Aerosol-generating article comprising high weight ratio aerosol-forming substrate

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises: an aerosol-forming substrate section (2) containing an aerosol-forming substrate (6); and a downstream section (4) provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section (2). The downstream section (4) comprises one or more hollow tubular elements (14, 22). The downstream section (4) has a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section (4) to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate (6) is less than or equal to 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section, the aerosol-forming substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is lower than in typical aerosol-generating articles. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. Typically, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be positioned in contact with, inside, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, the compounds condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] Many prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol generating products. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices, in which aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol-forming substrate of the heated aerosol generating product. For example, an electrically heated aerosol generating device including an internal heater blade has been proposed, which is suitable for being inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate (WO2013 / 098405). It is also known to use aerosol generating products in combination with external heating systems. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 describes the provision of one or more heating elements arranged around the periphery of the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device. As an alternative, WO 2015 / 176898 has proposed an inductively heatable aerosol generating product, which includes an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor arranged in the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0004] Aerosol-generating articles in which a tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than combusted present a number of challenges not encountered with conventional smoking articles.

[0005] For example, with some aerosol-forming substrates it may be difficult to deliver sufficient aerosol to a user. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is desirable to provide a new and improved aerosol-generating article.

[0007] An aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream segment disposed at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment. The downstream segment may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream segment may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be less than or equal to 1.

[0008] An aerosol generating article is also provided, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate segment accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the downstream segment comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream segment having a length of at least 25 mm, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1.

[0009] An aerosol-generating article is also provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream segment disposed at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment. The downstream segment may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream segment may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5.

[0010] Also provided is an aerosol generating article, comprising: an aerosol forming substrate segment accommodating an aerosol forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate segment, the downstream segment comprising: one or more hollow tubular elements, wherein the downstream segment has a length of at least 25 mm, and wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to 0.5.

[0011] An aerosol generating article is also provided. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol forming substrate segment containing an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may include a downstream segment disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate segment. The downstream segment may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream segment may have a length of at least 25 mm. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol forming substrate may be less than or equal to 1. The aerosol generating article may include an upstream segment disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate segment. The upstream segment may include an upstream element. The upstream element may have a weight less than or equal to 70 mg.

[0012] An aerosol generating article is also provided, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the downstream segment comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream segment having a length of at least 25 mm; and an upstream segment arranged at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the upstream segment comprising an upstream element, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1, and wherein the upstream element has a weight less than or equal to 70 mg.

[0013] An aerosol-generating article is also provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream segment disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment. The downstream segment may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream segment may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be less than or equal to 1. The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more aerosol-forming agents. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 10 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0014] An aerosol generating article is also provided, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate containing one or more aerosol-forming agents; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the downstream segment comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream segment having a length of at least 25 mm; and an upstream segment arranged at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the upstream segment comprising an upstream element, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1, and wherein the upstream element has a weight less than or equal to 70 mg, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 10 wt % on a dry weight basis.

[0015] An aerosol generating system is also provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol forming substrate section that contains an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may include a downstream section disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 mm. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol forming substrate may be less than or equal to 1. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating system may include at least a heating element disposed at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0016] An aerosol generating system is also provided, which includes: an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including: an aerosol-forming substrate segment accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the downstream segment including one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream segment having a length of at least 25 mm, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1; and the aerosol generating device includes: a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article; and at least a heating element arranged at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0017] An aerosol generating system is also provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol forming substrate section that contains an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may include a downstream section disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 mm. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating system may include at least a heating element disposed at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0018] An aerosol generating system is also provided, which includes: an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article including: an aerosol forming substrate segment containing an aerosol forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate segment, the downstream segment including: one or more hollow tubular elements, wherein the downstream segment has a length of at least 25 mm, and wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol generating article is less than or equal to 0.5; and the aerosol generating device includes: a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article; and at least a heating element arranged at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0019] The present inventors have found that providing a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate that is less than or equal to 1 can reduce the amount of material in the aerosol-generating article that is not part of the aerosol-forming substrate. Reducing the amount of material that is not an aerosol-forming substrate can reduce the risk that an aerosol generated by aerosolization of the aerosol-forming substrate is filtered and retained by components of the aerosol-generating article that are not the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, in some aerosol-generating articles, the generated aerosol may be filtered by a portion of the downstream section. Filtering of the generated aerosol may reduce the amount of aerosol that can be delivered to a user.

[0020] Thus, reducing undesired filtration by components of an aerosol-generating article may allow more aerosol to be delivered to a user and may provide a longer user experience.

[0021] Furthermore, providing a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may provide an increased weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may also allow more aerosol to be delivered to the user and may provide a longer user experience.

[0022] In one example, a ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by increasing the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment.

[0023] In another example, a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by reducing the length of the downstream section.

[0024] In another example, a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by increasing the density of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0025] Unless otherwise stated, the draw resistance (RTD) of a component or aerosol generating article is measured according to ISO6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the full length of the component. The term "pressure drop" or "draw resistance" of a component or article may also refer to "resistance to draw". Such terms generally refer to measurements according to ISO 6565-2015. Generally, in the test, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (about 760 torr) and a relative humidity of 60%, a volume flow rate of 17.5 ml / sec is carried out at the output or downstream end of the measuring component. The conditions and smoking machine specifications for smoking are set forth in ISO standard 3308 (ISO 3308:2000). The atmosphere for adjustment and testing is set forth in ISO standard 3402 (ISO 3402:1999).

[0026] As used herein, the term "downstream section" refers to all components of the aerosol-generating article downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0027] As used herein, the term "upstream section" refers to all components of the aerosol-generating article upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 80 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 70 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 65 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 60 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 55 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0029] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 5 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 15 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 25 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 35 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 50 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 55 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 60 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 65 mm.

[0030] The aerosol generating article may have a length between 5 mm and 80 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 15 mm and 80 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 25 mm and 80 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 35 mm and 80 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 35 mm and 70 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 35 mm and 65 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 35 mm and 55 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 35 mm and 50 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 40 mm and 50 mm.

[0031] Advantageously, reducing the length of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the weight of components of the aerosol-generating article that are not the aerosol-forming substrate.Thus, reducing the length of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 18 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 20 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 25 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 30 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 35 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 40 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 45 mmH2O.

[0033] The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 24 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 22 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 25 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 30 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 35 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 40 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 45 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 50 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 55 mmH2O.

[0034] The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 18 mmH2O and 24 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 22 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 55 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 25 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 30 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 30 mmH2O and 45 mmH2O. The aerosol generating article may have a resistance to suction (RTD) between 35 mmH2O and 45 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 35 mmH2O and 40 mmH2O.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 6 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 7 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 8 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 9 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 10 mm.

[0036] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 12 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 11 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 10 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 8 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 7 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 6 millimeters.

[0037] The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 6 mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 6 mm and about 11 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 7 mm and about 11 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 6 mm and about 9 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter between about 7 mm and about 8 mm.

[0038] The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially consistent along the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0039] The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 350 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 400 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 450 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 500 mg.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of less than or equal to 700 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of less than or equal to 650 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of less than or equal to 600 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of less than or equal to 550 mg. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of less than or equal to 500 mg.

[0041] The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 350 mg and 700 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 350 mg and 650 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 400 mg and 650 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 400 mg and 600 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 450 mg and 600 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 450 mg and 550 mg. The aerosol generating article may have a weight between 500 mg and 550 mg.

[0042] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "susceptor element" refers to a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field, eddy currents induced in the susceptor element cause heating of the susceptor element. Since the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor element.

[0043] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptor elements.The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements.

[0044] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper.The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper defining at least an aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0045] The packaging may be a paper packaging.

[0046] Advantageously, reducing the density of the package may reduce the weight of the package, which may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] The wrapper may have a grammage of at least 15 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of at least 20 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of at least 25 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of at least 30 gsm.

[0048] The wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 35 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 30 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 25 gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage of less than or equal to 20 gsm.

[0049] The wrapper may have a grammage between 15gsm and 35gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage between 15gsm and 30gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage between 20gsm and 30gsm. The wrapper may have a grammage between 20gsm and 25gsm.

[0050] Advantageously, reducing the thickness of the wrapper may reduce the weight of the wrapper, which may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 25 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 30 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 35 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 40 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 45 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 50 microns.

[0052] The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 55 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 50 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 45 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 40 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 35 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness of less than or equal to 30 microns.

[0053] The wrapper may have a thickness between 25 microns and 55 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness between 25 microns and 50 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness between 30 microns and 50 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness between 30 microns and 45 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness between 35 microns and 45 microns. The wrapper may have a thickness between 35 microns and 40 microns.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation zone.

[0055] Ventilation zones may be provided at locations along the downstream section.

[0056] The ventilation zone may be provided at a location along the first hollow tubular element.

[0057] The ventilation zone may be disposed at a distance between 26 mm and 33 mm from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the term "distance between the ventilation zone and another element or portion of the aerosol-generating article" refers to a distance measurement in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in a direction extending along or parallel to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-generating article).

[0058] The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article may be between 10% and 30%. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article may be between 12% and 25%.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptor elements disposed in an aerosol-forming substrate section.The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements disposed in an aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0060] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85.

[0061] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.45.

[0062] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.4 and 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.65.

[0063] Advantageously, increasing the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 8 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 10 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 12 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 13 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 14 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 16 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 18 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 20 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 22 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of at least 24 millimeters.

[0065] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 24 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 22 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 20 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 18 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 16 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 14 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 12 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length of less than or equal to 10 millimeters.

[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 8 mm and 24 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 8 mm and 22 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 8 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 10 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 10 mm and 18 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 12 mm and 18 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 12 mm and 16 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 14 mm and 16 mm.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 10 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 12 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 13 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 14 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 16 mm and 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a length between 16 mm and 18 mm.

[0068] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 6 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 10 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 15 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 20 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 25 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 30 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 35 mmH2O.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 50 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 45 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 40 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 30 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 20 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 10 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than or equal to 6 mmH2O.

[0071] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 50 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 10 mmH2O and 40 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 40 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 30 mmH2O and 40 mmH2O.

[0072] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have the same RTD as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0073] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0074] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 400 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 380 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 360 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 340 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 300 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 280 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 260 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 240 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 220 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0075] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 200 mg and 400 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 200 mg and 380 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 220 mg and 380 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 220 mg and 360 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 240 mg and 360 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 240 mg and 340 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 260 mg and 340 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 260 mg and 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 280 mg and 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a weight between 280 mg and 300 mg.

[0076] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have the same weight as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0077] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.3. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.31. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.33. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.35. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.37. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.39. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4.

[0078] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.45. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.4. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.39. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.37. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.35. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.33.

[0079] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.3 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.31 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.33 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.35 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.37 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.39 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.4 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.6.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment.The aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a strip of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0082] The strip of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a substantially solid cylinder.The strip of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a hollow cylinder.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol formers.The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plurality of aerosol formers.

[0084] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 10% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 15% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 20% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 25% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 35% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 40% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 45% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 50% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 55% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 60% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 65% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 70% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 75% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 80% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 85% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 90% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 85% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 80% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 75% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 70% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 65% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 60% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 55% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 50% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 45% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 40% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 35% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 25% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 20% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of less than or equal to 15% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0086] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 0.01 wt% and 30 wt% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 5 wt% and 25 wt% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 10 wt% and 20 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0087] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 40% and 90% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 45% and 85% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-forming agent content of between 50% and 80% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0088] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-former content of between 55 and 75 wt% on a dry weight basis.The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol-former content of between 60 and 70 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0089] The one or more aerosol formers may include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The plurality of aerosol formers may include glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0090] Advantageously, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0091] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0092] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 400 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 380 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 360 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 340 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 300 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 280 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 260 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 240 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 220 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 200 mg and 400 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 200 mg and 380 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 200 mg and 360 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 200 mg and 340 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 200 mg and 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 220 mg and 320 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 220 mg and 300 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 240 mg and 300 mg. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight between 240 mg and 280 mg.

[0094] The term "density" as used herein with respect to an aerosol-forming substrate refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-forming substrate. This can be calculated by measuring the total weight of the aerosol-forming substrate and dividing it by the volume of the strip of aerosol-forming substrate (excluding any wrapper).

[0095] Advantageously, increasing the density of the aerosol-forming substrate may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.Accordingly, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0096] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 100 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 150 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 200 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 250 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 300 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 320 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 340 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 360 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 380 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 400 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

[0097] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 1000 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 800 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 700 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 600 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 500 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 400 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 380 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 360 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 340 mg / cm3. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of less than or equal to 320 mg / cm3.

[0098] The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 100 mg / cm3 and 1000 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 200 mg / cm3 and 800 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 250 mg / cm3 and 700 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 600 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 500 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3. The aerosol forming substrate may have a bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 350 mg / cm3.

[0099] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 6 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 8 mmH2O.

[0100] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 10 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than or equal to 6 mmH2O.

[0101] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to draw (RTD) between 6 mmH2O and 8 mmH2O.

[0102] Suitable types of material for the aerosol-forming substrate are described below, and include, for example, tobacco cut filler, homogenised tobacco material, such as cast leaf, aerosol-forming films and gel compositions.

[0103] The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of an aerosol-forming film comprising a cellulose-based film-forming agent, nicotine and an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming film may further comprise a cellulose-based reinforcing agent. The aerosol-forming film may further comprise water, preferably 30 wt% or less of water.

[0104] As used herein, the term "film" is used to describe a solid laminar element whose thickness is less than its width or length. The film may be self-supporting. In other words, the film may have cohesive and mechanical properties so that the film can be separated from the supporting surface even if it is obtained by casting a film formulation on the supporting surface. Alternatively, the film may be arranged on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This can enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0105] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising nicotine, at least one gelling agent and an aerosol former. The gel composition is preferably substantially free of tobacco.

[0106] The gel composition may include at least one gelling agent. The gel composition may include a total amount of gelling agent in the range of about 0.4 wt % to about 10 wt %, or about 0.5 wt % to about 8 wt %, or about 1 wt % to about 6 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 4 wt %, or about 2 wt % to about 3 wt %.

[0107] The term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when added to a mixture of 50 wt % water / 50 wt % glycerol in an amount of about 0.3 wt %, homogeneously forms a solid medium or support matrix that results in a gel. Gelling agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen bond cross-linking gelling agents and ion cross-linking gelling agents.

[0108] Aerosol forming substrate can include shredded tobacco material. Shredded tobacco material can be tobacco shredded filler. In the context of this specification, the term "shredded filler" is used to describe the blend of shredded plant material (such as tobacco plant material), especially including one or more of blade, processed stem and rib, homogenized plant material. Shredded filler can also include other filler tobacco or charging of post-cut.

[0109] Advantageously, increasing the density of the shredded tobacco material may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.Accordingly, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0110] The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 100 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 150 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 200 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 250 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 300 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 320 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 340 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 360 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 380 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 400 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density of at least 500 mg / cm3.

[0111] The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 1000 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 800 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 700 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 600 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 500 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 400 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 380 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 360 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 340 mg / cubic centimeter.The tobacco material of shredding can have the bulk density that is less than or equal to 320 mg / cubic centimeter.

[0112] The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 100 mg / cm3 and 1000 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 200 mg / cm3 and 800 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 250 mg / cm3 and 700 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 600 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 500 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3.The tobacco material of cutting can have the bulk density between 300 mg / cm3 and 350 mg / cm3.

[0113] Advantageously, increasing the weight of the cut tobacco material may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 200 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 220 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 240 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 260 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 280 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 300 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 320 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 340 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 360 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 380 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have the weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0115] The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 400 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 380 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 360 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 340 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 320 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 300 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 280 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 260 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 240 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 220 milligrams.The tobacco material of shredding can have a weight less than or equal to 200 milligrams.

[0116] The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 200 milligrams and 400 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 200 milligrams and 380 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 200 milligrams and 360 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 200 milligrams and 340 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 200 milligrams and 320 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 220 milligrams and 320 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 220 milligrams and 300 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 240 milligrams and 300 milligrams.The tobacco material of cutting can have the weight between 240 milligrams and 280 milligrams.

[0117] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85.

[0118] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5.

[0119] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.7. The ratio of the weight of shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.7.

[0120] The downstream section may be provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0121] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0122] The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 100 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 120 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 140 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 160 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 180 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The downstream segment may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams.

[0123] The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 300 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 280 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 260 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 240 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 220 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 200 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 180 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 160 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 140 mg. The downstream section may have a weight of less than or equal to 120 mg.

[0124] The downstream section may have a weight between 100 mg and 300 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 100 mg and 280 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 120 mg and 280 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 120 mg and 260 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 140 mg and 260 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 140 mg and 240 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 160 mg and 220 mg. The downstream section may have a weight between 180 mg and 220 mg.

[0125] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.25. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.26. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.28. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.3. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.32. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.33. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.34. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.36. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.38. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.6.

[0126] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.48. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.46. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.4. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.38. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.36. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.34. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.33. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.32. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.3. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.28. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.26. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.25. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.24. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.22. The ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.2.

[0127] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.2 and 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.2 and 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.22 and 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.22 and 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.24 and 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.24 and 0.48. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.26 and 0.48. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.26 and 0.46. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.28 and 0.46. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.28 and 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.3 and 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.3 and 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.31 and 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol generating article may be between 0.31 and 0.4.

[0128] Advantageously, reducing the length of the downstream section may reduce the weight of the downstream section.Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0129] The downstream section may have a length of at least 16 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 18 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 20 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 22 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 24 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 26 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 28 millimeters.

[0130] The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 40 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 38 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 36 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 34 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 32 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 30 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 28 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 26 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 25 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 24 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 22 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of less than or equal to 20 millimeters.

[0131] The downstream section may have a length between 16 mm and 40 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 16 mm and 38 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 18 mm and 36 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 18 mm and 34 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 20 mm and 32 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 20 mm and 30 mm. The downstream section may have a length between 22 mm and 28 mm.

[0132] The downstream section may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 0.01 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 1 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 3 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of at least 5 mmH2O.

[0133] The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 20 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 15 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 10 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 5 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 3 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 1 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 0.01 mmH2O.

[0134] The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 0.01 mmH2O and 20 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 0.01 mmH2O and 15 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 1 mmH2O and 15 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 1 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 3 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O.

[0135] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.9.

[0136] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5.

[0137] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.7.

[0138] The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may include a plurality of hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may include one or more tubular elements. The downstream section may include a plurality of tubular elements.

[0139] The downstream section may comprise one or more solid sections. The downstream section may comprise a plurality of solid sections.

[0140] The downstream section may include a combination of one or more hollow tubular elements and one or more solid sections. The downstream section may include a combination of multiple hollow tubular elements and one or more solid sections. The downstream section may include a combination of one or more hollow tubular elements and multiple solid sections.

[0141] The downstream section may comprise a high ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid sections. Advantageously, providing a high ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid sections may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may increase the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 1. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 2. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 3. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be less than or equal to 5. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be less than or equal to 4. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be less than or equal to 3. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be less than or equal to 2. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be less than or equal to 1.

[0143] The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be between 1 and 5. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be between 1 and 4. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be between 1 and 3. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be between 1 and 2.

[0144] The downstream section may include a solid section adjacent the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0145] The downstream section may include a solid section adjacent to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element adjacent to the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element.

[0146] The downstream section may include a solid section adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the solid section.

[0147] The downstream section may include a solid section adjacent to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element, a second hollow tubular element adjacent to the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element, and a downstream tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the solid section.

[0148] The downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element adjoining the aerosol-forming substrate section.The hollow tubular element may adjoin the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0149] Advantageously, reducing the length of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section.Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0150] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 3 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 4 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 5 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 6 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 8 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 10 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 12 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 14 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 15 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 17 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 19 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 21 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 23 millimeters.

[0151] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 25 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 23 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 21 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 19 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 17 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 15 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 14 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 12 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 10 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length of less than or equal to 8 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length less than or equal to 6 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length less than or equal to 5 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0152] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length between 3 mm and 25 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length between 3 mm and 20 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length between 3 mm and 15 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a length between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0153] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of less than or equal to 10 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of less than or equal to 5 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of less than or equal to 2.5 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of less than or equal to 2 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of less than or equal to 1 mm H2O.

[0154] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0.25 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0.5 mm H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 1 mm H2O.

[0155] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.25 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 mmH2O and 5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.25 mmH2O and 5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 mmH2O and 5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 1 mmH2O and 5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 mmH2O and 2.5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.25 mmH2O and 2.5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 mmH2O and 2.5 mmH2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 mmH2O and 2 mmH2O.

[0156] Advantageously, increasing the internal volume of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the one or more of the hollow tubular elements, thereby reducing the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0157] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0158] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume less than or equal to 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume less than or equal to 700 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume less than or equal to 500 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume less than or equal to 300 cubic millimeters.

[0159] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume between 260 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume between 300 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume between 500 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume between 700 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters.

[0160] Advantageously, reducing the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section.Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0161] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 20 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 25 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 30 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 35 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 40 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 45 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 50 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 55 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 60 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 65 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 70 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 75 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 80 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 90 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 100 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 110 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 120 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 130 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 140 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 150 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 200 mg.

[0162] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 150 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 140 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 130 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 120 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 110 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 100 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 90 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 80 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 75 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 70 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 65 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 60 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 55 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 50 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 45 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 40 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 35 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 30 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 25 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 20 mg.

[0163] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 150 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 140 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 130 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 120 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 110 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 100 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 90 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 80 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 mg and 75 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 25 mg and 75 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 25 mg and 70 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 30 mg and 70 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 30 mg and 65 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 35 mg and 65 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 35 mg and 60 mg. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 40 mg and 60 mg.

[0164] Advantageously, reducing the wall thickness of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0165] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 100 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 150 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 200 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 220 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 240 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 250 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 260 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 280 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 300 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 400 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 500 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 600 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 700 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 800 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 900 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1000 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1100 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1200 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1300 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1400 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1500 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1600 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1700 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1800 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 1900 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of at least 2000 microns.

[0166] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 2000 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1900 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1800 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1700 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1600 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1500 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1400 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1300 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1200 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1100 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1000 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 900 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 800 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 700 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 600 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 500 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 400 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 380 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 360 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 340 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 320 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 300 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 280 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 260 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 240 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 220 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 200 microns.

[0167] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 100 microns and 2000 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 200 microns and 1900 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 300 microns and 1800 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 400 microns and 1700 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 500 microns and 1600 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 600 microns and 1500 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 700 microns and 1400 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 800 microns and 1300 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 900 and 1200 microns. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness between 1000 and 1100 microns.

[0168] Advantageously, forming one or more of the hollow tubular elements from a material having a low grammage may reduce the weight of the one or more of the hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of the one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0169] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 68 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 70 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 72 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 74 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 76 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of at least 78 gsm.

[0170] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 90gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 88gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 86gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 84gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 82gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 80gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 78gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a gram weight of less than or equal to 76gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of less than or equal to 74 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of less than or equal to 72 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of less than or equal to 70 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage of less than or equal to 68 gsm.

[0171] One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 60gsm and 90gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 60gsm and 88gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 62gsm and 88gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 62gsm and 86gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 64gsm and 86gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 64gsm and 84gsm. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element may be formed of a material having a gram weight between 66gsm and 84gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage between 66 gsm and 82 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage between 68 gsm and 82 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage between 68 gsm and 80 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage between 70 gsm and 80 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a grammage between 70 gsm and 78 gsm.

[0172] One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be formed by cellulose acetate. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be formed by a paper-based material. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be formed by paper. Paper can be very hard paper. Paper can be curled paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be paper tubes. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be a tube formed by spirally wound paper. One or more hollow tubular elements in the hollow tubular element can be formed by multiple paper layers. Paper can have a basis weight of at least 50 grams per square meter, at least 60 grams per square meter, at least 70 grams per square meter, or at least 90 grams per square meter.

[0173] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from cardboard. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be a cardboard tube.

[0174] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, one or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of one or more materials selected from the following: cellulose acetate; cardboard; curled paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment; and polymer materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the hollow tubular elements are formed of cellulose acetate. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the hollow tubular elements may be hollow acetate tubes.

[0175] Advantageously, forming one or more of the hollow tubular elements from a material having a low density may reduce the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0176] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of at least 150 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of at least 200 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of at least 250 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of at least 300 mg / cm3.

[0177] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 400 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 350 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 300 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 250 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 200 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density of less than or equal to 150 mg / cm3.

[0178] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density between 150 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density between 150 mg / cm3 and 350 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density between 150 mg / cm3 and 300 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density between 200 mg / cm3 and 300 mg / cm3. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed of a material having a density between 200 mg / cm3 and 250 mg / cm3.

[0179] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may include a tubular element including a tubular body defining a cavity. The cavity may extend from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The tubular element may also include a folded end portion forming a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body. The first end wall may define an opening for air flow between the cavity and the outside of the tubular element. The opening may have an area of ​​about 0.6% to about 60% of the cavity area as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element.

[0180] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may comprise a second folded end portion forming a second end wall at a second end of the tubular body, the second end wall defining a second opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the tubular element.

[0181] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 10 mg / mm of the length of the hollow tubular element. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of less than or equal to 6 mg / mm of the length of the hollow tubular element. Providing hollow tubular elements having this average weight may advantageously enable the hollow tubular elements to be assembled into aerosol-generating articles using existing high-speed aerosol-generating article assembly machines.

[0182] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 1 and 10 mg / mm of the length of the hollow tubular element. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 1.5 and 8 mg / mm of the length of the hollow tubular element. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 2 and 6 mg / mm of the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0183] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 4.25 mg / mm of hollow tubular element length.

[0184] Advantageously, increasing the combined internal volume of the one or more hollow tubular elements may reduce the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements, thereby reducing the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0185] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0186] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of less than or equal to 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of less than or equal to 700 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of less than or equal to 500 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of less than or equal to 300 cubic millimeters.

[0187] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume between 260 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume between 300 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume between 500 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume between 700 cubic millimeters and 800 cubic millimeters.

[0188] The one or more solid segments may comprise a downstream filter segment.The one or more solid segments may comprise a plurality of downstream filter segments.

[0189] The downstream section may include a downstream filter segment. The downstream filter segment may include at least one filter segment formed of fibrous filter material. The downstream filter segment may include at least one filter segment formed of cardboard.

[0190] Advantageously, reducing the length of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream filter segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream segment may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0191] The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 3 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 5 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 7 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 9 mm.

[0192] The downstream filter segment may have a length less than or equal to 11 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length less than or equal to 9 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length less than or equal to 7 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0193] The downstream filter segment may have a length between 3 mm and 11 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length between 3 mm and 9 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length between 5 mm and 9 mm. The downstream filter segment may have a length between 5 mm and 7 mm.

[0194] The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) of at least 5 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) of at least 7 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) of at least 9 mmH2O.

[0195] The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 11 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 9 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 7 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) less than or equal to 5 mmH2O.

[0196] The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 11 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 5 mmH2O and 11 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 5 mmH2O and 9 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a suction resistance (RTD) between 7 mmH2O and 9 mmH2O.

[0197] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream section.Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0198] The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 50 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 52 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 54 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 56 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 58 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 60 mg.

[0199] The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 70 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 68 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 66 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 64 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 62 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 60 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 58 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 56 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 54 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 52 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of less than or equal to 50 mg.

[0200] The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 50 mg and 70 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 50 mg and 68 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 52 mg and 68 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 52 mg and 66 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 54 mg and 66 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 54 mg and 64 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 56 mg and 64 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 56 mg and 62 mg. The downstream filter segment may have a weight between 58 mg and 62 mg.

[0201] Advantageously, forming the downstream filter segment from a material having a low density may reduce the weight of the downstream filter segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream segment may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0202] The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 100 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 120 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 140 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 160 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 180 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 200 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density of at least 220 mg / cm3.

[0203] The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 240 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 220 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 200 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 180 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 160 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 140 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 120 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 100 mg / cm3.

[0204] The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 100 mg / cm3 and 240 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 120 mg / cm3 and 240 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 120 mg / cm3 and 220 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 140 mg / cm3 and 220 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 140 mg / cm3 and 200 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 160 mg / cm3 and 200 mg / cm3. The downstream filter segment may be formed of a material having a density between 160 mg / cm3 and 180 mg / cm3.

[0205] Advantageously, reducing the combined length of one or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may reduce the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment. Reducing the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream segment may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0206] One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of at least 24 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of at least 26 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of at least 28 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of at least 30 millimeters.

[0207] One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of less than or equal to 32 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of less than or equal to 30 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of less than or equal to 28 millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of less than or equal to 26 millimeters.

[0208] One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length between 24 mm and 32 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length between 26 mm and 32 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length between 26 mm and 30 mm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length between 28 mm and 30 mm.

[0209] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an upstream section disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.The upstream section may comprise an upstream element.

[0210] Advantageously, reducing the length of the upstream element may reduce the weight of the upstream element. Reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0211] The upstream element may have a length of at least 2 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of at least 4 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of at least 6 millimeters.

[0212] The upstream element may have a length less than or equal to 8 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length less than or equal to 6 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length less than or equal to 4 millimeters.

[0213] The upstream element may have a length between 2 and 8 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length between 2 and 6 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length between 4 and 6 millimeters.

[0214] The upstream element may be formed from a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal lumen providing an unrestricted flow passage.

[0215] The longitudinal lumen of the hollow tubular section may have a diameter of at least 5 mm.

[0216] Advantageously, reducing the wall thickness of the upstream element may reduce the weight of the upstream element. Reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0217] The hollow tubular segment forming the upstream element may have a wall thickness of less than 1 mm. The hollow tubular segment may have a wall thickness of less than 0.8 mm. The hollow tubular segment may have a wall thickness of less than 0.6 mm.

[0218] The upstream element may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than 2 mmH2O. The upstream element may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than 1 mmH2O. The upstream element may have a resistance to suction (RTD) of less than 0.01 mmH2O.

[0219] The upstream end of the upstream element may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0220] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same.Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0221] The upstream element may have a weight of at least 15 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 20 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 25 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 30 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 35 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 40 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 45 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 50 milligrams.

[0222] The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 70 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 60 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 55 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 50 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 45 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 40 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 35 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 30 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 25 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 20 mg. The upstream element may have a weight of less than or equal to 15 mg.

[0223] The upstream element may have a weight between 15 mg and 70 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 15 mg and 60 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 15 mg and 55 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 20 mg and 55 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 20 mg and 50 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 20 mg and 45 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 25 mg and 45 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 25 mg and 40 mg. The upstream element may have a weight between 25 mg and 35 mg.

[0224] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.9.

[0225] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.9. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.7. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.65. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.6. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.5. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.45.

[0226] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.4 and 0.9. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.9. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.45 and 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.7. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.7.

[0227] The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 100 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 120 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 140 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 160 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 180 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density of at least 200 mg / cm3.

[0228] The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 240 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 220 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 200 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 180 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 160 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 140 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 120 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 100 mg / cm3.

[0229] The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density between 100 mg / cm3 and 240 mg / cm3.

[0230] The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density between 100 mg / cm3 and 220 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density between 100 mg / cm3 and 200 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density between 120 mg / cm3 and 200 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density between 120 mg / cm3 and 180 mg / cm3. The upstream element may be formed of a material having a density between 140 mg / cm3 and 180 mg / cm3.

[0231] The heating chamber may extend between a distal end and an oral or proximal end. The distal end of the heating chamber may be a closed end, and the oral or proximal end of the heating chamber may be an open end. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the heating chamber via the open end of the heating chamber. The shape of the heating chamber may be cylindrical so as to conform to the same shape of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] The expression "received within" may refer to the fact that a component or element is fully or partially received within another component or element. For example, the expression "the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber" means that the aerosol-generating article is fully or partially received within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may be adjacent to the distal end of the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may be substantially proximate to the distal end of the heating chamber. The distal end of the heating chamber may be defined by an end wall.

[0233] The length of the heating chamber may be between 10 mm and 50 mm. The length of the heating chamber may be between 20 mm and 40 mm. The length of the heating chamber may be between 25 mm and 30 mm.

[0234] The length of the heating chamber may be equal to or greater than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment. The length of the heating chamber may be equal to or greater than the combined length of the upstream segment or element and the strip of the aerosol-forming substrate segment. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device, at least 75% of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment is inserted or received in the heating chamber. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device, at least 80% of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment is inserted or received in the heating chamber. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device, at least 90% of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment is inserted or received in the heating chamber. This maximizes the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment along which the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated during use, thereby optimizing the generation of aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate and reducing tobacco waste.

[0235] The length of the heating chamber may be such that the downstream segment or a portion thereof is configured to protrude from the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber. The length of the heating chamber may be such that a portion of the downstream segment, such as a hollow tubular cooling element or a downstream filter segment, is configured to protrude from the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber. The length of the heating chamber may be such that a portion of the downstream segment, such as a hollow tubular cooling element or a downstream filter segment, is configured to be received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber.

[0236] When the aerosol-generating article is received in the device, at least 25% of the length of the downstream segment may be inserted or received within the heating chamber.When the aerosol-generating article is received in the device, at least 30% of the length of the downstream segment may be inserted or received within the heating chamber.

[0237] When the aerosol-generating article is received in the device, at least 30% of the length of the hollow tubular element can be inserted or received in the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article is received in the device, at least 40% of the length of the hollow tubular element can be inserted or received in the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article is received in the device, at least 50% of the length of the hollow tubular element can be inserted or received in the heating chamber. Hollow tubular elements of various lengths are described in more detail within the present disclosure.

[0238] Optimising the amount or length of the article inserted into the aerosol generating device may enhance resistance to the article accidentally falling out during use. In particular, during heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate may shrink such that its outer diameter may have decreased, thereby reducing the extent to which an inserted portion of the article inserted into the device may frictionally engage with the heating chamber. The inserted portion of the article or the portion of the article configured to be received within the heating chamber may have the same length as the heating chamber.

[0239] The length of the heating chamber may be between 15 mm and 80 mm. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 20 mm and 70 mm. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 25 mm and 60 mm. More preferably, the length of the device is between 25 mm and 50 mm.

[0240] The length of the heating chamber may be between 25 mm and 29 mm. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 25 mm and 29 mm. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is between 26 mm and 29 mm. Even more preferably, the length of the heating chamber is 27 mm or 28 mm.

[0241] The diameter of the heating chamber may be between 4 mm and 10 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be between 5 mm and 9 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be between 6 mm and 8 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be between 6 mm and 7 mm.

[0242] The diameter of the heating chamber may be substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article.The diameter of the heating chamber may be the same as the diameter of the aerosol-generating article so as to establish a close fit with the aerosol-generating article.

[0243] The heating chamber may be configured to establish a close fit with the aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber. A close fit may refer to a snug fit. The aerosol generating device may include a peripheral wall. Such a peripheral wall may define the heating chamber or heating chamber. The peripheral wall defining the heating chamber may be configured to engage with the aerosol generating article received in the heating chamber in a close fit such that when received in the device, there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral wall defining the heating chamber and the aerosol generating article.

[0244] Such a close fit may create an air-tight fit or configuration between the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article received therein.

[0245] With such an airtight construction, there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral wall defining the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article through which air can flow.

[0246] The close fit with the aerosol-generating article may be established along the entire length of the heating chamber or along a portion of the length of the heating chamber.

[0247] The aerosol generating device may include an airflow channel extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to establish fluid communication between the interior of the heating chamber and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within a housing of the aerosol generating device so as to enable fluid communication between the interior of the heating chamber and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article is received in the heating chamber, the airflow channel may be configured to provide airflow into the article so as to deliver the generated aerosol to a user drawing from the mouth end of the article.

[0248] The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within or by the peripheral wall of the housing of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall or by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or a combination of both. The airflow channel may be partially defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall and may be partially defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall. The inner surface of the peripheral wall defines the peripheral boundary of the heating chamber.

[0249] The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may extend from an inlet located at the mouth or proximal end of the aerosol generating device to an outlet located distally from the mouth end of the device.The airflow channel may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0250] The heater may be any suitable type of heater.The heater may be an external heater.

[0251] The heater may heat the aerosol-generating article externally when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device.Such an external heater may confine the aerosol-generating article when inserted or received in the aerosol-generating device.

[0252] In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the cavity. The heater may be positioned in or within the heating chamber.

[0253] The heater may include at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple heating elements. The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the heater includes multiple resistive heating elements. Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in a parallel arrangement can facilitate the delivery of the desired power to the heater while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the heater can facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.

[0254] Suitable materials for forming at least one resistive heating element include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic materials and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, and cobalt, stainless steel, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

[0255] In some embodiments, at least one resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of a resistive material such as stainless steel. Alternatively, at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire.

[0256] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element comprises an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the at least one resistive heating element is disposed on the electrically insulating substrate.

[0257] The electrically insulating substrate may include any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may include one or more of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. The ceramic may include mica, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), or zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 W / m·Kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 W / m·Kelvin, and ideally less than or equal to about 2 W / m·Kelvin.

[0258] The heater may comprise a heating element comprising a rigid electrically insulating substrate having one or more conductive tracks or wires disposed on its surface. The size and shape of the electrically insulating substrate may allow it to be inserted directly into the aerosol-forming substrate. If the electrically insulating substrate is not rigid enough, the heating element may comprise additional reinforcing means. An electric current may be passed through the one or more conductive tracks to heat the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0259] In some embodiments, the heater comprises an induction heating device. The induction heating device may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, a high-frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between about 500kHz and about 30MHz. Advantageously, the heater may include a DC / AC inverter for converting a DC current supplied by a DC power supply into an alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when receiving the high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field in a heating chamber. In some embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially define the heating chamber. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the heating chamber.

[0260] The heater may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may be a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element including a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When the susceptor element is located in an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. The heating of the susceptor element may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

[0261] The susceptor element may be arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces a current in the susceptor element, thereby causing the susceptor element to heat up. In these embodiments, the aerosol-generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H field strength) between 1 kiloamperes per meter and 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA m), preferably between 2 kA / m and 3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m. Preferably, the electrically operated aerosol-generating device is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency between 1 MHz and 30 MHz, for example between 1 MHz and 10 MHz, for example between 5 MHz and 7 MHz.

[0262] In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably positioned to contact the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located in the aerosol generating device. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located in a cavity. The aerosol generating device may include only one susceptor element. The aerosol generating device may include a plurality of susceptor elements. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0263] The susceptor element may comprise any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and metal material composites. Some susceptor elements comprise metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. Suitable susceptor elements may be aluminum or contain aluminum. The susceptor element preferably comprises greater than about 5%, preferably greater than 20%, more preferably greater than 50% or greater than 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Some elongated susceptor elements may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0264] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metallic layer disposed thereon.For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metallic track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

[0265] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise at least one resistive heating element and at least one inductive heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise a combination of resistive heating elements and inductive heating elements.

[0266] During use, the heater can be controlled to operate within a limited operating temperature range below the maximum operating temperature. An operating temperature range between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 300 degrees Celsius in the heating chamber is preferred. The operating temperature range of the heater can be between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 250 degrees Celsius.

[0267] Preferably, the operating temperature range of the heater may be between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the operating temperature range of the heater may be between about 180 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius. In particular, it has been found that optimal and consistent aerosol delivery can be achieved when using an aerosol generating device with an external heater having an operating temperature range between about 180 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius, wherein the aerosol generating article has a relatively low RTD (e.g., a downstream segment RTD of less than 15 mm H2O) as described in the present disclosure.

[0268] In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article includes a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream segment or the hollow tubular element, the ventilation zone may be arranged to be exposed when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber. Thus, the heating chamber or the length of the heating chamber may be less than the distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article to the ventilation zone located along the downstream segment. In other words, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the upstream element may be greater than the length of the heating chamber.

[0269] When the article is received in the heating chamber, the venting zone may be positioned at least 0.5 mm away from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the device itself (in the downstream direction of the article). When the article is received in the heating chamber, the venting zone may be positioned at least 1 mm away from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the device itself (in the downstream direction of the article). When the article is received in the heating chamber, the venting zone may be positioned at least 2 mm away from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the device itself (in the downstream direction of the article).

[0270] Preferably, the ratio between the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the upstream element and the length of the heating chamber is from 1.03 to 1.13.

[0271] Such positioning of the ventilation zone ensures that the ventilation zone is not blocked within the heating chamber itself, whilst also minimising the risk of blockage by the lips or hands of a user, as the ventilation zone is located as far upstream as reasonably possible from the downstream end of the article without being blocked within the heating chamber.

[0272] The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. In some examples, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that allows storage of enough energy for one or more user operations (e.g., one or more aerosol generation experiences). For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of about six minutes (corresponding to the typical time spent smoking a conventional cigarette) or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heater.

[0273] Any one or more features of one example, embodiment or aspect described herein may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.

[0274] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0275] EX1. An aerosol generating article, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate; and a downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the downstream segment comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream segment having a length of at least 25 mm, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1.

[0276] EX2. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.95.

[0277] EX3. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0278] EX4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein a ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.85.

[0279] EX5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.82.

[0280] EX6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein a ratio of the weight of the downstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0281] EX7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.45.

[0282] EX8. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.55.

[0283] EX9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.65.

[0284] EX10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.75.

[0285] EX11. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0286] EX12. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.85.

[0287] EX13. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0288] EX14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length less than or equal to 60 mm.

[0289] EX15. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0290] EX16. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length less than or equal to 45 mm.

[0291] EX17. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more tubular elements comprises a hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment.

[0292] EX18. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX17, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length between 6 mm and 25 mm.

[0293] EX19. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX17 or example EX18, wherein the hollow tubular element has an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0294] EX20. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX19, wherein the hollow tubular element has a weight less than or equal to 150 mg.

[0295] EX21. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX20, wherein the hollow tubular element has a weight between 40 mg and 150 mg.

[0296] EX22. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX21, wherein the hollow tubular element has a wall thickness less than or equal to 1500 microns.

[0297] EX23. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX22, wherein the hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of between 500 and 1500 microns.

[0298] EX24. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX23, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed of a material having a grammage less than or equal to 80 gsm.

[0299] EX25. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX17 to EX24, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed of a material having a grammage between 60 gsm and 80 gsm.

[0300] EX26. The aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more tubular elements include a second hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element.

[0301] EX27. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX26, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a length between 6 mm and 20 mm.

[0302] EX28. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX26 or example EX27, wherein the second hollow tubular element has an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0303] EX29. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX28, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a weight less than or equal to 80 mg.

[0304] EX30. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX29, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a weight between 40 mg and 80 mg.

[0305] EX31. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX30, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a wall thickness less than or equal to 1500 microns.

[0306] EX32. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX31, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of between 200 and 1500 microns.

[0307] EX33. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX32, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 400 mg / cm3.

[0308] EX34. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX26 to EX33, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed of a material having a density between 200 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3.

[0309] EX35. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples EX26 to EX34, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed of one or more materials selected from the following: cellulose acetate; cardboard; curled paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment; and polymer materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0310] EX36. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0311] EX37. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters.

[0312] EX38. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters.

[0313] EX39. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0314] EX40. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream section comprises a downstream filter segment.

[0315] EX41. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX40, wherein the downstream filter segment comprises at least one filter segment formed of a fibrous filter material.

[0316] EX42. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX40, wherein the downstream filter segment comprises at least one filter segment formed from cardboard.

[0317] EX43. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX40 to EX42, wherein the downstream filter segment has a length between 3 mm and 11 mm.

[0318] EX44. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX40 to EX43, wherein the downstream filter segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 11 mmH2O.

[0319] EX45. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX40 to EX43, wherein the downstream filter segment is formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 400 mg / cm3.

[0320] EX46. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX40 to EX45, wherein the downstream filter segment is formed of a material having a density between 200 mg / cm3 and 400 mg / cm3.

[0321] EX47. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX40 to EX46, wherein the first hollow tubular element and the downstream filter segment have a combined length of between 24 mm and 32 mm.

[0322] EX48. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX40 to EX47, wherein the downstream filter segment has a weight less than or equal to 70 mg.

[0323] EX49. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX40 to EX48, wherein the downstream filter segment has a weight between 50 mg and 70 mg.

[0324] EX50. An aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX40 to EX49, wherein the downstream section comprises a downstream tubular element adjacent to a downstream end of the downstream filter segment.

[0325] EX51. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX50, wherein the downstream tubular element is a third hollow tubular element.

[0326] EX52. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX50 or example EX51, wherein the downstream tubular element has a weight less than or equal to 500 mg.

[0327] EX53. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX50 to EX52, wherein the downstream tubular element has a weight between 50 mg and 500 mg.

[0328] EX54. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples EX50 to EX53, wherein the downstream tubular element has a length between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0329] EX55. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX50 to EX54, wherein the downstream tubular element has a resistance to draw (RTD) between 1 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O.

[0330] EX56. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX50 to EX55, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed of a material having a density less than or equal to 240 mg / cm3.

[0331] EX57. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX50 to EX56, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed of a material having a density between 100 mg / cm3 and 240 mg / cm3.

[0332] EX58. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX50 to EX57, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0333] EX59. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a weight less than or equal to 300 mg.

[0334] EX60. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a weight between 120 mg and 300 mg.

[0335] EX61. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein a ratio of a weight of the downstream segment to a weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.45.

[0336] EX62. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a length of at least 18 mm.

[0337] EX63. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a length between 18 mm and 40 mm.

[0338] EX64. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 20 mmH2O.

[0339] EX65. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 1 mmH2O.

[0340] EX66. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the downstream segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 0.01 mmH2O.

[0341] EX67. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, comprising an upstream segment disposed at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment, the upstream segment comprising an upstream element.

[0342] EX68. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX67, wherein the upstream element has a length between 2 mm and 8 mm.

[0343] EX69. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX67 or example EX68, wherein the upstream element is formed by a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity providing an unrestricted flow passage.

[0344] EX70. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX69, wherein the longitudinal lumen of the hollow tubular segment has a diameter of at least 5 mm.

[0345] EX71. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX69 or example EX70, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a wall thickness of less than 1 mm.

[0346] EX72. An aerosol-generating article according to examples EX67 to EX71, wherein the upstream element has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than about 2 mmH2O.

[0347] EX73. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX72, wherein the upstream end of the upstream element defines the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0348] EX74. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX67 to EX73, wherein the upstream element has a weight less than or equal to 70 mg.

[0349] EX75. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX74, wherein the upstream element has a weight between 50 mg and 70 mg.

[0350] EX76. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX75, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.4.

[0351] EX77. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX76, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0352] EX78. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX77, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0353] EX79. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX78, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0354] EX80. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX67 to EX79, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment and the upstream segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0355] EX81. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw (RTD) between 20 mmH2O and 22 mmH2O.

[0356] EX82. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm.

[0357] EX83. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter less than or equal to about 12 mm.

[0358] EX84. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein an outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article is substantially uniform along the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0359] EX85. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a weight less than or equal to 700 mg.

[0360] EX86. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a weight between 350 mg and 700 mg.

[0361] EX87. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a strip of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0362] EX88. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX87, wherein the strip of aerosol-forming substrate comprises a substantially solid cylinder.

[0363] EX89. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, comprising a packaging material defining at least the aerosol-forming substrate segment.

[0364] EX90. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX89, wherein the packaging is a paper packaging.

[0365] EX91. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX89 or example EX90, wherein the package has a grammage between 15 gsm and 35 gsm.

[0366] EX92. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX89 to EX91, wherein the wrapper has a thickness between 25 microns and 55 microns.

[0367] EX93. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, comprising one or more susceptor elements.

[0368] EX94. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX90, wherein the one or more susceptor elements are disposed in the aerosol-forming substrate segment.

[0369] EX95. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.4.

[0370] EX96. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0371] EX97. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0372] EX98. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0373] EX99. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0374] EX100. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a length of at least 8 millimeters.

[0375] EX101. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a length between 8 mm and 25 mm.

[0376] EX102. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a length between 13 mm and 25 mm.

[0377] EX103. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) between 4 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O.

[0378] EX104. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a weight of at least 200 mg.

[0379] EX105. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a weight between 200 mg and 400 mg.

[0380] EX106. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more aerosol formers.

[0381] EX107. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 10 wt.-% on a dry weight basis.

[0382] EX108. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of between 10 wt% and 20 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0383] EX109. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming agent content of between 50 wt% and 80 wt% on a dry weight basis.

[0384] EX110. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX106 to EX109, wherein the one or more aerosol formers include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0385] EX111. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a weight of at least 200 mg.

[0386] EX112. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a weight between 200 mg and 400 mg.

[0387] EX113. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises shredded tobacco material.

[0388] EX114. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX113, wherein the shredded tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 100 mg / cm3.

[0389] EX115. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX113 or example EX114, wherein the shredded tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 200 mg / cm3.

[0390] EX116. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX115, wherein the shredded tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 300 mg / cm3.

[0391] EX117. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX116, wherein the shredded tobacco material has a weight of at least 200 mg.

[0392] EX118. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX117, wherein the shredded tobacco material has a weight between 200 mg and 300 mg.

[0393] EX119. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX118, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.45.

[0394] EX120. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX119, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0395] EX121. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX120, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.55.

[0396] EX122. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX121, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0397] EX123. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX122, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.65.

[0398] EX124. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX123, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0399] EX125. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX124, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.75.

[0400] EX126. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX125, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0401] EX127. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX126, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.85.

[0402] EX128. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX127, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.9.

[0403] EX129. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX127, wherein the ratio of the weight of shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0404] EX130. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX127, wherein the ratio of the weight of shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.85.

[0405] EX131. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX113 to EX127, wherein the ratio of the weight of shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0406] EX132. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein a ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.3.

[0407] EX133. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.35.

[0408] EX134. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.37.

[0409] EX135. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding example, comprising a ventilation zone.

[0410] EX136. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX135, wherein the ventilation zone is disposed at a position along the downstream section.

[0411] EX137. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX135, wherein the ventilation zone is provided at a position along the first hollow tubular element.

[0412] EX138. An aerosol-generating article according to example EX135, wherein the ventilation zone is disposed at a distance between 26 mm and 33 mm from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0413] EX139. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX135 to EX138, wherein the ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article is between 10% and 30%.

[0414] EX140. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX135 to EX139, wherein the ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article is between 12% and 25%.

[0415] EX141. An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising:

[0416] An aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples 1 to 140; and

[0417] An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0418] a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; and

[0419] At least a heating element is arranged at or around the periphery of the heating chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0420] In the following, the present invention will be further described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0421] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0422] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure;

[0423] Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure;

[0424] Figure 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0425] Figure 5shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure;

[0426] Figure 6 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure;

[0427] Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure;

[0428] Figure 8 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0429] The aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in all figures of the present disclosure include an aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 and a downstream segment 4 located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. The aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 6. In these examples, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is a strip of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 extend from an upstream end or distal end 8 to a downstream end or mouth end 10. The downstream end or mouth end 10 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream segment 4.

[0430] Each component of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in the figures and described in the present disclosure may be defined by a corresponding wrapper, or may be joined together by one or more wrappers not shown in the figures.

[0431] The aerosol-forming substrate 6 is defined by a wrapper (not shown) and comprises at least one type of aerosol-forming substrate described in the present disclosure, such as plant cut filler (particularly tobacco cut filler), homogenized tobacco, a gel preparation, an aerosol-forming film, or a homogenized plant material comprising particles of plants other than tobacco.

[0432] The aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 has an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 mm.

[0433] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating article 100 is shown having a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 1 In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 100 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0434] Figure 1The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises one or more tubular elements. Figure 1 In an example of the invention, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Therefore, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0435] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0436] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. Figure 1 In an example of the invention, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 21 mm, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 250 μm.

[0437] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 1 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 mm.

[0438] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18. The upstream element 18 is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0439] The aerosol-generating article 100 has a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 includes at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and any wrapper (not shown) defining the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0440] exist Figure 1In the example of , the aerosol-forming substrate has a bulk density of about 440 mg / cm3. The aerosol-generating article 100 has a weight of about 505 mg.

[0441] Figure 2 An aerosol-generating article 200 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 2 In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 200 does not include an upstream section. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is defined by the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0442] Figure 2 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in FIG. 1 comprises one or more tubular elements. Figure 2 In an example of the invention, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Therefore, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0443] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. Figure 2 In an example of the invention, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 21 mm, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 250 μm.

[0444] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 2 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 mm.

[0445] The aerosol-generating article 100 has a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 includes at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and any wrapper (not shown) defining the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0446] Figure 1 The weight of the downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is approximately 273 mg.

[0447] exist Figure 2 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 is about 22 mm, and the weight of the aerosol-generating article 200 is about 560 mg.

[0448] Figure 2 The aerosol-generating article 200 shown in FIG. 2 does not include an upstream element.

[0449] exist Figure 2 In the example of , the aerosol-forming substrate 6 has a weight of about 381 mg. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a weight of 560 mg. Figure 2 In the case of the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in , the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.47.

[0450] Figure 3 An aerosol-generating article 300 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 300 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 3 In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 300 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0451] Figure 3 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in FIG. 1 comprises one or more tubular elements. Figure 3 In an example of the invention, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Therefore, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 300 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0452] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0453] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. Figure 3In an example of the invention, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 21 mm, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is about 250 μm.

[0454] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 3 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 mm.

[0455] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18. The upstream element 18 is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0456] The aerosol-generating article 300 has a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 includes at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and any wrapper (not shown) defining the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0457] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the aerosol-forming substrate has a bulk density of about 500 mg / cm3. As a result, Figure 3 The weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the example is 337 mg.

[0458] Figure 3 The aerosol-generating article 300 has a weight of 515 mg. Figure 3 In the case of the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in , the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.44.

[0459] Figure 4 An aerosol-generating article 400 is shown having a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 4 In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 400 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 400 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0460] Figure 4 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in FIG. 4 comprises one or more tubular elements. In this example, the one or more tubular elements comprise a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16 and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0461] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2.

[0462] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0463] The downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 400 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0464] exist Figure 4 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0465] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0466] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 mm, and the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 1.5 mm.

[0467] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0468] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 mm, and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 mm.

[0469] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 4 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 mm.

[0470] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18 adjacent the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0471] The aerosol-generating article 400 includes a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and the wrapper (not shown) defining the first hollow tubular element 14. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 .

[0472] The aerosol-generating article 400 has an elongated susceptor element 24 located within an aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 so as to be generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. Since the elongated susceptor element 24 is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field.

[0473] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the susceptor element 24 is positioned at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and effectively extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In practice, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0474] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being displaced from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and ensures that a consumer does not accidentally come into contact with a heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0475] Figure 4 The aerosol-generating article 400 has a weight of approximately 513 mg.

[0476] Figure 5 An aerosol-generating article 500 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 500 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 5In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 500 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 500 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0477] Figure 5 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 500 shown in FIG. 5 comprises one or more tubular elements. In this example, the one or more tubular elements comprise a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16 and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0478] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2.

[0479] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0480] The downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 500 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0481] exist Figure 5 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0482] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 500.

[0483] exist Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 mm.

[0484] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 500.

[0485] exist Figure 5In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 mm, and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 mm.

[0486] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 5 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 mm.

[0487] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18 adjacent the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0488] The aerosol-generating article 500 includes a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and the wrapper (not shown) defining the first hollow tubular element 14. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 .

[0489] The aerosol-generating article 500 has an elongated susceptor element 24 located within an aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 so as to be generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. Since the elongated susceptor element 24 is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field.

[0490] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the susceptor element 24 is positioned at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and effectively extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In practice, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0491] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being displaced from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and ensures that a consumer does not accidentally come into contact with a heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0492] exist Figure 5 In the example of , the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is 1 mm. Therefore, the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 is 47 mg. As a result, the weight of the aerosol-generating article 500 is 484 mg, and the weight of the downstream section 4 is 157 mg.

[0493] Reducing the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 reduces the weight of the downstream section 4. Figure 4 In the case of the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in , the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.53.

[0494] Figure 6 An aerosol-generating article 600 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 600 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 6 In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 600 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 600 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0495] Figure 6 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 600 shown in FIG. 6 comprises one or more tubular elements. In this example, the one or more tubular elements comprise a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16 and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0496] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2.

[0497] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0498] The downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 600 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0499] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0500] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 600.

[0501] exist Figure 6In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 mm, and the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 1.5 mm.

[0502] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an inner cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The inner cavity is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the inner cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 600.

[0503] exist Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 5 , the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 mm, and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 mm.

[0504] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 6 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 mm.

[0505] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18 adjacent the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0506] The aerosol-generating article 600 includes a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and the wrapper (not shown) defining the first hollow tubular element 14. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 .

[0507] The aerosol-generating article 600 has an elongated susceptor element 24 located within an aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 so as to be generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. Since the elongated susceptor element 24 is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field.

[0508] like Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the susceptor element 24 is positioned at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and effectively extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In practice, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0509] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being displaced from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and ensures that a consumer does not accidentally come into contact with a heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0510] The overall length of the aerosol-generating article 600 is Figure 4 However, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 and the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is increased to 19 mm. In order to allow for an increase in the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2 without increasing the overall length of the aerosol-generating article 600, Figure 6 In the example of Figure 4 length of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0511] exist Figure 6 In the aerosol-generating article 600 , the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is 7 mm, and the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is 7 mm.

[0512] Reducing the length of the first hollow tubular member 14 reduces the weight of the first hollow tubular member 14 to 37 mg. Reducing the length of the second hollow tubular member 22 reduces the weight of the second hollow tubular member 22 to 57 mg. Figure 6 In the example of , increasing the length of the aerosol-forming section 2 increases the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 to 329 mg. As a result, the aerosol-generating article 600 has a weight of 516 mg, and the downstream section 4 has a weight of 155.25 mg.

[0513] Thus, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 while also reducing the weight of the first hollow tubular element 14 and reducing the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 reduces the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 to 0.47.

[0514] Figure 7 An aerosol-generating article 700 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 700 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. Figure 7In the example of , the aerosol-generating article 700 further comprises an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 700 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0515] Figure 5 The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 700 shown in FIG. 7 comprises one or more tubular elements. In this example, the one or more tubular elements comprise a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16.

[0516] The hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate segment 2.

[0517] The downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 adjoins the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 700 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0518] exist Figure 7 In the example of , the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimetres.

[0519] exist Figure 7 In the example of , the hollow tubular element 14 has a tubular body that defines a cavity 25 extending from a first end 26 of the tubular body to a second end 27 of the tubular body. The hollow tubular element 14 also has a folded end portion that forms a first end wall 28 at the first end 26 of the tubular body. The first end wall 28 defines an opening 29 that allows airflow between the cavity 25 and the exterior of the hollow tubular element 14. In particular, Figure 7 The example is configured such that an aerosol can flow from the aerosol-forming substrate 6 through the opening 29 into the cavity 25 .

[0520] exist Figure 7 In the example of , the cavity 25 is substantially empty, and thus substantially unrestricted airflow is achieved along the cavity 25. Therefore, Figure 7 The RTD of the hollow tubular element 14 in the embodiment of the present invention can be localized at a specific longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element 14, namely at the first end wall 28, and can be controlled by the selected configuration of the first end wall 28 and its corresponding opening 29. Figure 7 In the example of , the RTD of the hollow tubular element 14 (which is substantially the RTD of the first end wall 28) is substantially 10 mm H2O. Figure 7 In the example of , the hollow tubular element 14 has a length of about 16 mm, an outer diameter of about 7.1 mm and an inner diameter of about 6.5 mm. Therefore, the thickness of the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element is about 0.3 mm.

[0521] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 7 In the example of , the length of the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 mm.

[0522] The upstream section 12 comprises an upstream element 18 adjacent the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical rod of cellulose acetate tow. Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 1 , the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 mm.

[0523] The aerosol-generating article 700 includes a ventilation zone 20 disposed at a location along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and the wrapper (not shown) defining the hollow tubular element 14. Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone 20 is disposed at a distance of about 2 mm from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 .

[0524] The hollow tubular element 14 of the aerosol-generating article 700 has a weight of 50 mg. This results in the aerosol-generating article 700 having a weight of 438 mg, of which the downstream section 4 has a weight of 111.5 mg. Thus, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.38. Figure 8 An example of an aerosol generating system 800 is shown. The aerosol generating system 800 includes an exemplary aerosol generating device 900 and a Figures 1 to 7 An aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 of any one of the items shown in and described above.

[0525] Figure 8 A downstream mouth end portion of an aerosol generating device 900 is shown, where a heating chamber is defined and an aerosol generating article can be received. The aerosol generating device 900 includes a housing (or body) 30 extending between a mouth end 32 and a distal end (not shown). The housing 30 includes a peripheral wall 34. The peripheral wall 34 defines a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. The heating chamber is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The mouth end of the heating chamber is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 800. The aerosol generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is configured to be received by the mouth end of the heating chamber and is configured to be adjacent to the closed end of the heating chamber.

[0526] A device airflow channel 36 is defined within the peripheral wall 34. The airflow channel 36 extends between an inlet 38 located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 900 and the closed end of the heating chamber. Air can enter the aerosol-forming substrate 2 via an orifice (not shown) provided at the closed end of the heating chamber, thereby ensuring fluid communication between the airflow channel 36 and the aerosol-forming substrate 2.

[0527] The aerosol generating device 900 further comprises a heater (not shown) and a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control the supply of such power to the heater. The heater is configured to controllably heat the aerosol generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 when the aerosol generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is received in the aerosol generating device 900 during use. The heater is preferably arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 2 of the aerosol generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 from the outside for optimal aerosol generation. The ventilation region 20 of the aerosol-generating article 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 is arranged to be exposed when the aerosol-generating article 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 is received within the aerosol-generating device 900 .

[0528] For the purpose of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed herein. Therefore, in this article, the number A is understood to be ± 10% of A. In this article, the number A may be considered to be included in the numerical value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of A deviation will not substantially affect the basic features and novel features of the invention claimed for protection. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may be specifically listed or may not be listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate section housing an aerosol-forming substrate; as well as a downstream section disposed at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimetres, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 1.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.

9.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.

85.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is less than or equal to 0.

8.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the downstream section has a length of between 18 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the downstream section has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 20 mmH2O.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, comprising an upstream section provided at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the upstream section comprising an upstream element.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein the upstream element is formed from a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity providing an unrestricted flow passage.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the upstream element has a weight less than or equal to 70 mg.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more susceptor elements, wherein the one or more susceptor elements are provided in the aerosol-forming substrate section.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate segment has a length of at least 8 millimetres.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more aerosol formers.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-former content of at least 10 wt-% on a dry weight basis.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate segment to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.

3.

15. An aerosol generating system, comprising: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims; as well as An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; as well as At least a heating element is arranged at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

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