Aerosol-generating article with a planar frame

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (1) for use with an aerosol-generating device to form an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating article (1) comprises: a planar frame (100); a primary air inlet (20); an aerosol outlet (30); an aerosolisation chamber (40); and an aerosol-forming substrate (51, 52, 53). The planar frame (100) comprises a planar upper surface (110), a planar lower surface (120), a proximal end (130), a distal end (140), and lateral sides (150, 160) extending between the proximal end (130) and the distal end (140). The primary air inlet (20) is disposed on a first lateral side (150) of the planar frame. The aerosol outlet (30) is disposed on the proximal end (130) of the planar frame (100). The aerosolisation chamber (40) is between the primary air inlet (20) and the aerosol outlet (30). The aerosol-forming substrate (51, 52, 53) is located in the aerosolisation chamber (40).

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH A PLANAR FRAME

[0002] The disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

[0003] Some known aerosol-generating systems comprise an aerosol-generating device having a power supply, such as a battery, a controller, and a heating element for heating an aerosolgenerating substrate. In some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug that is arranged in an aerosol-generating article. In use, the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device, and the heating element either penetrates the aerosol-generating substrate or is arranged around the outside of the aerosol-generating substrate. Power is supplied to the heating element from the power supply to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, and volatile components of the aerosol-generating substrate are vaporised and released and condense to form an aerosol, which is inhalable by a user. In some such aerosol-generating systems, the aerosol-generating article resembles a conventional cigarette, having a similar cylindrical stick like configuration.

[0004] In one known aerosol-generating system having an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, an air inlet is provided at a distal end of the article and an air outlet is provided at a proximal end of the article. The aerosol-generating article is inserted into the device at its distal end. In order for air to reach the air inlet of the aerosol-generating article, air channels are used for air to bypass device components such as control electronics, insulation and electromagnetic shielding materials. Complex air channels can be difficult to manufacture and can increase manufacturing cost.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device.

[0006] According to the disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0007] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a planar frame. The planar frame may comprise a planar upper surface. The planar frame may comprise a planar lower surface. The planar frame may comprise a proximal end. The planar frame may comprise a distal end. The planar frame may comprise lateral sides. The lateral sides may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a primary air inlet. The primary air inlet may be disposed on the planar frame. The primary air inlet may be disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may be disposed on the planar frame. The aerosol outlet may be disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosolisation chamber. The aerosolisation chamber may be between the primary air inlet and the aerosol outlet. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0008] According to the disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to form an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosolisation chamber between the primary air inlet and the aerosol outlet; and an aerosol-generating substrate located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0009] This aerosol-generating article has several advantages over known aerosol-generating articles.

[0010] By providing the primary air inlet on a first lateral side of the planar frame, and not on the distal end of the planar frame, device components such as control electronics, insulation and electromagnetic shielding materials can be avoided. As such, there is no need for a complicated path or plurality of air flow channels, allowing for a simpler and more robust aerosol-generating article.

[0011] By providing the primary air inlet on a first lateral side of the planar frame, and the aerosol outlet on the proximal end of the planar frame, an airflow channel from the primary air inlet to the aerosol outlet can pass diagonally through the planar frame. Such an airflow channel can induce turbulent air flow, which provides a particularly suitable aerosol and an improved user experience. A diagonal air flow path across the aerosol-generating substrate also provides a longer air flow path than if the air flow path were directly across the aerosol-generating substrate in a longitudinal direction. This improves aerosol generation efficiency and provides a particularly efficient aerosol-generating article. This also improves homogeneity of the aerosol generated.

[0012] As used herein, “planar” refers to a feature generally formed in a single Euclidean plane and not wrapped around or otherwise conformed to fit a curved or other non-planar shape. A planar surface extends in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane. A planar object extends in two dimensions in a single Euclidean plane substantially more than in a third dimension perpendicular to the plane. More specifically, a planar object extends in a first dimension and a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension at least two, five or ten times further than the object extends in a third dimension perpendicular to the first and second dimensions. Advantageously, planar components of a heating assembly may be easily handled during manufacture and provide for a robust construction. As used herein, “aerosol-generating device” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0013] As used herein, “aerosol-generating substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0014] As used herein, “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosolgenerating substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or mouth end of the aerosolgenerating article, an aerosol-generating device, or an aerosol-generating system. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0015] As used herein, “aerosol-generating system” refers to the combination of an aerosolgenerating device with an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device co-operate to generate an aerosol.

[0016] As used herein, “proximal end” refers to a user end, or mouth end of the aerosolgenerating device, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating system. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating article, or an aerosolgenerating system is the end of the component closest to the user end, or mouth end, or mouthpiece end, of the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article, or the aerosolgenerating system. As used herein, “distal” refers to the end opposite to the proximal end.

[0017] As used herein, “upper surface” and “lower surface” are relative terms used to refer to opposing surfaces of a feature, such as an aerosol-generating device, a heating assembly, a heating element, an aerosol-generating article, or a planar frame. The upper surface can be located above the lower surface during normal use of the feature, though it will be appreciated that alternative orientations of the feature during use are possible.

[0018] As used herein, “length” refers to the maximum dimension of a feature in a longitudinal direction of the feature.

[0019] As used herein, “width” refers to the maximum dimension of a feature in a transverse direction of the feature. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0020] As used herein, “thickness” and “depth” refer to the maximum dimension of a feature in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the feature and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the feature. The terms “thickness” and “depth” may be used interchangeably herein.

[0021] As used herein, the term “aerosol former” may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of an aerosol. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers for inclusion in the aerosol-generating substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1 ,3- butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Glycerol may be particularly preferable as an aerosol former. Aerosol former contents described with respect to the first and second aerosol-generating substrates may equally be considered glycerol contents.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, in relation to the direction in which the air or aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating article during use.

[0023] As used herein, the term “bulk density” refers to bulk density on a dry weight basis, unless otherwise specified. The bulk density of an aerosol-generating substrate (or segment) can be calculated by measuring or otherwise determining the total dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate (or segment) and dividing this by the volume of the aerosol-generating segment substrate (or segment).

[0024] The planar frame may have a width, a length, and a thickness. The length may be greater than the width. The width may be being greater than the thickness. The thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the length. The thickness may be no more than 0.5 times the width. The thickness may be a thickness of the first lateral side. The length may be the dimension between the proximal end and the distal end of the planar frame. The width may be the dimension between first lateral side and the second lateral side of the planar frame. The thickness may be the dimension between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface of the planar frame.

[0025] The planar frame may have a length of between about 20 and about 45 millimetres. Preferably, the planar frame has a length of between about 25 and about 40 millimetres. The planar frame may have a width of between about 9 and about 17 millimetres. Preferably, the planar frame has a width of between about 11 and about 15 millimetres. The planar frame may have a thickness of between about 2.5 and about 7 millimetres. Preferably, the planar frame has a thickness of between about 3 and about 5 millimetres.

[0026] The first lateral side extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The first lateral side may have a length between the proximal end and the distal end. The first lateral side may extend between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The first lateral side may have a width between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The first lateral side may have a length of between about 20 and about 45 millimetres. Preferably, the first lateral side has a length of between about 25 and about 40 millimetres. The first lateral side may have a width of between about 2.5 and about 7 millimetres. Preferably, the first lateral side has a width of between about 3 and about 5 millimetres. The length of the first lateral side may be in a length direction of the planar frame. The first lateral side may be substantially rectangular. The planar frame may comprise a second lateral side. The second lateral side may be arranged opposite to the first lateral side. The aerosolisation chamber may be between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The second lateral side may have a length between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The second lateral side may extend between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The second lateral side may have a width between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The second lateral side may have a length of between about 20 and about 45 millimetres. Preferably, the second lateral side has a length of between about 25 and about 40 millimetres. The second lateral side may have a width of between about 2.5 and about 7 millimetres. Preferably, the second lateral side has a width of between about 3 and about 5 millimetres. The length of the second lateral side may be in a length direction of the planar frame. The second lateral side may be substantially rectangular.

[0027] The proximal end may extend between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The proximal end may have a width between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The proximal end may extend between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The proximal end may have a length between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The proximal end may have a length of between about 9 and about 17 millimetres. Preferably, the proximal end has a length of between about 11 and about 15 millimetres. The proximal end may have a width of between about 2.5 and about 7 millimetres. Preferably, the proximal end has a width of between about 3 and about 5 millimetres. The proximal end may be substantially rectangular.

[0028] The distal end may extend between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The distal end may have a width between the planar upper surface and the planar lower surface. The distal end may extend between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The distal end may have a length between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The distal end may have a length of between about 9 and 17 millimetres. Preferably, the distal end has a length of between about 11 and 15 millimetres. The distal end may have a width of between about 2.5 and 7 millimetres. Preferably, the distal end has a width of between about 3 and 5 millimetres. The distal end may be substantially rectangular.

[0029] The planar upper surface may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The planar upper surface may extend between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The planar upper surface may have a length of between about 20 and 45 millimetres. Preferably, the planar upper surface has a length of between about 25 and 40 millimetres. The planar upper surface may have a width of between about 9 and 17 millimetres. Preferably, the planar upper surface has a width of between about 11 and 15 millimetres. The length of the planar upper surface may be in a length direction of the planar frame. The width of the planar upper surface may be in a width direction of the planar frame. The planar upper surface may have a thickness of at most 55 micrometres. The planar upper surface may have a thickness of between 25 micrometres and 55 micrometres, preferably between 25 micrometres and 45 micrometres, more preferably between 30 micrometres and 45 micrometres. The planar upper surface may be substantially rectangular.

[0030] The planar lower surface may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The planar lower surface may extend between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The planar lower surface may have a length of between about 20 and 45 millimetres. Preferably, the planar lower surface has a length of between about 25 and 40 millimetres. The planar lower surface may have a width of between about 9 and 17 millimetres. Preferably, the planar lower surface has a width of between about 11 and 15 millimetres. The length of the planar lower surface may be in a length direction of the planar frame. The width of the planar lower surface may be in a width direction of the planar frame. The planar lower surface may have a thickness of at most 55 micrometres. The planar lower surface may have a thickness of between 25 micrometres and 55 micrometres, preferably between 25 micrometres and 45 micrometres, more preferably between 30 micrometres and 45 micrometres. The planar lower surface may be substantially rectangular.

[0031] The planar frame may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the planar frame may be a central axis of the planar frame. The longitudinal axis of the planar frame may extend in a length direction of the planar frame. The aerosol outlet may be at or proximate to the longitudinal axis. The aerosol outlet may be intersected by the longitudinal axis.

[0032] A distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame may be at most 20 percent of the length of the planar frame. A distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame may be at most 15 percent of the length of the planar frame. A distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame may be at most 10 percent of the length of the planar frame. The primary air inlet may be disposed proximate to the distal end of the planar frame. This has the advantage of increasing the length of the air flow pathway between the primary air inlet and the aerosol outlet, improving the efficiency of aerosol generation. A distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame may be at least 5 percent of the length of the planar frame. A distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame may be at least 10 percent of the length of the planar frame.

[0033] The primary air inlet may be directly connected to an inlet channel. The inlet channel may connect the primary air inlet to the aerosolisation chamber. The inlet channel may extend in a width direction of the planar frame. The inlet channel may be aligned with the distal end of the planar frame. The inlet channel may be parallel to the distal end of the planar frame.

[0034] One or both of the primary air inlet and the inlet channel may be disposed at an angle from the aerosol outlet of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. Preferably, one or both of the primary air inlet and the inlet channel is disposed at an angle from the aerosol outlet of between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. More preferably, one or both of the primary air inlet and the inlet channel is disposed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees from the aerosol outlet. This has the advantage of increasing the proportion of air flow which proceeds diagonally from the primary air inlet to the aerosol outlet.

[0035] The aerosolisation chamber may be downstream of the primary air inlet. The aerosol outlet may be downstream of the aerosolisation chamber. The aerosolisation chamber may be substantially enclosed. The aerosolisation chamber may be substantially enclosed by the upper surface, the lower surface, the proximal end, the distal end, and the lateral sides of the planar frame. The aerosolisation chamber may be defined between the upper surface, the lower surface, the proximal end, the distal end, and the lateral sides of the planar frame. The aerosolisation chamber may extend over at least 50 percent of the planar frame, preferably at least 60 percent of the planar frame, more preferably at least 70 percent of the planar frame. This provides an efficient use of space within the planar frame.

[0036] The planar upper surface may comprise paper. The planar upper surface may comprise paper-based foil. The planar upper surface may comprise a polymer. The planar upper surface may comprise biopolymer laminated foil. The planar upper surface may have a permeability of between 10 and 35 CORESTA units.

[0037] One or more of the proximal end, the distal end, one or both of the lateral sides, may comprise one or more of: carton, cardboard, paper, paper-based material, laminated material, biopolymer, biopolymer laminated foil. At least 50 weight percent of the aerosol-generating article may be paper or cardboard. At least 55 weight percent, or at least 60 weight percent, or at least 65 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent, or at least 75 weight percent, or at least 80 weight percent, or at least 85 weight percent, or at least 90 weight percent of the aerosolgenerating article, excluding the aerosol-forming substrate, may be paper or cardboard.

[0038] The planar lower surface may comprise a thermally conductive material. The planar lower surface may be impermeable. The planar lower surface may comprise an impermeable material. The planar lower surface may comprise one or more of: paper, paper-based foil, paper and biopolymer laminated foil. The planar lower surface may have a thickness of between about 1.1 and about 4.5 micrometres. The planar lower surface may have a basis weight of between about 45 and 140 grams per metre. Preferably, the planar lower surface has a basis weight of between about 50 and 110 grams per metre. The planar lower surface may have a permeability of about 1 to 25 CORESTA units. Preferably, the planar lower surface has a permeability of about 1 to 5 CORESTA units. The planar lower surface may be configured to transfer heat between a heating element of an aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating substrate. The planar lower surface may have a coating. The planar lower surface may have a coating on an upper side of the planar lower surface. The planar lower surface may have a coating on a side in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The coating may be impermeable. The coating may be an impermeable laminated layer. The coating may have a thickness of between about 0.75 and about 1.5 micrometres. The coating may comprise a food grade material. The coating may comprise a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food and Beverage industry grade composition. The coating may comprise a material classified under FDA regulation 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The coating may comprise a dispersion based on copolymers. The coating may comprise acrylic ester and styrene, or be an acrylic ester and styrene copolymer dispersion. The coating may comprise styrene-butadiene copolymers, or be a styrene-butadiene copolymer dispersion. The coating may have been applied during paper processing as an aqueous dispersion of copolymers of styrene-butadiene. The aqueous dispersion of copolymers of styrene-butadiene may have a solids content of approximately 50 percent.

[0039] The primary air inlet may be the only air inlet to the aerosolisation chamber. The primary air inlet may be the only air inlet in the planar frame. Alternatively, there may be provided another inlet or inlets to the aerosolisation chamber. There may be provided another inlet or inlets in the planar frame. The primary air inlet may be larger than, smaller than, or the same size as the other inlet or inlets.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation air inlet. The ventilation air inlet may be configured to allow external air to access the air flow pathway between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet. The ventilation air inlet may be disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet. This has the advantage of allowing additional air to be added to the aerosol after the aerosol has left the aerosol-generating substrate. This allows the aerosol to be adjusted, cooled and diluted, providing an improved user experience.

[0041] The ventilation air inlet may be disposed proximate to the proximal end of the planar frame. A distance between the ventilation air inlet and the proximal end of the planar frame may be at most 10 percent of the length of the planar frame. A distance between the ventilation air inlet and the proximal end of the planar frame may be at least 5 percent of the length of the planar frame. This allows the aerosol-generating article to have a simple and robust design. Preferably, a distance between the ventilation air inlet and the proximal end of the planar frame is at least 5 percent of the length of the planar frame. This allows the aerosol-generating article to have a simple and robust design. The ventilation air inlet may be closer to the aerosolisation chamber than to the aerosol outlet. This allows the aerosol-generating article to have a simple and robust design. A distance between the ventilation air inlet and the proximal end of the planar frame may be at most 10 percent of the length of the planar frame The ventilation air inlet may be located so as to be outside of an aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device. This allows for a simple and efficient airflow pathway to the aerosol outlet.

[0042] The ventilation air inlet may be disposed on a lateral side of the planar frame. This provides an aerosol-generating device which is simple to manufacture. The ventilation air inlet may be disposed on the first lateral side of the planar frame. By providing the primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet on the same lateral side, a simple and robust design is achieved.

[0043] The ventilation air inlet may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the primary air inlet. The primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet may be configured such that at least 70 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the primary air inlet. The primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet may be configured such that between 10 percent and 75 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the ventilation air inlet. Preferably, the primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet are configured such that between 15 percent and 55 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the ventilation air inlet. The aerosol may be diluted by about 15 to 55 percent by air from the ventilation air inlet. The primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet may be configured such that at most 30 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the ventilation air inlet. This has the advantage of an improved aerosol at the aerosol outlet, which is both cooled to a suitable temperature and of a suitable concentration.

[0044] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outlet channel. The ventilation air inlet may be directly connected to the outlet channel. This has the advantage of providing a simple aerosol-generating article which can generate a particularly suitable aerosol.

[0045] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation air channel connecting the ventilation air inlet to the outlet channel. The ventilation air channel may extend in a width direction of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be aligned with the proximal end of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be parallel to the proximal end of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be closer to the aerosolisation chamber than to the aerosol outlet.

[0046] The outlet channel may extend from the aerosolisation chamber to the aerosol outlet. The outlet channel may taper towards the aerosol outlet. The outlet channel may have a shape which converges and then diverges as it extends from the aerosolisation chamber to the aerosol outlet. The outlet channel may extend at an angle of at most 40 degrees, preferably 30 degrees, from the longitudinal direction.

[0047] The outlet channel may have a distal end connecting to the aerosolisation chamber. The distal end of the outlet channel may be proximate to a second lateral side of the planar frame. By having a primary air inlet on a first lateral side and an outlet channel with a distal end proximate to the second lateral side, air flow must pass diagonally through the aerosolisation chamber from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. This provides a longer air flow path than if the air flow path were directly across the aerosol-generating substrate in a longitudinal direction. This provides a particularly efficient aerosol-generating article and improves homogeneity of the aerosol generation. By providing an outlet channel, the aerosol outlet may be at a different lateral position to the distal end of the outlet channel. For example, the aerosol outlet may be at a substantially central position, such as a position proximate to or intersected by a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be configured to cool and homogenise aerosol passing from the aerosolisation chamber. The cooling chamber may be downstream of the aerosolisation chamber. The cooling chamber may be disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet. This allows the aerosol to be cooled and homogenised.

[0048] The cooling chamber may be substantially enclosed by the planar upper surface, the planar lower surface and the lateral sides. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an inner wall to separate the aerosolisation chamber from the cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be substantially enclosed by the planar upper surface, the planar lower surface, the lateral sides, the proximal end and the inner wall.

[0049] The cooling chamber may have a width which is substantially the same as a width of the aerosolisation chamber. The cooling chamber may have a depth which is substantially the same as a depth of the aerosolisation chamber. The cooling chamber may have a length which is less than a length of the aerosolisation chamber. The length of the cooling chamber may be less than half of the length of the aerosolisation chamber. The length of the cooling chamber may be less than a third of the length of the aerosolisation chamber.

[0050] The ventilation air inlet may be directly connected to the cooling chamber. This allows the aerosol to be adjusted, cooled and diluted, providing an improved user experience. This is particularly advantageous when the aerosol-generating article is used in a warm environment, such as an environment where the temperature is above approximately 31 degrees Celsius. This is also particularly advantageous when the aerosol-generating article is used in a humid environment, such as where there is a high relative humidity of above approximately 90 percent.

[0051] The ventilation air inlet may be aligned with a distal end of the cooling chamber. The ventilation air inlet may be at the same longitudinal position as the distal end of the cooling chamber.

[0052] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation air channel connecting the ventilation air inlet to the cooling chamber. The ventilation air channel may extend in a width direction of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be aligned with the proximal end of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be parallel to the proximal end of the planar frame. The ventilation air channel may be aligned with a distal end of the cooling chamber. The ventilation air channel may be co-linear with the distal end of the cooling chamber.

[0053] The aerosolisation chamber may be connected to the cooling chamber by a connecting channel. The connecting channel may be disposed proximate to a second lateral side of the planar frame, the second lateral side opposing the first lateral side. The connecting channel may extend in a longitudinal direction of the planar frame.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outlet channel extending from the cooling chamber to the aerosol outlet. The outlet channel may have a distal end connecting to the cooling chamber. The distal end may be proximate to the first lateral side of the planar frame. This arrangement allows air flow to pass diagonally through the cooling chamber, which induces turbulent air flow and increases the air flow pathway, improving aerosol homogeneity and cooling and providing an improved user experience. This also provides an efficient use of space within the aerosol-generating article.

[0055] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more of: aerosol former, tobacco, botanicals, flavouring agents, aerosol volume enhancers. Suitable types of materials for use in the aerosol-generating substrate include, for example, tobacco cut filler, homogenised tobacco material such as cast leaf, aerosolgenerating films and gel compositions.

[0056] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple aerosol generating segments. At least two of the aerosol-generating segments may differ from each other in terms of at least one of: size, shape, aerosol former content, bulk density. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise three aerosol generating segments. The three aerosol generating segments may differ from each other in terms of at least one of: size, shape, aerosol former content, bulk density. All aerosol generating segments may differ from each other in terms of at least one of: size, shape, aerosol former content, bulk density.

[0057] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in contact with the lower surface of the planar frame. The aerosol-generating substrate may be deposited on the lower surface of the planar frame.

[0058] The aerosol-generating substrate may be spaced from the upper surface of the planar frame. There may be an air gap between the aerosol-generating substrate and the upper surface of the planar frame. There may be an air gap between an upper surface of the aerosol-generating substrate and the upper surface of the planar frame.

[0059] The first lateral side may be a first lateral side wall. The second lateral side may be a second lateral side wall. The proximal end may be a proximal end wall. The distal end may be a distal end wall. The planar upper surface may be a planar upper surface wall. The planar lower surface may be a planar lower surface wall. The proximal end wall may be a mouthpiece portion. One or both of the planar lower surface and the planar upper surface may be a layer of material.

[0060] The aerosol-generating article may be provided in an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device.

[0061] The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between about 110 and 200 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device has a length of between about 120 and 150 millimetres. The aerosol-generating device may have a width of between about 20 and 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device has a width of between about 25 and 35 millimetres. The aerosol-generating device may have a thickness of between about 20 and 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device has a thickness of between about 25 and 35 millimetres.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The heating element may comprise an inductor. The heating element may comprise a susceptor. The heating element may comprise a plurality of inductors. The heating element may comprise a plurality of susceptors. The heating element may be a heating plate or a plurality of heating plates. The heating element may be provided on an inner wall of the device. The inner wall may be a solid wall. The inner wall may not be porous.

[0063] The retention to draw of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the air flow rate through the primary air inlet and the inlet channel. If the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation air inlet, the retention to draw may be defined by the air flow rate through the ventilation air inlet, ventilation air channel, primary air inlet, and inlet channel.

[0064] The retention to draw of the aerosol-generating article may be between 50 and 220 mm H2O. The retention to draw of the aerosol-generating article is preferably between 70 and 140 mm H2O.

[0065] According to the disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating system for forming an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise a planar frame. The planar frame may comprise a planar lower surface. The planar frame may comprise a proximal end. The planar frame may comprise a distal end. The planar frame may comprise lateral sides. The lateral sides may extend between the proximal end and the distal end. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a primary air inlet. The primary air inlet may be disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise an aerosol outlet. The aerosol outlet may be disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosolgenerating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be located in the aerosolisation chamber. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise a device housing. The device housing may have a planar inner surface. The aerosol-generating article may be configured for insertion into the device. The aerosol-generating article may be configured for insertion into the device to form an aerosolisation chamber between the lower surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the device. The aerosol-generating substrate may be located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0066] According to the disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating system for forming an inhalable aerosol, comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol, and a device housing having a planar inner surface; wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured for insertion into the device to form: an aerosolisation chamber between the lower surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the device, the aerosol-generating substrate being located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0067] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a ventilation air inlet which may be located outside of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device. The ventilation air inlet may be located outside of the aerosolgenerating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in a cavity of the aerosolgenerating device. The primary air inlet may be located within the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise a device air inlet. The device air inlet may be aligned with the primary air inlet when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

[0068] The heating element may be proximate to the planar lower surface of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device. The heating element may comprise multiple segments. The number of segments of heating element may be the same as the number of segments of aerosol-generating substrate. Each segment of the heating element may be aligned with a corresponding segment of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may comprise one or more of: a power source configured to supply power to the heating element; control electronics; a power source; and a port. The control electronics may comprise an electronics control unit. The power source may comprise a battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The port may be a power port. The port may be a data port. The port may be a power and data port.

[0070] The aerosol-generating article of the aerosol-generating system may comprise any of the aerosol-generating article features described herein.

[0071] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0072] Examples Ex 1. An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to form an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosolisation chamber between the primary air inlet and the aerosol outlet; and an aerosol-generating substrate located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0073] Example Ex 2. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 1 , wherein the planar frame has a longitudinal axis, and the aerosol outlet is at or proximate to the longitudinal axis.

[0074] Example Ex 3. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 1 or Example Ex 2, wherein the primary air inlet is disposed proximate to the distal end of the planar frame.

[0075] Example Ex 4. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 3, wherein a distance between the primary air inlet and the distal end of the planar frame is at most 10 percent of the length of the planar frame.

[0076] Example Ex 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 4, wherein the primary air inlet is disposed at an angle from the aerosol outlet of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees.

[0077] Example Ex 6. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 5, wherein the primary air inlet is disposed at an angle from the aerosol outlet of between 60 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0078] Example Ex 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 6, wherein the primary air inlet is disposed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees from the aerosol outlet.

[0079] Example Ex 8. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 7, wherein the aerosolisation chamber is defined between the upper surface, the lower surface, the proximal end, the distal end, and the lateral sides of the planar frame.

[0080] Example Ex 9. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 8, comprising a ventilation air inlet disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet.

[0081] Example Ex 10. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 9, wherein the ventilation air inlet is disposed proximate to the proximal end of the planar frame. Example Ex 11. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 9 or Example Ex 10, wherein a distance between the ventilation air inlet and the proximal end of the planar frame is at most 10 percent of the length of the planar frame.

[0082] Example Ex 12. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 11 , wherein the ventilation air inlet is disposed on a lateral side of the planar frame.

[0083] Example Ex 13. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 12, wherein the ventilation air inlet is disposed on the first lateral side of the planar frame.

[0084] Example Ex 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 13, wherein the ventilation air inlet has a smaller cross-sectional area than the primary air inlet.

[0085] Example Ex 15. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 14, wherein the primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet are configured such that at most 30 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the ventilation air inlet.

[0086] Example Ex 16. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 15, wherein the primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet are configured such that at least 70 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the primary air inlet.

[0087] Example Ex 17. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 16, wherein the ventilation air inlet is located so as to be outside of an aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

[0088] Example Ex 18. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 17, comprising an outlet channel extending from the aerosolisation chamber to the aerosol outlet.

[0089] Example Ex 19. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 18, wherein the outlet channel has a distal end connecting to the aerosolisation chamber, the distal end being proximate to a second lateral side of the planar frame, the second lateral side opposing the first lateral side.

[0090] Example Ex 20. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 18 or Ex 19 when dependent on any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 17, wherein the ventilation air inlet is directly connected to the outlet channel.

[0091] Example Ex 21. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 20, comprising a ventilation air channel connecting the ventilation air inlet to the outlet channel.

[0092] Example Ex 22. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 21 , comprising a cooling chamber disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet.

[0093] Example Ex 23. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 22, wherein the cooling chamber is substantially enclosed by the planar upper surface, the planar lower surface and the lateral sides. Example Ex 24. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 22 or Example Ex 23, comprising an outlet channel extending from the cooling chamber to the aerosol outlet.

[0094] Example Ex 25. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 24, wherein the outlet channel has a distal end connecting to the cooling chamber, the distal end being proximate to the first lateral side of the planar frame.

[0095] Example Ex 26. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 22 to Ex 25 when dependent on any of Examples Ex 9 to Ex 17, wherein the ventilation air inlet is directly connected to the cooling chamber.

[0096] Example Ex 27. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Example Ex 26, comprising a ventilation air channel connecting the ventilation air inlet to the cooling chamber.

[0097] Example Ex 28. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 22 to Ex 27, wherein the aerosolisation chamber is connected to the cooling chamber by a connecting channel, the connecting channel being disposed proximate to a second lateral side of the planar frame, the second lateral side opposing the first lateral side.

[0098] Example Ex 29. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 28, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple aerosol generating segments, at least two of the aerosol-generating segments differing from each other in terms of at least one of: size, shape, aerosol former content, bulk density.

[0099] Example Ex 30. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 29, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises three aerosol generating segments.

[0100] Example Ex 31 . An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 30, wherein the planar frame has a width, a length, and a thickness, the length being greater than the width, and the width being greater than the thickness.

[0101] Example Ex 32. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 31 , wherein the planar frame has a length, a width, and a thickness, the thickness being no more than 0.5 times the length and no more than 0.5 times the width.

[0102] Example Ex 33. An aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex 31 or Example Ex 32, wherein the depth is a depth of the first lateral side.

[0103] Example Ex 34. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article of any of Examples Ex 1 to Ex 33, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating element.

[0104] Examples Ex 35. An aerosol-generating system for forming an inhalable aerosol, comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol, and a device housing having a planar inner surface; wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured for insertion into the device to form: an aerosolisation chamber between the lower surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the device, the aerosol-generating substrate being located in the aerosolisation chamber.

[0105] Example Ex 36. An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex 34 or Example Ex 35, wherein the ventilation air inlet is located outside of the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

[0106] Example Ex 37. An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex 34, 35 or 36, wherein the heating element is proximate to the planar lower surface of the aerosolgenerating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

[0107] Example Ex 38. An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex 34 to 37, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power source configured to supply power to the heating element.

[0108] Example Ex 39. An aerosol-generating system according to any of Examples Ex 34 to 38, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises control electronics.

[0109] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0110] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a first embodiment of the aerosolgenerating article according to this disclosure;

[0111] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a first embodiment of the aerosolgenerating article according to this disclosure;

[0112] Figure 3 shows the schematic illustration of Figure 1 with air flow through the aerosolgenerating article;

[0113] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a second embodiment of the aerosolgenerating article according to this disclosure;

[0114] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a third embodiment of the aerosolgenerating article according to this disclosure;

[0115] Figure 6 shows the schematic illustration of Figure 5 with air flow through the aerosolgenerating article; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of the aerosolgenerating article according to this disclosure;

[0116] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the fourth embodiment aerosolgenerating article in an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of the aerosol-generating system of Figure 8.

[0117] Detailed description

[0118] Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1 according to this disclosure.

[0119] The aerosol-generating article 1 comprises: a planar frame 100; a primary air inlet 20; an aerosol outlet 30; and an aerosolisation chamber 40.

[0120] The planar frame 100 comprises a proximal end 130, a distal end 140, and lateral sides 150, 160 extending between the proximal end 130 and the distal end 140. As shown in Figure 2, the planar frame 100 comprises a planar upper surface 110 and a planar lower surface 120.

[0121] The primary air inlet 20 is disposed on a first lateral side 150 of the planar frame 100. The primary air inlet 20 is disposed proximate to the distal end 140 of the planar frame. The primary air inlet 20 is disposed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees from the aerosol outlet 30. The primary air inlet 20 is connected to the aerosolisation chamber 40 by an inlet channel 21 .

[0122] The aerosol outlet 30 is disposed on the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100. The planar frame 100 has a longitudinal axis 101 which extends from the distal end 140 to the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100. The aerosol outlet 30 is at the longitudinal axis 101. Specifically, longitudinal axis 101 passes through the aerosol outlet 30. The aerosol outlet 30 is connected to the aerosolisation chamber 40 by an outlet channel 31. The outlet channel 31 is connected directly to the aerosolisation chamber 40 at a distal end 34 of the outlet channel 31 . The distal end 34 is proximate to the second lateral side 160 of the planar frame 100.

[0123] The aerosolisation chamber 40 is between the primary air inlet 20 and the aerosol outlet 30. The aerosolisation chamber 40 is defined between the upper surface 110, the lower surface 120, the proximal end 130, the distal end 140, and the lateral sides 150, 160 of the planar frame.

[0124] An aerosol-generating substrate 51 , 52, 53 is located in the aerosolisation chamber 40. In the schematic of Figures 1 and 2, the aerosol-generating substrate is provided as a first segment 51 , a second segment 52, and a third segment 53.

[0125] As best seen in Figure 2, the aerosol-generating substrate 51 , 52, 53 is arranged in the aerosolisation chamber 40 so that there is an air gap 41 between the aerosol-generating substrate 51 , 52, 53 and the upper surface 110.

[0126] Figure 3 shows the aerosol-generating article of Figure 1 , with arrows representing airflow through the aerosol-generating article. As shown in Figure 3, air can enter the planar frame 100 at the primary air inlet 20. Air then passes across an upper surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 51 , 52, 53, through the air gap 41 in the aerosolisation chamber 40. Air flow passes diagonally through the aerosolisation chamber 40 from the first lateral side 150 and the distal end 140 towards the second lateral side 160 and the proximal end 130. As air approaches the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100, it passes through the outlet channel 31 to the aerosol outlet 30. As air passes through the outlet channel 31 , it moves away from the second lateral side 160 towards the longitudinal axis 101 of the planar frame 100.

[0127] Figure 4 shows a cross-section through a second embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1 according to this disclosure. The second embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 is the same as the first embodiment aerosol-generating article, with the exception that it includes a ventilation air inlet 60 and a ventilation air channel 61.

[0128] The ventilation air inlet 60 is disposed between the aerosolisation chamber 40 and the aerosol outlet 30. The ventilation air inlet 60 is directly connected to the outlet channel 31. The ventilation air inlet 60 is disposed proximate to the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100. The ventilation air inlet 60 is disposed on the first lateral side 150 of the planar frame 100. The ventilation air inlet 60 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the primary air inlet 20. The ventilation air channel 61 connects the ventilation air inlet 60 to the outlet channel 30.

[0129] Figure 5 shows a cross-section through a third embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1 according to this disclosure. The third embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 is the same as the first embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 , with the exception that it includes a cooling chamber 70 and a connecting channel 71. The cooling chamber 70 is disposed between the aerosolisation chamber 40 and the aerosol outlet 30. The cooling chamber 70 is separated from the aerosolisation chamber 40 by an inner wall 72. The cooling chamber 70 is substantially enclosed by the planar upper surface 110, the planar lower surface 120 and the lateral sides 150, 160. The connecting channel 70 is disposed proximate to a second lateral side 160 of the planar frame 100. The outlet channel 31 extends from the cooling chamber 70 to the aerosol outlet 30. The outlet channel 31 has a distal end 34 connecting to the cooling chamber 70, the distal end 34 being proximate to the first lateral side 150 of the planar frame.

[0130] Figure 6 shows the aerosol-generating article 1 of Figure 5, with arrows representing airflow through the aerosol-generating article 1 . As shown in Figure 6, air can enter the planar frame 100 at the primary air inlet 20. Air then passes across an upper surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 51 , 52, 53, through the air gap 41 in the aerosolisation chamber 40. Air flow passes diagonally through the aerosolisation chamber 40 from the first lateral side 150 and the distal end 140 towards the second lateral side 160 and the proximal end 130. As air approaches the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100, it passes through the connecting channel 71 to the cooling chamber 70. Air then passes through the cooling chamber 70 towards the first lateral side 150 and the proximal end 130 of the planar frame 100, through the outlet channel 31 to the aerosol outlet 30. As air passes through the outlet channel 31 , it moves away from the first lateral side 150 towards the longitudinal axis 101 of the planar frame 100.

[0131] Figure 7 shows a cross-section through a fourth embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 1 according to this disclosure. The fourth embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 is the same as the third embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 , with the exception that it includes a ventilation air inlet 60 and a ventilation air channel 61. The ventilation air inlet 60 is directly connected to the cooling chamber 70. A ventilation air channel 61 connects the ventilation air inlet 60 to the cooling chamber 70.

[0132] Figure 8 shows the fourth embodiment aerosol-generating article 1 in an aerosolgenerating system 3 comprising an aerosol-generating device 2.

[0133] The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises a cavity 202 configured to receive the aerosolgenerating article 1 . The aerosol-generating system 3 is configured so that the ventilation air inlet 60 is outside of the aerosol-generating device 2 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received in the aerosol-generating device 2.

[0134] The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises a control unit 206, a power source 207, and a power and data port 209. The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises a heating element 203, 204, 205. The heating element 203, 204, 205 is provided in three segments. The heating element 203, 204, 205 is proximate to the planar lower surface 120 of the aerosol-generating article 1 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received in the aerosol-generating device 2. As best seen in Figure 9, each segment of the heating element 203, 204, 205 is aligned with a corresponding segment 51 , 52, 53 of the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0135] The primary air inlet 20 of the aerosol-generating article is located within the aerosolgenerating device 2 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received in the aerosol-generating device 2. The aerosol-generating device 2 comprises a device air inlet 208. The device air inlet 208 is aligned with the primary air inlet 20 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received in the aerosol-generating device 2, so that air can flow through the device air inlet 208, through the primary air inlet 20, and through the aerosol-generating article 1.

[0136] In the aerosol-generating system 3 of Figures 8 and 9, the aerosol-generating article 1 shown comprises an aerosolisation cavity 40 defined between a planar upper surface 110 and a planar lower surface 120. However, the aerosol-generating article 1 may not comprise a planar upper surface 110, and the aerosolisation cavity 40 may be defined between the planar lower surface 120 and a planar inner surface 210 of the aerosol-generating device 2.

[0137] It will be appreciated that features of different embodiments can be combined.

[0138] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to form an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosolisation chamber between the primary air inlet and the aerosol outlet; and an aerosol-generating substrate located in the aerosolisation chamber.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the planar frame has a longitudinal axis, and the aerosol outlet is at or proximate to the longitudinal axis.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary air inlet is disposed proximate to the distal end of the planar frame.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a ventilation air inlet disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation air inlet is disposed proximate to the proximal end of the planar frame.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the ventilation air inlet is disposed on the first lateral side of the planar frame.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the primary air inlet and the ventilation air inlet are configured such that at most 30 percent of air reaching the aerosol outlet is from the ventilation air inlet.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the ventilation air inlet is located so as to be outside of an aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an outlet channel extending from the aerosolisation chamber to the aerosol outlet.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the outlet channel has a distal end connecting to the aerosolisation chamber, the distal end being proximate to a second lateral side of the planar frame, the second lateral side opposing the first lateral side.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9 or claim 10 when dependent on any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the ventilation air inlet is directly connected to the outlet channel.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a cooling chamber disposed between the aerosolisation chamber and the aerosol outlet.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 12, wherein the ventilation air inlet is directly connected to the cooling chamber.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and the aerosolgenerating article of any of the preceding claims, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating element.

15. An aerosol-generating system for forming an inhalable aerosol, comprising an aerosolgenerating article and an aerosol-generating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising: a planar frame comprising a planar lower surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and lateral sides extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a primary air inlet disposed on a first lateral side of the planar frame; an aerosol outlet disposed on the proximal end of the planar frame; an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol, and a device housing having a planar inner surface; wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured for insertion into the device to form: an aerosolisation chamber between the lower surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the device, the aerosol-generating substrate being located in the aerosolisation chamber.

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