Aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system with internal heating element

Abstract

1. An aerosol-generating article (30), comprising: an aerosol-generating portion (12) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (16) including a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating substrate (16) having a density between 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an elongated internal heating element (18) disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate (16) and in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, the internal heating element (18) being a susceptor element, the ratio of an average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to a width of the internal heating element (18) being between 0.05 and 4.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol-generating articles and aerosol-generating systems that include internal heating elements. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. One purpose of such "heat-and-burn" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce known harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

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

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

[0005] Some known electrically operated aerosol generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system including an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol generating device including an external heating element surrounding the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

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

[0007] Electrically operated aerosol generating devices including an inductor configured to inductively heat the aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are also known in the art. For example, WO 2015 / 176898 A1 discloses an aerosol generating system comprising an electrically operated aerosol generating device having an inductor for generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field, and an aerosol-generating article having an internal susceptor disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. During use, the alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor induces a current in the susceptor, causing it to heat. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material or other aerosol-forming material.

[0008] As described in WO 2015 / 176898 A1, direct contact between an internal heating element of an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating substrate can provide an efficient means for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to form an inhalable aerosol. In such a configuration, heat from the internal heating element can be transferred almost instantaneously to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate when the internal heating element is activated, thereby facilitating rapid generation of an aerosol. Furthermore, the overall heating energy required to generate an aerosol can be lower than in aerosol-generating systems with external heating elements in which the aerosol-generating substrate is not in direct contact with an external heating element and initial heating of the aerosol-generating substrate occurs primarily by convection or radiation. When the internal heating element is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, initial heating of the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate in direct contact with the internal heating element occurs primarily by conduction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] When the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article comprises an assembly of sheets of aerosol-generating material, air channels formed between the layers of the assembly of sheets can increase the thermal resistance of the aerosol-generating substrate and reduce direct contact between the aerosol-generating substrate and the internal heating element, which can reduce the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0010] It is desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles and systems that include internal heating elements that are configured to allow the internal heating element to heat the aerosol-generating substrate more efficiently and consistently than known aerosol-generating articles and systems.

[0011] It is further desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles and systems that include internal heating elements that are configured to allow the internal heating element to heat the aerosol-generating substrate more efficiently and consistently compared to known aerosol-generating articles and systems, while maintaining acceptable resistance to draw. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, comprising the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic side perspective view of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention; [Figure 6] 2 shows a schematic side perspective view of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 7] 2 shows a schematic side perspective view of a third embodiment of an aerosol-generating article for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating system according to a first embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, comprising the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating system according to a second embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, comprising the aerosol-generating article shown in FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating portion. The aerosol-generating portion may include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may include a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-generating portion may include an elongated internal heating element. The elongated internal heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. The elongated internal heating element may be in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The elongated internal heating element may be a susceptor element. The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element may be 0.05 to 4.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating portion. The aerosol-generating portion may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an elongated internal heating element. The elongated internal heating element may be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element may be 0.05 to 4.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating portion, the aerosol-generating portion being an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating substrate having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an elongated internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, the elongated internal heating element being a susceptor element, and the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element being 0.05 to 4.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating part, the aerosol-generating part comprising an aerosol-generating substrate having a density of 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, and an elongated internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate and in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, the elongated internal heating element being a susceptor element, the aerosol-generating substrate being a tobacco cut filler, and the ratio of the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the elongated internal heating element being 0.05 to 4.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating device comprising a directing element.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating unit, the aerosol-generating unit comprising an aerosol-generating substrate including a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating substrate having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising an elongated internal heating element inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating unit of the aerosol-generating article, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element being 0.05 to 4.

[0019] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating unit, the aerosol-generating unit comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising an elongated internal heating element inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating unit of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating substrate being tobacco cut filler, and the ratio of the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the elongated internal heating element being 0.05 to 4.

[0020] Providing an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material and an elongated internal heating element, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of between 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element is between 0.05 and 4, advantageously enables the aerosol-generating substrate to be heated more efficiently and consistently by the internal heating element compared to known aerosol-generating articles and systems, while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD).

[0021] The density of the aerosol-generating substrate between 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, combined with a ratio of the average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element between 0.05 and 4, advantageously ensures sufficient direct contact between the internal heating element and the strands of aerosol-generating material to enable the internal heating element to heat the strands of aerosol-generating material quickly and efficiently without unacceptably increasing the RTD of the aerosol-generating article beyond an acceptable range.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, "aerosol-generating article" refers to an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention, and an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, "internal heating element" refers to an elongated internal heating element within an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention, an elongated internal heating element within an aerosol-generating article within an aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention, and an elongated internal heating element within an aerosol-generating device within an aerosol-generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the invention and the aerosol-generating system according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to the aerosol-generating device in the aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the present invention and the aerosol-generating device in the aerosol-generating system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0026] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article that includes a heated aerosol-generating substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol that is delivered to a user.

[0027] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate that includes an aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that, upon heating, can generate an aerosol.

[0028] As used herein, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may contain not only vapor of a substance that is normally a liquid or solid at room temperature, but also solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0029] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article has a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user during use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. During use, a user draws directly or indirectly on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

[0031] The aerosol-generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] Components of an aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative location between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0033] As used herein, the term "longitudinal direction" is used to describe the direction between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. In use, air is drawn longitudinally through the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0035] The term "transverse direction," as used herein, is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Unless otherwise specified, a "cross section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross section.

[0036] As used herein, the term "width" is used to describe the largest transverse dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article. When an aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. When a component of an aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

[0037] As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in directions perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0038] As used herein, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or element whose length is greater than its width and thickness. For example, the length of an elongated component or element may be at least twice its width. An elongated component or element may have a width greater than its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a generally rectangular cross-section, or a generally oval or elliptical cross-section. An elongated component or element may have a width that is substantially the same as its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a generally square cross-section, or a generally circular cross-section.

[0039] As used herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate, the term "strand" refers to an elongated element of aerosol-generating material having a length that is greater than the width and thickness of the aerosol-generating material.

[0040] As used herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate, the term "density" refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. The density of the aerosol-generating substrate is calculated by dividing the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article by the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is generally cylindrical and has the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate surrounded by a wrapper, the density of the aerosol-generating substrate is equal to the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the volume of the cylinder surrounded by the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0041] As used herein, the term "susceptor element" is used to describe an element that includes a susceptor material that can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field, the susceptor element heats up due to at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor element.

[0042] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to refer to nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine recited herein is the amount of free base nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0043] As used herein, the term "tobacco cut filler" is used to describe an aerosol-generating substrate comprising multiple strands of tobacco lamina. When the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler.

[0044] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate plant material. The homogenized plant material may be formed by agglomerating particles of plant material obtained by grinding, crushing, or pulverizing the plant material. The homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, a papermaking process, or other suitable process known in the art.

[0045] As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco material.

[0046] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially diluted cross-linked material that does not exhibit flowability at steady state.

[0047] As used herein, the term "heat transfer enhancement element" is used to refer to an element that has a thermal conductivity at 25 degrees Celsius that is greater than the thermal conductivity of multiple strands of aerosol-generating material at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0048] As used herein, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to describe a generally cylindrical element having a tubular space or cavity along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may be generally circular, oval, or elliptical in cross section. The tubular space may be generally circular, oval, or elliptical in cross section. Specifically, the term "tubular" is used to describe an element that defines at least one airflow conduit that establishes uninterrupted fluid communication between an upstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0049] In the context of the present invention, a hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow channel. This means that the hollow tubular element provides a negligible level of resistance to withdrawal (RTD). As used herein, the term "negligible RTD" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length, less than 0.4 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length, or less than 0.1 mmH2O per 10 millimeters of hollow tubular element length. Therefore, the flow channel should not include any components that would obstruct longitudinal air flow. The flow path may be substantially empty.

[0050] As used herein, the term "ventilation level" refers to the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the sum of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. The greater the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user.

[0051] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating substrate listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0052] Unless otherwise specified, the weight percentages of the components of the aerosol-generating material listed herein are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating material.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, average values ​​listed herein are arithmetic means.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is measured at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article or component at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60% in accordance with ISO 6565-2015.

[0055] As used herein, the RTD per unit length of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is equal to the RTD of the aerosol-generating article divided by the length of the aerosol-generating article, or the RTD of the component divided by the length of the component, respectively.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of at least 35 millimeters, at least 38 millimeters, at least 40 millimeters, or at least 42 millimeters.

[0057] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 100 millimeters or less, 70 millimeters or less, 60 millimeters or less, or 50 millimeters or less.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 35 mm to 100 mm, 35 mm to 70 mm, 35 mm to 60 mm, or 35 mm to 50 mm.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 38 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 38 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 38 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 38 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0060] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 40 mm to 100 mm, 40 mm to 70 mm, 40 mm to 60 mm, or 40 mm to 50 mm.

[0061] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of 42 millimeters to 100 millimeters, 42 millimeters to 70 millimeters, 42 millimeters to 60 millimeters, or 42 millimeters to 50 millimeters.

[0062] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of 45 millimeters.

[0063] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article may be generally circular in cross section.

[0065] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0066] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0067] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 12 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0068] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, or between 6 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0069] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between 7 millimeters and 12 millimeters, between 7 millimeters and 10 millimeters, or between 7 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0070] For example, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of 7.1 millimeters, or an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters.

[0071] The aerosol-generating portion may be at least 4 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, at least 8 millimeters, or at least 10 millimeters in length.

[0072] The aerosol-generating portion may have a length of 60 millimeters or less, 45 millimeters or less, 35 millimeters or less, 25 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less.

[0073] The aerosol-generating portion may have a length of 4 mm to 60 mm, 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0074] The aerosol-generating portion may have a length of 6 mm to 60 mm, 6 mm to 45 mm, 6 mm to 35 mm, 6 mm to 25 mm, or 6 mm to 15 mm.

[0075] The aerosol-generating portion may have a length of 8 mm to 60 mm, 8 mm to 45 mm, 8 mm to 35 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or 8 mm to 15 mm.

[0076] The aerosol-generating portion may have a length of 10 mm to 60 mm, 10 mm to 45 mm, 10 mm to 35 mm, 10 mm to 25 mm, or 10 mm to 15 mm.

[0077] For example, the aerosol-generating portion may be 11 millimeters in length or 12 millimeters in length.

[0078] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0079] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.60 or less, 0.50 or less, 0.40 or less, 0.35 or less, or 0.30 or less.

[0080] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.60, 0.10 to 0.50, 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0081] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.60, 0.15 to 0.50, 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0082] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 to 0.60, 0.20 to 0.50, 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0083] For example, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-generating portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.27.

[0084] The aerosol-generating portion may be substantially cylindrical.

[0085] The aerosol-generating part may have a substantially circular cross section.

[0086] The aerosol-generating portion may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0087] The aerosol-generating portion may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimetres, at least 6 millimetres or at least 7 millimetres.

[0088] The aerosol-generating portion may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0089] The aerosol-generating part may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0090] The aerosol-generating part may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0091] The aerosol-generating part may have an outer diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0092] For example, the aerosol-generating portion may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters or 7.1 millimeters.

[0093] The RTD of the aerosol-generating portion may be at least 4 millimeters H2O, at least 5 millimeters H2O, or at least 6 millimeters H2O.

[0094] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 25 millimeters H2O or less, 20 millimeters H2O or less, or 15 millimeters H2O or less.

[0095] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 10 millimeters H2O or less, 9 millimeters H2O or less, or 8 millimeters H2O or less.

[0096] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 4 millimeters H2O to 25 millimeters H2O, 4 millimeters H2O to 20 millimeters H2O, or 4 millimeters H2O to 20 millimeters H2O.

[0097] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 4 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O, 4 millimeters H2O to 9 millimeters H2O, or 4 millimeters H2O to 8 millimeters H2O.

[0098] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 5 millimeters H2O to 25 millimeters H2O, 5 millimeters H2O to 20 millimeters H2O, or 5 millimeters H2O to 15 millimeters H2O.

[0099] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 5 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O, 5 millimeters H2O to 9 millimeters H2O, or 5 millimeters H2O to 8 millimeters H2O.

[0100] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 6 millimeters H2O to 25 millimeters H2O, 6 millimeters H2O to 20 millimeters H2O, or 6 millimeters H2O to 15 millimeters H2O.

[0101] The aerosol-generating RTD may be 6 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O, 6 millimeters H2O to 9 millimeters H2O, or 6 millimeters H2O to 8 millimeters H2O.

[0102] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0103] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less, or 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0104] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0105] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 150 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0106] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 200 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0107] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 250 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0108] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams / cubic centimeter, 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams / cubic centimeter, or 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

[0109] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of at least 120 milligrams, at least 130 milligrams, at least 140 milligrams, at least 150 milligrams, or at least 160 milligrams.

[0110] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 340 milligrams or less, 310 milligrams or less, 280 milligrams or less, 250 milligrams or less, or 220 milligrams or less.

[0111] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 120 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 120 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0112] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 130 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 130 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0113] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 140 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 140 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0114] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 150 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 150 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0115] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 160 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 160 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0116] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple stands of aerosol-generating material.

[0117] The multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be randomly oriented within the aerosol-generating portion, which, in use, may help to retain the generated aerosol within the aerosol-generating portion between draws.

[0118] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be arranged substantially parallel to one another within the aerosol-generating portion.

[0119] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially longitudinally oriented within the aerosol-generating portion, i.e., the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating portion. For example, the longitudinal axes of the strands of aerosol-generating material may be within ±10 degrees of being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0120] The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a paper wrapper. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by plug wrap.

[0121] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 5.

[0122] The average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0123] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 80 millimeters or less, 50 millimeters or less, 30 millimeters or less, 25 millimeters or less, 20 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less.

[0124] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 0.5 mm to 80 mm, 0.5 mm to 50 mm, 0.5 mm to 30 mm, 0.5 mm to 25 mm, 0.5 mm to 20 mm, or 0.5 mm to 15 mm.

[0125] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 1 millimeter to 80 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 50 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 30 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 25 millimeters, 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, or 1 millimeter to 15 millimeters.

[0126] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 2 millimeters to 80 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 50 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 25 millimeters, 2 millimeters to 20 millimeters, or 2 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

[0127] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average length of 5 millimeters to 80 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 50 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 30 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters, 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, or 5 millimeters to 15 millimeters.

[0128] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may be 11 millimeters long or 12 millimeters long.

[0129] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be of substantially the same length.

[0130] The length of the strand of aerosol-generating material may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0131] The length of the strand of aerosol-generating material may be determined by the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating portion, in which a longer section is cut to form a plurality of shorter sections.

[0132] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of at least 0.1 millimeters, at least 0.3 millimeters, at least 0.4 millimeters, at least 0.5 millimeters, or at least 0.6 millimeters.

[0133] The average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0134] When the aerosol-generating substrate is a tobacco cut filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler, which is equal to the sum of the individual cut widths of each of the strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of tobacco lamina in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0135] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 5 millimeters or less, 2 millimeters or less, 1.5 millimeters or less, 1.2 millimeters or less, or 0.9 millimeters or less.

[0136] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0137] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.3 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.3 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0138] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.4 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.4 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.4 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0139] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.5 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.5 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.5 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0140] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.6 millimeters to 5 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, 0.6 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, or 0.6 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters.

[0141] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width of 0.7 millimeters or 0.8 millimeters.

[0142] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness that is substantially the same as their average width.

[0143] The average thickness of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0144] When the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler, the thickness of the plurality of strands of tobacco lamina is equal to the thickness of the tobacco lamina.

[0145] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be generally circular in cross section.

[0146] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average width that is greater than their average thickness.

[0147] The strands of aerosol-generating material may be generally rectangular in cross section.

[0148] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters, at least 0.15 millimeters, at least 0.18 millimeters, or at least 0.2 millimeters.

[0149] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 2 millimeters or less, 1 millimeter or less, 0.6 millimeters or less, or 0.3 millimeters or less.

[0150] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.1 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0151] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.15 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.15 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.15 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.15 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0152] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.18 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.18 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.18 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.18 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0153] The strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters, 0.2 millimeters to 1 millimeter, 0.2 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters, or 0.2 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters.

[0154] For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average thickness of 0.25 millimeters.

[0155] The aerosol-generating material may be plant material.

[0156] The aerosol-generating material may be a non-tobacco plant material. Examples of suitable non-tobacco plant materials include hemp material, ginger material, eucalyptus material, clove material, and star anise material.

[0157] The aerosol-generating material may be a tobacco material.

[0158] The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco cut filler.

[0159] The aerosol-generating material may be homogenized plant material.

[0160] The strands of homogenized plant material may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of homogenized plant material. The strands of homogenized plant material may also be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of homogenized plant material may be formed by extrusion.

[0161] The aerosol-generating material may be a homogenized non-tobacco plant material.

[0162] The aerosol-generating material may be a homogenized tobacco material.

[0163] The aerosol-generating material may be a gel material.

[0164] The strands of gel material may be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of gel material. The strands of gel material may also be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of gel material may be formed by extrusion.

[0165] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol former.

[0166] The aerosol former can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use. The aerosol former can be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically encountered during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0167] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0168] The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0169] The aerosol-generating material may comprise at least 1 weight percent aerosol formers, at least 5 weight percent aerosol formers, at least 10 weight percent aerosol formers, or at least 15 weight percent aerosol formers, i.e., the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of at least 5 weight percent, at least 10 weight percent, or at least 15 weight percent.

[0170] The aerosol-generating material may contain 30% or less aerosol formers, 25% or less aerosol formers, or 20% or less aerosol formers by weight. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content of 30% or less, 25% or less, or 20% or less by weight.

[0171] The aerosol-generating material may comprise between 1 and 30 weight percent aerosol formers, between 1 and 25 weight percent aerosol formers, or between 1 and 20 weight percent aerosol formers.

[0172] The aerosol-generating material may comprise between 5 and 30 weight percent aerosol formers, between 5 and 25 weight percent aerosol formers, or between 5 and 20 weight percent aerosol formers.

[0173] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 10 to 30 weight percent aerosol formers, 10 to 25 weight percent aerosol formers, or 10 to 20 weight percent aerosol formers.

[0174] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 15 to 30 weight percent aerosol formers, 15 to 25 weight percent aerosol formers, or 15 to 20 weight percent aerosol formers.

[0175] The aerosol-generating material may comprise at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol formers, at least 60 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or at least 70 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0176] The aerosol-generating material may comprise up to 85% by weight of aerosol formers, up to 80% by weight of aerosol formers, or up to 75% by weight of aerosol formers.

[0177] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 50 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 50 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 50 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0178] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 60 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 60 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 60 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0179] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 70 to 85 percent by weight of aerosol formers, 70 to 80 percent by weight of aerosol formers, or 70 to 75 percent by weight of aerosol formers.

[0180] The aerosol-generating material may include nicotine.

[0181] The aerosol-generating material may include natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural and synthetic nicotine.

[0182] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 0.5 weight percent nicotine, at least 1 weight percent nicotine, at least 1.5 weight percent nicotine, or at least 2 weight percent nicotine, i.e., the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 weight percent, at least 1 weight percent, at least 1.5 weight percent, or at least 2 weight percent.

[0183] The aerosol-generating material may contain 10 weight percent or less nicotine, 8 weight percent or less nicotine, 6 weight percent or less nicotine, or 4 weight percent or less nicotine. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of 10 weight percent or less, 8 weight percent or less, 6 weight percent or less, or 4 weight percent or less.

[0184] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 0.5 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 0.5 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 0.5 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 0.5 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0185] The aerosol-generating material may comprise between 1 and 10 percent by weight nicotine, between 1 and 8 percent by weight nicotine, between 1 and 6 percent by weight nicotine, or between 1 and 4 percent by weight nicotine.

[0186] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 1.5 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 1.5 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 1.5 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 1.5 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0187] The aerosol-generating material may comprise 2 to 10 weight percent nicotine, 2 to 8 weight percent nicotine, 2 to 6 weight percent nicotine, or 2 to 4 weight percent nicotine.

[0188] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of aerosol-generating material of substantially the same composition, for example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of homogenized tobacco material of substantially the same composition.

[0189] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise multiple strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of homogenized tobacco material having a first composition and one or more strands of gel material having a second composition.

[0190] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol-generating material can have an aerosol-former content of the above-mentioned weight percent. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, where the first composition is different from the second composition, and at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can include one or more strands of the first aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight and one or more strands of the second aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-former content of 50 to 85 percent by weight.

[0191] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol-generating material can have an average aerosol-former content of the above weight percents. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material can have an average aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent, 5 to 25 weight percent, or 5 to 20 weight percent. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material can have an average aerosol-former content of 50 to 85 weight percent, 50 to 80 weight percent, or 50 to 75 weight percent.

[0192] The average aerosol-former content of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual aerosol-former contents, in weight percent, of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0193] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol-generating material can have an aerosol-former content in the above weight percents. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition, and the first aerosol-generating material has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent and the second aerosol-generating material has an aerosol-former content of 5 to 30 weight percent.

[0194] When the aerosol-generating substrate includes strands of aerosol-generating materials of different compositions, at least one of the strands of aerosol-generating material can have a nicotine content of the above-mentioned weight percent. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, where the first composition is different from the second composition, and at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate can include one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 percent by weight and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0 percent by weight.

[0195] Where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol nicotine content in the above weight percents. For example, the strands of aerosol-generating material may have an average nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 weight percent, 0.5 to 8 weight percent, 0.5 to 6 weight percent, or 0.5 to 4 weight percent.

[0196] The average nicotine content of the strands of aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual nicotine contents, in weight percent, of each of the strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of strands of aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0197] When the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, each of the strands of aerosol-generating material can have a nicotine content of the above weight percent. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, the first composition being different from the second composition, and the first aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 weight percent and the second aerosol-generating material having a nicotine content of 0.5 to 10 weight percent.

[0198] The aerosol-generating portion may comprise a heat transfer enhancement element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0199] The heat transfer enhancement element may be in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0200] The heat transfer enhancement element may advantageously be in direct contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0201] The heat transfer enhancement element may enhance heat transfer from the internal heating element to the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0202] The heat transfer enhancement element may enhance heat transfer between the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0203] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of at least 0.15 W / (mK), at least 0.2 W / (mK), at least 0.25 W / (mK), or at least 0.3 W / (mK).

[0204] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 1700 W / (mK) or less, 1600 W / (mK) or less, or 1500 W / (mK) or less.

[0205] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.15 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.15 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.15 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0206] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.2 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.2 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.2 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0207] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.25 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.25 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.25 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0208] The heat transfer enhancement element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.3 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.3 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.3 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0209] The heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more thermally conductive materials. The heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more metals, one or more alloys, one or more carbon-containing materials, or combinations thereof. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include one or more of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, stainless steel, diamond, graphene, graphite, and expanded graphite.

[0210] The heat transfer enhancement element may include an aerosol former.

[0211] Examples of suitable aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0212] The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerin. The aerosol former may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0213] The heat transfer enhancement element may comprise a plurality of individual thermally conductive elements, which may be substantially uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0214] The heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of thermally conductive particles. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of metal particles, a plurality of alloy particles, a plurality of carbon-containing particles, such as graphene particles, graphite particles, and expanded graphite particles, or a combination thereof. The thermally conductive particles may include an aerosol former.

[0215] The heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of thermally conductive strands. For example, the heat transfer enhancement element may include a plurality of strands of metal foil, such as aluminum foil or copper foil, a plurality of strands of alloy foil, such as stainless steel foil, a plurality of strands of carbon-containing foil, such as graphite foil, or a combination thereof. The thermally conductive strands may include an aerosol former.

[0216] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise an internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating base.

[0217] The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may include an internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0218] The internal heating element may be in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. In use, heat from the internal heating element may be transferred to the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0219] The internal heating element may advantageously be in direct contact with the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material.

[0220] The internal heating element may be at least 4 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, at least 8 millimeters, or at least 10 millimeters in length.

[0221] The internal heating element may be 45 millimeters or less, 35 millimeters or less, 25 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less in length.

[0222] The internal heating element may be between 4 mm and 45 mm, between 4 mm and 35 mm, between 4 mm and 25 mm, or between 4 mm and 15 mm in length.

[0223] The internal heating element may be between 6 mm and 45 mm, between 6 mm and 35 mm, between 6 mm and 25 mm, or between 6 mm and 15 mm in length.

[0224] The internal heating element may be 8 mm to 45 mm, 8 mm to 35 mm, 8 mm to 25 mm, or 8 mm to 15 mm in length.

[0225] The internal heating element may be between 10 mm and 45 mm, between 10 mm and 35 mm, between 10 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm in length.

[0226] For example, the susceptor element may be 11 millimeters in length or 12 millimeters in length.

[0227] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating base.

[0228] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0229] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different lengths disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first length being different from the second length.

[0230] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0231] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different lengths for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, the first length being different from the second length.

[0233] Where there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length, and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, wherein at least one of the first length and the second length is between 4 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

[0234] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average length in millimeters, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average length of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0235] The average length of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0236] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length measured in millimeters, as described above, for example, a length of 4 to 45 millimeters.

[0237] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be at least 0.04, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, at least 0.12, at least 0.15, at least 0.20, or at least 0.25.

[0238] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 7 or less, 4 or less, 1 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, or 0.5 or less.

[0239] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.04 to 7, 0.04 to 4, 0.04 to 1, 0.04 to 0.8, 0.04 to 0.7, 0.04 to 0.6, or 0.04 to 0.5.

[0240] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.07 to 7, 0.07 to 4, 0.07 to 1, 0.07 to 0.8, 0.07 to 0.7, 0.07 to 0.6, or 0.07 to 0.5.

[0241] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.10 to 7, 0.10 to 4, 0.10 to 1, 0.10 to 0.8, 0.10 to 0.7, 0.10 to 0.6, or 0.10 to 0.5.

[0242] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.12 to 7, 0.12 to 4, 0.12 to 1, 0.12 to 0.8, 0.12 to 0.7, 0.12 to 0.6, or 0.12 to 0.5.

[0243] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.15 to 7, 0.15 to 4, 0.15 to 1, 0.15 to 0.8, 0.15 to 0.7, 0.15 to 0.6, or 0.15 to 0.5.

[0244] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.20 to 7, 0.20 to 4, 0.20 to 1, 0.20 to 0.8, 0.20 to 0.7, 0.20 to 0.6, or 0.20 to 0.5.

[0245] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be 0.25 to 7, 0.25 to 4, 0.25 to 1, 0.25 to 0.8, 0.25 to 0.7, 0.25 to 0.6, or 0.25 to 0.5.

[0246] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, an aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, and the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first length and the second length is between 0.04 and 7.

[0247] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average length of the multiple internal heating elements may be 0.04 to 7, 0.04 to 4, 0.04 to 1, 0.04 to 0.8, 0.04 to 0.7, 0.04 to 0.6, or 0.04 to 0.5.

[0248] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the internal heating elements may be 0.04 to 7.

[0249] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0250] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less, 0.35 or less, or 0.30 or less.

[0251] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0252] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0253] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0254] For example, the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.27.

[0255] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first length and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second length, and the ratio of at least one of the first length and the second length to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.10 and 0.40.

[0256] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0257] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the length of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40.

[0258] The internal heating element may be at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 1.5 millimeters, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 2.5 millimeters wide.

[0259] The internal heating element may have a width of 8 millimeters or less, 7 millimeters or less, 6 millimeters or less, 5 millimeters or less, or 4 millimeters or less.

[0260] The internal heating element may have a width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0261] The internal heating element may have a width of 1 mm to 8 mm, 1 mm to 7 mm, 1 mm to 6 mm, 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 4 mm.

[0262] The internal heating element may have a width of 1.5 mm to 8 mm, 1.5 mm to 7 mm, 1.5 mm to 6 mm, 1.5 mm to 5 mm, or 1.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0263] The internal heating element may have a width of 2 mm to 8 mm, 2 mm to 7 mm, 2 mm to 6 mm, 2 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0264] The internal heating element may have a width of 2.5 mm to 8 mm, 2.5 mm to 7 mm, 2.5 mm to 6 mm, 2.5 mm to 5 mm, or 2.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0265] For example, the internal heating element may be 4 millimeters wide.

[0266] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width disposed within the aerosol-generating base.

[0267] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first width being different from the second width.

[0268] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0269] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, the first width being different from the second width.

[0270] Where there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, wherein at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.5 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0271] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width in millimeters, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0272] The average width of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0273] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters, as described above, for example, a width of 0.5 to 8 millimeters.

[0274] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be at least 0.05, at least 0.06, at least 0.08, at least 0.09, at least 0.10, at least 0.11, at least 0.12, or at least 0.13.

[0275] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 4 or less, 3 or less, 2 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.4 or less, or 1.3 or less.

[0276] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.05 to 4, 0.05 to 3, 0.05 to 2, 0.05 to 1.8, 0.05 to 1.6, 0.05 to 1.5, 0.05 to 1.4, or 0.05 to 1.3.

[0277] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.06 to 4, 0.06 to 3, 0.06 to 2, 0.06 to 1.8, 0.06 to 1.6, 0.06 to 1.5, 0.06 to 1.4, or 0.06 to 1.3.

[0278] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.08 to 4, 0.08 to 3, 0.08 to 2, 0.08 to 1.8, 0.08 to 1.6, 0.08 to 1.5, 0.08 to 1.4, or 0.08 to 1.3.

[0279] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.09 to 4, 0.09 to 3, 0.09 to 2, 0.09 to 1.8, 0.09 to 1.6, 0.09 to 1.5, 0.09 to 1.4, or 0.09 to 1.3.

[0280] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.10 to 4, 0.10 to 3, 0.10 to 2, 0.10 to 1.8, 0.10 to 1.6, 0.10 to 1.5, 0.10 to 1.4, or 0.10 to 1.3.

[0281] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.11 to 4, 0.11 to 3, 0.11 to 2, 0.11 to 1.8, 0.11 to 1.6, 0.11 to 1.5, 0.11 to 1.4, or 0.11 to 1.3.

[0282] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.12 to 4, 0.12 to 3, 0.12 to 2, 0.12 to 1.8, 0.12 to 1.6, 0.12 to 1.5, 0.12 to 1.4, or 0.12 to 1.3.

[0283] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be 0.13 to 4, 0.13 to 3, 0.13 to 2, 0.13 to 1.8, 0.13 to 1.6, 0.13 to 1.5, 0.13 to 1.4, or 0.13 to 1.3.

[0284] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements is between 0.05 and 4. For example, an aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, and the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first width and the second width is between 0.05 and 4.

[0285] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the average width of the multiple internal heating elements may be 0.05 to 4, 0.05 to 3, 0.05 to 2, 0.05 to 1.8, 0.05 to 1.6, 0.05 to 1.5, 0.05 to 1.4, or 0.05 to 1.3.

[0286] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the internal heating elements may be 0.05 to 4.

[0287] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation portion may be at least 0.1, at least 0.2, at least 0.3, or at least 0.4.

[0288] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generation portion may be 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, or 0.6 or less.

[0289] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion may be 0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.7, or 0.1 to 0.6.

[0290] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion may be 0.2 to 0.9, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.2 to 0.7, or 0.2 to 0.6.

[0291] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion may be 0.3 to 0.9, 0.3 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.7, or 0.3 to 0.6.

[0292] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion may be 0.4 to 0.9, 0.4 to 0.8, 0.4 to 0.7, or 0.4 to 0.6.

[0293] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of at least one of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second width, and the ratio of at least one of the first width and the second width to the width of the aerosol-generating article is 0.1 to 0.9.

[0294] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.7, or 0.1 to 0.6.

[0295] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the width of each of the multiple internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.1 to 0.9.

[0296] The internal heating element may be generally cylindrical.

[0297] The internal heating element may be pin-shaped.

[0298] The internal heating element may have a thickness that is substantially the same as its width.

[0299] The internal heating element may be generally circular in cross section.

[0300] The internal heating element may be needle- or pin-shaped.

[0301] The internal heating element may be at least 0.5 millimeters, at least 1 millimeter, at least 1.5 millimeters, at least 2 millimeters, or at least 2.5 millimeters in diameter.

[0302] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 5 millimeters or less, 4.5 millimeters or less, 4 millimeters or less, 3.5 millimeters or less, or 3 millimeters or less.

[0303] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0304] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 1 mm to 5 mm, 1 mm to 4.5 mm, 1 mm to 4 mm, 1 mm to 3.5 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0305] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 1.5 mm to 4 mm, 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 1.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0306] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 2 mm to 5 mm, 2 mm to 4.5 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm, 2 mm to 3.5 mm, or 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0307] The internal heating element may have a diameter of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 2.5 mm to 4 mm, 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 2.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0308] For example, the internal heating element may be 3 millimeters in diameter.

[0309] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0310] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first width being different from the second width.

[0311] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0312] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter for insertion into the aerosol-generating base of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, the first diameter being different from the second diameter.

[0313] Where there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in the order of millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first diameter and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second diameter, at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter being between 0.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters.

[0314] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter in millimeters, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0315] The average diameter of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual diameters of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0316] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters, as described above, for example, a diameter of 0.5 to 5 millimeters.

[0317] The internal heating element may have a width that is greater than its thickness.

[0318] The internal heating element may be generally rectangular in cross section.

[0319] The internal heating element may be in the form of a blade or strip.

[0320] The internal heating element may have a substantially constant cross section along the length of the internal heating element.

[0321] The internal heating element may be at least 0.01 millimeters, at least 0.02 millimeters, at least 0.03 millimeters, or at least 0.05 millimeters thick.

[0322] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 2 millimeters or less, 1 millimeter or less, 0.5 millimeters or less, or 0.1 millimeters or less.

[0323] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0324] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 0.02 mm to 2 mm, 0.02 mm to 1 mm, 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0325] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 0.03 mm to 2 mm, 0.03 mm to 1 mm, 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0326] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, 0.05 mm to 1 mm, 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0327] The internal heating element may be at least 55 micrometers, at least 56 micrometers, at least 57 micrometers, or at least 58 micrometers thick.

[0328] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 65 micrometers or less, 64 micrometers or less, 63 micrometers or less, or 62 micrometers or less.

[0329] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 55 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0330] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 56 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 56 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 56 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 56 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0331] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 57 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 57 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 57 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 57 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0332] The internal heating element may have a thickness of 58 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 58 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 58 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 58 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0333] For example, the internal heating element may be 60 micrometers thick.

[0334] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0335] The aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise multiple internal heating elements of different thicknesses disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the first thickness being different from the second thickness.

[0336] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0337] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different thicknesses for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article, the first thickness being different from the second thickness.

[0338] When there are multiple internal heating elements, at least one of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness measured in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second thickness, where at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 0.01 millimeters and 2 millimeters. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may include one or more first internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a first thickness and one or more second internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate having a second thickness, where at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is between 55 micrometers and 65 micrometers.

[0339] When there are multiple internal heating elements, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the multiple internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 64 micrometers, 55 micrometers to 63 micrometers, or 55 micrometers to 62 micrometers.

[0340] The average thickness of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0341] When there are multiple internal heating elements, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness measured in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness of 0.01 millimeters to 2 millimeters. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a thickness of 55 micrometers to 65 micrometers.

[0342] The internal heating element may be disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generation portion. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation portion. For example, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation portion within ±10 degrees.

[0343] The internal heating element may be centrally located within the aerosol-generation portion and may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0344] The internal heating element may extend from the downstream end of the aerosol-generation portion towards the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0345] The internal susceptor element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion towards the downstream end of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0346] The susceptor element may extend from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e., the susceptor element may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0347] The length of the internal heating element may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0348] The internal heating element may extend partway along the length of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0349] The internal heating element may be spaced apart from the downstream end of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0350] The internal heating element may be spaced from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0351] The internal heating element may be spaced apart from both the downstream end and the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0352] The length of the internal heating element may be shorter than the length of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0353] The internal heating element may be completely enclosed within the aerosol-generating substrate, i.e. the aerosol-generating substrate may completely surround the internal heating element.

[0354] The internal heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0355] The susceptor element may comprise any susceptor material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal, an alloy, or carbon.

[0356] The susceptor element may comprise a ferromagnetic material. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. The susceptor element may comprise aluminum. The susceptor element may comprise 400 series stainless steel. For example, the susceptor element may comprise grade 410, grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different susceptor materials consume different amounts of energy when placed in electromagnetic fields of similar frequency and field strength.

[0357] Thus, the parameters of the susceptor element, e.g., type of susceptor material, length, width, and thickness, can all be varied to achieve a desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The susceptor element may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0358] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metallic layer disposed thereon, for example, the susceptor element may comprise a metallic track formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0359] The susceptor element may include a protective outer layer. For example, the susceptor element can include a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer, or a protective outer inert metal layer.

[0360] The susceptor element may include a protective coating, for example, a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal.

[0361] The susceptor element may be a multi-material susceptor element, for example, the susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.

[0362] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0363] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an upstream portion located upstream of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0364] The upstream portion may be adjacent to the aerosol-generation portion.

[0365] The upstream portion may be located immediately upstream of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0366] The upstream portion may abut against the aerosol-generation portion.

[0367] The upstream portion may be connected to the aerosol-generation portion by a wrapper.The upstream portion may be connected to the aerosol-generation portion by a paper wrapper.

[0368] The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the upstream portion.

[0369] The upstream portion may also provide an improved appearance to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0370] The upstream portion may be at least 2 millimeters, at least 3 millimeters, or at least 4 millimeters in length.

[0371] The upstream portion may be 10 millimeters or less, 8 millimeters or less, or 6 millimeters or less in length.

[0372] The upstream portion may be between 2 mm and 10 mm, between 2 mm and 8 mm, or between 2 mm and 6 mm in length.

[0373] The upstream portion may be between 3 mm and 10 mm, between 3 mm and 8 mm, or between 3 mm and 6 mm in length.

[0374] The upstream portion may be between 4 mm and 10 mm, between 4 mm and 8 mm, or between 4 mm and 6 mm in length.

[0375] For example, the upstream element may be 5 millimeters in length.

[0376] The length of the upstream section can be advantageously varied to obtain a desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article, for example, if it is desired to shorten the length of one or more other components of the aerosol-generating article, the length of the upstream section may be increased to maintain the same overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0377] The length of the upstream portion may be used to adjust the position of the aerosol-generating article within the device cavity of the aerosol-generating device, which may advantageously ensure that the position of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity is optimized for heating of the aerosol-generating substrate, which may advantageously ensure that the position of any ventilation is optimized.

[0378] The upstream portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0379] The upstream portion may be generally circular in cross section.

[0380] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0381] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0382] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0383] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0384] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0385] The upstream portion may have an outer diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0386] For example, the upstream portion may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters or 7.1 millimeters.

[0387] The upstream RTD may be at least 0 millimeters H2O, at least 0.1 millimeters H2O, at least 0.25 millimeters H2O, or at least 0.5 millimeters H2O.

[0388] The upstream RTD may be 30 millimeters H2O or less, 20 millimeters H2O or less, 10 millimeters H2O or less, 5 millimeters H2O or less, or 2 millimeters H2O or less.

[0389] The upstream RTD may be 0 mm H2O to 30 mm H2O, 0 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O, 0 mm H2O to 10 mm H2O, 0 mm H2O to 5 mm H2O, or 0 mm H2O to 2 mm H2O.

[0390] The upstream RTD may be 0.1 mm H2O to 30 mm H2O, 0.1 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O, 0.1 mm H2O to 10 mm H2O, 0.1 mm H2O to 5 mm H2O, or 0.1 mm H2O to 2 mm H2O.

[0391] The upstream RTD may be 0.25 mm H2O to 30 mm H2O, 0.25 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O, 0.25 mm H2O to 10 mm H2O, 0.25 mm H2O to 5 mm H2O, or 0.25 mm H2O to 2 mm H2O.

[0392] The upstream RTD may be 0.5 mm H2O to 30 mm H2O, 0.5 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O, 0.5 mm H2O to 10 mm H2O, 0.5 mm H2O to 5 mm H2O, or 0.5 mm H2O to 2 mm H2O.

[0393] The upstream portion may be such that the RTD has 2 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, 1.5 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, 1 millimeter of H2O per millimeter of length or less, 0.5 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, 0.3 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less, or 0.2 millimeters of H2O per millimeter of length or less.

[0394] The RTD, including the upstream portion and aerosol-generating portion, may be 30 millimeters H2O or less, 20 millimeters H2O or less, 15 millimeters H2O or less, 12 millimeters H2O or less, or 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0395] The upstream portion may include an upstream element.

[0396] The upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the upstream end of the upstream element.

[0397] The downstream end of the upstream element may abut against the aerosol-generation portion.

[0398] The upstream element may advantageously prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0399] Where the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises an internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the internal heating element, which may advantageously prevent movement or deformation of the internal heating element during storage, transport, handling, and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0400] The upstream element can advantageously help prevent or reduce the loss of strands of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article during storage, transport, handling, and use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0401] The upstream element can facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the device cavity of the aerosol-generating device, and can protect the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article during insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the device cavity, minimizing the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating portion.

[0402] The upstream element may be generally cylindrical.

[0403] The upstream element may be generally circular in cross section.

[0404] The upstream element may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the upstream portion.

[0405] The upstream element may be a non-tubular upstream element.

[0406] The upstream element may be a porous non-tubular upstream element.

[0407] The upstream element may have a porosity of at least 50 percent along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0408] The porosity of the upstream element in the longitudinal direction is defined as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the upstream element to the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article at a location along the upstream element.

[0409] The upstream element may have a porosity of 90 percent or less along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0410] The upstream element may have a porosity of between 50 and 90 percent along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0411] The porosity of the upstream element can be advantageously designed to provide an aerosol-generating article with a desired overall RTD without substantially affecting the filtration provided by other portions of the article.

[0412] The upstream element may be formed from a porous material.

[0413] The upstream element may include a plurality of openings, for example, the upstream element may include a plurality of openings formed by laser drilling, and the plurality of openings may be substantially uniformly distributed across the cross section of the upstream element.

[0414] The upstream element may be a hollow tubular upstream element.

[0415] The hollow tubular upstream element may not contribute substantially to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article.

[0416] The hollow tubular upstream element can define a tubular space having a diameter of at least 3 millimeters, at least 3.5 millimeters, at least 4 millimeters, or at least 4.5 millimeters.

[0417] To minimize the upstream RTD, the diameter of the tubular space of the hollow tubular upstream element may be maximized.

[0418] The hollow tubular upstream element may have a peripheral wall that is no greater than 2 millimeters, no greater than 1.5 millimeters, or no greater than 1 millimeter in thickness.

[0419] The upstream element may be made of any material or combination of materials suitable for use in an aerosol-generating article.

[0420] Examples of suitable materials include ceramic materials, polymeric materials, paper materials, and combinations thereof.

[0421] The upstream element may be a non-tubular segment of cellulose acetate tow.

[0422] The upstream element may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0423] The upstream element may be a hollow cardboard tube.

[0424] The upstream element may be formed from a heat-resistant material, for example, a material that can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. This may advantageously ensure that the upstream element is not adversely affected by an internal heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0425] The upstream element may be surrounded by a wrapper. The upstream element may be surrounded by a paper wrapper. For example, the upstream element may be surrounded by plug wrap.

[0426] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream portion located downstream of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0427] The downstream portion may be adjacent to the aerosol-generation portion.

[0428] The downstream portion may be located immediately upstream of the aerosol-generation portion.

[0429] The downstream portion may abut against the aerosol-generation portion.

[0430] The downstream portion may be connected to the aerosol-generation portion by a wrapper.The downstream portion may be connected to the aerosol-generation portion by a paper wrapper.

[0431] The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be defined by the downstream end of the downstream portion.

[0432] The length of the downstream portion may be at least 15 millimeters, at least 20 millimeters, at least 25 millimeters, or at least 30 millimeters.

[0433] The length of the downstream portion may be 50 millimeters or less, 45 millimeters or less, less than 40 millimeters, or less than 35 millimeters.

[0434] The length of the downstream portion may be between 15 mm and 50 mm, between 15 mm and 45 mm, between 15 mm and 40 mm, or between 15 mm and 35 mm.

[0435] The length of the downstream portion may be between 20 mm and 50 mm, between 20 mm and 45 mm, between 20 mm and 40 mm, or between 20 mm and 35 mm.

[0436] The length of the downstream portion may be between 25 mm and 50 mm, between 25 mm and 45 mm, between 25 mm and 40 mm, or between 25 mm and 35 mm.

[0437] The length of the downstream portion may be between 30 mm and 50 mm, between 30 mm and 45 mm, between 30 mm and 40 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm.

[0438] Providing a relatively long downstream section may ensure that an aerosol-generating article, when housed therein, protrudes a suitable length from the device cavity of the aerosol generating device, which may advantageously facilitate insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article from the device cavity of the aerosol generating device, which may effectively reduce the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating article during insertion and removal.

[0439] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, or at least 0.65.

[0440] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.85 or less, 0.80 or less, 0.75 or less, or 0.70 or less.

[0441] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.50 to 0.85, 0.50 to 0.80, 0.50 to 0.75, or 0.50 to 0.70.

[0442] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.80, 0.55 to 0.75, or 0.55 to 0.70.

[0443] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.60 to 0.85, 0.60 to 0.80, 0.60 to 0.75, or 0.60 to 0.70.

[0444] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 to 0.85, 0.65 to 0.80, 0.65 to 0.75, or 0.65 to 0.70.

[0445] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be at least four, at least five, at least six, or at least seven.

[0446] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be 25 or less, 20 or less, 15 or less, or 10 or less.

[0447] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be 4-25, 4-20, 4-15, or 4-10.

[0448] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, or 5-10.

[0449] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be 6-25, 6-20, 6-15, or 6-10.

[0450] The ratio of the length of the downstream portion to the length of the upstream portion may be 7-25, 7-20, 7-15, or 7-10.

[0451] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be at least 1.0, at least 1.25, at least 1.5, or at least 1.75.

[0452] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 3.5 or less, 3.25 or less, 3.0 or less, or 2.75 or less.

[0453] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 1.0 to 3.5, 1.0 to 3.25, 1.0 to 3.0, or 1.0 to 2.75.

[0454] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 1.25 to 3.5, 1.25 to 3.25, 1.25 to 3.0, or 1.25 to 2.75.

[0455] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 1.5 to 3.5, 1.5 to 3.25, 1.5 to 3.0, or 1.5 to 2.75.

[0456] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol-generation section may be 1.75 to 3.5, 1.75 to 3.25, 1.75 to 3.0, or 1.75 to 2.75.

[0457] The downstream portion may be generally cylindrical.

[0458] The downstream portion may be generally circular in cross section.

[0459] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0460] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0461] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter of 12 millimeters or less, 10 millimeters or less, or 8 millimeters or less.

[0462] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, 5 mm to 10 mm, or 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0463] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 10 mm, or 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0464] The downstream portion may have an outer diameter of 7 mm to 12 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm.

[0465] For example, the downstream portion may have an outer diameter of 7 millimeters or 7.1 millimeters.

[0466] The downstream RTD may be at least 0 millimeters H2O, at least 3 millimeters H2O, or at least 6 millimeters H2O.

[0467] The downstream RTD may be 12 millimeters H2O or less, 11 millimeters H2O or less, or 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0468] The downstream RTD may be 0 mm H2O to 12 mm H2O, 0 mm H2O to 11 mm H2O, or 0 mm H2O to 10 mm H2O.

[0469] The downstream RTD may be 3 millimeters H2O to 12 millimeters H2O, 3 millimeters H2O to 11 millimeters H2O, or 3 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O.

[0470] The downstream RTD may be 6 millimeters H2O to 12 millimeters H2O, 6 millimeters H2O to 11 millimeters H2O, or 6 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O.

[0471] The downstream RTD may be 8 mm H2O.

[0472] The downstream portion may comprise a support element.

[0473] The support element may define the upstream end of the downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0474] The upstream end of the support element may abut the aerosol-generation portion.

[0475] The support element may be at least 8 millimeters, at least 10 millimeters, or at least 15 millimeters in length.

[0476] The support element may be no greater than 30 millimeters, no greater than 25 millimeters, or no greater than 22 millimeters in length.

[0477] The support element may be between 8 millimeters and 30 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 8 millimeters and 22 millimeters in length.

[0478] The support element may be between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 22 millimeters in length.

[0479] The support element may be between 15 millimeters and 30 millimeters, between 15 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 15 millimeters and 22 millimeters in length.

[0480] The support element may be 21 millimeters in length.

[0481] The support element may be generally cylindrical.

[0482] The support element may be generally circular in cross section.

[0483] The support element may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the downstream portion.

[0484] The support element may be a hollow tubular support element.

[0485] The support element may define a downstream end of the downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0486] The support element may extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0487] The downstream end of the support element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0488] The downstream portion may comprise one or more additional elements positioned downstream of the support element.

[0489] The downstream portion may comprise a mouthpiece element disposed downstream of the support element.

[0490] The mouthpiece element may be positioned immediately downstream of the support element.

[0491] The upstream end of the mouthpiece element may abut the support element.

[0492] The downstream portion may comprise one or more additional elements disposed between the support element and the mouthpiece element.

[0493] The mouthpiece element may define a downstream end of the downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0494] The mouthpiece element may extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0495] The downstream end of the mouthpiece element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0496] The length of the mouthpiece element may be at least 5 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0497] The length of the mouthpiece element may be 15 millimeters or less, 12 millimeters or less, or 10 millimeters or less.

[0498] The length of the mouthpiece element may be between 5 millimeters and 15 millimeters, between 5 millimeters and 12 millimeters, or between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0499] The length of the mouthpiece element may be between 6 millimeters and 15 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters, or between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0500] The length of the mouthpiece element may be between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters, or between 8 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

[0501] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.05, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, or at least 0.15.

[0502] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.40 or less, 0.30 or less, 0.25 or less, or 0.20 or less.

[0503] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.05 to 0.40, 0.05 to 0.30, 0.05 to 0.25, or 0.05 to 0.20.

[0504] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.07 to 0.40, 0.07 to 0.30, 0.07 to 0.25, or 0.07 to 0.20.

[0505] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.30, 0.10 to 0.25, or 0.10 to 0.20.

[0506] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.30, 0.15 to 0.25, or 0.15 to 0.20.

[0507] For example, the ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.16.

[0508] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be at least 0.05, at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0509] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.55 or less, 0.45 or less, 0.35 or less, or 0.25 or less.

[0510] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.05 to 0.55, 0.05 to 0.45, 0.05 to 0.35, or 0.05 to 0.25.

[0511] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.10 to 0.55, 0.10 to 0.45, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.25.

[0512] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.15 to 0.55, 0.15 to 0.45, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.25.

[0513] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.20 to 0.55, 0.20 to 0.45, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.25.

[0514] For example, the ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream portion may be 0.25.

[0515] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be at least 1.25, at least 1.5, or at least 2.

[0516] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be 6 or less, 5 or less, or 4 or less.

[0517] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be 1.25-6, 1.25-5, or 1.25-4.

[0518] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be 1.5-6, 1.5-5, or 1.5-4.

[0519] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be 2-6, 2-5, or 2-4.

[0520] For example, the ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be three.

[0521] The downstream RTD characteristics may be entirely or largely due to the RTD characteristics of the downstream mouthpiece element, or in other words, the RTD of the downstream mouthpiece element may entirely or largely determine the downstream RTD.

[0522] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be at least 0 millimeters H2O, at least 3 millimeters H2O, or at least 6 millimeters H2O.

[0523] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be 12 millimeters H2O or less, 11 millimeters H2O or less, or 10 millimeters H2O or less.

[0524] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be 0 millimeters H2O to 12 millimeters H2O, 0 millimeters H2O to 11 millimeters H2O, or 0 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O.

[0525] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be 3 millimeters H2O to 12 millimeters H2O, 3 millimeters H2O to 11 millimeters H2O, or 3 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O.

[0526] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be 6 millimeters H2O to 12 millimeters H2O, 6 millimeters H2O to 11 millimeters H2O, or 6 millimeters H2O to 10 millimeters H2O.

[0527] For example, the RTD of the mouthpiece element may be 8 millimeters H2O.

[0528] For example, the mouthpiece element may be generally cylindrical.

[0529] The mouthpiece element may be generally circular in cross section.

[0530] The mouthpiece element may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the downstream portion.

[0531] The mouthpiece element may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the support element.

[0532] The mouthpiece element may be a non-tubular element.

[0533] The mouthpiece element may be a porous non-tubular element.

[0534] The mouthpiece element may be a hollow tubular mouthpiece element.

[0535] The mouthpiece element may be a filter element.

[0536] The filter element may have a low particulate filtration efficiency.

[0537] The filter element may be formed from a biodegradable material.

[0538] The filter element may be formed from a fibrous filtering material.

[0539] The filter element may be formed from a cellulosic material, for example, the filter element may be formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0540] The filter element may be a non-tubular segment of cellulose acetate tow.

[0541] The filter element may be formed from a polylactic acid based material.

[0542] The filter element may be formed from a bioplastic material.The filter element may be formed from a starch-based bioplastic material.

[0543] The mouthpiece element may include a flavoring, for example, the mouthpiece element may comprise one or more capsules, beads, or granules of flavoring agent, or one or more flavor-loaded threads or filaments.

[0544] The mouthpiece element may be surrounded by a wrapper. The mouthpiece element may be surrounded by a paper wrapper. For example, the mouthpiece element may be surrounded by plug wrap.

[0545] The mouthpiece element may be non-vented so that air does not enter the aerosol-generating article along the mouthpiece element.

[0546] The mouthpiece element may be connected to one or more of the upstream components of the aerosol-generating article by a tipping wrapper.

[0547] The downstream portion may comprise an oral end cavity.

[0548] The mouth end cavity may be located at the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0549] The downstream end of the mouth end cavity may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0550] The mouth end cavity, if present, may be located downstream of the filter element.

[0551] The oral end cavity may be defined by a hollow tubular oral end element.

[0552] The mouth end cavity is defined by a wrapper that surrounds one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article, the wrapper extending in a downstream direction from the one or more adjacent upstream components.

[0553] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along its downstream portion.

[0554] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone located along the downstream support element.

[0555] When the support element is a hollow tubular support element, the ventilation zone may extend through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support element. Fluid communication may thus be established between the tubular space defined by the hollow tubular support element and the external environment. A ventilation cavity may thus be provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide several technical advantages.

[0556] First, it has been found that such breathable hollow tubular elements provide particularly efficient cooling of the aerosol. Thus, satisfactory cooling of the aerosol may be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly desirable because it allows for the provision of an aerosol-generating article in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than combusted, providing both satisfactory aerosol delivery and efficient cooling of the aerosol to a temperature desired by the user.

[0557] Second, it has been surprisingly found that such rapid cooling of volatile species released upon heating of the aerosol-generating substrate promotes and enhances the nucleation of aerosol particles. This effect is particularly felt when the ventilation zone is located at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article. Indeed, it has been found that the favorable effect of enhanced nucleation can sufficiently counteract the potentially undesirable effects caused by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0558] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 25 millimeters, at least 26 millimeters, or at least 27 millimeters.

[0559] As used herein, the term "distance between the ventilation zone of an aerosol-generating article and another element or component" refers to the distance measured longitudinally, i.e., the distance measured in a direction extending along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0560] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 40 millimeters or less, 37 millimeters or less, or 34 millimeters or less.

[0561] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 25 millimeters and 40 millimeters, between 25 millimeters and 37 millimeters, or between 25 millimeters and 34 millimeters.

[0562] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 26 millimeters and 40 millimeters, between 26 millimeters and 37 millimeters, or between 26 millimeters and 34 millimeters.

[0563] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be between 27 millimeters and 40 millimeters, between 27 millimeters and 37 millimeters, or between 27 millimeters and 34 millimeters.

[0564] It has been found that an aerosol-generating article comprising a ventilation zone at a location along the hollow tubular element, some distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, that falls within the ranges set forth above, offers several advantages.

[0565] First, such aerosol-generating articles have been observed to provide a particularly satisfactory aerosol to the user, particularly when the aerosol-generating substrate includes tobacco and an aerosol former.

[0566] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is understood that the intense cooling caused by the ambient air drawn into the cavity of the hollow tubular element in the ventilation zone accelerates the condensation of the aerosol-former droplets emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. Volatilized nicotine and organic acids released from the tobacco then accumulate on the newly formed droplets of the aerosol-former and subsequently bind to the nicotine salts. As a result, the overall ratio of the aerosol particle phase to the aerosol vapor phase may be increased compared to existing aerosol-generating articles.

[0567] Locating the ventilation zone some distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article as described above advantageously reduces the time that volatilized nicotine particles have to travel before they reach the aerosol-former droplets, while at the same time, such placement of the ventilation zone relative to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article ensures that there is sufficient time and room for nicotine accumulation and nicotine salt formation to occur at a significant rate before the aerosol stream reaches the user's mouth.

[0568] The ventilation zone may typically comprise a plurality of perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may comprise at least one circumferential row of perforations. The ventilation zone may also comprise two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed online during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Each circumferential row of perforations may comprise between 8 and 30 perforations.

[0569] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of at least 2 percent, at least 5 percent, at least 10 percent, at least 12 percent, or at least 15 percent, at least 20 percent, at least 30 percent, or at least 40 percent.

[0570] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 90 percent or less, 80 percent or less, 70 percent or less, 60 percent or less, or 50 percent or less.

[0571] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 2 percent to 90 percent, 2 percent to 80 percent, 2 percent to 70 percent, 2 percent to 60 percent, or 2 percent to 50 percent.

[0572] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 5 percent to 90 percent, 5 percent to 80 percent, 5 percent to 70 percent, 5 percent to 60 percent, or 5 percent to 50 percent.

[0573] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 10 percent to 90 percent, 10 percent to 80 percent, 10 percent to 70 percent, 10 percent to 60 percent, or 10 percent to 50 percent.

[0574] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 12 percent to 90 percent, 12 percent to 80 percent, 12 percent to 70 percent, 12 percent to 60 percent, or 12 percent to 50 percent.

[0575] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 15 percent to 90 percent, 15 percent to 80 percent, 15 percent to 70 percent, 15 percent to 60 percent, or 15 percent to 50 percent.

[0576] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 20 percent to 90 percent, 20 percent to 80 percent, 20 percent to 70 percent, 20 percent to 60 percent, or 20 percent to 50 percent.

[0577] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of 30 percent to 90 percent, 30 percent to 80 percent, 30 percent to 70 percent, 30 percent to 60 percent, or 30 percent to 50 percent.

[0578] The aerosol-generating article may have a breathability level of between 40 percent and 90 percent, between 40 percent and 80 percent, between 40 percent and 70 percent, between 40 percent and 60 percent, or between 40 percent and 50 percent.

[0579] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it has been found that the temperature drop caused by the inflow of cool ambient air into the hollow tubular element via the ventilation zone can have a beneficial effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0580] The rapid cooling induced by admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone can be used to favor favorable nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets, however, at the same time admitting ambient air into the hollow tubular element has the direct drawback of diluting the aerosol stream delivered to the user.

[0581] Surprisingly, it has been found that the favorable effect of enhanced nucleation promoted by rapid cooling induced by the introduction of vented air into the article can significantly counteract the undesirable effects of dilution.

[0582] Surprisingly, it has been found that when the ventilation level is within the above range, the dilution effect on the aerosol (which can be assessed in particular by measuring the effect on delivery of the aerosol former contained in the aerosol-generating substrate) is advantageously minimized.

[0583] The vented hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article can be advantageously fine-tuned by adjusting the length and density of the aerosol-generating substrate, or the length and density of one or more downstream elements (e.g., filter elements) of the aerosol-generating article, or the length and density of one or more upstream elements of the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, aerosol-generating articles having a predetermined RTD can be consistently and precisely manufactured, thereby achieving a satisfactory level of RTD for the user, even in the presence of ventilation.

[0584] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be at least 4 millimeters, at least 6 millimeters, at least 8 millimeters, at least 9 millimeters, at least 10 millimeters, or at least 11 millimeters.

[0585] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be 21 millimeters or less, 19 millimeters or less, 17 millimeters or less, or 15 millimeters or less.

[0586] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 4 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 4 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 4 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0587] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 6 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 6 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 6 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0588] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 8 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 8 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0589] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 9 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 9 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 9 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 9 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0590] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 10 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 10 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0591] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate may be between 11 millimeters and 21 millimeters, between 11 millimeters and 19 millimeters, between 11 millimeters and 17 millimeters, or between 11 millimeters and 15 millimeters.

[0592] It has been found that by locating the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate within the above ranges, nucleation and aerosol formation and delivery may be advantageously enhanced.

[0593] Positioning the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate within the above range advantageously ensures that when the aerosol-generating article is partially contained within the device cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the ventilation zone is immediately outside the aerosol-generating device, while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being inadvertently blocked by the user's lips or hands.

[0594] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 3 millimeters, at least 5 millimeters, or at least 7 millimeters.

[0595] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be 14 millimeters or less, 12 millimeters or less, or 10 millimeters or less.

[0596] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be 3 to 14 millimeters, 5 to 14 millimeters, or 7 to 14 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be 3 to 12 millimeters, 5 to 12 millimeters, or 7 to 12 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be 3 to 10 millimeters, 5 to 10 millimeters, or 7 to 10 millimeters.

[0597] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 10 millimeters, at least 12 millimeters, or at least 15 millimeters.

[0598] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 21 millimeters or less, 19 millimeters or less, or 17 millimeters or less.

[0599] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 21 mm, 12 to 21 mm, or 15 to 21 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 19 mm, 12 to 19 mm, or 15 to 19 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be 10 to 17 mm, 12 to 17 mm, or 15 to 17 mm.

[0600] Locating the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article within the above ranges generally ensures that, when the aerosol-generating article is partially contained within the device cavity of an aerosol-generating device, the ventilation zone is of a length that allows a user to comfortably hold the aerosol-generating article between their lips, while reducing the risk of inadvertently blocking the ventilation zone with a user's lips or hands. At the same time, evidence suggests that a longer length of the aerosol-generating article that extends outside the aerosol-generating device may make it easier to inadvertently and unnecessarily bend the aerosol-generating article, which may impair aerosol delivery or the general intended use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0601] As noted above, the support element of the downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article may be a hollow tubular support element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular downstream element. The downstream portion may comprise a single hollow tubular element in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only one hollow tubular element.

[0602] As noted above, the upstream element of the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article may be a hollow tubular upstream element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element or a hollow tubular upstream element. The upstream portion may comprise a single hollow tubular element in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only one hollow tubular element.

[0603] The hollow tubular element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating portion. The upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-generating portion. The downstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0604] The hollow tubular upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating portion. The downstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating portion. The upstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0605] The upstream portion, or the downstream portion, or both the upstream and downstream portions may comprise hollow tubular elements. Unless otherwise specified, "hollow tubular elements" may generally refer to both hollow tubular elements in the upstream portion and hollow tubular elements in the downstream portion.

[0606] The hollow tubular elements may be individual, separate elements of the aerosol-generating article having a defined length and thickness. The tubular space or cavity of the hollow tubular element may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element.

[0607] The hollow tubular element may comprise an end wall defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an end wall portion defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an upstream end wall portion defining the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a downstream end wall portion defining the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0608] The hollow tubular element may include an opening at an end of the hollow tubular element. The opening provides fluid communication from the exterior of the hollow tubular element into the cavity of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an opening in an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening at the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a downstream opening in the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening in the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be defined through the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may define an entrance or access to a cavity defined between the upstream and downstream ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0609] The ends of the hollow tubular element may be flanged. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a flanged end defining the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The flanged end may form or define an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, an opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0610] The flanged end of the hollow tubular element may be defined by a folded end of the hollow tubular element. The end of the hollow tubular element may be folded. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a folded end that defines the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The folded end may form or define an end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or end wall portion may define an opening between the cavity and the exterior of the hollow tubular element. In other words, an opening may be defined through the end wall or end wall portion.

[0611] An end wall or end wall portion of a hollow tubular element can substantially define a closed end of the hollow tubular element. For example, a flanged or folded end of a hollow tubular element can define the closed end of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the flange defined by the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element extends inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element.

[0612] The hollow tubular element may include an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both. Each opening leads to an air passage or cavity defined within the hollow tubular element. Each end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening. In other words, the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening, and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may include only one opening.

[0613] Preferably, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element is substantially uniform along its length. In other words, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element at its flanged end may correspond to the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. Preferably, the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element does not change the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element when measured at that end.

[0614] The hollow tubular element may include a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The hollow tubular element may include a first end forming an end wall at the first end of the tubular body, the first end wall defining an opening for air flow between the cavity and an exterior of the second tubular element. The hollow tubular element may include a second end forming an end wall at the second end of the tubular body, the second end wall defining another opening for air flow between the cavity and an exterior of the second tubular element.

[0615] The end wall may extend partially into the cavity of the tubular body, forming an angle of 90 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body, an angle of 80 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body, or an angle of 70 degrees or less with the inner surface of the tubular body. This can be achieved by ensuring that a folding force is applied to the hollow tubular element during manufacture so that at least a portion of the end of the hollow tubular element is forced into the cavity of the tubular body. Such an arrangement may advantageously increase the likelihood that the end wall will remain stationary relative to the tubular body after the hollow tubular element is manufactured. In particular, such an arrangement may help to counter any natural resilience of the material forming the hollow tubular element, thereby reducing the likelihood that the folded or flanged end of the hollow tubular element will return to its unfolded state after manufacture.

[0616] The opening defined by the end wall may be the only opening in the end wall. The opening may be located at approximately the radial center of the hollow tubular element. The end wall may be generally annular.

[0617] The end wall may extend from a fold point on the hollow tubular element toward a radially central location of the hollow tubular element, and the fold point may generally correspond to a first end of the tubular body of the hollow tubular element.

[0618] A cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length when measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element. That is, preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the tubular body is the same as the cross-section of the cavity at second and further longitudinal positions of the tubular body. As a result, the area of ​​the cavity may be constant along the length of the tubular body. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular body tapers along the length of the hollow tubular body), then the area of ​​the cavity measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the smallest such area of ​​the cavity along the length of the tubular body.

[0619] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element exhibits negligible resistance to withdrawal (RTD). Therefore, the flow channel should not include any components that would obstruct longitudinal air flow. The flow path is substantially empty. In such a case, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element defines an empty cavity.

[0620] The tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming the hollow tubular element from a tubular body defining a cavity extending from the first end of the tubular body to the second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be emptied and allow for smooth airflow. When the hollow tubular element is provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can help improve aerosol cooling and nucleation. Furthermore, such a configuration can also help minimize filtration of any compounds emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate, particularly when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0621] By providing hollow tubular elements with folded or flanged ends that form end walls at the ends of the tubular body, the hollow tubular elements can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end walls. In particular, hollow tubular elements and their or each end wall can be manufactured efficiently and quickly with satisfactory RTDs and low RTD variability between products. Furthermore, the configuration of hollow tubular elements and their end walls means that the RTD can be localized to specific longitudinal locations on the hollow tubular element, rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0622] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a barrier that can limit movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow air and / or aerosol to flow through the opening into the cavity. The structure of the hollow tubular element may also be better suited to withstand temperatures generated by the heating blade or susceptor element.

[0623] By providing the end wall openings with sizes as defined herein, either in absolute terms or with reference to one or more of the tubular body cavity area, tubular body cavity diameter, and tubular body outer diameter or outer diameter, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value. Furthermore, when the hollow tubular element is positioned downstream of an aerosol-generating substrate, selection of such opening sizes can aid in the formation of an aerosol with desired properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol components, including one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0624] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with each other, for example, an end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generation section.

[0625] The aerosol-generating portion and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to each other, but not in contact with each other, with a small gap of empty space separating the aerosol-generating portion from the hollow tubular element along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 millimeters or less. The gap may be 1 millimeter or less.

[0626] As noted above, the upstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generation portion. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0627] As mentioned above, the downstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the aerosol-generation portion. In such an embodiment, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0628] The aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of the aerosol-generation section and the other upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, wherein the downstream and upstream tubular elements may each have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0629] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element, which is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generation section, with the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be positioned upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. As a result, the aerosol-generation section, which includes the aerosol-generating substrate, may be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, each tubular element having its respective end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0630] The aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion may include multiple strands of aerosol-generating material. The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both of the openings in the hollow tubular element.

[0631] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0632] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the hollow tubular element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the hollow tubular element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0633] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0634] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0635] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0636] The above ratio has been found to reduce the risk of any removed aerosol-generating material migrating upstream from the aerosol-generating section toward the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Such a ratio may ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent said migration. While the openings may be large enough for strands to pass through, internal packing friction between strands within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction by other strands may also play a role in preventing such migration. However, such a ratio may ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent and reduce said migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD) for the overall article. Furthermore, strands typically have an average length significantly longer than their average width. Any strands that may protrude from the openings would then need to travel a distance equivalent to their average length with relative difficulty in order to successfully migrate upstream.

[0637] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 20 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 15 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 10 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 7.5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 5 or less. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2.5 or less. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0638] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0639] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 15, 0.1 to 10, 0.1 to 7.5, 0.1 to 5, or 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 15, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 7.5, 0.2 to 5, or 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 0.5 to 20, 0.5 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 0.5 to 7.5, 0.5 to 5, or 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 7.5, 1 to 5, or 1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 2 to 20, 2 to 15, 2 to 10, 2 to 7.5, 2 to 5, or 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material may be 3 to 20, 3 to 15, 3 to 10, 3 to 7.5, or 3 to 5. Such openings in the support element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0640] The above ratio has been found to reduce the risk of any removed aerosol-generating material migrating downstream from the aerosol-generating section toward the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. Such a ratio may ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent said migration. While the openings may be large enough for strands to pass through, internal packing friction between strands within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction by other strands may also play a role in preventing such migration. However, such a ratio may ensure that the openings are sufficiently small relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent and reduce said migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD) for the overall article. Furthermore, strands typically have an average length significantly longer than their average width. Any strands that may protrude from the openings would still need to travel a distance equivalent to their average length with relative difficulty to successfully migrate downstream.

[0641] The opening of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of between 0.6 percent and 60 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity. The opening of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of between 1.5 percent and 21 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity.

[0642] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 0.6 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 1.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 2.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of at least 4 percent of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0643] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 60 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 21 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 10 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 9.5 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular element, of 7 percent or less of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0644] The hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter that defines the cavity. The inner diameter of the hollow tubular element may therefore be referred to as the cavity diameter. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is between 8 percent and 77 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is between 12 percent and 46 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is between 15 percent and 30 percent of the cavity diameter.

[0645] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 8 percent of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 12 percent of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 15 percent of the diameter of the cavity.

[0646] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 77 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 50 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 46 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 30 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity. The opening may have a diameter of 25 percent or less of the diameter of the cavity.

[0647] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 7 percent and 70 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 11 percent and 45 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 13 percent and 27 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The end opening of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter between 27 percent and 42 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0648] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 7 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 10 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 11 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 13 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0649] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 70 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 45 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 42 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 30 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter of 27 percent or less of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0650] The opening may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 0.8 mm to 3 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 1 mm to 2 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The opening may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0651] The opening may be at least 0.5 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 0.8 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 1 millimeter in diameter. The opening may be at least 1.5 millimeters in diameter. The opening may be at least 2 millimeters in diameter.

[0652] The opening may be 5 millimeters or less in diameter. The opening may be 4 millimeters or less in diameter. The opening may be 3 millimeters or less in diameter. The opening may be 2.5 millimeters or less in diameter.

[0653] A cavity may have a constant cross-section along its length, as measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element. That is, the cross-section of the cavity at a first longitudinal position of the hollow tubular element is preferably the same as the cross-section of the cavity from a second longitudinal position onwards. Thus, the area of ​​the cavity may be constant along the length of the hollow tubular element. However, if the cavity does not have a constant cross-section along its length (e.g., because the inner surface of the hollow tubular element tapers along the length of the hollow tubular element), then the area of ​​the cavity measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element is considered to be the smallest such area of ​​the cavity along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0654] A hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element exhibits negligible resistance to withdrawal (RTD). Therefore, the flow channel should not include any components that would obstruct longitudinal air flow. The flow path is substantially empty. In such cases, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element can define an empty cavity.

[0655] The hollow tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming the hollow tubular element from a tubular body defining a cavity extending from the first end of the tubular body to the second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be emptied and allow for smooth airflow. When the hollow tubular element is downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can help improve aerosol cooling and nucleation. Furthermore, such a configuration can also help minimize filtration of any compounds emitted from the aerosol-generating substrate, particularly when compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0656] By providing hollow tubular elements with folded or flanged ends that form end walls, the hollow tubular elements can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end walls. In particular, hollow tubular elements and their end walls can be efficiently and rapidly manufactured with satisfactory RTDs and low RTD variability between products. Furthermore, the configuration of hollow tubular elements and their end walls means that the RTD can be localized to specific longitudinal locations on the hollow tubular element, rather than being continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0657] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a barrier that can limit movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow air and / or aerosol to flow through the opening into the cavity. The structure of the hollow tubular element may also be better suited to withstand temperatures generated by the heating blade or susceptor element.

[0658] By providing the end wall openings with the sizes defined above, either in absolute terms or with reference to one or more of the tubular body cavity area, tubular body cavity diameter, and tubular body outer diameter or outer diameter, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value while reducing the risk of migration of the aerosol-generating substrate material. Furthermore, when the hollow tubular element is located downstream of the aerosol-generation section, selecting such opening sizes can aid in the formation of an aerosol with desired properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol components including one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0659] The aerosol-generation section and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with each other, for example, an end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to and in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generation section.

[0660] The aerosol-generating portion and the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to each other, but not in contact with each other, with a small gap of empty space separating the aerosol-generating portion from the hollow tubular element along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 millimeters or less. The gap may be 1 millimeter or less.

[0661] As mentioned above, the upstream element may be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generation portion. In such an embodiment, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0662] As mentioned above, the support element may be a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may therefore be located downstream of the aerosol-generation portion. In such an embodiment, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0663] The aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of the aerosol-generation section and the other upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generation section, wherein the downstream and upstream tubular elements may each have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular elements of the present disclosure.

[0664] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element, which is positioned downstream of the aerosol-generation section, with the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be positioned upstream of the aerosol-generation section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. As a result, the aerosol-generation section, which includes the aerosol-generating substrate, may be sandwiched between the upstream hollow tubular element and the downstream hollow tubular element, each tubular element having its respective end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol-generation section.

[0665] At least a first portion of the hollow tubular element forming the end wall may be substantially air-impermeable. In other words, the end wall may be substantially non-porous. The end wall may include no perforations. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 2000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 1000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of 500 Coresta units or less.

[0666] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element may be substantially air-impermeable. The tubular body may be substantially non-porous. The tubular body may include no perforations. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 2000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 1000 Coresta units or less. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of 500 Coresta units or less.

[0667] Where the aerosol-generation portion comprises an internal heating element within the aerosol-generating substrate, the opening in the first wall may be positioned to approximately coincide with the radial position of the internal heating element. This can advantageously help to maintain a distance between the end wall of the hollow tubular element and the internal heating of the aerosol-generation portion. Maintaining such a distance may help to mitigate any undesired heating of the end wall of the hollow tubular element by the internal heating.

[0668] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter or diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter or diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating portion is formed as a rod, the hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter or diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter or diameter of the aerosol-generating portion.

[0669] The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm, for example 7 mm to 9 mm, or 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm. The hollow tubular element may have an outer diameter of 7.8 mm.

[0670] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 5.5 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 6 millimeters. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 7 millimeters. The term "equivalent inner diameter" is used herein to refer to the diameter of a circle having the same surface area as the cross-section of the airflow conduit defined therein by the hollow tubular element. The cross-section of the airflow conduit may have any suitable shape, although, as briefly explained above, a circular cross-section is preferred. That is, the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is a substantially cylindrical tube. In that case, the equivalent inner diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the cylindrical tube.

[0671] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of 10 millimeters or less. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of 9.5 millimeters or less, or 9 millimeters or less.

[0672] The hollow tubular element may have a wall thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters, or at least 0.2 millimeters.

[0673] The hollow tubular element or tubular body thereof may have a wall thickness of 1.5 millimeters or less, or 1.25 millimeters or less. The hollow tubular element or tubular body thereof may have a wall thickness of 1 millimeter or less.

[0674] The hollow tubular element or tubular body may therefore have a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.2 mm to 1.25 mm, or 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0675] Providing the hollow tubular element or its tubular body with such a wall thickness can help improve the resistance of the tubular element to crushing or deformation, while also allowing the end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0676] The size of the hollow tubular element may be comparable to the upstream or support elements described in this disclosure.

[0677] The RTD of the hollow tubular element may be 0 millimeters H2O (about 0 Pa) to 20 millimeters H2O (about 100 Pa), or 0 millimeters H2O (about 0 Pa) to 10 millimeters H2O (about 100 Pa).

[0678] The hollow tubular element is preferably formed from a paper material, such as paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The hollow tubular element may be formed from multiple overlapping paper layers, such as multiple parallel wound paper layers or multiple spirally wound paper layers. Forming the hollow tubular element from multiple overlapping paper layers can help improve the tubular element's resistance to crushing or deformation, while also allowing end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0679] The hollow tubular element may comprise at least two paper layers. The hollow tubular element may comprise fewer than 11 paper layers.

[0680] When the hollow tubular element is formed from a paper material, the paper material may have a basis weight of at least 90 grams per square meter. The paper material may have a basis weight of 300 grams per square meter or less. The paper material may have a basis weight of 100 to 200 grams per square meter. Providing the hollow tubular element with such a wall basis weight can help improve the tubular element's resistance to crushing or deformation, while also allowing for end walls to be formed by folded or flanged ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0681] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0682] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device.

[0683] The aerosol generating device may include a power source and control electronics.

[0684] The aerosol generating device may include a battery and control electronics.

[0685] The aerosol generating device may include a housing defining a device cavity.

[0686] The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0687] The device cavity may be configured to accommodate at least the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0688] The device cavity may be substantially cylindrical.

[0689] The device cavity may be generally circular in cross section.

[0690] The aerosol generating device may be equipped with an external heating element.

[0691] An external heating element may be placed around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0692] The external heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0693] The external heating element may be a susceptor element.

[0694] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element for insertion within the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0695] The internal heating element may have a pointed tip to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0696] An internal heating element may be disposed within the device cavity.

[0697] The internal heating element may be disposed substantially longitudinally within the device cavity, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0698] The heating element may be centrally located within the device cavity. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity.

[0699] The aerosol generating device may include a directing element.

[0700] The inductive element may comprise one or more inductive coils.

[0701] The inductive elements may be positioned around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0702] The aerosol generating system may include a consumable aerosol generating article and a reusable aerosol generating device.

[0703] [Example] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below 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 any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0704] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating portion comprising an aerosol-generating substrate including a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material; and an elongated internal heating element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 2: 3. The aerosol-generating article of claim 2, wherein the internal heating element extends between the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion and the downstream end of the aerosol-generation portion. Example 3: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article according to Example 1 or Example 2 and an aerosol generating device. Example 4: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-generating portion, an aerosol-generating portion having an aerosol-generating substrate including a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an elongated internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. Example 5: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element. Example 6: 5. The aerosol generating system of claim 4, wherein the internal heating element is a resistive heating element. Example 7: 7. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 8: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 9: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 10: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 11: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter. Example 12: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 13: 13. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 14: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 15: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 16: 16. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. Example 17: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 120 milligrams. Example 18: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 130 milligrams. Example 19: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 140 milligrams. Example 20: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 150 milligrams. Example 21: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 160 milligrams. Example 22: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 340 milligrams or less. Example 23: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 310 milligrams or less. Example 24: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 280 milligrams or less. Example 25: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 250 milligrams or less. Example 26: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of 220 milligrams or less. Example 27: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 0.5 millimeters. Example 28: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 1 millimeter. Example 29: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 2 millimeters. Example 30: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 5 millimeters. Example 31: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 80 millimeters or less. Example 32: 32. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 31, wherein the strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 50 millimeters or less. Example 33: 33. An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 30 millimeters or less. Example 34: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 25 millimeters or less. Example 35: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 20 millimeters or less. Example 36: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of 15 millimeters or less. Example 37: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.1 millimeters. Example 38: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.3 millimeters. Example 39: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.4 millimeters. Example 40: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.5 millimeters. Example 41: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 40, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.6 millimeters. Example 42: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 5 millimeters or less. Example 43: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 42, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 2 millimeters or less. Example 44: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 43, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 1.5 millimeters or less. Example 45: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 44, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 1.2 millimeters or less. Example 46: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 45, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of 0.9 millimeters or less. Example 47: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.1 millimeters. Example 48: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 47, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.15 millimeters. Example 49: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.18 millimeters. Example 50: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.2 millimeters. Example 51: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 50, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 2 millimeters or less. Example 52: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 51, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 1 millimeter or less. Example 53: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 52, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 0.6 millimeters or less. Example 54: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 53, wherein the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of 0.3 millimeters or less. Example 55: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 54, wherein the internal heating element is at least 4 millimeters in length. Example 56: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 55, wherein the internal heating element is at least 6 millimeters in length. Example 57: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 56, wherein the internal heating element is at least 8 millimeters in length. Example 58: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 57, wherein the internal heating element is at least 10 millimeters in length. Example 59: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 45 millimeters or less. Example 60: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 59, wherein the internal heating element has a length of 35 millimeters or less. Example 61: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein the internal heating element is 25 millimeters or less in length. Example 62: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 61, wherein the internal heating element is 15 millimeters or less in length. Example 63: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the internal heating element is at least 0.5 millimeters wide. Example 64: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 63, wherein the internal heating element is at least 1 millimeter wide. Example 65: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 64, wherein the internal heating element is at least 1.5 millimeters wide. Example 66: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 65, wherein the internal heating element is at least 2 millimeters wide. Example 67: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 66, wherein the internal heating element is at least 2.5 millimeters wide. Example 68: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 67, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 8 millimeters or less. Example 69: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 68, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 7 millimeters or less. Example 70: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 69, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 6 millimeters or less. Example 71: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 70, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 5 millimeters or less. Example 72: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 71, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 4.5 millimeters or less. Example 73: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 72, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 4 millimeters or less. Example 74: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 73, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 3.5 millimeters or less. Example 75: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 74, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 3 millimeters or less. Example 76: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 75, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.05. Example 77: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 76, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.06. Example 78: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 77, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.08. Example 79: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.09. Example 80: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 79, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.10. Example 81: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 80, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.11. Example 82: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 81, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.12. Example 83: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.13. Example 84: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 83, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 4 or less. Example 85: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 84, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 3 or less. Example 86: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 85, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 2 or less. Example 87: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 86, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.8 or less. Example 88: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 87, wherein the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.6 or less. Example 89: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 88, wherein the ratio of the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.5 or less. Example 90: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 89, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.4 or less. Example 91: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 90, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is 1.3 or less. Example 92: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 91, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.04. Example 93: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 92, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.07. Example 94: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 93, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.10. Example 95: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 94, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.12. Example 96: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 95, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.15. Example 97: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 96, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.20. Example 98: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 97, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.25. Example 99: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 98, wherein the ratio of the average length of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 7 or less. Example 100: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 99, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 4 or less. Example 101: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 100, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 1 or less. Example 102: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 101, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.8 or less. Example 103: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 102, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.7 or less. Example 104: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 103, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.6 or less. Example 105: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 104, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.5 or less. Example 106: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 105, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion is at least 0.1. Example 107: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 106, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion is at least 0.2. Example 108: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 107, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion is at least 0.3. Example 109: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 108, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating portion is at least 0.4. Example 110: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 109, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating part is 0.9 or less. Example 111: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 110, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating part is 0.8 or less. Example 112: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 111, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating part is 0.7 or less. Example 113: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 112, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating part is 0.6 or less. Example 114: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 113, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.10. Example 115: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 114, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.15. Example 116: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 115, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.20. Example 117: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 116, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.40 or less. Example 118: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 117, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.35 or less. Example 119: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 118, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the overall length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.30 or less. Example 120: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 119, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 121: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 120, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 5 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 122: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 121, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 10 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 123: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 122, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 15 weight percent of an aerosol former. Example 124: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 123, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 30 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 125: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 124, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 25 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 126: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 125, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 20 weight percent or less of an aerosol former. Example 127: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 126, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 0.5 weight percent nicotine. Example 128: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 127, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1.0 weight percent nicotine. Example 129: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 128, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 1.5 weight percent nicotine. Example 130: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 129, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises at least 2.0 weight percent nicotine. Example 131: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 130, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 10 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 132: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 131, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 8 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 133: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 132, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 6 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 134: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 133, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises 4 weight percent or less of nicotine. Example 135: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 134, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a tobacco material. Example 136: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 135, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler. Example 137: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 135, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a homogenized tobacco material. Example 137: The aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 134, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a gel material. Example 138: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 137, wherein the aerosol-generating portion comprises a heat transfer enhancement element disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 139: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 138, wherein the heat transfer enhancement element is in direct contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 140: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any one of Examples 1 to 139, wherein the heat transfer enhancement element comprises a plurality of individual thermally conductive elements. Example 141: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 140, wherein the plurality of individual thermally conductive elements are substantially uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate. Example 142: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in example 140 or example 141, wherein the heat transfer enhancement element comprises a plurality of thermally conductive particles. Example 143: An aerosol-generating article or system as described in example 140 or example 141, wherein the heat transfer enhancement element comprises a plurality of thermally conductive strands. Example 144: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 138 to 143, wherein the heat transfer enhancement element comprises an aerosol former. Example 145: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 144, wherein the internal heating element is in direct contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 146: An aerosol-generating article or system according to any one of Examples 1 to 145, wherein the internal heating element is in direct contact with the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material. Example 147: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 146, wherein the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating base. Example 148: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 147, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a downstream section disposed downstream of the aerosol-generation section. Example 149: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 148, wherein the downstream portion comprises a support element abutting the downstream end of the aerosol-generating portion. Example 150: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 149, wherein the support element has an opening at the end of the support element. Example 151: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1. Example 152: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5. Example 153: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 1. Example 154: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 3. Example 155: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 150 to 154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 20 or less. Example 156: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 150 to 154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 10 or less. Example 157: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 150 to 154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 7.5 or less. Example 158: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 150 to 154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the support element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 5 or less. Example 159: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 150 to 158, wherein the support element is a hollow tubular downstream element having an end wall defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular downstream element. Example 160: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 159, wherein the end wall is defined by a flanged end of the hollow tubular downstream element. Example 161: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in example 159 or example 160, wherein the opening in the support element is defined through the end wall. Example 162: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 150 to 161, wherein the opening of the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element. Example 163: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 162, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an upstream portion disposed upstream of the aerosol-generation portion. Example 164: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 163, wherein the upstream portion comprises an upstream element having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generating portion. Example 165: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in example 163 or example 164, wherein the upstream element comprises a non-tubular element. Example 166: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in example 163 or example 164, wherein the upstream element has an opening at an end of the upstream element. Example 167: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1. Example 168: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5. Example 169: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 1. Example 170: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is at least 3. Example 171: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 20 or less. Example 172: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 10 or less. Example 173: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 7.5 or less. Example 174: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening in the upstream element to the average width of the multiple strands of aerosol-generating material is 5 or less. Example 175: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 174, wherein the upstream element is a hollow tubular upstream element having an end wall defining either the downstream end or the upstream end of the hollow tubular upstream element. Example 176: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system as described in Example 175, wherein the end wall is defined by a flanged end of the hollow tubular upstream element. Example 177: An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 166 to 176, wherein the opening of the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the support element. Example 178: 178. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 177, wherein the aerosol generating device is a handheld aerosol generating device. Example 179: 179. The aerosol generating system of any of Examples 1 to 178, wherein the aerosol generating device is an electrically operated aerosol generating device. Example 180: 179. The aerosol generating system of any of Examples 1-179, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power source and control electronics. Example 181: 181. The aerosol generating system of any of Examples 1-180, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a battery and control electronics. Example 182: 182. The aerosol generation system of any one of Examples 1-181, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a housing defining a device cavity. Example 183: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 182, wherein the device cavity is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. Example 184: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 183, wherein the device cavity is configured to accommodate at least the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article. Example 185: 185. The aerosol-generating system of any of Examples 1 to 184, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. Example 186: 186. The aerosol generating system of any of Examples 1-185, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a directing element. Example 187: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 186, wherein the inductive element comprises one or more inductive coils. Example 188: The aerosol generation system of example 186 or example 187, wherein the directing element is disposed around the periphery of the device cavity.

[0705] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0706] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 10 is generally cylindrical, with an overall length of 45 millimeters and an outer diameter of 7.2 millimeters.

[0707] The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises an aerosol-generating section 12 and a downstream section 14. The downstream section 14 is disposed downstream of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosol-generating section 12 is 14 millimeters long. The downstream section is 31 millimeters long.

[0708] The aerosol-generating section 12 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate 16 and a susceptor element 18 disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate 16 .

[0709] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 comprises 180 milligrams of tobacco cut filler. The tobacco cut filler is surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The tobacco cut filler comprises multiple strands of tobacco lamina. The tobacco cut filler comprises 90 percent by weight of tobacco lamina. The tobacco cut filler has a glycerin content of 18 percent by weight. The tobacco cut filler has a cut width of 1 millimeter. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 325 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0710] The susceptor element 18 is longitudinally disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate 16. As shown in Figure 1, the susceptor 18 is centrally disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate 16 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating portion 12. The susceptor element is 12 millimeters long, 5 millimeters wide, and 60 micrometers thick. The ratio of the cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the susceptor element 18 is 0.2.

[0711] The downstream portion 14 includes a support element 20 and a mouthpiece element 22 .

[0712] The support element 20 is positioned immediately downstream of the aerosol-generating section 12. The upstream end of the support element 20 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12. The support element is 24 millimeters long. As shown in FIG. 1 , the support element 20 is a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element has an inner diameter of 6.7 millimeters. The hollow tubular element is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 millimeters. The hollow tubular element defines an internal cavity or tubular space extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The internal cavity is substantially empty. During use, airflow through the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted. The hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10. The RTD of the support element 20 is 0 millimeters HO.

[0713] The aerosol-generating article 10 includes a ventilation zone 24 located along the downstream portion 14. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the downstream portion 14 is 18 millimeters. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12 is 27 millimeters. As shown in FIG. 1 , the ventilation zone is located along the support element 20. The ventilation zone 24 may include a row of circumferential perforations. The perforations extend through the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. In use, the perforations allow air to flow from outside the aerosol-generating article 10 into the interior cavity defined by the hollow tubular element.

[0714] The mouthpiece element 22 is positioned immediately downstream of the support element 20. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 abuts the downstream end of the support element 20. The downstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The mouthpiece element 22 is 7 millimeters in length. The mouthpiece element 22 is a cylindrical segment of low-density cellulose acetate tow surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the mouthpiece element 22 is 8 millimeters HO.

[0715] The aerosol-generating article 10 includes an upstream wrapper (not shown) that surrounds the aerosol-generating section 12 and the adjacent upstream portion of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14. The upstream wrapper is 24 millimeters in length.

[0716] The aerosol-generating article 10 also includes a downstream wrapper (not shown) that surrounds the mouthpiece element 22 and the adjacent downstream portion of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14. The downstream wrapper is 26 millimeters in length. The downstream wrapper overlies the downstream portion of the upstream wrapper.

[0717] The perforations in ventilation zone 24 extend through the upstream and downstream wrappers.

[0718] Figure 2 shows an aerosol-generating article 30 according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 will be described only in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0719] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that it includes an upstream portion 32. The upstream portion 32 is located upstream of the aerosol-generating portion 12. The upstream end of the upstream portion 32 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 30. The upstream portion has a length of 5 millimeters.

[0720] The upstream section 32 comprises an upstream element 34. The upstream element 34 is positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol-generation section 12. The downstream end of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-generation section 12. The upstream end of the upstream element 34 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 30. The upstream element 34 is 5 millimeters in length. The upstream element 34 is a cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the upstream element is 30 millimeters HO.

[0721] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that the length of the aerosol-generating portion 12 is 12 millimeters.

[0722] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that the aerosol-generating substrate 16 comprises 150 milligrams of tobacco cut filler. The glycerin content of the tobacco cut filler is 17 percent by weight. The cut width of the tobacco cut filler is 0.7 millimeters. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 316 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0723] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that the susceptor element has a length of 12 millimeters, a width of 4 millimeters, and a thickness of 60 micrometers. The ratio of the cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the susceptor element 18 is 0.175. The susceptor element 18 is centrally disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate 16 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation portion 12 from the upstream end of the aerosol-generation portion 12 to the downstream end of the aerosol-generation portion 12.

[0724] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 in that the length of the downstream portion is 28 millimeters and the length of the support element 20 is 21 millimeters.

[0725] Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 40 according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 will be described only in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 3.

[0726] The aerosol-generating article 40 shown in FIG. 3 differs from the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in FIG. 2 in that the upstream element 34 is a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element has an inner diameter of 5.1 millimeters. The hollow tubular element is a hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The peripheral wall of the hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube has a thickness of 1 millimeter. The hollow tubular element defines an internal cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The internal cavity is substantially empty. During use, airflow through the internal cavity defined by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted. The hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10. The RTD of the upstream element is 1 millimeter HO.

[0727] The aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Figure 2 in that the aerosol-generating substrate 16 comprises 210 milligrams of tobacco cut filler. The glycerin content of the tobacco cut filler is 18 weight percent. The cut width of the tobacco cut filler is 0.6 millimeters. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 442 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The ratio of the cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the susceptor element 18 is 0.15.

[0728] Figure 4 shows an aerosol-generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating system 100 comprises an aerosol-generating article 40 according to the third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention shown in Figure 3, and an aerosol-generating device 110.

[0729] The aerosol-generating device 110 includes a housing 112. The housing 112 defines a device cavity 114 configured to accommodate the aerosol-generating article 40. The aerosol-generating device includes a directing element 116. The directing element 116 is disposed around the periphery of the device cavity 114.

[0730] As shown in FIG. 4, the aerosol generating system 100 is configured such that when the aerosol generating article 40 is housed within the device cavity 116 of the aerosol generating device 110, a ventilation zone 24 located along the support element 20 at the downstream portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 40 is exposed.

[0731] The aerosol generating device 110 further comprises a power source in the form of a battery (not shown), for example a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown), which controls the supply of power from the battery to the inductive element 116.

[0732] In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductive element 116 induces eddy currents in the susceptor element 18 within the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article 40. This causes the susceptor element 18 within the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article 40 to heat.

[0733] A user inhales on the mouthpiece element 22 of the aerosol-generating article 40. The aerosol-generating system 100 is configured such that when the user inhales on the mouthpiece element 22, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 40 through the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 40. The inhaled air flows downstream through the internal cavity of the upstream element 34 of the upstream portion 32 of the aerosol-generating article 40 to the aerosol-generating section 12 of the aerosol-generating article 40.

[0734] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 40 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the susceptor element 18. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate 16 releases volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the tobacco cut filler, thereby producing an aerosol that becomes entrained in inhaled air as it flows through the aerosol-generating substrate 16. The inhaled air and entrained aerosol pass through the internal cavity of the support element 20 of the downstream portion 14 of the aerosol-generating article 40, where it cools and condenses. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece element 22 of the downstream portion 14 of the aerosol-generating article 40 and into the user's mouth.

[0735] Figure 5 shows an aerosol-generating article 210 for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 will only be described in terms of its differences from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0736] The aerosol-generating article 210 shown in FIG. 5 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that the aerosol-generating article 210 does not include a susceptor element 18 within the aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating portion 12 .

[0737] Figure 6 shows an aerosol-generating article 220 for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 220 shown in Figure 6 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 220 shown in Figure 6 will only be described in terms of its differences from the aerosol-generating article 210 shown in Figure 5.

[0738] The aerosol-generating article 220 shown in Figure 6 differs from the aerosol-generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 in that the support element 20 is a hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube with an inner diameter of 5.1 millimeters. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube is 1 millimeter.

[0739] Figure 7 shows an aerosol-generating article 240 for use in an aerosol-generating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 240 shown in Figure 7 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 240 shown in Figure 7 will only be described in terms of its differences from the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3.

[0740] The aerosol-generating article 240 shown in FIG. 7 differs from the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in FIG. 3 in that the aerosol-generating article 240 does not include a susceptor element 18 within the aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating section 12 .

[0741] The aerosol-generating article 240 shown in Figure 7 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 in that the support element 20 is a hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube with an inner diameter of 5.1 millimeters. The peripheral wall thickness of the hollow, cylindrical cellulose acetate tube is 1 millimeter.

[0742] 8 shows an aerosol-generating system 400 according to a first embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating system 400 comprises the aerosol-generating article 210 shown in FIG.

[0743] The aerosol-generating device 410 shown in Figure 8 is similar to the aerosol-generating device 110 shown in Figure 4 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol-generating device 410 shown in Figure 8 will be described only in terms of the differences from the aerosol-generating device 110 shown in Figure 4.

[0744] The aerosol generation device 410 shown in Figure 8 differs from the aerosol generation device 110 shown in Figure 4 in that it includes an internal heating element 418 disposed within the device cavity 114. The internal heating element 418 is a susceptor element. The internal heating element 418 is generally cylindrical. The internal heating element 418 is 12 millimeters long and 2 millimeters in diameter. As shown in Figure 8, the internal heating element 418 is centrally disposed within the device cavity 114 of the aerosol generation device 410 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the device cavity 114.

[0745] In use, the varying or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the inductive element 116 disposed around the periphery of the device cavity 114 induces eddy currents in the internal heating element 418 disposed within the device cavity 114. This causes the internal heating element 418 to heat up.

[0746] The internal heating element 418 of the aerosol-generating device 410 may be provided with a tip (not shown) to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element 418 into the aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 210.

[0747] The ratio of the cut width of the tobacco cut filler in the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 210 to the diameter of the internal heating element 418 of the aerosol-generating device 410 is 0.5.

[0748] A user inhales on the mouthpiece element 22 of the aerosol-generating article 210. The aerosol-generating system 400 is configured such that when the user inhales on the mouthpiece element 22, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 210 through the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 210. The inhaled air flows downstream through the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0749] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 210 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 418 of the aerosol-generating device 410. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate 16 releases volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the tobacco cut filler, thereby producing an aerosol that becomes entrained in inhaled air as it flows through the aerosol-generating substrate 16. The inhaled air and entrained aerosol pass through the internal cavity of the support element 20 of the downstream portion 14 of the aerosol-generating article 210, where they cool and condense. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece element 22 of the downstream portion 14 of the aerosol-generating article 210 and into the user's mouth.

[0750] 9 shows an aerosol-generating system 500 according to a second embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating system 500 comprises the aerosol-generating article 210 and an aerosol-generating device 510 shown in FIG.

[0751] The aerosol generation device 510 shown in Figure 9 is similar to the aerosol generation device 410 shown in Figure 8 and described above. Therefore, the aerosol generation device 510 shown in Figure 9 will be described only in terms of the differences from the aerosol generation device 410 shown in Figure 8.

[0752] The aerosol-generating device 510 shown in FIG. 9 differs from the aerosol-generating device 410 shown in FIG. 9 in that the internal heating element 518 is a resistive heating element rather than a susceptor element.

[0753] The aerosol generation device 510 shown in FIG. 9 also differs from the aerosol generation device 410 shown in FIG. 9 in that it does not include a directing element 116 disposed around the periphery of the device cavity 114 .

[0754] In use, electrical current in the internal heating element 518, which is disposed within the device cavity 114, causes the internal heating element 518 to heat up. The aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating portion 12 of the aerosol-generating article 210 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 518 of the aerosol-generating device 510.

[0755] The specific embodiments and examples described above illustrate, but do not limit, the invention. It is understood that other embodiments of the invention may be made and that the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0756] In particular, in the above specific embodiments and examples, the aerosol-generating substrate is tobacco cut filler comprising multiple strands of tobacco lamina. However, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple strands of other aerosol-generating materials. For example, there may be other embodiments of the invention in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises multiple strands of homogenized tobacco material or multiple strands of a nicotine-containing gel material.

[0757] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about." Accordingly, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10 percent. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generating unit, wherein the aerosol generating unit is An aerosol generating substrate comprising multiple strands of aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, The aerosol generating unit comprises an elongated internal heating element disposed within the aerosol generating substrate, which is in thermal contact with a plurality of strands of the aerosol generating material, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element. An aerosol generating article in which the aerosol generating substrate is a tobacco cut filler, and the ratio of the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the internal heating element is 0.05 to 4.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco cut filler has an average cut width of 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

3. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

4. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the internal heating element is 0.06 to 3.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.1 to 1.

6. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section is 0.1 to 0.

8.

7. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

8. The aerosol-generating article is An upstream section located upstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the upstream section is An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an upstream element having a downstream end that contacts the aerosol generating portion, and an upstream portion.

9. The aerosol-generating article is A downstream section located downstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the downstream section is An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a downstream portion and a support element having an upstream end that contacts the aerosol generating portion.

10. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal heating element extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

11. An aerosol generating system, an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an aerosol generator equipped with a guide element, An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an external heating element.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the external heating element is a resistance heating element.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the external heating element is a susceptor element.

15. An aerosol generating system, Aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generating unit, wherein the aerosol generating unit is An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating section comprising an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of 100 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams / cubic centimeter, an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator is An aerosol generating device comprising an elongated internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol generating base of the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article, Equipped with, The aerosol generating substrate is a tobacco cut filler. An aerosol generating system in which the ratio of the average cutting width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the internal heating element is 0.05 to 4.

16. The aerosol generating system according to claim 15, wherein the tobacco cut filler has an average cut width of 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

17. The aerosol generating system according to claim 15, wherein the internal heating element has a width of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

18. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the tobacco cut filler to the width of the internal heating element is 0.06 to 3.

19. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the ratio of the average length of a plurality of strands of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element is 0.1 to 1.

20. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section is 0.1 to 0.

8.

21. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of 275 milligrams / cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams / cubic centimeter.

22. The aerosol generating article is An upstream section located upstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the upstream section is The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising an upstream section having an upstream element having a downstream end that contacts the aerosol generating section.

23. The aerosol generating article is A downstream section located downstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the downstream section is The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a downstream portion which includes a support element having an upstream end that contacts the aerosol generating portion.

24. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an external heating element.

25. The aerosol generating system according to claim 24, wherein the external heating element is a resistance heating element.

26. The aerosol generating system according to claim 24, wherein the external heating element is a susceptor element.

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