Aerosol delivery device with microfluidic delivery component
The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic vaporizer, an aerosol delivery device that may include such vaporizer, and methods for forming an aerosol. A microfluidic vaporizer can comprise a substrate that defines: a reservoir configured to hold a liquid; a heater adapted to vaporize the liquid; and a capillary channel configured for movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the heater. An aerosol delivery device can comprise a shell and a microfluidic vaporizer. The microfluidic vaporizer and aerosol delivery device can be used for forming aerosols with precise and reproducible compositions.
1. An aerosol delivery device comprising:
a shell;
a reservoir positioned within the shell, the reservoir configured to hold a liquid; and
a heater positioned within the shell and in fluid connection with the reservoir, wherein:
the heater comprises a plurality of substantially linear channels configured to receive the liquid from the reservoir;
the plurality of substantially linear channels are configured for passage of the liquid therethrough;
the heater defines a resistance heating element configured to vaporize the liquid passing through the plurality of substantially linear channels; and
the plurality of substantially linear channels include an open end for egress of formed vapor therefrom.
2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the heater includes an insulating layer.
3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the heater comprises an electrically conductive material.
4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3 , wherein the electrically conductive layer is a silicon-containing material.
5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the heater further comprises a cover.
6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the cover is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable.
7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , further comprising an active transport element selected from the group consisting of valves, pumps, heaters, electrical field formers, stimuli-responsive materials, and combinations thereof.
8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises one or more flavors.
9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the one or more flavors comprises nicotine.
10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises an aerosol former.
11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10 , wherein the aerosol former is selected from the group consisting of water, glycerol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof.
12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the heater further comprises one or more electrical connections.
13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the resistance heating element is defined at terminal ends of the plurality of substantially linear capillary channels.
14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the shell is a first shell, and wherein the aerosol delivery device comprises a second shell including a power source.
15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , further comprising a controller.
16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15 , further comprising an input adapted for providing a control instruction to the controller.