Patent Publication Number: US-2023149645-A1

Title: Electronic vaping device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/673,169, filed Nov. 4, 2019, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/095,505, filed Apr. 11, 2016, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to an electronic vaping or e-vaping device configured to deliver a pre-vapor formulation to a vaporizer. 
     Description of Related Art 
     An electronic vaping device includes a heater element, which vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation to produce a vapor. 
     SUMMARY 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device. 
     In at least one example embodiment, a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing includes a sidewall. The sidewall is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end. The housing also includes a transverse wall at the first end of the sidewall. The transverse wall includes at least one outlet therein. The housing also includes an inner tube integrally formed with the housing. The inner tube extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner tube is concentrically positioned with respect to the sidewall. The inner tube communicates with the at least one outlet. The cartridge also includes a reservoir between the sidewall and the inner tube. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge also includes an end cap configured to be attached to the sidewall of the housing at the second end thereof. The end cap includes an end cap sidewall and an end wall. The end cap sidewall is generally cylindrical. The end cap sidewall has a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the sidewall of the housing. The end cap sidewall is configured to be received in the sidewall of the housing. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap includes at least one inlet therein. The at least one inlet is in communication with the inner tube. The end cap includes a first orifice and a second orifice extending therethrough. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge also includes a wick. The wick includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The first end and the second end extend through first orifice and the second orifice. The first end and the second end are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in the reservoir. The central portion extends over the at least one inlet. In at least one example embodiment, the wick is formed of at least one of a cellulosic material, a glass material, glass fibers, and cotton. In at least one example embodiment, the wick may be formed of cellulose filter paper having a thickness ranging from about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap includes a third orifice and fourth orifice that extend through the end cap. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge also includes a second wick. The second wick includes a third end, a fourth end, and a second central portion. The third end and the fourth end extend through the third orifice and the fourth orifice. The third end and the fourth end are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in the reservoir. The second central portion overlaps with the first central portion. 
     In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the wick and the second wick is generally U-shaped. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the housing is formed of plastic. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the sidewall has a first outer diameter at the first end and a second outer diameter at the second end. The first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to an electronic vaping device. 
     In at least one example embodiment, an electronic vaping device includes a cartridge of an electronic vaping device includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing includes a sidewall. The sidewall is generally cylindrical and includes a first end and a second end. The housing also includes a transverse wall at the first end of the sidewall. The transverse wall includes at least one outlet therein. The housing also includes an inner tube integrally formed with the housing. The inner tube extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner tube is concentrically positioned with respect to the sidewall. The inner tube communicates with the at least one outlet. The cartridge also includes a reservoir between the sidewall and the inner tube. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaping device also includes a power supply section. The power supply section includes a second housing extending in the longitudinal direction, a battery in the second housing, and a heater electrically connected to the battery. The second housing is configured to connect with the housing via a connection. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section also includes a support configured to support the heater. The support is ceramic. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section also includes an insulation sleeve adjacent the support. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge includes an end cap configured to be attached to the sidewall of the housing at the second end thereof. The end cap includes an end cap sidewall and an end wall. The end cap sidewall is generally cylindrical. The end cap sidewall has a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the sidewall of the housing. The end cap sidewall is configured to be received in the sidewall of the housing. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap includes at least one inlet therein. The at least one inlet is in communication with the inner tube. The end cap includes a first orifice and a second orifice extending therethrough. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge also includes a wick. The wick includes a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The first end and the second end extend through first orifice and the second orifice. The first end and the second end are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in the reservoir. The central portion extends over the at least one inlet. In at least one example embodiment, the wick is formed of at least one of a cellulosic material, a glass material, glass fibers, and cotton. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap includes a third orifice and fourth orifice that extend through the end cap. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge also includes a second wick. The second wick includes a third end, a fourth end, and a second central portion. The third end and the fourth end extend through the third orifice and the fourth orifice. The third end and the fourth end are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in the reservoir. The second central portion overlaps with the first central portion. 
     In at least one example embodiment, at least one of the wick and the second wick is generally U-shaped. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the housing is formed of plastic. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the sidewall has a first outer diameter at the first end and a second outer diameter at the second end. The first outer diameter is larger than the second outer diameter. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the second housing is configured to receive a portion of the cartridge therein, such that the central portion of the wick contacts the heater. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a second end of an end cap on a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of an end cap and a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the cartridge of  FIG.  2    along line III-III according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a power supply section according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged, perspective view of a heater assembly according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of an electronic vaping device according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic vaping device of  FIG.  7    along line VIII-VIII according to at least one example embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an end cap according to at least one example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     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. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein. 
     Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, 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, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, 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&#39;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 example 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, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     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. 
     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. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to a cartridge of an electronic vaping device. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
       FIG.  2    is an exploded view of an end cap and a cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a cartridge  10  includes a housing  15  extending in a longitudinal direction. In at least one example embodiment, the housing  15  includes a sidewall  20 . The housing  15  has a first end  25  and a second end  30 . In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge  10  is a single piece that may be molded and/or 3D printed. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the housing  15  may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. In other example embodiments, the housing  15  may have a generally triangular cross-section and/or an inner and/or outer diameter of the housing  15  may vary along a length thereof. In some example embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the housing  15  may have a greater diameter at the first end  25  than at the second end  30 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge  10  also includes an end cap  55 . The end cap  55  includes an end cap sidewall  60  and an end wall  65 . The end cap sidewall  60  is generally cylindrical and has generally a same diameter as a diameter of the second end  30  of the housing  15 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap sidewall  60  includes a portion  160  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) having a smaller outer diameter than an inner diameter of the housing  15  at the second end  30 . Thus, a portion of the end cap sidewall  60  may be received within the second end  30  of the housing  15 . The portion  160  of the end cap sidewall  60  may be held in place within the second end  30  of the housing  15  by friction fit, snap fit, or any other suitable connection. For example, an adhesive may be used to hold the portion  160  of the end cap sidewall  60  in the housing  15 . Alternatively, the portion  160  of the end cap sidewall  60  and the second end  30  of the housing  15  may include threaded portions that provide a threaded connection between the end cap  55  and the housing  15 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap  55  includes at least one inlet  70  therein. The at least one inlet  70  is in communication with an air passage  47  defined by an inner tube  45  (as discussed below with respect to  FIG.  2   ). 
     In at least one example embodiment, the end cap  55  also includes a first orifice  165  and a second orifice  170  extending through the end cap end wall  65 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge  10  also includes a wick  85 . The wick  85  includes a first end  90 , a second end  95 , and a central portion  100 . The first end  90  and the second end  95  extend through first orifice  165  and the second orifice  175  of the end cap  55 , respectively. The first end  90  and the second end  95  are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in a reservoir  50 . The central portion  100  of the wick  85  extends over the at least one inlet  70 . In at least one example embodiment, the wick  85  is formed of at least one of a cellulosic material, a glass material, glass fibers, and cotton. In at least one example embodiment, the wick may be formed of cellulose filter paper having a thickness ranging from about 0.6 mm to about 1.0 mm. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the wick  85  may include filaments (or threads) having a capacity to draw the pre-vapor formulation. For example, the wick  85  may be a bundle of glass (or ceramic) filaments, a bundle including a group of windings of glass filaments, etc., all of which arrangements may be capable of drawing pre-vapor formulation via capillary action by interstitial spacings between the filaments. In at least one example embodiment, the wick  85  may include one to eight filament strands, each strand comprising a plurality of glass filaments twisted together. The filaments may have a cross-section that is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shaped, or in any other suitable shape. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the wick  85  may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials may be, but not limited to, glass, ceramic- or graphite-based materials. The wick  85  may have any suitable capillarity drawing action to accommodate pre-vapor formulations having different physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension and vapor pressure. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the wick  85  is generally U-shaped. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the housing  15  and end cap  55  are formed of plastic. The housing  15  and end cap  55  may be injection molded or 3D printed. The plastic may be clear, tinted, and/or colored plastics. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the inner tube  45  is integrally formed with the housing  15  and is coaxially positioned within the housing  15 . The reservoir  50  is defined between an outer surface of the inner tube  45  and an inner surface of the housing  15 . The reservoir  50  is sized and configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the inner tube  45  is integrally formed with the housing  15 . The inner tube  45  extends in the longitudinal direction. The inner tube  45  communicates with at least one outlet  40  (shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   ). 
     In at least one example embodiment, the pre-vapor formulation 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, natural or artificial flavors, and/or vapor formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the cartridge  10  may be replaceable. In other words, once the pre-vapor formulation of the cartridge  10  is depleted, the cartridge  10  may be discarded and replaced with a new cartridge. In another example embodiment, the reservoir  50  in the cartridge  10  may be refilled, such that the cartridge  10  is reusable. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the reservoir  50  may optionally contain a storage medium (not shown). The storage medium is configured to store the pre-vapor formulation therein. The storage medium  210  may include a winding of cotton gauze or other fibrous material. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the storage medium may be a fibrous material including at least one of cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon and combinations thereof. The fibers may have a diameter ranging in size from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns to about 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The storage medium may be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Also, the fibers may be sized to be irrespirable and may have a cross-section which has a Y-shape, cross shape, clover shape or any other suitable shape. 
       FIG.  3    is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the cartridge of  FIG.  2    along line III-III according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the cartridge  10  is the same as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the housing  15  includes a transverse end wall  35  at a first end  25  of the housing  15 . The transverse end wall  35  is integrally formed with the sidewall  20  and the inner tube  45 . The transverse end wall  35  includes at least one outlet  40  therein. The at least one outlet  40  is in communication with an air passage  47  defined by the inner tube  45 . 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of another end of the cartridge according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the cartridge  10  is the same as in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the transverse end wall  35  has a generally planar surface. In other example embodiments, the transverse end wall  35  may be convex or concave. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a power supply section according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  5   , a power supply section  105  includes a housing  140  extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing  140  is shown transparent for purposes of illustration only. The housing  140  has a first housing end  225  and a second housing end  230 . The first housing end  225  is configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge  10  therein. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section  105  includes a heater  115  and a battery  110 . The heater  115  may be a planar heater or a wire coil heater. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the heater  115  may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive materials. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials may include, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include, but not limited to, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel. For example, the heater  115  may be formed of nickel aluminide, a material with a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminide and other composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. The heater  115  may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the heater  115  may be formed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In another example embodiment, the heater  115  may include a layer of a ceramic or alumina having an electrically resistive layer on an outside surface thereof, such as a layer of platinum. In at least one example embodiment, the heater  115  may include at least one of ceramic, alumina, or zirconia. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the heater  115  has dimensions ranging from about 0.25 mm to about 5.0 mm. At least two electrical leads  125   a,    125   b  may extend from the heater  115  and electrically connect the heater  115  to the battery  110 . The electrical leads may be formed of nickel. The heater  115  may have an electrical resistance of about 2.6 ohms at 25° C. and an electrical resistance of about 5.6 ohms at 350° C. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the heater  115  has a width and/or length that is less than a width and/or length of the wick  85  at a point where the heater  115  contacts the wick  85 . Thus, when the heater  115  contacts the wick  85 , a surface of the heater  115  fully contacts the wick  85  and a portion of the wick  85  extends beyond borders of the heater  115 . The heater  115  may heat pre-vapor formulation in the wick  85  by thermal conduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater  115  may be conducted to the pre-vapor formulation by means of a heat conductive element or the heater  115  may transfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through the electronic vaping device  200  during vaping, which in turn heats the pre-vapor formulation by convection. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the heater  115  may be supported by a support  120  that is surrounded at least in part by an insulation sleeve  123 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the battery  110  may be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, for example a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the battery  110  may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the battery  110  may be rechargeable and may include circuitry configured to allow the battery  110  to be chargeable by an external charging device. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section  105  may also include a control circuit  135  and a sensor  130 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the sensor  130  is a sensor that is configured to sense an air pressure drop. The sensor  130  may be a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor. The control circuit  135  may initiate application of voltage from the battery  110  to the heater  115  when negative pressure is sensed by the sensor  130 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the power supply section  105  may include a heater activation light  48  in and/or adjacent a power supply end cap  145  of the power supply section  105 . The control circuit  135  may be configured to initiate lighting of the heater activation light  48  when the heater  115  is activated. The heater activation light  48  may include a light-emitting diode (LED). Moreover, the heater activation light  48  may be arranged to be visible to an adult vaper. In addition, the heater activation light  48  may indicate e-vaping system diagnostics and/or indicate that recharging is in progress. The heater activation light  48  may also be configured such that the adult vaper may activate and/or deactivate the heater activation light  48  for privacy. 
     In at least one example embodiment, at least one air inlet  300  may be located adjacent the power supply end cap  145 . The at least one air inlet  300  may extend through the housing  140 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the control circuit  135  may supply power to the heater  115  responsive to the sensor  130 . In one example embodiment, the control circuit  135  may include a maximum, time-period limiter. In another example embodiment, the control circuit  135  may include a manually operable switch for an adult vaper to initiate a puff. The time-period of the electric current supply to the heater  115  may be pre-set depending on the amount of pre-vapor formulation desired to be vaporized. In yet another example embodiment, the control circuit  135  may supply power to the heater  115  as long as the sensor  130  detects a pressure drop. 
     When activated, the heater  115  may heat a portion of the wick  85  adjacent to and/or touching the heater  115  for less than about 10 seconds or less than about 5 seconds. 
       FIG.  6    is an enlarged, perspective view of a heater assembly according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  6   , as described with respect to  FIG.  5   , the heater  115  may be supported by the support  120  that is surrounded at least by the insulation sleeve  123 . At least one through-hole  190  may extend through the insulation sleeve  123  to allow air to flow through the through-hole  190  to the air passage  47 . The electrical leads  125   a ,  125   b  may also extend through respective through-holes  190  if desired. The support  120  may be generally rectangular in shape, and may include a depression sized and configured to receive the heater  115  therein. One or more channels may extend from the depression and electrical leads extending from the heater  115  may be positioned therein. 
     In at least one example embodiment, the insulation sleeve  123  is generally cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is about the same or less than an inner diameter of the housing  140 . Thus, the insulation sleeve  123  may be held in place in the housing  140  by friction fit. In other example embodiments, the insulation sleeve  123  may be held in place by any suitable adhesive or mechanism. 
     At least one example embodiment relates to an electronic vaping device. 
       FIG.  7    is a side view of an electronic vaping device according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  7   , an electronic vaping device  200  may include the cartridge  10  and the power supply section  105 . In at least one example embodiment, an air inlet  300  may be located at the power supply end cap  145  or along the housing  140  of the power supply section  105 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the air inlets  300  may be machined into the housing  140  with precision tooling such that their diameters are closely controlled and replicated from one electronic vaping device  200  to the next during manufacture so as to control a resistance-to-draw of each electronic vaping device  200 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, the electronic vaping device  200  may be about 80 mm to about 200 mm long and about 7 mm to about 15 mm in diameter. For example, in one example embodiment, the electronic vaping device may be about 84 mm long and may have a diameter of about 7.8 mm. 
       FIG.  8    is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic vaping device of  FIG.  7    according to at least one example embodiment. 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  8   , when the second end  30  of the cartridge  10  is inserted into the first end  225  of the housing  140  of the power supply section  105 , the central portion  100  of the wick  85  contacts the heater  115 . In at least one example embodiment, an entire surface of the heater  115  is in complete contact with the wick  85 . 
     In at least one example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  9   , instead of including an end cap  55  with a single wick, the end cap  55  may include a third orifice and fourth orifice that extend through the end cap and a second wick  400 . The second wick includes a third end  402 , a fourth end  405 , and a second central portion  407 . The third end  402  and the fourth end  405  extend through the third orifice and the fourth orifice. The third end  402  and the fourth end  405  are configured to contact pre-vapor formulation contained in the reservoir. The second central portion  407  overlaps with the first central portion  100  of the first wick  85 . 
     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.