 1302 toward the wick member 1362 after the vaporized material 1302 has entered the manifold 1200.

[0385] In the two-tier embodiment shown in FIG. 12B, the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) (e.g., tier 1) may be reversibly configured such that vaporized material 1302 collected in the first set of channels can flow back into the reservoir 1340. The second set of channels 1204(g )-l204(k) (for example, tier 2), on the contrary, may not have reversible configurations. In such embodiments, due to the proximity of the second set of channels to the wick element 1362, vaporizable material 1302 is primarily drawn from the second set of channels and then from the first set of channels (eg, tier 1 acting as a backup chamber). The presence of reversible and irreversible design, as discussed above, may help provide additional improvements over other embodiments discussed herein.

[0386] In some stacked embodiments, by configuring the second set of channels 1204(g)-l204(k) as non-reversible, there may be further assurance that the wick element 1362 will not experience depletion since the vaporized material 1302 may be available in immediate proximity to the wick element 1362 when accumulating in the second set of channels 1204(g)-l204(k) during an overflow event. In addition, the possibility of a strong flow of vaporized material 1302 into the wick body during a negative pressure event can be prevented in stacked implementations because, as provided previously, the second set of channels 1204(g)-l204(k) can be configured to have a more restricted flow compared to the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f). Additionally, due to reversibility, the first set of channels 1204(a)-1204(f) cannot contain a relatively large volume of vaporizable material 1302. In some embodiments, to increase or limit the reversibility or flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the first set of channels 1204 (a)-1204(f) or the second set of channels 1204(g)-l204(k), hygroscopic material (eg, sponges) can be introduced into one or both channel regions.

[0387] In FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary side perspective view of the structure of a multi-outlet manifold 1300, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, manifold 1300 may be positioned within a cartridge such that manifold 1300 has dual outlets 1301. This implementation allows vaporized material 1302 to flow into channels 1204 at a relatively higher rate, particularly compared to manifold 1200 with a single outlet. shown in FIG. 21A and 12B.

Wick supply options

[0388] Referring again to FIG. 10C, 10D, 11B, in some embodiments, the manifold 1313 may be configured to be inserted into the receiving end of the collection chamber 1342. The end of the manifold 1313 that is opposite the end that is received by the collection chamber 1340 may be configured to receive a wick element 136. For example, , forked projections may be formed to securely receive the wick member 1362. The wick body 1315 may be used to further secure the wick member 1362 in a fixed position between the projections. This configuration may also help prevent the wick member 1362 from significantly swelling and weakening due to excess saturation.

[0389] As shown in FIG. 11C, 11D and 11E, depending on the implementation, one or more additional passages, channels, tubes or cavities that extend through the manifold 1313 and may be designed or configured as channels that supply the wick element 1362 with vaporized material 1302 stored in the collection chamber 1342. In some configurations, such as those discussed in more detail here, the wick feed passages, tubes, or cavities (i.e., wick feeder 1368) may extend approximately parallel to the central tunnel 1100. In at least one configuration, multiple wick feeds that extend diagonally along the length of the manifold 1313, for example, either independently or in connection with a wick change, including one or more other wick feeds.

[0390] In some embodiments, a plurality of wick feeds may be interactively connected in a mesh configuration such that permutation of feed paths, possibly intersecting with each other, may lead to the wick body region. This configuration may help prevent complete blockage of the wick feed mechanism if, for example, one or more feed paths in a wick feed permutation become clogged due to gas bubbles or other types of blockage. Advantageously, the multiple feed path instrumentation may allow vaporizable material 1302 to safely pass through one or more paths (or transfer to another, open path) into the wick body region, even if some of the paths or some routes in the wick feed permutation are completely or partially clogged or obstructed. .

[0391] Depending on the implementation, the wick supply path may have a shape that may be tubular, for example, with a circular or polygonal cross-sectional shape. For example, the hollow wick feed cross-section may be triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other suitable geometric shape. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional perimeter of the wick feed may be shaped like a hollow cross, for example, such that the arms of the cross have a narrower width compared to the diameter of the central transition portion of the cross from which the arms extend. More generally, the wick feed channel (also referred to herein as the first channel) may have a cross-sectional shape with at least one discontinuity (e.g., protrusion, side channel, etc.) that provides an alternative path for liquid vaporized material to flow in the event , when the air bubble blocks the rest of the cross-sectional area of the wick feed. The cross-section of the current example is an example of such a structure, but those skilled in the art will understand that other shapes are also contemplated and feasible in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0392] The implementation of a cross-shaped channel or tube formed by the wick feed path can overcome plugging problems, since the cross-shaped tube can essentially be considered to include five separate channels (for example, a central channel formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional channels, formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, a blockage in the feed tube, such as a gas bubble, will likely form in the central portion of the cross tube, leaving subchannels (ie, channels that pass through the arms of the cross tube) open to flow.

[0393] In accordance with one or more aspects, the wick feed passages may be wide enough to allow free movement of vaporizable material 1302 through the feed passages and toward the wick. In some embodiments, the flow through the wick feed may be enhanced or adjusted by calculating the relative diameter of certain portions of the wick feed so as to increase the capillary pull or pressure on vaporizable material 1302 passing along the wick feed path. In other words, depending on the shape and other structural or material factors, some wick delivery channels may rely on gravitational or capillary forces to cause the vaporized material 1302 to move toward a portion of the wick body.

[0394] In a cruciform tube implementation, for example, the feed paths that extend through the arms of the cruciform tube may be configured to feed the wick by capillary pressure instead of relying on gravity. In such an implementation, the central portion of the cruciform tube may supply the wick by gravity, for example, while the flow of vaporizable material 1302 in the arms of the cruciform tube may be maintained by capillary pressure. It should be noted that the cross-shaped tube disclosed herein is presented as an exemplary embodiment. The concepts and functionality implemented in this exemplary embodiment may be extended to wick supply paths with various cross-sectional shapes (e.g., tubes with hollow star-shaped cross-sections having two or more arms extending from a central tunnel extending along the wick supply path ).

[0395] In FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary design of a manifold 1313 in which two wick feeds 1368 are located on two opposite sides of a central tunnel 1100 such that vaporized material 1302 can enter the feeds and flow directly to a cavity region at the other end of the manifold 1313 where a wick housing is formed. .

[0396] Wick supply mechanisms may be formed through the manifold 1313 such that at least one wick supply path in the manifold 1313 may be configured as a hollow tube with a polyhedral diameter. For example, a hollow wick feed cross-section may be shaped like a plus sign (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped wick feed when viewed from above the cross-section) such that the arms of the cross have a narrower width compared to the diameter of the central transition portion of the cross from which the arms extend.

[0397] A passage or cross-shaped tube formed through the wick feed path can overcome plugging problems because the cross-shaped tube can be considered to include five separate channels (e.g., a central channel formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional channel formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, blockage in the feed tube by a gas bubble (eg, an air bubble) is likely to occur in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube.

[0398] This central location of the gas bubble will ultimately leave subchannels (ie, passages that extend across the arms of the cross-shaped tube) that remain open to the flow of vaporized material 1302, even when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble. Other implementations for the wick feed channel structure are possible that may serve the same or similar purpose as described above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or avoiding complete clogging of the wick feed channel with trapped gas bubbles.

[0399] Adding more outlets to the manifold structure 1300 may provide higher flow rates, depending on the implementation, since a relatively larger total volume of vaporized material 1302 can be displaced when additional outlets are provided. As such, although not explicitly shown, embodiments with more than two outlets (eg, three-outlet implementations, four-outlet implementations, etc.) are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

[0400] As shown in FIG. 14A and 14B, some embodiments may include a manifold structure 1400 with two wick feeds. In such embodiments, the wick may have a higher saturation level and is less likely to deplete compared to a single feed embodiment.

[0401] In FIG. 15A, 15B, and 15C show perspective views and planar side cross-sectional views of an exemplary manifold structure for dual-feed wick 1562. As shown, a wick or wick 1562 may be positioned or housed in the cartridge 1500 such that at least two separate wick feeds 1566 and 1568 are provided to allow vaporizable material 1302 to move toward the area of the cartridge 1500 where the wick 1562 is located.

[0402] As noted previously, a dual wick feed may have the advantage of providing the wick 1562 with, for example, a dual stream of vaporizable material 1302 compared to a single wick feed option. Preferably, implementing a dual wick feed provides sufficient supply to the wick 1562 and helps avoid a dry wick 1562 condition if, for example, one of the wick feeds is blocked. As shown, the lower portion of the wick 1562 may extend downward into an area of the cartridge 1500 that defines a heating chamber or atomizer.

[0403] In FIG. 16A is a planar side cross-sectional view of an exemplary cartridge in which a dual-arm or dual-feed wick 1562 is located within a manifold structure. In fig. 16B is a planar side cross-sectional view of an exemplary manifold structure in which a wick 1562 may be housed. FIG. 16C is an exemplary perspective view of a cartridge in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the first end of the wick 1562 may have two or more feeds, horns, or flanged ends for at least partial engagement with two or more wick openings in the partition 1513 such that at least one of the flanged ends, for example, tangentially enters the volume in the storage chamber 1542 or, for example, at least partially extends into the volume in the storage chamber 1542.

[0404] According to one or more implementations, the cartridge 1500 may include a reservoir with a storage chamber 1542 for storing vaporizable material 1302. A secondary volume 1510, separate from the storage chamber 1542, may also be formed within the cartridge 1500. The secondary volume 1510 may communicate with the collection chamber 1542 through one or more wicks 1590. The secondary volume 1510 may be configured to at least accommodate the wick 1562. The wick 1562 may be configured to absorb vaporized material 1302 passing through the wick feed 1590 such that upon thermal interaction with by the atomizer, the vaporized material 1302 is absorbed into the wick 1562 and converted into at least one of a vapor or an aerosol.

[0405] The wick 1562 may be at least partially confined by one or more heating elements of the atomizer located in the secondary volume 1510. A baffle 1513 for at least partially separating the storage chamber 1542 from the secondary volume 1510 may be provided such that the flow of vaporized material 1302 through the wick feed 1590 can be adjusted. At least the first portion of the wick supply 1590 may be formed by at least one or more openings in the baffle 1513.

[0406] At least the second wick supply portion 1590 may include a vaporizable material passage connecting one or more openings in the baffle 1513 to the secondary volume 1510. An air flow path 1538 may be provided to connect the secondary volume 1510 to the mouthpiece such that the vaporizable the material 1302 that has been converted to steam exits the secondary volume 1510 toward the mouthpiece through an air flow path 1538.

[0407] In FIG. 16A, 16B, 16C, 17A, and 17B show a perspective view of a first side of a cartridge and a cross-sectional view of a second side of a cartridge having a wick 1562 that projects into a storage chamber 1542. The wick 1562 may include at least a first end 1592 and a second end end 1594, with the first end 1592 proximate the septum 1513 and the second end extending distally in the opposite direction to the first end 1592.

[0408] The first end 1592 of the wick 1562 may at least partially protrude through the wick opening in the partition 1530 to at least partially extend into the volume in the storage chamber 1542. In one aspect, the first end 1592 of the wick 1562 may at least partially protrude through a wick hole in the partition 1530 to at least tangentially enter the volume in the storage chamber 1542.

[0409] In FIG. 26A shows perspective, front, side, bottom, and top views of an exemplary embodiment of a manifold 1313 with a V-gate 110. As shown in FIG. 25 and 26, manifold 1313 may be mounted within a hollow container in cartridge 1320 along with additional components (eg, wick element 1362, heating element 1350, and wick body 1315). The wick element 1362 may be located between the second end of the manifold 1313 and the heating element 1350 wrapped around the wick element 1362. During assembly, the manifold 1313, the wick element 1362, and the heating element 1350 may be assembled together and covered by the wick body 1315 before being inserted into the cavity in cartridge 130.

[0410] The wick body 1315 may be inserted, along with other marked components, into the end of the cartridge 1320 that is opposite the mouthpiece to hold the components inside with a seal or press fit. The seal or fit of the wick body 1315 and manifold 1313 within the inner walls of the cartridge sleeve 1320 is desirably sufficiently tight to prevent leakage of vaporized material 1302 contained in the reservoir of the cartridge 1320. In some embodiments, the seal between the wick body 1315 and manifold 1313 and the inner walls The 1320 cartridge sleeve is also tight enough to prevent manual removal of components by the user's bare hands.

[0411] With reference to FIG. 10C, 10D, 11B, 26B, and 26C, in some embodiments, the manifold 1313 may be configured to be inserted into the receiving end of the collection chamber 1342. As shown in FIG. 26B and 26C, the end of the manifold 1313 that is opposite the end that is received by the collection chamber 1340 may be configured to receive the wick member 1362. For example, forked projections 1108 may be formed to securely receive the wick member 1362. The wick body 1315, as shown in cross-sectional views towards the bottom of FIG. 26B and 26C may be used to further secure the wick member 1362 in a fixed position between the forked protrusions 1108. This configuration may also prevent the wick member 1362 from significantly swelling and weakening due to excess saturation.

[0412] With reference to FIG. 26B, in one embodiment, the wick member 1362 may be constrained or compressed at certain locations along its length (e.g., toward the longitudinal distal ends of the wick member 1362 located immediately below the wick feeds 1368) by compression ribs 1110 to assist in preventing leakage, e.g. , maintaining a larger saturated area of vaporized material 1302 towards the ends of the wick element 1362 so that the central portion of the wick element 1362 remains drier and less susceptible to leakage. In addition, the use of compression ribs 1110 may further force the wick member 1362 into the atomizer body to prevent leakage into the atomizer.

[0413] In FIG. 26D-26F show planar top views of exemplary wick feed mechanisms formed or structured through manifold 1313, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 26D, at least one wick path 1368 in the manifold 1313 may be formed as a hollow tube with a polyhedral diameter. For example, the hollow cross-section of the wick feed 1368 may be shaped like a plus sign (e.g., a hollow cross-shaped wick feed when viewed from a top cross-sectional view) such that the arms of the cross have a narrower width compared to the diameter of the central transition portion of the cross from which shoulders come off.

[0414] As shown in FIG. 26E, a passage or cross-shaped tube formed through the wick feed path 1368 can overcome plugging problems because the cross-shaped tube can be considered to include five separate channels (e.g., a central channel formed in the hollow center of the cross and four additional channel formed in the hollow arms of the cross). In such an implementation, a blockage in the supply tube by a gas bubble (eg, an air bubble) is likely to form in the central portion of the cross-shaped tube, as shown in FIG. 26E. This central location of the gas bubble will ultimately leave auxiliary channels (ie, channels that pass through the arms of the cross-shaped tube) that remain open to the flow of vaporized material 1302, even when the central path is blocked by the gas bubble.

[0415] As shown in FIG. 26F, other implementations of the wick feed path 1368 structure are possible that may serve the same or similar purpose as described above with respect to trapping gas bubbles or avoiding the wick feed path 1368 from becoming completely clogged with trapped gas bubbles. As shown in the exemplary illustration in FIG. 26F, one or more teardrop-shaped projections l368a/l368b (e.g., similar in shape to one or more individual nipples with a wick supply path 1368 therebetween) may be formed at the end of the wick supply path 1368 through which vaporized material 1302 flows from the collection chamber 1340 into the manifold 1313 to facilitate conduction of vaporized material 1302 along the wick feed path 1368 if a gas bubble is trapped in the central region of the wick feed path 1368. In this way, a rationally controlled and stable flow of vaporizable material 1302 can be supplied toward the wick, preventing a situation in which the wick is inadequately saturated with vaporizable material 1302.

Embodiments of the heating element

[0416] As shown in FIG. 18A-18D, the vaporizer cartridge 1800 may also include a heating element 1850 (eg, a flat heating element) as noted above. Heating element 1850 includes a first portion 1850A located approximately parallel to the air flow channels 1838 and a second portion 1850B located approximately perpendicular to the air flow channels 1838. As shown, the first portion 1850A of the heating element 1850 may be located between opposing portions of the manifold 1813. When the heating element 1850 is activated, an increase in temperature occurs due to current flowing through the heating element 1850 to generate heat.

[0417] Heat may be transferred to some of the vaporizable material 1302 through conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer may occur to vaporizer material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporizer material 1302 drawn from manifold 1813, and/or vaporizer material 1302 drawn into a wick held by heating element 1850. Air passing into the vaporizer device flows along the air passage through heating element 1850. , removing the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 1850 and/or the wick. The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece 1830 through at least one of the air flow paths 1838 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0418] With reference to FIG. 19A-19C, the vaporizer cartridge 1900 may include a coiled heating element 1950 and two airflow passages 1938. As mentioned above, heating element 1950 may be crimped around wick 1962 or preformed to receive wick 1962. Heating element 1950 may include one or more teeth 1950A. The teeth 1950A may be located in the heating portion of the heating element 1950 and are designed such that the resistance of the teeth 1950A is matched to an appropriate amount of resistance to effect localized heating in the heating element 1950 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporized material 1302 from the wick 1962.

[0419] Teeth 1950A form thin path heating segments or paths arranged in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. A particular geometry of teeth 1950A may be preferably selected to provide a particular localized resistance for heating heating element 1950. For example, teeth 1950A may include one or more of the various tooth configurations and features described and discussed in more detail below.

[0420] When the heating element 1950 is activated, an increase in temperature occurs due to current flowing through the heating element 1950 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 by conduction, convection, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer may occur to vaporizable material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporizable material 1302 drawn from manifold 1913, and/or vaporizable material 1302 drawn into a wick 1962 held by heating element 1950. In some implementations, vaporizable material 1302 may vaporize along one or more edges of the teeth. 1950A.

[0421] Air passing into the evaporator device flows along the air passage through the heating element 1950, removing the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 1950 and/or the wick 1962. The vaporized vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc. , so that it exits the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow channels 1938 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0422] With reference to FIG. 20A-20C, the vaporizer cartridge 2000 may include a heating element 2050 and a single (eg, center) airflow path 2038. As mentioned above, heating element 2050 may be crimped around wick 2062 or preformed to receive wick 2062. Heating element 2050 may include one or more teeth 2050A. The teeth 2050A may be located in the heating portion of the heating element 2050 and are designed such that the resistance of the teeth 2050A is matched to an appropriate amount of resistance to effect localized heating in the heating element 2050 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporized material from the wick 2062.

[0423] Teeth 2050A form thin path heating segments or paths arranged in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. A particular geometry of teeth 2050A may preferably be selected to provide a particular localized resistance for heating heating element 2050. For example, teeth 2050A may include one or more of various tooth configurations described in more detail below.

[0424] When the heating element 2050 is activated, an increase in temperature occurs due to current flowing through the heating element 2050 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 by conduction, convection, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer may occur to vaporized material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporized material 1302 drawn from manifold 2013, and/or vaporized material 1302 drawn into wick 2062 held by heating element 2050.

[0425] In some implementations, vaporizable material 1302 may vaporize along one or more edges of teeth 2050A. Air passing into the evaporator device flows along the air path of the heating element 2050, removing the vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from the heating element 2050 and/or wick 2062. The vaporized vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow channels as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0426] As shown in FIG. 10C, 11B, and 21A, in some embodiments, the manifold 1313 may be configured to include a flat rib 2102 that extends outward at the lower perimeter of the manifold 1313 to provide a suitable surface for welding the manifold 1313 to the interior walls of the storage chamber 1342, thereafter as the manifold 1313 is inserted into a receiving cavity or socket in the storage chamber 1342.

[0427] Depending on the implementation, a full perimeter welding or track welding option may be used to securely mount the manifold 1313 to the receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342. In some embodiments, a friction-locked connection and a sealed connection may be established without the use of welding techniques. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the joining methods noted above, an adhesive material may be used.

[0428] With reference to FIG. 11B and 21B, in accordance with one or more aspects, a seal bead profile 2104 may be formed around the perimeter of the spiral ribs of the manifold 1313 that define the overflow channel 1104 such that the seal bead profile 2104 can support a quick turn molding process. The geometry of the seal bead profile 2104 can be created in various ways such that the manifold 1313 can be frictionally inserted into a receiving cavity or receptacle in the storage chamber 1342, and the evaporated material 1302 can flow through the overflow channel 1104 without any leakage along the profile 2104 sealing collar.

[0429] With reference to FIG. 22A, 22B and 82-86, the vaporizer cartridge 2200 may include a folded heating element, such as heating element 500, and two airflow passages 2238. As mentioned above, the heating element 500 may be crimped around a wick 2262 or preformed to receive a wick 226. The heating element 500 may include one or more teeth 502. The teeth 502 may be located in the heating portion of the heating element 500 and are designed such that the resistance of the teeth 502 is matched to an appropriate amount of resistance to effect localized heating in the heating element 500 to more efficiently and effectively heat the vaporized material 1302 from the wick 2262.

[0430] The teeth 502 form thin track heating segments or paths arranged in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance. The particular geometry of the teeth 502 may be selected to provide a particular localized resistance to heat the heating element 500. For example, the teeth 502 and the heating element 500 may include one or more of various tooth configurations and features described in more detail below.

[0431] In some implementations, teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform portion of the teeth 524 is configured to contact one end of the wick 2262, and the side portions of the teeth 526 are configured to contact opposite sides of the wick 2262. The platform portion 524 and the side portions of the teeth 526 define a pocket that is configured to receive the wick 2262 and/or matching the shape of at least a portion of the wick 2262. The pocket allows the wick 2262 to be attached and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

[0432] In some implementations, the side tines 526 and the platform tines 524 hold the wick 2262 by compression. The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 contact the wick 2262 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick 2262. The multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick 2262 allows for more efficient and/or rapid transfer of vaporized material 1302 from the vaporizer cartridge reservoir to the heating area (via wick 2262) to evaporate.

[0433] The heating element 500 may include one or more legs 506 protruding from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion and/or as part of at least one of the one or more legs 506. The heating element 500, shown in FIG. 22A-22B and 82-86 include four exemplary legs 506. At least one of the legs 506 may include and/or define one of the cartridge contacts 124 that is configured to contact a corresponding one of the evaporator socket contacts 125. In some implementations, a pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) may contact one of the socket contacts 125.

[0434] The legs 506 may be spring-loaded to ensure that the legs 506 are maintained in contact with the socket contacts 124 . The legs 506 may include a portion that is curved to assist in maintaining contact with the socket contacts 125. The springing of the legs 506 and/or the curvature of the legs 506 may help to increase and/or maintain a stable pressure between the legs 506 and the socket contacts 125. In some implementations, legs 506 are connected to support 176 to help increase and/or maintain stable pressure between legs 506 and socket contacts 124. The support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other materials to help maintain contact between the legs 506 and the socket contacts 125. In some implementations, support 176 is formed as part of legs 506.

[0435] The legs 506 may contact one or more self-wiping contacts that are configured to clean the connection between the cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or the power supply 112 . For example, self-wiping contacts may include at least two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally interact and slide relative to each other in a direction that is parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0436] In some implementations, the legs 506 include retaining portions 180 that are configured to curve around at least a portion of the wick body 178 that surrounds at least a portion of the wick 2262. The retaining portions 180 define an end of the legs 506. The retaining portions 180 assist in attaching the heating element 500 and wick 2262 to the wick body 178 (and to the vaporizer cartridge).

[0437] When the heating element 500 is activated, a temperature increase occurs due to the current flowing through the heating element 500 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to an amount of vaporizable material 1302 through conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the vaporizable material 1302 is vaporized. Heat transfer may occur to vaporized material 1302 in the reservoir, vaporized material 1302 drawn from manifold 2213, and/or vaporized material 1302 drawn into wick 2262 held by heating element 500.

[0438] In some implementations, vaporizable material 1302 may vaporize along one or more edges of the teeth 502. Air passing into the vaporizer device flows along the air path over heating element 500, removing vaporized vaporizable material 1302 from heating element 500 and/or wick 2262 The evaporated vaporizable material 1302 may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece through at least one of the air flow paths 2238 as an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0439] In FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a wick housing 178 in accordance with implementations of the claimed subject matter. The wick body 178 may include a wick support rib 2296 that extends from the outer shell of the wick body 178 to the wick 2262 when assembled. The wick support rib 2296 prevents the wick 2262 from deforming during assembly.

[0440] In FIG. 24 shows an example of a wick housing 178 including an identification chip 2295. The identification chip 2295 may be retained at least in part by the wick body 178. The identification chip 2295 may be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the evaporator.

[0441] In FIG. 25 shows perspective, front, side, and component exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a press-fit cartridge 1320. As shown, cartridge 1320 may include a sleeve-shaped mouthpiece-reservoir combination with an airflow path 1338 defined through the sleeve. An area in the cartridge 1320 accommodates a manifold 1313, a wick element 1362, a heating element 1350, and a wick body 1315. An opening at the first end of the manifold 1313 leads to an air flow path 1338 in the mouthpiece and provides a path for vaporized vaporizer material 1302 to flow from the area of the heating element 1350 to the mouthpiece from which the user inhales.

Additional and/or alternative embodiments of the fluid outlet assembly

[0442] In FIG. 27A-27B show front planar enlarged views of exemplary flow control mechanisms in the manifold structure 1313. Similar to the flow control mechanism discussed with reference to FIG. 11M and 11N, the flow control outlet assembly 2701 or 2702 mechanisms may be implemented in various forms in various embodiments. In the example shown in FIG. 27A, channels or overflow passage 1104 in manifold 1313 may be connected to the collection chamber, for example, through a fluid outlet assembly 2701 such that the outlet assembly 2701 includes at least two openings that are connected to the cartridge collection chamber.

[0443] As previously stated, a liquid seal may be maintained in the outlet assembly 2701 regardless of the location of the cartridge. On the one hand, an outlet passage may be supported between the overflow passage and the outlet assembly 2701. Alternatively, high capillary action channels may be provided to encourage shutoff to maintain a fluid seal.

[0444] In FIG. 27B shows an alternative structure of the outlet assembly 2702 with three ports that are connected to the cartridge collection chamber with a shutoff channel that prevents rupture of the fluid seal between the outlet assembly 2701 and the collection chamber.

[0445] FIG. 28 illustrates a snapshot in time when a stream of vaporized material collected in the exemplary manifold of FIG. 27A or 27B is controlled to ensure proper venting in the cartridge storage chamber in accordance with one implementation. As shown, the structure of the outlet assembly 2701 in FIG. 27A differs from the design of the outlet assembly 2702 in FIG. 27B in that the design of the final outlet assembly 2702 provides an open area on one side instead of the wall structure shown in FIG. 27A. This more open implementation provides improved microfluidic interaction between the evaporated material 1302 and the open side of the outlet assembly 2702.

[0446] In FIG. 29A-29C are perspective, front and side views of an exemplary cartridge embodiment. The cartridge, as shown, may be assembled from a plurality of components including a manifold, a heating element, and a wick body for holding the cartridge components in place when the components are inserted into the cartridge body. In one embodiment, the laser weld can be implemented at a peripheral joint located approximately at the point where one end of the manifold structure meets the wick body. The laser weld prevents the flow of liquid vaporized material 1302 from the manifold into the heating chamber where the atomizer is located.

[0447] In FIG. 30A-30F are perspective views of an exemplary cartridge with various refill capacities. As noted previously, the volumetric size of the overflow volume can be configured to be equal to, approximately equal to, or greater than the amount of increase in volume of the contents contained in the storage chamber. When the volume of contents in the collection chamber increases as a result of one or more environmental factors, if the volume of contents contained in the collection chamber is X, when the pressure within the collection chamber increases to Y, then Z is the amount of evaporated material 1302 that can be expelled from storage chamber into the overflow volume. As such, in one or more embodiments, the overflow volume is configured to at least be large enough to contain an amount Z of vaporized material 1302.

[0448] In FIG. 30A is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge body having a reservoir that, when filled, stores a volume of, for example, approximately 1.20 ml of vaporizable material 1302. FIG. 30B is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly, with the storage chamber and manifold overflow channels accommodating a combined volume of, for example, approximately 1.20 ml of vaporizable material 1302 when both are full. In fig. 30C is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly when the manifold overflow channel is filled, for example, to a volume of approximately 0.173 ml. In fig. 30D is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly when the storage chamber is filled, for example, to a volume of approximately 0.934 ml. FIG. 30E is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly with wick feed passages and an airflow passage in the mouthpiece shown in cross-sectional view, the wick feed passages having a volume of, for example, approximately 0.094 ml. In fig. 30F is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly with an overflow air passage integrated into the manifold portion towards the bottom fin, the air flow passage having, for example, an approximate volume of 0.043 ml.

[0449] FIG. 31A-31C illustrate front views of an exemplary cartridge in accordance with one embodiment in which dual needle filling is implemented to fill the cartridge reservoir (FIG. 31A) before the manifold and locking plug are inserted into the cartridge body (FIG. 31B) to completely form assembled cartridge (Fig. 31C).

[0450] In FIG. 34A and 34B are front and side views of an exemplary cartridge body with an external airflow path. In some embodiments, one or more closures, also referred to as air inlets, may be provided on the evaporator body 110. The inlet openings may be located within the air inlet duct with a width, height, and depth that are designed to prevent individual air inlet openings from being inadvertently blocked when the user holds the evaporator 100. In one aspect, the design of the air inlet duct may be sufficient long so as not to obstruct or significantly restrict the flow of air through the air inlet channel when, for example, the user's fingers block the area of the air inlet channel.

[0451] In some configurations, the geometric design of the air inlet duct may provide at least one of a minimum length, a minimum depth, or a maximum width, for example, to ensure that the user cannot completely cover or block the air inlet openings in the inlet duct air with your hand or other part of the body. For example, the length of the air inlet channel may be greater than the width of the average human finger, and the width and depth of the air inlet channel may be such that when the user's finger is pressed against the top of the channel, the skin folds created do not interact with the air inlet holes in the air inlet channel.

[0452] The air inlet passage may be designed or formed to have rounded edges or formed to surround one or more corners or areas of the vaporizer body 110 such that the air inlet passage cannot be easily blocked by a user's finger or body part. In some embodiments, an optional cover may be provided to protect the air inlet passage so that a user's finger cannot block or completely restrict the flow of air into the air inlet passage. In one exemplary implementation, an air inlet passage may be formed at the interface between the vaporizer cartridge 120 and the vaporizer housing 110 (eg, in the socket area - see FIG. 1). In such an implementation, the air inlet path can be protected from blocking due to the fact that the air inlet path is formed inside the socket area. This implementation may also provide a configuration in which the air inlet passage is hidden from view.

[0453] In FIG. 32A-32C show front, top, and bottom views of an exemplary cartridge body, respectively, with a condensate collector 3201 integrated into the air passage.

[0454] As shown in FIG. 33A, air or steam may flow into the air flow path in the cartridge. The air flow path may extend longitudinally from the mouthpiece aperture or hole inwardly along the cartridge body such that the vaporized material 1302 inhaled through the mouthpiece passes through the condensate manifold 3201. As shown in FIG. 33B, in addition to the condensate manifold 3201, condensate recycling channels 3204 (eg, microfluidic channels) may be configured to extend, for example, from the mouthpiece opening to the wick.

[0455] The condensate collector 3201 acts on the vaporized vaporized material 1302, which is cooled and formed into droplets in a mouthpiece for collecting and directing the condensed droplets into the condensate recycling channels 3204. Condensate recycling channels 3204 collect and return condensation and large droplets of vapor to the wick and prevent liquid vaporized material formed in the mouthpiece from settling into the user's mouth when the user takes a puff or inhales from the mouthpiece. The condensate recycling channels 3204 may be implemented as microfluidic channels to capture any liquid droplets and thereby avoid direct inhalation of the vaporized material in liquid form and prevent an unwanted sensation or taste in the user's mouth. Additional and/or alternative embodiments of condensate recycle channels and/or one or more other features for controlling, collecting and/or recycling condensate in the evaporator device are described and shown with reference to FIGS. 117-119С. Condensate recycling channels (and/or one or more other features described and shown in FIGS. 117-119C) may, alone or in combination with one or more vaporizer cartridge features, help manage, collect, and/or recycle condensate within the vaporizer device.

[0456] In FIG. 35 and 36 show perspective views of a portion of an exemplary cartridge, wherein the manifold structure 1313 includes an air gap 3501 at a lower edge of the manifold structure. The location of the air gap 3501 may coincide with the location at which the air exchange port is located in the manifold structure 1313. As previously stated, the manifold structure 1313 may be configured to have a central opening through which an air flow path leading to the mouthpiece is provided. The air flow path may be connected to the air exchange port such that a volume within the overflow passage of the manifold 1313 is connected to ambient air through the air exchange port and is also connected to a volume in the storage chamber through an outlet.

[0457] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the outlet may be used as a control valve to primarily control the flow of liquid between the overflow channel and the storage chamber. The air exchange port may be used to primarily control the air flow between the overflow passage and the air passage leading to, for example, the mouthpiece. The combination of interactions between the outlet, overflow manifold channels, and air exchange port ensures proper saturation of the wick and proper venting of air bubbles that may be introduced into the cartridge due to various environmental factors, as well as a controlled flow of vaporized material 1302 into and out of the manifold channels. The presence of an air gap 3501 at the air exchange ports provides a more reliable venting process, since it prevents the liquid vaporized material 1302 located in the manifold from leaking into the wick housing area.

[0458] In FIG. 37A-37C are plan views of various exemplary wick supply shapes and configurations for a cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIG. 37A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cross-shaped wick feed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 37B illustrates the delivery of a wick with an approximately rectangular cross-section. Fig. 37C illustrates the delivery of a wick with an approximately square cross-section. As previously stated, depending on the implementation, one or more wick feeds 3701 may be configured as passages, channels, tubes, or cavities that extend through the manifold structure 1313 as paths that feed the wick with vaporized material 1302 stored in the storage chamber. . In some configurations, the wick feeds 3701 may be approximately parallel to the central channel 3700 in the manifold 1313.

[0459] Depending on the implementation, the wick supply channel may be tubular in shape, for example with a substantially rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 37B and 37C. A channel or tube with a variable cross-sectional width formed through the wick feed passage can overcome plugging problems if the shape provides a multi-channel configuration that allows the evaporated material 1302 to pass through the wick feed passage even if an air bubble is formed in some area of the wick. In such implementations, a blockage of the wick feed tube is likely to form in a portion of the wick feed tube, leaving subchannels (eg, alternate channels) open to flow.

[0460] In accordance with one or more aspects, the wick feed channels may be wide enough to allow free movement of vaporizable material 1302 through the feed channels and toward the wick. In some embodiments, the flow through the wick feed may be enhanced or adjusted by calculating the relative diameter in certain portions of the wick feed to exert capillary pull or pressure on the vaporized material 1302 passing through the wick feed channel. In other words, depending on the shape and other structural or material factors, some wick delivery channels may rely on gravitational or capillary forces to cause the vaporized material 1302 to move toward a portion of the wick body.

[0461] In FIG. 37D and 37E show illustrative exemplary embodiments of a manifold 1313 with dual wick feed 3701. At least one of the wick feeds 3701 may be formed to include a partial dividing wall. A partial dividing wall may be configured to divide the volume within the wick feed 3701 into two separate volumes (ie, ventricle, cavity), as shown in the perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 37D and 37E. The partial wall implementation allows vaporizable material 1302 to easily flow from the reservoir into the wick body region to saturate the wick.

[0462] In some implementations, the partial wall in a single wick feed essentially defines two cavities in the single wick feed. The cavities in the wick feed may be separated by a partial wall and may be used separately to allow vaporizable material 1302 to flow toward the wick body. In such embodiments, if a gas bubble is displaced in one of the cavities in the wick supply, the other cavity of the ventricle may remain open. The cavity may be larger in volume to provide sufficient flow of vaporized material 1302 toward the wick for adequate saturation.

[0463] Accordingly, in embodiments that employ two wick feeds 3801, effectively four cavities may be available to carry a flow of vaporized material 1302 toward the wick. Thus, should gas bubbles form in one, two, or even three of the cavities, at least a fourth cavity will be used to direct the flow of vaporized material 1302 toward the wick, reducing the likelihood of wick dehydration.

[0464] In FIG. 38 shows an enlarged view of a wick feed end positioned proximal to the wick (eg, at an end configured to at least partially receive a wick), where optionally at least a portion of the wick is sandwiched between two or more teeth extending from the wick feed end.

[0465] FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary manifold structure having a square wick feed in combination with an air gap at one end of the overflow channel.

[0466] In FIG. 40A-40E are respectively rear, side, top, front, and bottom views of the manifold structure. In fig. 40A shows a rear view of a manifold structure, for example, with four separate ejection locations. In fig. 40B is a side view of the manifold structure, particularly showing an end portion 4002, for example, in the form of a wick supply clamp, which can firmly hold the wick in the wick supply channel. As shown in FIG. 40C, a portion of the cartridge body that extends within the cartridge body from the mouthpiece may be inserted through a central passage 3700 in the manifold structure to form a conduit for vaporized vaporized material 1302 to exit the atomizer toward the mouthpiece.

[0467] In FIG. 40C is a top view of a manifold structure with wick supply passages 4001 for receiving vaporized material from a cartridge storage chamber and discharging vaporized material toward a wick held in position at the end of the wick supply passages 4001 by the protruding ends of the wick supply passages 4001 forming an end portion 4002 in clamp form.

[0468] In FIG. 40D shows a planar top view of the reservoir structures. As shown, an air gap cavity may be formed at the bottom of the manifold structure at the end of the lower rib of the manifold structure, where the manifold overflow passage leads to the air control outlet 3902 in communication with the surrounding air. A portion of the cartridge body that protrudes from the mouthpiece may be inserted through a central passage 3700 in the manifold structure to form a conduit for vaporized vaporized material 1302 to exit the atomizer toward the mouthpiece.

[0469] In FIG. 40E shows a bottom view of the manifold structure 1313, where two wick supply channels terminate at two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 configured to hold the wick in position at the lower end of the manifold 1313. As shown, optionally, a segmented rib, flange, or protrusion 4003 may be formed on the surface of the lower end of the manifold 1313, where the manifold 1313 connects to the top of the plug 760 during assembly. The protrusion 4003 provides a sealed seal between the top of the plug 760 and the bottom of the manifold 1313, functioning in the same manner as a flexible O-ring so that proper sealing can be achieved during the assembly process. In one embodiment, the lower end of the manifold 1313 may be laser welded to the top of the plug 760.

[0470] In FIG. 41A and 41B show planar top and side views of an alternative embodiment of a manifold structure having two clamp-shaped end portions 4002 and two corresponding wick feeds. As shown, this alternative embodiment is shorter in height compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 40A. This reduced height provides improved functionality by structurally changing the shape of the manifold 1313 and the length of the channel in the manifold 1313 in which the vaporized material 1302 flows. As such, depending on the implementation, the length of the channel of the vaporized material 1302 through the manifold 1313 may be shorter in some embodiments for providing more efficient capillary pressure and better control of the flow of vaporized material 1302 into the manifold channel 1313.

[0471] In FIG. 42A and 42B show various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an exemplary manifold 1313 with various structural implementations. For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 42A includes taper points that include vertically positioned C-shaped walls. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 42B, C-shaped walls are positioned diagonally to provide a more controlled flow of vaporized material 1302 along the manifold channel 1313. As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 42B, the C-shaped walls are located diagonally relative to the bottom plate of the manifold and are vertical to the portions of the plates in the manifold that are inclined downward.

[0472] As noted previously, the flow rate into and out of the manifold 1313 is controlled by manipulating the hydraulic diameter of the overflow channel 1104 in the manifold 1313 through the introduction of one or more restriction points that effectively reduce the overall volume of the overflow channel 1104. As shown, the introduction of multiple restriction points in the overflow channel 1104 divides the overflow channel into several segments in which the evaporated material 1302 can flow in either a first or second direction, for example, towards or away from the air control outlet 3902, respectively.

[0473] The introduction of constriction points helps establish or regulate the capillary pressure state in the overflow channel 1104 such that the hydraulic flow of vaporized material 1302 toward the air control outlet 3902 is minimized in a pressure state where the pressure in the cartridge reservoir is equal to or less than the pressure ambient air. In a pressure state in which the pressure in the reservoir is lower than the ambient pressure (for example, beyond the first threshold), restriction points are provided to control the capillary pressure or hydraulic flow of vaporized material 1302 in the overflow channel 1104 so that ambient air can flow into the overflow channel 1104 through the air control outlet 3904 and move upward toward the adjustable fluid seal 1102 into the reservoir to ventilate the cartridge (ie, bring it to an equilibrium pressure state).

[0474] In some embodiments or scenarios, the venting process described above may not include or require ambient air to be introduced through the air control outlet 3904. In some example scenarios, instead of or in addition to air flowing through the air control outlet 3904, any air bubbles or gases trapped within the overflow channel 1104 may move upward toward the adjustable fluid seal 1102 to help establish a pressure equilibrium condition. in the cartridge by venting the reservoir, where air bubbles are introduced into the reservoir from the overflow channel 1104 through the adjustable fluid seal 1102, as described in more detail, for example, with reference to FIG. 11M and 11N. The design of the narrowing points and C-shaped walls formed along the path of the overflow channel 1104, as shown in FIG. 42A and 42B, promotes a more controlled flow of vaporized material 1302 through the overflow channel 1104 by better controlling capillary pressure throughout the path of the overflow control channel 1103.

[0475] FIG. 43A illustrates various perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an exemplary wick body 1315 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, one or more perforations or holes may be formed at the bottom of the wick body 1315 to allow air flow through the wick located in the wick body 760 of the wick body 1315. A sufficient number of holes will promote sufficient air flow through the wick body 760 and will ensure proper and timely evaporation of the vaporizable material 1302 absorbed into the wick in response to heat generated by a heating element located near or around the wick.

[0476] FIG. 43B illustrates components of the manifold 1313 and wick housing 760 of an exemplary cartridge 1320 in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown, the wick body 1315 (which includes a portion of the cartridge wick body) may be implemented to include a protruding member or petal 4390. The petal 4390 may be configured to extend from an upper end of the wick body 1315 that is mated during assembly with the receiving end of the manifold 1313. The petal 4390 may include one or more edges that correspond to or mate with one or more edges in the receiving recess or receiving cavity 1390, for example, at the bottom of the manifold 1313. The receiving cavity 1390 may be configured to removably receive the petal 4390, for example, for engagement by a snap connection. The snap connection may help hold the manifold 1313 and the wick body 1315 together during or after assembly.

[0477] In some embodiments, petal 4390 may be used to guide the orientation of wick body 1315 during assembly. For example, in one embodiment, one or more vibrating mechanisms (e.g., vibrating cup feeders) may be used to temporarily store or accommodate various components of the cartridge 130. According to some implementations, the petal 4390 may be useful in orienting the top of the wick housing 1315 for mechanical grip for easy engagement and correct automatic installation.

Additional and/or alternative embodiments of heating elements

[0478] As noted above, a vaporizer cartridge consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter may include one or more heating elements. In fig. 44A-116 show embodiments of a heating element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. While the features described and shown with reference to FIG. 44A-116 may be included in the various embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above, and/or may include one or more features of the various embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above, the heating element features described and shown with reference to FIGS. 44A-116 may additionally and/or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary vaporizer cartridge embodiments, such as those described below.

[0479] The heating element, consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter, may preferably be configured to receive a wick element and/or may be crimped or compressed at least partially around the wick element. The heating element may be bent such that the heating element is configured to attach a wick element between at least two or three heating element portions. The heating element may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element. The heating element can be manufactured more simply than typical heating elements. A heating element consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter may also be made of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistive heating, and in some implementations, the heating element may include a selective coating of another material to provide more efficient heating of the heating element (and thus , evaporated material).

[0480] FIG. 44A illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge 120, FIG. 44B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge 120, and FIG. 44C illustrates a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the vaporizer cartridge 120. As shown in FIG. 44A-44C, the vaporizer cartridge 120 includes a housing 160 and an atomizer assembly (or atomizer) 141.

[0481] The atomizer assembly 141 (see FIGS. 99-101) may include a wick element 162, a heating element 500, and a wick body 178. As explained in more detail below, at least a portion of the heating element 500 is located between the housing 160 and the wick housing 178 and is open for connection with a portion of the evaporator housing 110 (eg, electrically connected to the socket contacts 122). The wick body 178 may have four sides. For example, the wick body 178 may include two opposing short sides and two opposing long sides. Each of the two opposing long sides may include at least one (two or more) recesses 166 (see FIGS. 99, 111A). The recesses 166 may be located along the long side of the wick body 178 and adjacent to the corresponding intersections between the long sides and short sides of the wick body 178. The recesses 166 may be formed to releasably couple to a corresponding member (eg, a spring) on the vaporizer body 110 to secure the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer body 110 within the cartridge seat 118 . The recesses 166 provide a mechanically stable mounting means for connecting the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the vaporizer housing 110.

[0482] In some implementations, the wick housing 178 also includes an identification chip 174 that may be configured to communicate with a corresponding chip reader located on the vaporizer. The identification chip 174 may be glued and/or otherwise attached to the wick body 178, such as on the short side of the wick body 178. The wick body 178 may additionally or alternatively include a chip recess 164 (see FIG. 100) that is configured to receive an identification chip 174. The chip recess 164 may be surrounded by two, four, or more walls. The chip recess 164 may be configured to secure the identification chip 174 to the wick body 178 .

[0483] As noted above, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may typically include a reservoir, an air passage, and an atomizer assembly 141. In some configurations, the heating element and/or atomizer described in accordance with implementations of the claimed subject matter may be implemented directly in the evaporator body and/or may be non-removable from the evaporator body. In some implementations, the vaporizer body may not include a removable cartridge.

[0484] Various advantages and benefits of the claimed subject matter may relate to improvements over existing evaporator configurations, manufacturing methods, and the like. For example, it is desirable that a vaporizer heating element, consistent with embodiments of the subject matter, be fabricated (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and either crimped around at least a portion of a wick element or folded to provide a preformed element configured to receive the wick element (eg, the wick element is pushed into the heating element and/or the heating element is held in tension and pulled over the wick element). The heating element may be bent such that the heating element secures the wick element between at least two or three portions of the heating element. The heating element may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element. The heating element configuration ensures more stable and improved manufacturing quality of the heating element. Consistency in heating element workmanship can be especially important during scaled-up and/or automated manufacturing processes. For example, a heating element consistent with embodiments of the subject matter helps reduce tolerance problems that may arise during the manufacturing process when assembling a heating element having multiple components.

[0485] In some implementations, the accuracy of measurements obtained from the heating element (e.g., resistance, current, temperature, etc.) can be improved, at least in part, due to improved stability in the manufacturability of the heating element having reduced tolerance issues . Higher measurement accuracy can provide an improved user experience when using the vaporizer device. For example, as mentioned above, the vaporizer 100 may receive a signal to activate the heating element to either full operating temperature to create an inhalable dose of vapor/aerosol, or to a lower temperature to begin heating the heating element. The temperature of the evaporator heating element can depend on a number of factors, as noted above, and some of these factors can be made more predictable by eliminating possible variations in the manufacture and assembly of atomizer components. A heating element formed (e.g., stamped) from a sheet of material and either crimped around at least a portion of the wick element or bent to provide a preformed element desirably helps to minimize heat loss and ensure that the heating element behaves in a predictable manner so that heat up to the appropriate temperature.

[0486] Additionally, as noted above, the heating element may be completely and/or selectively coated with one or more materials to improve the heating characteristics of the heating element. Coating all or part of the heating element can help minimize heat loss. The coating may also help concentrate the heated portion of the heating element in the proper location, providing a more efficiently heated heating element and further reducing heat loss. The selective coating can help direct the current to the heating element to the proper location. Selective coating may also help reduce the amount of coating material and/or costs associated with manufacturing the heating element.

[0487] Once the heating element is formed into the appropriate shape through one or more of the processes described below, the heating element can be crimped around the wick element and/or bent into the proper position to accommodate the wick element. The wick element may, in some implementations, be a fibrous wick formed as at least an approximately flat pad or with other cross-sectional shapes such as circles, ovals, etc. The flat spacer can control the rate at which vaporized material is drawn into the wick element more accurately and/or accurately. For example, length, width and/or thickness can be adjusted for optimal performance. The wick element forming the flat pad may also provide a larger transfer surface area, which can provide increased flow of vaporized material from the reservoir to the wick element for vaporization by the heating element (in other words, greater mass transfer of vaporized material), and from the wick element to the air flowing past him. In such configurations, the heating element may contact the wick element in multiple directions (eg, on at least two sides of the wick element) to increase the efficiency of drawing vaporizable material into the wick element and vaporizing the vaporizable material. The flat pad can also be more easily shaped and/or cut and thus can be more easily assembled with the heating element. In some implementations, as described in more detail below, the heating element may be configured to contact the wick element on only one side of the wick element.

[0488] The wick element may include one or more rigid or compressible materials such as cotton, silica, ceramic and/or the like. Relative to some other materials, a cotton wick element can provide an increased and/or more controlled flow rate of vaporized material from the vaporizer cartridge reservoir into the wick element for vaporization. In some implementations, the wick element defines at least an approximately planar pad that is configured to contact the heating element and/or can be secured between at least two portions of the heating element. For example, the at least approximately flat spacer may have at least a first pair of opposing sides that are approximately parallel to each other. In some implementations, the at least approximately flat spacer may also have at least a second pair of opposing sides that are approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to the first pair of opposing sides.

[0489] In FIG. 45-48 show schematic views of a heating element 100 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. For example, FIG. 45 illustrates a schematic view of heating element 500 in an deployed position. As shown, in the deployed position, heating element 500 forms a planar heating element. The heating element 500 may be initially formed from a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut and/or stamped into the proper shape through various mechanical processes, including, but not limited to, stamping, laser cutting, photo-etching, chemical etching and/or the like.

[0490] The substrate material may be made of an electrically conductive metal suitable for resistance heating. In some implementations, heating element 500 includes nickel-chromium alloy, nickel alloy, stainless steel and/or the like. As described below, the heating element 500 may be coated at one or more locations on the surface of the substrate material to improve, limit, or otherwise change the resistivity of the heating element at one or more locations of the substrate material (which may be all or a portion of the heating element 500 ).

[0491] Heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 (e.g., heating segments) located in heating portion 504, one or more legs or connecting portions 506 (e.g., one, two, or more) located in transition region 508 , and a cartridge contact 124 located in the electrical contact area 510 and formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506. The teeth 502, legs 506, and cartridge contacts 124 may be integrally formed. For example, teeth 502, legs 506, and cartridge contacts 124 form parts of a heating element 500 that is stamped and/or cut from a substrate material. In some implementations, heating element 500 also includes a heat shield 518 that extends from one or more legs 506 and may also be integral with teeth 502, legs 506, and cartridge contacts 124.

[0492] In some implementations, at least a portion of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 is configured to interact with vaporizable material drawn into the wick element from the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120. The heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 may be shaped, sized, and/or otherwise processed to provide the desired resistance. For example, the teeth 502 located at the heating section 504 may be designed such that the resistance of the teeth 502 corresponds to an appropriate resistance amount to effect localized heating at the heating section 504 to more efficiently and effectively heat the evaporated material from the wick element. The teeth 502 form segments or traces of thin heat paths arranged in series and/or parallel to provide the desired amount of resistance.

[0493] The teeth 502 (eg, tracks) can have various shapes, sizes, and configurations. In some configurations, one or more teeth 502 may be spaced apart to allow vaporizable material to be drawn through capillaries from the wick member and thence vaporized from the side edges of each of the teeth 502. The shape, length, width, composition, etc., among other properties of the teeth 502, can be optimized to maximize aerosol generation efficiency by evaporating vaporizable material from the heating portion of heating element 500 and achieving maximum electrical efficiency. The shape, length, width, composition, etc., among other properties of the teeth 502, may additionally or alternatively be optimized to distribute heat evenly along the length of the teeth 502 (or a portion of the teeth 502, for example, in the heating section 504). For example, the width of the teeth 502 may be the same or vary along the length of the teeth 502 to control the temperature profile of at least a portion 504 of the heating element 500. In some examples, the length of the teeth 502 may be adjusted to achieve a desired resistance along at least a portion of the heating element 500. , for example, in the heating section 504. As shown in FIG. 45-48, teeth 502 are the same size and shape. For example, the teeth 502 include an outer edge 503 that is approximately aligned and have a substantially rectangular shape with flat or square outer edges 503 (see also FIGS. 49-53) or rounded outer edges 503 (see FIGS. 54 and 55). In some implementations, one or more teeth 502 may include outer edges 503 that are not aligned and/or may have different sizes or shapes (see FIGS. 57-62). In some implementations, teeth 502 may be evenly spaced or have a variable spacing between adjacent teeth 502 (see FIGS. 87-92). The particular geometry of the teeth 502 may be selected to provide a specific localized resistance to heat the heating portion 504 and to maximize the performance of the heating element 500 to heat the vaporized material and generate the aerosol.

[0494] Heating element 500 may include portions of wider and/or thicker geometry and/or different composition relative to teeth 502. These portions may form electrical contact areas and/or more conductive portions and/or may include elements for installing the heating element 500 inside the evaporator cartridge. Legs 506 of heating element 500 extend from the end of each outermost tooth 502A. The legs 506 define a portion of the heating element 500 that has a width and/or thickness that is typically wider than the width of each of the teeth 502. Although in some implementations, the legs 506 have a width and/or thickness that is the same or narrower than the width of each teeth 502. Legs 506 connect heating element 500 to wick housing 178 or other portion of vaporizer cartridge 120 such that heating element 500 is at least partially or completely enclosed by housing 160. Legs 506 provide rigidity to provide mechanical stability to heating element 500 during and after production. Legs 506 also connect cartridge contacts 124 to teeth 502 located in heating section 504. The legs 506 are shaped and sized to allow the heating element 500 to support the electrical requirements of the heating section 504. As shown in FIG. 48, legs 506 separate the heating portion 504 from the end of the vaporizer cartridge 120 when the heating element 500 is assembled with the vaporizer cartridge 120. As discussed in more detail below with respect to at least FIG. 82-98 and 103-104, legs 506 may also include a capillary element 598 that restricts or prevents fluid from flowing from heating portion 504 to other portions of heating element 500.

[0495] In some implementations, one or more legs 506 include one or more positioning elements 516. The positioning elements 516 may be used to relatively position the heating element 500 or portions thereof during and/or after assembly by interacting with other (eg, adjacent) components of the vaporizer cartridge 120. In some implementations, positioning members 516 may be used during or after manufacturing to properly position the backing material for cutting and/or punching the backing material to form the heating element 500 or post-processing the heating element 500. The mounting members 516 may be cut or trimmed before crimping or by otherwise bending the heating element 500.

[0496] In some implementations, the heating element 500 includes one or more heat shields 518. The heat shields 518 form a portion of the heating element 500 that extends laterally from the legs 506. When folded and/or crimped, the heat shields 518 are positioned with offset in a first direction and/or a second direction opposite to the first direction in the same plane from the teeth 502. When the heating element 500 is assembled in the vaporizer cartridge 120, heat shields 518 are configured to be positioned between the teeth 502 (and heating section 504) and the housing (eg, plastic housing) of the vaporizer cartridge 120. Heat shields 518 may help isolate the heating portion 504 from the vaporizer cartridge body 120 . The heat shields 518 help to minimize the effect of heat emanating from the heating portion 504 on the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120 to protect the structural integrity of the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and prevent melting or other deformation of the vaporizer cartridge 120 . Heat shields 518 may also help maintain a constant temperature in the heating section 504 by retaining heat in the heating section 504, preventing or limiting evaporative heat loss. In some implementations, the vaporizer cartridge 120 may also or alternatively include a heat shield 518A that is separate from the heating element 500 (see FIG. 102).

[0497] As noted above, the heating element 500 includes at least two cartridge contacts 124 that form an end portion of each of the legs 506. For example, as shown in FIG. 45-48, the cartridge contacts 124 may form a portion of legs 506 that are folded along fold line 507. The cartridge contacts 124 may be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the legs 506. In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 may be bent at other angles, such as approximately 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees. , 75 degrees, or other intervals therebetween, relative to the legs 506. The cartridge contacts 124 may be bent toward/away from the heating portion 504, depending on the implementation. The cartridge contacts 124 may also be formed on another portion of the heating element 500, for example, along the length of at least one of the legs 506. The cartridge contacts 124 are configured to be exposed to the environment when assembled into the vaporizer cartridge 120 (see FIG. 53). .

[0498] The cartridge contacts 124 may form conductive pins, tabs, posts, accommodating holes or surfaces for pins or posts, or other contact configurations. Some types of cartridge contacts 124 may include springs or other pressure elements to provide better physical and electrical contact between the cartridge contacts 124 on the vaporizer cartridge and the socket contacts 125 on the vaporizer body 110. In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 include self-cleaning contacts that are configured to clean connections between the cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or the power supply. For example, self-wiping contacts may include two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally interact and slide toward each other in a direction that is parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0499] Cartridge contacts 124 are configured to interact with socket contacts 125 located near the base of the vaporizer cartridge socket 100 such that the cartridge contacts 124 and socket contacts 125 form electrical connections when the vaporizer cartridge 120 is inserted into and connected to the cartridge socket 118 . The cartridge contacts 124 may be electrically coupled to the vaporizer power supply 112 (eg, via socket contacts 125, etc.). The circuitry completed by these electrical connections may provide electrical current to the resistive heating element to heat at least a portion of the heating element 500 and may also be used for additional functions, such as measuring the resistance of the resistive heating element for use in sensing and/or regulating temperature of the resistive heating element based on the thermal resistivity coefficient of the resistive heating element, to identify the cartridge based on one or more electrical characteristics of the resistive heating element or other evaporator cartridge circuitry, etc. The cartridge contacts 124 may be treated, as described in more detail below, to provide improved electrical properties (eg, contact resistance) using, for example, conductive coating, surface treatments, and/or deposited materials.

[0500] In some implementations, the heating element 500 may be processed through a series of crimping and/or bending operations to give the heating element 500 a desired three-dimensional shape. For example, heating element 500 may be preformed to receive or compress around wick element 162 to secure the wick element between at least two portions (e.g., approximately parallel portions) of heating element 500 (e.g., between opposing portions of heating portion 504). To crimp the heating element 500, the heating element 500 may be folded along the fold lines 520 towards each other. Folding of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520 forms a platform portion of the teeth 524 defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and the side portions of the teeth 526 defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and the outer edges 503 of the teeth 502. The platform portion 524 of the teeth is configured to contact one end wick member 162. The tooth side portions 526 are configured to contact opposite sides of the wick member 162. The tooth platform portion 524 and the tooth side portions 526 define a pocket that is configured to receive the wick member 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick member 162. 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be attached and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket. The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 contact the wick element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162. The multidimensional contact between the heating element 100 and the wick element 162 allows for more efficient and/or rapid transfer of vaporized material from the reservoir. 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the heating section 504 (via the wick element 162) for vaporization.

[0501] In some implementations, portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be folded along fold lines 522 from each other. Folding portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 522 away from each other locates the legs 506 at a position away from the heating portion 504 (and teeth 502) of the heating element 500 in a first and/or second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., same plane). Thus, bending the portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 522 in a direction apart from each other separates the heating portion 504 from the body of the evaporator cartridge 120. Fig. 46 illustrates a diagram of a heating element 500 that has been folded along fold lines 520 and fold lines 522 around wick element 162. As shown in FIG. 46, the wick element is located within a pocket formed by folding the heating element 500 along fold lines 520 and 522.

[0502] In some implementations, heating element 500 may also bend along fold lines 523. For example, the cartridge contacts 124 may be folded toward each other (in and out of the plane of the drawing shown in FIG. 47) along fold lines 523. The cartridge contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment to contact the socket contacts while the remaining portions of the heating element 500 are located in the vaporizer cartridge 120 (see FIGS. 48 and 53).

[0503] In use, when the user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 130 of the vaporizer cartridge 120, when the heating element 500 is assembled in the vaporizer cartridge 120, air flows into the vaporizer cartridge and along the air passage. In association with a user's puff, the heating element 500 may be activated, for example, by automatically detecting a puff using a pressure sensor, by detecting a user's button press, by signals generated by a motion sensor, a flow sensor, a capacitive lip sensor, and/or other method capable of detecting that the user takes or is about to take a puff or otherwise inhales air to cause air to enter the vaporizer device 100 and move at least along the air channel. Power may be supplied from the vaporizer to the heating element 500 to the cartridge contacts 124 when the heating element 500 is activated.

[0504] When the heating element 500 is activated, an increase in temperature occurs due to current flowing through the heating element 500 to generate heat. Heat is transferred to a portion of the evaporated material through conductive, convective, and/or radiative heat transfer such that at least a portion of the evaporated material is evaporated. Heat transfer may occur to the vaporizable material in the reservoir and/or to the vaporizable material drawn into the wick element 162 held by the heating element 500. In some implementations, the vaporizable material may vaporize along one or more edges of the teeth 502, as mentioned above. Air passing into the vaporization device flows along the air passage through the heating element 500, removing vaporized vaporizable material from the heating element 500. The vaporized vaporizable material may condense due to cooling, pressure changes, etc., so that it exits the mouthpiece 130 as aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0505] As noted above, heating element 500 may be made of various materials, such as nichrome, stainless steel, or other resistive heating materials. Combinations of two or more materials may be included in heating element 500, and such combinations may include both a uniform distribution of the two or more materials throughout the heating element and other configurations in which the relative amounts of the two or more materials are spatially non-uniform. For example, the teeth 502 may have portions that are more resistive and thus designed to become hotter than other sections of the teeth or heating element 500. In some implementations, at least the teeth 502 (e.g., within the heating section 504) may include a material that is highly conductive and heat resistant.

[0506] Heating element 500 may be completely or selectively coated with one or more materials. Because the heating element 500 is made of a thermally and/or electrically conductive material, such as stainless steel, nichrome, or other thermally and/or electrically conductive alloy, the heating element 500 may experience electrical or thermal losses along the path between the cartridge contacts 124 and the teeth 502 at the heating portion 504 heating element 500. To reduce heat and/or electrical loss, at least a portion of heating element 500 may be coated with one or more materials to reduce resistance in the electrical path leading to heating portion 504. In some implementations consistent with the subject matter, it is advantageous to leave the heating portion 504 (e.g., teeth 502) uncovered while at least a portion of the cartridge legs 506 and/or contacts 124 are coated with a coating material that reduces resistance (e.g., one or both of volumetric and contact resistance) in these parts.

[0507] For example, heating element 500 may include various parts that are coated with various materials. In another example, heating element 500 may be covered with laminate materials. Coating at least a portion of the heating element 500 helps concentrate the current flowing to the heating portion 504 to reduce electrical and/or thermal losses in other portions of the heating element 500. In some implementations, it is desirable to maintain a low electrical path resistance between the cartridge contacts 124 and teeth 502 of the heating element 500 to reduce electrical and/or thermal losses in the electrical channel and to compensate for the voltage drop that is concentrated in the heating section 504.

[0508] In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 may be selectively coated. Selectively coating the cartridge contacts 124 with certain materials can minimize or eliminate contact resistance at the point where measurements are made and electrical contact is created between the cartridge contacts 124 and the socket contacts. Providing low resistance at the cartridge contacts 124 may provide more accurate voltage, current, and/or resistance measurements and readings thereof, which may be useful for accurately determining the current actual temperature of the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500.

[0509] In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be coated with one or more outer coating materials 550. For example, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be plated with at least gold or other material that provides low contact resistance, such as platinum, palladium, silver, copper, or the like.

[0510] In some implementations, in order for the low resistance outer coating material to be attached to the heating element 500, the surface of the heating element 500 may be coated with an adhesive coating material. In such configurations, an adhesive coating material may be applied to the surface of the heating element 500, and an outer coating material may be deposited on the adhesive coating material, defining first and second coating layers, respectively. The adhesive coating material includes a material having adhesive properties when the outer coating material is deposited onto the adhesive coating material. For example, the adhesive coating material may include nickel, zinc, aluminum, iron, alloys thereof, and the like. In fig. 79-81 show examples of heating element 500 in which cartridge contacts 124 have been selectively coated with an adhesive coating material and/or an outer coating material.

[0511] In some implementations, the surface of the heating element 500 may be primed to apply an outer coating material to the heating element 500 using a primer instead of applying an adhesive coating material to the surface of the heating element 500. For example, the surface of heating element 500 may be primed using etching instead of deposition of an adhesive coating material.

[0512] In some implementations, all or a portion of the cartridge legs 506 and contacts 124 may be coated with an adhesive coating material and/or an outer coating material. In some examples, the cartridge contacts 124 may include at least a portion that has an outer cover material that is thicker than the remaining portions of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or the legs 506 of the heating element 500. In some implementations, the cartridge contacts 124 and/or or the legs 506 may be thicker than the teeth 502 and/or the heating portion 504.

[0513] In some implementations, instead of forming the heating element 500 from a single substrate material and coating the substrate material, the heating element 500 may be formed from different materials that are bonded together (e.g., through laser welding, diffusion processes, etc.). d.). The materials of each portion of the heating element 500 that are connected to each other may be selected to provide low or no resistance at the cartridge contacts 124 and high resistance at the heating teeth 502 or heating portion 504 relative to other portions of the heating element 500.

[0514] In some implementations, heating element 500 may be silver plated and/or spray coated using one or more coating materials, such as an adhesive coating material and an outer coating material.

[0515] As mentioned above, the heating element 500 may have various shapes, sizes, and geometries to more efficiently heat the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and more efficiently evaporate the vaporized material.

[0516] In FIG. 49-53 show an example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506, and thermal screens 518 extending from one or more legs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same or similar shape and size. The teeth 502 have a rectangular and/or flat outer edge 503. In FIG. 49-52, the teeth 502 are crimped around a wick member 162 (e.g., a flat pad) to secure the wick member 162 in a pocket of the teeth 502.

[0517] In FIG. 54-55 show another example of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the subject matter in an unbent position (FIG. 54) and in a bent position (FIG. 55). As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506, and thermal screens 518 extending from one or more legs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same or similar shape and size, and the teeth 502 have a rounded and/or semicircular outer edge 503.

[0518] In FIG. 56 shows another example of a heating element 500 in a curved position consistent with embodiments of the subject matter, which is similar to the exemplary heating element 500 shown in FIG. 54-55, but in this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same or similar shape and size, and the teeth 502 have a rectangular and/or flat outer edge 503.

[0519] In FIG. 57-62 show other examples of heating element 500 in which at least one of the teeth 502 has a size, shape, or position that is different from the remaining teeth 502. For example, as shown in FIG. 57-58, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506. In this example, teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 505A and a second set of teeth 505B. The first and second sets of teeth 505a, 505B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of teeth 505A, 505B are not aligned with each other. As shown in FIG. 58, when the heating portion 504 is in the curved position, the first set of teeth 505A is shorter than the second set of teeth 505B in the first part of the heating element 500, and the first set of teeth 505A is longer than the second set of teeth 505B in the second part of the heating element 500.

[0520] As shown in FIG. 59-60, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506. In this example, teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 509A and a second set of teeth 509B. The first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, the second set of teeth 509B includes one outer tooth 502A. As shown in FIG. 59-60, when the heating portion 504 is in a curved position, the first set of teeth 509A is longer than the second set of teeth 509B. In addition, in FIG. 59-60 teeth 502 are not curved. Instead, teeth 502 are located on a first portion and a second portion of the heating element 500 that is approximately parallel and opposite to the first portion. The first set of teeth located on the first portion of the heating element 500 is separated from the second set of teeth located on the second portion of the heating element 500 by a platform portion 530 that is located between and spaced from the first and second sets of teeth. The platform portion 530 is configured to contact the end of the wick element 162. The platform portion 530 includes a cut-out portion 532. The cut-out portion 532 may provide additional edges along which vaporizable material may be vaporized when the heating element 500 is activated.

[0521] As shown in FIG. 61-62, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506. In this example, teeth 502 include a first set of teeth 509A and a second set of teeth 509B. The first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are offset from each other. For example, the outer edges 503 of the first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B are not aligned with each other. Here, each of the first and second sets of teeth 509A, 509B includes two teeth 502. As shown in FIG. 61-62, when the heating portion 504 is in a curved position, the first set of teeth 509A is shorter than the second set of teeth 509B. In addition, in FIG. 61-62, teeth 502 are not curved. In contrast, teeth 502 are located on a first portion and a second portion (which is parallel and opposite to the first portion) of the heating element 500. The first set of teeth located on the first portion are separated from the second set of teeth located on the second portion by a platform portion that is located between the first portion. and the second sets of teeth and spaced from them. The platform portion is configured to contact the end of the wick member 162. The platform portion includes a cut portion. The cut portion may provide additional edges along which vaporizable material may vaporize when heating element 500 is activated.

[0522] In FIG. 63-68 show another example of a heating element 500 consistent with embodiments of the subject matter in an unbent position (FIG. 63) and in a bent position (FIGS. 64-68). As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of the one or more legs 506, and thermal screens 518 extending from one or more legs 506. In this example, the heating element 500 is configured to crimp and/or bend to receive a cylindrical wick element 162 or a wick element 162 with a circular cross-section. Each of the teeth 502 has openings 540. The openings 540 may provide additional edges along which vaporizable material may vaporize when the heating element 500 is activated. The holes 540 also reduce the amount of material used to form the heating element 500, reducing the weight of the heating element 500 and the amount of material used for the heating element 500, thereby reducing the cost of the material.

[0523] FIG. 69-78 show a heating element 500, consistent with implementations of the subject matter, in which the heating element 500 is pressed against one side of the wick element 162. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located on the heating section 504, one or a plurality of legs 506 extending from teeth 502 and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion of each of one or more legs 506. In these examples, legs 506 and cartridge contacts 124 are configured to flex in a third direction rather than in a first-to-second direction direction which is perpendicular to the third direction. In such a configuration, the teeth 502 of the heating portion 504 form a planar platform that faces outward from the heating element 500 and is configured to press against the wick element 162 (eg, on one side of the wick element 162).

[0524] FIG. 71-74 illustrate several examples of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the subject matter including teeth 502 configured in various geometries. As mentioned above, the teeth 502 form a planar platform that is pressed against one side of the wick member 162 in use. The legs 506, rather than the teeth 502, bend into a flexed position.

[0525] FIG. 75 illustrates an example of the heating element 500 shown in FIG. 71, assembled with a vaporizer cartridge component 120, such as a wick body (eg, wick body 178) that houses the wick element 162 and the heating element 500, and FIG. 76 illustrates a heating element 500 assembled with an exemplary vaporizer cartridge 120 consistent with implementations of the subject matter. As shown, the cartridge contacts 124 are curved toward each other in a transverse direction.

[0526] FIG. 77 and 78 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 in which the teeth 502 form a platform that is configured to press against the wick element 162. Here, the legs 506 may form spring structures that cause the teeth 502 to press against the wick element 162 when a lateral inward force is applied. applied to each of the legs 506. For example, FIG. 78 illustrates an example of teeth 502 pressed against wick element 162 when power (eg, current) is applied to heating element 500, such as through cartridge contacts 124.

[0527] FIG. 82-86 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion and/or as part of each of one or more more than legs 506. In this example, each of the teeth 502 has the same or similar shape and size, and they are equally spaced apart. The teeth 502 have a rounded outer edge 503.

[0528] As shown in FIG. 85, teeth 502 have been crimped around a wick member 162 (e.g., a flat pad) to secure the wick member 162 within a pocket defined by the teeth 502. For example, the teeth 502 may be folded and/or crimped to define a pocket in which the wick member 162 is located. The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The platform portion of the teeth 524 is configured to contact one side of the wick member 162, and the side portions of the teeth 526 are configured to contact the other opposite sides of the wick member 162. The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 define a pocket that is configured to receive the wick. element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be secured and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

[0529] In some implementations, the prong side portions 526 and the prong platform portion 524 retain the wick member 162 through compression (e.g., at least a portion of the wick member 162 is compressed between opposing prong side portions 526 and/or the prong platform portion 524). The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 contact the wick element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162. The multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162 allows for more efficient and/or rapid transfer of vaporized material from the reservoir 140 vaporizer cartridge 120 to heating section 504 (via wick element 162) for vaporization.

[0530] One or more legs 506 of the exemplary heating element 500 shown in FIG. 82-86 include four legs 506. Each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 that is configured to contact a corresponding contact 125 of the evaporator socket 190. In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact one socket contact 125. The legs 506 may be spring-loaded to allow the legs 506 to maintain contact with the socket contacts 125. The legs 506 may include a portion that extends along the length of the legs 506 that is curved to help maintain contact with the socket contacts 125. The springing of the legs 506 and/or the curvature of the legs 506 may help to increase and/or maintain a constant pressure between the legs 506 and the socket contacts 125. In some implementations, legs 506 are coupled to a support 176 that helps to increase and/or maintain constant pressure between legs 506 and socket contacts 125. The support 176 may include plastic, rubber, or other materials to help maintain contact between the legs 506 and the socket contacts 125. In some implementations, support 176 is formed as part of legs 506.

[0531] The legs 506 may contact one or more self-wiping contacts that are configured to clean the connection between the cartridge contacts 124 and other contacts or the power supply. For example, self-wiping contacts may include at least two parallel but offset protrusions that frictionally interact and slide relative to each other in a direction that is parallel or perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0532] As shown in FIG. 82-98, one or more legs 506 of heating element 500 include four legs 506. In FIG. 91-92, 97A-98B and 109-110 show examples of the heating element 500 in a non-bent position. As shown, the heating element 500 has an H-shape defined by four legs 506 and teeth 502. This configuration allows for more accurate resistance measurements in the heater and reduced variability in resistance measurements, thereby providing more efficient aerosol generation and higher quality aerosol generation. The heating element 500 includes two pairs of opposing legs 506. Teeth 502 are connected to (e.g., intersecting) each of the pairs of opposing legs 506 at or near the center of each of the pairs of opposing legs 506. A heating section 504 is located between the pairs of opposing legs 506.

[0533] FIG. 109 illustrates an example of heating element 500 before heating element 500 has been stamped and/or otherwise formed from substrate material 577. Excess substrate material 577A may be coupled to heating element 500 at one, two, or more connection locations 577B. For example, as shown, excess substrate material 577A may be coupled to heating element 500 at two junction locations 577B, proximate the opposite transverse ends 173 of the heating element platform portion 173 and/or heating portion 504 of heating element 500. In some implementations, heating element 500 may be first stamped from the substrate material 577 and then separated from the excess substrate material 577A at the joint locations 577B (eg, by twisting, drawing, stamping, cutting, etc. of the heating element 500).

[0534] As noted above, to crimp the heating element 500, the heating element 500 may be folded or otherwise folded along the fold lines 523, 522A, 522B, 520 in a direction toward/away from each other (see, for example, FIG. 98A). Although the fold lines are shown in FIG. 98A, exemplary heating elements 500 described and shown in FIG. 44A-115C may also be crimped, folded or otherwise bent along fold lines. Folding of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520 forms a platform portion 524 of the teeth, defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and/or between the side portions of the teeth 526, defined by the area between the fold lines 520 and the outer edges 503 of the teeth 502. The platform portion 524 of the teeth may contact one end and/or support one end of the wick element 162. The side portions of the teeth 526 may contact opposite sides of the wick element 162. The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 define the internal volume of the heating element, which defines a pocket configured to receive the wick element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The internal volume allows the wick element 162 to be secured and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket. The platform portion 524 of the teeth and the side portions of the teeth 526 contact the wick element 162 to provide multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162. The multidimensional contact between the heating element 500 and the wick element 162 allows for more efficient and/or rapid transfer of vaporized material from the reservoir 140 of the vaporizer cartridge 120 to the heating section 504 (via the wick element 162) for vaporization.

[0535] In some implementations, portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be folded along the fold lines 522A, 522B. Folding portions of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 along fold lines 522 away from each other places the legs 506 in a position spaced from the heating portion 504 (and teeth 502) of the heating element 500 in a first and/or second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., same plane). Thus, bending the leg portions 506 of the heating element 500 along the fold lines 522 from each other separates the heating portion 504 from the body of the vaporizer cartridge 120 . Folding portions of the legs 506 along fold lines 522A, 522B forms a bridge 585. In some implementations, the bridge 585 helps reduce or eliminate the flow of vaporized material from the heating section 504, for example, through capillary action. The jumper 585 also helps isolate the heating portion 504 from the legs 506 so that heat generated at the heating portion 504 does not reach the legs 506. This also helps to localize the heating of the heating element 500 to the heating portion 504.

[0536] In some implementations, heating element 500 may also be folded along fold lines 523 to form cartridge contacts 124. The cartridge contacts 124 may be exposed to the environment or may otherwise be accessible (and may be located within a portion of the cartridge such as an outer shell) to contact the socket contacts while other portions such as the heating element heating portion 504 500 are located in an inaccessible portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120, such as the wick body.

[0537] In some implementations, the legs 506 include retaining portions 180 that are configured to fold around at least a portion of the wick body 178 that surrounds at least a portion of the wick element 162 and the heating element 500 (such as heating section 504) . Retaining portions 180 form the end of the legs 506. Retaining portions 180 assist in attaching the heating element 500 and wick element 162 to the wick body 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The retaining portions 180 may alternatively be folded away from at least a portion of the wick body 178.

[0538] FIG. 87-92 illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion and/or as part of each or more legs 506.

[0539] The teeth 502 may be bent and/or crimped to define a pocket in which the wick member 162 (eg, a flat gasket) is located. The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The tooth platform portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wick member 162, and the tooth side portions 526 are configured to contact other opposing sides of the wick member 162. The tooth platform portion 524 and the tooth side portions 526 define a pocket that is configured to receive the wick member. element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be attached and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

[0540] In this example, the teeth 502 have different shapes and sizes and are spaced apart from each other by equal or different distances. For example, as shown, each of the side tooth portions 526 includes at least four teeth 502. In the first pair 570 of adjacent teeth 502, each of the adjacent teeth 502 is spaced an equal distance from an interior region 576 located near the platform tooth portion 524. to an outer region 578 located near the outer edge 503. In the second pair 572 of adjacent teeth 502, the adjacent teeth 502 are spaced apart by a varying distance from the inner region 576 to the outer region 578. For example, the adjacent teeth 502 of the second pair of teeth 572 are spaced apart by a width , which is greater in the inner region 576 than in the outer region 578. These configurations can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the teeth 502 of the heating section 504. Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the teeth 502 can provide a higher quality aerosol because the maximum temperature will be more uniform throughout the heating section 504.

[0541] As noted above, each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 that is configured to contact a corresponding contact 125 of the socket of the vaporizer 100. In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact one pin 125 of the socket. In some implementations, legs 506 include retaining portions 180 that are configured to flex and generally extend away from heating portion 504. The holding portions 180 are configured to fit into corresponding recesses in the wick body 178. Retaining portions 180 form the end of the legs 506. Retaining portions 180 assist in attaching the heating element 500 and wick element 162 to the wick body 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The holding portions 180 may have an end portion 180A that extends from the end of the holding portion 180 to a heating portion 504 of the heating element 500. This configuration reduces the likelihood that the holding portion will contact another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120, or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 120. .

[0542] The outer edge 503 of the teeth 502 at the heating portion 504 may include a petal 580. The petal 580 may include one, two, three, four, or more petals 580. The petal 580 may extend outward from the outer edge 503 and extend laterally from the center of the heating element 500. For example, the petal 580 may be located along the edge of the heating element 500 surrounding an internal volume defined by at least the side portions 526 of teeth for receiving the wick element 162. The petal 580 may extend outwardly away from the internal volume of the wick element 162 The petal 580 may also extend in a direction opposite to the platform part 524 of the teeth. In some implementations, the petals 580 located on opposite sides of the internal volume of the wick element 162 may extend laterally from each other. This configuration serves to widen the opening leading into the interior of the wick element 162, thereby helping to reduce the likelihood that the wick element 162 will be caught, torn, and/or damaged when assembled with the heating element 500. Due to the material of the wick element 162, the wick element 162 may be easily caught, torn, and/or otherwise damaged when assembled (e.g., positioned or inserted into) with the heating element 500. Contact between the wick element 162 and the outer edge 503 of the teeth 102 may also cause damage to the heating element. The shape and/or arrangement of the tab 580 may allow the wick element 162 to be more easily positioned within a pocket (e.g., the internal volume of the heating element 500) formed by the teeth 502, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood that the wick element 162 and/or the heating element will be damaged. . Thus, the petals 580 help reduce or prevent damage to the heating element 500 and/or the wick element 162 when the wick element 162 comes into thermal contact with the heating element 500. The shape of the petal 580 also helps to minimize the impact on the resistance of the heating section 504.

[0543] In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be coated with one or more outer coating materials 550 to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 500 contacts the contacts 125.

[0544] FIG. 93A-98B illustrate another example of a heating element 500 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. As shown, the heating element 500 includes one or more teeth 502 located at the heating portion 504, one or more legs 506 extending from the teeth 502, and cartridge contacts 124 formed at an end portion and/or as part of each or several legs 506.

[0545] The teeth 502 may be bent and/or crimped to define a pocket in which the wick member 162 (eg, a flat gasket) is located. The teeth 502 include a platform tooth portion 524 and side tooth portions 526. The tooth platform portion 524 is configured to contact one side of the wick member 162, and the leg side portions 526 are configured to contact other opposing sides of the wick member 162. The tooth platform portion 524 and the tooth side portions 526 define a pocket that is configured to receive the wick member. element 162 and/or conform to the shape of at least a portion of the wick element 162. The pocket allows the wick element 162 to be attached and held by the heating element 500 in the pocket.

[0546] In this example, the teeth 502 are the same shape and size and are spaced equally apart. Here, the teeth 502 include a first side portion 526A and a second side portion 526B, which are separated from each other by a platform tooth portion 524. Each of the first and second tooth side portions 526A, 526B includes an inner region 576 located near the tooth platform portion 524 and an outer region 578 located near the outer edge 503. In the outer region 578, the first tooth side portion 526A is located approximately parallel to the second tooth side portion 526A. side part of 526B teeth. In the inner region 576, the first tooth side portion 526A is offset from the second tooth side portion 526B, and the first and second tooth side portions 526A, 526B are not parallel. This configuration can help maintain a constant and uniform temperature along the length of the teeth 502 of the heating section 504. Maintaining a constant temperature along the length of the teeth 502 can provide a higher quality aerosol because the maximum temperature will be more uniform throughout the heating section 504.

[0547] As noted above, each of the legs 506 may include and/or define a cartridge contact 124 that is configured to contact a corresponding contact 125 of the socket of the vaporizer 100. In some implementations, each pair of legs 506 (and cartridge contacts 124) can contact one pin 125 of the socket. In some implementations, legs 506 include retaining portions 180 that are curved and typically extend from heating portion 504. The holding parts 180 are configured to be positioned in a corresponding recess in the wick body 178. Retaining portions 180 form the end of the legs 506. Retaining portions 180 assist in attaching the heating element 500 and wick element 162 to the wick body 178 (and vaporizer cartridge 120). The holding portions 180 may have an end portion 180A that extends from the end of the holding portion 180 to a heating portion 504 of the heating element 500. This configuration reduces the likelihood that the holding portion will contact another portion of the vaporizer cartridge 120 or a cleaning device for cleaning the vaporizer cartridge 120.

[0548] The outer edge 503 of the teeth 502 at the heating portion 504 may include a petal 580. The petal 580 may extend outward from the outer edge 503 and extend away from the center of the heating element 500. The petal 580 may be configured to allow for easier positioning of the wick element. 162 in the pocket formed by the teeth 502, thereby preventing or reducing the likelihood of the wick element 162 being caught on the outer edge 503. The shape of the petal 580 helps to minimize the impact on the resistance of the heating section 504.

[0549] In some implementations, at least a portion of the cartridge contacts 124 and/or at least a portion of the legs 506 may be coated with one or more outer coating materials 550 to reduce contact resistance at the point where the heating element 500 contacts the socket contacts 125.

[0550] FIG. 99-100 illustrate an example of an atomizer assembly 141 with a heating element 500 assembled with a wick body 178, and FIG. 101 illustrates an exploded view of a sprayer assembly 141 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. The wick body 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick body 178 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 can be located and secured. As shown, the wick body 178 also includes an opening 593 providing access to the internal volume 594, in in which at least a heating section 504 of the heating element 500 and a wick element 162 are located.

[0551] The wick housing 178 may also include a separate heat shield 518A, which is shown in FIG. 102. The heat shield 518A is located in the internal volume 594 of the wick housing 178 between the walls of the wick housing 178 and the heating element 500. The heat shield 518A is formed to at least partially surround the heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and separate the heating element 500 from the side walls of the housing. 178 wicks. The heat shield 518A may help isolate the heating portion 504 from the vaporizer cartridge body 120 and/or the wick body 178. The heat shield 518A helps to minimize the effects of heat emanating from the heating portion 504 on the vaporizer cartridge body 120 and/or the wick body 178 to protect the structural integrity of the vaporizer cartridge body 120 and/or the wick body 178 and prevent melting or other deformation of the vaporizer cartridge 120 and/or or wick housing 178. The heat shield 518A may also help maintain a stable temperature in the heating portion 504 by retaining heat in the heating portion 504, thereby preventing or limiting heat loss.

[0552] Heat shield 518A includes one or more slits 590 (e.g., three slits) at one end that are aligned with one or more slits (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more slits ) 596 formed in a portion of the wick body 178 opposite the opening 593, such as the base of the wick body 178 (see FIGS. 100 and 112). One or more slots 590, 596 allow the pressure caused by the flow of liquid vaporizable material in the heating section 504 and the vaporization of the vaporized material to be released without affecting the liquid flow of the vaporizable material.

[0553] In some implementations, flooding may occur between the heating element 500 (eg, legs 506) and the outer wall of the wick housing 178 (or between portions of the heating element 500). For example, liquid vaporizable material may accumulate due to capillary pressure between the legs 506 of heating element 500 and the outer wall of the wick housing 178, as indicated by liquid passage 599. In such cases, there may be sufficient capillary pressure to draw liquid vaporizable material from the reservoir and/or area 504 heating To help limit and/or prevent leakage of liquid vaporizable material from the interior of the wick body 178 (or heating section 504), the wick body 178 and/or heating element 500 may include a capillary element that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby forming thus, a liquid barrier that prevents liquid vaporized material from passing through the element without the use of an additional seal (eg, a pressure seal). The capillary element may sense a capillary break formed by a sharp point, bend, curved surface, or other surface in the wick body 178 and/or heating element 500. The capillary element allows the conductive element (e.g., heating element 500) to be positioned in both wet and dry conditions. areas.

[0554] The capillary element may be positioned in part and/or form part of the heating element 500 and/or wick body 178 and causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure. For example, the capillary element may include a bend, a sharp point, a curved surface, an angled surface, or other surface feature that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure between the heating element and the wick body along the length of the heating element or other component of the vaporizer cartridge. The capillary element may also include a projection or other portion of the heating element and/or wick body that expands a capillary channel, such as a capillary channel formed between portions of the heating element, between the heating element and the wick body, and the like, which is sufficient to reduce capillary pressure in the capillary channel (for example, the capillary element separates the heating element from the wick body) so that the capillary channel does not draw liquid into the capillary channel. Thus, the capillary element prevents or restricts the flow of liquid along the liquid channel beyond the capillary element due, at least in part, to an abrupt change and/or decrease in capillary pressure. The size and/or shape of the capillary element (e.g., a bend, a sharp point, a curved surface, an angled surface, a protrusion, and the like) may be a function of the contact angle formed between materials such as the heating element and the wick body, or other walls of the capillary element. the channel formed between the components may be a function of the material of the heating element and/or the wick body or other component, and/or may be a function of the size of the gap formed between two components, such as the heating element and/or the wick body, defining a capillary channel, among other properties.

[0555] As an example, FIG. 103A and 103B illustrate a wick body 178 having a capillary element 598 that causes an abrupt change in capillary pressure. The capillary element 598 prevents or restricts the flow of liquid along the liquid channel 599 past the capillary element 598 and helps prevent liquid from accumulating between the legs 506 and the wick body 178. A capillary element 598 on the wick body 178 separates the heating element 500 (e.g., a component made of metal, etc.) from the wick body 178 (e.g., a component made of plastic, etc.), thereby reducing capillary forces between two components. Capillary element 598 shown in FIG. 103A and 103B also includes a sharp edge at the end of the angled surface of the wick body that restricts or prevents liquid from flowing past the capillary element 598.

[0556] As shown in FIG. 103B, the legs 506 of the heating element 500 may also be bent inward toward the interior of the heating element 500 and/or the wick body 178. The folded legs 506 may form a capillary element that assists in limiting or preventing the flow of liquid across the outer surface of the heating element and along the legs 506 of the heating element 500.

[0557] As another example, heating element 500 may include a capillary element (eg, bridge 585) that is formed with one or more legs 506 and separates legs 506 from heating section 504 (see FIGS. 82-87). The bridge 585 may be formed by folding the heating element 500 along the fold lines 520, 522. In some implementations, jumper 585 helps reduce or eliminate the flow of vaporized material from heating section 504, for example, due to capillary action. In some examples, such as the exemplary heating elements 500 shown in FIG. 93A-98B, bridge 585 is angled and/or includes a bend to help restrict fluid flow from heating portion 504.

[0558] As another example, heating element 500 may include a capillary element 598 that detects a sharp point to cause an abrupt change in capillary pressure, thereby preventing liquid vaporized material from passing past the capillary element. Fig. 104 shows an example of a heating element 500 having a capillary element 598 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. As shown in FIG. 104, the capillary element 598 may form an end of the bridge 585 that extends outward from the heating portion to a distance that is greater than the distance between the legs 506 and the heating portion 504. The end of the bridge 585 may be a sharp edge to further assist in preventing the passage of liquid vaporizable material to the legs 506 and/or from the heating section 504, thereby reducing leakage and increasing the amount of vaporizable material that remains in the heating section 504.

[0559] FIG. 105-106 illustrate an embodiment of the heating element 500 shown in FIG. 87-92. In this embodiment of the heating element 500, the legs 506 of the heating element 500 include a bend in the bend region 511. The bend in the legs 506 may form a capillary element 598, which helps prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing past the capillary element 598. For example, the bend may create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which may also help limit or prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing beyond the bend and/or accumulation between the legs 506 and the wick body 178 and may help limit or prevent the flow of liquid vaporizable material from the heating section 504.

[0560] FIG. 107-108 illustrate an embodiment of the heating elements 500 shown in FIG. 93A-98B. In this embodiment of the heating element 500, the legs 506 of the heating element 500 include a bend in the bend region 511. The bend in the legs 506 may form a capillary element 598, which helps prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing past the capillary element 598. For example, the bend may create an abrupt change in capillary pressure, which also helps to limit or prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing beyond the bend and/or accumulation between the legs 506 and the wick body 178 and may help limit or prevent liquid vaporizable material from flowing out of the heating portion 504.

[0561] FIG. 111A-112 illustrate another example of atomizer assembly 141 with heating element 500 assembled with wick body 178 and heat shield 518A, and FIG. 113 illustrates an exploded view of a sprayer assembly 141 consistent with implementations of the claimed subject matter. The wick body 178 may be made of plastic, polypropylene, or the like. The wick body 178 includes four recesses 592 into which at least a portion of each of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 can be located and secured. Within the recesses 592, the wick body 178 may include one or more wick body retaining elements 172 (see 115A) that facilitate attachment of the heating element 500 to the wick body 178, for example, through a snap connection between at least a portion of the legs 506 of the heating element 500 and the retaining elements 172 of the wick body. The wick body retaining elements 172 may also help to space the heating element 500 away from the surface of the wick body 178 to help prevent heat from affecting the wick body and melting a portion of the wick body 178.

[0562] As shown, the wick body 178 also includes an opening 593 providing access to an internal volume 594 in which at least a heating portion 504 of the heating element 500 and the wick element 162 are located.

[0563] The wick body 178 may also include one or more other cutouts that help space the heating element 500 away from the surface of the wick body 178 to reduce the amount of heat that contacts the surface of the wick body 178. For example, the wick body 178 may include cutouts 170. The cutouts 170 may be formed along the outer surface of the wick body 178 in the vicinity of the opening 593. The cutouts 170 may also include a capillary element, such as a capillary element 598. The capillary element of the cutouts 170 may define a surface (e.g. , a curved surface) that interrupts points of contact between adjacent (or intersecting) walls (such as the walls of the wick body). The curved surface may have a radius sufficient to reduce or eliminate capillarity formed between adjacent outer walls of the wick body.

[0564] With reference to FIG. 111A-112, the wick body 178 may include a petal 168. The petal 168 may assist in proper positioning and/or orientation of the wick body during assembly of the vaporizer cartridge relative to one or more other components of the vaporizer cartridge. For example, the added material forming the petal 168 shifts the center of mass of the wick body 178. Due to the shifted center of mass, the wick body 178 can be rotated or slid into a specific orientation to align with a corresponding member of another vaporizer cartridge component during assembly.

[0565] FIG. 114A-114C illustrate an exemplary method of forming an atomizer assembly 141 of a vaporizer cartridge 120 including a wick body 178, a wick element 162, and a heating element 500, consistent with implementations of the subject matter. As shown in FIG. 114A, the wick element 162 may be inserted into a pocket formed in the heating element 500 (eg, formed by the side teeth portions 526 and the platform teeth portion 524). In some implementations, wick element 162 expands upon attachment to heating element 500 as material to be vaporized is introduced into wick element 162.

[0566] FIG. 114B shows wick element 162 and heating element 500 coupled to wick body 178, and FIG. 114C shows an example of wick element 162 and heating element 500 assembled with wick body 178. At least a portion of the heating element 500, such as a heating portion 504, may be located within the interior of the wick housing 178. The legs 506 (eg, the holding portions 180) of the heating element 500 may be connected to the outer walls of the wick housing 178 through, for example, a snap connection. In particular, the retaining portions 180 of the legs 506 may be coupled to and located at least partially in recesses in the wick body 178.

[0567] FIG. 115A-115C illustrate another exemplary method of forming an atomizer assembly 141 of a vaporizer cartridge 120 including a wick body 178, a wick element 162, and a heating element 500, consistent with implementations of the subject matter. As shown in FIG. 115A, heating element 500 may be coupled to wick body 178, for example, by inserting or otherwise positioning at least a portion of heating element 500, such as heating portion 504, within the interior of wick body 178. The legs 506 (eg, the holding portions 180) of the heating element 500 may be connected to the outer walls of the wick housing 178 through, for example, a snap connection. In particular, the retaining portions 180 or other portion of the legs 506 may be coupled to and positioned at least partially in recesses in the wick body 178, for example, by connecting to the retaining elements 172 of the wick body.

[0568] As shown in FIG. 115B, the wick element 162 may be inserted into a pocket formed in the heating element 500 (eg, formed by the side prong portions 526 and the platform prong portion 524). In some implementations, wick element 162 is compressed when wick element 162 is coupled to heating element 500. In some implementations, wick element 162 is inserted into heating element 500 and expands upon attachment to heating element 500 when vaporizable material is introduced into wick element 162.

[0569] FIG. 115C shows an example of wick element 162 and heating element 500 assembled with wick body 178 to form atomizer assembly 141.

[0570] FIG. 116 illustrates an exemplary process 3600 for assembling a heating element 500 in accordance with implementations of the claimed subject matter. Process flow diagram 3600 illustrates features of the method, which may optionally include some or all of the following. At block 3610, a planar substrate with resistive heating properties is provided. At block 3612, the planar substrate can be cut and/or stamped into the desired geometry. At a block 3614, at least a portion of the heating element 500 may be coated. For example, as mentioned above, one or more layers of a coating material (eg, an adhesive coating material and/or an external coating material) may be applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the heating element 500. At a block 3616, heating portion 504 (eg, teeth 502) may be curved and/or otherwise compressed around the wick element to conform to the shape of the wick element and to secure the wick element to the heating element. At a block 3618, the cartridge contacts 124, which in some implementations form the end portion of the legs 506 of the heating element 500, may be curved in a first or second direction along a plane or in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first or second direction. At a block 3620, heating element 500 may be assembled with vaporizer cartridge 120, and fluid communication may be provided between wick element 162 and a reservoir of vaporizable material. At a block 3622, the vaporized material may be drawn into a wick element 162, which may be positioned in contact with at least two surfaces of a heating portion 504 of the heating element 500. At a block 3624, heating means may be provided to the heating element cartridge contacts 124 for heating the heating element. element 500, at least heating section 504. Heating causes the evaporated material to evaporate. At block 3626, the vaporized vaporizable material is carried in the air stream to the mouthpiece of the vaporizer cartridge in which the heating element is located.

Options for control, collection and recycling of condensate

[0571] In FIG. 117-119C illustrate embodiments of an evaporator cartridge including one or more features for controlling, collecting, and/or recycling condensate in the evaporator device. Although the features described and shown in FIG. 117-119C may be included in various embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above and/or may include one or more features of various embodiments of the vaporizer cartridges described above, the features of the vaporizer cartridges described and shown in FIG. 117-119C may additionally and/or alternatively be included in one or more other exemplary vaporizer cartridge embodiments, such as those described below.

[0572] A typical approach by which a vaporizer device generates a respirable aerosol from a vaporized material involves heating the vaporized material in a flash chamber (or heating chamber) to cause the vaporized material to be converted to a gas (or vapor) phase. A vapor chamber generally refers to an area or volume in a vaporizer device within which a heat source (e.g., conduction, convection, and/or radiation) causes the vaporizable material to be heated to produce a mixture of air and vaporized vaporizable material to produce vapor for inhalation by the user of the vaporizer device.

[0573] Since the introduction of vaporizer devices to the market, vaporizer cartridges containing free liquid (ie, liquid retained in a reservoir and not retained by a porous material) have gained popularity. Commercial products may either have cotton pads or no elements at all to collect the condensate produced by generating steam in the evaporator device.

[0574] Liquid from condensation may form a film on the walls of the air duct and may migrate upward toward the mouthpiece with the potential to leak into the user's mouth, which may result in an unpleasant experience. Even if the film on the wall does not flow out of the mouthpiece, it may be entrained by the air flow, creating large droplets that can enter the user's mouth and throat, resulting in an unpleasant user experience. Problems associated with using a cotton pad to absorb such condensate include inefficiency as well as additional manufacturing and assembly costs for inserting the cotton pad into the appropriate portion of the evaporator device. In addition, the accumulation and loss of condensate and/or unevaporated vaporizable material may ultimately result in a failure to supply all vaporizable material to the flash chamber, thereby wasting vaporizable material. As such, improved vaporization devices and/or vaporization cartridges are desirable.

[0575] Vaporization of vaporizable material into an aerosol, as described in more detail below, may cause condensation to collect along one or more internal channels and outlets (eg, along the mouthpiece) of some vaporizers. For example, such condensate may include vaporized material that has been drawn from a reservoir, formed into an aerosol, and condensed into condensate before exiting the evaporator. In addition, evaporable material that has escaped the evaporation process may also accumulate along one or more internal air passages and/or air outlets. This may cause condensation and/or unevaporated vaporized material to exit the mouthpiece outlet and settle in the user's mouth, thereby creating an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of aerosol inhaled. In addition, the accumulation and loss of condensate may ultimately result in an inability to remove all of the evaporated material from the reservoir into the evaporation chamber, thereby wasting the evaporated material. For example, when particles of evaporated material accumulate in the internal channels of the air tube downstream of the evaporation chamber, the effective cross-sectional area of the air flow channel is narrowed, thereby increasing the speed of air flow and at the same time exerting pulling forces on the accumulated fluid, therefore increasing potential to draw fluid from the internal channels to the mouthpiece outlet. Various features and devices are described below that provide improvements in view of the above or overcome the described problems.

[0576] As mentioned above, removing vaporizable material from the reservoir and vaporizing the vaporizable material into an aerosol may result in condensation of vaporizable material accumulating adjacent and/or within one or more outlets formed in the mouthpiece. This may cause condensation to escape from the outlets and settle in the user's mouth, thereby creating both an unpleasant user experience and reducing the amount of steam otherwise available and consumed. Various features of the evaporative device that improve or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features for controlling condensate in an evaporator device are described herein, which may provide advantages and improvements over existing approaches, while also introducing additional benefits as described herein. For example, evaporative device features are described that are configured to collect and store condensate that forms or collects adjacent to a mouthpiece outlet, thereby preventing the condensate from exiting the outlet.

[0577] Alternatively or additionally, withdrawing vaporizable material 102 from reservoir 140 and vaporizing the vaporizable material into an aerosol may result in condensation collecting within one or more tubes or internal passages (such as an air tube) of the vaporization device. As will be discussed in more detail below, features of the evaporator device are described that are configured to capture condensate and prevent particles of evaporated material from escaping from the air outlet of the evaporator cartridge.

[0578] In FIG. 117 shows an embodiment of a vaporizer cartridge 120 including a finned condensate collector 352 configured to collect and store condensate that forms or collects in the vicinity of a mouthpiece outlet or other area of the vaporizer cartridge 120, thereby preventing condensate from exiting the outlet. As shown in FIG. 117, a finned condensate manifold 352 may be located in a chamber proximate the outlet 136 in the mouthpiece 130 such that the aerosol passes through the finned condensate manifold 352 before exiting through the outlet 136.

[0579] In FIG. 118 shows an embodiment of a mouthpiece 330 including an embodiment of a finned condensate manifold 352 having a plurality of microfluidic fins 354. The mouthpiece 330 may be configured for a vaporizer cartridge (such as vaporizer cartridge 120) and/or a vaporizer device (such as vaporizer 100) with microfluidic fins 354 placed in the finned condensate manifold 352 to improve collection and retention of condensate in the evaporator cartridge. As shown in FIG. 118, microfluidic fins 354 include a set of walls 355 or other projections and narrow grooves 353 that have microfluidic properties. In an exemplary embodiment, each wall in an array of walls 355 may be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to each other such that the space between each wall creates grooves 353 that define capillary channels. The walls 355 define or otherwise define one or more capillary channels or grooves configured to collect fluid or other condensate.

[0580] The mouthpiece 330 shown in FIG. 118 may improve or otherwise modify the collection and retention of condensate in the reservoir so that condensate flowing from an air tube outlet 332 (e.g., air tube or cannula 128 as shown in FIG. 117) can be captured or otherwise collected between microfluidic fins 354 when the user inhales on the vaporizer device. As mentioned, microfluidic fins define one or more capillary channels through which fluid is collected by capillary force generated when the fluid is within the capillary channel(s). To retain fluid captured by the finned condensate manifold 352 without being pulled by the pulling force of the air flow, the capillary force of the microfluidic fins can be greater than the pulling force of the air flow by creating narrow grooves or channels in which the fluid remains. For example, the effective groove width may be 0.3 mm and/or may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm.

[0581] One advantage of this configuration is that it eliminates the need to manufacture additional parts, thereby reducing the number of parts without loss of function. In one embodiment, the finned condensate manifold and mouthpiece can be manufactured as a monolithic body using a single mold (eg, a plastic mold). Additionally, the finned condensate manifold and the mouthpiece may be separate structures that are welded together to form the finned condensate manifold. Other manufacturing methods and materials are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0582] In other implementations, the microfluidic fins may be formed as a separate part and inserted into the mouthpiece. For example, microfluidic fins can be formed in any part of the evaporator device or evaporator cartridge to collect and store condensate. The microfluidic fins may be formed with the mouthpiece or may be formed as a second plastic piece and inserted into the mouthpiece.

[0583] In addition to collecting in the mouthpiece, condensation of vaporized material may accumulate in one or more airflow passages or internal passages of the vaporizer device. Various features and devices that provide improvements or overcome these problems are described below. For example, various features for recycling condensate in an evaporator device are described herein, such as embodiments of a condensate recycling system, as will be described in more detail below.

[0584] In FIG. 119A-119C show an embodiment of a condensate recycling system 360 in an evaporator cartridge (such as evaporator cartridge 120) and/or an evaporator device (such as evaporator 100). A condensate recycling system 360 may be configured to collect condensate from vaporized material and direct the condensate back to the wick for reuse.

[0585] The condensate recycling system 360 may include an internally grooved air tube 334 creating an airflow path 338 that extends from the mouthpiece to the vaporization chamber 342 and may be configured to collect any condensed vaporized material and direct it (via capillary action) back into the wick for reuse.

[0586] One function of the grooves may include allowing condensation of evaporated material to be trapped or otherwise trapped within the grooves. The condensate, once in the grooves, flows down to the wick due to the capillary action created by the wick element. Drainage of condensate within the grooves may be at least partially accomplished by capillary action. If there is any condensation inside the air tube, the particles of evaporated material will fill the grooves, instead of forming or forming a wall of condensation inside the air tube if there were no grooves. When the grooves are filled enough to establish fluid communication with the wick, the condensate flows through and out of the grooves and can be reused as evaporation material. In some embodiments, the grooves may be conical, such that the grooves taper towards the wick and widen towards the mouthpiece. This taper can promote fluid movement toward the flash chamber as more condensate collects in the grooves due to higher capillary action at the narrower point.

[0587] FIG. 119A shows a cross-sectional view of an air tube 334. The air tube 334 includes an air flow path 338 and one or more internal grooves having a decreasing hydraulic diameter toward the flash chamber 342. The grooves are sized and shaped such that fluid (such as condensate) , located in the grooves, can move from the first position to the second location due to capillary action. The internal grooves include air tube grooves 364 and chamber grooves 365. The air tube grooves 364 may be located within the air tube 334 and may taper such that the cross-section of the air tube grooves 364 at the first air tube end 362 may be larger than the cross-section of the air tube grooves 364 at the second air tube end 363. The chamber grooves 365 may be located near the second end 363 of the air tube and connected to the air tube grooves 364. The internal grooves may be in fluid communication with the wick and are configured to allow the wick to continuously absorb condensate of evaporated material from the internal grooves, thereby preventing the formation of a film of condensation in the air flow channel 338. Condensate may preferentially flow into the inner grooves due to the capillary action of the inner grooves. The capillary action gradient in the internal grooves directs fluid movement toward the wick body 346, where the vaporized material condensate is recycled by re-saturating the wick.

[0588] In FIG. 119B and 119C show an internal view of the condensate recycling system 360 as viewed from the first air tube end 362 and the second air tube end 363, respectively. The first end 362 of the air tube may be located adjacent to the mouthpiece and/or air outlet. The second end 363 of the air tube may be located adjacent to the vaporization chamber 342 and/or the wick body 346 and may be in fluid communication with the chamber grooves 365 and/or the wick. The air tube grooves 364 may have a first diameter 366 and a second diameter 368. The second diameter 368 may be narrower than the first diameter 366.

[0589] As discussed above, since the effective cross-section of the air flow path is narrowed either due to the accumulation of condensate in the air flow path or due to the design described herein, the flow rate of air passing through the air tube is increased, applying a pulling force to the accumulated fluid environment (for example, condensate). Liquid exits the air outlet when the pulling forces pulling the fluid toward the user (eg, in response to an inhalation in a vaporizer) are greater than the capillary forces pulling the fluid toward the wick.

[0590] To overcome this problem and facilitate the removal of condensation from the mouthpiece outlet and back toward the vapor chamber 342 and/or the wick, a tapered air flow path is provided such that the cross-section of the air tube grooves 364 near the vapor chamber 342 is narrower than the cross-section cross-section of the grooves 364 of the air tube near the mouthpiece. In addition, each of the inner grooves tapers such that the width of the inner grooves near the first end 362 of the air tube may be wider than the width of the inner grooves near the second end 361 of the air tube. As such, the tapering channel increases the capillary action of the air tube grooves 364 and promotes fluid movement of condensate toward the chamber grooves 365. In addition, the chamber grooves 365 proximal to the second end 363 of the air tube may be wider than the width of the chamber grooves 365 near the wick. That is, each groove channel gradually tapers towards the wick in addition to the airflow channel itself tapering towards the end of the wick.

[0591] In order to maximize the efficiency of capillary action provided by the design of the condensate recycling system, the cross-sectional size of the air tube relative to the size of the groove may be considered. Although capillary action can increase as the groove width narrows, smaller groove sizes can cause condensation to overflow the grooves and clog the air tube. As such, the width of the grooves may range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.8 mm.

[0592] In some embodiments, the geometry or number of grooves may vary. For example, the grooves may not necessarily have a decreasing hydraulic diameter towards the wick. In some embodiments, a decreasing hydraulic diameter toward the wick may improve the efficiency of capillary action, but other embodiments may be considered. For example, the internal grooves and channels may have a substantially straight structure, a conical structure, a helical structure, and/or other configurations.

[0593] In some embodiments, the elements required to create capillary action may be integral to the body structure of the aerosol generation assembly (e.g., a flash chamber), a mouthpiece, and/or part of a separate plastic part (such as a finned condensation manifold discussed herein) .

Terminology

[0594] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being “on” another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element, or intermediate features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. In addition, it should be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as “connected,” “attached,” or “associated” with another feature or element, it may be directly connected, attached, or associated with the other feature or element, or may be present intermediate characteristics or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly associated” with another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements.

[0595] Although features and elements are described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown may be applied to other embodiments. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that references to a structure or feature located “adjacent” to another feature may mean that there are portions that overlap or lie beneath such adjacent feature.

[0596] The terminology used herein is intended to describe specific embodiments and implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, singular forms also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, define the presence of the specified features, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features , stages, operations, elements, components and/or their groups. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements and may be abbreviated as “/”.

[0597] In the description above and in the claims, there may be phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” can also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such phrase is intended to mean any of the enumerated elements or features alone or any of the enumerated elements or features in combination with any of the other enumerated elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B,” “one or more of A and B,” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A only, B only, or A and B together.” . This interpretation also applies to lists containing three or more elements. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B and C”, “one or more of A, B and C” and “A, B and/or C” are each intended to mean “A only, B only, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” The use of the term “based on” as defined above and in the claims is intended to mean “at least in part based on,” so that a feature or element not listed is also acceptable.

[0598] Space-relative terms such as “in front”, “behind”, “under”, “below”, “bottom”, “above”, “top”, etc. may be used here for ease of description, to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as shown in the drawings. It should be understood that space-relative terms are intended to refer to various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, then elements described as being located “under” or “adjacent” to other elements or features will then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can cover both the orientation above and below. The device may be oriented in a different manner (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial-relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Likewise, the terms “up”, “down”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, etc. are used in this description for explanatory purposes only unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0599] Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements (including steps), these features/elements should not be limited to these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms can be used to distinguish one characteristic/element from another characteristic/element. Thus, the first feature/element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature/element, and likewise the second feature/element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature/element, without deviating from the solutions disclosed herein.

[0600] As used in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise indicated, all numbers may be read as if introduced by the word “about” or “approximately” even if the term is explicitly not expressed. The expression “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing a value and/or position to indicate that the described value and/or position is within an acceptable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/-0.1% of a specified value (or range of values) +/-1% of a specified value (or range of values) +/-2% of a specified value (or range of values) values), +/-5% of the specified value (or range of values), +/-10% of the specified value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical values given herein are also to be understood to include about or approximately that value unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0601] For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Any numeric range specified here is intended to include all subranges within it. It is also understood that when a value that is “less than or equal to” a value is disclosed, it is also disclosed to be “greater than or equal to a value” and possible value ranges between the values, as appropriately understood by one skilled in the art. For example, if the value “X” is disclosed, then “less than or equal to X” and “greater than or equal to X” are also disclosed (eg, where X is a numeric value). It is also understood that throughout the application, data is provided in several different formats, and that this data represents end points and starting points and ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a particular data point “10” and a particular data point “15” are disclosed, then it is understood that the values greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, 10 and 15, and between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are revealed, then 11, 12, 13 and 14 are also revealed.

[0602] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made in various implementations without deviating from the disclosed solutions. For example, the order in which the various method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of various embodiments of the device and system may be included in some embodiments but not in others. Therefore, the above description is intended primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0603] One or more aspects or features of the claimed subject matter described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware , software and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executed and/or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be specialized or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions and transmitting data and instructions from/to the storage system, the at least one input device and the at least one output device. A programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. The client and server are usually remote from each other and typically communicate through a communications network. The relationship between the client and the server occurs through computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0604] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming, logic programming language and/or machine assembly language.

[0605] As used herein, the term “computer readable medium” refers to any computer program product, device and/or apparatus, such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, memory and programmable logic devices (PLDs) used to provide machine instructions and/or or data to a programmable processor, including a computer-readable medium, that receives the machine instructions as a computer-readable signal.

[0606] The term “machine readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. A computer-readable medium may store such machine instructions in a non-transitory manner, such as a non-transitory solid-state memory or magnetic hard disk or any equivalent storage medium. A computer-readable medium may alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0607] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific embodiments in which the claimed subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be used and derived from them, so that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the claimed subject matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without the intent, on its own, to limit the scope of this application to any one invention or inventive concept if more than one is actually disclosed.

[0608] Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any device designed to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the above description.

[0609] The disclosed subject matter is presented herein with reference to one or more features or embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, notwithstanding the detailed nature of the exemplary embodiments presented herein, changes and modifications may be made to said embodiments without limiting or departing from the scope generally intended. These and various other adaptations and combinations of embodiments presented herein are within the scope of the disclosed subject matter as defined by the disclosed elements and features and their full complement of equivalents.

[0610] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any facsimile reproduction of a patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the patent file or the records of the Patent and Trademark Office, but reserves all copyright rights. Certain marks mentioned herein may be common law or registered trademarks of the applicant, assignee, or third parties, whether or not affiliated with the applicant or assignee. The use of these marks is intended to provide exemplary disclosure and should not be construed to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter exclusively to the material associated with such marks.

Claims (37)

1. An evaporator containing: a reservoir configured to contain liquid vaporizable material, the reservoir being at least partially defined by at least one wall, the reservoir comprising a storage chamber and an overflow volume; a sprayer configured to convert the liquid evaporated material into a gas phase state; a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the collection chamber and the atomizer; And a collector located in the overflow volume, wherein the collector contains a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of liquid evaporated material in fluid contact with the storage chamber, wherein the capillary structure contains a microfluidic element configured to prevent the bypass of air and liquid relative to each other during filling and emptying the collector. 2. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary passage is formed by the structure of the collector. 3. The evaporator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the primary passage comprises a first channel configured to allow liquid evaporated material to flow from the storage chamber towards the wick element in the atomizer, wherein the first channel has a cross-sectional shape with at least one discontinuity - a protrusion or side channel configured to allow fluid in the first channel to bypass an air bubble blocking the remainder of the first channel. 4. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape resembles a crosshair. 5. An evaporator as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the capillary structure comprises a secondary passage containing a microfluidic element, wherein the microfluidic element is configured to allow liquid evaporated material to move along the length of the secondary passage only with a meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage. 6. The evaporator according to claim 5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area is selected in such a way that, for the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed, and the composition of the liquid evaporated material, the liquid evaporated material wets the secondary passage along the entire perimeter of the secondary passage. 7. An evaporator as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the collection chamber and the manifold are configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid evaporable material in the manifold in contact with the liquid evaporable material in the collection chamber, such that a decrease in pressure in the collection chamber relative to ambient pressure causes at least at least partially drawing a continuous column of liquid evaporating material in the collector back into the storage chamber. 8. Evaporator according to any one of paragraphs. 5-7, characterized in that the secondary passage contains a plurality of spaced-apart narrowing points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the parts of the secondary passage between the narrowing points. 9. The evaporator according to claim 8, characterized in that the narrowing points have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage to the storage chamber, and a rounded surface directed along the secondary passage from the storage chamber. 10. The evaporator according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it further comprises a microfluidic seal between the collector and the storage chamber, the microfluidic seal comprising an edge of the opening between the storage chamber and the collector that is flatter on the first side facing the storage chamber than the second , the more rounded side facing the collector. 11. The evaporator according to claim 10, characterized in that the microfluidic seal contains a plurality of holes connecting the storage chamber and the collector, and a cut-off point between the plurality of holes, and the plurality of holes contains a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having a higher capillary action, than the second channel. 12. The evaporator according to claim 11, characterized in that the meniscus between the air and the liquid evaporated material, reaching the cut-off point, is directed into the second channel due to the higher capillary action in the first channel, so that an air bubble is formed to exit into the liquid evaporated material in the storage tank camera. 13. A vaporizer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid vaporized material contains one or more of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. 14. A manifold configured to be inserted into a vaporizer cartridge, the manifold comprising: a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of liquid evaporated material in fluid contact with the storage chamber of the evaporator cartridge, the capillary structure comprising a microfluidic element configured to prevent the bypass of air and liquid relative to each other during filling and emptying of the manifold; And a microfluidic gate for controlling the flow of liquid evaporated material between the storage chamber and an adjacent overflow volume in the evaporator, wherein the microfluidic gate contains: - a plurality of openings connecting the storage chamber and the manifold, the plurality of openings comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having a higher capillary action than the second channel; And - cut-off point between multiple holes. 15. The collector of claim 14, wherein the microfluidic seal includes an edge of the opening between the storage chamber and the collector that is flatter on the first side facing the storage chamber than the second, more rounded side facing the collector. 16. The manifold according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that it further comprises a structure forming a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the storage chamber and the atomizer of the evaporator cartridge, configured to convert the liquid evaporated material into a gas phase state. 17. The collector according to any one of paragraphs. 14-16, wherein the capillary structure comprises a secondary passage containing a microfluidic element, wherein the microfluidic element is configured to allow liquid vaporizable material to move along the length of the secondary passage only with a meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage. 18. The manifold according to claim 17, characterized in that the cross-sectional area is selected in such a way that, for the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed, and the composition of the liquid evaporated material, the liquid evaporated material wets the secondary passage along the entire perimeter of the secondary passage. 19. The collector according to any one of paragraphs. 14-18, characterized in that the collection chamber and the manifold are configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid evaporated material in the collector in contact with the liquid evaporated material in the collection chamber, such that a decrease in pressure in the collection chamber relative to ambient pressure causes at least partial retraction of the continuous column of liquid evaporated material in the collector back into the storage chamber. 20. The collector according to any one of paragraphs. 17-19, characterized in that the secondary passage contains a plurality of spaced-apart narrowing points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the parts of the secondary passage between the narrowing points. 21. The manifold according to claim 20, characterized in that the narrowing points have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage to the storage chamber, and a rounded surface directed along the secondary passage from the storage chamber. 22. A manifold configured to be inserted into a vaporizer cartridge, the manifold comprising: a capillary structure configured to hold a volume of liquid evaporated material in fluid contact with the storage chamber of the evaporator cartridge, the capillary structure comprising a microfluidic element configured to prevent the bypass of air and liquid relative to each other during filling and emptying of the manifold; And a structure defining a primary passage providing a fluid connection between the storage chamber and the atomizer of the vaporizer cartridge configured to convert the liquid vaporized material into a gas phase state. 23. The manifold of claim 22, wherein the capillary structure comprises a secondary passage containing a microfluidic element, wherein the microfluidic element is configured to allow liquid evaporated material to move along the length of the secondary passage only with a meniscus completely covering the cross-sectional area of the secondary passage. 24. The manifold according to claim 23, characterized in that the cross-sectional area is selected in such a way that, for the material from which the walls of the secondary passage are formed, and the composition of the liquid evaporated material, the liquid evaporated material wets the secondary passage along the entire perimeter of the secondary passage. 25. The collector according to any one of paragraphs. 22-24, characterized in that the collection chamber and the manifold are configured to maintain a continuous column of liquid evaporated material in the collector in contact with the liquid evaporated material in the collection chamber, such that a decrease in pressure in the collection chamber relative to ambient pressure causes at least partial retraction of the continuous column of liquid evaporated material in the collector back into the storage chamber. 26. The collector according to any one of paragraphs. 23-25, characterized in that the secondary passage contains a plurality of spaced-apart narrowing points having a smaller cross-sectional area than the parts of the secondary passage between the narrowing points. 27. The manifold according to claim 26, characterized in that the narrowing points have a flatter surface directed along the secondary passage to the storage chamber, and a rounded surface directed along the secondary passage from the storage chamber.