Aerosol-generating system with pin heater and low density consumable

Abstract

An aerosol-generating system (1000, 2000) comprises: an aerosol-generating article (10, 20, 30, 40), the aerosol-generating article (10, 20, 30, 40) comprising a strip (11, 21, 31, 41) of an aerosol-generating substrate; and an aerosol-generating device (100, 200), the aerosol-generating device (100, 200) comprising a heating element in the form of a pin (120, 220) configured for insertion into a strip (11, 21, 31, 41) of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article (10, 20, 30, 40) wherein the pin width (124, 224) is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm. The strip (11, 21, 31, 41) of aerosol-generating substrate has a density of less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter) prior to insertion of the pin heating element (120, 220) into the strip (11, 21, 31, 41).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device.

[0002] There are known aerosol generating devices for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices can heat an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating article without burning the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article can have a strip shape configured to insert a portion of the aerosol generating article into a device cavity of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can further include a heating element. The heating element can be in the form of a pin configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol generating substrate. The pin can be located in the device cavity. When the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article is received in the device cavity, the pin heating element can penetrate through the aerosol generating substrate and be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate to heat the aerosol generating substrate from the inside.

[0003] When the pin heating element is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate, the pin heating element experiences a resistance to insertion as it penetrates through the aerosol generating substrate. This resistance to insertion is typically in the form of a counterforce exerted by the aerosol generating substrate against the penetration of the pin heating element into the aerosol generating substrate. Due to this resistance to insertion, a user typically needs to apply an insertion force to overcome the counterforce generated by the aerosol generating substrate during the insertion of the pin heating element, which can reduce ease of use if the required insertion force is large.

[0004] During use, after the pin heating element is inserted into the aerosol generating substrate, the outermost peripheral portion of the aerosol generating substrate that is furthest from the pin heating element may not receive sufficient heat from the pin heating element to evaporate the volatile compounds in the substrate to form an aerosol.

[0005] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system for which a user can easily insert a pin heating element into an aerosol generating substrate. That is, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system for which the pin heating element can be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate without the user having to provide excessive force. Additionally, it is desirable to provide improved heating of the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article. It is also desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that provides more uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article. It is also desirable to reduce or eliminate waste of the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating system. It is also desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that requires less aerosol generating substrate to deliver a desired amount of aerosol.

[0006] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may include a strip of an aerosol generating substrate having a strip width. The aerosol generating device may include a heating element in the form of a pin. The pin may have a pin width. The pin may be configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0007] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article includes a strip of an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element in the form of a pin. The pin has a pin width. The pin is configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. The pin width is greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters. The strip of the aerosol generating substrate has a density before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip. The density of the strip of the aerosol generating substrate before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip is less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter).

[0008] Advantageously, providing an aerosol generating substrate having a density of less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter) before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip improves the ease of inserting the pin into the aerosol generating substrate. In particular, as discussed above, increasing the width of the pin can improve heat transfer from the pin to the outer peripheral portion of the strip of the aerosol generating substrate. However, increasing the width of the pin also increases the resistance to inserting the pin into the aerosol generating substrate, which can be in the form of a counterforce exerted by the aerosol generating substrate against the penetration of the pin into the aerosol generating substrate. Providing an aerosol generating substrate having a density of less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter) before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip reduces the resistance to insertion. Thus, providing an aerosol generating substrate having a density of less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter) before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip reduces the insertion force required by the user to overcome the counterforce exerted by the aerosol generating substrate during insertion of the pin into the aerosol generating substrate. This can improve the user experience of inserting the pin into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0009] Advantageously, providing a heating element in the form of a pin having a pin width greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters for the aerosol generating system can provide improved heat transfer from the pin to the outer peripheral portion of the strip of the aerosol generating substrate. It has been surprisingly found through experimental data that this improved heat transfer can provide more efficient aerosol delivery and an increase in the amount of aerosol delivered per unit mass of the aerosol generating substrate. This can also result in more uniform heating of the strip of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0010] Improved heat transfer from the pin to the outer peripheral portion of the aerosol - forming substrate can reduce the amount of aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - generating article that is wasted due to not being heated to the temperature required to vaporize the volatile compounds and generate an aerosol. Reducing the amount of wasted aerosol - forming substrate can enable a reduction in the amount of aerosol - forming substrate provided in the aerosol - generating article, which can also reduce the cost of the aerosol - generating article.

[0011] Improved heat transfer from the pin to the outer peripheral portion of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can enable the use of less power to generate a desired amount of aerosol from a given amount of aerosol - forming substrate. Reducing power usage can increase the duration of use of the aerosol - generating device before it needs to be recharged or the power source replaced. Reducing power usage can enable a reduction in the size of the power source. This can enable a reduction in the overall size of the aerosol - generating device.

[0012] As used herein, the term "aerosol - forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating that can condense to form an aerosol.

[0013] As used herein, the term "aerosol" refers to a dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. An aerosol can be visible or invisible. An aerosol can include vapors of substances that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0014] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol - forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol - generating article can be disposable.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol - forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol - generating device can interact with an aerosol - generating article that includes an aerosol - forming substrate. In some instances, the aerosol - generating device heats the aerosol - forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate.

[0016] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol - generating device and an aerosol - forming substrate. When the aerosol - forming substrate forms part of an aerosol - generating article, the aerosol - generating system refers to the combination of the aerosol - generating device and the aerosol - generating article. In an aerosol - generating system, the aerosol - forming substrate and the aerosol - generating device cooperate to generate an aerosol.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "proximal", and "distal" are used to describe the relative positions of elements or portions of elements of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system according to the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article described herein includes a proximal end through which aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article during use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end. During use, a user draws on the proximal end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article includes a distal end opposite the proximal end or mouth end. The proximal end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or portions of components of the aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal or downstream end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0018] As used herein, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the downstream or proximal end and the opposite upstream or distal end of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system according to the present invention.

[0019] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an element or portion of an element of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system according to the present disclosure in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] As used herein, the term 'transverse' is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0021] As used herein, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an element or portion of an element of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system according to the present disclosure. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "diameter" as used herein may also be used to refer to the "width" of an element or portion of an element of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system having a circular cross-section according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, a reference to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or axis.

[0023] As used herein, the mass of a strip of aerosol - forming substrate refers to the total mass of the material received within the volume defined by the strip of aerosol - forming substrate. For 20 different individual aerosol - generating articles, this can be repeated 20 times to obtain an average value. For the avoidance of doubt, if the strip of aerosol - forming substrate is defined by one or more wrappers, the mass of the wrapper or the wrapper itself is not considered when calculating the mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate. The mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can be the dry mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate. The mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can be determined after conditioning the aerosol - generating article in accordance with ISO standard 3402:1999.

[0024] As used herein, the mass of the aerosol - forming substrate in a strip of aerosol - forming substrate refers to the total mass of the aerosol - forming substrate received within the volume defined by the strip of aerosol - forming substrate. To measure the mass of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate, the aerosol - forming substrate is removed from the strip of aerosol - forming substrate and weighed. For 20 different individual aerosol - generating articles, this can be repeated 20 times to obtain an average value. The mass of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can be the dry mass of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate. The mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can be determined after conditioning the aerosol - generating article in accordance with ISO standard 3402:1999.

[0025] As used herein, the density of a strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip refers to the total mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate divided by the volume of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip. For 20 different individual aerosol - generating articles, this can be repeated 20 times to obtain an average value. For the avoidance of doubt, if the strip of aerosol - forming substrate is defined by one or more wrappers, the mass and volume of the wrapper or the wrapper itself are not considered when calculating the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip. The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can be calculated based on the dry weight. The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can be determined after conditioning the aerosol - generating article in accordance with ISO standard 3402:1999.

[0026] As used herein, the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip can be calculated by dividing the sum of the masses of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip by the volume of the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip. The dimensions of the aerosol - forming substrate before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip are used to calculate the volume of the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip. The mass of the aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming substrate strip is determined by removing the aerosol - forming substrate from the aerosol - forming substrate strip and weighing the aerosol - forming substrate. For 20 different individual aerosol - generating articles, this can be repeated 20 times to obtain the average density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip. The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip can be calculated based on dry weight. The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip can be determined after conditioning the aerosol - generating article according to ISO standard 3402:1999.

[0027] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³).

[0028] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate strip before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³).

[0029] The density of the aerosol - generating substrate strip before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can be between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), or between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0030] Advantageously, providing a density of the aerosol - generating substrate strip that is greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can improve the heat transfer between the heating pin and the aerosol - generating substrate strip.

[0031] The density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the aerosol - generating substrate strip before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³).

[0032] The density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the aerosol - generating substrate strip before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³).

[0033] The density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the stick of the aerosol - generating substrate, before the pin - heating element is inserted into the stick, can be between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), or between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0034] Advantageously, providing a density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the stick of the aerosol - generating substrate that is less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³) before the pin - heating element is inserted into the stick can improve the ease of inserting the heating pin into the stick of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0035] Advantageously, providing a density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the stick of the aerosol - generating substrate that is greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) before the pin - heating element is inserted into the stick can improve the heat transfer between the heating pin and the stick of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0036] The density increase of the aerosol-forming substrate in the strip of aerosol-forming substrate from a state where the pin heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state where the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 10 kg / m³ (0.01 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³).

[0037] The increase in density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate from a state in which the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³).

[0038] The percentage increase in density of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate from a state in which the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 1%, greater than or equal to 2%, greater than or equal to 3%, greater than or equal to 4%, greater than or equal to 5%, greater than or equal to 6%, greater than or equal to 7%, greater than or equal to 8%, greater than or equal to 9%, greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 11%, greater than or equal to 12%, greater than or equal to 13%, greater than or equal to 14%, greater than or equal to 15%, greater than or equal to 16%, greater than or equal to 17%, greater than or equal to 18%, greater than or equal to 19%, or greater than or equal to 20%.

[0039] The percentage increase in the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate from the state where the pin - heating element is not inserted into the stick to the state where the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the stick can be less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 9%, less than or equal to 8%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2%, or less than or equal to 1%.

[0040] The ratio of the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is not inserted into the stick to the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the stick can be greater than or equal to 1:1.02, greater than or equal to 1:1.04, greater than or equal to 1:1.06, greater than or equal to 1:1.08, greater than or equal to 1:1.10, greater than or equal to 1:1.12, greater than or equal to 1:1.14, greater than or equal to 1:1.16, greater than or equal to 1:1.18, or greater than or equal to 1:1.20.

[0041] The ratio of the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is not inserted into the stick to the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the stick can be less than or equal to 1:1.20, less than or equal to 1:1.18, less than or equal to 1:1.16, less than or equal to 1:1.14, less than or equal to 1:1.12, less than or equal to 1:1.10, less than or equal to 1:1.08, less than or equal to 1:1.06, less than or equal to 1:1.04, or less than or equal to 1:1.02.

[0042] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the stick can be less than or equal to 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³).

[0043] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0044] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), or between 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³).

[0045] The increase in the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate from the state where the pin heating element is not inserted into the strip to the state where the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be calculated by subtracting the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin is inserted into the strip from the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the strip of aerosol - forming substrate after the pin is fully inserted into the strip.

[0046] The density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the stick is calculated using a method that is substantially the same as the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin heating element is inserted into the stick. However, the volume used to calculate the density of the aerosol - forming substrate in the stick of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin is fully inserted into the stick is the volume of the stick of aerosol - forming substrate minus the volume of the part of the pin inserted into the stick.

[0047] The increase in density of the stick of aerosol - forming substrate from the state where the pin heating element is not inserted into the stick to the state where the pin heating element is fully inserted into the stick can be greater than or equal to 10 kg / m³ (0.01 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³).

[0048] The density increase of the aerosol - generating substrate strip from the state where the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to the state where the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³).

[0049] The percentage density increase of the aerosol - generating substrate strip from the state where the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to the state where the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 1%, greater than or equal to 2%, greater than or equal to 3%, greater than or equal to 4%, greater than or equal to 5%, greater than or equal to 6%, greater than or equal to 7%, greater than or equal to 8%, greater than or equal to 9%, greater than or equal to 10%, greater than or equal to 11%, greater than or equal to 12%, greater than or equal to 13%, greater than or equal to 14%, greater than or equal to 15%, greater than or equal to 16%, greater than or equal to 17%, greater than or equal to 18%, greater than or equal to 19%, or greater than or equal to 20%.

[0050] The percentage increase in density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate from a state in which the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 19%, less than or equal to 18%, less than or equal to 17%, less than or equal to 16%, less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 14%, less than or equal to 13%, less than or equal to 12%, less than or equal to 11%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 9%, less than or equal to 8%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 6%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 4%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2%, or less than or equal to 1%.

[0051] The ratio of the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 1:1.02, greater than or equal to 1:1.04, greater than or equal to 1:1.06, greater than or equal to 1:1.08, greater than or equal to 1:1.10, greater than or equal to 1:1.12, greater than or equal to 1:1.14, greater than or equal to 1:1.16, greater than or equal to 1:1.18, or greater than or equal to 1:1.20.

[0052] The ratio of the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is not inserted into the strip to the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 1:1.20, less than or equal to 1:1.18, less than or equal to 1:1.16, less than or equal to 1:1.14, less than or equal to 1:1.12, less than or equal to 1:1.10, less than or equal to 1:1.08, less than or equal to 1:1.06, less than or equal to 1:1.04, or less than or equal to 1:1.02.

[0053] The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be less than or equal to 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), less than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or less than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³).

[0054] The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - type heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), or greater than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0055] The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³), between 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³), or between 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³) and 550 kg / m³ (0.55 mg / mm³).

[0056] The density increase of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate from the state where the pin - heating element is not inserted into the strip to the state where the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the strip can be calculated by subtracting the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin is inserted into the strip from the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate after the pin is fully inserted into the strip.

[0057] The density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the strip is calculated using a method that is substantially the same as the method for calculating the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate before the pin - heating element is inserted into the strip. However, the volume used for calculating the density of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate when the pin is fully inserted into the strip is the volume of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate minus the volume of the part of the pin inserted into the strip.

[0058] The mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate can be less than or equal to 300 mg, less than or equal to 280 mg, less than or equal to 270 mg, less than or equal to 260 mg, or less than or equal to 250 mg. Preferably, the mass of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate is less than or equal to 220 mg, less than or equal to 210 mg, or less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0059] The mass of the strip of aerosol - generating substrate can be between 10 mg and 300 mg, between 50 mg and 280 mg, or between 100 mg and 270 mg. Preferably, the mass of the strip of aerosol - generating substrate can be between 10 mg and 220 mg, between 50 mg and 220 mg, between 100 mg and 220 mg, or between 150 mg and 200 mg.

[0060] The mass of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate can be less than or equal to 300 mg, less than or equal to 280 mg, less than or equal to 270 mg, less than or equal to 260 mg, or less than or equal to 250 mg. Preferably, the mass of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate is less than or equal to 220 mg, less than or equal to 210 mg, or less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0061] The mass of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate can be between 10 mg and 300 mg, between 50 mg and 280 mg, or between 100 mg and 270 mg. Preferably, the mass of the aerosol - generating substrate in the strip of aerosol - generating substrate is between 10 mg and 220 mg, between 50 mg and 220 mg, between 100 mg and 220 mg, or between 150 mg and 200 mg.

[0062] The pin has a pin width. The pin may also have a pin length. The pin length is the maximum dimension of the pin in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol - generating device. The pin width is the maximum dimension of the pin in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The pin may have a tip. The tip may have a tip length. The tip may be configured to pierce the strip of aerosol - generating substrate. The end of the tip can be defined as the most distal point of the tip along the tip length. The end of the tip can be defined as the most distal point of the pin along the pin length. The tip can be one of tapering, sharpening, or being sharpened towards the end of the tip. The tip can be defined as the part of the pin along which the pin width decreases. The tip can be defined as the tapered, sharpened, or sharp part of the pin.

[0064] The tip may have a tip length greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 1.2 mm, or greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0065] The tip may have a tip length less than or equal to 1.8 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 0.8 mm, less than or equal to 0.5 mm, less than or equal to 0.2 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0066] The tip may have a tip length that is greater than or equal to 1% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 2% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 4% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 6% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 8% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 10% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 12% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 15% of the pin length, greater than or equal to 18% of the pin length, or greater than or equal to 20% of the pin length.

[0067] The tip may have a tip length that is less than or equal to 25% of the pin length, less than or equal to 20% of the pin length, less than or equal to 18% of the pin length, less than or equal to 15% of the pin length, less than or equal to 12% of the pin length, less than or equal to 10% of the pin length, less than or equal to 8% of the pin length, less than or equal to 6% of the pin length, less than or equal to 4% of the pin length, less than or equal to 2% of the pin length, or less than or equal to 1% of the pin length.

[0068] The width of the tip measured at a distance of 1 mm from the end of the tip may be less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1.8 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 0.8 mm, less than or equal to 0.5 mm, or less than or equal to 0.2 mm.

[0069] Advantageously, providing a width of the tip measured at a distance of 1 mm from the end of the tip that is less than or equal to 2 mm can facilitate the insertion of the pin into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0070] Returning to the pin width, it is contemplated that the pin width can be measured in a variety of suitable ways.

[0071] The pin width can be measured at a distance of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm from the end of the tip. Preferably, the pin width can be measured at a distance of 3 mm or 4 mm from the end of the tip, and most preferably at a distance of 4 mm from the end of the tip.

[0072] The pin width can be the maximum pin width. The maximum pin width refers to the maximum width of the pin along the length of the pin.

[0073] The pin width can be the width of the pin measured at the position of the section of the pin configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate, which is the farthest distance from the end of the tip of the pin.

[0074] The pin width can be measured at a plurality of positions along the length of the pin excluding the tip. The pin width can be measured at more than one of the distances of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm from the end of the tip. The pin width can be the average width of the pin measured at a plurality of positions along the length of the pin excluding the tip.

[0075] The pin width can be the average width of the pin measured within at least 70% of the pin length, within at least 80% of the pin length, within at least 90% of the pin length, or within at least 95% of the pin length.

[0076] The pin width can be the pin width measured at a position 50% of the end pin length from the tip of the pin.

[0077] The pin width can be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, greater than or equal to 1.2 mm, greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, greater than or equal to 1.8 mm, greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, greater than or equal to 2.2 mm.

[0078] The pin width can be greater than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0079] The pin width can be greater than or equal to 2.6 mm, greater than or equal to 2.7 mm, greater than or equal to 2.8 mm, or greater than or equal to 2.9 mm.

[0080] The pin width can be less than or equal to 7.0 mm, less than or equal to 6.0 mm, less than or equal to 5.0 mm, less than or equal to 4.0 mm, less than or equal to 3.0 mm, less than or equal to 2.9 mm, less than or equal to 2.8 mm, less than or equal to 2.7 mm, or less than or equal to 2.6 mm.

[0081] The pin width can be between 2.5 mm and 7.0 mm, between 2.5 mm and 6.0 mm, or between 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the pin width can be between 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm. The pin width can be between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The pin width can be between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

[0082] The ratio of the strip width to the pin width can be less than or equal to 2.8, less than or equal to 2.7, less than or equal to 2.6, less than or equal to 2.5, less than or equal to 2.4, less than or equal to 2.3, less than or equal to 2.2, less than or equal to 2.1, less than or equal to 2.0, less than or equal to 1.9, or less than or equal to 1.8.

[0083] The ratio of the strip width to the pin width can be greater than or equal to 1.6, greater than or equal to 1.7, greater than or equal to 1.8, greater than or equal to 1.9, greater than or equal to 2.0, greater than or equal to 2.1, greater than or equal to 2.2, greater than or equal to 2.3, greater than or equal to 2.4, greater than or equal to 2.5, or greater than or equal to 2.6.

[0084] The ratio of the strip width to the pin width can be between 1.6 and 2.8.

[0085] Advantageously, it has been found that providing an aerosol-generating system with a bar width and a pin width having a ratio between 1.6 and 2.8 provides particularly improved heat transfer from the pin to the peripheral portion of the bar of the aerosol-generating substrate. This improved heat transfer can provide more efficient aerosol delivery, an increase in the amount of aerosol delivered per unit mass of aerosol-generating substrate, and more uniform heating of the bar of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0086] The pin may have a minimum lateral pin size. The minimum lateral pin size is the minimum size of the pin in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the minimum lateral size of the pin is the minimum cross-sectional size of the pin. The minimum lateral pin size may be perpendicular to the pin width.

[0087] The minimum lateral pin size may be measured at a distance of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm from the end of the tip. Preferably, the minimum lateral pin size may be measured at a distance of 3 mm or 4 mm from the end of the tip, and most preferably at a distance of 4 mm from the end of the tip.

[0088] The minimum lateral pin size may be the minimum size of the pin in the lateral direction along the length of the pin excluding the tip.

[0089] The minimum lateral pin size may be the minimum lateral pin size measured at a position along the section of the pin configured to be inserted into the bar of the aerosol-generating substrate, which is the farthest distance from the end of the tip of the pin.

[0090] The minimum lateral pin size may be the average minimum lateral pin size measured within at least 70% of the length of the pin excluding the tip, within at least 80% of the length of the pin excluding the tip, within at least 90% of the length of the pin excluding the tip, or within at least 95% of the length of the pin excluding the tip.

[0091] The minimum lateral pin size may be the minimum lateral pin size measured at a position 50% of the pin length from the end of the tip of the pin.

[0092] The minimum lateral pin size may be greater than or equal to 1.6 mm, greater than or equal to 1.7 mm, greater than or equal to 1.8 mm, greater than or equal to 1.9 mm, greater than or equal to 2.0 mm, greater than or equal to 2.1 mm, greater than or equal to 2.2 mm, greater than or equal to 2.3 mm, greater than or equal to 2.4 mm, greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, greater than or equal to 2.6 mm, greater than or equal to 2.7 mm, greater than or equal to 2.8 mm, or greater than or equal to 2.9 mm. The minimum lateral pin size may be less than or equal to 3.0 mm. The minimum lateral pin size may be between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

[0093] The pin has a pin cross-sectional area perpendicular to the pin length.

[0094] It is contemplated that the pin cross-sectional area can be measured in various suitable ways.

[0095] The pin cross-sectional area can be measured at a distance of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm from the end of the tip of the pin. Preferably, the pin cross-sectional area can be measured at a distance of 3 mm or 4 mm from the end of the tip, and most preferably at a distance of 4 mm from the end of the tip.

[0096] The pin cross-sectional area can be the maximum pin cross-sectional area. The maximum pin cross-sectional area refers to the maximum cross-sectional area of the pin along the length of the pin.

[0097] The pin cross-sectional area can be the pin cross-sectional area measured at the position of the section of the pin configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate, which is the farthest distance from the end of the tip of the pin.

[0098] The pin cross-sectional area can be the average cross-sectional area of the pin measured within at least 70% of the pin length, within at least 80% of the pin length, within at least 90% of the pin length, or within at least 95% of the pin length.

[0099] The pin cross-sectional area can be the pin cross-sectional area measured at the position 50% of the pin length from the end of the tip.

[0100] The pin cross-sectional area can be greater than or equal to 0.2 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 0.5 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 0.8 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 1.1 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 1.8 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 2.5 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 3.1 square millimeters, or greater than or equal to 3.8 square millimeters.

[0101] The pin cross-sectional area can be greater than or equal to 4.9 square millimeters.

[0102] The pin cross-sectional area can be less than or equal to 38.5 square millimeters, less than or equal to 28.3 square millimeters, less than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters, or less than or equal to 12.6 square millimeters.

[0103] The pin cross-sectional area can be less than or equal to 7.1 square millimeters. The pin cross-sectional area can be between 4.9 square millimeters and 7.1 square millimeters.

[0104] The ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area can be less than or equal to 7.9, less than or equal to 7.5, less than or equal to 7.0, less than or equal to 6.5, less than or equal to 6.0, less than or equal to 5.5, less than or equal to 5.0, less than or equal to 4.5, less than or equal to 4.0, less than or equal to 3.5, or less than or equal to 3.0.

[0105] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the strip to the cross-sectional area of the pin can be greater than or equal to 2.8, greater than or equal to 3.0, greater than or equal to 3.5, greater than or equal to 4.0, greater than or equal to 4.5, greater than or equal to 5.0, greater than or equal to 5.5, greater than or equal to 6.0, greater than or equal to 6.5, greater than or equal to 7.0, or greater than or equal to 7.5.

[0106] The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the strip to the cross-sectional area of the pin can be between 2.8 and 7.9.

[0107] Advantageously, it has been found that providing a strip cross-sectional area and a pin cross-sectional area with a ratio between 1.6 and 2.8 for an aerosol-generating system provides particularly improved heat transfer from the pin to the outer peripheral portion of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate. This improved heat transfer can provide more efficient aerosol delivery, an increase in the amount of aerosol delivered per unit mass of the aerosol-generating substrate, and more uniform heating of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0108] The cross-sectional area of the pin measured at a distance of 1 mm from the end of the tip can be less than or equal to 3.1 square millimeters, less than or equal to 2.5 square millimeters, less than or equal to 1.8 square millimeters, less than or equal to 1.1 square millimeters, less than or equal to 0.8 square millimeters, less than or equal to 0.5 square millimeters, or less than or equal to 0.2 square millimeters.

[0109] Advantageously, providing a cross-sectional area of the pin measured at a distance of 1 mm from the end of the tip that is less than or equal to 3.1 square millimeters can facilitate the insertion of the pin into the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0110] The strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width. The strip of the aerosol-generating substrate can also have a strip length. The strip length is the maximum dimension of the strip in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The strip width is the maximum dimension of the strip in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0111] To avoid doubt, the strip width before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip is substantially the same as the strip width when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip.

[0112] The strip width can be substantially consistent along the length of the strip.

[0113] The strip width can be measured at a position 50% of the length of the strip from the end of the strip.

[0114] The strip width can be greater than or equal to 5 millimeters, greater than or equal to 5.3 millimeters, greater than or equal to 5.5 millimeters, greater than or equal to 5.7 millimeters, greater than or equal to 6.1 millimeters, greater than or equal to 6.3 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 6.7 millimeters.

[0115] The strip width is less than or equal to 7 mm, and can be less than or equal to 6.7 mm, less than or equal to 6.3 mm, less than or equal to 6.1 mm, less than or equal to 5.7 mm, less than or equal to 5.5 mm, less than or equal to 5.3 mm, or less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0116] The strip width can be between 5 mm and 7 mm, between 5 mm and 6.7 mm, between 5 mm and 6.3 mm, between 5 mm and 6.1 mm, between 5 mm and 5.7 mm, between 5 mm and 5.5 mm, between 5 mm and 5.3 mm, between 5.3 mm and 7 mm, between 5.3 mm and 6.7 mm, between 5.3 mm and 6.3 mm, between 5.3 mm and 6.1 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 5.7 mm, between 5.3 mm and 5.5 mm, between 5.5 mm and 7 mm, between 5.5 mm and 6.7 mm, between 5.5 mm and 6.3 mm, between 5.5 mm and 6.1 mm, between 5.5 mm and 5.7 mm, between 5.7 mm and 7 mm, between 5.7 mm and 6.7 mm, between 5.7 mm and 6.3 mm, between 5.7 mm and 6.1 mm, between 6.1 mm and 7 mm, between 6.1 mm and 6.7 mm, between 6.1 mm and 6.3 mm, between 6.3 mm and 7 mm, between 6.3 mm and 6.7 mm, or between 6.7 mm and 7 mm.

[0117] The aerosol generating system has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length. The strip cross-sectional area can be the cross-sectional area of the strip measured at a position 50% along the length of the strip from the end of the strip.

[0118] The strip cross-sectional area can be substantially uniform along the strip length.

[0119] The strip cross-sectional area can be less than or equal to 38.5 square millimeters, less than or equal to 35.3 square millimeters, less than or equal to 31.2 square millimeters, less than or equal to 29.2 square millimeters, less than or equal to 25.5 square millimeters, less than or equal to 23.8 square millimeters, less than or equal to 22.1 square millimeters, or less than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters.

[0120] The strip cross-sectional area can be greater than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 22.1 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 23.8 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 25.5 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 29.2 square millimeters, greater than or equal to 31.2 square millimeters, or greater than or equal to 35.3 square millimeters.

[0121] The cross-sectional area of the strip can be between 19.6 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 25.5 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 23.8 square millimeters, between 19.6 square millimeters and 22.1 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 25.5 square millimeters, between 22.1 square millimeters and 23.8 square millimeters, between 23.8 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 23.8 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, between 23.8 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, between 23.8 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, between 25.5 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 25.5 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, between 25.5 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, between 25.5 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, between 29.2 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 29.2 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, between 29.2 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, between 31.2 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, between 31.2 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, or between 35.3 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters.

[0122] The strip of the aerosol-generating substrate can have one of a polygonal cross-sectional shape, a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, or a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0123] The strip length can be greater than or equal to 1 millimeter, greater than or equal to 3 millimeters, greater than or equal to 5 millimeters, greater than or equal to 7 millimeters, greater than or equal to 9 millimeters, greater than or equal to 10 millimeters, greater than or equal to 11 millimeters, greater than or equal to 12 millimeters, greater than or equal to 13 millimeters, greater than or equal to 14 millimeters, greater than or equal to 15 millimeters, greater than or equal to 16 millimeters, greater than or equal to 18 millimeters, greater than or equal to 20 millimeters, greater than or equal to 22 millimeters, greater than or equal to 25 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 28 millimeters.

[0124] The length of the strip can be less than or equal to 3 millimeters, less than or equal to 5 millimeters, less than or equal to 7 millimeters, less than or equal to 9 millimeters, less than or equal to 10 millimeters, less than or equal to 11 millimeters, less than or equal to 12 millimeters, less than or equal to 13 millimeters, less than or equal to 14 millimeters, less than or equal to 15 millimeters, less than or equal to 16 millimeters, less than or equal to 18 millimeters, less than or equal to 20 millimeters, less than or equal to 22 millimeters, less than or equal to 25 millimeters, or less than or equal to 30 millimeters. The length of the strip can be between 1 millimeter and 30 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 22 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 16 millimeters, between 9 millimeters and 15 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters, or approximately 12 millimeters.

[0125] The ratio of the width of the strip to the length of the strip can be between 0.25 and 0.60, between 0.30 and 0.60, between 0.35 and 0.60, between 0.40 and 0.60, between 0.45 and 0.60, between 0.50 and 0.60, between 0.25 and 0.56, between 0.30 and 0.56, between 0.35 and 0.56, between 0.40 and 0.56, between 0.45 and 0.56, between 0.50 and 0.56, between 0.25 and 0.50, between 0.25 and 0.40, or between 0.35 and 0.50.

[0126] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can have a volume greater than or equal to 235 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 265 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 306 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 351 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 374 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 423 cubic millimeters, or greater than or equal to 462 cubic millimeters.

[0127] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can have a volume less than or equal to 462 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 423 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 374 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 351 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 306 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 265 cubic millimeters, or less than or equal to 235 cubic millimeters.

[0128] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can have a volume between 235 cubic millimeters and 462 cubic millimeters.

[0129] The pin can have one of a polygonal cross - sectional shape, a substantially oval cross - sectional shape, a substantially triangular cross - sectional shape, a substantially rectangular cross - sectional shape, or a substantially circular cross - sectional shape. Preferably, the pin has a substantially circular cross - sectional shape.

[0130] Preferably, at least the portion of the pin heating element configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate has the same cross - sectional shape as the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate. The pin heating element may have the same cross - sectional shape as the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate. Advantageously, providing the pin heater with a cross - sectional shape that is substantially the same as the cross - sectional shape of the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate can result in more uniform heat transfer from the pin heating element to all parts of the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate. For example, providing the pin heater with a substantially circular cross - section to be inserted into a strip of the aerosol - forming substrate having a substantially circular cross - section can result in more uniform heat transfer from the heating pin around the entire circumference of the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0131] As discussed above, the pin may have a tip. The tip may be configured to penetrate the strip of the aerosol - forming substrate. The tip may be one of tapered, sharpened, or pointed towards the end of the tip.

[0132] The pin may have a pin length that is greater than or equal to 1 mm, greater than or equal to 3 mm, greater than or equal to 5 mm, greater than or equal to 7 mm, greater than or equal to 9 mm, greater than or equal to 10 mm, greater than or equal to 11 mm, greater than or equal to 12 mm, greater than or equal to 13 mm, greater than or equal to 14 mm, greater than or equal to 15 mm, greater than or equal to 16 mm, greater than or equal to 18 mm, greater than or equal to 20 mm, greater than or equal to 22 mm, greater than or equal to 25 mm, or greater than or equal to 28 mm.

[0133] The pin may have a pin length that is less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 7 mm, less than or equal to 9 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, less than or equal to 11 mm, less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 13 mm, less than or equal to 14 mm, less than or equal to 15 mm, less than or equal to 16 mm, less than or equal to 18 mm, less than or equal to 20 mm, less than or equal to 22 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0134] The pin may have a pin length between 1 mm and 30 mm, between 5 mm and 22 mm, between 8 mm and 16 mm, between 9 mm and 15 mm, between 10 mm and 14 mm, between 11 mm and 13 mm, or be approximately 12 mm.

[0135] The pin length may be less than or equal to the strip length. The pin length may be less than or equal to 99% of the strip length, less than or equal to 95% of the strip length, less than or equal to 90% of the strip length, less than or equal to 85% of the strip length, less than or equal to 80% of the strip length, less than or equal to 70% of the strip length, 60% of the strip length, or less than or equal to 50% of the strip length.

[0136] The length of the pin can be greater than or equal to 50%, greater than or equal to 60%, greater than or equal to 70%, greater than or equal to 80%, greater than or equal to 85%, greater than or equal to 90%, greater than or equal to 95%, or greater than or equal to 99% of the length of the strip.

[0137] The length of the pin can be between 70% and 99%, between 75% and 95%, between 80% and 95%, or between 85% and 95% of the length of the strip.

[0138] Advantageously, providing a pin length less than or equal to the length of the strip can ensure that when the pin is inserted into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate, the pin remains completely surrounded by the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate, which improves the heating efficiency. Advantageously, providing a pin length less than or equal to the length of the strip can prevent damage to the components downstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate when the pin is inserted into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. Advantageously, providing a pin length greater than or equal to 50% of the length of the strip can result in more uniform heating along the length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate and can reduce the unsatisfactory heating of the downstream portion of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate when the pin is inserted into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0139] The pin can have a volume greater than or equal to 59 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 64 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 69 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 74 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 79 cubic millimeters, or greater than or equal to 84 cubic millimeters.

[0140] The pin can have a volume less than or equal to 84 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 79 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 74 cubic millimeters, less than or equal to 69 cubic millimeters, or less than or equal to 64 cubic millimeters.

[0141] The pin can have a volume between 59 cubic millimeters and 84 cubic millimeters.

[0142] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate includes the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0143] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can include the aerosol - generating substrate and one or more additional components. For example, the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can include a sensor. For example, the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can include a filling material that does not release volatile compounds when heated. The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can include a support material on which the aerosol - generating substrate is deposited, loaded, or coated.

[0144] The aerosol - generating substrate can be a solid aerosol - generating substrate.

[0145] The aerosol - generating substrate can include tobacco material.

[0146] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" is used to describe any material that includes tobacco, including but not limited to tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, tobacco stems, tobacco stalks, tobacco dust, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco materials, and homogenized tobacco materials.

[0147] The aerosol - forming substrate in a strip of aerosol - forming substrate may include a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by coalescing particulate tobacco.

[0148] The aerosol - forming substrate may include one or more sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness.

[0149] One or more sheets of tobacco material may each individually have a length that is substantially the same as the length of the strip of aerosol - forming substrate.

[0150] The aerosol - forming substrate may include an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term 'aggregated' is used to describe a sheet that is wound, folded, or otherwise compressed or shrunk substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating article.

[0151] The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may be crimped. As used herein, the term "crimped" means that the sheet has a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or folds. The aerosol - forming substrate may include an aggregated and crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. Preferably, when the aerosol - generating article is assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or folds extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating article.

[0152] The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may be a cast sheet. The cast sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include tobacco particles having an average particle size (D95) greater than 50 microns, between 50 microns and 100 microns, between 60 microns and 80 microns, between 65 microns and 75 microns, or about 70 microns before the casting process.

[0153] As used herein, the term "average particle size (D95)" is used to denote the volume - based median of the particle size distribution and is the value of the particle size at which 95% of the particle diameters are in the cumulative distribution. The particle size of the particles can be analyzed by laser diffraction methods.

[0154] Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate comprises an aerosol - forming agent. The aerosol - forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use. The aerosol - forming agent can promote the substantially heat - resistant degradation of the aerosol at the temperature applied during the normal use of the aerosol - generating article. Suitable aerosol - forming agents are, for example: 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.

[0155] The aerosol - forming agent can include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol - forming agent can consist of glycerol or propylene glycol or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0156] The aerosol - forming substrate can comprise at least 5 wt%, at least 10 wt%, or at least 12 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0157] The aerosol - forming substrate 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 based on the dry weight of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0158] The aerosol - forming substrate can comprise from 5 wt% to 30 wt%, from 5 wt% to 25 wt%, or from 5 wt% to 20 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0159] The aerosol - forming substrate can comprise from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0160] The aerosol - forming substrate can comprise from about 12 wt% to about 30 wt%, from about 12 wt% to about 25 wt%, or from about 12 wt% to about 20 wt% of the aerosol - forming agent based on the dry weight of the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0161] The aerosol - forming substrate can include at least one of tobacco material, a binder in an amount of from about 1% to about 5% by dry weight, and glycerol in an amount of from about 10% to about 30% by dry weight.

[0162] The aerosol - forming substrate can include shredded tobacco filler, and preferably the content of the aerosol - forming agent in the aerosol - forming substrate is at least about 8 wt%.

[0163] The aerosol - forming substrate can include strands of reconstituted or re - processed tobacco. The aerosol - forming substrate can include crimped fibrous sheets of reconstituted or re - processed tobacco.

[0164] As used herein, the term "strand" describes an elongate element of a material that is significantly longer than its width and thickness. The term "strand" shall be considered to include strips, filaments, and any other homogenized plant material having a similar form. Strands of homogenized plant material can be formed from sheets of homogenized plant material, for example by cutting or shredding, or by other methods, such as by an extrusion method.

[0165] The aerosol - generating substrate can include at least one of a solid aerosol - generating substrate containing nicotine, one or more cellulose - based reagents, one or more aerosol - forming agents, and one or more carboxylic acids.

[0166] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salts. The aerosol - generating film can contain natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0167] The aerosol - generating film can contain one or more monovalent nicotine salts.

[0168] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "monovalent nicotine salt" is used to describe a nicotine salt of a monobasic acid.

[0169] The solid aerosol - generating substrate can be either a solid aerosol - generating film or a solid aerosol - generating gel.

[0170] As used herein, the term "film" is used to describe a solid, layer - like element whose thickness is less than its width or length. The film can be self - supporting. In other words, the film can have cohesive and mechanical properties such that the film can be separated from the support surface even if it is obtained by casting a film formulation on the support surface. Alternatively, the film can be disposed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This can enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0171] The aerosol - generating substrate can include a plurality of filaments of tobacco material, such as tobacco cut - filler or filaments of homogenized tobacco material.

[0172] As used herein, the term "filament" denotes an element whose length is significantly greater than its width and thickness.

[0173] Filaments of homogenized tobacco material can be formed from sheets of homogenized tobacco material, for example by cutting or shredding. Filaments of homogenized tobacco material can be formed by other methods, such as by extrusion.

[0174] The filaments of tobacco material can have a width of at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm.

[0175] The strips of tobacco material may have a width of less than or equal to about 2 millimeters, less than or equal to about 1.2 millimeters, or less than about 0.9 millimeters.

[0176] The strips of tobacco material may have a width between about 0.3 millimeters and about 2 millimeters, between about 0.3 millimeters and about 1.2 millimeters, or between about 0.3 millimeters and about 0.9 millimeters.

[0177] The strips of tobacco material may have a width between about 0.5 millimeters and about 2 millimeters, between about 0.5 millimeters and about 1.2 millimeters, or between about 0.5 millimeters and about 0.9 millimeters.

[0178] The strips of tobacco material may have a width between about 0.6 millimeters and about 2 millimeters, between about 0.6 millimeters and about 1.2 millimeters, or between about 0.6 millimeters and about 0.9 millimeters.

[0179] The strips of tobacco material may have a length of at least about 10 millimeters.

[0180] The strips of tobacco material may have a length of less than or equal to about 40 millimeters.

[0181] The strips of tobacco material may have a length between about 10 millimeters and about 40 millimeters.

[0182] Multiple strips of tobacco material, at least about 20 weight % by dry weight, may extend along the entire length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. Multiple strips of tobacco material, at least about 20 weight % by dry weight, may have a length substantially the same as the length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0183] Multiple strips of tobacco material, less than or equal to about 60 weight % by dry weight, may extend along the entire length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. Multiple strips of tobacco material, less than or equal to about 60 weight % by dry weight, may have a length substantially the same as the length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0184] Multiple strips of tobacco material, between about 20 weight % and 60 weight % by dry weight, may extend along the entire length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. Multiple strips of tobacco material, between about 20 weight % and 60 weight % by dry weight, may have a length substantially the same as the length of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0185] The aerosol - generating substrate may include multiple pellets or particles of tobacco material (such as homogenized tobacco material).

[0186] At least about 60 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 1 mm, at least about 70 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 1 mm, or at least about 80 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 1 mm.

[0187] In the case where the homogenized plant material is in the form of a plurality of pellets or particles, at least about 70 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 0.5 mm, at least about 80 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 0.5 mm, or at least about 90 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0188] For example, at least about 80 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 1 mm and at least about 90 wt% of the plurality of pellets or particles may have a maximum size greater than about 0.5 mm.

[0189] The aerosol-generating article has an article length.

[0190] The article length may be between 50 mm and 90 mm, between 60 mm and 90 mm, between 70 mm and 90 mm, between 50 mm and 85 mm, between 60 mm and 85 mm, between 70 mm and 85 mm, between 50 mm and 80 mm, between 60 mm and 80 mm, between 70 mm and 80 mm, or be about 75 mm.

[0191] The article length may be between 40 mm and 70 mm, between 45 mm and 70 mm, between 40 mm and 60 mm, between 45 mm and 60 mm, between 40 mm and 50 mm, between 45 mm and 50 mm, or be about 45 mm.

[0192] The ratio between the strip length and the article length may be between 0.20 and 0.60, between 0.20 and 0.55, between 0.20 and 0.50, between 0.25 and 0.60, between 0.25 and 0.55, between 0.25 and 0.50, between 0.30 and 0.60, between 0.30 and 0.55, or between 0.30 and 0.50.

[0193] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation portion. The aerosol-generating article may include ventilation holes.

[0194] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, or at least 70%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level that is less than or equal to 90%, less than or equal to 85%, or less than 80%. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level between 40% and 90%, between 50% and 90%, between 60% and 90%, or of about 75%.

[0195] As used herein, the term "ventilation level" represents the volume ratio between the air flow (ventilation air flow) permitted to enter the aerosol-generating article via the ventilation zone and 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 consumer.

[0196] The draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article may be between 10 millimeters of water column and 70 millimeters of water column, between 20 millimeters of water column and 65 millimeters of water column, between 30 millimeters of water column and 60 millimeters of water column, between 35 millimeters of water column and 55 millimeters of water column, or between 40 millimeters of water column and 50 millimeters of water column.

[0197] Unless otherwise specified, the draw resistance (RTD) of the component or the aerosol-generating article is measured according to ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the component. The terms "pressure drop" or "draw resistance" of the component or article may also refer to "resistance to draw". Such terms generally refer to the measurement according to ISO 6565-2015, which is typically carried out at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (about 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60% at the output or downstream end of the measured component at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second. The conditions for smoking and the specifications of the smoking machine are set forth in ISO standard 3308 (ISO 3308:2000). The conditioning and testing atmosphere are set forth in ISO standard 3402 (ISO 3402:1999).

[0198] The draw resistance (RTD) may be expressed in the pressure unit "millimeters of water column" (mmWG).

[0199] The aerosol-generating article may further include a downstream section located downstream of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate. The downstream section may extend between the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may include one or more elements.

[0200] The downstream section has a downstream section length. The downstream section length may be greater than or equal to 10 millimeters, greater than or equal to 20 millimeters, greater than or equal to 25 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 30 millimeters.

[0201] The length of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 70 millimeters, less than or equal to 60 millimeters, or less than or equal to 50 millimeters.

[0202] The length of the downstream section can be between 20 millimeters and 70 millimeters, between 20 millimeters and 60 millimeters, or between 30 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

[0203] The suction resistance of the downstream section can be at least 0 millimeters of water column, at least 3 millimeters of water column, or at least 6 millimeters of water column.

[0204] The suction resistance of the downstream section can be less than or equal to 12 millimeters of water column, less than or equal to 11 millimeters of water column, or less than or equal to 10 millimeters of water column.

[0205] The suction resistance of the downstream section can be between 0 millimeters of water column and 12 millimeters of water column, between 3 millimeters of water column and 11 millimeters of water column, or between 6 millimeters of water column and 10 millimeters of water column.

[0206] The aerosol-generating article can include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section can include one or more hollow tubular elements. One or more of the hollow tubular elements can be disposed downstream of the strip of aerosol-forming substrate. One of the one or more hollow tubular elements can be adjacent to the downstream end of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0207] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to denote an elongate element that defines a lumen or air flow passage along its longitudinal axis.

[0208] One of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a hollow tubular element length. The hollow tubular element length can be between 15 millimeters and 50 millimeters, between 20 millimeters and 45 millimeters, between 20 millimeters and 40 millimeters, between 20 millimeters and 30 millimeters, between 25 millimeters and 40 millimeters, or be approximately 26 millimeters.

[0209] One of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a wall thickness. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular element can be between 100 micrometers and 2 millimeters, between 150 micrometers and 1.5 millimeters, or between 200 micrometers and 1.25 millimeters.

[0210] The aerosol-generating article has an article outer width. One of the hollow tubular elements has a hollow tubular element outer width. The hollow tubular element outer width can be substantially equal to the article outer width.

[0211] One of the one or more hollow tubular elements can have a lumen. The lumen of the one or more hollow tubular elements can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The width of the lumen of the hollow tubular element can be referred to as the inner width.

[0212] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along one or more hollow tubular elements. The ventilation zone may include a plurality of perforations or holes through the wall of one or more of the one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0213] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be an aerosol-generating article that does not include a ventilation zone.

[0214] One of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be formed of at least one of: cardboard, paper, polymeric material, cellulosic material, cellulose acetate low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). In the case where the hollow tubular element is formed of paper, the paper may be curled paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment paper.

[0215] The one or more hollow tubular elements may include a first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element. The first hollow tubular element may be a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube. The second hollow tubular element may be a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube. The inner width of the second hollow tubular element may be greater than the inner width of the first hollow tubular element. The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element may be less than the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element. The second hollow tubular element may be arranged downstream of the first hollow tubular element. One or both of the first hollow tubular element and the second hollow tubular element include a ventilation zone. Preferably, the second hollow tubular element includes a ventilation zone at a location along the second hollow tubular element.

[0216] The one or more hollow tubular elements may include one or both of a hollow acetate tube (HAT) and a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT).

[0217] The one or more hollow tubular elements may include a HAT and a FHAT. The FHAT may be arranged downstream of the HAT. The inner width of the FHAT may be greater than the inner width of the HAT. The wall thickness of the HAT may be greater than the wall thickness of the FHAT. The HAT has a HAT length. The FHAT has a FHAT length. The HAT length may be between 3 millimeters and 13 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 7 millimeters and 9 millimeters, or about 8 millimeters. The FHAT length may be between 3 millimeters and 13 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 7 millimeters and 9 millimeters, or about 8 millimeters. One or both of the HAT and the FHAT may include a ventilation zone. Preferably, the FHAT includes a ventilation zone at a location along the FHAT.

[0218] The draw resistance of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 10 millimeters of water column, less than or equal to 5 millimeters of water column, less than or equal to 2.5 millimeters of water column, less than or equal to 2 millimeters of water column, or less than or equal to 1 millimeter of water column.

[0219] The suction resistance of the hollow tubular element can be at least 0 mm water column, at least 0.25 mm water column, at least 0.5 mm water column or at least 1 mm water column.

[0220] The aerosol-generating article may also include a PLA (polylactic acid) rod. The PLA rod may be downstream of one of the one or more hollow tubular elements. In embodiments of the aerosol-generating article including a first hollow tubular element and a second tubular element, the PLA rod may be omitted.

[0221] One of the one or more hollow tubular elements may include a hollow tubular cooling element. One of the one or more hollow tubular elements includes a hollow tubular support element.

[0222] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may include a hollow tubular support element upstream of the hollow tubular cooling element. The hollow tubular support element may abut the downstream end of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate. The hollow tubular support element may abut the upstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0223] The hollow tubular support element may be formed of one or more materials selected from: cellulose acetate; cardboard; curled paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment; and polymeric materials, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0224] The aerosol-generating article may include a tubular element positioned upstream or downstream of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate. The tubular element may include: a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body; and a folded end portion forming a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the first end wall defining an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the tubular element. The first end wall may be adjacent to the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0225] It has been surprisingly found by experimental data that, compared with an exemplary known downstream cooling element, disposing a tubular element having a folded end portion downstream of a strip of an aerosol-generating substrate having a ratio of strip width to strip length between 0.5 and 0.56 can improve aerosol delivery. This improved aerosol delivery may be particularly evident when the total dry weight of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 220 mg.

[0226] In the context of the present application, the tubular body of the tubular element provides an unconstrained flow channel. This means that the tubular body portion of the tubular element provides a negligible suction resistance (RTD) level. Accordingly, the flow channel should be free of any components that would impede the flow of air in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the flow channel is substantially empty. In this case, the tubular body of the tubular element defines a cavity.

[0227] The tubular elements of the present disclosure provide improved components for aerosol - generating articles. By forming a tubular element from a tubular body defining 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 tubular element can be empty and permit unobstructed airflow. When the tubular element is downstream of an 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, particularly when compared to prior - art hollow acetate tubes.

[0228] By providing the tubular element with a folded end portion that forms a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the tubular element can be configured to have a desired RTD with a construction of a size and shape that passes through the first end wall. In particular, the tubular element and its first 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 tubular element and its first end wall means that the RTD can be confined to a particular longitudinal position of the tubular element, rather than being distributed continuously along the length of the tubular element.

[0229] In the case where the first end wall of the tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol - generating substrate, the first 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 aerosol to flow through an opening into the cavity.

[0230] The barrier provided by the first end wall of the tubular element can be more effective than the barrier provided by the end of a hollow acetate tube because the first end wall deforms less than the end of a hollow acetate tube. The construction of the tubular element can also be better suited to withstand the temperatures generated by heating elements such as pins or susceptor elements of an aerosol - generating device.

[0231] The term "adjacent to" is used herein with respect to the strips of the tubular element and the aerosol - generating substrate to indicate that the tubular element is longitudinally positioned in the assembly strip close to the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. In particular, the term indicates that there are no other elements of the assembly strip disposed in the longitudinal direction between the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate and the tubular element.

[0232] The strip of the aerosol - generating substrate and the tubular element can be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. For example, the first end wall of the tubular element can be adjacent to and in contact with the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0233] The strip and the tubular element of the aerosol - generating substrate can be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, because in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol - generating article, a small blank - space gap separates the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate from the tubular element. For example, the first end wall of the 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.

[0234] The tubular element can be fully positioned upstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. In such embodiments, the tubular element can be referred to as an upstream tubular element.

[0235] The tubular element can be fully positioned downstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. In such embodiments, the tubular element can be referred to as a downstream tubular element.

[0236] The aerosol - generating article can include two tubular elements, one being a first tubular element fully positioned downstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate and the other being a second tubular element fully positioned upstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. The first tubular element and the second tubular element can each have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0237] For example, the tubular element can be the first tubular element positioned downstream of the aerosol - forming substrate, where the first end wall of the first tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate. In such embodiments, the aerosol - generating article can also include a second tubular element. The second tubular element can be positioned upstream of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. The second tubular element can include: a tubular body defining a cavity that extends from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body; and a folded end portion that forms a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the first end wall defining an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element. The first end wall of the second tubular element can be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate. Thus, in such embodiments, the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate can be sandwiched between the first tubular element and the second tubular element, where each tubular element has a folded end portion that provides a corresponding end wall adjacent to the upstream end or the downstream end of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate. In such embodiments, the second tubular element can be referred to as the upstream tubular element and the first tubular element can be referred to as the downstream tubular element.

[0238] The second tubular element may also include a folded end portion that forms a second end wall at the second end of its tubular body. The second end wall of the second tubular element may define an opening for the airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the second tubular element. The opening defined by the second end wall of the second tubular element may be smaller than the opening defined by the first end wall of the second tubular element. For example, the size of the opening defined by the second end wall of the second tubular element may be between about 20% and about 80% of the size of the opening defined by the first end wall of the second tubular element. The size of the opening defined by the second end wall of the second tubular element may be between about 40% and about 60% of the size of the opening defined by the first end wall of the second tubular element, and more preferably between about 45% and about 55% of the size of the opening defined by the first end wall of the second tubular element.

[0239] As will be described in more detail below, the aerosol-generating article may also include a ventilation zone at a location along the tubular element. In the case where the aerosol-generating article includes the first and second tubular elements described above, the ventilation zone is preferably located along the first tubular element.

[0240] The first end wall may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. The first end wall may extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tubular body.

[0241] The first end wall may extend partially into the cavity of the tubular body and form an angle of less than 90 degrees, more preferably less than 80 degrees, and even more preferably less than 70 degrees with the inner surface of the tubular body. This can be achieved by ensuring that a folding force is applied to the tubular element during the manufacture of the tubular element such that at least a portion of the first end portion of the tubular element is pushed into the cavity of the tubular body. This arrangement may advantageously increase the likelihood that the first end wall remains stationary relative to the tubular body after the tubular element has been manufactured. In particular, this arrangement may help to overcome any natural elasticity in the material forming the tubular element, such that the folded end portion of the tubular element is less likely to return to its pre-folded state after manufacture.

[0242] The opening defined by the first end wall may be the only opening in the first end wall. The opening may be provided at a generally radially central position of the tubular element. The first end wall may be generally annular.

[0243] The first end wall may extend from the folding point on the tubular element and towards the radially central position of the tubular element. The folding point may generally correspond to the first end of the tubular body of the tubular element.

[0244] Preferably, at least a first portion of the tubular element forming the first end wall is substantially air-impermeable. In other words, preferably, the first end wall is substantially pore-free. Preferably, the first end wall does not include any perforations. The material forming the first end wall may have a porosity of less than 2000 Coresta units. The material forming the first end wall may have a porosity of less than 1000 Coresta units. The material forming the first end wall may have a porosity of less than 500 Coresta units.

[0245] Preferably, the tubular element has an equivalent inner diameter of at least about 5.5 mm. More preferably, the tubular element has an equivalent inner diameter of at least about 6 mm. Even more preferably, the tubular element has an equivalent inner diameter of at least about 7 mm. 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 segment. The cross-section of the air flow conduit may have any suitable shape. However, as briefly described above, a circular cross-section is preferred, i.e., the hollow tubular segment is effectively a cylindrical tube. In this case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment coincides effectively with the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

[0246] The equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is preferably less than about 10 mm. More preferably, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment is less than about 9.5 mm, and even more preferably less than 9 mm.

[0247] Preferably, the wall thickness of the tubular element is at least about 0.1 mm, more preferably at least about 0.2 mm.

[0248] Preferably, the wall thickness of the tubular element is less than about 1.5 mm, preferably less than about 1.25 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular element has a wall thickness of less than about 1 mm.

[0249] Thus, the tubular element preferably has a wall thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 1.5 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1.25 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1 mm.

[0250] Providing such a wall thickness for the tubular element can help improve the resistance of the tubular body to collapse or deformation while still enabling the first end wall to be formed from the folded end portion of the tubular element.

[0251] The wall thickness of the tubular element may be the same as the wall thickness of one or both of the tubular body and the first end wall.

[0252] The length of the tubular element may be substantially the same as the length of the tubular body.

[0253] Preferably, the tubular element has a length of at least about 10 mm, more preferably at least about 15 mm.

[0254] Preferably, the tubular element has a length of less than about 30 mm, preferably less than about 25 mm, and even more preferably less than about 20 mm.

[0255] The tubular element may have a length of from about 10 mm to about 30 mm, preferably from about 15 mm to about 25 mm, and more preferably from about 15 mm to about 20 mm. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubular element has a length of 18 mm. Such a length may be particularly preferred in embodiments where the tubular element is positioned downstream of the aerosol - generating substrate and the first end wall of the tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0256] The tubular element may have a length of from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, preferably from about 8 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably from about 10 mm to about 13 mm. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubular element has a length of 12 mm. Such a length may be particularly preferred in embodiments where the tubular element is positioned upstream of the aerosol - generating substrate and the first end wall of the tubular element is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0257] Preferably, the tubular element is adapted to generate an RTD between about 0 mm H2O (about 0 Pa) and about 20 mm H2O (about 100 Pa), and more preferably between about 0 mm H2O (about 0 Pa) and about 10 mm H2O (about 100 Pa).

[0258] The tubular element is preferably formed from a paper material such as paper, cardboard, or carton board. The 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 tubular element from a plurality of overlapping paper layers can help to increase the resistance of the tubular body to collapse or deformation while still enabling the first end wall to be formed from the folded end portion of the tubular element.

[0259] The tubular element may comprise at least two paper layers. The tubular element may comprise fewer than eleven paper layers.

[0260] In the case where the tubular element is formed from a paper material, the paper material may have a basis weight of at least about 90 g / m2. The paper material may have a basis weight of less than about 300 g / m2. The paper material may have a basis weight of from about 100 to about 200 g / m2. Providing a tubular element with such a wall basis weight can help to increase the resistance of the tubular body to collapse or deformation while still enabling the first end wall to be formed from the folded end portion of the tubular element.

[0261] The aerosol - generating article may comprise a mouthpiece element. The downstream section may comprise a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located downstream of at least one of the one or more hollow tubular elements. The mouthpiece element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol - generating article.

[0262] The mouthpiece element can be a mouthpiece filter. The mouthpiece element can be formed of a fibrous filter material. The mouthpiece element can be formed of cellulose acetate.

[0263] The mouthpiece element can have a mouthpiece length greater than or equal to 5 millimeters, or greater than or equal to 10 millimeters.

[0264] The mouthpiece element can have a mouthpiece length less than 25 millimeters, or less than 20 millimeters.

[0265] The mouthpiece element can have a mouthpiece length between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 25 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 20 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters, or about 12 millimeters.

[0266] The mouthpiece element can have a length between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or about 7 millimeters.

[0267] The draw resistance of the mouthpiece element per millimeter length in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article can be between 0.1 millimeter water column and 20 millimeter water columns, between 0.2 millimeter water column and 10 millimeter water columns, between 0.5 millimeter water column and 5 millimeter water columns, between 1 millimeter water column and 2 millimeter water columns, between 1.3 millimeter water column and 1.7 millimeter water columns, between 1.4 millimeter water column and 1.6 millimeter water columns, or about 1.5 millimeter water column.

[0268] The draw resistance of the mouthpiece element can be between 1 millimeter water column and 100 millimeter water columns, between 2 millimeter water column and 50 millimeter water columns, between 5 millimeter water column and 40 millimeter water columns, between 10 millimeter water column and 30 millimeter water columns, between 16 millimeter water column and 20 millimeter water columns, between 17 millimeter water column and 19 millimeter water columns, or about 18 millimeter water column.

[0269] The draw resistance of the mouthpiece element can be between 1 millimeter water column and 60 millimeter water columns, between 2 millimeter water column and 30 millimeter water columns, between 4 millimeter water column and 25 millimeter water columns, between 5 millimeter water column and 18 millimeter water columns, between 6 millimeter water column and 13 millimeter water columns, between 9 millimeter water column and 12 millimeter water columns, or about 10.5 millimeter water column.

[0270] The mouthpiece element can include a flavorant, which can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the mouthpiece element can include one or more capsules, beads or microparticles of the flavorant, or one or more wires or filaments carrying the flavor.

[0271] The aerosol-generating article can include a flavor capsule. Preferably, the flavor capsule is in the mouthpiece element.

[0272] The aerosol-generating article may also include a substrate wrapper for a strip that at least partially defines an aerosol-generating substrate. The substrate wrapper may include one or more layers having the same length as the aerosol-generating article.

[0273] The substrate wrapper may have a thickness of at least 50 microns, at least 60 microns, at least 70 microns, at least 75 microns, at least 80 microns, at least 90 microns, at least 100 microns, at least 110 microns, at least 120 microns, at least 130 microns, at least 140 microns, at least 145 microns, or at least 150 microns.

[0274] Advantageously, a substrate wrapper having a thickness greater than or equal to 50 microns can advantageously replace a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate that is unsatisfactorily heated. Thus, a certain amount of the aerosol-generating substrate can be saved. A more efficient aerosol-generating article can be provided.

[0275] The thickness of the substrate wrapper can be determined according to ISO 534:2011.

[0276] The ratio of the substrate wrapper thickness to the strip width can be between 1:120 and 1:20 (0.0083 and 0.050), between 1:100 and 1:30 (0.010 and 0.030), between 1:80 and 1:35 (0.013 and 0.029), and between 1:60 and 1:40 (0.017 and 0.025).

[0277] The substrate wrapper may have a density of less than or equal to 800 kg / m³, less than or equal to 750 kg / m³, less than or equal to 700 kg / m³, less than or equal to 650 kg / m³, less than or equal to 600 kg / m³, less than or equal to 550 kg / m³, less than or equal to 500 kg / m³, less than or equal to 450 kg / m³, less than or equal to 400 kg / m³, less than or equal to 350 kg / m³, or be approximately 320 kg / m³.

[0278] Advantageously, a substrate wrapper having a thickness of at least 50 microns and a density of less than or equal to 800 kg / m³ can be more rigid than a conventional thin wrapper. Thus, a mechanically more robust aerosol-generating article can be provided. A mechanically more robust aerosol-generating article can be particularly advantageous when the aerosol-generating article is arranged to be inserted into a device cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

[0279] The density of the substrate wrapper can be determined in accordance with ISO 534:2011. The thickness of the substrate wrapper can be determined in accordance with ASTM E252-06(2021)e1. Generally, for a raised wrapper, the local thickness at the raised position can be less than the thickness at the position without the raise. As used herein, for a raised wrapper, the thickness of the wrapper refers to the thickness at the position without the raise. For a raised wrapper, the thickness of the wrapper can be determined before the wrapper is raised.

[0280] Unless otherwise defined, all measurements described herein are made after conditioning the sample in accordance with ISO standard 3402:1999.

[0281] The density of the substrate wrapper can be calculated by dividing the basis weight of the substrate wrapper by the thickness of the substrate wrapper. The basis weight, also known as the grammage, refers to the mass of the substrate wrapper per sheet size, typically expressed in grams per square meter. The basis weight can be obtained, for example, by weighing a sheet of the substrate wrapper of 1 square meter size.

[0282] The substrate wrapper can include one or more of cardboard, plastic, and metal foil. The substrate wrapper can include a cellulose material. The substrate wrapper can include a cellulose material selected from one or more of paper, wood, textiles, natural fibers, and man-made fibers.

[0283] The aerosol-generating article can further include an outer wrapper that at least partially defines other elements of the aerosol-generating article. The outer wrapper can extend only along a portion of the length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, in some embodiments, the outer wrapper can not extend along the mouthpiece element. The outer wrapper can extend the entire length of the aerosol-generating article. The outer wrapper can include tipping paper.

[0284] The aerosol-generating device can further include a device chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The device chamber can have a closed end and an open end. The aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the device chamber via the open end. The device chamber can have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as that of the aerosol-generating article.

[0285] The device chamber has a device chamber length. The device chamber length can be substantially equal to or greater than the strip length. The device chamber length can be such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device, at least 75% of the strip length is received within the device chamber, at least 80% of the strip length is received within the device chamber, or at least 90% of the strip length is received within the device chamber.

[0286] Advantageously, providing a device chamber length that is substantially equal to or greater than the strip length can ensure that the entire strip of the aerosol-generating substrate can be received within the device chamber, which can reduce the unsatisfactory heating of the downstream portion of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate and can result in more uniform heating along the length of the strip.

[0287] When the aerosol-generating article is received by the aerosol-generating device, the pin may penetrate the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate substantially through the center of a cross-section of the strip that is perpendicular to the length of the strip.

[0288] Advantageously, a pin that penetrates the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate substantially through the center of a cross-section of the strip that is perpendicular to the length of the strip can produce more uniform heating of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0289] The pin may include one of a resistive heating element and a susceptor element.

[0290] The pin may include a resistive heating element. The pin may be a resistive heating element.

[0291] The pin may include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel; constantan; nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys; and nickel-, iron-, cobalt-based superalloys; stainless steel; iron-aluminum-based alloys and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 1999 Broadway Suite 4300, Denver Colorado. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated with, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physical and chemical properties. The heating element may include a metal etched foil insulated between two layers of inert material. In this case, the inert material may include polyimide or mica foil. is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898, United States of America.

[0292] The pin may include a susceptor element. The pin may be a susceptor element. As used herein, the term “susceptor” refers to a material that can be heated when penetrated by a varying magnetic field.

[0293] An aerosol generating device can be capable of generating a fluctuating magnetic field between 1 and 30 MHz, such as between 2 and 10 MHz, such as between 5 and 7 MHz. The device can be capable of generating a fluctuating magnetic field with a field strength (H-field) between 1 kA / m and 5 kA / m, such as between 2 kA / m and 3 kA / m, such as approximately 2.5 kA / m.

[0294] The susceptor can be formed of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the susceptor can comprise metal or carbon.

[0295] The susceptor can comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. A suitable susceptor can be aluminum or include aluminum. The susceptor can be formed of a 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410 or grade 420 or grade 430 stainless steel.

[0296] When positioned within an electromagnetic field having similar frequency and field strength values, different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy. Thus, parameters of the susceptor, such as material type, length, width, and thickness, can all be varied to provide a desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor can be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0297] In the case where the pin includes a susceptor element, the aerosol generating device can include an inductor coil arranged to inductively heat the pin. The aerosol generating device can include an inductor coil. In the case where the aerosol generating device includes a device chamber, the inductor coil can at least partially define the device chamber. The inductor coil can be arranged to coaxially define the device chamber.

[0298] The aerosol generating device can further include a controller.

[0299] During use, the heating element is controlled to operate such that the operating temperature range of the heating element is between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, between 200 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, or between 260 degrees Celsius and 320 degrees Celsius.

[0300] During use, the heating element can be controlled to be heated to a peak temperature less than or equal to 350 degrees Celsius, less than or equal to 335 degrees Celsius, or less than or equal to 320 degrees Celsius.

[0301] During use, the heating element can be controlled to be heated to a peak temperature between 220 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, between 240 degrees Celsius and 335 degrees Celsius, or between 260 degrees Celsius and 320 degrees Celsius.

[0302] The aerosol generating device may further include a power source. The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery or a lithium polymer battery. The power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more user operations (e.g., one or more aerosol generation experiences).

[0303] 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.

[0304] Example Ex1: An aerosol generation system, comprising:

[0305] an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article including a strip of aerosol generating substrate; and

[0306] an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a heating element in the form of a pin configured to be inserted into the strip of aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0307] Example Ex2: The aerosol generation system according to Example Ex1, wherein the mass of the aerosol generating substrate in the strip of aerosol generating substrate is less than or equal to 300 mg, optionally less than or equal to 280 mg, optionally less than or equal to 270 mg, optionally less than or equal to 260 mg, optionally less than or equal to 250 mg, and preferably wherein the mass of the aerosol generating substrate in the strip of aerosol generating substrate is less than or equal to 220 mg, optionally less than or equal to 210 mg, or optionally less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0308] Example Ex3: The aerosol generation system according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the mass of the aerosol generating substrate in the strip of aerosol generating substrate is between 10 mg and 300 mg, optionally between 50 mg and 280 mg, optionally between 100 mg and 270 mg, and preferably wherein the mass of the aerosol generating substrate in the strip of aerosol generating substrate is between 10 mg and 220 mg, optionally between 50 mg and 220 mg, optionally between 100 mg and 220 mg, or optionally between 150 mg and 200 mg.

[0309] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the mass of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 300 mg, optionally less than or equal to 280 mg, optionally less than or equal to 270 mg, optionally less than or equal to 260 mg, optionally less than or equal to 250 mg, and preferably wherein the mass of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 220 mg, more preferably less than or equal to 210 mg, and more preferably less than or equal to 200 mg.

[0310] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the mass of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is between 10 mg and 300 mg, optionally between 50 mg and 280 mg, optionally between 100 mg and 270 mg, and preferably wherein the mass of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is between 10 mg and 220 mg, more preferably between 50 mg and 220 mg, more preferably between 100 mg and 220 mg, and more preferably between 150 mg and 200 mg.

[0311] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate, before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip, is at least one of the following:

[0312] less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), and

[0313] greater than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3).

[0314] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3) before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip, optionally between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally between 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3) and 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally between 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), or optionally between 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3).

[0315] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip is at least one of the following:

[0316] less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), and

[0317] greater than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3).

[0318] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip is between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), optionally between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally between 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally between 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3) and 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally between 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), or optionally between 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3) and 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3).

[0319] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate increases by greater than or equal to 10 kg / m³ (0.01 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), from a state in which the pin heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip.

[0320] Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate increases by less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 300 kg / m3 (0.30 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 250 kg / m3 (0.25 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 200 kg / m3 (0.20 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 150 kg / m3 (0.15 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 100 kg / m3 (0.10 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 90 kg / m3 (0.09 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 80 kg / m3 (0.08 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 70 kg / m3 (0.07 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 60 kg / m3 (0.06 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 50 kg / m3 (0.05 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 40 kg / m3 (0.04 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 30 kg / m3 (0.03 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 20 kg / m3 (0.02 mg / mm3) when the pin heating element is inserted from a state where the pin heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state where the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip.

[0321] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip is at least one of the following:

[0322] less than or equal to 550 kg / m3 (0.55 mg / mm3), less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), and

[0323] Greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0324] Example Ex13: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density increase of the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate from a state in which the pin - heating element is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin - heating element is fully inserted into the strip is greater than or equal to 10 kg / m³ (0.01 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 20 kg / m³ (0.02 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 30 kg / m³ (0.03 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 40 kg / m³ (0.04 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 50 kg / m³ (0.05 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 60 kg / m³ (0.06 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 70 kg / m³ (0.07 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 80 kg / m³ (0.08 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 90 kg / m³ (0.09 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 100 kg / m³ (0.10 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 150 kg / m³ (0.15 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 200 kg / m³ (0.20 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 250 kg / m³ (0.25 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 300 kg / m³ (0.30 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), or optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³).

[0325] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate increases by less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 300 kg / m3 (0.30 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 250 kg / m3 (0.25 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 200 kg / m3 (0.20 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 150 kg / m3 (0.15 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 100 kg / m3 (0.10 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 90 kg / m3 (0.09 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 80 kg / m3 (0.08 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 70 kg / m3 (0.07 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 60 kg / m3 (0.06 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 50 kg / m3 (0.05 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 40 kg / m3 (0.04 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 30 kg / m3 (0.03 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 20 kg / m3 (0.02 mg / mm3) when the pin heating element is inserted from a state where it is not inserted into the strip to a state where it is fully inserted into the strip.

[0326] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the density of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip is at least one of the following:

[0327] less than or equal to 550 kg / m3 (0.55 mg / mm3), less than or equal to 500 kg / m3 (0.50 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3 (0.45 mg / mm3), optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3 (0.40 mg / mm3), or optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3), and

[0328] Greater than or equal to 350 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 400 kg / m³ (0.40 mg / mm³), optionally greater than or equal to 450 kg / m³ (0.45 mg / mm³), or optionally greater than or equal to 500 kg / m³ (0.50 mg / mm³).

[0329] Example Ex16: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin width.

[0330] Example Ex17: An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex16, wherein the pin has a tip.

[0331] Example Ex18: An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex17, wherein the pin width is measured at a distance of 2 mm from the end of the tip, or optionally at a distance of 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm from the end of the tip, preferably at a distance of 3 mm or 4 mm from the end of the tip, and most preferably at a distance of 4 mm from the end of the tip.

[0332] Example Ex19: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Ex16 to Ex18, wherein the pin width is the maximum pin width.

[0333] Example Ex20: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex19, wherein the pin width is the pin width measured at the position of the section of the pin configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate, which position is the farthest from the end of the tip.

[0334] Example Ex21: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex20, wherein the pin width is the pin width measured at a position 50% of the pin length from the end of the tip.

[0335] Example Ex22: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex21, wherein the pin has a pin length, and wherein the pin width is the average pin width measured within at least 70% of the pin length, optionally within at least 80% of the pin length, optionally within at least 90% of the pin length, or optionally within at least 95% of the pin length.

[0336] Example Ex23: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex22, wherein the pin width is greater than or equal to 2.5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 2.6 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 2.7 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 2.8 mm, or optionally greater than or equal to 2.9 mm.

[0337] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex23, wherein the pin width is less than or equal to 3.0 mm, optionally less than or equal to 2.9 mm, optionally less than or equal to 2.8 mm, optionally less than or equal to 2.7 mm, or optionally less than or equal to 2.6 mm.

[0338] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex24, wherein the pin width is between 2.5 mm and 4.0 mm, or wherein the pin width is between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

[0339] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex25, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width, and wherein the ratio of the strip width to the pin width is less than or equal to 2.8, optionally less than or equal to 2.7, optionally less than or equal to 2.6, optionally less than or equal to 2.5, optionally less than or equal to 2.4, optionally less than or equal to 2.3, optionally less than or equal to 2.2, optionally less than or equal to 2.1, optionally less than or equal to 2.0, optionally less than or equal to 1.9, or optionally less than or equal to 1.8.

[0340] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex26, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width, and wherein the ratio of the strip width to the pin width is greater than or equal to 1.6, optionally greater than or equal to 1.7, optionally greater than or equal to 1.8, optionally greater than or equal to 1.9, optionally greater than or equal to 2.0, optionally greater than or equal to 2.1, optionally greater than or equal to 2.2, optionally greater than or equal to 2.3, optionally greater than or equal to 2.4, optionally greater than or equal to 2.5, or optionally greater than or equal to 2.6.

[0341] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex27, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width, and wherein the ratio of the strip width to the pin width is between 1.6 and 2.8.

[0342] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex28, wherein the pin has a minimum lateral pin dimension perpendicular to the pin width.

[0343] Example Ex30: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex29, wherein the minimum lateral pin size is measured at a distance of 2 millimeters from the end of the tip, or optionally at a distance of 3 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 5 millimeters or 6 millimeters from the end of the tip, or preferably at a distance of 3 millimeters or 4 millimeters from the end of the tip, or most preferably at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end of the tip.

[0344] Example Ex31: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex29 or Ex30, wherein the minimum lateral pin size is greater than or equal to 1.6 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 1.7 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 1.8 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 1.9 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.0 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.1 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.2 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.3 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.4 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.6 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.7 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 2.8 millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 2.9 millimeters.

[0345] Example Ex32: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex31, wherein the minimum lateral pin size is less than or equal to 3.0 millimeters.

[0346] Example Ex33: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex29 to Ex32, wherein the minimum lateral pin size is between 2.5 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters.

[0347] Example Ex34: An aerosol generating system according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the pin has a pin length, and wherein the pin has a pin cross-sectional area perpendicular to the pin length.

[0348] Example Ex35: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex34, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is measured at a distance of 2 millimeters from the end of the tip, or optionally at a distance of 3 millimeters, 4 millimeters, 5 millimeters or 6 millimeters from the end of the tip, or preferably at a distance of 3 millimeters or 4 millimeters from the end of the tip, or most preferably at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end of the tip.

[0349] Example Ex36: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is the maximum pin cross-sectional area.

[0350] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex36, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is the pin cross-sectional area measured at a position of a section of the pin configured to be inserted into the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate, the position being the farthest from the end of the tip.

[0351] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex37, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is the average pin cross-sectional area measured within at least 70% of the pin length, optionally within at least 80% of the pin length, optionally within at least 90% of the pin length, or optionally within at least 95% of the pin length.

[0352] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex38, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is the pin cross-sectional area measured at a position 50% of the pin length from the end of the tip.

[0353] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex39, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is greater than or equal to 4.9 square millimeters.

[0354] Example Ex41: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex40, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 7.1 square millimeters.

[0355] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex41, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is between 4.9 square millimeters and 7.1 square millimeters.

[0356] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex42, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length, and wherein the ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 7.9, optionally less than or equal to 7.5, optionally less than or equal to 7.0, optionally less than or equal to 6.5, optionally less than or equal to 6.0, optionally less than or equal to 5.5, optionally less than or equal to 5.0, optionally less than or equal to 4.5, optionally less than or equal to 4.0, optionally less than or equal to 3.5, or optionally less than or equal to 3.0.

[0357] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex43, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length, and wherein the ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area is greater than or equal to 2.8, optionally greater than or equal to 3.0, optionally greater than or equal to 3.5, optionally greater than or equal to 4.0, optionally greater than or equal to 4.5, optionally greater than or equal to 5.0, optionally greater than or equal to 5.5, optionally greater than or equal to 6.0, optionally greater than or equal to 6.5, optionally greater than or equal to 7.0, or optionally greater than or equal to 7.5.

[0358] Example Ex45: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex44, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length, and wherein the ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area is between 2.8 and 7.9.

[0359] Example Ex46: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width.

[0360] Example Ex47: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex46, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and optionally wherein the strip width is substantially uniform along the strip length.

[0361] Example Ex48: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex47, wherein the strip width is measured at a position 50% along the strip length from the end of the strip.

[0362] Example Ex49: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex48, wherein the strip width is greater than or equal to 5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 5.3 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 5.5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 5.7 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 6.1 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 6.3 mm, or optionally greater than or equal to 6.7 mm.

[0363] Example Ex50: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex49, wherein the strip width is less than or equal to 7 mm, optionally less than or equal to 6.7 mm, optionally less than or equal to 6.3 mm, optionally less than or equal to 6.1 mm, optionally less than or equal to 5.7 mm, optionally less than or equal to 5.5 mm, or optionally less than or equal to 5.3 mm.

[0364] Example Ex51: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex50, wherein the strip width is between 5 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 6.7 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 6.3 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 6.1 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 5.7 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 5.5 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 5.3 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 6.7 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 6.3 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 6.1 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 5.7 mm, optionally between 5.3 mm and 5.5 mm, optionally between 5.5 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 5.5 mm and 6.7 mm, optionally between 5.5 mm and 6.3 mm, optionally between 5.5 mm and 6.1 mm, optionally between 5.5 mm and 5.7 mm, optionally between 5.7 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 5.7 mm and 6.7 mm, optionally between 5.7 mm and 6.3 mm, optionally between 5.7 mm and 6.1 mm, optionally between 6.1 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 6.1 mm and 6.7 mm, optionally between 6.1 mm and 6.3 mm, optionally between 6.3 mm and 7 mm, optionally between 6.3 mm and 6.7 mm, or optionally between 6.7 mm and 7 mm.

[0365] Example Ex52: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length.

[0366] Example Ex53: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex52, wherein the strip cross-sectional area is measured at a position 50% along the length of the strip from the end of the strip.

[0367] Example Ex54: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex52 or Ex53, wherein the strip cross-sectional area is substantially uniform along the strip length.

[0368] Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex52 to Ex54, wherein the strip cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 38.5 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 35.3 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 31.2 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 29.2 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 25.5 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 23.8 square millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 22.1 square millimeters, or optionally less than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters.

[0369] Example Ex56: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex52 to Ex55, wherein the cross - sectional area of the strip is greater than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 22.1 square millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 23.8 square millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 25.5 square millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 29.2 square millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 31.2 square millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 35.3 square millimeters.

[0370] Example Ex57: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex52 to Ex56, wherein the cross - sectional area of the strip is between 19.6 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 25.5 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 23.8 square millimeters, optionally between 19.6 square millimeters and 22.1 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 25.5 square millimeters, optionally between 22.1 square millimeters and 23.8 square millimeters, optionally between 23.8 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 23.8 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, optionally between 23.8 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, optionally between 23.8 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, optionally between 23.8 square millimeters and 25.5 square millimeters, optionally between 25.5 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 25.5 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, optionally between 25.5 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, optionally between 25.5 square millimeters and 29.2 square millimeters, optionally between 29.2 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 29.2 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, optionally between 29.2 square millimeters and 31.2 square millimeters, optionally between 31.2 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters, optionally between 31.2 square millimeters and 35.3 square millimeters, or optionally between 35.3 square millimeters and 38.5 square millimeters.

[0371] Example Ex58: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has one of the following: a polygonal cross-sectional shape, a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape, a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and preferably the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0372] Example Ex59: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip length is greater than or equal to 1 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 3 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 5 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 7 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 9 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 10 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 11 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 12 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 13 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 14 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 15 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 16 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 18 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 20 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 22 mm, optionally greater than or equal to 25 mm, or optionally greater than or equal to 28 mm.

[0373] Example Ex60: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip length is less than or equal to 3 mm, optionally less than or equal to 5 mm, optionally less than or equal to 7 mm, optionally less than or equal to 9 mm, optionally less than or equal to 10 mm, optionally less than or equal to 11 mm, optionally less than or equal to 12 mm, optionally less than or equal to 13 mm, optionally less than or equal to 14 mm, optionally less than or equal to 15 mm, optionally less than or equal to 16 mm, optionally less than or equal to 18 mm, optionally less than or equal to 20 mm, optionally less than or equal to 22 mm, optionally less than or equal to 25 mm, or optionally less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0374] Example Ex61: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip length is between 1 mm and 30 mm, optionally between 5 mm and 22 mm, optionally between 8 mm and 16 mm, optionally between 9 mm and 15 mm, optionally between 10 mm and 14 mm, optionally between 11 mm and 13 mm, or optionally about 12 mm.

[0375] Example Ex62: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width and a strip length, and wherein the ratio of the strip width to the strip length is between 0.25 and 0.60, optionally between 0.30 and 0.60, optionally between 0.35 and 0.60, optionally between 0.40 and 0.60, optionally between 0.45 and 0.60, optionally between 0.50 and 0.60, optionally between 0.25 and 0.56, optionally between 0.30 and 0.56, optionally between 0.35 and 0.56, optionally between 0.40 and 0.56, optionally between 0.45 and 0.56, optionally between 0.50 and 0.56, optionally between 0.25 and 0.50, optionally between 0.25 and 0.40, or optionally between 0.35 and 0.50.

[0376] Example Ex63: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip volume of greater than or equal to 235 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 265 cubic millimeters, greater than or equal to 306 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 351 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 374 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 423 cubic millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 462 cubic millimeters.

[0377] Example Ex64: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip volume of less than or equal to 462 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 423 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 374 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 351 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 306 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 265 cubic millimeters, or optionally less than or equal to 235 cubic millimeters.

[0378] Example Ex65: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip volume between 235 cubic millimeters and 462 cubic millimeters.

[0379] Example Ex66: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has one of the following: a cross-sectional shape that is polygonal, substantially oval, substantially triangular, substantially rectangular, and substantially circular, and wherein preferably the pin has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0380] Example Ex67: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a tip, and optionally the tip is one of tapered, sharpened, or pointed towards the end of the tip.

[0381] Example Ex68: An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex67, wherein the tip is configured to penetrate a strip of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0382] Example Ex69: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin length greater than or equal to 1 millimeter, optionally greater than or equal to 3 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 5 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 7 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 9 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 10 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 11 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 12 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 13 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 14 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 15 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 16 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 18 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 20 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 22 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 25 millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 28 millimeters.

[0383] Example Ex70: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin length less than or equal to 3 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 5 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 7 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 9 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 10 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 11 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 12 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 13 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 14 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 15 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 16 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 18 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 20 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 22 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 25 millimeters, or optionally less than or equal to 30 millimeters.

[0384] Example Ex71: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin length between 1 millimeter and 30 millimeters, optionally between 5 millimeters and 22 millimeters, optionally between 8 millimeters and 16 millimeters, optionally between 9 millimeters and 15 millimeters, optionally between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, optionally between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters, or optionally about 12 millimeters.

[0385] Example Ex72: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin length and the strip of the aerosol - generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the pin length is less than or equal to the strip length.

[0386] Example Ex73: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the pin has a pin length that is less than or equal to 99% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 95% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 90% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 85% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 80% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 70% of the strip length, optionally less than or equal to 60% of the strip length, or optionally less than or equal to 50% of the strip length.

[0387] Example Ex74: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the pin has a pin length that is greater than or equal to 50% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 60% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 70% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 80% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 85% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 90% of the strip length, optionally greater than or equal to 95% of the strip length, or optionally greater than or equal to 99% of the strip length.

[0388] Example Ex75: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the pin has a pin length that is between 70% and 99% of the strip length, optionally between 75% and 95% of the strip length, optionally between 80% and 95% of the strip length, or optionally between 85% and 95% of the strip length.

[0389] Example Ex76: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin volume that is greater than or equal to 59 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 64 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 69 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 74 cubic millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 79 cubic millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 84 cubic millimeters.

[0390] Example Ex77: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin volume that is less than or equal to 84 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 79 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 74 cubic millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 69 cubic millimeters, or optionally less than or equal to 64 cubic millimeters.

[0391] Example Ex78: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin has a pin volume that is between 59 cubic millimeters and 84 cubic millimeters.

[0392] Example Ex79: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises homogenized tobacco material, optionally the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and optionally wherein the homogenized tobacco material is a cast sheet.

[0393] Example Ex80: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0394] Example Ex81: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex79 or Ex80, wherein the homogenized tobacco material is formed in a casting process and comprises tobacco particles having an average particle size (D95) greater than 50 microns, optionally between 50 microns and 100 microns, optionally between 60 microns and 80 microns, optionally between 65 microns and 75 microns, and optionally about 70 microns, prior to the casting process.

[0395] Example Ex82: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material, a binder in an amount of from about 1% to about 5% by dry weight, and glycerol in an amount of from about 10% to about 30% by dry weight.

[0396] Example Ex83: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises cut tobacco filler, and optionally the aerosol-forming agent content in the aerosol-generating substrate is at least about 8% by dry weight.

[0397] Example Ex84: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises at least one of strands of reconstituted or reprocessed tobacco and crimped fibrous sheets.

[0398] Example Ex85: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises: a solid aerosol-generating substrate comprising nicotine, one or more cellulose-based reagents, one or more aerosol-forming agents, and one or more carboxylic acids.

[0399] Example Ex86: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the solid aerosol-generating substrate is one of a solid aerosol-generating film or a solid aerosol-generating gel.

[0400] Example Ex87: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article length between 40 mm and 90 mm, optionally between 50 mm and 90 mm, optionally between 60 mm and 90 mm, optionally between 70 mm and 90 mm, optionally between 50 mm and 85 mm, optionally between 60 mm and 85 mm, optionally between 70 mm and 85 mm, optionally between 50 mm and 80 mm, optionally between 60 mm and 80 mm, optionally between 70 mm and 80 mm, or optionally about 75 mm.

[0401] Example Ex88: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article length between 40 mm and 70 mm, optionally between 45 mm and 70 mm, optionally between 40 mm and 60 mm, optionally between 45 mm and 60 mm, optionally between 40 mm and 50 mm, optionally between 45 mm and 50 mm, or optionally about 45 mm.

[0402] Example Ex89: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length and the aerosol-generating article has an article length, and wherein the ratio between the strip length and the article length is between 0.20 and 0.60, optionally between 0.20 and 0.55, optionally between 0.20 and 0.50, optionally between 0.25 and 0.60, optionally between 0.25 and 0.55, optionally between 0.25 and 0.50, optionally between 0.30 and 0.60, optionally between 0.30 and 0.55, or optionally between 0.30 and 0.50.

[0403] Example Ex90: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes ventilation holes.

[0404] Example Ex91: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of at least 40%, optionally at least 45%, optionally at least 50%, optionally at least 50%, optionally at least 60%, optionally at least 70%, optionally less than or equal to 90%, optionally less than or equal to 85%, optionally less than 80%, optionally between 40% and 90%, optionally between 50% and 90%, or optionally between 60% and 90%, or optionally about 75%.

[0405] Example Ex92: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article is between 10 millimeters of water column and 70 millimeters of water column, optionally between 20 millimeters of water column and 65 millimeters of water column, optionally between 30 millimeters of water column and 60 millimeters of water column, optionally between 35 millimeters of water column and 55 millimeters of water column, and optionally between 40 millimeters of water column and 50 millimeters of water column.

[0406] Example Ex93: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises a downstream section located downstream of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein optionally the downstream section extends between the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, and optionally wherein the downstream section comprises one or more elements.

[0407] Example Ex94: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex93, wherein the downstream section has a downstream section length greater than or equal to 10 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 20 millimeters, optionally greater than or equal to 25 millimeters, or optionally greater than or equal to 30 millimeters.

[0408] Example Ex95: The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex93 or Ex94, wherein the downstream section has a downstream section length less than or equal to 70 millimeters, optionally less than or equal to 60 millimeters, or optionally less than or equal to 50 millimeters.

[0409] Example Ex96: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex95, wherein the downstream section has a downstream section length between 10 millimeters and 70 millimeters, optionally between 20 millimeters and 60 millimeters, or optionally between 30 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

[0410] Example Ex97: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex96, wherein the draw resistance of the downstream section is at least 0 millimeters of water column, optionally at least 3 millimeters of water column, or optionally at least 6 millimeters of water column.

[0411] Example Ex98: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex97, wherein the draw resistance of the downstream section is less than or equal to 12 millimeters of water column, optionally less than or equal to 11 millimeters of water column, or optionally less than or equal to 10 millimeters of water column.

[0412] Example Ex99: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex98, wherein the draw resistance of the downstream section is between 0 millimeters of water column and 12 millimeters of water column, optionally between 3 millimeters of water column and 11 millimeters of water column, or optionally between 6 millimeters of water column and 10 millimeters of water column.

[0413] Example Ex100: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex99, wherein the downstream section comprises one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0414] Example Ex101: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more hollow tubular elements, and optionally wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements are disposed downstream of the strip of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0415] Example Ex102: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex100 or Ex101, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements abuts the downstream end of the strip of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0416] Example Ex103: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex102, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a hollow tubular element length between 15 millimeters and 50 millimeters, optionally between 20 millimeters and 45 millimeters, optionally between 20 millimeters and 40 millimeters, optionally between 20 millimeters and 30 millimeters, optionally between 25 millimeters and 40 millimeters, or optionally about 26 millimeters.

[0417] Example Ex104: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex103, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a wall thickness, and wherein the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element is between 100 micrometers and 2 millimeters, optionally between 150 micrometers and 1.5 millimeters, or optionally between 200 micrometers and 1.25 millimeters.

[0418] Example Ex105: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex104, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an article outer width, one of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a hollow tubular element outer width, and the hollow tubular element outer width is substantially equal to the article outer width.

[0419] Example Ex106: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex105, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements has a lumen, and optionally wherein the lumen of the hollow tubular element has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

[0420] Example Ex107: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex106, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements is formed of at least one of the following: cardboard, paper, polymer material, cellulose material, cellulose acetate, low - density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

[0421] Example Ex108: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex107, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements include one or both of a hollow acetate tube (HAT) and a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT).

[0422] Example Ex109: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex108, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements include HAT and FHAT, optionally wherein the FHAT is arranged downstream of the HAT, and optionally wherein the inner diameter of the FHAT is greater than the inner diameter of the HAT.

[0423] Example Ex110: An aerosol - generating system according to Example Ex109, wherein the HAT has a HAT length, and wherein the HAT length is between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, optionally between 7 millimeters and 9 millimeters, or optionally about 8 millimeters.

[0424] Example Ex111: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex110, wherein the suction resistance of one of the one or more hollow tubular elements is less than or equal to 10 millimeters of water column, optionally less than or equal to 5 millimeters of water column, optionally less than or equal to 2.5 millimeters of water column, optionally less than or equal to 2 millimeters of water column, or optionally less than or equal to 1 millimeter of water column.

[0425] Example Ex112: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex111, wherein the suction resistance of one of the one or more hollow tubular elements is at least 0 millimeters of water column, optionally at least 0.25 millimeters of water column, optionally at least 0.5 millimeters of water column, or optionally at least 1 millimeter of water column.

[0426] Example Ex113: An aerosol - generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex112, wherein the aerosol - generating article further includes a PLA (polylactic acid) rod, and optionally wherein the PLA rod is downstream of one of the one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0427] Example Ex114: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex113, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements comprises a hollow tubular cooling element.

[0428] Example EX115: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex114, wherein one of the one or more hollow tubular elements comprises a hollow tubular support element.

[0429] Example Ex116: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex115, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements comprise a hollow tubular support element upstream of the hollow tubular cooling element, optionally wherein the hollow tubular support element abuts a downstream end of a strip of the aerosol-generating substrate, and optionally wherein the hollow tubular support element abuts an upstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0430] Example Ex117: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex115 or Ex116, wherein the hollow tubular support element is formed from one or more materials selected from: cellulose acetate; cardboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0431] Example Ex118: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex100 to Ex117, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a ventilation zone at a location along the one or more hollow tubular elements, optionally wherein the ventilation zone comprises a plurality of perforations or holes through a wall of one or more of the one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0432] Example Ex119: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a tubular element comprising: a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body; and a folded end portion forming a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the first end wall defining an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the tubular element.

[0433] Example Ex120: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece element.

[0434] Example Ex121: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex120, wherein the mouthpiece element is located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0435] Example Ex122: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex93 to Ex121, wherein the downstream section includes a mouthpiece element.

[0436] Example Ex123: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex122, wherein the mouthpiece element is downstream of at least one of the one or more hollow tubular elements.

[0437] Example Ex124: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex123, wherein the mouthpiece element is formed of a fibrous filter material, and optionally wherein the mouthpiece element is formed of cellulose acetate.

[0438] Example Ex125: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex124, wherein the mouthpiece element has a length greater than or equal to 5 millimeters, or preferably greater than or equal to 10 millimeters.

[0439] Example Ex126: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex125, wherein the mouthpiece element has a length less than 25 millimeters, or preferably less than 20 millimeters.

[0440] Example Ex127: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex126, wherein the mouthpiece element has a mouthpiece length between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 25 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 20 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters, or of about 12 millimeters.

[0441] Example Ex128: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex127, wherein the mouthpiece element has a mouthpiece length between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 8 millimeters, or of about 7 millimeters.

[0442] Example Ex129: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex128, wherein the draw resistance of the mouthpiece element per millimeter length in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article is between 0.1 millimeter water column and 20 millimeter water columns, optionally between 0.2 millimeter water column and 10 millimeter water columns, optionally between 0.5 millimeter water column and 5 millimeter water columns, optionally between 1 millimeter water column and 2 millimeter water columns, optionally between 1.3 millimeter water column and 1.7 millimeter water columns, optionally between 1.4 millimeter water column and 1.6 millimeter water columns, or optionally of about 1.5 millimeter water column.

[0443] Example Ex130: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex129, wherein the draw resistance of the mouthpiece element is between 1 millimeter of water column and 100 millimeters of water column, optionally between 2 millimeters of water column and 50 millimeters of water column, optionally between 5 millimeters of water column and 40 millimeters of water column, optionally between 10 millimeters of water column and 30 millimeters of water column, optionally between 16 millimeters of water column and 20 millimeters of water column, optionally between 17 millimeters of water column and 19 millimeters of water column, or optionally about 18 millimeters of water column.

[0444] Example Ex131: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex120 to Ex130, wherein the draw resistance of the mouthpiece element is between 1 millimeter of water column and 60 millimeters of water column, optionally between 2 millimeters of water column and 30 millimeters of water column, optionally between 4 millimeters of water column and 25 millimeters of water column, optionally between 5 millimeters of water column and 18 millimeters of water column, optionally between 6 millimeters of water column and 13 millimeters of water column, optionally between 9 millimeters of water column and 12 millimeters of water column, or optionally about 10.5 millimeters of water column.

[0445] Example Ex132: An aerosol generating system according to any one of the foregoing examples, wherein the aerosol generating article further comprises a matrix wrapper that at least partially defines a strip of the aerosol generating matrix, and optionally the matrix wrapper comprises one or more layers having the same length in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0446] Example Ex133: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex132, wherein the matrix wrapper has a thickness of at least 50 microns, optionally at least 60 microns, optionally at least 70 microns, optionally at least 75 microns, optionally at least 80 microns, optionally at least 90 microns, optionally at least 100 microns, optionally at least 110 microns, optionally at least 120 microns, optionally at least 130 microns, optionally at least 140 microns, optionally at least 145 microns, or optionally at least 150 microns.

[0447] Example Ex134: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex132 or Ex133, wherein the strip of the aerosol generating matrix has a strip width, and wherein the ratio of the matrix wrapper thickness to the strip width is between 1:120 and 1:20 (0.0083 and 0.050), optionally between 1:100 and 1:30 (0.010 and 0.030), optionally between 1:80 and 1:35 (0.013 and 0.029), and optionally between 1:60 and 1:40 (0.017 and 0.025).

[0448] Example Ex135: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex132 to Ex134, wherein the wrapper has a density of less than or equal to 800 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 750 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 700 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 650 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 600 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 550 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 500 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 450 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 400 kg / m3, optionally less than or equal to 350 kg / m3, or optionally about 320 kg / m3.

[0449] Example Ex136: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex132 to Ex135, wherein the substrate wrapper comprises one or more of cardboard, plastic and metal foil.

[0450] Example Ex137: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex132 to Ex136, wherein the substrate wrapper comprises a cellulose material, preferably selected from one or more of paper, wood, textiles, natural fibres and man-made fibres.

[0451] Example Ex138: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises an outer wrapper that at least partially defines other elements of the aerosol-generating article, optionally the outer wrapper extends the entire length of the aerosol-generating article, optionally the outer wrapper comprises tipping paper.

[0452] Example Ex139: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a device chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0453] Example Ex140: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex139, wherein the device chamber has a closed end and an open end, wherein optionally the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the device chamber via the open end, and optionally the device chamber has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as that of the aerosol-generating article.

[0454] Example Ex141: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex139 or Ex140, wherein the device chamber has a chamber length that is equal to or greater than the length of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate, and optionally the chamber length is such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device, at least 75% of the strip length is received within the device chamber, optionally at least 80% or at least 90% of the strip length of the aerosol-generating substrate is received within the device chamber.

[0455] Example Ex142: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is received by the aerosol-generating device, the pin penetrates the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate substantially through the center of a cross-section of the strip that is perpendicular to the length of the strip.

[0456] Example Ex143: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin comprises one of a resistive heating element and a sensor element.

[0457] Example Ex144: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the pin comprises a resistive heating element.

[0458] Example Ex145: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex143, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an inductor coil, optionally wherein the inductor coil at least partially defines the device chamber, and optionally wherein the inductor coil is arranged to coaxially define the device chamber.

[0459] Example Ex146: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex145, wherein the pin comprises a sensor element and the inductor coil is arranged to inductively heat the pin.

[0460] Example Ex147: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller.

[0461] Example Ex148: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex147, wherein during use, the controller is configured to control the heating element such that the operating temperature range of the heating element is between 150 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, and optionally wherein the operating temperature range of the heating element is between 200 degrees Celsius and 330 degrees Celsius, and optionally wherein the operating temperature range is between 260 degrees Celsius and 320 degrees Celsius.

[0462] Example Ex149: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex147 or Ex148, wherein during use, the controller is configured to control the heating element such that the heating element is heated to a peak temperature that is less than or equal to 350 degrees Celsius, optionally less than or equal to 335 degrees Celsius, or optionally less than or equal to 320 degrees Celsius.

[0463] Example Ex150: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex147 to Ex149, wherein during use, the controller is configured to control the heating element such that the heating element is heated to a peak temperature between 220 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius, optionally between 240 degrees Celsius and 335 degrees Celsius, or optionally between 260 degrees Celsius and 320 degrees Celsius.

[0464] Example Ex151: An aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a power source, and optionally wherein the power source is a battery.

[0465] The present invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0466] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0467] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0468] Figure 3 is an aerosol-generating system including Figure 1 an aerosol-generating article and Figure 2 an aerosol-generating device, the cross-sectional view of which.

[0469] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating system along plane I-I.

[0470] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0471] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0472] Figure 7 is an aerosol-generating system including Figure 5 an aerosol-generating article and Figure 6 an aerosol-generating device, the cross-sectional view of which.

[0473] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating system along plane II-II.

[0474] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0475] Figure 10Cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0476] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 10 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes a strip 11 of an aerosol-generating substrate at the distal end of the article 10. The strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length and includes an agglomerated sheet of homogenized tobacco. The article further includes a downstream section 12 located downstream of the strip 11 of the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream section 12 includes a hollow tubular cooling element 13, a PLA (polylactic acid) rod 14, and a mouth-end filter 15. The mouth-end filter 15 is at the proximal end of the article 10. A longitudinal axis 17 extends centrally along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 10. The strip 11 of the aerosol-forming substrate, the hollow tubular cooling element 13, the PLA rod 14, and the mouth-end filter 15 are arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis 17 and are defined by an outer wrapper 16 that extends along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article 10. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the outer wrapper may not extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article and may not define, for example, the mouth-end filter. The downstream section 12 and the outer wrapper 16 are described in more detail below.

[0477] The strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length 18 parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width 19 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The strip width 19 is measured at a position 50% along the strip length 18 from the end of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the strip width 19 is measured at a mid-position along the length of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The strip width 19 is substantially consistent along the strip length 18. In this example, the strip width 19 is 7 mm. In this example, the strip length 18 is 12 mm. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 19 to the strip length 18 is 0.583. In this example, the mass of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate is 162 mg, and the density of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate before the pin 120 is inserted into the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate is 351 kg / m³ (0.35 mg / mm³). The length of the aerosol-generating article is 45 mm. The ratio of the strip length 18 to the length of the aerosol-generating article 10 is 0.267.

[0478] As described above, the downstream section 12 includes a mouth-end filter 15, a PLA (polylactic acid) rod 14, and a hollow tubular cooling element 13. The downstream section 12 extends between the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The downstream section 12 has a length of 33 mm.

[0479] The PLA rod 14 is downstream of the hollow tubular cooling element 13. The hollow tubular cooling element 13 is a hollow acetate tube. The hollow tubular cooling element 13 abuts the downstream end of the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate. The combined length of the hollow tubular cooling element 13 and the PLA rod 14 is about 26 mm. The hollow tubular cooling element 13 includes a lumen. The lumen of the hollow tubular cooling element 13 has a substantially circular cross - sectional shape. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element 13 is 0.25 mm. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular cooling element 13 is 7 mm. The RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element 13 is about 0 mm water column. The hollow tubular cooling element 13 includes a ventilation zone at a position along the hollow tubular cooling element 13. The ventilation zone includes one or more rows of ventilation holes 13a, which are arranged circumferentially around the hollow tubular cooling element 13 in a cross - section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17 of the aerosol - generating article 10. The ventilation holes 13a are perforations through the wall of the hollow tubular cooling element 13. The ventilation level of the aerosol - generating article 10 is about 75%. Each circumferential row of ventilation holes 13a includes from 8 to 30 holes.

[0480] The mouth - end filter 15 is located at the downstream end of the aerosol - generating article 10. The mouth - end filter 15 abuts the downstream end of the PLA rod 14. The mouth - end filter 15 includes a low - density cellulose acetate filter segment. The RTD of the mouth - end filter 15 is about 8 mm water column. The length of the mouth - end filter 15 is about 7 mm.

[0481] The outer wrapper 16 is made of tipping paper. The outer wrapper 16 does not extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 beyond the ends of the aerosol - generating article 10. The ventilation holes 13a extend through the outer wrapper 16 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17.

[0482] Figure 2 A schematic cross - sectional view of a portion of an aerosol - generating device 100 including a heating element in the form of a pin 120 is shown. The pin 120 is a resistive heating element. The pin 120 is mounted within a device cavity 121. The device cavity 121 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol - generating article 10. The distal end of the device cavity 121 has a closed end. The proximal end of the device cavity 121 has an open end. The aerosol - generating article 10 can be inserted into the device cavity 121 via the open end of the device cavity 121.

[0483] In use, the user inserts the aerosol - generating article 10 into the device cavity 121 of the aerosol - generating device 100 such that the pin 120 is inserted into the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate of the aerosol - generating article 10.

[0484] The pin 120 has a pin length 122 that extends from the end 123a of the tip 123 of the pin 120 to the base of the pin 120 at the opposite end. The pin length 122 is substantially the same as the strip length 18. The pin length 122 is about 12 millimeters. The tip of the pin has a tip length 122a. In this example, the tip length 122a is 1.5 millimeters.

[0485] The pin 120 has a pin width 124 that is perpendicular to the pin length 122. The pin width 124 is measured at a distance 125 from the end 123a of the tip 123 of the pin 120. In this example, the distance 125 from the end 123a of the tip 123 of the pin 120 is 4 millimeters. In this example, the pin width 124 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 123a of the tip 123 is 2.5 millimeters. When the tip 123 of the pin 120 is not included, the pin width 124 is substantially consistent along the length of the pin 120.

[0486] The tip 123 of the pin 120 tapers towards the end of the pin 123a such that the tip 123 of the pin 120 is configured to penetrate the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate (as Figure 3 shown).

[0487] The aerosol - generating device 100 also includes a power source (not shown) and electronics (not shown) that, when the aerosol - generating article 10 is received in the device cavity 121, allow the pin 120 to be actuated to heat the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate. This actuation can be manually operated or can occur automatically in response to a user's draw on the aerosol - generating article 10 when the aerosol - generating article 10 is inserted into the device cavity 121.

[0488] Figure 3 A cross - sectional view of a portion of an aerosol - generating system 1000 including Figure 1 the aerosol - generating article 10 and Figure 2 the aerosol - generating device 100 is shown. In Figure 3 this, a portion of the aerosol - generating article 10 is received in the device cavity 121 of the aerosol - generating device 10, and the pin 120 penetrates the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate along the longitudinal axis 17 of the aerosol - generating article. The device cavity 121 has a length parallel to the longitudinal axis 17 that is greater than the strip length 13. The entire length of the strip 11 of the aerosol - forming substrate is received in the device cavity 121. The ventilation holes 13a of the hollow tubular element 13 are not received in the device cavity 121. During use, the pin 120 is controlled to operate within a defined operating temperature range below the maximum operating temperature. The operating temperature of the pin 120 is about 350 degrees Celsius.

[0489] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 3Cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol-generating system 1000 along plane I-I. The strip width 19 and the pin width 124 are also shown in Figure 4 The strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length 18. The strip cross-sectional area is measured at a position 50% along the strip length from the end of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the strip cross-sectional area is 38.5 square millimeters. In this example, the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape along its entire length 18, and thus the strip cross-sectional area is substantially uniform along the strip length 18.

[0490] The pin 120 has a pin cross-sectional area perpendicular to the pin length 122. The pin cross-sectional area is measured at a distance 125 from the end 123a of the tip 123 of the pin 120. As discussed above, the pin width 124 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 123a of the tip 123 is 2.5 millimeters. In this example, the pin cross-sectional area at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 123a of the tip 123 is 4.91 square millimeters. The pin 120 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 123a of the tip 123. Thus, in this example, the minimum lateral pin dimension is equal to the pin width. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 19 to the pin width 124 is 2.8. In this example, the ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area is 7.84. The cross-sectional shape of the pin at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 123a of the tip 123 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the strip.

[0491] The device cavity 121 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The device cavity 121 has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate. As Figure 4 shown, when the pin 120 penetrates the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the pin 120 substantially penetrates the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate through the center of the cross-section of the strip 11 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0492] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article 20 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 20 has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape along its length. It should be understood that articles having other cross-sectional shapes along their lengths are possible, such as substantially circular cross-sectional shapes, substantially square cross-sectional shapes, and substantially triangular cross-sectional shapes.

[0493] The aerosol-generating article 20 includes a strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate at the distal end of the article 20. The strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially cylindrical shape with an oval cross-section (similar to the cross-section of the article 20) along its length, and includes an agglomerated crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco.

[0494] The article 20 further includes a downstream section 22 located downstream of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate. The downstream section 22 includes a mouth - end filter 25. The mouth - end filter 25 is at the proximal end of the article 20. A longitudinal axis 27 extends centrally along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol - generating article 20. The downstream section 22 further includes a tubular element 23, which includes a tubular body defining a lumen 23b extending from an upstream end of the tubular body to a downstream end of the tubular body. The tubular element (hereinafter referred to as the flanged tube 23) further includes a folded end portion forming an upstream end wall 23c at the upstream end of the tubular body.

[0495] The strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate, the flanged tube 23, and the mouth - end filter 25 are arranged end - to - end along the longitudinal axis 27 and are defined by an outer wrapper 26, which extends along the entire length of the aerosol - generating article 20. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the outer wrapper may not extend along the entire length of the aerosol - generating article and may not define, for example, the mouth - end filter. The downstream section 22 and the outer wrapper 26 are described in more detail below.

[0496] The strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate has a strip length 28 parallel to the longitudinal axis 27 of the aerosol - generating article 20. The strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate has a strip width 29 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the aerosol - generating article 20. The strip width 29 is measured at a position 50% along the strip length 28 from the end of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate. In other words, the strip width 29 is measured at a mid - position along the length of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate. As will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 8 The strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate has a substantially oval cross - sectional shape. In other words, the strip width 29 refers to the maximum dimension parallel to the major axis of the oval cross - section of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate, and the maximum dimension is measured at a position 50% along the strip length 28 from the end of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate. The strip width 29 is substantially consistent along the strip length 28. In this example, the strip width 29 is 6.3 millimeters. As will be discussed in more detail below, the cross - sectional dimension perpendicular to the strip width 29 of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate is 6.1 millimeters. In this example, the strip length 28 is 12 millimeters. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 29 to the strip length 28 is 0.525. In this example, the mass of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate is 180 milligrams, and the density of the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate before the pin 220 is inserted into the strip 21 of the aerosol - forming substrate is 497 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter). The length of the aerosol - generating article is 45 millimeters. The ratio of the strip length 28 to the length of the aerosol - generating article 20 is 0.267.

[0497] As described above, the downstream section 22 includes a mouth-end filter 25 and a flanged tube 23. The downstream section 22 extends between the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 20. The downstream section 22 has a length of 33 mm.

[0498] The flanged tube 23 abuts the downstream end of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate. The upstream end wall 23c of the flanged tube 23 defines an opening 23d that permits airflow between the cavity 23b and the exterior of the flanged tube 23. In particular, aerosol can flow from the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate through the opening 23d into the cavity 23b. The cavity 23b of the flanged tube 23 is substantially empty and thus enables substantially unrestricted airflow along the cavity 23b. Accordingly, the RTD of the flanged tube 23 can be confined to a particular longitudinal location of the flanged tube 23, namely, at the upstream end wall 23c, and can be controlled by the selected configuration of the upstream end wall 23c and its corresponding opening 23d. In this example, the RTD of the flanged tube 23 (which is substantially the RTD of the upstream end wall 23c) is about 10 millimeters of water column.

[0499] The upstream end wall 23c extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis 27 of the aerosol-generating article 20. The opening 23d is the only opening in the upstream end wall 23c, and the opening 23d is positioned in the generally radially central position of the flanged tube 23. Accordingly, the upstream end wall 23c is generally annular. The combination of the upstream end wall 23c and its corresponding opening 23d provides an effective barrier arrangement that can limit the movement of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate while also enabling aerosol to flow from the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate through the opening 23d into the cavity 23b.

[0500] The flanged tube 23 has a length of about 26 mm, an outer width of about 6.3 mm, and an inner width of about 5.6 mm. Accordingly, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the flanged tube 23 is about 0.7 mm. The flanged tube 23 is formed of a paper material such as paper, cardboard, or carton board. In this example, the cavity 23b of the flanged tube 23 has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. It should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes of the flanged tube are possible, such as a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The flanged tube 23 includes ventilation zones at positions along the flanged tube 23. The ventilation zones include one or more rows of ventilation holes 23a that are circumferentially arranged around the hollow tube in a cross-section that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 of the aerosol-generating article 20. The ventilation holes 23a are perforations through the wall of the flanged tube 23. The ventilation level of the aerosol-generating article 20 is about 75%. Each row of circumferential ventilation holes 23a includes 8 to 30 holes.

[0501] The mouth-end filter 25 is located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The mouth-end filter 25 abuts the flanged tube 23. The mouth-end filter 25 comprises a low-density cellulose acetate filter segment. The RTD of the mouth-end filter 25 is about 8 millimeters of water column. The length of the mouth-end filter 25 is about 7 millimeters.

[0502] The wrapper 26 is made of tipping paper. The wrapper 26 does not extend beyond the end of the aerosol-generating article 20 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 27. The ventilation holes 23a extend through the wrapper 26 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27.

[0503] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a part of an aerosol-generating device 200 including a heating element in the form of a pin 220 is shown. In this embodiment, the pin 220 is a sensor element configured to be heated when penetrated by a varying magnetic field. The pin 220 is mounted within the device cavity 221. The aerosol-generating device 200 further includes an inductor coil 226 that defines the device cavity 221 and surrounds the sensor pin 220. The inductor coil 226 is arranged to generate a varying magnetic field in the device cavity 221, the varying magnetic field penetrating the sensor pin 220 to inductively heat the sensor element pin 220. The device cavity 221 is configured to receive at least a part of the aerosol-generating article 20. The distal end of the device cavity 221 has a closed end. The proximal end of the device cavity 221 has an open end. The aerosol-generating article 20 can be inserted into the device cavity 221 via the open end of the device cavity 221.

[0504] In use, the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 20 into the device cavity 221 of the aerosol-generating device 200 such that the pin 220 is inserted into the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating matrix of the aerosol-generating article 20.

[0505] The pin 220 has a pin length 222 that extends from the end 223a of the tip 223 of the pin 220 to the base of the pin 220 at the opposite end. The pin length 222 is substantially the same as the strip length 28. The pin length 222 is about 12 millimeters. The tip of the pin has a tip length 222a. In this example, the tip length 222a is 1.5 millimeters.

[0506] The pin 220 has a pin width 224 perpendicular to the pin length 222. The pin width 224 is measured at a distance 225 from the end 223a of the tip 223 of the pin 220. In this example, the distance 225 from the end 223a of the tip 223 of the pin 220 is 4 millimeters. In this example, the pin width 224 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223 is 3 millimeters. As will be referred to Figure 8Discussed in more detail, the pin 220 has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape. In other words, the pin width 224 refers to the maximum dimension of the pin 220 parallel to the major axis of the oval cross-section of the pin 220 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223. When the tip 223 of the pin 220 is not included, the pin width 224 is substantially consistent along the length of the pin 220.

[0507] The tip 223 of the pin 220 tapers towards the end of the pin 223a such that the tip 223 of the pin 220 is configured to penetrate the strip 21 of the aerosol-forming substrate, as Figure 7 shown therein.

[0508] The aerosol-generating device 200 also includes a power source (not shown) and electronics (not shown), the power source and electronics being arranged to supply power to the inductor coil 226 to generate a varying magnetic field in the device chamber 221 to inductively heat the susceptor pin 220. When the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the device chamber 221, the susceptor pin 220 heats the strip 21 of the aerosol-forming substrate. This actuation of the inductor coil 226 can be manually operated or can occur automatically in response to a user sucking on the aerosol-generating article 20 when the aerosol-generating article 20 is inserted into the device chamber 221.

[0509] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol-generating system 2000 including Figure 5 the aerosol-generating article 20 and Figure 6 the aerosol-generating device 200 is shown. In Figure 7 this, a portion of the aerosol-generating article 20 is received in the device chamber 221 of the aerosol-generating device 20, and the pin 220 penetrates the strip 21 of the aerosol-forming substrate along the longitudinal axis 27 of the aerosol-generating article. The device chamber 221 has a length parallel to the longitudinal axis 27 that is greater than the strip length 23. The entire length of the strip 21 of the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device chamber 221. The ventilation holes 23a of the flanged tube 23 are not received in the device chamber 221. During use, the inductor coil 226 is controlled to heat the susceptor pin 220 within a defined operating temperature range below the maximum operating temperature. The operating temperature of the susceptor pin 220 is approximately 350 degrees Celsius.

[0510] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol-generating system 2000 along plane I-I is shown. The strip width 29 and the pin width 224 are also shown in Figure 7 this, and Figure 8is shown. The strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length 28. The strip cross-sectional area is measured at the 50% position along the strip length 28 from the end of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate. In this example, the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape along its entire length 28, and thus the strip cross-sectional area is substantially uniform along the strip length 28. In this example, the cross-sectional dimension of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate perpendicular to the strip width 29 is 6.1 millimeters (i.e., the dimension of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate parallel to the short axis of the oval cross-section of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate is 6.1 millimeters). As described above, the strip width 29 is 6.3 millimeters. Accordingly, the strip cross-sectional area is 30.2 square millimeters. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the strip may have other cross-sectional shapes along the length of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate, such as a substantially circular shape, a triangular shape, or a square shape.

[0511] The pin 220 has a pin cross-sectional area perpendicular to the pin length 222. The pin 220 has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223, but it should be understood that other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as having a substantially circular shape at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223. The pin cross-sectional area is measured at a distance 225 from the end 223a of the tip 223 of the pin 220. As discussed above, the pin width 224 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223 is 3 millimeters. In this example, the minimum transverse pin dimension is the cross-sectional dimension of the pin 220 perpendicular to the pin width 224. In this example, the minimum transverse pin dimension is 2.9 millimeters (i.e., the dimension of the pin 220 parallel to the short axis of the oval cross-section of the pin 220 at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223 is 2.9 millimeters). Accordingly, the pin cross-sectional area at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223 is 6.83 square millimeters. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 29 to the pin width 224 is 2.1. In this example, the ratio of the strip cross-sectional area to the pin cross-sectional area is 4.42. The cross-sectional shape of the pin at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end 223a of the tip 223 is substantially the same as the strip cross-sectional shape.

[0512] In this embodiment, the device cavity 221 has a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, but it should be understood that in other embodiments, the device cavity may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as a substantially circular shape, a triangular shape, or a square shape of the device cavity 221. The device cavity 221 has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate. As Figure 8 shown, when the pin 220 penetrates the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate, the pin 220 substantially penetrates through the center of the cross-section of the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate through the strip 21 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0513] Figure 9 Shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article 30. The aerosol-generating article 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length. The aerosol-generating article 30 includes a strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate at the distal end of the article 30. The strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length and includes an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco. The article further includes a downstream section 32 located downstream of the strip 31 of aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream section 32 includes a first hollow tubular cooling element 33, a second hollow tubular cooling element 34, and a mouth-end filter 35. The mouth-end filter 35 is at the proximal end of the article 30. A longitudinal axis 37 extends centrally along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 30. The strip 31 of aerosol-forming substrate, the first tubular cooling element 33, the second tubular cooling element 34, and the mouth-end filter 35 are arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis 37 and are defined by an outer wrapper 36 that extends along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article 30. The downstream section 32 and the outer wrapper 36 are described in more detail below.

[0514] The strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length 38 parallel to the longitudinal axis 37 of the aerosol-generating article 30. The strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width 39 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 37 of the aerosol-generating article 30. The strip width 39 is measured at the 50% position along the strip length 38 from the end of the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the strip width 39 is measured at a mid-position along the length of the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate. The strip width 39 is substantially consistent along the strip length 38. In this example, the strip width 39 is 7 mm. In this example, the strip length 38 is 12 mm. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 39 to the strip length 38 is 0.583. In this example, the mass of the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate is 162 mg, and the density of the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate before the pin 120 is inserted into the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate is 351 kg / m3 (0.35 mg / mm3). The length of the aerosol-generating article 30 is 45 mm. The ratio of the strip length 38 to the length of the aerosol-generating article 30 is 0.267.

[0515] As described above, the downstream section 32 includes a mouth-end filter 35, a second hollow tubular cooling element 34, and a first hollow tubular cooling element 33. The downstream section 32 extends between the strip 31 of aerosol-generating substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 30. The downstream section 32 has a length of 33 mm.

[0516] The second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is downstream of the first hollow tubular cooling element 33. The first hollow tubular cooling element 33 is a hollow acetate tube. The second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is a hollow acetate tube. The first hollow tubular cooling element 33 abuts the downstream end of the strip 31 of the aerosol-forming substrate. The combined length of the first hollow tubular cooling element 13 and the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is about 26 millimeters. The first hollow tubular cooling element 33 includes a lumen. The lumen of the first hollow tubular cooling element 33 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The second hollow tubular cooling element 34 includes a lumen. The lumen of the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. The width of the lumen of the second tubular cooling element 34 is greater than the width of the lumen of the first tubular cooling element 33. The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is less than the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular cooling element 33. The second hollow tubular cooling element may be referred to as a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT). The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is 0.15 millimeters. The wall thickness of the second hollow tubular cooling element 33 is 0.25 millimeters. The outer diameter of both the first hollow tubular cooling element 33 and the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is 7 millimeters. The RTD of the first hollow tubular cooling element 33 and the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 is about 0 millimeters of water column. The second hollow tubular cooling element 34 includes a ventilation zone at a position along the second hollow tubular cooling element 34. It should be understood that the ventilation zone may alternatively or additionally be provided at a position along the first hollow tubular cooling element 33. The ventilation zone includes one or more rows of ventilation holes 33a that are circumferentially arranged around the second hollow tubular cooling element 34 in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 37 of the aerosol-forming article 30. The ventilation holes 33a are perforations through the wall of the second hollow tubular cooling element 34. The ventilation level of the aerosol-forming article 30 is about 75%. Each row of circumferential ventilation holes 33a includes from 8 to 30 holes.

[0517] The mouth-end filter 35 is located at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming article 30. The mouth-end filter 35 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular cooling element 34. The mouth-end filter 35 includes a low-density cellulose acetate filter segment. The RTD of the mouth-end filter 35 is about 8 millimeters of water column. The length of the mouth-end filter 35 is about 7 millimeters.

[0518] The wrapper 36 is made of tipping paper. The wrapper 36 does not extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 37 beyond the ends of the aerosol-forming article 30. The ventilation holes 33a extend through the wrapper 36 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 37.

[0519] Figure 10A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 40 is shown. The aerosol-generating article 40 is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating article 10. The only difference between the aerosol-generating article 40 and the aerosol-generating article 10 is that the aerosol-generating article 40 does not include a ventilation zone. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 40 does not include one or more rows of ventilation holes circumferentially arranged around the hollow tubular cooling element 43. The aerosol-generating article 40 includes a strip 41 of aerosol-generating substrate at the distal end of the article, and a downstream section 42 that includes a first hollow tubular cooling element 43, a second hollow tubular cooling element 44, and a mouth-end filter 45 at the proximal end of the article 40. A longitudinal axis 47 extends centrally along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 40. The strip 41 of aerosol-forming substrate, the first tubular cooling element 43, the second tubular cooling element 44, and the mouth-end filter 45 are arranged end-to-end along the longitudinal axis 47 and are defined by an outer wrapper 46 that extends along the entire length of the aerosol-generating article 40.

[0520] The strip 41 of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length 48 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 47 of the aerosol-generating article 40. The strip 41 of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width 49 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 47 of the aerosol-generating article 40. The strip width 49 is measured at a position that is 50% of the strip length 48 from the end of the strip 41 of aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the strip width 49 is measured at a mid-position along the length of the strip 41 of aerosol-generating substrate. The strip width 49 is substantially consistent along the strip length 48. In this example, the strip width 49 is 7 millimeters. In this example, the strip length 48 is 12 millimeters. In this example, the ratio of the strip width 49 to the strip length 48 is 0.583.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system, comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising a strip of aerosol-generating substrate; an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element in the form of a pin configured to be inserted into the strip of aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the pin width is greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters; and wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a density of less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter) before the pin heating element is inserted into the strip.

2. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate in the strip of aerosol-generating substrate is less than or equal to 300 milligrams.

3. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the increase in density of the strip of aerosol-generating substrate from a state in which the pin is not inserted into the strip to a state in which the pin is fully inserted into the strip is at least one of the following: greater than or equal to 50 kilograms per cubic meter (0.05 milligrams per cubic millimeter); and less than or equal to 500 kilograms per cubic meter (0.50 milligrams per cubic millimeter).

4. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pin width is less than or equal to 3.0 millimeters.

5. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pin has a tip, and wherein the pin width is measured at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end of the tip.

6. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pin has a pin length, and wherein the pin has a pin cross-sectional area perpendicular to the pin length.

7. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 6, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is greater than or equal to 4.9 square millimeters.

8. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the pin cross-sectional area is less than or equal to 7.1 square millimeters.

9. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the pin has a tip, and wherein the pin cross-sectional area is measured at a distance of 4 millimeters from the end of the tip.

10. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip width, the strip width being at least one of the following: less than or equal to 7 millimeters; and greater than or equal to 5 millimeters.

11. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strip of aerosol-forming substrate has a strip width, and wherein at least one of the following holds: the ratio of the strip width to the pin width is greater than or equal to 1.6; and the ratio of the strip width to the pin width is less than or equal to 2.

8.

12. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the strip of aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and wherein the strip width is measured at a position 50% along the strip length from the end of the strip.

13. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip length, and the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate has a strip cross-sectional area perpendicular to the strip length, and wherein the strip cross-sectional area is at least one of the following: less than or equal to 38.5 square millimeters; and greater than or equal to 19.6 square millimeters.

14. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the density of the strip of the aerosol-generating substrate when the pin heating element is fully inserted into the strip is less than or equal to 550 kilograms per cubic meter (0.55 milligrams per cubic millimeter).

15. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the strip cross-sectional area is measured at a position 50% along the length of the strip from the end of the strip.

Images