Abstract: A piercing system for use in aerosol-generating devices may be used to form one or more openings in a shisha cartridge. The piercing system includes a piercing assembly and stem pipe. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of an aerosol-generating device. The piercing assembly comprises a body with a through opening. The opening may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly comprises a plurality of piercing elements at its upstream end. The piercing elements are configured for piercing a cartridge. The piercing assembly may be operated by placing a cartridge onto the piercing assembly and pressing down on the cartridge.

Abstract: A piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element with a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cap may be engageable with the body. The cap has a frame comprising a cavity arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap includes a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may be movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a second position, where in the second position, the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge to pierce the cartridge.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body. The cap includes a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a grip member configured to releasably grip the cartridge received in the receptacle. The cartridge may be released from the grip member using a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be part of a cartridge disposal system.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a body with a side wall and at least one lid arranged to cover a top or a bottom, or both. The cartridge comprises a cavity inside the body configured for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The lid includes an inner layer facing the cavity and an outer layer facing an outside of the body. The inner layer comprises a weakened region. When the outer layer is removed, the weakened region of the inner layer forms an aperture. The cavity is in fluid communication with an outside of the cartridge body via the formed aperture. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The cartridge may be a shisha cartridge and the aerosol-forming substrate may be a shisha substrate, such as hookah tobacco.