Aerosol-generating article having multiple strands of aerosol-generating material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) that generates an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) comprises an aerosol-generating section (12). The aerosol-generating section (12) comprises an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) comprises a downstream section (14) downstream of the aerosol-generating section (12), where the downstream section (14) comprises a support element (20) having an upstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section (12). The support element (20) comprises an opening (21, 23) at an end of the support element (20). A ratio of a width of the openings (21, 23) to an average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to about 20. The aerosol-generating article (1, 2, 3, 4) further comprises an upstream section (32) upstream of the aerosol-generating section, where the upstream section (32) comprises an upstream element (34) having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and adapted to generate an inhalable aerosol upon heating. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate (such as a tobacco-containing material) is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The aim of such "heated" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce certain smoke components of the type produced by the combustion and thermal degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in a heated aerosol-generating article, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating substrate. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, the compounds condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the user.

[0004] Many handheld aerosol-generating devices configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are known in the art. These devices include electrically operated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. Known handheld electrically operated aerosol-generating devices typically include a battery or other power source, control electronics, and one or more electrical heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol-generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising an external heating element defining an outer perimeter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Other known electrically operated aerosol-generating devices include internal heating elements configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO 2013 / 098410A2 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element in the form of a blade inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] Electrically-operated aerosol-generating devices that include a sensor are also known in the art, the sensor being configured to inductively heat an aerosol-forming substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO2015 / 176898A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system that includes an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device having a sensor for generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field and an aerosol-generating article having an internal susceptor located within the aerosol-forming substrate. In use, the alternating electromagnetic field generated by the sensor induces a current in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an agglomerated sheet of homogenized tobacco material or other aerosol-forming material.

[0008] As described in WO 2015 / 176898 A1, direct contact between an internal heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article can provide an effective means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an inhalable aerosol. In such a configuration, when the internal heating element is actuated, heat from the internal heating element can be transferred almost instantaneously to at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, and this can facilitate the rapid generation of aerosol. Additionally, the total heating energy required to generate the aerosol may be lower than in the case of an aerosol-generating system that includes an external heating element, where the aerosol-forming substrate is not in direct contact with the external heating element and the initial heating of the aerosol-forming substrate occurs mainly by convection or radiation. In the case of direct contact between the internal heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate, the initial heating of the portion of the aerosol-forming substrate in direct contact with the internal heating element will occur mainly by conduction.

[0009] A heated aerosol-generating article designed to be used with an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device is typically inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device for heating. This can displace the aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Heating the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating article can cause drying of the aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-forming substrate. This can make the aerosol-forming material more prone to displacement. During use of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-forming material removed from the aerosol-forming substrate may fall out of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the amount and location of the aerosol-forming material in the aerosol-forming substrate can vary during use of the aerosol-generating article. This can adversely affect the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user. During use of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-forming material removed from the aerosol-forming substrate can fall into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-forming material removed from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article that falls into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may prevent or inhibit the aerosol-generating device from functioning optimally. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is desired to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, in which the quality and consistency of the aerosol delivered to the user are improved compared to known heated tobacco products. It is also desired to provide an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device that allows the aerosol-generating device to function optimally.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may include a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may include a support element having an upstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section. The support element may include an opening at an end of the support element. The ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to about 20. The aerosol-generating article may include an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may include an upstream element having a downstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section.

[0012] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article, preferably an aerosol-generating article for generating an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section includes an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate includes a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating article includes a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section includes a support element having an upstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section. The support element includes an opening at an end of the support element. The ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to about 20. The aerosol-generating article includes an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section includes an upstream element having a downstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section.

[0013] Providing a downstream support element having an opening at one of its ends and a ratio of the width of the opening to the average width of a plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material less than or equal to about 20 can reduce the risk of any displaced aerosol - forming material migrating further downstream towards the mouth end of the aerosol - generating article. This ratio can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material so as to impede said migration of the aerosol - forming material. Although the opening can be large enough for the strands to fit through, internal packing friction between the strands within the aerosol - generating section and the obstruction of other adjacent strands can also play a role in preventing this migration. However, this ratio can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material so as to impede and reduce said migration of the aerosol - forming material while maintaining an acceptable draw resistance (RTD) for the entire article, such that any impact on the consumer experience can be minimized. Additionally, the strands generally have an average length substantially greater than their average width. Thus, any strand that may protrude through the opening still needs to travel a distance equivalent to its average length relatively difficultly in order to migrate successfully downstream.

[0014] Providing an upstream element upstream of the aerosol - generating section can prevent or limit aerosol - forming material removed from the aerosol - forming substrate from leaving the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article during transportation or handling of the aerosol - generating article or from entering the chamber of the aerosol - generating device during use of the aerosol - generating article. Providing an upstream element in addition to the downstream support element effectively sandwiches the aerosol - generating section between the upstream element and the downstream support element so as to reduce aerosol - forming material migration both upstream and downstream of the aerosol - generating section while maintaining an acceptable draw resistance (RTD) for the entire article, such that any impact on the consumer experience can be minimized.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating article" is used to describe an article that includes an aerosol - forming substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

[0016] As used herein, the term "aerosol - forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate that includes aerosol - forming material that is capable of releasing aerosol - generating volatile compounds upon heating.

[0017] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The aerosol can be visible or invisible. The aerosol can include vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0018] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0019] The aerosol generating article has a proximal end through which, in use, the aerosol exits the aerosol generating article for delivery to the user. The proximal end of the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or the mouth end of the aerosol generating article. In use, the user draws directly or indirectly on the proximal end of the aerosol generating article in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article.

[0020] The aerosol generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0021] Components of the aerosol generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative position between the proximal end and the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

[0022] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. In use, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of the aerosol generating article or a component of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] As used herein, the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise specified, a reference to a "cross-section" of the aerosol generating article or a component of the aerosol generating article refers to a cross-section.

[0025] As used herein, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum dimension of the aerosol generating article or a component of the aerosol generating article in the transverse direction. In the case where the aerosol generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol generating article. In the case where a component of the aerosol generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] As used herein, the term "thickness" is used to describe the maximum dimension of the aerosol generating article or a component of the aerosol generating article in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0027] As used herein, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or element having a length greater than its width and thickness. For example, the length of an elongated component or element can be at least twice its width. The elongated component or element can have a width that is substantially the same as its thickness. For example, the elongated element can have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section. The elongated component or element can have a width that is greater than its thickness. For example, the elongated element can have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially elliptical or oval cross-section.

[0028] As used herein with respect to an aerosol-forming substrate, the term "strand" describes an elongated element of aerosol-forming material having a length that is substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0029] As used herein with respect to an aerosol-forming substrate, the term "density" refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming section of an aerosol-generating article. The density of the aerosol-forming substrate is calculated by dividing the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article by the volume occupied by the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, in the case where the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article is substantially cylindrical and includes the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate defined by a wrapper, the density of the aerosol-forming substrate is equal to the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate divided by the cylindrical volume defined by the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0030] As used herein, the term "sensing element" is used to describe an element that includes a sensing material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field, at least one of the hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the sensing element causes heating of the sensing element.

[0031] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salts. In embodiments where the aerosol-forming substrate includes nicotine base or nicotine salts, the amounts of nicotine described herein are the amounts of free-base nicotine or protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0032] As used herein, the term "tobacco cut filler" is used to describe an aerosol-forming substrate that includes a plurality of tobacco strands. In the case where the aerosol-forming substrate is tobacco cut filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-forming material is the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler.

[0033] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" is used to describe a material formed by coalescing particulate plant material. The homogenized plant material can be formed by coalescing the particles of plant material obtained by grinding, milling, or crushing the plant material. The homogenized plant material can be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking processes, or other suitable processes known in the art.

[0034] As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by coalescing particulate tobacco material.

[0035] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit flow at steady state.

[0036] As used herein, the term "heat transfer enhancement element" is used to describe an element having a thermal conductivity at 25 degrees Celsius greater than that of multiple strands of aerosol-forming material at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0037] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to describe a generally cylindrical element having a lumen along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. In particular, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to describe an element that defines at least one air flow conduit that establishes unobstructed fluid communication between the upstream end and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0038] In the context of the present disclosure, the hollow tubular element provides an unobstructed flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible draw resistance (RTD) level. As used herein, the term "negligible RTD level" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mmH 2 O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element, less than 0.4 mmH 2 O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element, or less than 0.1 mmH 2 O per 10 mm length of the hollow tubular element. Thus, the flow channel should be free of any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel may be substantially empty.

[0039] As used herein, the term "ventilation level" describes the volume ratio of the air flow (ventilation air flow) entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone to the sum of the aerosol air flow and the ventilation air flow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the user.

[0040] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-forming matrix described herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-forming material described herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming material.

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, the average values described herein are arithmetic averages.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, the draw resistance (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is measured at a temperature of 22 °C, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60% at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article or its component at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 mL / s in accordance with ISO 6565-2015.

[0044] As used herein, the RTD per unit length of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is equal to the RTD of the aerosol-generating article divided by the length of the aerosol-generating article or the RTD of the component divided by the length of the component, respectively.

[0045] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of at least 35 mm, at least 38 mm, at least 40 mm, or at least 42 mm.

[0046] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of less than or equal to 100 mm, less than or equal to 70 mm, less than or equal to 60 mm, or less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0047] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 35 mm and 100 mm, between 35 mm and 70 mm, between 35 mm and 60 mm, or between 35 mm and 50 mm.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 38 mm and 100 mm, between 38 mm and 70 mm, between 38 mm and 60 mm, or between 38 mm and 50 mm.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 40 mm and 100 mm, between 40 mm and 70 mm, between 40 mm and 60 mm, or between 40 mm and 50 mm.

[0050] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 42 mm and 100 mm, between 42 mm and 70 mm, between 42 mm and 60 mm, or between 42 mm and 50 mm.

[0051] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 45 mm.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

[0053] The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0055] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter that is less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter that is between 5 mm and 12 mm, between 5 mm and 10 mm, or between 5 mm and 8 mm.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter that is between 6 mm and 12 mm, between 6 mm and 10 mm, or between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter that is between 7 mm and 12 mm, between 7 mm and 10 mm, or between 7 mm and 8 mm.

[0059] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 7.1 mm or an outer diameter of 7.2 mm.

[0060] The aerosol-generating section may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0061] The aerosol-generating section may have a length that is less than or equal to 60 mm, less than or equal to 45 mm, less than or equal to 35 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0062] The aerosol-generating section may have a length that is between 4 mm and 60 mm, between 4 mm and 45 mm, between 4 mm and 35 mm, between 4 mm and 25 mm, or between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0063] The aerosol-generating section may have a length that is between 6 mm and 60 mm, between 6 mm and 45 mm, between 6 mm and 35 mm, between 6 mm and 25 mm, or between 6 mm and 15 mm.

[0064] The aerosol-generating section may have a length that is between 8 mm and 60 mm, between 8 mm and 45 mm, between 8 mm and 35 mm, between 8 mm and 25 mm, or between 8 mm and 15 mm.

[0065] The aerosol-generating section may have a length that is between 10 mm and 60 mm, between 10 mm and 45 mm, between 10 mm and 35 mm, between 10 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm.

[0066] For example, the aerosol-generating section may have a length of 11 mm or a length of 12 mm.

[0067] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating section to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0068] The ratio of the length of the aerosol - generating section to the total length of the aerosol - generating article may be less than or equal to 0.60, less than or equal to 0.50, less than or equal to 0.40, less than or equal to 0.35, or less than or equal to 0.30.

[0069] The ratio of the length of the aerosol - generating section to the total length of the aerosol - generating article may be between 0.10 and 0.60, between 0.10 and 0.50, between 0.10 and 0.40, between 0.10 and 0.35, or between 0.10 and 0.30.

[0070] The ratio of the length of the aerosol - generating section to the total length of the aerosol - generating article may be between 0.15 and 0.60, between 0.15 and 0.50, between 0.15 and 0.40, between 0.15 and 0.35, or between 0.15 and 0.30.

[0071] The ratio of the length of the aerosol - generating section to the total length of the aerosol - generating article may be between 0.20 and 0.60, between 0.20 and 0.50, between 0.20 and 0.40, between 0.20 and 0.35, or between 0.20 and 0.30.

[0072] For example, the ratio of the length of the aerosol - generating section to the total length of the aerosol - generating article may be 0.27.

[0073] The aerosol - generating section may be substantially cylindrical.

[0074] The aerosol - generating section may have a substantially circular cross - section.

[0075] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol - generating article.

[0076] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0077] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0078] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter between 5 mm and 12 mm, between 5 mm and 10 mm, or between 5 mm and 8 mm.

[0079] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter between 6 mm and 12 mm, between 6 mm and 10 mm, or between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0080] The aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter between 7 mm and 12 mm, between 7 mm and 10 mm, or between 7 mm and 8 mm.

[0081] For example, the aerosol - generating section may have an outer diameter of 7 mm or 7.1 mm.

[0082] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be at least 4 mm H 2 O, at least 5 mm H 2 O, or at least 6 mm H 2 O.

[0083] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 25 mm H 2 O, less than or equal to 20 mm H 2 O, or less than or equal to 15 mm H 2 O.

[0084] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 10 mm H 2 O, less than or equal to 9 mm H 2 O, or less than or equal to 8 mm H 2 O.

[0085] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be between 4 mm H 2 O and 25 mm H 2 O, between 4 mm H 2 O and 20 mm H 2 O, or between 4 mm H 2 O and 20 mm H 2 O.

[0086] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be between 4 mm H 2 O and 10 mm H 2 O, between 4 mm H 2 O and 9 mm H 2 O, or between 4 mm H 2 O and 8 mm H 2 O.

[0087] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be between 5 mm H 2 O and 25 mm H 2 O, between 5 mm H 2 O and 20 mm H 2 O, or between 5 mm H 2 O and 15 mm H 2 O.

[0088] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section may be between 5 mm H 2 O and 10 mm H 2Between O and 5 mm H 2 Between O and 9 mm H 2 Between O and 5 mm H or at 5 mm H 2 Between O and 8 mm H 2 Between O and 8 mm H

[0089] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section can be between 6 mm H 2 O and 25 mm H 2 Between O and 6 mm H or at 6 mm H 2 O and 20 mm H 2 Between O and 6 mm H or at 6 mm H 2 O and 15 mm H 2 Between O and 15 mm H

[0090] The RTD of the aerosol - generating section can be between 6 mm H 2 O and 10 mm H 2 Between O and 6 mm H or at 6 mm H 2 O and 9 mm H 2 Between O and 6 mm H or at 6 mm H 2 O and 8 mm H 2 Between O and 8 mm H

[0091] The aerosol - generating substrate can have a density of at least 100 mg / cm³, at least 150 mg / cm³, at least 200 mg / cm³, at least 250 mg / cm³ or at least 275 mg / cm³.

[0092] The aerosol - generating substrate can have a density of less than or equal to 700 mg / cm³, less than or equal to 650 mg / cm³, less than or equal to 600 mg / cm³, less than or equal to 550 mg / cm³, or less than or equal to 500 mg / cm³.

[0093] The aerosol - generating substrate can have a density between 100 mg / cm³ and 700 mg / cm³, between 100 mg / cm³ and 650 mg / cm³, between 100 mg / cm³ and 600 mg / cm³, between 100 mg / cm³ and 550 mg / cm³ or between 100 mg / cm³ and 500 mg / cm³.

[0094] The aerosol - generating substrate can have a density between 150 mg / cm³ and 700 mg / cm³, between 150 mg / cm³ and 650 mg / cm³, between 150 mg / cm³ and 600 mg / cm³, between 150 mg / cm³ and 550 mg / cm³ or between 150 mg / cm³ and 500 mg / cm³.

[0095] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a density between 200 mg / cm³ and 700 mg / cm³, between 200 mg / cm³ and 650 mg / cm³, between 200 mg / cm³ and 600 mg / cm³, between 200 mg / cm³ and 550 mg / cm³, or between 200 mg / cm³ and 500 mg / cm³.

[0096] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a density between 250 mg / cm³ and 700 mg / cm³, between 250 mg / cm³ and 650 mg / cm³, between 250 mg / cm³ and 600 mg / cm³, between 250 mg / cm³ and 550 mg / cm³, or between 250 mg / cm³ and 500 mg / cm³.

[0097] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a density between 275 mg / cm³ and 700 mg / cm³, between 275 mg / cm³ and 650 mg / cm³, between 275 mg / cm³ and 600 mg / cm³, between 275 mg / cm³ and 550 mg / cm³, or between 275 mg / cm³ and 500 mg / cm³.

[0098] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass of at least 120 mg, at least 130 mg, at least 140 mg, at least 150 mg, or at least 160 mg.

[0099] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass less than or equal to 340 mg, less than or equal to 310 mg, less than or equal to 280 mg, less than or equal to 250 mg, or less than or equal to 220 mg.

[0100] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass between 120 mg and 340 mg, between 120 mg and 310 mg, between 120 mg and 280 mg, between 120 mg and 250 mg, or between 120 mg and 220 mg.

[0101] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass between 130 mg and 340 mg, between 130 mg and 310 mg, between 130 mg and 280 mg, between 130 mg and 250 mg, or between 130 mg and 220 mg.

[0102] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass between 140 mg and 340 mg, between 140 mg and 310 mg, between 140 mg and 280 mg, between 140 mg and 250 mg, or between 140 mg and 220 mg.

[0103] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass between 150 mg and 340 mg, between 150 mg and 310 mg, between 150 mg and 280 mg, between 150 mg and 250 mg, or between 150 mg and 220 mg.

[0104] The aerosol - generating substrate may have a mass between 160 mg and 340 mg, between 160 mg and 310 mg, between 160 mg and 280 mg, between 160 mg and 250 mg, or between 160 mg and 220 mg.

[0105] The aerosol - generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material.

[0106] The plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material may be randomly oriented within the aerosol - generating section. In use, this may help to retain the generated aerosol within the aerosol - generating section between draws.

[0107] The plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material may be arranged substantially parallel to each other within the aerosol - generating section.

[0108] The strands of aerosol - generating material may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol - generating section. That is, the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol - generating material may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section. For example, the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol - generating material may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section.

[0109] The aerosol - generating substrate may be defined by a wrapper. The aerosol - generating substrate may be defined by a paper wrapper. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may be defined by a rod wrapper.

[0110] The strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average length of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 5 mm.

[0111] The average length of the strands of aerosol - generating material is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the strands of aerosol - generating material in the aerosol - generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol - generating material in the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0112] The strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average length of less than or equal to 80 mm, less than or equal to 50 mm, less than or equal to 30 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, less than or equal to 20 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0113] The strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average length between 0.5 mm and 80 mm, between 0.5 mm and 50 mm, between 0.5 mm and 30 mm, between 0.5 mm and 25 mm, between 0.5 mm and 20 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 15 mm.

[0114] Strands of the aerosol - forming material may have an average length between 1 mm and 80 mm, between 1 mm and 50 mm, between 1 mm and 30 mm, between 1 mm and 25 mm, between 1 mm and 20 mm, or between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0115] Strands of the aerosol - forming material may have an average length between 2 mm and 80 mm, between 2 mm and 50 mm, between 2 mm and 30 mm, between 2 mm and 25 mm, between 2 mm and 20 mm, or between 2 mm and 15 mm.

[0116] Strands of the aerosol - forming material may have an average length between 5 mm and 30 mm, between 5 mm and 25 mm, between 5 mm and 20 mm, or between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[0117] For example, strands of the aerosol - forming material may have a length of 11 mm or a length of 12 mm.

[0118] Multiple strands of the aerosol - forming material may have substantially the same length.

[0119] The length of the strands of the aerosol - forming material may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol - forming section.

[0120] The length of the strands of the aerosol - forming material may be determined by the manufacturing process of the aerosol - forming section, in which a longer section is cut to form multiple shorter sections.

[0121] Strands of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm.

[0122] The average width of the strands of the aerosol - forming material is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the strands of the aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming matrix divided by the number of strands of the aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming matrix.

[0123] In the case where the aerosol - forming matrix is tobacco cut - filler, the average width of the multiple strands of the aerosol - forming material is the average cut - width of the tobacco cut - filler. The average cut - width of the tobacco cut - filler is equal to the sum of the individual cut - widths of each of the strands of tobacco in the aerosol - forming matrix divided by the number of strands of tobacco in the aerosol - forming matrix.

[0124] Strands of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.2 mm, or less than or equal to 0.9 mm.

[0125] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.1 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0126] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width between 0.3 mm and 5 mm, between 0.3 mm and 2 mm, between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.3 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.3 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0127] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width between 0.4 mm and 5 mm, between 0.4 mm and 2 mm, between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.4 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0128] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0129] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width between 0.6 mm and 5 mm, between 0.6 mm and 2 mm, between 0.6 mm and 1.5 mm, between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0130] For example, a strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width of 0.7 mm or 0.8 mm.

[0131] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness that is substantially the same as its average width.

[0132] The average thickness of a strand of the aerosol - forming material is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each strand of the aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming substrate divided by the number of strands of the aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0133] In the case where the aerosol - forming substrate is tobacco cut - filler, the thickness of a plurality of tobacco leaf strands is equal to the thickness of the tobacco leaf.

[0134] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have a substantially circular cross - section.

[0135] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average width greater than its average thickness.

[0136] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have a substantially rectangular cross - section.

[0137] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.18 mm or at least 0.2 mm.

[0138] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0139] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, between 0.1 mm and 0.6 mm or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0140] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness between 0.15 mm and 2 mm, between 0.15 mm and 1 mm, between 0.15 mm and 0.6 mm or between 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0141] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness between 0.18 mm and 2 mm, between 0.18 mm and 1 mm, between 0.18 mm and 0.6 mm or between 0.18 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0142] A strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, between 0.2 mm and 1 mm, between 0.2 mm and 0.6 mm or between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0143] For example, a strand of the aerosol - forming material may have an average thickness of 0.25 mm.

[0144] The aerosol - forming material may be plant material.

[0145] The aerosol - forming material may be non - tobacco plant material. Examples of suitable non - tobacco plant materials include cannabis material, ginger material, eucalyptus material, clove material and star anise material.

[0146] The aerosol - forming material may be tobacco material.

[0147] The aerosol - forming substrate may be tobacco cut - filler. The aerosol - forming material may be tobacco cut - filler.

[0148] The aerosol - forming material may be homogenized plant material.

[0149] Strands of the homogenized plant material may be formed by cutting or chopping sheets of the homogenized plant material. Strands of the homogenized plant material may be formed by other methods. For example, strands of the homogenized plant material may be formed by extrusion.

[0150] The aerosol - forming material may be homogenized non - tobacco plant material.

[0151] The aerosol - forming material can be a homogenized tobacco material.

[0152] The aerosol - forming material can be a gel material.

[0153] Strands of the gel material can be formed by cutting or chopping sheets of the gel material. Strands of the gel material can be formed by other methods. For example, strands of the gel material can be formed by extrusion.

[0154] The aerosol - forming material can comprise an aerosol - forming agent.

[0155] The aerosol - forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use. The aerosol - forming agent is substantially heat - resistant to degradation at the temperatures typically reached during the use of the aerosol - generating article.

[0156] Examples of suitable aerosol - forming agents include: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono -, di - or tri - acetate; aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0157] The aerosol - forming agent can include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of glycerol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0158] The aerosol - forming material can comprise at least 1 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt% or at least 15 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent. That is, the aerosol - forming material can have an aerosol - forming agent content of at least 1 wt%, at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt% or at least 15 wt%.

[0159] The aerosol - forming material can comprise less than or equal to 30 wt%, less than or equal to 25 wt%, or less than or equal to 20 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent. That is, the aerosol - forming material can have an aerosol - forming agent content of less than or equal to 30 wt%, less than or equal to 25 wt%, or less than or equal to 20 wt%.

[0160] The aerosol - forming material can comprise between 1 wt% and 30 wt%, between 1 wt% and 25 wt% or between 1 wt% and 20 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent.

[0161] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 5 wt% and 30 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 5 wt% and 25 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 5 wt% and 20 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0162] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 10 wt% and 30 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 10 wt% and 25 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 10 wt% and 20 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0163] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 15 wt% and 30 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 15 wt% and 25 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 15 wt% and 20 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0164] The aerosol - generating material may comprise at least 50 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, at least 60 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or at least 70 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0165] The aerosol - generating material may comprise less than or equal to 85 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, less than or equal to 80 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or less than or equal to 75 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0166] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 50 wt% and 85 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 50 wt% and 80 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 50 wt% and 75 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0167] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 60 wt% and 85 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 60 wt% and 80 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 60 wt% and 75 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0168] The aerosol - generating material may comprise between 70 wt% and 85 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, between 70 wt% and 80 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent, or between 70 wt% and 75 wt% of an aerosol - forming agent.

[0169] The aerosol - generating material may comprise nicotine.

[0170] The aerosol - generating material may comprise natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

[0171] The aerosol - generating material may comprise at least 0.5 wt% of nicotine, at least 1 wt% of nicotine, at least 1.5 wt% of nicotine, or at least 2 wt% of nicotine. That is to say, the aerosol - generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 1.5 wt%, or at least 2 wt%.

[0172] The aerosol - forming material may comprise nicotine in an amount less than or equal to 10% by weight, less than or equal to 8% by weight, less than or equal to 6% by weight, or less than or equal to 4% by weight. That is, the aerosol - forming material may have a nicotine content of less than or equal to 10% by weight, less than or equal to 8% by weight, less than or equal to 6% by weight, or less than or equal to 4% by weight.

[0173] The aerosol - forming material may comprise nicotine between 0.5% by weight and 10% by weight, between 0.5% by weight and 8% by weight, between 0.5% by weight and 6% by weight, or between 0.5% by weight and 4% by weight.

[0174] The aerosol - forming material may comprise nicotine between 1% by weight and 10% by weight, between 1% by weight and 8% by weight, between 1% by weight and 6% by weight, or between 1% by weight and 4% by weight.

[0175] The aerosol - forming material may comprise nicotine between 1.5% by weight and 10% by weight, between 1.5% by weight and 8% by weight, between 1.5% by weight and 6% by weight, or between 1.5% by weight and 4% by weight.

[0176] The aerosol - forming material may comprise nicotine between 2% by weight and 10% by weight, between 2% by weight and 8% by weight, between 2% by weight and 6% by weight, or between 2% by weight and 4% by weight.

[0177] The aerosol - forming substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material of substantially the same composition. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of homogenized tobacco material of substantially the same composition.

[0178] The aerosol - forming substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material of different compositions. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - forming material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol - forming material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise one or more strands of homogenized tobacco material having a first composition and one or more strands of gel material having a second composition.

[0179] In the case where the aerosol - generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol - generating material of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol - generating material may have an aerosol - forming agent content, by weight percentage, as described above. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol - generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein at least one of the first aerosol - generating material and the second aerosol - generating material has an aerosol - forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt%. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - generating material having an aerosol - forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt% and one or more strands of a second aerosol - generating material having an aerosol - forming agent content between 50 wt% and 85 wt%.

[0180] In the case where the aerosol - generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol - generating material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average aerosol - forming agent content, by weight percentage, as described above. For example, the strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average aerosol - forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt%, between 5 wt% and 25 wt% or between 5 wt% and 20 wt%. For example, the strands of aerosol - generating material may have an average aerosol - forming agent content between 50 wt% and 85 wt%, between 50 wt% and 80 wt% or between 50 wt% and 75 wt%.

[0181] The average aerosol - forming agent content of the strands of aerosol - generating material is equal to the sum of the individual aerosol - forming agent contents, by weight percentage, of each of the strands of aerosol - generating material in the aerosol - generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol - generating material in the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0182] In the case where the aerosol - generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol - generating material of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol - generating material may have an aerosol - forming agent content, by weight percentage, as described above. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol - generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein the first aerosol - generating material has an aerosol - forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt% and the second aerosol - generating material has an aerosol - forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt%.

[0183] In the case where the aerosol - forming substrate comprises strands of aerosol - forming material of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol - forming material may have a nicotine content by weight as described above. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - forming material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol - forming material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein at least one of the first aerosol - forming material and the second aerosol - forming material has a nicotine content between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt%. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - forming material having a nicotine content between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt% and one or more strands of a second aerosol - forming material having a nicotine content of 0 wt%.

[0184] In the case where the aerosol - forming substrate comprises strands of aerosol - forming material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol - forming material may have an average aerosol nicotine content by weight as described above. For example, the strands of aerosol - forming material may have an average nicotine content between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt%, between 0.5 wt% and 8 wt%, between 0.5 wt% and 6 wt% or between 0.5 wt% and 4 wt%.

[0185] The average nicotine content of the strands of aerosol - forming material is equal to the sum of the individual nicotine contents by weight of each of the strands of aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol - forming material in the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0186] In the case where the aerosol - forming substrate comprises strands of aerosol - forming material of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol - forming material may have a nicotine content by weight as described above. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol - forming material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol - forming material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein the first aerosol - forming material has a nicotine content between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt%, and the second aerosol - forming material has a nicotine content between 0.5 wt% and 10 wt%.

[0187] The aerosol - forming section may comprise a heat - transfer enhancing element located within the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0188] The heat - transfer enhancing element may be in thermal contact with the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0189] Advantageously, the heat - transfer enhancing element may be in direct contact with the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0190] The heat transfer enhancement element can promote heat transfer from an internal heating element to multiple strands of aerosol - forming material.

[0191] The heat transfer enhancement element can promote heat transfer between multiple strands of aerosol - forming material.

[0192] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity of at least 0.15 W / (mK), at least 0.2 W / (mK), at least 0.25 W / (mK), or at least 0.3 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0193] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 1700 W / (mK), less than or equal to 1600 W / (mK), or less than or equal to 1500 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0194] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity between 0.15 W / (mK) and 1700 W / (mK), between 0.15 W / (mK) and 1600 W / (mK), or between 0.15 W / (mK) and 1500 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0195] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity between 0.2 W / (mK) and 1700 W / (mK), between 0.2 W / (mK) and 1600 W / (mK), or between 0.2 W / (mK) and 1500 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0196] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity between 0.25 W / (mK) and 1700 W / (mK), between 0.25 W / (mK) and 1600 W / (mK), or between 0.25 W / (mK) and 1500 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0197] The heat transfer enhancement element can have a thermal conductivity between 0.3 W / (mK) and 1700 W / (mK), between 0.3 W / (mK) and 1600 W / (mK), or between 0.3 W / (mK) and 1500 W / (mK) in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0198] The heat transfer enhancement element can include one or more thermally conductive materials. The heat transfer enhancement element can include one or more metals, one or more alloys, one or more carbon - containing materials, or combinations thereof. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element can include one or more of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, stainless steel, diamond, graphene, graphite, and expanded graphite.

[0199] The heat transfer enhancement element can contain an aerosol - forming agent.

[0200] Examples of suitable aerosol - forming agents include: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono -, di - or tri - acetate; aliphatic esters of mono - carboxylic, di - carboxylic or poly - carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0201] The aerosol - forming agent may include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent may consist of glycerol. The aerosol - forming agent may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent may consist of a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0202] The heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of discrete heat - conducting elements. The plurality of discrete heat - conducting elements may be distributed substantially uniformly within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0203] The heat transfer element may include a plurality of heat - conducting particles. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include: a plurality of metal particles; a plurality of alloy particles; a plurality of carbon - containing particles such as graphene particles, graphite particles, and expanded graphite particles; or combinations thereof. The heat - conducting particles may contain an aerosol - forming agent.

[0204] The heat transfer element may include a plurality of heat - conducting strands. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include: a plurality of strands of metal foil (such as aluminum foil or copper foil); a plurality of strands of alloy foil (such as stainless - steel foil); a plurality of strands of carbon - containing foil (such as graphite foil); or combinations thereof. The heat - conducting strands may contain an aerosol - forming agent.

[0205] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include an internal heating element located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0206] The aerosol - generating device of the aerosol - generating system may include an internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0207] The internal heating element may be in thermal contact with a plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material. In use, heat from the internal heating element may be transferred to the plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material.

[0208] The internal heating element may advantageously be in direct contact with a plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material.

[0209] The internal heating element may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0210] The internal heating element may have a length of less than or equal to 45 mm, less than or equal to 35 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0211] The internal heating element may have a length between 4 mm and 45 mm, between 4 mm and 35 mm, between 4 mm and 25 mm, or between 4 mm and 15 mm.

[0212] The internal heating element may have a length between 6 mm and 45 mm, between 6 mm and 35 mm, between 6 mm and 25 mm, or between 6 mm and 15 mm.

[0213] The internal heating element may have a length between 8 mm and 45 mm, between 8 mm and 35 mm, between 8 mm and 25 mm, or between 8 mm and 15 mm.

[0214] The internal heating element may have a length between 10 mm and 45 mm, between 10 mm and 35 mm, between 10 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm.

[0215] For example, the internal heating element may have a length of 11 mm or a length of 12 mm.

[0216] For example, the sensor element may have a length of 11 mm or a length of 12 mm.

[0217] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0218] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0219] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different lengths located within the aerosol - generating substrate. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein the first length is different from the second length.

[0220] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0221] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0222] An aerosol-generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different lengths for insertion into an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming section of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length for insertion into an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming section of an aerosol-generating article and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length for insertion into an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming section of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the first length is different from the second length.

[0223] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters as described above. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length located within the aerosol-forming substrate and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length located within the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein at least one of the first length and the second length is between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

[0224] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average length in millimeters as described above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average length between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 35 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0225] The average length of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0226] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters as described above. For example, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a length between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

[0227] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-forming material to the length of the internal heating element may be at least 0.04, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, at least 0.12, at least 0.15, at least 0.20, or at least 0.25.

[0228] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-forming material to the length of the internal heating element may be less than or equal to 7, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 1, less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.7, less than or equal to 0.6, or less than or equal to 0.5.

[0229] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.04 and 7, between 0.04 and 4, between 0.04 and 1, between 0.04 and 0.8, between 0.04 and 0.7, between 0.04 and 0.6, or between 0.04 and 0.5.

[0230] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.07 and 7, between 0.07 and 4, between 0.07 and 1, between 0.07 and 0.8, between 0.07 and 0.7, between 0.07 and 0.6, or between 0.07 and 0.5.

[0231] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.10 and 7, between 0.10 and 4, between 0.10 and 1, between 0.10 and 0.8, between 0.10 and 0.7, between 0.10 and 0.6, or between 0.10 and 0.5.

[0232] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.12 and 7, between 0.12 and 4, between 0.12 and 1, between 0.12 and 0.8, between 0.12 and 0.7, between 0.12 and 0.6, or between 0.12 and 0.5.

[0233] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.15 and 7, between 0.15 and 4, between 0.15 and 1, between 0.15 and 0.8, between 0.15 and 0.7, between 0.15 and 0.6, or between 0.15 and 0.5.

[0234] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of the internal heating element can be between 0.20 and 7, between 0.20 and 4, between 0.20 and 1, between 0.20 and 0.8, between 0.20 and 0.7, between 0.20 and 0.6, or between 0.20 and 0.5.

[0235] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate can include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length located within the aerosol - forming substrate, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to at least one of the first length and the second length is between 0.04 and 7.

[0236] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements can be between 0.04 and 7, between 0.04 and 4, between 0.04 and 1, between 0.04 and 0.8, between 0.04 and 0.7, between 0.04 and 0.6, or between 0.04 and 0.5.

[0237] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of each internal heating element among the multiple internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the length of each internal heating element among the multiple internal heating elements can be between 0.04 and 7.

[0238] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0239] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be less than or equal to 0.40, less than or equal to 0.35, or less than or equal to 0.30.

[0240] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be between 0.10 and 0.40, between 0.10 and 0.35, or between 0.10 and 0.30.

[0241] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be between 0.15 and 0.40, between 0.15 and 0.35, or between 0.15 and 0.30.

[0242] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be between 0.20 and 0.40, between 0.20 and 0.35, or between 0.20 and 0.30.

[0243] For example, the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol - generating article can be 0.27.

[0244] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first length located within the aerosol-generating substrate and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein at least one of the first length and the second length has a ratio to the total length of the aerosol-generating article between 0.10 and 0.40.

[0245] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.10 and 0.40, between 0.10 and 0.35, or between 0.10 and 0.30.

[0246] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.10 and 0.40.

[0247] The internal heating element may have a width of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0248] The internal heating element may have a width less than or equal to 8 mm, less than or equal to 7 mm, less than or equal to 6 mm, less than or equal to 5 mm, or less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0249] The internal heating element may have a width between 0.5 mm and 8 mm, between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0250] The internal heating element may have a width between 1 mm and 8 mm, between 1 mm and 7 mm, between 1 mm and 6 mm, between 1 mm and 5 mm, or between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0251] The internal heating element may have a width between 1.5 mm and 8 mm, between 1.5 mm and 7 mm, between 1.5 mm and 6 mm, between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, or between 1.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0252] The internal heating element may have a width between 2 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 7 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters, between 2 millimeters and 5 millimeters, or between 2 millimeters and 4 millimeters.

[0253] The internal heating element may have a width between 2.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 2.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters, between 2.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, between 2.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters, or between 2.5 millimeters and 4 millimeters.

[0254] For example, the internal heating element may have a width of 4 millimeters.

[0255] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0256] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein the first width is different from the second width.

[0257] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0258] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article. For example, the aerosol - generating device may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article, wherein the first width is different from the second width.

[0259] In the presence of a plurality of internal heating elements, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters as described above. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0260] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width in millimeters as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters, or between 0.5 millimeters and 4 millimeters.

[0261] The average width of the multiple internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0262] In the case where there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters as described above. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0263] The ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element may be at least 0.05, at least 0.06, at least 0.08, at least 0.09, at least 0.10, at least 0.11, at least 0.12, or at least 0.13.

[0264] The ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element may be less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.6, less than or equal to 1.5, less than or equal to 1.4, or less than or equal to 1.3.

[0265] The ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element may be between 0.05 and 4, between 0.05 and 3, between 0.05 and 2, between 0.05 and 1.8, between 0.05 and 1.6, between 0.05 and 1.5, between 0.05 and 1.4, or between 0.05 and 1.3.

[0266] The ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element may be between 0.06 and 4, between 0.06 and 3, between 0.06 and 2, between 0.06 and 1.8, between 0.06 and 1.6, between 0.06 and 1.5, between 0.06 and 1.4, or between 0.06 and 1.3.

[0267] The ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element may be between 0.08 and 4, between 0.08 and 3, between 0.08 and 2, between 0.08 and 1.8, between 0.08 and 1.6, between 0.08 and 1.5, between 0.08 and 1.4, or between 0.08 and 1.3.

[0268] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element can be between 0.09 and 4, between 0.09 and 3, between 0.09 and 2, between 0.09 and 1.8, between 0.09 and 1.6, between 0.09 and 1.5, between 0.09 and 1.4, or between 0.09 and 1.3.

[0269] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element can be between 0.10 and 4, between 0.10 and 3, between 0.10 and 2, between 0.10 and 1.8, between 0.10 and 1.6, between 0.10 and 1.5, between 0.10 and 1.4, or between 0.10 and 1.3.

[0270] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element can be between 0.11 and 4, between 0.11 and 3, between 0.11 and 2, between 0.11 and 1.8, between 0.11 and 1.6, between 0.11 and 1.5, between 0.11 and 1.4, or between 0.11 and 1.3.

[0271] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element can be between 0.12 and 4, between 0.12 and 3, between 0.12 and 2, between 0.12 and 1.8, between 0.12 and 1.6, between 0.12 and 1.5, between 0.12 and 1.4, or between 0.12 and 1.3.

[0272] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of the internal heating element can be between 0.13 and 4, between 0.13 and 3, between 0.13 and 2, between 0.13 and 1.8, between 0.13 and 1.6, between 0.13 and 1.5, between 0.13 and 1.4, or between 0.13 and 1.3.

[0273] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to the width of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the aerosol - forming substrate can include one or more first internal heating elements having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width located within the aerosol - forming substrate, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material to at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.05 and 4.

[0274] In the presence of multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements can be between 0.05 and 4, between 0.05 and 3, between 0.05 and 2, between 0.05 and 1.8, between 0.05 and 1.6, between 0.05 and 1.5, between 0.05 and 1.4, or between 0.05 and 1.3.

[0275] In the presence of multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of each internal heating element among the multiple internal heating elements can be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol - forming material to the width of each internal heating element among the multiple internal heating elements can be between 0.05 and 4.

[0276] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be at least 0.1, at least 0.2, at least 0.3, or at least 0.4.

[0277] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be less than or equal to 0.9, less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.7, or less than or equal to 0.6.

[0278] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be between 0.1 and 0.9, between 0.1 and 0.8, between 0.1 and 0.7, or between 0.1 and 0.6.

[0279] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be between 0.2 and 0.9, between 0.2 and 0.8, between 0.2 and 0.7, or between 0.2 and 0.6.

[0280] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be between 0.3 and 0.9, between 0.3 and 0.8, between 0.3 and 0.7, or between 0.3 and 0.6.

[0281] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol - forming section can be between 0.4 and 0.9, between 0.4 and 0.8, between 0.4 and 0.7, or between 0.4 and 0.6.

[0282] In the case of multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first width and located within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width and located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein at least one of the first width and the second width has a ratio to the width of the aerosol-generating section between 0.1 and 0.9.

[0283] In the case of multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.1 and 0.9, between 0.1 and 0.8, between 0.1 and 0.7, or between 0.1 and 0.6.

[0284] In the case of multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.1 and 0.9.

[0285] The internal heating element may be substantially cylindrical.

[0286] The internal heating element may be in the form of a pin.

[0287] The internal heating element may have a thickness substantially the same as its width.

[0288] The internal heating element may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0289] The internal heating element may be in the form of a needle or a pin.

[0290] The internal heating element may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0291] The internal heating element may have a diameter less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 4.5 mm, less than or equal to 4 mm, less than or equal to 3.5 mm, or less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0292] The internal heating element may have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 4.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 4 mm, between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0293] The internal heating element may have a diameter between 1 mm and 5 mm, between 1 mm and 4.5 mm, between 1 mm and 4 mm, between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, or between 1 mm and 3 mm.

[0294] The internal heating element may have a diameter between 1.5 mm and 5 mm, between 1.5 mm and 4.5 mm, between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, or between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0295] The internal heating element may have a diameter between 2 mm and 5 mm, between 2 mm and 4.5 mm, between 2 mm and 4 mm, between 2 mm and 3.5 mm, or between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0296] The internal heating element may have a diameter between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, between 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm, between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, or between 2.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0297] For example, the internal heating element may have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0298] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0299] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter.

[0300] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0301] The aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article. For example, the aerosol - generating device may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter.

[0302] In the presence of multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters as described above. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter and located within the aerosol-forming substrate and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter and located within the aerosol-forming substrate, where at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter is between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0303] In the presence of multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter in millimeters as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 4.5 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 4 millimeters, between 0.5 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters, or between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0304] The average diameter of the multiple internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual diameters of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0305] In the presence of multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters as described above. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0306] The internal heating element may have a width greater than its thickness.

[0307] The internal heating element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0308] The internal heating element may be in the form of a blade or a strip.

[0309] The internal heating element may have a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the internal heating element.

[0310] The internal heating element may have a thickness of at least 0.01 millimeters, at least 0.02 millimeters, at least 0.03 millimeters, or at least 0.05 millimeters.

[0311] The internal heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 2 millimeters, less than or equal to 1 millimeter, less than or equal to 0.5 millimeters, or less than or equal to 0.1 millimeters.

[0312] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters, between 0.01 millimeters and 1 millimeter, between 0.01 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, or between 0.01 millimeters and 0.1 millimeters.

[0313] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 0.02 millimeters and 2 millimeters, between 0.02 millimeters and 1 millimeter, between 0.02 millimeters and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.02 millimeters and 0.1 millimeter.

[0314] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 0.03 millimeters and 2 millimeters, between 0.03 millimeters and 1 millimeter, between 0.03 millimeters and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.03 millimeters and 0.1 millimeter.

[0315] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 0.05 millimeters and 2 millimeters, between 0.05 millimeters and 1 millimeter, between 0.05 millimeters and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.05 millimeters and 0.1 millimeter.

[0316] The internal heating element may have a thickness of at least 55 micrometers, at least 56 micrometers, at least 57 micrometers, or at least 58 micrometers.

[0317] The internal heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 65 micrometers, less than or equal to 64 micrometers, less than or equal to 63 micrometers, or less than or equal to 62 micrometers.

[0318] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers, between 55 micrometers and 64 micrometers, between 55 micrometers and 63 micrometers, or between 55 micrometers and 62 micrometers.

[0319] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 56 micrometers and 65 micrometers, between 56 micrometers and 64 micrometers, between 56 micrometers and 63 micrometers, or between 56 micrometers and 62 micrometers.

[0320] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 57 micrometers and 65 micrometers, between 57 micrometers and 64 micrometers, between 57 micrometers and 63 micrometers, or between 57 micrometers and 62 micrometers.

[0321] The internal heating element may have a thickness between 58 micrometers and 65 micrometers, between 58 micrometers and 64 micrometers, between 58 micrometers and 63 micrometers, or between 58 micrometers and 62 micrometers.

[0322] For example, the internal heating element may have a thickness of 60 micrometers.

[0323] The aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0324] The aerosol - generating section of an aerosol - generating article may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different thicknesses located within the aerosol - generating substrate. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

[0325] An aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of an aerosol - generating article.

[0326] An aerosol - generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements of different thicknesses for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of an aerosol - generating article. For example, the aerosol - generating device may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of an aerosol - generating article, wherein the first thickness is different from the second thickness.

[0327] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness in millimeters or micrometers as described above. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters. For example, the aerosol - generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness located within the aerosol - generating substrate, wherein at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers.

[0328] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness in millimeters or micrometers as described above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters, between 0.01 millimeters and 1 millimeter, between 0.01 millimeters and 0.5 millimeter, or between 0.01 millimeters and 0.1 millimeter. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers, between 55 micrometers and 64 micrometers, between 55 micrometers and 63 micrometers, or between 55 micrometers and 62 micrometers.

[0329] The average thickness of a plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each internal heating element in the plurality of internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0330] In the case where there are a plurality of internal heating elements, each internal heating element in the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness in millimeters or micrometers as described above. For example, each internal heating element in the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters. For example, each internal heating element in the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers.

[0331] The internal heating element may be located within the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0332] The internal heating element may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol - generating section. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section. For example, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section.

[0333] The internal heating element may be centered within the aerosol - generating section. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section.

[0334] The internal heating element may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol - generating section towards the upstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0335] The internal heating element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol - generating section towards the downstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0336] The internal heating element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol - generating section to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate. That is, the internal heating element may extend along the entire length of the aerosol - generating section.

[0337] The length of the internal heating element may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol - generating section.

[0338] The internal heating element may extend partially along the length of the aerosol - generating section.

[0339] The internal heating element may be spaced apart from the downstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0340] The internal heating element may be spaced apart from the upstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0341] The internal heating element may be spaced apart from both the downstream end and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0342] The length of the internal heating element may be less than the length of the aerosol - generating section.

[0343] The internal heating element can be completely enclosed within the aerosol - forming substrate. That is to say, the aerosol - forming substrate can completely surround the internal heating element.

[0344] The internal heating element can be a susceptor element.

[0345] The susceptor element can extend from the upstream end of the aerosol - forming section towards the downstream end of the aerosol - forming section.

[0346] The susceptor element can extend from the upstream end of the aerosol - forming section to the downstream end of the aerosol - forming substrate. That is to say, the susceptor element can extend along the entire length of the aerosol - forming section.

[0347] The susceptor element can include any susceptor material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosol from the aerosol - forming substrate. For example, the susceptor element can include metal, alloy or carbon.

[0348] The susceptor element can include ferromagnetic materials. For example, the susceptor element can include ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. The susceptor element can include aluminum. The susceptor element can include 400 - series stainless steel. For example, the susceptor element can include grade 410 or grade 420 or grade 430 stainless steel. Different susceptor materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned within an electromagnetic field with similar frequency and field - strength values.

[0349] Therefore, the parameters of the susceptor element, such as susceptor material type, length, width and thickness, can be changed within a known electromagnetic field to provide a desired power dissipation. The susceptor element can be heated to a temperature exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0350] The susceptor element can include a non - metallic core, on which a metal layer is provided. For example, the susceptor element can include metal tracks formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0351] The susceptor element can include a protective outer layer. For example, the susceptor element can include a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer or a protective outer inert - metal layer.

[0352] The susceptor element can include a protective coating. For example, the susceptor element can include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic or inert metal.

[0353] The susceptor element can be a multi - material susceptor element. For example, the susceptor element can include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0354] The internal heating element can be a resistive heating element.

[0355] An aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure may include an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may be positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The upstream section may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the upstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the upstream element of the upstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the upstream section.

[0356] The upstream section may include one or more upstream elements. The upstream section and its upstream elements advantageously prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol-generating matrix of the aerosol-generating section.

[0357] For example, in the case where the aerosol-generating section includes a susceptor element, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the susceptor element. This helps to prevent the susceptor element from shifting or deforming during handling or transportation of the aerosol-generating article. This in turn helps to fix the form and position of the susceptor element. In addition, the presence of the upstream element helps to prevent any loss of the matrix, which may be advantageous if the matrix contains particulate plant material, for example.

[0358] In the case where the aerosol-generating matrix of the aerosol-generating section includes a plurality of strands or shredded tobacco (such as tobacco cut filler), the upstream section and its elements may additionally help to prevent the loss of loose tobacco particles from the upstream end of the article. This may be particularly important, for example, when the bulk density of the aerosol-generating matrix is relatively low.

[0359] The upstream section or its upstream elements may also additionally provide a degree of protection for the aerosol-generating matrix during storage, since the presence of the upstream section offsets the aerosol-generating section from the upstream end of the article and also at least partially covers the upstream end of the aerosol-generating matrix, which might otherwise be exposed.

[0360] For an aerosol-generating article designed to be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating matrix can be externally heated within the cavity, the upstream section may advantageously facilitate the insertion of the upstream end of the article into the cavity. The inclusion of upstream elements may additionally protect the end of the aerosol-generating matrix during insertion of the article into the cavity, such that the risk of damage to the matrix is minimized.

[0361] The upstream section or its upstream elements may also provide an improved appearance for the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, if desired, the upstream section may be used to provide information about the aerosol-generating article, such as information about the brand, flavor, contents or details of the aerosol-generating device with which the article is intended to be used.

[0362] The upstream element may comprise or be a rod element. The upstream element may comprise or be a porous rod element. The upstream element may be formed from a solid cylindrical rod element having a filled cross-section. Such a rod element may be referred to as a "conventional" element. As described above, the solid rod element may be porous but not in tubular form and thus does not provide a longitudinal flow channel. The solid rod element may have a substantially uniform cross-section.

[0363] The upstream element may have a porosity of at least 50% in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream element may have a porosity between 50% and 90% in the longitudinal direction. The porosity of the upstream element in the longitudinal direction is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the material forming the upstream element to the internal cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article at the location along the upstream element.

[0364] The upstream element may be made of a porous material or may comprise a plurality of openings. For example, this may be achieved by laser perforation. The plurality of openings may be uniformly distributed over the cross-section of the upstream element.

[0365] The porosity or permeability of the upstream element may be advantageously designed to provide a specific overall draw resistance (RTD) to the aerosol-generating article with substantially no impact on the filtration provided by other parts of the article.

[0366] The upstream element may be formed from a material impermeable to air. The aerosol-generating article may be configured such that air flows into the aerosol-generating substrate through a suitable ventilation means provided in the surrounding wrapper.

[0367] It may be desirable to minimize the RTD of the upstream element. For example, this may be the case for articles designed to be inserted into a chamber of an aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating substrate is externally heated. It may be desirable to provide the article with as low an RTD as possible such that the majority of the consumer's RTD experience is provided by the aerosol-generating device rather than the article.

[0368] The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to 30 mmH 2 O. The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to 20 mmH 2 O. The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to 10 mmH 2 O. The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to 5 mmH 2 O. The RTD of the upstream element may be less than or equal to 2 mmH 2 O.

[0369] The RTD of the upstream element may be at least 0 mmH 2 O, or at least 0.1 mmH 2 O, or at least 0.25 mmH 2 O, or at least 0.5 mmH2 O.

[0370] The RTD of the upstream component can be 0 or 0.1 mmH 2 0 to 30 mmH 2 0, or 0.25 mmH 2 0 to 30 mmH 2 0, or 0.5 mmH 2 0 to 30 mmH 2 0. The RTD of the upstream component can be 0 or 0.1 mmH 2 0 to 20 mmH 2 0, or 0.25 mmH 2 0 to 20 mmH 2 0, or 0.5 mmH 2 0 to 20 mmH 2 0. The RTD of the upstream component can be 0 or 0.1 mmH 2 0 to 10 mmH 2 0, or 0.25 mmH 2 0 to 10 mmH 2 0, or 0.5 mmH 2 0 to 10 mmH 2 0. The RTD of the upstream component can be 0 or 0.1 mmH 2 0 to 5 mmH 2 0, or 0.25 mmH 2 0 to 5 mmH 2 0, or 0.5 mmH 2 0 to 5 mmH 2 0. The RTD of the upstream component can be 0 or 0.1 mmH 2 0 to 2 mmH 2 0, or 0.25 mmH 2 0 to 2 mmH 2 0, or 0.5 mmH 2 0 to 2 mmH 2 0.

[0371] The upstream component can have an RTD less than or equal to 2 mmH 2 0 / mm length, or less than or equal to 1.5 mmH 2 0 / mm length, or less than or equal to 1 mmH 2 0 / mm length, or less than or equal to 0.5 mmH 2 0 / mm length, or less than or equal to 0.3 mmH 2 0 / mm length, or less than or equal to 0.2 mmH 2 0 / mm length.

[0372] The combined RTD of the upstream section of the aerosol - forming substrate or its upstream element may be less than or equal to 15 mmH 2 O, or less than or equal to 12 mmH 2 O, or less than or equal to 10 mmH 2 O.

[0373] The upstream element may be formed from a hollow tubular element that defines a longitudinal cavity providing an unrestricted flow passage. As described above, the upstream element can provide protection for the aerosol - forming substrate while having a minimal impact on the overall draw resistance (RTD) and filtration characteristics of the article.

[0374] The diameter of the longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular element forming the upstream element may be at least 3 mm, or at least 3.5 mm, or at least 4 mm, or at least 4.5 mm. The diameter of the longitudinal cavity can be maximized in order to minimize the RTD of the upstream section or its upstream element.

[0375] The wall thickness of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 2 mm, or less than or equal to 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0376] The upstream element of the upstream section may be made of any material suitable for use in an aerosol - generating article. The upstream element may be made, for example, of the same material as that used in one of the other components of the aerosol - generating article, such as a downstream filter element or a downstream hollow tubular element. Suitable materials for forming the upstream element of the present disclosure include filter materials, ceramics, polymeric materials, cellulose acetate, cardboard, zeolites, or the aerosol - forming substrate. The upstream element may include a rod of cellulose acetate. The upstream element may include a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube.

[0377] The upstream element may be formed from a heat - resistant material. For example, the upstream element is formed from a material resistant to temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the upstream element is not adversely affected by the heating device used to heat the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0378] The upstream section or its upstream element may have an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol - generating article. The outer diameter of the upstream section or its upstream element may be between 5 mm and 8 mm, or between 5.25 mm and 7.5 mm, or between 5.5 mm and 7 mm.

[0379] The upstream section or upstream element may have a length between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, or between 3 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or between 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters. The upstream section or upstream element may have a length of 5 millimeters. The length of the upstream section or upstream element may advantageously vary in order to provide a desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, in the case where it is desired to reduce the length of one of the other components of the aerosol-generating article, the length of the upstream section or upstream element may be increased in order to maintain the same overall length of the article.

[0380] Additionally, for articles intended to be externally heated, the length of the upstream section or its upstream element may be used to control the position of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This may advantageously ensure that the position of the aerosol-generating substrate within the cavity can be optimized for heating and that the position of any ventilation can also be optimized.

[0381] The upstream section may be defined by a wrapper such as a rod wrapper. The wrapper defining the upstream section may be a rigid rod wrapper, for example, having a basis weight of at least 80 grams per square meter (gsm) or at least 100 gsm or at least 110 gsm. This provides structural rigidity to the upstream section.

[0382] The upstream section may be connected to the aerosol-generating section by means of an outer wrapper. The upstream section may also be connected to at least a portion of the downstream section by means of an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper being the same outer wrapper or a different outer wrapper that connects the upstream section to the aerosol-generating section.

[0383] An aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure includes a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may be positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the downstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may extend between the aerosol-generating section and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the downstream end of the downstream section. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may coincide with the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0384] The downstream section may include one or more elements, each of which is described in more detail within the present disclosure. The upstream end of the elements of the downstream section may abut the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the elements of the downstream section may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0385] The length of the downstream section may be at least 20 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 25 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 30 millimeters.

[0386] The length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 75 mm. The length of the downstream section can be equal to or less than 70 mm. The length of the downstream section can be equal to or less than 65 mm.

[0387] The length of the downstream section can be between 20 mm and 75 mm, or between 25 mm and 75 mm, or between 30 mm and 75 mm. The length of the downstream section can be between 20 mm and 70 mm, or between 25 mm and 70 mm, or between 30 mm and 70 mm. The length of the downstream section can be between 20 mm and 65 mm, or between 25 mm and 65 mm, or between 30 mm and 65 mm.

[0388] Providing a relatively long downstream section ensures that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device, the appropriate length of the article protrudes from the aerosol-generating device. This appropriate protrusion length facilitates the easy insertion and extraction of the article from the device, which also ensures that the upstream portion of the article (especially during insertion) is properly inserted into the device while reducing the risk of damage.

[0389] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 0.85. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 0.80. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 0.75. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 0.70.

[0390] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 0.50. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 0.55. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 0.60. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 0.65.

[0391] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be 0.50 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.85, 0.60 to 0.85 or 0.65 to 0.85. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be 0.50 to 0.80, 0.55 to 0.80, 0.60 to 0.80 or 0.65 to 0.80. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be 0.50 to 0.75, 0.55 to 0.75, 0.60 to 0.75 or 0.65 to 0.75. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article can be 0.50 to 0.70, 0.55 to 0.70, 0.60 to 0.70 or 0.65 to 0.70.

[0392] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 30. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 20. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 15. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 10.

[0393] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 4. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 6. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be at least 7.

[0394] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be from 4 to 30, from 5 to 30, from 6 to 30 or from 7 to 18. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be from 4 to 20, from 5 to 20, from 6 to 20 or from 7 to 20. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be from 4 to 15, from 5 to 15, from 6 to 15 or from 7 to 15. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the upstream section may be from 4 to 10, from 5 to 10, from 6 to 10 or from 7 to 10.

[0395] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be at least 1.0. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be at least 1.25. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be at least 1.5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be at least 1.75.

[0396] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 3.5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 3.25. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 3.0. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be less than or equal to 2.75.

[0397] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be from 1.0 to 3.5, from 1.25 to 3.5, from 1.50 to 3.5 or from 1.75 to 3.5. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be from 1.0 to 3.25, from 1.25 to 3.25, from 1.50 to 3.25 or from 1.75 to 3.25. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be from 1.0 to 3.0, from 1.25 to 3.0, from 1.50 to 3.0 or from 1.75 to 3.0. The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the length of the aerosol - generating section may be from 1.0 to 2.75, from 1.25 to 2.75, from 1.50 to 2.75 or from 1.75 to 2.75.

[0398] The downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include a support element disposed downstream of the aerosol - generating section. The support element may be disposed immediately downstream of the aerosol - generating section. In other words, the support element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol - generating section. The support element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article. The support element may also define the downstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article. The support element may also extend to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating article. The downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include a single support element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include only one support element. According to the present disclosure, the downstream section may include two or more support elements.

[0399] The support element of the downstream section may include a hollow tubular element. The downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include a hollow tubular element disposed downstream of the aerosol - generating section. The hollow tubular element may be disposed immediately downstream of the aerosol - generating section. In other words, the hollow tubular element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol - generating section. The hollow tubular element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article. The hollow tubular element may also define the downstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article. The hollow tubular element may also extend to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating article. The downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol - generating article may include only one hollow tubular element. According to the present disclosure, the downstream section may include two or more hollow tubular elements.

[0400] The support element may have a length of at least 10 millimeters or at least 15 millimeters.

[0401] The support element may have a length less than or equal to 30 millimeters, or less than or equal to 25 millimeters, or less than or equal to 22 millimeters.

[0402] The support element may have a length of from 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters, from 15 millimeters to 25 millimeters, or from 15 millimeters to 22 millimeters. For example, the support element may have a length of 16 millimeters.

[0403] The downstream section may include a filter segment or a filter element. The filter segment or element may be referred to as a mouthpiece element or segment. The filter element may extend to the downstream end of the downstream section. The filter element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the filter element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0404] The filter element may be located downstream of the support element of the downstream section. The filter element may extend between the support element and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter element may be adjacent to the support element of the downstream section. The upstream end of the filter element may be adjacent to the downstream end of the support element of the downstream section.

[0405] The filter element may be a solid rod, which may also be described as a "plain" rod and is non-tubular. Thus, the filter element may have a substantially uniform cross-section.

[0406] The filter element may be formed from a fibrous filter material. The fibrous filter material may be used to filter the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating substrate. Suitable fibrous filter materials are known to the person skilled in the art. The filter element may include a cellulose acetate filter element formed from a cellulose acetate tow.

[0407] The downstream section may include a single filter element. The downstream section may include two or more filter elements axially aligned in an end-to-end adjacent relationship with each other.

[0408] The filter element may include a flavorant, which may be provided in any suitable form. For example, the filter element may include one or more capsules, beads or microparticles of the flavorant, or one or more flavor-carrying threads or filaments.

[0409] The filter element may have a low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0410] The filter element may be defined by a rod wrapper. The filter element may be non-ventilated such that air does not enter the aerosol-generating article along the filter element.

[0411] The filter element may be connected to one or more of the adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by means of a tipping wrapper.

[0412] The filter element may have an outer diameter that may be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The diameter of the filter element may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the support element.

[0413] The outer diameter of the filter element may be between 5 mm and 10 mm. The diameter of the filter element may be between 5.5 mm and 9 mm. The diameter of the filter element may be between 6 mm and 8 mm. The diameter of the filter element may be less than or equal to 7 mm.

[0414] The suction resistance (RTD) of the downstream section can be at least 0 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the downstream section can be at least 3 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the downstream section can be at least 6 mm H 2 O.

[0415] The RTD of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 10 mm H 2 O.

[0416] The suction resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the downstream section can be greater than or equal to 6 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 10 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the downstream section can be 8 mm H 2 O.

[0417] The suction resistance (RTD) characteristics of the downstream section can be entirely or mainly attributed to the RTD characteristics of the filter element in the downstream section. In other words, the RTD of the filter element in the downstream section can fully define the RTD of the downstream section.

[0418] The suction resistance (RTD) of the filter element can be at least 0 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the filter element can be at least 3 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the filter element can be at least 6 mm H 2 O.

[0419] The RTD of the filter element can be less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the filter element can be less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The RTD of the filter element can be less than or equal to 10 mm H 2 O.

[0420] The suction resistance of the filter element can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H2 O and less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the filter element can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 12 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the filter element can be greater than or equal to 0 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the filter element can be greater than or equal to 3 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 11 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the filter element can be greater than or equal to 6 mm H 2 O and less than or equal to 10 mm H 2 O. The suction resistance of the filter element can be 8 mm H 2 O.

[0421] As described above, the filter element can be formed of fibrous filter material. The filter element can be formed of porous material. The filter element can be formed of biodegradable material. The filter element can be formed of a cellulose material such as cellulose acetate. For example, the filter element can be formed of a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers having a denier between 10 and 15. For example, the filter element is formed of a relatively low density cellulose acetate tow (such as a cellulose acetate tow including fibers having a denier of 12).

[0422] The filter element can be formed of a polylactic acid-based material. The filter element can be formed of a bioplastic material or a starch-based bioplastic material. The filter element can be manufactured by injection molding or by extrusion. The bioplastic-based materials are advantageous because they can provide a filter element structure that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture with a specific and complex cross-sectional profile, which can include a plurality of relatively large air flow channels extending through the filter element material, which provide suitable RTD characteristics.

[0423] The filter element can be formed of a sheet of suitable material that has been curled, pleated, aggregated, woven, or folded into an element defining a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Such a sheet of suitable material can be formed of paper, cardboard, a polymer (such as polylactic acid), or any other cellulose-based, paper-based, or bioplastic-based material. The cross-sectional profile of such a filter element can show the channels as being randomly oriented.

[0424] The filter element can be formed in any other suitable manner. For example, the filter element can be formed by a bundle of longitudinally extending tubes. The longitudinally extending tubes can be formed of polylactic acid. The filter element can be formed by extrusion, molding, lamination, injection, or shredding of a suitable material. Thus, preferably, there is a low pressure drop (or RTD) from the upstream end to the downstream end of the filter element.

[0425] The length of the filter element can be at least 5 millimeters. The length of the filter element can be at least 7 millimeters. The length of the filter element can be less than or equal to 15 millimeters. The length of the filter element can be less than or equal to 12 millimeters. For example, the length of the filter element can be between 5 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or between 7 millimeters and 15 millimeters, or between 5 millimeters and 12 millimeters, or between 7 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[0426] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 0.55. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 0.45. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 0.35. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 0.25.

[0427] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be at least 0.05. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be at least 0.10. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be at least 0.15. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be at least 0.20.

[0428] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.55, 0.10 to 0.55, 0.15 to 0.55, or 0.20 to 0.55. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.45, 0.10 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0.45, or 0.20 to 0.45. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.05 to 0.35, 0.10 to 0.35, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.35. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be between 0.20 and 0.25, or the ratio between the length of the filter element and the length of the downstream section can be 0.25.

[0429] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.30. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.25. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than or equal to 0.20.

[0430] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.05. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.07. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.15.

[0431] The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.05 to 0.40, from 0.07 to 0.40, from 0.10 to 0.40 or from 0.15 to 0.40. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.05 to 0.30, from 0.07 to 0.30, from 0.10 to 0.30 or from 0.15 to 0.30. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.05 to 0.25, from 0.07 to 0.25, from 0.10 to 0.25 or from 0.15 to 0.25. The ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.15 and 0.20, or the ratio between the length of the filter element and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.16.

[0432] In the case where the downstream section may include a support element and a filter element, the ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 1.25. In other words, the length of the support element may be equivalent to 125% of the length of the filter element. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 1.5. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be at least 2.

[0433] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be equal to or less than 8.5. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be equal to or less than 6. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be equal to or less than 4.

[0434] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be between 1.25 and 8.5. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be between 1.5 and 6. The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the filter element may be between 2 and 4.

[0435] The downstream section may also include a mouth-end cavity located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by another hollow tubular element provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. When present, the mouth-end cavity may be located downstream of the filter element. The mouth-end cavity may be defined by a wrapper defining one or more adjacent components of the aerosol-generating article, where the wrapper extends from the one or more adjacent components in the downstream direction.

[0436] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section. The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location of a support element along the downstream section. As discussed in the present disclosure, the support element may include a hollow tubular element. Such a ventilation zone or any ventilation zone may extend through the outer peripheral wall of the support element where the support element includes a hollow tubular element. Thus, fluid communication may be established between the flow channel defined inside the hollow tubular element and the external environment. The ventilation zone is further described within the present disclosure.

[0437] Thus, a ventilation cavity may be provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. This provides several potential technical benefits.

[0438] First, it has been found that one such ventilated hollow tubular element provides particularly effective aerosol cooling. Thus, satisfactory aerosol cooling can be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly desirable as it enables the provision of an aerosol-generating article where the aerosol-generating substrate (and in particular a tobacco-containing substrate) is heated rather than burned, which combines satisfactory aerosol delivery with effective cooling of the aerosol to a temperature desired by the consumer.

[0439] Second, it has surprisingly been found that such rapid cooling of the volatile substances released when heating the aerosol-generating substrate promotes enhanced nucleation of the aerosol particles. This effect is felt particularly when the ventilation zone is arranged at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article. In fact, the inventors have found that the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation can significantly counteract the potentially less desirable dilution effect caused by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0440] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end (or the upstream end of the upstream section) of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 25 millimeters. As used herein, the term "distance between the ventilation zone and another element or part of the aerosol-generating article" refers to the distance measured in the longitudinal direction (i.e., in the direction extending along or parallel to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-generating article).

[0441] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 26 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 27 millimeters.

[0442] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be less than or equal to 40 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be less than or equal to 37 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be less than or equal to 34 millimeters.

[0443] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be from 25 millimeters to 40 millimeters, from 26 millimeters to 40 millimeters, or from 27 millimeters to 40 millimeters.

[0444] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be from 25 millimeters to 37 millimeters, from 26 millimeters to 37 millimeters, or from 27 millimeters to 37 millimeters.

[0445] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article may be from 25 millimeters to 34 millimeters, from 26 millimeters to 34 millimeters, or from 27 millimeters to 34 millimeters.

[0446] It has been found that aerosol - generating articles including a ventilation zone at a position along a hollow tubular element at a distance from the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article falling within the above - mentioned ranges have a variety of benefits.

[0447] First, it has been observed that such articles provide particularly satisfactory aerosol delivery to consumers, especially in cases where the aerosol - generating substrate includes tobacco.

[0448] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the strong cooling caused by ambient air drawn into the cavity of the hollow tubular element at the ventilation zone is understood to accelerate the condensation of droplets of aerosol - forming agents (such as glycerol) released from the aerosol - generating substrate upon heating. In turn, the volatilized nicotine and organic acids similarly released from the tobacco substrate accumulate on the newly formed aerosol - forming agent droplets and subsequently combine to form nicotine salts. Thus, the overall ratio of the aerosol particulate phase to the aerosol gas phase can be increased compared to existing aerosol - generating articles.

[0449] Positioning the ventilation zone at a certain distance from the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article as described above advantageously reduces the flight time of volatilized nicotine before it reaches the droplets of the aerosol - forming agent. At the same time, such a positioning of the ventilation zone relative to the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article ensures sufficient time and space for a significant proportion of nicotine accumulation and nicotine salt formation to occur before the aerosol stream reaches the consumer's mouth.

[0450] The ventilation zone may typically include a plurality of perforations extending through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may include at least one row of circumferential perforations. The ventilation zone may include two rows of circumferential perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on a production line during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each row of circumferential perforations may include from 8 to 30 perforations.

[0451] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 2%. Throughout the present disclosure, the term "ventilation level" is used to denote the volume ratio between the airflow (ventilation airflow) entering the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone and the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the higher the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 12%, or at least 15%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%.

[0452] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of up to 90%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of less than or equal to 80%, or less than or equal to 70%, or less than or equal to 60%, or less than or equal to 50%.

[0453] Thus, the aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 2% to 90%, from 5% to 90%, from 10% to 90% or from 15% to 90%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 2% to 80%, from 5% to 80%, from 10% to 80% or from 15% to 80%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 2% to 70%, from 5% to 70%, from 10% to 70% or from 15% to 70%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 2% to 60%, from 5% to 60%, from 10% to 60% or from 15% to 60%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 2% to 50%, from 5% to 50%, from 10% to 50% or from 15% to 50%.

[0454] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 20% to 50%, from 20% to 40% or from 20% to 30%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 30% to 50% or from 30% to 40%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of from 40% to 50%.

[0455] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors have found that the temperature drop caused by the entry of cooler outside air into the hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone may have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0456] The formation of an aerosol from a gas mixture containing various chemical substances depends on the delicate interplay between nucleation, evaporation and condensation, and coalescence, taking into account variations in vapor concentration, temperature, and velocity fields. The so-called classical nucleation theory is based on the assumption that a fraction of the molecules in the gas phase are large enough to remain coherent for a sufficient probability (e.g., a probability of one half) for a long time. These molecules represent a certain critical, threshold molecular cluster in transient molecular aggregates, meaning that on average, smaller clusters may quickly break down into the gas phase, while larger clusters may grow on average. Such critical clusters are considered to be the key nucleation cores, and droplets are expected to grow from these cores due to the condensation of molecules in the vapor. It is assumed that the freshly nucleated primary droplets appear with a certain primary diameter and may then grow by several orders of magnitude. This process is facilitated and enhanced by causing condensation through rapid cooling of the surrounding vapor. In this regard, it should be remembered that evaporation and condensation are two aspects of the same mechanism, namely gas-liquid mass transfer. While evaporation involves a net mass transfer from the droplet to the gas phase, condensation is a net mass transfer from the gas phase to the droplet phase. Evaporation (or condensation) will cause the droplet to shrink (or grow), but will not change the number of droplets.

[0457] In such a scenario, which may be further complicated by coalescence phenomena, the temperature and rate of cooling play a crucial role in determining how the system responds. Generally speaking, different cooling rates can lead to significantly different temporal behaviors related to the formation of the liquid phase (droplets), since the nucleation process is typically non-linear. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is assumed that cooling can lead to a rapid increase in the number concentration of droplets, followed by a strong, short-lived increase in this growth (nucleation burst). This nucleation burst seems to be more pronounced at lower temperatures. Additionally, it seems that higher cooling rates may favor an earlier onset of nucleation. In contrast, a decrease in the cooling rate seems to have a beneficial effect on the final size ultimately reached by the aerosol droplets.

[0458] Thus, the rapid cooling caused by the entry of external air into the hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone can be advantageously used to promote the nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. However, at the same time, the entry of external air into the hollow tubular element has the direct drawback of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the consumer.

[0459] The present inventors have surprisingly found how the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation promoted by the rapid cooling caused by introducing ventilation air into the article can significantly offset the less desirable dilution effect. Thus, satisfactory aerosol delivery values are consistently achieved with the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention.

[0460] The present inventors have also surprisingly found that when the ventilation level is within the above range, the dilution effect on the aerosol is advantageously minimized (which can be evaluated by measuring, in particular, the delivery effect of an aerosol former (such as glycerol) included in the aerosol-forming substrate).

[0461] Since the ventilated hollow tubular element substantially does not affect the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article, in the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention, by adjusting the length and density of the aerosol-generating substrate, or the length and optionally the length and density of any segment of the filter material forming part of the downstream section (such as, for example, the filter element), or the length and density of the segment of the filter material provided upstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, the overall RTD of the article can be advantageously fine-tuned. Thus, aerosol-generating articles with a predetermined RTD can be manufactured consistently and with high precision, such that a satisfactory RTD level can be provided to the consumer even in the presence of ventilation.

[0462] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least 4 mm, or at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least 9 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least 10 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be at least 11 mm.

[0463] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be less than or equal to 21 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be less than or equal to 19 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be less than or equal to 17 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0464] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be from 4 mm to 21 mm, from 7 mm to 21 mm, from 10 mm to 21 mm or from 11 mm to 21 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be from 8 mm to 19 mm, from 9 mm to 19 mm, or from 10 mm to 19 mm, or from 11 mm to 19 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can be from 8 mm to 17 mm, from 9 mm to 17 mm, from 10 mm to 17 mm or from 11 mm to 17 mm.

[0465] Positioning the ventilation zone at a distance within the above range from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate has the advantage of generally ensuring that during use, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating device, the ventilation zone is just outside the heating device, while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being inadvertently blocked by the user's lips or hand. Additionally, it has been found that positioning the ventilation zone at a distance within the above range from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate can advantageously enhance nucleation and aerosol formation and delivery.

[0466] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 3 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 5 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 7 millimeters.

[0467] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be less than or equal to 14 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be less than or equal to 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be less than or equal to 10 millimeters.

[0468] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be from 3 millimeters to 14 millimeters, from 5 millimeters to 14 millimeters, or from 7 millimeters to 14 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be from 3 millimeters to 12 millimeters, from 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, or from 7 millimeters to 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can be from 3 millimeters to 10 millimeters, from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or from 7 millimeters to 10 millimeters.

[0469] Positioning the ventilation zone at a distance within the above ranges from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element has the benefit of generally ensuring that during use, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating device, the ventilation zone is just outside the heating device, while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being inadvertently blocked by the user's lips or hand. Additionally, it has been found that positioning the ventilation zone at a distance within the above ranges from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element can advantageously result in the formation and delivery of a relatively more uniform aerosol.

[0470] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 10 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be at least 15 millimeters.

[0471] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 21 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 19 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be less than or equal to 17 millimeters.

[0472] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be from 10 millimeters to 21 millimeters, from 12 millimeters to 21 millimeters, or from 15 millimeters to 21 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be from 10 millimeters to 19 millimeters, from 12 millimeters to 19 millimeters, or from 15 millimeters to 19 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article can be from 10 millimeters to 17 millimeters, from 12 millimeters to 17 millimeters, or from 15 millimeters to 17 millimeters.

[0473] Positioning the ventilation zone at a distance within the above range from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article has the advantage of generally ensuring that during use, when the aerosol-generating article is partially received within the heating device, a portion of the aerosol-generating article extending outside the heating device is sufficiently long for the consumer to comfortably hold the article between their lips while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being inadvertently blocked by the user's lips or hand. At the same time, evidence shows that if the length of the portion of the aerosol-generating article extending outside the heating device is relatively large, it may become easy to inadvertently and undesirably bend the aerosol-generating article, and this may impair the delivery of the aerosol or generally affect the intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0474] As discussed in the present disclosure, the support element of the downstream section may include a hollow tubular element. This hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular downstream element. According to the present disclosure, the downstream section may include a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include only one hollow tubular element.

[0475] As discussed in the present disclosure, the upstream section or the upstream element may also include a hollow tubular element. This hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular upstream element. According to the present disclosure, the upstream section may include a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include only one hollow tubular element.

[0476] The hollow tubular downstream element may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may be adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0477] The hollow tubular upstream element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0478] As used throughout the present disclosure, the term "hollow tubular element" refers to a generally elongated element that defines a lumen or an air flow passage along its longitudinal axis. The upstream section, the downstream section, or both may include a hollow tubular element. Unless otherwise specified, a general reference to a "hollow tubular element" may refer to both the hollow tubular element of the upstream section and the hollow tubular element of the support element or the downstream section.

[0479] In particular, the terms "tubular" or "hollow tubular" may be used hereinafter to refer to a tubular or hollow tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one air flow conduit that substantially establishes an uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end and a downstream end of the tubular element. However, it should be understood that alternative geometries (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) of the tubular element may be possible. A hollow tubular element is a single discrete element of an aerosol-generating article having a defined length and thickness. The cavity of the hollow tubular element may have an area when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element.

[0480] The hollow tubular element may include an end wall defining a downstream or upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an end wall portion defining a downstream or upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream end wall portion defining an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a downstream end wall portion defining a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0481] The hollow tubular element may include an opening at an end of the hollow tubular element. The opening provides fluid communication from the exterior of the hollow tubular element into the cavity of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an opening at an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening at an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a downstream opening at a downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening at an upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may represent an inlet or entrance to the cavity defined between the upstream and downstream ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0482] The end of the hollow tubular element may be flanged. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end portion defining a downstream or upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end portion defining an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end portion defining a downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The flanged end portion may form or define an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. This end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0483] The flanged end of the hollow tubular element may be defined by a folded end of the hollow tubular element. The end of the hollow tubular element may be folded. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end portion that defines a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end portion that defines an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end portion that defines a downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The folded end portion may form or define an end wall or an end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. This end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0484] The end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element may effectively define a closed end of the hollow tubular element. For example, the flanged end or the folded end of the hollow tubular element may define a closed end of the hollow tubular element. The flange defined at the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element preferably extends inwardly towards the central longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0485] The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both. Each opening provides an entrance to an air passage or cavity defined within the hollow tubular element. Each end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening. In other words, the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening, and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening.

[0486] The outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is preferably substantially uniform along its length. In other words, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element at its flanged end may correspond to the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. When measured at its end, the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element preferably does not modify the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0487] The hollow tubular element may include a tubular body that defines a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The hollow tubular element may include a first end portion that forms an end wall at the first end of the tubular body, and the first end wall defines an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a second end portion that forms an end wall at the second end of the tubular body, and the second end wall defines another opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element.

[0488] The end wall may extend partially into the cavity of the tubular body and form an angle less than or equal to 90 degrees, less than or equal to 80 degrees, or less than or equal to 70 degrees with the inner surface of the tubular body. This can be achieved by ensuring that a folding force is applied to the hollow tubular element during the manufacture of the hollow tubular element such that at least a portion of the end portion of the hollow tubular element is pushed into the cavity of the tubular body. Such an arrangement can advantageously increase the likelihood that the end wall remains stationary relative to the tubular body after the hollow tubular element has been manufactured. In particular, such an arrangement can help overcome any natural elasticity in the material forming the hollow tubular element such that the folded or flanged end portion of the hollow tubular element is less likely to return to its pre-folded state after manufacture.

[0489] The opening defined by the end wall may be the only opening in the end wall. The opening may be provided at a generally radially central position of the hollow tubular element. The end wall may be generally annular.

[0490] The end wall may extend from the folding point on the hollow tubular element and towards the radially central position of the hollow tubular element. The folding point may generally correspond to the first end of the tubular body of the hollow tubular element.

[0491] When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length. That is, preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the tubular body is the same as the cross-section of the cavity at a second and additional longitudinal positions of the tubular body. Thus, the area of the cavity may be constant along the length of the tubular body. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular body tapers along the length of the hollow tubular body), then the measured area of the cavity when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the minimum such area of the cavity along the length of the tubular body.

[0492] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element provides an unobstructed flow channel. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of suction resistance (RTD). Thus, the flow channel should be free of any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel is substantially empty. In this case, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element defines a cavity.

[0493] The tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming a hollow tubular element from a tubular body that defines a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a relatively large proportion of the hollow tubular element can be empty and allow unobstructed airflow. In the case where the hollow tubular element is disposed downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can help improve the cooling and nucleation of the aerosol. Additionally, such a configuration can also help minimize the filtration of any compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate, especially when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0494] By providing the hollow tubular element with a folded or flanged end portion that forms an end wall at the end of the tubular body, the hollow tubular element can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end wall. In particular, the hollow tubular element and its end wall or each end wall can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, with a satisfactory RTD and low RTD variability from one article to another. Additionally, the configuration of the hollow tubular element and its end wall means that the RTD can be confined to a specific longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0495] In the case where the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a barrier that can restrict the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously enable one or both of air and the aerosol to flow through an opening into the cavity. The construction of the hollow tubular element can also be better suited to withstand the temperature generated by a heating blade or a sensor element.

[0496] By providing an opening in the end wall having a size defined by one or more of the area of the cavity of the present disclosure in terms of absolute value or with reference to the tubular body, the diameter of the cavity of the tubular body, and the outer diameter or external diameter of the tubular body, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value. Additionally, in the case where the hollow tubular element is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, the selection of an opening of such a size can help formulate an aerosol having desired properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol components including one or both of nicotine and glycerol.

[0497] The aerosol-generating section and the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to and in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating section.

[0498] The aerosol - generating section and the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, because a small blank - space gap separates the aerosol - generating section from the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol - generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the aerosol - generating substrate but not in contact with the aerosol - generating substrate. The gap can be 2 millimeters or less. The gap can be 1 millimeter or less.

[0499] As discussed above, the upstream element can include or can be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element can be positioned upstream of the aerosol - generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element can be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0500] As discussed above, the downstream element can include or can be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element can be positioned downstream of the aerosol - generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element can be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0501] The aerosol - generating article can include two hollow tubular elements, one being a downstream hollow tubular element positioned downstream of the aerosol - generating section and the other being an upstream hollow tubular element positioned upstream of the aerosol - generating section. The downstream tubular element and the upstream tubular element can each have any of the features or combinations of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0502] For example, the hollow tubular element can be a downstream hollow tubular element that is positioned downstream of the aerosol - generating section, where the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate. The aerosol - generating article can also include an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element can be positioned upstream of the aerosol - generating section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate. Thus, the aerosol - generating section including the aerosol - generating substrate can be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, where each tubular element has a respective end wall adjacent or contiguous to the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol - generating section.

[0503] The aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming section may include a plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material. The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be less than or equal to 2.5. Such an opening of the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0504] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material may be at least 3. Such an opening of the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0505] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.1 and 20, between 0.1 and 15, between 0.1 and 10, between 0.1 and 7.5, between 0.1 and 5, or between 0.1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.2 and 20, between 0.2 and 15, between 0.2 and 10, between 0.2 and 7.5, between 0.2 and 5, or between 0.2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.5 and 20, between 0.5 and 15, between 0.5 and 10, between 0.5 and 7.5, between 0.5 and 5, or between 0.5 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 1 and 20, between 1 and 15, between 1 and 10, between 1 and 7.5, between 1 and 5, or between 1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 2 and 20, between 2 and 15, between 2 and 10, between 2 and 7.5, between 2 and 5, or between 2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 3 and 20, between 3 and 15, between 3 and 10, between 3 and 7.5, or between 3 and 5. Such an opening of the hollow tubular element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0506] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 2.5. Such an opening of the upstream element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. As described herein, the upstream element can include a hollow tubular element.

[0507] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be at least 3. Such an opening of the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening or both openings of the upstream element. As described herein, the upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element.

[0508] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 0.1 and 20, between 0.1 and 15, between 0.1 and 10, between 0.1 and 7.5, between 0.1 and 5 or between 0.1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 0.2 and 20, between 0.2 and 15, between 0.2 and 10, between 0.2 and 7.5, between 0.2 and 5 or between 0.2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 0.5 and 20, between 0.5 and 15, between 0.5 and 10, between 0.5 and 7.5, between 0.5 and 5 or between 0.5 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 1 and 20, between 1 and 15, between 1 and 10, between 1 and 7.5, between 1 and 5 or between 1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 2 and 20, between 2 and 15, between 2 and 10, between 2 and 7.5, between 2 and 5 or between 2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - forming material may be between 3 and 20, between 3 and 15, between 3 and 10, between 3 and 7.5 or between 3 and 5. Such an opening of the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening or both openings of the upstream element. As described herein, the upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element.

[0509] It has been found that the above ratio reduces the risk of any displaced aerosol - forming material migrating upstream towards the upstream end of the aerosol - generating article from the aerosol - generating section. Such a ratio can ensure that the openings are small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material to impede said migration of the aerosol - forming material. Although the openings can be large enough for the strands to fit through, internal packing friction between the strands within the aerosol - generating section and the blocking by other strands can also play a role in preventing this migration. However, such a ratio can ensure that the openings are small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material to impede and reduce said migration of the aerosol - forming material while maintaining an acceptable draw resistance (RTD) for the entire article. Additionally, the strands generally have an average length that is substantially greater than their average width. Any strand that may protrude through the opening still needs to travel a distance equivalent to its average length relatively difficultly in order to migrate successfully upstream.

[0510] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be less than or equal to 2.5. Such an opening of the support element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. As described herein, the support element can include a hollow tubular element.

[0511] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be at least 3. Such an opening of the support element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. As described herein, the support element can include a hollow tubular element.

[0512] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.1 and 20, between 0.1 and 15, between 0.1 and 10, between 0.1 and 7.5, between 0.1 and 5, or between 0.1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.2 and 20, between 0.2 and 15, between 0.2 and 10, between 0.2 and 7.5, between 0.2 and 5, or between 0.2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 0.5 and 20, between 0.5 and 15, between 0.5 and 10, between 0.5 and 7.5, between 0.5 and 5, or between 0.5 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 1 and 20, between 1 and 15, between 1 and 10, between 1 and 7.5, between 1 and 5, or between 1 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 2 and 20, between 2 and 15, between 2 and 10, between 2 and 7.5, between 2 and 5, or between 2 and 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol - forming material can be between 3 and 20, between 3 and 15, between 3 and 10, between 3 and 7.5, or between 3 and 5. Such an opening of the support element can refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. As described herein, the support element can include a hollow tubular element.

[0513] It has been found that the above - mentioned ratio reduces the risk of any displaced aerosol - forming material migrating downstream from the aerosol - forming section towards the downstream end or the mouth end of the aerosol - forming article. Such a ratio can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material so as to impede such migration of the aerosol - forming material. Although the opening can be large enough for the strands to fit through, the internal packing friction between the strands within the aerosol - forming section and the blocking by other strands can also play a role in preventing this migration. However, such a ratio can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol - forming material so as to impede and reduce such migration of the aerosol - forming material while maintaining an acceptable draw resistance (RTD) for the entire article. Additionally, the strands generally have an average length that is substantially greater than their average width. Any strand that may protrude through the opening still needs to travel a distance equivalent to its average length relatively difficultly in order to migrate successfully downstream.

[0514] When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area that the opening of the hollow tubular element can have is 0.6% to 60% of the cross - sectional area of the cavity. The area that the opening of the hollow tubular element can have is 1.5% to 21% of the cross - sectional area of the cavity.

[0515] When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 0.6% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening can be at least 1.5% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening can be at least 2.5% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening can be at least 4% of the area of the cavity.

[0516] When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element is less than or equal to 60% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening is less than or equal to 21% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening is less than or equal to 10% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening is less than or equal to 9.5% of the area of the cavity. When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the area of the opening is less than or equal to 7% of the area of the cavity.

[0517] The hollow tubular element can have an inner diameter that defines the cavity. Thus, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular element can be referred to as the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element can be 8% to 77% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening can be 12% to 46% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening can be 15% to 30% of the diameter of the cavity.

[0518] The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element can be at least 8% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening can be at least 12% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening can be at least 15% of the diameter of the cavity.

[0519] The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element is less than or equal to 77% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 50% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 46% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 30% of the diameter of the cavity. The diameter of the opening is less than or equal to 25% of the diameter of the cavity.

[0520] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be 7% to 70% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be 11% to 45% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be 13% to 27% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be 27% to 42% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0521] The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 7% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 10% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 11% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 13% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0522] The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 70% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 45% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 42% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 30% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The diameter of the opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 27% of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0523] The opening may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 0.8 mm to 3 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 1 mm to 2 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0524] The opening may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. The opening may have a diameter of at least 1 mm. The opening may have a diameter of at least 1.5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of at least 2 mm.

[0525] The opening may have a diameter of less than or equal to 5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of less than or equal to 4 mm. The opening may have a diameter of less than or equal to 3 mm. The opening may have a diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0526] When measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, the cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length. That is, preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element is the same as the cross-section of the cavity at second and further longitudinal positions of the hollow tubular element. Thus, the area of the cavity may be constant along the length of the hollow tubular element. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular element tapers along the length of the hollow tubular element), the measured area of the cavity when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the minimum such area of the cavity along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0527] The hollow tubular element provides an unobstructed flow channel. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of draw resistance (RTD). Thus, the flow channel should be free of any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel is substantially empty. In this case, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element may define a cavity.

[0528] The hollow tubular element of the present disclosure may provide an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming a hollow tubular element from a tubular body that defines a cavity that extends from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a relatively large proportion of the hollow tubular element may be empty and allow unimpeded air flow. In the case where the hollow tubular element is downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this may help improve the cooling and nucleation of the aerosol. Additionally, such a configuration may also help minimize the filtration of any compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate, particularly when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0529] By providing the hollow tubular element with a folded or flanged end portion that forms an end wall, the hollow tubular element may be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end wall. In particular, the hollow tubular element and its end wall may be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, with a satisfactory RTD and low RTD variability from one article to another. Additionally, the configuration of the hollow tubular element and its end wall means that the RTD may be confined to a particular longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element, rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0530] In the case where the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall may provide a barrier that can restrict the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement may also advantageously enable one or both of air and aerosol to flow through an opening into the cavity. The construction of the hollow tubular element may also be better suited to withstand the temperature generated by a heating blade or sensor element.

[0531] By providing an opening in the end wall having a size defined by one or more of the area of the lumen of the absolute value or reference tubular body, the diameter of the lumen of the tubular body, and the outer diameter or external diameter of the tubular body as described above, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value while reducing the risk of migration of the aerosol-forming substrate material. Additionally, in cases where the hollow tubular element is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating section, the selection of an opening of such a size can assist in formulating an aerosol having desired properties (such as a desired high level of aerosol components, the aerosol components including one or both of nicotine and glycerol).

[0532] The aerosol-generating section and the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating section and in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating section.

[0533] The aerosol-generating section and the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, as a small blank space gap separates the aerosol-generating section from the hollow tubular element in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate but not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The gap can be 2 millimeters or less. The gap can be 1 millimeter or less.

[0534] As discussed above, the upstream element can include or can be the hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element can be positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element can be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0535] As discussed above, the downstream element can include or can be the hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element can be positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element can be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0536] The aerosol-generating article can include two hollow tubular elements, one being a downstream hollow tubular element positioned downstream of the aerosol-generating section and the other being an upstream hollow tubular element positioned upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream tubular element and the upstream tubular element can each have any of the features or combinations of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular element of the present disclosure.

[0537] For example, the hollow tubular element can be a downstream hollow tubular element positioned downstream of the aerosol generating section, where the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article can also include an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element can be positioned upstream of the aerosol generating section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element can be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate. Thus, the aerosol generating section including the aerosol generating substrate can be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, where each tubular element has a respective end wall adjacent or contiguous to the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0538] At least a first portion of the hollow tubular element forming the end wall can be substantially air-impermeable. In other words, the end wall can be substantially pore-free. The end wall can not include any perforations. The material forming the end wall can have a porosity less than or equal to 2000 Coresta units. The material forming the end wall can have a porosity less than or equal to 1000 Coresta units. The material forming the end wall can have a porosity less than or equal to 500 Coresta units.

[0539] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element is substantially air-impermeable. The tubular body can be substantially pore-free. The tubular body can not include any perforations. The material forming the tubular body can have a porosity less than or equal to 2000 Coresta units. The material forming the tubular body can have a porosity less than or equal to 1000 Coresta units. The material forming the tubular body can have a porosity less than or equal to 500 Coresta units.

[0540] In the case where the aerosol generating section includes a sensor element within the aerosol generating substrate, the opening in the first wall can be generally radially aligned with the sensor element. This can advantageously help maintain the distance between the end wall of the hollow tubular element and the sensor of the aerosol generating section. Maintaining such a distance can help mitigate any undesired heating of the end wall of the hollow tubular element by the sensor element.

[0541] The hollow tubular element can have an outer diameter or external diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter or external diameter of the aerosol generating article. In the case where the aerosol generating section is formed as a strip, the hollow tubular element can have an outer diameter or external diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter or external diameter of the aerosol generating section.

[0542] The hollow tubular element can have an external diameter between 6 mm and 10 mm, such as between 7 mm and 9 mm or between 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm. The hollow tubular element can have an external diameter of 7.8 mm.

[0543] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 5.5 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 6 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 7 millimeters. The term "equivalent inner diameter" is used herein to denote the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross-section of the air flow conduit defined inside the hollow tubular element. The cross-section of the air flow conduit may have any suitable shape. However, as briefly described above, a circular cross-section is preferred, that is to say, the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is actually a cylindrical tube. In this case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is actually consistent with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

[0544] The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body may be less than or equal to 10 millimeters. The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is less than or equal to 9.5 millimeters, or less than or equal to 9 millimeters.

[0545] The hollow tubular element may have a wall thickness of at least 0.1 millimeter or at least 0.2 millimeter.

[0546] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 millimeters, or less than or equal to 1.25 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 1 millimeter.

[0547] Therefore, the hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have a wall thickness between 0.1 millimeter and 1.5 millimeters, or between 0.2 millimeter and 1.25 millimeters, or between 0.5 millimeter and 1 millimeter.

[0548] Providing a hollow tubular element or its tubular body with such a wall thickness can help improve the anti-collapse or deformation ability of the tubular element, while still enabling the end walls to be formed by the folded or flanged end portions of the hollow tubular element.

[0549] The size of the hollow tubular element may correspond to the upstream element or the support element described in the present disclosure.

[0550] The RTD of the hollow tubular element may be between 0 millimeter H 2 O (about 0 Pa) and 20 millimeter H 2 O (about 100 Pa), or between 0 millimeter H 2 O (about 0 Pa) and 10 millimeter H 2 O (about 100 Pa).

[0551] The hollow tubular element may be formed from a paper material such as paper, cardboard or cartonboard. The hollow tubular element may be formed from a plurality of overlapping paper layers such as a plurality of parallel wound paper layers or a plurality of helically wound paper layers. Forming the hollow tubular element from a plurality of overlapping paper layers may help improve the anti-collapse or deformation ability of the tubular element while still enabling the end walls to be formed from the folded or flanged end portions of the hollow tubular element.

[0552] The hollow tubular element may include at least two paper layers. The hollow tubular element may include fewer than eleven paper layers.

[0553] In the case where the hollow tubular element is formed from a paper material, the paper material may have a basis weight of at least 90 g / m². The paper material may have a basis weight less than or equal to 300 g / m². The paper material may have a basis weight of 100 to 200 g / m². Providing a hollow tubular element with such a wall basis weight may help improve the anti-collapse or deformation ability of the tubular element while still enabling the end walls to be formed from the folded or flanged end portions of the hollow tubular element.

[0554] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0555] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device.

[0556] The aerosol generating device may include a power source and control electronics.

[0557] The aerosol generating device may include a battery and control electronics.

[0558] The aerosol generating device may include a housing defining a device cavity.

[0559] The device cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol generating article.

[0560] The device cavity may be configured to receive at least the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article.

[0561] The device cavity may be substantially cylindrical.

[0562] The device cavity may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0563] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element.

[0564] The aerosol generating device may include an external heating element.

[0565] The external heating element may be positioned around the perimeter of the device cavity.

[0566] The external heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0567] The external heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0568] The aerosol generating device may include an internal heating element for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate in an aerosol generating section of an aerosol generating article.

[0569] The internal heating element may have a tip to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element into an aerosol generating substrate in an aerosol generating section of an aerosol generating article.

[0570] The internal heating element may be located within a device cavity.

[0571] The internal heating element may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the device cavity. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0572] The internal heating element may be centrally arranged within the device cavity. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0573] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0574] The internal heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0575] The aerosol generating device may include a sensing element.

[0576] The sensing element may include one or more sensing coils.

[0577] The sensing element may be positioned around the perimeter of the device cavity.

[0578] The aerosol generating system may include: a consumable aerosol generating article; and a reusable aerosol generating device.

[0579] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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.

[0580] EX1. An aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, the aerosol generating section comprising: an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material.

[0581] EX2. The aerosol generating article according to example EX1, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an elongate internal heating element located within the aerosol generating substrate and in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol generating material.

[0582] EX3. The aerosol generating article according to example EX2, wherein the internal heating element extends between an upstream end and a downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0583] EX4. An aerosol - generating system, the aerosol - generating system comprising: an aerosol - generating article; and an aerosol - generating device, the aerosol - generating article comprising: an aerosol - generating section, the aerosol - generating section comprising: an aerosol - generating substrate, the aerosol - generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol - generating material.

[0584] EX5. The aerosol - generating system according to Example EX4, wherein the aerosol - generating device comprises: an elongate internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol - generating substrate of the aerosol - generating section of the aerosol - generating article.

[0585] EX6. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density of at least 100 mg / cm³.

[0586] EX7. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density of at least 150 mg / cm³.

[0587] EX8. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density of at least 200 mg / cm³.

[0588] EX9. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density of at least 250 mg / cm³.

[0589] EX10. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density of at least 275 mg / cm³.

[0590] EX11. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 700 mg / cm³.

[0591] EX12. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 650 mg / cm³.

[0592] EX13. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 600 mg / cm³.

[0593] EX14. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 550 mg / cm³.

[0594] EX15. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 500 mg / cm³.

[0595] EX16. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass of at least 120 mg.

[0596] EX17. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass of at least 130 mg.

[0597] EX18. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass of at least 140 mg.

[0598] EX19. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass of at least 150 mg.

[0599] EX20. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass of at least 160 mg.

[0600] EX21. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 340 mg.

[0601] EX22. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 310 mg.

[0602] EX23. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 280 mg.

[0603] EX24. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 250 mg.

[0604] EX25. The aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol - generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 220 mg.

[0605] EX26. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is shredded tobacco filler.

[0606] EX27. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises: a heat transfer enhancement element located within the aerosol-generating substrate and in thermal contact with a plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material.

[0607] EX28. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 0.5 millimeters.

[0608] EX29. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 1 millimeter.

[0609] EX30. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 2 millimeters.

[0610] EX31. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 5 millimeters.

[0611] EX32. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 80 millimeters.

[0612] EX33. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 50 millimeters.

[0613] EX34. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 30 millimeters.

[0614] EX35. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 25 millimeters.

[0615] EX36. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 20 millimeters.

[0616] EX37. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average length of less than or equal to 15 millimeters.

[0617] EX38. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.1 millimeter.

[0618] EX39. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.3 millimeter.

[0619] EX40. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.4 millimeter.

[0620] EX41. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.5 millimeter.

[0621] EX42. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.6 millimeter.

[0622] EX43. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of less than or equal to 5 millimeters.

[0623] EX44. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of less than or equal to 2 millimeters.

[0624] EX45. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of less than or equal to 1.5 millimeters.

[0625] EX46. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of less than or equal to 1.2 millimeters.

[0626] EX47. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material have an average width of less than or equal to 0.9 millimeter.

[0627] EX48. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of at least 0.1 mm.

[0628] EX49. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of at least 0.15 mm.

[0629] EX50. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of at least 0.18 mm.

[0630] EX51. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of at least 0.2 mm.

[0631] EX52. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0632] EX53. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0633] EX54. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of less than or equal to 0.6 mm.

[0634] EX55. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of strands of the aerosol-forming material have an average thickness of less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0635] EX56. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 1% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0636] EX57. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 5% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0637] EX58. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 10% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0638] EX59. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 15% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0639] EX60. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 30% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0640] EX61. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 25% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0641] EX62. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 20% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent.

[0642] EX63. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 0.5% by weight of nicotine.

[0643] EX64. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 1.0% by weight of nicotine.

[0644] EX65. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 1.5% by weight of nicotine.

[0645] EX66. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises at least 2.0% by weight of nicotine.

[0646] EX67. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 10% by weight of nicotine.

[0647] EX68. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 8% by weight of nicotine.

[0648] EX69. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 6% by weight of nicotine.

[0649] EX70. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-forming material comprises less than or equal to 4% by weight of nicotine.

[0650] EX71. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element.

[0651] EX72. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 4 millimeters.

[0652] EX73. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 6 millimeters.

[0653] EX74. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 8 millimeters.

[0654] EX75. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 10 millimeters.

[0655] EX76. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of less than or equal to 45 millimeters.

[0656] EX77. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of less than or equal to 35 millimeters.

[0657] EX78. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of less than or equal to 25 millimeters.

[0658] EX79. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of less than or equal to 15 millimeters.

[0659] EX80. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 0.5 millimeters.

[0660] EX81. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1 millimeter.

[0661] EX82. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1.5 millimeters.

[0662] EX83. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2 millimeters.

[0663] EX84. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2.5 millimeters.

[0664] EX85. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 8 millimeters.

[0665] EX86. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 7 millimeters.

[0666] EX87. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 6 millimeters.

[0667] EX88. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 5 millimeters.

[0668] EX89. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 4.5 millimeters.

[0669] EX90. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 4 millimeters.

[0670] EX91. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 3.5 millimeters.

[0671] EX92. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 3 millimeters.

[0672] EX93. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.05.

[0673] EX94. An aerosol - generating article or aerosol - generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol - generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.06.

[0674] EX95. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.08.

[0675] EX96. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.09.

[0676] EX97. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.10.

[0677] EX98. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.11.

[0678] EX99. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.12.

[0679] EX100. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.13.

[0680] EX101. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 4.

[0681] EX102. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 3.

[0682] EX103. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 2.

[0683] EX104. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.8.

[0684] EX105. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.6.

[0685] EX106. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.5.

[0686] EX107. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.4.

[0687] EX108. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.3.

[0688] EX109. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.04.

[0689] EX110. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.07.

[0690] EX111. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.10.

[0691] EX112. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.12.

[0692] EX113. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.15.

[0693] EX114. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.20.

[0694] EX115. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.25.

[0695] EX116. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 7.

[0696] EX117. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 4.

[0697] EX118. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.

[0698] EX119. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0699] EX120. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.7.

[0700] EX121. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.6.

[0701] EX122. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.5.

[0702] EX123. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.1.

[0703] EX124. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.2.

[0704] EX125. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.3.

[0705] EX126. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.4.

[0706] EX127. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0707] EX128. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0708] EX129. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.7.

[0709] EX130. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.6.

[0710] EX131. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.10.

[0711] EX132. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.15.

[0712] EX133. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.20.

[0713] EX134. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.40.

[0714] EX135. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.35.

[0715] EX136. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.30.

[0716] EX137. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0717] EX138. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a sensing element.

[0718] EX139. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section.

[0719] EX140. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX139, wherein the downstream section comprises a support element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section.

[0720] EX141. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX140, wherein the support element comprises an opening at an end of the support element.

[0721] EX142. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1.

[0722] EX143. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5.

[0723] EX144. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 1.

[0724] EX145. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX141, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 3.

[0725] EX146. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 20.

[0726] EX147. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 10.

[0727] EX148. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 7.5.

[0728] EX149. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX145, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 5.

[0729] EX150. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX149, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element having an end wall defining a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element, optionally, the end wall is defined by a flanged end of the hollow tubular downstream element.

[0730] EX151. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX150, wherein the opening of the support element is defined through the end wall.

[0731] EX152. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX151, wherein the opening of the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element.

[0732] EX153. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX141 to EX152, wherein the support element comprises a hollow tubular downstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular downstream element.

[0733] EX153. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the foregoing examples, comprising an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section.

[0734] EX154. An aerosol-generating article according to Example EX153, wherein the upstream section comprises an upstream element adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section.

[0735] EX155. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX154, wherein the upstream element comprises a rod element.

[0736] EX156. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX153 or EX154, wherein the upstream element comprises an opening at an end of the upstream element, optionally, the opening being defined at a flanged end of the upstream element.

[0737] EX157. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1.

[0738] EX158. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5.

[0739] EX159. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is at least 1.

[0740] EX160. The aerosol-generating article according to example EX156, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is at least 3.

[0741] EX161. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX156 to EX160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 20.

[0742] EX162. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX156 to EX160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 10.

[0743] EX163. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX156 to EX160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 7.5.

[0744] EX164. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX156 to EX160, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 5.

[0745] EX165. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX156 to EX164, wherein the opening of the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the upstream element.

[0746] EX166. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples EX153 to EX165, wherein the upstream element comprises a hollow tubular upstream element that defines a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular upstream element, and optionally, the hollow tubular upstream element has a flanged end that defines an end wall of the hollow tubular upstream element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0747] The present invention will be further described only by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0748] Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0749] Figure 2 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0750] Figure 3 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0751] Figure 4 A schematic side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0752] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating article 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol-generating article 1 is substantially cylindrical and has a total length of 45 mm and an outer diameter of 7.2 mm.

[0753] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an aerosol-generating section 12 and a downstream section 14. The downstream section 14 is located downstream of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The aerosol-generating section 12 has a length of 12 mm. The downstream section has a length of 23 mm.

[0754] The aerosol-generating section 12 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 16 and a susceptor element 18 located within the aerosol-generating substrate 16.

[0755] The aerosol - forming substrate 16 comprises 180 mg of cut - tobacco filler. The cut - tobacco filler is delimited by a wrapper (not shown). The cut - tobacco filler comprises a plurality of tobacco strands. The cut - tobacco filler comprises 90 wt% of tobacco leaves. The glycerol content of the cut - tobacco filler is 18 wt%. The average cut - width of the cut - tobacco filler is 0.6 mm. The aerosol - forming substrate has a density of 325 mg / cm³.

[0756] The downstream section 14 comprises a support element 20 and a mouthpiece element 22. The support element 20 is positioned downstream and adjacent to the aerosol - forming section 12. The upstream end of the support element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol - forming section 12. The support element has a length of 21 mm. As Figure 1 shown, the support element 20 is a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element has an inner diameter of 6.7 mm. The hollow tubular element is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The thickness of the outer peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 mm. The hollow tubular element defines a lumen or cavity 26 that extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The lumen 26 is substantially empty. In use, the airflow through the lumen 26 defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unconstrained.

[0757] The upstream end of the support element 20 comprises an opening or orifice 21 defined through an end - wall 25. The end - wall 25 defines the upstream end of the support element 20. As Figure 1 shown, the upstream end of the support element 20 is flanged to define the end - wall 25 and a single opening 21. This upstream end - wall 25 of the support element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol - forming section 12 to minimize the migration of materials such as cut - tobacco filler from the aerosol - forming substrate 16 towards the downstream end of the article 1. The opening 21 allows air or aerosol to flow into the lumen 26 of the support element 20. The opening 21 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 21 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the opening 21 to the average width of the plurality of tobacco strands is 1.67.

[0758] The aerosol - forming article 1 comprises a ventilation zone 24 at a position along the downstream section 14. The distance between the ventilation zone 24 and the downstream end of the downstream section 14 is 16 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone 24 and the downstream end of the aerosol - forming section 12 is 12 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol - forming section 12 is 24 mm. As Figure 1 shown, the ventilation zone is at a position along the support element 20. The ventilation zone 24 comprises a row of circumferential perforations. The perforations extend through the outer peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. In use, the perforations allow air to flow from the exterior of the aerosol - forming article 1 into the lumen 26 defined by the hollow tubular element.

[0759] The mouthpiece element 22 is positioned downstream of and adjacent to the support element 20. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 abuts the downstream end of the support element 20. The downstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The mouthpiece element 22 has a length of 7 millimeters. The mouthpiece element 22 is a cylindrical segment of low-density cellulose acetate tow defined by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the mouthpiece element 22 is 8 mm H 2 O.

[0760] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an upstream section 32. The upstream section 32 is located upstream of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the upstream section 32 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The upstream section 32 has a length of 5 millimeters.

[0761] The upstream section 32 includes an upstream element 34. The upstream element 34 is positioned upstream of and adjacent to the aerosol-generating section 12. The downstream end of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the upstream element 34 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 1. The upstream element 34 has a length of 5 millimeters.

[0762] As Figure 1 shown, the upstream element 34 is a cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate defined by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the upstream element is 30 mm H 2 O.

[0763] The aerosol-generating article 1 includes an upstream wrapper (not shown) defining the aerosol-generating section 12 and an adjacent upstream portion of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14. The upstream wrapper has a length of 24 millimeters.

[0764] The aerosol-generating article 1 further includes a downstream wrapper (not shown) defining an adjacent downstream portion of the support element 20 of the mouthpiece element 22 and the downstream section 14. The downstream wrapper has a length of 26 millimeters. The downstream wrapper overlies the downstream portion of the upstream wrapper.

[0765] The perforations of the ventilation zone 24 extend through the upstream wrapper and the downstream wrapper.

[0766] Figure 2 An aerosol-generating article 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 1 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 1 shown and described above. Accordingly, only the differences between the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 2 and the aerosol-generating article 1 shown in Figure 1 will be described.

[0767] Figure 2 The aerosol-generating article 2 shown in Figure 1The aerosol-generating article 1 shown differs in that the upstream element 34 is a hollow tubular element similar to the support element 20. Similar to the support element 20, the hollow tubular element of the upstream element 34 has an inner diameter of 6.7 millimeters. The hollow tubular element of the upstream element 34 is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The thickness of the outer peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 millimeters. The hollow tubular element defines a lumen or bore 36 that extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The lumen 36 is substantially empty. In use, the airflow through the lumen 36 defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted.

[0768] As Figure 2 shown, the downstream end of the upstream element 34 includes an opening or orifice 33 defined through the end wall 37. The end wall 37 defines the downstream end of the upstream element 34. As Figure 2 shown, the downstream end of the upstream element 34 is flanged to define the end wall 37 and a single opening 33. This downstream end wall 37 of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12 to minimize the migration of materials such as cut filler from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 towards the upstream end of the article 1. The opening 33 allows air to flow out (or leave) the lumen 36 of the upstream element 34 towards the aerosol-generating section 12. The opening 33 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 33 is 1 mm. Thus, the ratio of the width of the opening 33 to the average width of the plurality of tobacco strands is 1.67.

[0769] Figure 3 An aerosol-generating article 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 2 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 2 shown and described above. Thus, only the Figure 3 differences between the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 2 and the aerosol-generating article 2 shown in

[0770] Figure 3 will be described. Figure 2 The aerosol-generating article 3 shown in Figure 3As shown in [Figure], the upstream end of the upstream element 34 is flanged to define an end wall 35 and a single opening 31. Accordingly, the upstream element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 3 includes an upstream end wall 35 and a downstream end wall 37. Accordingly, both ends of the upstream element 34 of the aerosol-generating article 3 are flanged. This upstream end wall 35 can further minimize the migration of any material such as cut filler from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 that has entered the lumen 36 through the downstream opening 33 towards the upstream end of the article 1. The opening 31 allows air to enter the lumen 36 of the upstream element 34 and flow downstream towards the aerosol-generating section 12. The opening 31 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 31 is 1 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of the width of the opening 31 to the average width of the plurality of tobacco strands is 1.67.

[0771] Figure 4 An aerosol-generating article 4 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The aerosol-generating article 4 shown in [Figure] is similar to Figure 3 the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in [Figure] and described above. Accordingly, only the Figure 4 differences between the aerosol-generating article 4 shown in [Figure] and Figure 3 the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in [Figure] will be described.

[0772] Figure 4 The aerosol-generating article 4 shown in [Figure] differs from Figure 3 the aerosol-generating article 3 shown in [Figure] in that the downstream end of the support element 20 includes an opening or orifice 23 defined through the end wall 27. The end wall 27 defines the downstream end of the support element 20. As Figure 4 shown in [Figure], the downstream end of the support element 20 is flanged to define an end wall 27 and a single opening 23. Accordingly, the support element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 3 includes an upstream end wall 25 and a downstream end wall 27. Accordingly, both ends of the support element 20 of the aerosol-generating article 3 are flanged. This downstream end wall 27 can further minimize the migration of any material such as cut filler from the aerosol-generating substrate 16 that has entered the lumen 26 through the upstream opening 21 towards the downstream end of the article 1. The opening 23 allows air to enter the lumen 26 of the support element 20 and flow downstream towards the aerosol-generating section 12. The opening 23 is substantially circular. The effective width or diameter of the opening 23 is 1 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of the width of the opening 23 to the average width of the plurality of tobacco strands is 1.67.

[0773] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate but do not limit the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention can be made and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0774] In particular, in the specific embodiments and examples described above, the aerosol - forming substrate comprises a cut - tobacco filler, and the cut - tobacco filler comprises a plurality of tobacco leaf strands. However, it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention can be made, in which the aerosol - forming substrate comprises a plurality of strands of other aerosol - forming materials. For example, other embodiments of the present invention can be made, in which the aerosol - forming substrate comprises a plurality of strands of homogenized tobacco material or a plurality of strands of nicotine - containing gel material.

[0775] The aerosol - generating article of the specific embodiments and examples described above may also include a sensor element longitudinally disposed within the aerosol - forming substrate. The sensor may be centered within the aerosol - forming substrate and extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating section. The sensor element may be according to any description within the present disclosure related to the sensor element or the sensor.

[0776] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A can be regarded as including values within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified for the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentage listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-generating section including an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate includes a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material; a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section, wherein the downstream section includes a support element having an upstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section, the support element including an opening at an end of the support element, wherein a ratio of a width of the opening to an average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 20; and an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section, wherein the upstream section includes an upstream element having a downstream end adjacent to the aerosol-generating section.

2. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the upstream element includes a rod element.

3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the upstream element includes an opening at an end of the upstream element, wherein a ratio of a width of the opening of the upstream element to an average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 20.

4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 3, wherein the opening of the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the upstream element.

5. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element includes a hollow tubular downstream element having a flanged end defining an end wall, the opening of the support element being defined through the end wall.

6. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening of the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element.

7. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support element includes a hollow tubular downstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular downstream element.

8. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 and any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the upstream element includes a hollow tubular upstream element defining a cavity extending longitudinally along the hollow tubular upstream element.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 10, optionally less than or equal to about 7.

5.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 5.

11. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 10, optionally less than or equal to about 7.

5.

12. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to about 5.

13. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a bulk density between about 100 mg / cm3 and about 500 mg / cm3.

14. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of tobacco strands, optionally wherein the plurality of tobacco strands have an average width between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm.

15. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass between about 120 mg and about 350 mg, optionally between about 150 mg and about 250 mg.

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