Composite flavor-enhancing structure and aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The application relates to the field of aerosol generating technology, and provides a composite flavoring structure and an aerosol generating article. The composite flavoring structure comprises a flavoring composite formed by at least two carriers of a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier and a wire core carrier, and a functional substance loaded on the flavoring composite; wherein the functional substance is loaded on the at least two carriers. The composite flavoring structure can have different flavors, can enrich the flavors of the aerosol generating article, can compensate for the defect that the flavors of the aerosol generating article are single, and the composite flavoring structure is formed by at least two different carriers, so that the carriers loaded with the functional substance release the functional substance gradually at different temperatures, effectively solve the problems that the flavoring substances are easy to volatilize and the volatilization of the flavoring is uneven, can improve the consistency and uniformity of the taste of the aerosol generating article, improve the taste of the aerosol, and thus improve the smoking sensory experience of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and more specifically to a composite flavoring structure and an aerosol-generated product. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol-generating products utilize the principle of heat-not-burn to generate aerosols for user consumption. When using these products, the matrix segment is inserted into the heat-not-burn device, where it generates aerosols upon heating. Because the matrix segment generates aerosols at a relatively low temperature of 300-350℃, the release of aroma components and other substances within the matrix segment is limited. This typically requires the addition of flavorings to compensate for the lack of aroma and enhance the characteristic flavor profile. However, heating both the smoke-generating matrix and the added flavorings (such as fruit or mint) at the same temperature results in poor uniformity of aroma release, leading to inconsistent taste across puffs and negatively impacting the sensory experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a composite aroma-enhancing structure and an aerosol-generating product that can compensate for the deficiency of a single aroma in the matrix segment and improve the consistency of the taste of each puff in the aerosol-generating product, thereby improving the sensory experience of smoking.

[0004] This application provides a composite fragrance-enhancing structure for use in aerosol-generated articles. The composite fragrance-enhancing structure includes a fragrance-carrying composite formed by combining at least two of the following carriers: a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier, and a core carrier, and a functional substance loaded on the fragrance-carrying composite; wherein the functional substance is loaded on both of the at least two carriers.

[0005] In some alternative embodiments, the fragrance-carrying complex includes at least one of the solid particle carrier and the core carrier, as well as the gel carrier, wherein the solid particle carrier and / or the core carrier are embedded in and at least partially enclosed within the gel carrier to form the fragrance-carrying complex.

[0006] In some alternative embodiments, the fragrance-carrying composite includes the solid particle carrier and the core carrier, wherein the core carrier is embedded in and at least partially encapsulated within the solid particle carrier to form the fragrance-carrying composite.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments, the gel carrier forms a gel fragrance carrier; the solid particle carrier forms a solid particle fragrance carrier; and the core carrier forms the core fragrance carrier.

[0008] The fragrance carrier is formed by physically mixing at least two of the gel fragrance carrier, the solid particle fragrance carrier, and the core fragrance carrier.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the gel carrier loaded with the functional substance accounts for less than or equal to 30% of the mass of the composite flavoring structure;

[0010] And / or, the core carrier is a strip structure or a linear structure.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, the solid particulate carrier loaded with the functional substance accounts for less than or equal to 30% of the mass of the composite flavoring structure;

[0012] And / or, the core carrier is core powder.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the functional substance is a fragrance; wherein,

[0014] The functional substance loaded on the gel carrier is a first fragrance, the functional substance loaded on the solid particle carrier is a second fragrance, and the functional substance loaded on the core carrier is a third fragrance, wherein the boiling points of the second fragrance, the first fragrance, and the third fragrance decrease sequentially.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the functional substance is a fragrance; wherein the solid particulate carrier comprises at least one layer of solid particulate carrier unit, and the boiling point of the fragrance loaded on each layer of the solid particulate carrier unit gradually increases along the direction of heat transfer.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the gel carrier includes polyethylene glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, guar gum, carrageenan, agar, chitosan, sodium alginate, modified starch, or β-cyclodextrin; and / or,

[0017] The solid particulate carrier includes cellulose particles, derived cellulose particles, tobacco plant particles, or spice plant particles; and / or,

[0018] The core carrier includes natural plant fibers, modified cellulose fibers, or processed plant fibers.

[0019] This application provides an aerosol-generating article comprising the composite flavoring structure described above.

[0020] According to the composite flavoring structure for aerosol-generated products in this embodiment, it is formed by combining at least two of the following: a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier, and a core carrier to form a flavor-carrying composite. The flavor-carrying composite is loaded with functional substances, enabling the composite flavoring structure to have different flavors, thereby enriching the flavor of the aerosol-generated products and compensating for the deficiency of a single flavor. Furthermore, the flavor-carrying composite is composed of different carriers, allowing different carriers and their functional substances to be gradually released at different temperatures. This effectively solves the problems of easy volatilization of flavor substances and uneven flavor volatilization, thereby improving the consistency and uniformity of the taste of each puff of the aerosol-generated product, enhancing the taste of the aerosol, and thus improving the user's sensory experience when inhaling. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generated product in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol-generated product in another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a solid particulate carrier used for aerosol generation in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for preparing a composite flavoring structure in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generation system in one embodiment.

[0026] Among them: 1. Aerosol generating device;

[0027] 2. Aerosol-generated products; 21. Composite aroma-enhancing structure; 211. Solid particle carrier unit; 22. Matrix section; 23. Support section; 24. Cooling section; 25. Filter rod section. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments, and the operational steps involved in each embodiment can also be rearranged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a particular embodiment and do not imply that they represent the necessary components and / or order.

[0030] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This application provides an aerosol generating article 2, which is used in an aerosol generating device 1 and generates an inhalable medium including aerosol when the user applies the aerosol generating device 1 for inhalation.

[0032] The term "aerosol" as used in this article can generally refer to substances that have been vaporized, aerosolized, sprayed or jetted, or otherwise transformed from a solid or liquid form into an inhalable form containing suspended solid or liquid drug particles.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aerosol generating product 2 includes a matrix section 22, a support section 23, a cooling section 24, and a filter rod section 25 arranged sequentially along its axial direction. The matrix section 22, the support section 23, the cooling section 24, and the filter rod section 25 can form an integral structure through an external coating layer, which can be made of corrugated paper, formed paper, etc.

[0034] The matrix section 22 includes a smoke-generating matrix capable of producing aerosols upon heating. The smoke-generating matrix can be formed by agglomerating tobacco sheets or shredded tobacco, or by pressing at least one of tobacco particles, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract. It is positioned at the distal end (away from the user) of the aerosol-generating article 2. The generated aerosol passes sequentially through the support section 23, the cooling section 24, and the filter rod section 25 to the user. The support section 23 enhances the overall structural strength of the aerosol-generating article 2, preventing breakage during use. The cooling section 24 lowers the temperature of the aerosol, preventing burns to the user from the high temperature. The filter rod section 25 is constructed from at least one of cellulose acetate, synthetic plant fibers, and natural plant fibers. It has numerous pores that allow aerosols to pass through, adsorb impurities in the aerosol, and further lower the aerosol temperature, resulting in a better-tasting aerosol for the user.

[0035] The matrix section 22 of the aerosol generating product 2 may also include a flavoring structure, such as a fragrance thread or gel, to be released synchronously with the aerosol when the matrix section 22 is heated, compensating for insufficient fragrance or nicotine in the aerosol. Alternatively, a flavoring structure may be provided on one of the support section 23, cooling section 24, or filter rod section 25 of the aerosol generating product 2 to release fragrance and adjust the flavor and texture of the aerosol after mixing with it. However, this configuration only provides a single flavor and cannot meet the user's need for multiple flavors. Furthermore, the flavoring structure in this configuration is released entirely within the same time period (upon reaching the release temperature), resulting in poor consistency of the aerosol in each bite and affecting the user experience.

[0036] Embodiments of this application provide a composite flavor-enhancing structure 21, which can be used in aerosol-generated articles 2 to improve the problems of monotonous flavor and poor consistency across different bites. This composite flavor-enhancing structure 21 can be disposed on at least one of the matrix section 22, support section 23, cooling section 24, and filter rod section 25. It can also be understood that one, several, or all of the different components of the aerosol-generated article 2 can be provided with the composite flavor-enhancing structure 21. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the matrix segment 22 is provided with a composite flavoring structure 21; as Figure 2 As shown, both the matrix section 22 and the filter rod section 25 are provided with a composite aroma-enhancing structure 21.

[0037] The composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 includes a fragrance-carrying composite formed by combining at least two of the following carriers: a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier, and a core carrier, as well as a functional substance loaded on the fragrance-carrying composite; wherein, at least two carriers are loaded with functional substances.

[0038] It should be noted that functional substances can be active ingredients, flavorings, cooling agents, or other substances that enhance taste. Active ingredients can be nicotine, nicotine salts, or tobacco extracts. Different carriers can be loaded with different functional substances, allowing for the phased release of different components (at different release temperatures) to enrich flavor and dynamic taste profiles. Alternatively, the same functional substance can be loaded onto different carriers, utilizing their inherent characteristics to achieve phased release and improve consistency across each bite.

[0039] The gel carrier is a gel-like substance (such as a polymer, colloidal solution, etc.) that can load functional substances through physical adsorption, chemical bonding, or swelling to form a gel fragrance carrier after molding. The gel carrier includes at least one of polyethylene glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, guar gum, carrageenan, agar, chitosan, sodium alginate, modified starch, and β-cyclodextrin. This gel carrier is a discontinuous thermotropic phase change gel, possessing advantages such as high fragrance loading capacity, stable fragrance addition, long fragrance retention time, and low fragrance evaporation. After loading functional substances, the gel carrier can be used independently as a fragrance carrier structure in aerosol generating product 2. It can be independently set in the filter rod section 25, support section 23, or cooling section 24 of aerosol generating product 2 as needed. The shape of the gel carrier can also be made into different shapes such as straight lines, granules, and curves. Due to the different temperatures of different components during the heating process of aerosol generating product 2, the shape of the gel carrier also has different requirements. For example, granular gel carriers have a large specific surface area and a large heating area, and can be applied to the cooling section 24. Other types, such as linear and curved ones, can be applied to at least one of the filter rod section 25, support section 23, or cooling section 24. Since the gel absorbs heat, it changes from a gel state to a liquid state, and then from a liquid state to a gas, forming an aerosol. The gel carrier may hiss and splash due to excessively high temperatures in the matrix section 22, posing a risk of contaminating the outer coating of the aerosol-generating product 2. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, the composite fragrance-carrying structure 21, including the gel carrier, should be placed in other parts of the aerosol-generating product 2 besides the matrix section 22.

[0040] During actual inhalation, the solid gel carrier or gel-state gel carrier absorbs heat and transforms into a liquid state, eventually changing into a gaseous substance. This allows the aroma components loaded in the gel carrier to be released slowly and evenly, helping to maintain a consistent flavor before and after inhalation, thus improving the consistency of each inhalation. Furthermore, the user's mouth does not directly contact the gel during inhalation, avoiding discomfort and psychological aversion associated with oral contact with gel. The aroma concentration and flavor remain stable throughout inhalation, effectively improving the inhalation quality of aerosol-generated product 2.

[0041] The solid particulate carrier is a granular solid structure, which can be made from at least one of cellulose particles, derived cellulose particles, tobacco plant particles, and spice plant particles. Utilizing the principle of sublimation, functional substances are loaded onto the formed solid particulate carrier, or the functional substances are loaded onto the raw materials used to make the solid particulate carrier and then shaped into a granular solid structure, thus forming a functionally loaded solid particulate fragrance carrier. Specifically, the functional substances are loaded and encapsulated within the solid particulate carrier, and when the solid particulate fragrance carrier is heated, it absorbs heat, reaches its sublimation temperature, and changes from a solid phase to a gaseous phase, forming an aerosol. This aerosol is released through the porous structure.

[0042] The core carrier can be made from at least one of natural plant fibers, modified cellulose fibers, and processed plant fibers. Specifically, it can be made into a linear or strip structure from at least one of cellulose acetate, wood fiber, cotton fiber, and paper fiber. By immersing one or more core carriers in a solution of functional substances, a core fragrance carrier loaded with functional substances can be formed after molding.

[0043] Because the fragrance carrier in the thread core is formed by adsorbing a fragrance solution, it has a high water content, resulting in a high aroma release temperature. Gels are prone to bursting at high temperatures, thus the aroma release temperature in gel fragrance carriers is relatively low. Solid particle fragrance carriers, on the other hand, undergo vaporization from a solid state to an aerosol, resulting in the highest aroma release temperature. Therefore, the different aroma release temperatures of gel, solid particle, and thread core fragrance carriers allow at least two of these carriers to combine to form a fragrance complex, which, in turn, loads functional substances to form a composite aroma-enhancing structure 21. This effectively solves problems such as the volatility of fragrance substances and uneven aroma release. As heating time increases, the aroma is released sequentially with rising temperatures, achieving a consistent aerosol taste throughout. Furthermore, due to the different release temperatures of the three carriers, they can include different flavored fragrances, such as low-boiling-point (release temperature) cooling types and high-boiling-point (release temperature) sweet types, thus enriching the flavor of the aerosol and compensating for the single-flavor limitation of the aerosol-generated product 2. As different aromas are released in succession, users can also experience different layers of taste.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fragrance carrier complex includes at least one of a solid particle carrier and a core carrier, as well as a gel carrier. The solid particle carrier and / or the core carrier are embedded in and at least partially encapsulated within the gel carrier to form the fragrance carrier complex. Alternatively, the fragrance carrier complex can be understood to necessarily include a gel carrier. Then, one or both of the solid particle carrier and the core carrier are combined with the gel carrier to form a composite fragrance carrier. Based on the characteristics of the gel itself, in this composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21, the solid particle carrier and the core carrier can be completely embedded within the gel carrier, or at least partially exposed outside the gel carrier. When heated, the gel carrier absorbs heat first, and its internal functional substances are preferentially released; subsequently, the exposed solid particle carrier or core carrier absorbs heat and releases its functional substances, achieving segmented release. This effectively solves the problem of poor consistency across different bites and also enriches the dynamic flavor profile. In this embodiment, when preparing the fragrance-carrying composite, each carrier has already loaded functional substances, but some carriers have not been formed, that is, the gel fragrance carrier, solid particle fragrance carrier or core fragrance carrier mentioned above has not been formed. At least one carrier loaded with functional substances is selected and combined with other carriers loaded with functional substances before it is formed to finally form a composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21. This method can be called destructive composite.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the fragrance-carrying complex includes a gel carrier and a solid particle carrier, with the solid particle carrier embedded and at least partially encapsulated within the gel carrier to form the fragrance-carrying complex. The gel carrier releases its internal functional substances before the solid particle carrier, and after the temperature rises to 300°C and the internal work is released, the precursor substances of the functional substances in the solid particle carrier partially decompose, which can increase the amount of aerosol and enrich the variety of aromas. Simultaneously, in this embodiment, since the gel carrier is wrapped around the solid particle carrier, it can prevent the loss of volatile aroma substances in the solid particle carrier, and the gel carrier can slowly release the aroma when heated, thereby improving the persistence and stability of aroma release. This composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 can be placed in the carrier forming the filter rod segment 25 of the aerosol generating product 2, such as in a cellulose acetate filter rod or PTE cotton, to enhance and enrich the aroma; it can also be added to the cooling segment 24 to cool, enhance and enrich the aroma, and improve consistency; or it can be added to the matrix segment 22 to enhance and enrich the aroma and improve consistency.

[0046] In another specific embodiment, the fragrance-carrying complex includes a gel carrier and a core carrier, with the core carrier embedded and at least partially encapsulated within the gel carrier to form the fragrance-carrying complex. In this embodiment, the gel carrier first absorbs heat and releases functional substances; subsequently, the exposed core carrier absorbs heat and releases its functional substances to enrich the aroma profile. Simultaneously, the gel carrier encapsulating the core carrier prevents the loss of volatile aroma compounds within the core carrier. This composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 can be placed in the carrier of the filter rod section 25, such as in a cellulose acetate filter rod or PTE cotton, to increase and enrich the aroma; it can also be added to the cooling section 24 to cool, increase and enrich the aroma, and improve consistency; or it can be added to the matrix section 22 to increase and enrich the aroma and improve consistency.

[0047] In some other embodiments, the gel carrier not only covers the outside of the core carrier, but also, based on the multiple porous structures on the core carrier, a portion of the gel carrier can adsorb and fill the porous structures within the core carrier, which can further enhance the effect of slow release of functional substances.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fragrance-carrying complex includes a solid particle carrier and a core carrier, with the core carrier embedded in and at least partially encapsulated within the solid particle carrier to form the fragrance-carrying complex. In this embodiment, during the preparation of the solid particle carrier (which has already been loaded with functional substances), the powdered core carrier (which has already been loaded with functional substances) is added mainly during the mixing stage of the particle preparation process, followed by particle preparation according to the granulation process. This allows the core carrier to make the solid particle carrier more porous, and the solid particle carrier can also cover the core carrier, forming multiple solid particle carriers surrounding the core carrier. This arrangement, where part of the core carrier is encapsulated within multiple solid particle carriers, can, to some extent, prevent the volatilization of fragrance substances. Specifically, when heated, the solid particle carrier first absorbs heat and releases functional substances; the exposed core carrier absorbs heat and releases its low-to-medium boiling point fragrance substances, increasing the amount of aerosol and enriching the variety of aromas. The composite aroma-enhancing structure 21 can be placed in the carrier of the filter rod section 25, such as in a cellulose acetate filter rod or PTE cotton, to increase and enrich the aroma; it can also be added to the cooling section 24 to cool down, increase and enrich the aroma, and improve consistency; or it can be added to the matrix section 22 to increase and enrich the aroma and improve consistency.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the gel carrier is compounded with one of the solid particle carriers or the core carrier in a destructive manner, the total mass of the gel carrier and the functional substances loaded on it accounts for less than or equal to 30% of the mass of the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21. That is, in the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21, the solid particle carrier and the core carrier loaded with functional substances account for a larger proportion. As heat absorption increases, at a stable temperature, the increased mass of the solid particle carrier or the core carrier can prevent the gel from popping and can also prolong the duration of the fragrance.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the solid particulate carrier or core carrier is composited with the gel carrier in a non-destructive manner, the mass ratio of the gel carrier loaded with functional substances to the mass ratio of the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 is less than or equal to 30%. For example, the mass ratio of the gel carrier loaded with functional substances to the mass ratio of the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 is 30%, 28%, 25%, or 20%. When the core carrier and gel carrier are composited, the structure is a strip structure or a linear structure, and a portion of the gel carrier can be adsorbed within the core carrier.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the core carrier and the solid particulate carrier are composited in a non-destructible manner, the core carrier is core powder. The mass ratio of the solid particulate carrier loaded with functional substances to the composite fragrance-enhancing structure is less than or equal to 30%. For example, the mass ratio of the solid particulate carrier loaded with functional substances to the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 is 30%, 28%, 25%, or 20%.

[0052] In some embodiments, the gel carrier can first form a gel fragrance carrier by loading functional substances; the solid particle carrier can form a solid particle fragrance carrier by loading functional substances; the core carrier can form a core fragrance carrier by loading functional substances; at least two of the gel fragrance carrier, solid particle fragrance carrier and core fragrance carrier are physically mixed to form a composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21. This method is different from the above-mentioned destruction method and can be called the non-destruction method. Its final form is different from the partially embedded or encapsulated form of the above-mentioned destruction method. Each carrier independently loads functional substances and forms an independent individual.

[0053] The destructive method can be understood as loading functional substances onto a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier, and a core carrier respectively, and then combining them in the unformed state to form a fragrance-carrying composite containing functional substances. For example, when the fragrance-carrying composite includes a gel carrier and a solid particle carrier, before the gel carrier (which is liquid, and the functional substances are already loaded in the gel carrier solution) is formed, the solid particle carrier (which has already loaded functional substances) is mixed evenly with the gel carrier according to the specified ratio, and then the next forming process is carried out to form a composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 in the shape of spheres, cylinders, rhombuses, triangles, etc., embedded in the solid particle carrier or the core carrier. The non-destructive method can be understood as physically mixing at least two of the following: a gel fragrance carrier (which has already loaded functional substances and is formed), a solid particle fragrance carrier (which has already loaded functional substances and is formed), and a core fragrance carrier (which has already loaded functional substances and is formed), to form a fragrance-carrying composite. For example, when the fragrance carrier complex includes a gel carrier and a solid particle carrier, the gel fragrance carrier prepared in spherical, cylindrical or other shapes is physically mixed with the solid particle fragrance carrier prepared in spherical or cylindrical shapes (no chemical reaction occurs, only simple mixing, and the gel fragrance carrier and the solid particle fragrance carrier are two independent entities), and finally a composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 is obtained.

[0054] In one specific embodiment, the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 may include a solid particulate fragrance carrier and a core fragrance carrier. A pre-formed gel fragrance carrier (with functional substances already loaded and shaped) in spherical, cylindrical, or other shapes is mixed with a solid particulate fragrance carrier (also loaded with functional substances and prepared into spherical, cylindrical, rhomboid, triangular, etc. shapes according to a particle preparation process). This mixing is a physical mixing process, and the gel fragrance carrier and the solid particulate fragrance carrier are independent entities after mixing. By adjusting the ratio of the gel fragrance carrier to the solid particulate fragrance carrier, the aerosol fragrance release characteristics can be achieved. For example, increasing the proportion of the solid particulate fragrance carrier can prolong the fragrance release time and increase the fragrance concentration in the later stages, while increasing the proportion of the gel fragrance carrier can achieve uniform and sustained release. Gel-based fragrance carriers and solid particle-based fragrance carriers can respectively load fragrances at different temperatures. For example, a gel-based fragrance carrier loads functional substances from a low-release-temperature (boiling-point) gel, which first absorbs heat and releases corresponding low-to-medium boiling-point aroma substances. Subsequently, the solid particle-based fragrance carrier absorbs heat and releases low-to-medium-high boiling-point aroma components from the functional substances. Simultaneously, when the temperature rises to 300℃-350℃, the precursor substances of the natural aroma components (high release temperature) in the solid particle-based fragrance carrier partially decompose, producing aroma substances, which can increase the aerosol volume and enrich the aroma variety. This fragrance carrier complex can be placed in the material of filter rod section 25, such as in a cellulose acetate filter rod or PTE cotton, to enhance and enrich the aroma; it can also be added to cooling section 24 to cool, enhance and enrich the aroma, and improve consistency; or it can be added to matrix section 22 to enhance and enrich the aroma and improve consistency.

[0055] In another specific embodiment, the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 may include a gel fragrance carrier and a core fragrance carrier. A pre-formed spherical, cylindrical, or other shaped gel fragrance carrier (with the functional substances already loaded and shaped) is mixed with a core fragrance carrier (with the functional substances loaded within it). This mixing is physical, and the gel fragrance carrier and the core fragrance carrier are independent entities after mixing. The aroma release characteristics can be adjusted by changing the ratio of the gel fragrance carrier to the core fragrance carrier. For example, increasing the proportion of the core fragrance carrier can increase the aroma concentration during later inhalation; increasing the proportion of the gel fragrance carrier allows for slower aroma release, longer duration, and stronger stability. This fragrance carrier composite can also carry fragrances with different release temperatures (boiling points). In this fragrance carrier composite, the gel first absorbs heat and releases its fragrance substances; the core fragrance carrier absorbs heat subsequently, making it easier to release aroma substances, increasing aerosol volume, and enriching the aroma variety. Simultaneously, both coexist, complementing each other with different types of fragrance substances. This fragrance-carrying complex can be placed in the material of filter rod section 25, such as in cellulose acetate filter rods or PTE cotton, to increase and enrich the aroma; it can also be added to cooling section 24 to cool down, increase and enrich the aroma, and improve consistency; or it can be added to matrix section 22 to increase and enrich the aroma and improve consistency.

[0056] In another specific embodiment, the composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21 may include a gel fragrance carrier and a solid particulate fragrance carrier. A pre-formed gel fragrance carrier (with the functional substance already loaded and shaped) in spherical, cylindrical, or other shapes is mixed with a solid particulate fragrance carrier (also loaded with the functional substance and prepared into spherical, cylindrical, rhomboid, triangular, etc. shapes according to a particle preparation process). This mixing is a physical mixing process, and the gel fragrance carrier and the solid particulate fragrance carrier are independent entities after mixing. The fragrance release characteristics are adjusted by changing the ratio of the gel fragrance carrier to the solid particulate fragrance carrier.

[0057] In some embodiments, the functional substance is a fragrance; the functional substance loaded on the gel carrier is a first fragrance; the functional substance loaded on the solid particle carrier is a second fragrance; and the functional substance loaded on the core carrier is a third fragrance. The boiling points of the second, first, and third fragrances decrease sequentially. By combining at least two of the three fragrance carriers in a destructive or non-destructive manner to form a composite fragrance-enhancing structure 21, at least two different aromas can be released sequentially at at least two different temperatures, thereby enriching the aerosol's flavor and achieving a dynamic flavor effect. For example, mixing a gel carrier loaded with the first fragrance and a solid particle carrier loaded with the second fragrance can release two different aromas in stages to obtain two different flavors.

[0058] In some embodiments, the solid particulate carrier includes at least one solid particulate carrier unit 211, which can also be understood as the solid particulate carrier having a multi-layer structure. Each layer includes a carrier and a second flavoring adsorbed on the carrier. The second flavoring can be a different type (different boiling point) of flavoring, that is, each layer is provided with a second flavoring with a different boiling point. A variety of different flavors can be obtained on the solid particulate carrier. When combined with other carriers, the aerosol taste can be further enriched.

[0059] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The boiling point of the fragrance loaded on each solid particle carrier unit 211 gradually increases along the direction of heat transfer. In the circumferential heating embodiment, the heat transfer direction is from the outside to the inside, and the boiling point of the solid particle carrier unit 211 gradually increases from the outside to the inside. This can also be understood as the solid particle carrier unit 211 near the center having the highest boiling point and releasing the fragrance last, while the outermost solid particle carrier unit 211 has the lowest boiling point and can release the fragrance at the beginning of heating. In the central heating embodiment, the heat transfer direction is from the inside to the outside, and the boiling point of the solid particle carrier unit 211 gradually increases from the inside to the outside. This can also be understood as the outermost solid particle carrier unit 211 having the highest boiling point and releasing the fragrance last, while the central solid particle carrier unit 211 has the lowest boiling point and can release the fragrance at the beginning of heating. The purpose of this application is to set fragrance carrier units with different boiling points according to the heat transfer method, so that the corresponding fragrance can be released as the temperature increases, thereby enriching the flavor of the aerosol and ensuring that fragrance is released throughout the entire inhalation stage.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third fragrances are effectively soluble in an aqueous solvent such as ethanol. This aqueous solvent may include substances such as ethanol, glycerol, propylene glycol, and fragrance ingredients. The glycerol content is 5% by mass. This facilitates the preparation of gel solutions and the loading of fragrances onto carriers of solid particulate fragrance carriers and fragrance cores.

[0061] The embodiments of this application also provide a fragrance-carrying composite structure 21, the specific structure of which has been described in detail in the embodiments above, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] Please see Figure 4 Another embodiment of this application provides a method for preparing a composite flavoring structure 21 for aerosol-generating articles 2, comprising:

[0063] S101: Provide raw materials for at least two different carriers, the carriers being selected from gel carriers, solid particle carriers and wire core carriers;

[0064] S102: Functional substances are loaded onto raw materials on at least two different carriers to obtain a composite flavoring structure 21.

[0065] In some embodiments, "loading functional substances onto raw materials of at least two different carriers" includes: when at least one of the raw materials of at least two different carriers is in an unformed state, compounding the raw materials of at least two different carriers into a composite flavoring structure 21, corresponding to the above-described destruction method; or, after the raw materials of at least two different carriers loaded with functional substances are all independently formed, physically mixing them to obtain the composite flavoring structure 21, corresponding to the above-described non-destruction method. Specifically, the destruction method of mixing includes mixing the raw materials when at least one of them is unformed, forming a mixture, and then molding it; the non-destruction method includes: molding the raw materials separately, crushing them into particles or powder, and then physically mixing and molding them. The specific methods and structures for preparing the composite flavoring structure 21 by selecting different raw materials in the destruction and non-destruction methods have been described in detail in the embodiments above, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] In some embodiments, the composite flavoring structure 21 can be disposed on at least one of the matrix section 22, support section 23, cooling section 24, and filter rod section 25 of the aerosol generating article 2. Different composite flavoring structures 21 can be disposed on different components. For example, a composite flavoring structure 21 comprising a gel carrier and a core carrier prepared by a destructive mixing method can be disposed on the filter rod section 25, and a composite flavoring structure 21 comprising a solid particle carrier and a core carrier prepared by a destructive mixing method can be disposed on the matrix section 22. The functional substances in the filter rod section 25 are released through the heating effect of the high-temperature aerosol. Based on this characteristic and the characteristics of the gel, the functional substances here are released later. The matrix section 22 is directly heated in contact with the heating chamber 11, and the functional substances here are released earlier. The functional substances in the matrix section 22 can be cooling fragrances and flavorings, and the functional substances in the filter rod section 25 can be sweet fragrances and flavorings, so as to give users a cool and sweet taste.

[0067] The following describes the preparation of four groups of aerosol-generating products 2 to directly illustrate the beneficial effects of this application. Among them, the fragrance carrier structure in the first group is a traditional single fragrance carrier, while the fragrance carrier structures in the other three groups are the composite fragrance-enhancing structures 21 of this application. Specifically, a fragrance-carrying complex comprising a solid particle carrier and a core carrier is set in the matrix section 22 of the second group of aerosol-generated products 2; a fragrance-carrying complex comprising a solid particle carrier and a gel carrier is set in the cooling section 24 of the third group of aerosol-generated products 2; and a fragrance-carrying complex comprising a solid particle carrier and a core carrier is set in the matrix section 22 of the fourth group of aerosol-generated products 2. Subjective evaluations and comprehensive evaluations of the aroma, aerosol mist volume, and taste characteristics of these four groups, as well as the number of puffs, were conducted. The results show that the composite aroma-enhancing structure 21 of this application can improve the consistency of the aerosol. The experimental group with the fragrance-carrying complex comprising a solid particle carrier and a gel carrier has a better aftertaste, while the first group has a slightly bitter aftertaste. This indicates that this application has advantages in enriching the flavor of aerosol-generated products 2, optimizing the consistency of each puff, and increasing the release of functional substances. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0068] Table 1 Sensory Quality Evaluation Table

[0069]

[0070] Please see Figure 5 This application also provides an aerosol generation system, including the aerosol generation article 2 and the aerosol generation device 1 in the above embodiments. The aerosol generation device 1 has a heating chamber 11, and the aerosol generation article 2 can be inserted into the heating chamber 11 to be heated. The aerosol generation device 1 is heated by circumferential heating.

[0071] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. A composite flavor-enhancing structure, characterized in that, For use in aerosol-generating products, the composite fragrance-enhancing structure includes a fragrance-carrying composite formed by combining at least two of the following carriers: a gel carrier, a solid particle carrier, and a core carrier, and a functional substance loaded on the fragrance-carrying composite; wherein the functional substance is loaded on both of the at least two carriers.

2. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fragrance-carrying complex includes at least one of the solid particle carrier and the core carrier, as well as the gel carrier, wherein the solid particle carrier and / or the core carrier are embedded in and at least partially encapsulated within the gel carrier to form the fragrance-carrying complex.

3. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fragrance-carrying composite includes the solid particle carrier and the core carrier, wherein the core carrier is embedded in and at least partially wrapped in the solid particle carrier to form the fragrance-carrying composite.

4. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gel carrier forms a gel fragrance carrier; the solid particle carrier forms a solid particle fragrance carrier; the core carrier forms a core fragrance carrier. The composite fragrance-enhancing structure is formed by physically mixing at least two of the gel fragrance carrier, the solid particle fragrance carrier, and the core fragrance carrier.

5. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The core carrier is a strip structure or a linear structure.

6. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The core carrier is core powder.

7. The composite flavoring structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional substance is a fragrance; wherein... The functional substance loaded on the gel carrier is a first fragrance, the functional substance loaded on the solid particle carrier is a second fragrance, and the functional substance loaded on the core carrier is a third fragrance, wherein the boiling points of the second fragrance, the first fragrance, and the third fragrance decrease sequentially.

8. The composite flavor-enhancing structure of claim 1, wherein, The functional substance is a fragrance; wherein the solid particulate carrier includes at least one layer of solid particulate carrier unit, and the boiling point of the fragrance loaded on each layer of the solid particulate carrier unit gradually increases along the direction of heat transfer.

9. The composite flavoring structure of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The gel carrier comprises polyethylene glycol, hydroxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, guar gum, carrageenan, agar, chitosan, sodium alginate, modified starch, or β-cyclodextrin; and / or, The solid particulate carrier includes cellulose particles, derived cellulose particles, tobacco plant particles, or spice plant particles; and / or, The core carrier includes natural plant fibers, modified cellulose fibers, or processed plant fibers.

10. An aerosol-generating article, characterised in that, Includes the composite flavoring structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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