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Publication Number
US-12376625-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
An aspirator cartridge and an aspirator have new structures. An aspirator cartridge includes a heater unit configured to atomize a liquid in order to generate an aerosol. The heater unit includes: a liquid holding member that has a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface; a heater that comes in contact with the first surface of the liquid holding member; and a support member that supports the second surface of the liquid holding member and is softer than the liquid holding member.
Core Innovation
A cartridge for an inhaler includes a heater unit configured to atomize a liquid to generate aerosol. The heater unit includes a liquid holding member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a heater contacts the first surface of the liquid holding member to perform the atomization.
The heater unit further includes at least one electrode for supplying electric power to the heater, where the electrode is configured to press the liquid holding member. The heater unit also includes a support member that supports the second surface of the liquid holding member, and the support member is softer than the liquid holding member, maintaining contact between the heater and the liquid holding member and reducing separation or embedding of the heater.
The disclosure also describes a cartridge geometry in which the heater-liquid contact is maintained by specific shapes of the liquid holding member and the support member, including surfaces and bounded spaces. In addition, the cartridge includes a tank unit separated from an aerosol flow path, with a chamber communicating with the aerosol flow path and a cap member defining a hole and a chamber such that only selected portions of the liquid holding member and heater are exposed within the chamber versus the tank.
Claims Coverage
The disclosure contains one independent claim (clm-00001). Across the dependent claims, the inventive features refine electrode pressing configuration, heater form, and the detailed mechanical geometry of the liquid holding member, the support member, and a connectable tank unit with a separated aerosol flow path and chamber interface.
Heater unit for atomizing liquid into aerosol
A heater unit is configured to atomize a liquid to generate aerosol.
Opposite surfaces liquid holding member with heater contact
A liquid holding member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a heater contacts the first surface.
Electrode press configuration for heater-liquid contact
At least one electrode supplies electric power to the heater, and the at least one electrode is configured to press the liquid holding member.
Softer support member supporting opposite surface
A support member supports the second surface of the liquid holding member, and the support member is softer than the liquid holding member.
Pressing via electrode action
An electrode is configured to press the first surface of the liquid holding member toward the second surface.
Linear heater form
The heater is configured as a linear heater.
Bounded space support geometry with convex and concave surfaces
A support member includes a first convex surface, a second concave surface opposite the first convex surface, side portions facing each other, and a defined space bounded by the second convex surface and inner surfaces of the side portions.
Connectable tank unit with separated aerosol flow path and chamber exposure
A tank unit is connectable to the heater unit, the tank unit contains a liquid tank, includes a separated aerosol flow path, and includes a chamber communicating with the aerosol flow path so portions of the liquid holding member and heater are exposed in the chamber while another portion of the liquid holding member is exposed in the tank.
Collectively, the claims cover a cartridge for an inhaler with a heater that atomizes a liquid into aerosol, where a pressed liquid holding member is supported by a softer support member to maintain heater contact. The dependent refinements further specify electrode pressing relative to opposing surfaces, a linear heater, detailed support geometry with bounded spaces and convex/concave surfaces, and a connectable tank unit with a separated aerosol flow path and a chamber that exposes selected portions of the heater and liquid holding member.
Stated Advantages
Maintains contact between the heater and the liquid holding member by reducing heater embedding/separation during liquid loading and thermal expansion.
Reduces condensation/accumulation in the chamber by preferentially generating aerosol direction aligned with airflow.
Improves atomization efficiency by stabilizing relative positions during liquid loading and thermal expansion.
Documented Applications
A cartridge for an inhaler for generating aerosol by atomizing a liquid using a heater unit.
A connectable tank unit arrangement where a chamber interfacing with a separated aerosol flow path exposes selected portions of the heater and liquid holding member.
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