METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING STABILITY OF PRE-VAPOR FORMULATIONS OF E-VAPING DEVICES

Abstract

A pre-vapor formulation that may be included in an e-vaping device may include a solvent and a solution compound. The solvent may include one or more of propylene glycol and glycerin. The solution compound may include one of a saccharide compound, a salt compound, and a polyethylene compound. The concentration of the solution compound may be between about 0.2% and about 10%.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

Some example embodiments relate to pre-vapor formulations of electronic vaping devices.

Description of Related Art

E-vaping devices, also referred to herein as electronic vaping devices (EVDs) may vaporize a pre-vapor formulation that may be drawn through one or more outlets of the e-vaping device. An e-vaping device may typically include several e-vaping elements including a power supply section and a cartridge. The power supply section may include a power source such as a battery, and the cartridge may include a heater along with a reservoir capable of holding pre-vapor formulation material. The cartridge typically includes the heater in fluid communication with the pre-vapor formulation via a dispensing interface (e.g., a wick), the heater being configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation to generate a vapor.

The pre-vapor formulation typically includes a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may include a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural flavors and/or artificial flavors. Solvents may include at least one of glycerin and propylene glycol.

In some cases, ingredients of the pre-vapor formulation in the pre-vapor formulation container may react with other ingredients, with other elements, or with solid metallic parts of the pre-vapor formulation container or cartridge. For example, particularly when “dry drawing” occurs, which is when the wick of the e-vaping device is not sufficiently supplied with pre-vapor formulation prior to vaping initiation by the adult vaper, if the cartridge is empty, or if a coil of the heater is overheating during operation of the e-vaping device, ingredients of the pre-vapor formulation may react with the metal(s) of the solid portions of the e-vaping device, such as copper or iron, in the presence of oxygen and generate free radicals such as, for example, hydroxyl radicals. Specifically, metal ions such as, for example, copper ions Cu²⁺, may react with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. In some example embodiments, the free radicals may be generated via oxidation of the metallic portions of the cartridge or pre-vapor formulation container. The oxidation of pre-vapor formulation ingredients, the cartridge or the container is typically dependent on the presence of oxygen and a redox-active transition metal producing oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals. The redox-active transition metal may come from metallic portions of the cartridge or container, or may be contained in other elements added to the pre-vapor formulation such as nicotine, water, vapor formers such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol, acids, flavorants and/or aromas.

Accordingly, once generated, the free (e.g., hydroxyl) radicals may react with ingredients of the pre-vapor formulation, resulting in a decrease of the stability of the pre-vapor formulation. The free radicals may also mix with the vapor generated by the e-vaping device.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments relate to a pre-vapor formulation of an e-vaping device.

According to some example embodiments, a pre-vapor formulation of an e-vaping device may include a solvent that includes at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin and a solution compound. The solution compound may be at least one of a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol compound.

If and/or when the solution compound is a saccharide compound, a concentration of the saccharide compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be greater than 0 M and equal to or less than 2.5 M.

The saccharide compound may include at least one of a monosaccharide compound, a disaccharide compound, a trisaccharide compound, and a polyol compound.

If and/or when the saccharide compound is a polyol compound, the polyol compound may include at least one of mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

A concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be equal to or greater than about 0.2% and may be equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

A concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be equal to or greater than about 0.2% and may be equal to or less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

A concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be equal to or greater than about 5% and may be equal to or less than about 8% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

A concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be equal to or greater than about 8% and may be equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

If and/or when the solution compound is a salt solution, the salt solution may include at least one of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate.

A concentration of the salt solution in the pre-vapor formulation may be greater than 0% and may be equal to or less than 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

If and/or when the solution compound is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound may include at least one of PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400.

A concentration of the polyethylene glycol compound in the pre-vapor formulation may be greater than about 0% and may be equal to or less than about 50% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

According to some example embodiments, a cartridge for an e-vaping device may include a reservoir holding the aforementioned pre-vapor formulation; and a heater configured to heat the aforementioned pre-vapor formulation.

According to some example embodiments, an e-vaping device may include the aforementioned cartridge and a power supply section coupled to the cartridge. The power supply section may be configured to supply electrical power to the heater of the cartridge.

The power supply section may include a rechargeable battery.

The cartridge and the power supply section may be removably coupled together.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of example embodiments will become more apparent by describing in detail, example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example embodiments and should not be interpreted to limit the intended scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments; and

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device, according to some example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Some example embodiments may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, while some example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, some example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of example embodiments. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or groups thereof.

Some example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of example embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it is intended that those percentages are based on weight, i.e., weight percentages. The expression “up to” includes amounts of zero to the expressed upper limit and all values therebetween. When ranges are specified, the range includes all values therebetween such as increments of 0.1%. Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used in connection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of the disclosure. Although the tubular elements of the embodiments may be cylindrical, other tubular cross-sectional forms are contemplated, such as square, rectangular, oval, triangular and others.

As used herein, the term “vapor former” describes any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a vapor and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the e-vaping device. Suitable vapor formers may include various compositions of polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol and/or glycerin or glycerin. In some example embodiments, the vapor former is propylene glycol. In some example embodiments, the vapor former is included in a solvent of a pre-vapor formulation.

E-Vaping Device

FIG. 1 is a side view of an e-vaping device 60, according to some example embodiments. The e-vaping device 60 may include one or more of the features set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192623 to Tucker et al. filed Jan. 31, 2013 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0192619 to Tucker et al. filed Jan. 14, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. In FIG. 1, the e-vaping device 60 includes a first section (or cartridge) 70 and a second section (or power supply section) 72, which are coupled together at a threaded joint 74 or by other connecting structure such as a snug-fit, snap-fit, detent, clamp and/or clasp or the like. In some example embodiments, the cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72 may be configured to be reversibly coupled together. In some example embodiments, the first section or cartridge 70 may be a replaceable cartridge, and the power supply section 72 may be a reusable section. In some example embodiments, the first section or cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72 may be integrally formed in one piece. In some example embodiments, the power supply section 72 includes a light emitting diode (LED) at a distal end 28 thereof.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of some example embodiments of an e-vaping device. As shown in FIG. 2, the first section or cartridge 70 can house an outlet-end insert 20, a capillary tube 18, and a reservoir 14.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 may include a wrapping of gauze about an inner tube (not shown). For example, the reservoir 14 may be formed of (e.g., at least partially comprise, include, etc.) an outer wrapping of gauze surrounding an inner wrapping of gauze. In some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 may include an alumina ceramic in the form of loose particles, loose fibers, or woven or nonwoven fibers. In some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 include a cellulosic material such as cotton or gauze material, or a polymer material, such as polyethylene terephthalate, in the form of a bundle of loose fibers. A more detailed description of the reservoir 14 is provided below.

In some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 is configured to hold one or more pre-vapor formulations. As described further below, one or more pre-vapor formulations held within the reservoir 14 may include a solvent and a solution compound. As described further below, the solvent may include at least one of propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin (Gly). The solution compound may include at least one of a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound.

A pre-vapor formulation, as described herein, is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, and/or natural or artificial flavors. Different pre-vapor formulations may include different elements (e.g., different compounds, substances, etc.). Different pre-vapor formulations may have different properties. One or more of pre-vapor formulations may include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al. filed Jul. 16, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson et al. filed Jan. 21, 2015, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Referring back to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the power supply section 72 may include a power supply 12, control circuitry 11 configured to control the power supply 12, and a sensor 16. The sensor 16 may be configured to be responsive to air drawn into the power supply section 72 through an air inlet port (not shown) adjacent to a free end or tip end (e.g., distal end 28) of the e-vaping device 60. In some example embodiments, the sensor 16 may be coupled to control circuitry 11. The power supply 12 may include a rechargeable battery. The sensor 16 may be one or more of a pressure sensor, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, etc. A threaded portion of the power supply section 72 (e.g., at least a portion of the threaded joint 74) can be connected to a battery charger, when not connected to the first section or cartridge 70, to charge the battery or power supply 12 included in the power supply section 72.

In some example embodiments, the capillary tube 18 is formed of or includes a conductive material, and thus may be configured to be its own heater (e.g., may include a heater) by passing current through the capillary tube 18. The capillary tube 18 may be any electrically conductive material capable of being heated, for example resistively heated, while retaining structural integrity at the operating temperatures experienced by the capillary tube 18, and which is non-reactive with the pre-vapor formulation. Suitable materials for forming the capillary tube 18 are one or more of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, porous ceramic materials coated with film resistive material, nickel-chromium alloys, and combinations thereof. For example, the capillary tube 18 is a stainless steel capillary tube 18 and serves as a heater via electrical leads 26 attached thereto for passage of direct or alternating current along a length of the capillary tube 18. Thus, the stainless steel capillary tube 18 is heated by, for example, resistance heating. In some example embodiments, the capillary tube 18 may be a non-metallic tube such as, for example, a glass tube. In some example embodiments, the capillary tube 18 also includes a conductive material such as, for example, stainless steel, nichrome or platinum wire, arranged along the glass tube and capable of being heated, for example resistively. When the conductive material arranged along the glass tube is heated, pre-vapor formulation present in the capillary tube 18 is heated to a temperature sufficient to at least partially volatilize pre-vapor formulation in the capillary tube 18.

In some example embodiments, the electrical leads 26 are bonded to the metallic portion of the capillary tube 18. In some example embodiments, one electrical lead 26 is coupled to a first, upstream portion 101 of the capillary tube 18 and a second electrical lead 26 is coupled to a downstream, end portion 102 of the capillary tube 18.

In some example embodiments, the sensor 16 detects a pressure gradient, and the control circuitry 11 controls heating of the pre-vapor formulation located in the reservoir 14 by providing power to the capillary tube 18. Once the capillary tube 18 is heated, the pre-vapor formulation contained within a heated portion of the capillary tube 18 is volatilized and emitted from the outlet 63, where the pre-vapor formulation expands and mixes with air and forms a vapor in mixing chamber 240.

In some example embodiments, the sensor 16 is configured to generate an output indicative of a magnitude and direction of airflow in the e-vaping device 60. The control circuitry 11 receives the output of the sensor 16, and determines if (1) a direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor 16 indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert 20 (e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert 20 towards an exterior of the e-vaping device 60 from an interior of the e-vaping device 60) versus blowing (e.g., a flow through the outlet-end insert 20 from an exterior of the e-vaping device 60 towards the interior of the e-vaping device 60) and (2) the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level. If and/or when the control circuitry 11 determines that the direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor 16 indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert 20 versus blowing and the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level, the control circuitry 11 may electrically connect the power supply 12 to a heater (e.g., heater 19 in FIG. 4, a stainless steel capillary tube 18 coupled to electrical leads 26, etc.), thereby activating (e.g., supplying electrical power to) the heater. Namely, the control circuitry 11 may selectively electrically connect the electrical leads 26 in a closed electrical circuit (e.g., by activating a heater power control circuit included in the control circuitry 11) such that the heater becomes electrically connected to the power supply 12 and the power supply 12 supplies electrical power to the heater. In some example embodiments, the sensor 16 may indicate a pressure drop, and the control circuitry 11 may activate the heater in response thereto.

In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may include a time-period limiter. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaper to initiate heating. The time-period of the electric current supply to the heater may be set or pre-set depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation desired to be vaporized. In some example embodiments, the sensor 16 may detect a pressure drop and the control circuitry 11 may supply power to the heater as long as heater activation conditions are met. Such conditions may include one or more of the sensor 16 detecting a pressure drop that at least meets a threshold magnitude, the control circuitry 11 determining that a direction of the airflow in flow communication with the sensor 16 indicates a draw on the outlet-end insert 20 versus blowing, and the magnitude of the draw (e.g., flow velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, some combination thereof, etc.) exceeds a threshold level.

To control the supply of electrical power from the power supply section 72 to a heater of the e-vaping device 60, the control circuitry 11 may execute one or more instances of computer-executable program code. The control circuitry 11 may include a processor and a memory. The memory may be a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable code.

The control circuitry 11 may include processing circuity including, but not limited to, a processor, Central Processing Unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any other device capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. In some example embodiments, the control circuitry 11 may be at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and an ASIC chip.

The control circuitry 11 may be configured as a special purpose machine by executing computer-readable program code stored on a storage device. The program code may include program or computer-readable instructions, software elements, software modules, data files, data structures, and/or the like, capable of being implemented by one or more hardware devices, such as one or more of the control circuitry mentioned above. Examples of program code include both machine code produced by a compiler and higher level program code that is executed using an interpreter.

The control circuitry 11 may include one or more electronic storage devices. The one or more storage devices may be tangible or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a permanent mass storage device (such as a disk drive), solid state (e.g., NAND flash) device, and/or any other like data storage mechanism capable of storing and recording data. The one or more storage devices may be configured to store computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, for one or more operating systems and/or for implementing the example embodiments described herein. The computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may also be loaded from a separate computer readable storage medium into the one or more storage devices and/or one or more computer processing devices using a drive mechanism. Such separate computer readable storage medium may include a USB flash drive, a memory stick, a Blu-ray/DVD/CD-ROM drive, a memory card, and/or other like computer readable storage media. The computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and/or the one or more computer processing devices from a remote data storage device through a network interface, rather than through a local computer readable storage medium. Additionally, the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, may be loaded into the one or more storage devices and/or the one or more processors from a remote computing system that is configured to transfer and/or distribute the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, over a network. The remote computing system may transfer and/or distribute the computer programs, program code, instructions, or some combination thereof, through a wired interface, an air interface, and/or any other like medium.

The control circuitry 11 may be a special purpose machine configured to execute the computer-executable code to control the supply of electrical power to a heater of the e-vaping device. In some example embodiments, an instance of computer-executable code, when executed by the control circuitry 11, causes the control circuitry 11 to control the supply of electrical power to a heater according to an activation sequence. Controlling the supply of electrical power to a heater may be referred to herein interchangeably as activating the heater, activating one or more elements included in the heater, some combination thereof, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir 14 includes a valve 40 configured to maintain the pre-vapor formulation within the reservoir 14 and to open when the reservoir 14 is squeezed and pressure is applied thereto, the pressure being created when an adult vaper draws on the e-vaping device at the outlet-end insert 20, which results in the reservoir 14 forcing the pre-vapor formulation through the outlet 62 of the reservoir 14 to the capillary tube 18. In some example embodiments, the valve 40 opens when a particular pressure is reached so as to avoid inadvertently dispensing pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 14. In some example embodiments, the pressure associated with pressing the pressure switch 44 is high enough such that accidental heating due to the pressure switch 44 being inadvertently pressed by outside factors such as physical movement or collision with outside objects is avoided.

The power supply 12 of some example embodiments may include a battery arranged in the power supply section 72 of the e-vaping device 60. The power supply 12 may be configured to apply a voltage to volatilize the pre-vapor formulation housed in the reservoir 14.

In some example embodiments, the electrical connection between the capillary tube 18 and the electrical leads 26 is substantially conductive and temperature resistant while the capillary tube 18 is substantially resistive so that heat generation occurs primarily along the capillary tube 18 and not at the contacts.

The power supply (or battery) 12 may be rechargeable and include circuitry configured to enable the battery to be chargeable by an external charging device. In some example embodiments, the circuitry, when charged, provides power for a given quantity of instances of vapor being drawn through one or more outlets of the e-vaping device 60, negative pressure being applied to an interior of the e-vaping device through one or more outlets 21, some combination thereof, or the like, after which the circuitry may have to be re-connected to an external charging device.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 may include control circuitry 11 which can be, for example, on a printed circuit board. The control circuitry 11 may also include a heater activation light 27 that is configured to glow when the device is activated. The heater activation light 27 may include a light emitting diode (LED). Moreover, the heater activation light 27 may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper during vaping. In addition, the heater activation light 27 may be utilized for e-vaping system diagnostics or to indicate that recharging is in progress. The heater activation light 27 may also be configured such that the adult vaper may activate and/or deactivate the heater activation light 27 for privacy. In some example embodiments, the heater activation light 27 may be located on the tip end of the e-vaping device 60. In some example embodiments, the heater activation light 27 may be located on a side portion of the outer housing of the e-vaping device 60.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 further includes an outlet-end insert 20 having at least two off-axis, diverging outlets 21 that are uniformly distributed around the outlet-end insert 20 so as to substantially uniformly distribute vapor from the e-vaping device 60 during operation of the e-vaping device 60. In some example embodiments, the outlet-end insert 20 includes at least two diverging outlets 21 (e.g., 3 to 8 outlets or more). In some example embodiments, the outlets 21 of the outlet-end insert 20 are located at ends of off-axis passages 23 and are angled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device 60 (e.g., divergently). As used herein, the term “off-axis” denotes an angle to the longitudinal direction of the e-vaping device.

In some example embodiments, the e-vaping device 60 may be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long, for example about 80 mm to about 100 mm long and about 7 mm to about 10 mm in diameter.

The outer cylindrical housing 22 of the e-vaping device 60 may be formed of or include any suitable material or combination of materials. In some example embodiments, the outer cylindrical housing 22 is formed at least partially of metal and is part of the electrical circuit connecting the control circuitry 11, the power supply 12 and the sensor 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the e-vaping device 60 can also include a middle section (third section) 73, which can house the reservoir 14 and the capillary tube 18. The middle section 73 can be configured to be fitted with a threaded joint 74′ at an upstream end of the first section or cartridge 70 and a threaded joint 74 at a downstream end of the power supply section 72. In some example embodiments, the first section or cartridge 70 houses the outlet-end insert 20, while the power supply section 72 houses the power supply 12 and the control circuitry 11 that is configured to control the power supply 12.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, the first section or cartridge 70 is replaceable so as to avoid the need for cleaning the capillary tube 18. In some example embodiments, the first section or cartridge 70 and the power supply section 72 may be integrally formed without threaded connections to form a disposable e-vaping device.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some example embodiments, a valve 40 can be a two-way valve, and the reservoir 14 can be pressurized. For example, the reservoir 14 can be pressurized using a pressurization arrangement 405 configured to apply constant pressure to the reservoir 14. As such, emission of vapor formed via heating of the pre-vapor formulation housed in the reservoir 14 is facilitated. Once pressure upon the reservoir 14 is relieved, the valve 40 closes and the heated capillary tube 18 discharges any pre-vapor formulation remaining downstream of the valve 40.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an e-vaping device according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, including the example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4, the e-vaping device 60 may include a central air passage 24 in an upstream seal 15. The central air passage 24 opens to a central channel 68 at least partially defined by an inner surface of the inner tube 65. Moreover, the e-vaping device 60 may include a reservoir 14 configured to store the pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir 14 includes the pre-vapor formulation and optionally a storage medium 25 such as gauze configured to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. In some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 is contained in an outer annulus between the outer tube 6 and the inner tube 65. The annulus is sealed at an upstream end by the seal 15 and by a stopper 10 at a downstream end so as to prevent leakage of the pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir 14. The heater 19 at least partially surrounds a central portion of a wick 220 such that when the heater is activated, the pre-vapor formulation present in the central portion of the wick 220 is vaporized to form a vapor. The heater 19 is connected to the power supply 12 by two spaced apart electrical leads 26, such that the power supply 12 is configured to supply electrical power to the heater 19 to cause the heater 19 to vaporize at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir 14 into the wick 220. The e-vaping device 60 further includes an outlet-end insert 20 having at least two outlets 21. The outlet-end insert 20 is in fluid communication with the central air passage 24 via the interior of inner tube 65 (e.g., central channel 68) and a central passage 64, which extends through the stopper 10.

The e-vaping device 60 may include an air flow diverter comprising an impervious plug 30 at a downstream end 82 of the central air passage 24 in seal 15. In some example embodiments, the central air passage 24 is an axially extending central passage in seal 15, which seals the upstream end of the annulus between the outer and inner tubes 6, 65. The radial air channel 32 directing air from the central air passage 24 outward toward central channel 68 at least partially defined by the inner tube 65. In operation, when an adult vaper draws on the e-vaping device and creates a negative pressure, the sensor 16 detects a pressure gradient caused by the drawing of the adult vaper on the outlet-end insert of the e-vaping device, thereby creating a negative pressure, and as a result the control circuitry 11 controls heating of the pre-vapor formulation located in the reservoir 14 by providing power to (e.g., supplying electrical power to) the heater 19.

Pre-Vapor Formulation

As noted above, in some example embodiments, the reservoir 14 of a cartridge 70, that itself may be included in an e-vaping device 60, is configured to hold one or more pre-vapor formulations.

A pre-vapor formulation, as described herein, is a material or combination of materials that may be transformed into a vapor. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may be a liquid, solid and/or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, and/or natural or artificial flavors. Different pre-vapor formulations may include different elements (e.g., different compounds, substances, etc.). Different pre-vapor formulations may have different properties. For example, different pre-vapor formulations may have different viscosities when the different pre-vapor formulations are at a common temperature. One or more of pre-vapor formulations may include those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0020823 to Lipowicz et al. filed Jul. 16, 2014 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0313275 to Anderson et al. filed Jan. 21, 2015, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

A pre-vapor formulation may include a solvent and a solution compound. In some example embodiments, a solvent may be referred to as a vapor former. The solvent included in a pre-vapor formulation may include propylene glycol (PG), glycerin (Gly), water, some combination thereof, or the like.

In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation includes at least one solution compound, in addition to a solvent. The solution compound included in a pre-vapor formulation may include at least one of a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound may include a saccharide compound. The saccharide compound may be at least one of, for example, a monosaccharide compound, a disaccharide compound, and a trisaccharide compound. If and/or when the solution compound includes a monosaccharide compound, the monosaccharide compound may include at least one of, for example, a sugar acid compound, including gluconic acid, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. If and/or when the solution compound includes a disaccharide compound, the disaccharide compound may include at least one of, for example, trehalose, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. If and/or when the solution compound includes a trisaccharide compound, the trisaccharide compound may include at least one of, for example, raffinose, although example embodiments are not limited thereto. If and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may include at least one of, for example, mannitol, erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol.

In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a saccharide compound, the saccharide compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation in a concentration that is greater than about a molarity of 0 M and is equal to or less than a molarity of about 2.5 M.

In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation at a concentration that is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation at a concentration that is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 2% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation at a concentration that is equal to or greater than about 2% and equal to or less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation at a concentration that is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less than about 8% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, if and/or when the solution compound includes a polyol compound, the polyol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation at a concentration that is equal to or greater than about 8% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound may include a salt solution. The salt solution may include at least one of, for example, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate.

If and/or when the solution compound includes a salt solution, the salt solution may be included in the pre-vapor formulation in a concentration that is greater than about 0% and is equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound may include a polyethylene glycol compound. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound may include at least one of, for example, PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400.

If and/or when the solution compound includes a polyethylene glycol compound, the polyethylene glycol compound may be included in the pre-vapor formulation in a concentration that is greater than about 0% and is equal to or less than about 50% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound may include at least one of nicotine, one or more flavorants, one or more organic acids (e.g., organic acid compounds), water, and the like.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound may increase the stability of one or more various additional elements included in the pre-vapor formulation; may reduce or substantially prevent the oxidation of one or more solid portions of the e-vaping device 60, such as the cartridge, that may come in contact with one or more elements of the pre-vapor formulation; may substantially prevent the transfer of free radicals including hydroxyl radicals into the vapor generated by the e-vaping device 60; may adjust tonicity of the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., a relative concentration of solutes included in the pre-vapor formulation with regard to one or more fluids), may adjust osmotic concentration (e.g., osmolarity) of the pre-vapor formulation; may adjust osmotic pressure of the pre-vapor formulation; may adjust osmolality of the pre-vapor formulation; some combination thereof, or the like. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolarity of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 200 milliosmoles/L to about 500 milliosmoles/L. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolarity of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 280 milliosmoles/L to about 300 milliosmoles/L. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolarity of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 290 milliosmoles/L to about 310 milliosmoles/L. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolality of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 200 milliosmoles/kg to about 500 milliosmoles/kg. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolality of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 280 milliosmoles/kg to about 300 milliosmoles/kg. In some example embodiments, the solution compound may adjust the osmolality of the pre-vapor formulation to be between about 290 milliosmoles/kg to about 310 milliosmoles/kg. The one or more fluids may, in some example embodiments, include a fluid having an osmolarity between about 200 milliosmoles/L to about 500 milliosmoles/L and/or an osmolality between about 200 milliosmoles/kg to about 500 milliosmoles/kg, such that the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more solution compounds that adjust tonicity of the pre-vapor formulation with regard to the one or more fluids. The one or more fluids may, in some example embodiments, include a fluid having an osmolarity between about 280 milliosmoles/L to about 300 milliosmoles/L and/or an osmolality between about 280 milliosmoles/kg to about 300 milliosmoles/kg, such that the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more solution compounds that adjust tonicity of the pre-vapor formulation with regard to the one or more fluids. The one or more fluids may, in some example embodiments, include a fluid having an osmolarity between about 290 milliosmoles/L to about 310 milliosmoles/L and/or an osmolality between about 290 milliosmoles/kg to about 310 milliosmoles/kg, such that the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more solution compounds that adjust tonicity of the pre-vapor formulation with regard to the one or more fluids.

In some example embodiments, the solution compound included in the pre-vapor formulation, which may be soluble in glycerin, propylene glycol and/or or water and may be added in amounts that are effective to increase the stability of the various elements included in the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, because the oxidation of elements of the pre-vapor formulation may result from the generation of hydroxyl radicals generated from oxygen or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) formed from oxygen in the presence of redox-active transition metals, the addition of a solution compound that is configured to scavenge or neutralize of hydroxyl radicals in the pre-vapor formulation may reduce such oxidation of one or more elements of the pre-vapor formulation due to the presence of the hydroxyl radicals is reduced or substantially prevented and the stability of the ingredients present in the pre-vapor formulation is increased.

In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more chelating agents, one or more ion exchange agents, some combination thereof, or the like, in addition to one or more solution compounds. The presence of the chelating agents and ion exchange agents may bind all of the redox active free transition metals and the oxygen, thus limiting free radical formation including hydroxyl radicals. During operation of the e-vaping device 60, one or more solution compounds present in the pre-vapor formulation may react with most or a majority of any remaining free radicals such as hydroxyl radicals. For example, ion exchange agents may include soluble polyelectrolyte polymers with a functional group, such as carboxylic acid groups, sulfonic acid groups such as sulphonated polystyrene, quaternary amino groups such as trimethyl ammonium, and other amino groups. As a result of the combined action of the solution compounds, the chelating agents and the ion exchange agents, free radicals such as OH radicals or free radicals formed by pre-vapor formulation ingredients reacting with OH radicals may be substantially prevented from transferring into the vapor generated during operation of the e-vaping device.

During operation of an e-vaping device 60, acids may protonate molecular nicotine in the pre-vapor formulation, so that upon heating of the pre-vapor formulation by a heater in the cartridge of the e-vaping device, a vapor having a majority amount of protonated nicotine and a minority amount of unprotonated nicotine may be produced, whereby only a minor portion of all the volatilized (vaporized) nicotine may remain in the gas phase of the vapor. For example, although the pre-vapor formulation may include up to 5% of nicotine, the proportion of nicotine in the gas phase of the vapor may be substantially 1% or less of the total nicotine delivered.

In some example embodiments, a solution compound is soluble in the pre-vapor formulation. For example, one or more solution compounds may be soluble in a solvent that includes at least one of water, propylene glycol, and glycerin.

In some example embodiments, one or more acids present in a pre-vapor formulation may be configured to transfer into a vapor generated based on heating of the pre-vapor formulation. Transfer efficiency of an acid is the ratio of the mass fraction of the acid in the vapor to the mass fraction of the acid in the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, an acid or combination of acids present in the pre-vapor formulation may have a liquid to vapor transfer efficiency of about 50% or greater, and for example about 60% or greater. For example, the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more of pyruvic acid, tartaric acid and acetic acid that have vapor transfer efficiencies of about 50% or greater, respectively.

In some example embodiments, one or more acid(s) present in the pre-vapor formulation are in an amount sufficient to reduce the amount of nicotine gas phase portion by about 30% by weight or greater, by about 60% to about 70% by weight, by about 70% by weight or greater, or by about 85% by weight or greater, of the level of nicotine gas phase portion produced by an equivalent pre-vapor formulation that does not include the acid(s).

According to some example embodiments, one or more acid(s) present in the pre-vapor formulation may include one or more of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and combinations thereof.

In some example embodiments, a solvent of the pre-vapor formulation may also include a vapor former. In some example embodiments, the vapor former may be glycerin. In some example embodiments, the vapor former is included in an amount ranging from about 40% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation to about 90% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., about 50% to about 80%, about 55% to about 75% or about 60% to about 70%). In some example embodiments, the pre-vapor formulation can include propylene glycol and glycerin included in a ratio of about 3:2. In some example embodiments, the ratio of propylene glycol and glycerin may be substantially 2:3 and 3:7.

The pre-vapor formulation may include water. Water can be included in an amount ranging from about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation, or in an amount ranging from about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation to about 15% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

One or more acid(s) present in the pre-vapor formulation may have a boiling point of at least about 100° C. For example, the acid(s) may have a boiling point ranging from about 100° C. to about 300° C., or about 150° C. to about 250° C. (e.g., about 160° C. to about 240° C., about 170° C. to about 230° C., about 180° C. to about 220° C. or about 190° C. to about 210° C.). By generating acids having a boiling point within the above ranges, the acids may volatilize when heated by the heater element of the e-vaping device. In some example embodiments utilizing a heater coil and a wick, the heater coil may reach an operating temperature at or about 300° C.

The total content of acid(s) present in the pre-vapor formulation may range from about 0.1% by weight to about 6% by weight, or from about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight, based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. The pre-vapor formulation may also contain between up to 3% and 5% nicotine by weight. In some example embodiments, the total generated acid content of the pre-vapor formulation is less than about 3% by weight. In some example embodiments, the total generated acid content of the pre-vapor formulation is less than about 0.5% by weight. The pre-vapor formulation may also contain between about 4.5% and 5% nicotine by weight. When tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, and/or acetic acid is present, the total acid content of the pre-vapor formulation may be about 0.05% by weight to about 2% by weight, or about 0.1% by weight to about 1% by weight.

The pre-vapor formulation may include a flavorant in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 15% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation (e.g., about 1% to about 12%, about 2% to about 10%, or about 5% to about 8%). The flavorant can be a natural flavorant or an artificial flavorant. In some example embodiments, the flavorant is one of tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors, and combinations thereof.

In some example embodiments, the nicotine is included in the pre-vapor formulation in an amount (“nicotine content”) ranging from about 2% by weight to about 6% by weight (e.g., about 2% to about 3%, about 2% to about 4%, about 2% to about 5%) based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, the nicotine is added in an amount of up to about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, a nicotine content of the pre-vapor formulation is about 2% by weight or greater based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, a nicotine content of the pre-vapor formulation is about 2.5% by weight or greater based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, a nicotine content of the pre-vapor formulation is about 3% by weight or greater based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, the nicotine content of the pre-vapor formulation is about 4% by weight or greater based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, the nicotine content of the pre-vapor formulation is about 4.5% by weight or greater based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

In some example embodiments, a concentration of the nicotine in the vapor phase of the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or less than substantially 1% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation. In some example embodiments, the acid(s) include at least one of pyruvic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, propionic acid, octanoic acid, lactic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, oleic acid, aconitic acid, butyric acid, cinnamic acid, decanoic acid, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 1-glutamic acid, heptanoic acid, hexanoic acid, 3-hexenoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic acid, isobutyric acid, lauric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, myristic acid, nonanoic acid, palmitic acid, 4-pentenoic acid, phenylacetic acid, 3-phenylpropionic acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A pre-vapor formulation of an e-vaping device, the pre-vapor formulation comprising:

a solvent that includes at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin; and

a solution compound, the solution compound being at least one of, a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol compound.

2. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 1, wherein,

the solution compound is a saccharide compound, and

a concentration of the saccharide compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0 M and equal to or less than 2.5 M.

3. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 2, wherein,

the saccharide compound includes at least one of, a monosaccharide compound, a disaccharide compound, a trisaccharide compound, and a polyol compound.

4. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 2, wherein,

the saccharide compound is a polyol compound, and

the polyol compound includes at least one of, mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

5. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 4, wherein a concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

6. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 5, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

7. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 5, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less than about 8% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

8. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 5, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 8% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

9. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 1, wherein,

the solution compound is a salt solution, and

the salt solution includes at least one of, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate.

10. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 9, wherein a concentration of the salt solution in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0% and equal to or less than 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

11. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 1, wherein,

the solution compound is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound, and

the polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound includes at least one of, PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400.

12. The pre-vapor formulation of claim 11, wherein a concentration of the polyethylene glycol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than about 0% and is equal to or less than about 50% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

13. A cartridge for an e-vaping device, the cartridge comprising:

a reservoir holding a pre-vapor formulation; and

a heater configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation;

wherein the pre-vapor formulation includes, a solvent that includes at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin; and a solution compound, the solution compound being at least one of, a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol compound.

14. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein,

the solution compound is a saccharide compound, and

a concentration of the saccharide compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0 M and equal to or less than 2.5 M.

15. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein,

the saccharide compound includes at least one of, a monosaccharide compound, a disaccharide compound, a trisaccharide compound, and a polyol compound.

16. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein,

the saccharide compound is a polyol compound, and

the polyol compound includes at least one of, mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

17. The cartridge of claim 16, wherein a concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

18. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

19. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less than about 8% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

20. The cartridge of claim 17, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 8% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

21. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein,

the solution compound is a salt solution, and

the salt solution includes at least one of, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate.

22. The cartridge of claim 21, wherein a concentration of the salt solution in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0% and equal to or less than 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

23. The cartridge of claim 13, wherein,

the solution compound is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound, and

the polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound includes at least one of, PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400.

24. The cartridge of claim 23, wherein a concentration of the polyethylene glycol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than about 0% and is equal to or less than about 50% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

25. An e-vaping device, comprising:

a cartridge including a reservoir holding a pre-vapor formulation and a heater configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation; and

a power supply section coupled to the cartridge, the power supply section configured to supply electrical power to the heater;

wherein the pre-vapor formulation includes, a solvent that includes at least one of propylene glycol and glycerin; and a solution compound, the solution compound being at least one of, a saccharide compound, a salt solution, and a polyethylene glycol compound.

26. The e-vaping device of claim 25, wherein,

the solution compound is a saccharide compound, and

a concentration of the saccharide compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0 M and equal to or less than 2.5 M.

27. The e-vaping device of claim 26, wherein,

the saccharide compound includes at least one of, a monosaccharide compound, a disaccharide compound, a trisaccharide compound, and a polyol compound.

28. The e-vaping device of claim 26, wherein,

the saccharide compound is a polyol compound, and

the polyol compound includes at least one of, mannitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol.

29. The e-vaping device of claim 28, wherein a concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

30. The e-vaping device of claim 29, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 0.2% and equal to or less than about 5% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

31. The e-vaping device of claim 29, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 5% and equal to or less than about 8% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

32. The e-vaping device of claim 29, wherein the concentration of the polyol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is equal to or greater than about 8% and equal to or less than about 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

33. The e-vaping device of claim 25, wherein,

the solution compound is a salt solution, and

the salt solution includes at least one of, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate.

34. The e-vaping device of claim 33, wherein a concentration of the salt solution in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than 0% and equal to or less than 10% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

35. The e-vaping device of claim 25, wherein,

the solution compound is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound, and

the polyethylene glycol (PEG) compound includes at least one of, PEG 200, PEG 300, and PEG 400.

36. The e-vaping device of claim 35, wherein a concentration of the polyethylene glycol compound in the pre-vapor formulation is greater than about 0% and is equal to or less than about 50% by weight based on the weight of the pre-vapor formulation.

37. The e-vaping device of claim 25, wherein the power supply section includes a rechargeable battery.

38. The e-vaping device of claim 25, wherein the cartridge and the power supply section are removably coupled together.