Detection of segments of aerosol-generating articles using two consecutive sensors

Abstract

A method for quality control of the arrangement (3) of segments for an aerosol-generating article is provided. The arrangement (3) of segments comprises at least two segments arranged continuously along a longitudinal axis (15), each segment extending along the longitudinal axis (15) between two opposite longitudinal ends of the segment. The at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment (17). The at least one aerosol-generating segment (17) comprises an aerosol-generating material (21) and a susceptor (19). The susceptor (19) comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material (21). The method comprises performing a first measurement comprising detecting the susceptor (19) by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor (19). The method further comprises performing a second measurement comprising optically detecting at least one of the at least one longitudinal end of the segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to providing quality control for segment arrangements for aerosol-generating articles.

Background Art

[0002] WO 2021 / 121790 A1 discloses a method for optical analysis of components of an aerosol-generating article. The component is rod-shaped and defines a first end and a second end, one being opposite the other. The component includes an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor inserted within the aerosol-forming substrate. A first image of the first end of the component is generated by a first polarization camera to detect the position of the susceptor within the first image. A second image of the first end of the component is generated by a second polarization camera. The polarization information contained within the first image is combined with the polarization information contained within the second image to obtain a single combined image of the first end of the component. A third image of the second end of the component is generated by a third polarization camera to detect the position of the susceptor within the third image. In one embodiment, an X-ray sensor is provided for irradiating the component between the first end and the second end.

[0003] During the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, individual segments, such as rod-shaped segments, may be positioned relative to each other to form a segment arrangement. There is a need to provide a method for performing quality control of segment arrangements for aerosol-generating articles. There is a need to provide a method for determining the length of one or more individual segments within a segment arrangement. There is a need to provide a method for determining the position of one or more segments within a segment arrangement. There is a need for a method for performing quality control of segment arrangements in an efficient manner. One or more of these needs may be at least partially satisfied by the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for quality control of segment arrangement for aerosol-generating articles is provided. The arrangement of segments includes at least two segments arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis. Each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposite longitudinal ends of the segment. At least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment. The at least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor. The susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material. The method includes performing a first measurement including detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor. The method further includes performing a second measurement including optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.

[0005] Since the first measurement depends on detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor, the first measurement may detect the susceptor with high reliability. The first measurement may detect the metallic material of the susceptor substantially independently of the appearance and light transmission characteristics of the segment. The magnetic measurement may enable detection of the susceptor, and thus the aerosol-generating segment, even when the aerosol-generating segment and an adjacent segment without a susceptor are not visibly distinguishable.

[0006] The second measurement may detect at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments depending on different optical characteristics of different segments of the arrangement of segments. The second measurement may enable distinguishing between two or more segments without a susceptor.

[0007] The second measurement may be particularly efficient in detecting the longitudinal end of a segment that does not directly abut another longitudinal end of one of the segments.

[0008] The second measurement may specifically involve detecting the longitudinal end of a segment that directly abuts the longitudinal end of another segment by utilizing different optical properties of the segments.

[0009] Since the first measurement and the second measurement rely on different measurement principles, a wide range of information regarding the arrangement of the segments may be obtained by performing both measurements. Combining the first magnetic measurement and the second optical measurement may enable obtaining accurate information regarding different types of segments or the interaction between segments.

[0010] The susceptor may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The susceptor may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating segment along the longitudinal axis. The susceptor may be embedded within the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-generating segment. The aerosol-generating material may completely surround the susceptor with respect to the circumferential direction of the susceptor. The susceptor may extend along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the susceptor to a second end of the susceptor. Along the longitudinal axis, the first end of the susceptor and the second end of the susceptor may each coincide with two opposite longitudinal ends of the aerosol-generating segment.

[0011] The first measurement may involve detecting the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis. Detecting the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis may include detecting the position of the first end of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis, detecting the position of the second end of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis, and / or detecting the length of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis may be detected, for example, as an absolute position along the longitudinal axis during the first measurement with respect to a specific reference point along the longitudinal axis. The position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis may be determined, for example, as a relative position along the longitudinal axis with respect to a specific feature of the arrangement of the segments.

[0013] The second measurement may include detecting the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.

[0014] The position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected as an absolute position along the longitudinal axis during the second measurement, for example, with respect to a specific reference point along the longitudinal axis. The position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected as a relative position along the longitudinal axis with respect to a specific feature of the arrangement of the segments. For example, the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis may be detected with respect to the position of another longitudinal end of one of the segments.

[0015] At least one longitudinal end detected by the second measurement may be a longitudinal end of a segment different from at least one aerosol generation segment. At least one longitudinal end detected by the second measurement may be a longitudinal end of a segment without a susceptor.

[0016] At least two segments may comprise at least one segment without a susceptor. At least two segments may comprise at least one segment without a metallic material.

[0017] At least two segments may include at least one of a filter segment, or a segment having a hollow acetate tube, or a mouthpiece segment. One or more of the filter segment, the segment having a hollow acetate tube, or the mouthpiece segment may be metal-free. The filter segment may comprise a filter for filtering an aerosol released by an aerosol-generating material. The hollow acetate tube may be configured to provide a path through which an aerosol generated by an aerosol-generating segment may flow. The aerosol may be cooled while flowing through the hollow acetate tube. The mouthpiece segment may be configured to form a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating article to be engaged by a user's mouth.

[0018] At least two segments may be fixed relative to each other.

[0019] At least two segments may be provided in an end-to-end contact arrangement along a longitudinal axis. Successive segments of at least two segments may abut each other. The spacing along the longitudinal axis between successive segments may be less than 10 millimeters, or less than 5 millimeters, or less than 3 millimeters, or less than 1 millimeter, or less than 0.5 millimeter.

[0020] The arrangement of segments may further comprise a wrapper wound around at least two segments. The wrapper may fix at least two segments relative to each other. The wrapper may be wound around at least two segments along the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis. For example, the wrapper may comprise a paper material. The wrapper may define the appearance of the arrangement of segments. The wrapper may have the same color along its entire surface. The wrapper may be wound around at least two segments along the entire length of the arrangement of segments. Preferably, the wrapper is translucent.

[0021] Optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments in the second measurement may include optically detecting at least two longitudinal ends of the segments, or detecting three or more longitudinal ends of the segments.

[0022] The second measurement may include detecting at least one longitudinal end by light transmission measurement. The light transmission measurement may make it possible to distinguish adjacent segments based on different light transmittance of the segments. The different light transmittance of the segments may result from different compositions of the segments.

[0023] The second measurement may include emitting light from a light source so that the light travels through the arrangement of segments, and detecting the intensity of the light exiting the arrangement of segments on the opposite side using an optical detector. The light source and the optical detector may be provided on the opposite side of the arrangement of segments. The arrangement of segments may be provided between the light source and the optical detector. The light source, the arrangement of segments, and the optical detector may be arranged successively along a direction that forms at least substantially a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The light may cross the arrangement of segments along a direction that forms at least substantially a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] The second measurement may include obtaining a photograph of the arrangement of the segments. The photograph may be included within a video. The method may include analyzing the photograph to detect the interfaces between adjacent segments. The method may include analyzing the photograph to detect the length or position of at least one of the segments. Analyzing the photograph may include analyzing the light intensity within different regions of the photograph. Analyzing the photograph may include analyzing the light intensity distribution along the major axis direction axis.

[0025] The second measurement may include detecting the interfaces of adjacent segments. The interfaces of adjacent segments may be determined as the positions along the major axis direction axis where the transmittance of the segment arrangement changes.

[0026] The first measurement may include detecting the current within the electric coil. The current may indicate the metallic material within the measurement region. The metallic material may be the metallic material of the susceptor. The electric coil may be part of a metal detector. The winding direction of the electric coil may be around the major axis direction axis. The winding direction of the electric coil may be perpendicular to the major axis direction axis. The electric coil may be a detector coil.

[0027] The first measurement may include inducing a current within the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the susceptor. The current may be induced within the susceptor by subjecting the susceptor to an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be generated by an electric coil, specifically an excitation coil.

[0028] The method may further include transporting the arrangement of segments. One or both of the first measurement and the second measurement may be performed while the arrangement of segments is being transported. One or both of the first measurement and the second measurement may be performed inline during a manufacturing process being carried out with the arrangement of segments. The arrangement of segments may be transported along a transport path. At least one section of the transport path may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first measurement station configured to perform the first measurement may be provided along the transport path. The second measurement station configured to perform the second measurement may be provided along the transport path. The second measurement station may be provided downstream of the first measurement station with respect to the transport path. One or both of the first measurement station and the second measurement station may be stationary. The arrangement of segments may be transported through the first measurement station parallel to the axial direction.

[0029] The method may further include separating the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments between the first measurement and the second measurement. If the arrangement of segments is separated from the further arrangement of segments before the second measurement, the second measurement may detect defects resulting from the separation process. For example, the second measurement may be configured to determine whether the arrangement of segments is separated from the further arrangement of segments at the correct position and / or whether the arrangement of segments has the correct length after the separation process.

[0030] The method may include evaluating data from a first measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the segment arrangement. The method may include evaluating data from a second measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the segment arrangement. The method may include evaluating data from the first measurement and data from the second measurement to determine the length of at least one individual segment of the segment arrangement. The method may include evaluating data from the first measurement and data from the second measurement to determine the length of an individual segment of the segment arrangement. The data from the first measurement and the data from the second measurement may be combined to determine the length of one or more individual segments of the segment arrangement.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for quality control of a segment arrangement for an aerosol generating article is provided. The segment arrangement includes at least two segments. The at least two segments are arranged continuously along a major axis direction axis. Each segment extends along the major axis direction axis between two opposite major axis direction ends of the segment. The at least two segments include at least one aerosol generating segment. The at least one aerosol generating segment includes an aerosol generating material and a susceptor. The susceptor includes a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material. The system includes a first measurement station, a second measurement station, and a conveying system. The first measurement station includes a magnetic detector configured to detect the susceptor by a magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor. The second measurement station includes an optical detector configured to optically detect at least one major axis direction end of at least one of the segments. The conveying system is configured to carry the segment arrangement along a conveying path through the first measurement station and the second measurement station.

[0032] Preferably, at least one section of the transport path may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the transport path is parallel to the longitudinal axis at the first measurement station.

[0033] Preferably, the second measurement station is downstream of the first measurement station with respect to the transport path.

[0034] The magnetic detector may comprise at least one detection coil. The magnetic detector may comprise a measuring device for measuring the current flowing through the detection coil.

[0035] The magnetic detector may comprise an excitation coil configured to induce a current in the susceptor.

[0036] The magnetic detector may be configured to detect the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.

[0037] The magnetic detector may be configured to detect the position of the susceptor in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The magnetic detector may be configured to detect the displacement of the susceptor from the orientation of the target susceptor. The orientation of the target susceptor may correspond to a susceptor extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The magnetic detector may be configured to detect the deviation of the susceptor from the target radial susceptor position. The target radial susceptor position may correspond to a susceptor located centrally within the aerosol generation segment.

[0038] The at least one detection coil may comprise two or more detection coils, specifically four detection coils. The detection coils may be arranged such that their respective winding axes extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The detection coils may be arranged circumferentially around the transport path at 90-degree intervals. The measuring device may be configured to separately detect the current flowing through each individual detection coil.

[0039] The optical detector may be configured to detect the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis direction.

[0040] The optical detector may be configured to detect the interface of adjacent segments.

[0041] The optical detector may include a light source. The optical detector may include a photodetector. The light source and the photodetector may be disposed on opposite sides of the transport path. The light source may be optional, and for example, natural light may be used instead.

[0042] The photodetector may include a camera. The camera may be a monochromatic camera. The camera may be a camera capable of perceiving colors. The photodetector may be configured to record the light intensity within the detection region. The photodetector may be configured to record the light intensity distribution along the axial direction.

[0043] The system may further include a cutting station. The cutting station may be configured to separate the arrangement of segments from the arrangement of at least additional segments. The arrangement of segments and the further arrangement of segments may be of the same configuration or a similar configuration. The cutting station may be disposed between the first measurement station and the second measurement station with respect to the transport path.

[0044] The system may further include a computing device. The computing device may be configured to determine the length of individual segments of the arrangement of segments by combining measurement data from the first measurement station with measurement data from the second measurement station.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a magnetic detector for determining at least one of the position and length of an aerosol generating segment within the arrangement of segments for an aerosol generating article. The arrangement of segments includes at least two segments arranged to be continuous along a longitudinal axis.

[0046] The aerosol generating segment may comprise an aerosol generating material and a susceptor including a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material.

[0047] The measurement data from the magnetic detector may be combined with the measurement data from an optical detector that optically detects at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.

[0048] Optically detecting at least one longitudinal end may include detecting the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.

[0049] Optically detecting at least one longitudinal end may include detecting the interface between adjacent segments.

[0050] The arrangement of segments may be separated from the arrangement of at least further segments between the magnetic detector and the optical detector.

[0051] The measurement data from the magnetic detector and the measurement data from the optical detector are evaluated to determine the length of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.

[0052] According to different aspects, the present invention provides a method for quality control of segment arrangement, a system for quality control of segment arrangement, and the use of a magnetic detector. Features and descriptions presented with respect to any one of these aspects may be transferred to, or combined with, any one of the other aspects. The system may be designed, adapted, or configured to execute or use the method. The method and use may be executed using the system. The method may include the use. The use may include the method.

[0053] The segment arrangement may comprise at least two segments, or at least three segments, or at least four segments, or at least five segments, or at least six segments, or at least seven segments. The segment arrangement may comprise at least one aerosol generating segment. The segment arrangement may comprise two aerosol generating segments.

[0054] The aerosol generating material of the aerosol generating segment may include tobacco materials such as, for example, cut filler material or reconstituted tobacco material. The aerosol generating material may include one or more additives, specifically aerosol generating additives. As it is heated, the aerosol generating material may release an aerosol for consumption by the user.

[0055] The arrangement of segments may be configured for use in an aerosol generating article that functions according to the principle of heat-not-burn. The aerosol generating article may be inserted into an aerosol generating device that is heated to provide an aerosol for consumption by a user. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater configured to heat a susceptor. The heater may be configured to generate a magnetic field to induce an electric current within the susceptor to heat the susceptor. The heater may comprise a heater coil. Heat from the susceptor may be transferred to an aerosol generating material surrounding the susceptor to emit an aerosol for consumption.

[0056] For example, the length of an individual segment may be 5 millimeters to 100 millimeters, or 10 millimeters to 50 millimeters, or 10 millimeters to 40 millimeters. The segments of the arrangement of segments may comprise at least two segments of different lengths.

[0057] The segment may be a cylindrical segment.

[0058] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the above-described features, for example, any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0059] Example 1: A method for performing quality control of an arrangement of segments for an aerosol generating article, the arrangement of segments comprising at least two segments arranged continuously along a longitudinal axis, each segment extending along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment, at least two segments comprising at least one aerosol generating segment, At least one aerosol generating segment comprises an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, the susceptor includes a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material, and the method comprises performing a first measurement including detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor, and performing a second measurement including optically detecting at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments, a method.

[0060] Example 2: The method according to Example 1, wherein the first measurement includes detecting the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.

[0061] Example 3: The method according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the second measurement includes detecting the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.

[0062] Example 4: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein at least one longitudinal end detected in the second measurement is a longitudinal end of a segment different from at least one aerosol generating segment.

[0063] Example 5: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein at least two segments include at least one segment without a susceptor.

[0064] Example 6: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein at least two segments include at least one of a filter segment, or a segment having a hollow acetate tube, or a mouthpiece segment.

[0065] Example 7: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein at least two segments are fixed relative to each other.

[0066] Example 8: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the arrangement of segments further comprises a wrapper wound around at least two segments.

[0067] Example 9: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the second measurement comprises detecting at least one end in the major axis direction by light transmission measurement.

[0068] Example 10: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the second measurement comprises obtaining an image of the arrangement of segments.

[0069] Example 11: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the second measurement comprises detecting the interface between adjacent segments.

[0070] Example 12: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the first measurement comprises detecting the current in the electric coil.

[0071] Example 13: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the first measurement value comprises inducing a current in the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the susceptor.

[0072] Example 14: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, further comprising carrying the arrangement of segments, wherein one or both of the first measurement and the second measurement are performed while the arrangement of segments is being carried.

[0073] Example 15: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, further comprising separating the arrangement of segments from at least a further arrangement of segments between the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

[0074] Example 16: A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising evaluating the data from the first measurement and the data from the second measurement to determine the length of the individual segments of the arrangement of segments.

[0075] Example 17: A system for quality control of segment arrangement for aerosol-generating articles, comprising: The segment arrangement comprises at least two segments arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis, each segment extending along the longitudinal axis between two opposite longitudinal ends of the segment; At least two segments comprise at least one aerosol-generating segment; At least one aerosol-generating segment comprises an aerosol-generating material and a susceptor; The susceptor comprises a metallic material for heating the aerosol-generating material, and The system comprises: A first measurement station comprising a magnetic detector configured to detect the susceptor by magnetic interaction with the metallic material of the susceptor; A second measurement station comprising an optical detector configured to optically detect at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments; A transport system configured to transport the segment arrangement along a transport path through the first measurement station and the second measurement station.

[0076] Example 18: The system according to Example 17, wherein the magnetic detector comprises at least one detection coil and a measuring device for measuring a current flowing through the detection coil.

[0077] Example 19: The system according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the magnetic detector comprises an excitation coil configured to induce a current in the susceptor.

[0078] Example 20: The system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the magnetic detector is configured to detect the position of the susceptor along the longitudinal axis.

[0079] Example 21: The system according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein the magnetic detector is configured to detect the position of the susceptor in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0080] Example 22: A system according to any one of Examples 17 to 21, wherein the optical detector is configured to detect the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.

[0081] Example 23: A system according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the optical detector is configured to detect the interface between adjacent segments.

[0082] Example 24: A system according to any one of Examples 17 to 23, wherein the optical detector includes a light source and a photodetector, and the light source and the photodetector are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path.

[0083] Example 25: A system according to Example 24, wherein the photodetector includes a camera.

[0084] Example 26: A system according to any one of Examples 17 to 25, further comprising a cutting station disposed between the first measurement station and the second measurement station, the cutting station being configured to separate the arrangement of segments from the arrangement of at least additional segments.

[0085] Example 27: A system according to any one of Examples 17 to 26, further comprising a computing device configured to determine the length of individual segments of the segment arrangement by combining measurement data from the first measurement station with measurement data from the second measurement station.

[0086] Example 28: Use of a magnetic detector for determining at least one of the position and length of an aerosol generating segment in an arrangement of segments for an aerosol generating article, the arrangement of segments comprising at least two segments arranged continuously along a longitudinal axis.

[0087] Example 29: Use according to Example 28, wherein the aerosol generating segment comprises an aerosol generating material and a susceptor comprising a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material.

[0088] Example 30: Use according to Example 28 or 29, wherein measurement data from a magnetic detector is combined with measurement data from an optical detector that optically detects at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments.

[0089] Example 31: Use according to any one of Examples 28 to 30, wherein optically detecting at least one longitudinal end comprises detecting the position of at least one longitudinal end along the longitudinal axis.

[0090] Example 32: Use according to any one of Examples 28 to 31, wherein optically detecting at least one longitudinal end comprises detecting the interface of adjacent segments.

[0091] Example 33: Use according to any one of Examples 28 to 32, wherein the arrangement of the segments is separated from the arrangement of at least further segments between the magnetic detector and the optical detector.

[0092] Example 34: Use according to any one of Examples 28 to 33, wherein the measurement data from the magnetic detector and the measurement data from the optical detector are evaluated to determine the length of the individual segments of the segment arrangement.

[0093] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0094]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0095] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a system 1 for quality control of an arrangement 3 of segments for aerosol-generating articles. The arrangement 3 of segments is conveyed along a conveyance path by a conveyance system 5. In Figure 1, the arrangement 3 of segments is essentially conveyed from left to right.

[0096] Upstream and to the left of Figure 1, the arrangement 3 of segments is provided in the form of a combination 7 of arrangements 3. Each combination 7 includes two arrangements 3 of segments. The system 1 comprises a cutting station 9 where the combination 7 of arrangements 3 is separated into individual arrangements 3 of segments. Therefore, downstream of the cutting station 9 (to the right of the cutting station 9 in Figure 1), the arrangement 3 of segments is provided in the form of individual arrangements 3 of segments.

[0097] The conveyance system 5 comprises a linear conveyor 11 that conveys the arrangement 3 of segments from left to right in Figure 1 through the cutting station 9 along a conveyance direction 13.

[0098] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the arrangement 3 of segments present within the system 1 downstream of the cutting station 9 in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the conveyance direction 13. The arrangement 3 of segments comprises a plurality of cylindrical segments arranged continuously along an axial direction 15. The axial direction 15 is oriented parallel to the conveyance direction 13 when the arrangement 3 of segments is conveyed along the conveyance direction 13.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the segment arrangement 3 comprises two aerosol generating segments 17. Each aerosol generating segment 17 comprises a susceptor 19 and a sleeve 21 of aerosol generating material that cylindrically surrounds the susceptor 19. The susceptor 19 comprises a metallic material and is configured to be heated to heat the aerosol generating material 21 to emit an aerosol from the aerosol generating material 21.

[0100] The segment arrangement 3 further includes two front plug segments 23 provided at the ends opposite the segment arrangement 3. Further, the segment arrangement 3 comprises two segments 25 with a hollow acetate tube 27 and a further segment 29 with a thinner hollow acetate tube 31. The hollow acetate tube 27 and the thinner hollow acetate tube 31 may provide a channel that may guide the aerosol emitted by the aerosol generating material 21 such that the aerosol is cooled to a certain degree before reaching the user's mouth through it.

[0101] The segment arrangement 3 further comprises a wrapper 33 wound around all segments of the segment arrangement 3, thereby combining the segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the segment arrangement 3 is a double stick arrangement 3, which is then cut in the middle of the segment 29 with the thinner hollow acetate tube 31 to provide two essentially identical single sticks. The single sticks are each combined with a filter segment to form an aerosol generating article.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a combination 7 of the arrangements 3 as present in the system 1 upstream of the cutting station 9. The combination 7 of the arrangements 3 comprises two arrangements 3 of segments that are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis 15 and share a common wrapper 33. As described above, the combination 7 of the arrangements 3 of segments is separated into two arrangements 3 of segments at the cutting station 9.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement 3 of segments is moved to a conveying wheel 34 downstream of the cutting station 9. The conveying wheel 34 rotates about a rotation axis 35 parallel to the conveying direction 13. The arrangement 3 of segments is received in a groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the conveying wheel 34. The conveying wheel 34 moves the arrangement 3 of segments to another linear conveyor 37. The system 1 is configured to perform quality control of the arrangement 3 of segments. Specifically, the system 1 is configured to determine whether the individual segments are correctly arranged and have the correct length.

[0104] The system 1 includes a first measurement station 39 provided upstream of the cutting station 9. The first measurement station 39 performs a first measurement on the arrangement 3 of segments while the arrangement 3 of segments is being conveyed along the conveying direction 13. The system 1 further includes a second measurement station 41 provided downstream of the cutting station 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the second measurement station 41 is configured to perform a second measurement on the arrangement 3 of segments while the arrangement 3 of segments is being conveyed by the conveying wheel 34. The measurement data from the first measurement station 39 and the measurement data from the second measurement station 41 are transferred to the arithmetic unit 43 of the system 1.

[0105] The first measurement station 39 detects the susceptor 19 of the aerosol generation segment 17 by the magnetic interaction with the metal material of the susceptor 19. The first measurement station includes a magnetic detector 45.

[0106] Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the first measurement station 39. The magnetic detector 45 includes a detection coil 47 and a measuring device 49 that measures the current flowing through the detection coil 47. The arrangement 3 of the segments is carried through the detection coil 47 along a transport direction 13 parallel to the longitudinal axis 15 by a linear conveyor 11. The detection coil 47 is powered by a rectangular wave signal. The rectangular wave signal may have a frequency in the range of, for example, 100 kHz to 1000 kHz. The magnetic detector 45 is highly sensitive to the metal material of the susceptor 19. When the aerosol generation segment 17 provided with the metal susceptor 19 passes through the detection coil 47, the inductance of the detection coil 47 changes. This is measured by measuring the current passing through the detection coil 47 using the measuring device 49. Based on this, the start and end of the susceptor 19 along the longitudinal axis 15 may be determined. This may correspond to the start position and the end position of the aerosol generation segment 17. The data from the first measurement station 39 may also be used to determine the lengths of the individual susceptors 19 or the individual aerosol generation segments 17, respectively.

[0107] Figure 5 shows a magnetic detector 45 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the magnetic detector 45 includes an excitation coil 51. The excitation coil 51 is powered by a rectangular wave signal. The rectangular wave signal may have a frequency in the range of, for example, 100 kHz to 1000 kHz. The arrangement 3 of the segments is carried through the excitation coil 51 along a transport direction 13 parallel to the longitudinal axis 15. The magnetic detector 45 according to the embodiment of FIG. 5 further includes four detection coils 47. The detection coils 47 are arranged at 90-degree intervals around the transport direction 13, and the axis around which the detection coils 47 are wound extends perpendicular to the transport direction 13. The currents passing through the four detection coils 47 are individually monitored. When the susceptor 19 passes between the detection coils 47, the current in the detection coils 47 changes. This makes it possible to detect the position and length of the susceptor 19 and, consequently, each aerosol generation segment 17.

[0108] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, analyzing and comparing the current measurements from the individual detection coils 47 further enables determining the orientation of the susceptor 19 within the aerosol generation segment 17. Specifically, if the current flowing through the first detection coil 47 of a pair of opposing detection coils 47 is greater than the current flowing through each respective other detection coil 47 of the pair of opposing detection coils 47, this may indicate that the susceptor 19 has deviated towards the detection coil 47 having a higher current from the central position within the aerosol generation segment 17.

[0109] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the second measurement station 41. The groove in the transport wheel 33 may be formed of a transparent material. The second measurement station 41 includes an optical detector 53. The optical detector 53 includes a light source 55 provided within the transport wheel 34. The light source 55 emits light towards the arrangement 3 of segments received within one of the grooves of the transport wheel 34 currently facing the light source 55 due to the rotational position of the transport wheel 34. The optical detector 53 further includes a light detector 57 provided on the opposite side of the light source 55 with respect to the arrangement 3 of segments. The light from the light source 55 is partially transmitted through the arrangement 3 of segments. Depending on the specific material of the individual segments of the arrangement 3 of segments, the transmission ratio of the light passing through the arrangement 3 of segments is different for the individual segments. The light detector 57 records the intensity distribution of the transmitted light along the axial direction 15. Based on the different transmittance rates of the individual segments, the positions of the ends in the major axis direction of at least some of the segments may be determined based on the measurement data recorded by the light detector 57. Further, the length of one or more of the segments may be determined by the data recorded by the light detector 57.

[0110] Computing device 43 receives measurement data from the first measurement station 39 and also from the second measurement station 41. The computing device 43 evaluates the data from the first measurement station 39 and the second measurement station 41 to determine at least one of the positions and lengths of one or more of the segments of the segment arrangement 3.

[0111] The computing device 43 may compare information regarding the position or length of a segment with target data. Based on the comparison, the computing device 43 may determine whether the individual arrangement 3 of the segment meets the quality requirement specifications. Based on the comparison by the computing device 43, appropriate steps may be taken, such as removing a non-conforming arrangement 3 of the segment from the production process or performing maintenance or adjustment operations within each production line.

[0112] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± {10 percent} of A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values within the general standard error of the measured value of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, in some instances used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. A method for quality control of segment arrangement for aerosol-generating articles, The arrangement of the segments comprises at least two segments arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis, and each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment. The at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol generating segment, The at least one aerosol generating segment comprises an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, The susceptor includes a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material, The method described above is Performing a first measurement which includes detecting the susceptor by magnetic interaction of the susceptor with the metallic material, The measurement includes performing a second measurement which involves optically detecting at least one major axis end of at least one of the segments, A method wherein the second measurement includes detecting the position of the at least one end in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least two segments include at least one of a filter segment, a segment having a hollow acetate tube, or a mouthpiece segment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arrangement of the segments further comprises a wrapper wrapped around at least two of the segments.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second measurement includes detecting the at least one longitudinal end by light transmission measurement.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second measurement includes detecting the interface of adjacent segments.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first measurement value includes inducing an electric current within the susceptor due to a magnetic interaction with the susceptor.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transporting the arrangement of the segments, wherein one or both of the first measurement and the second measurement are performed while the arrangement of the segments is being transported.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising separating the arrangement of the segments from the arrangement of at least further segments between the first measurement and the second measurement.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising evaluating the data from the first measurement and the data from the second measurement to determine the length of the individual segments of the arrangement of the segments.

10. A system for quality control of segment arrangement for aerosol-generating articles, The arrangement of the segments comprises at least two segments arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis, and each segment extends along the longitudinal axis between two opposing longitudinal ends of the segment. The at least two segments comprise at least one aerosol generating segment, The at least one aerosol generating segment comprises an aerosol generating material and a susceptor, The susceptor includes a metallic material for heating the aerosol generating material, The aforementioned system A first measuring station comprising a magnetic detector configured to detect the susceptor by magnetic interaction of the susceptor with the metallic material, A second measuring station comprising an optical detector configured to optically detect at least one end of the long axis of one of the segments, wherein the optical detector is configured to detect the position of the at least one end along the long axis, A system comprising: a transport system configured to transport the segments along a transport path through the first measuring station and the second measuring station.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the magnetic detector comprises at least one detection coil and a measuring device for measuring the current flowing through the detection coil.

12. The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the magnetic detector comprises an excitation coil configured to induce an electric current within the susceptor.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the magnetic detector is configured to detect the position of the susceptor in the radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the optical detector is configured to detect the interface of adjacent segments.

15. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a cutting station disposed between the first measuring station and the second measuring station, wherein the cutting station is configured to separate the arrangement of the segments from at least the arrangement of further segments.

16. The system according to claim 10, wherein the optical detector comprises a light source and a photodetector, and the light source and the photodetector are arranged on a side facing the opposite direction of the transport path.

17. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a computing device configured to determine the length of each individual segment of the segment arrangement by combining measurement data from the first measurement station with measurement data from the second measurement station.

18. The use of a magnetic detector to determine at least one of the position and length of an aerosol-generating segment in the arrangement of segments for an aerosol-generating article, wherein the arrangement of segments comprises at least two segments arranged continuously along a longitudinal axis, and measurement data from the magnetic detector is combined with measurement data from an optical detector that optically detects at least one longitudinal end of at least one of the segments. The use of optically detecting the at least one end in the longitudinal direction includes detecting the position of the at least one end in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction axis.

19. The use according to claim 18, wherein optically detecting the end in the longitudinal direction of at least one segment includes detecting the interface of adjacent segments.

20. The use according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the arrangement of the segments is separated from the arrangement of at least further segments between the magnetic detector and the optical detector.

21. The use according to claim 18, wherein measurement data from the magnetic detector and measurement data from the optical detector are evaluated to determine the length of the individual segments in the arrangement of the segments.

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