Aerosol-generating article comprising a high weight ratio of aerosol-forming substrate

Abstract

The aerosol-generating article (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprises an aerosol-forming substrate section (2) containing an aerosol-forming substrate (6), and a downstream section (4) provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section (2). The downstream section (4) comprises one or more hollow tubular elements (14, 22). The downstream section (4) has a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section (4) to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate (6) is 1 or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate being lower than in typical aerosol-generating articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. Generally, in such heated smoking articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming substrate or material, which may be located in contact with, within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol-generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol-generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol-forming substrate of the heated aerosol-generating article. For example, an electrically heated aerosol generating device has been proposed having an internal heater blade adapted to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate (WO 2013 / 098405). The use of an aerosol-generating article in combination with an external heating system is also known. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 describes providing one or more heating elements arranged around the periphery of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, WO 2015 / 176898 proposes an inductively heatable aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0004] Aerosol-generating articles in which the tobacco-containing substrate is heated rather than combusted present a number of challenges not found in conventional smoking articles.

[0005] For example, with some aerosol-forming substrates, it can be difficult to deliver enough aerosol to the user.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide new and improved aerosol-generating articles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 1 or less.

[0008] There is also provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, wherein the downstream section comprises one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section has a length of at least 25 millimeters, and the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 1 or less.

[0009] An aerosol-generating article is also provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less.

[0010] There is also provided an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, wherein the downstream section comprises one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section has a length of at least 25 millimeters, and the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.5 or less.

[0011] An aerosol-generating article is also provided. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 1 or less. The aerosol-generating article may include an upstream section provided at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The upstream section may include an upstream element. The upstream element may have a weight of 70 milligrams or less.

[0012] Also provided is an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate; a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, said downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, said downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimeters; and an upstream section provided at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, said upstream section comprising an upstream element, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 1 or less, and said upstream element has a weight of 70 milligrams or less.

[0013] Also provided is an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may include one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 1 or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more aerosol formers. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 10 weight percent on a dry mass basis.

[0014] Also provided is an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising one or more aerosol formers; a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimeters; and an upstream section provided at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the upstream section comprising an upstream element, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 1 or less, the upstream element has a weight of 70 milligrams or less, and the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of at least 10 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0015] Also provided is an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 1 or less. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system may include at least a heating element provided at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0016] Also provided is an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimeters, and the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate being 1 or less, and the aerosol-generating device comprises a heated chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article, and at least a heating element provided at or around the periphery of the heated chamber.

[0017] Also provided is an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate section including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The downstream section may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system may include at least a heating element provided at or near the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0018] Also provided is an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device; the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimeters, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article being 0.5 or less; and the aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article and at least a heating element provided at or around the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0019] The inventors have found that providing a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of 1 or less can reduce the amount of material in the aerosol-generating article that is not part of the aerosol-forming substrate. Reducing the amount of material that is not part of the aerosol-forming substrate can reduce the risk that the aerosol generated through aerosolization of the aerosol-forming substrate will be filtered and retained by components of the aerosol-generating article that are not the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, in some aerosol-generating articles, the generated aerosol may be filtered by a portion of the downstream section. Filtration of the generated aerosol can reduce the amount of aerosol that can be delivered to a user.

[0020] As a result, reducing unwanted filtration by components of the aerosol-generating article may allow for higher delivery of the aerosol to the user, providing a longer user experience.

[0021] Furthermore, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may provide a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may also allow for higher delivery of the aerosol to the user and may also provide a longer user experience.

[0022] In one embodiment, a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by increasing the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0023] In another embodiment, a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by reducing the length of the downstream section.

[0024] In another embodiment, a ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate of less than or equal to 1 may be provided by increasing the density of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0025] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of a component or aerosol-generating article is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the component. The terms "pressure drop" or "draw resistance" of a component or article can also refer to "resistance to draw." These terms generally refer to measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 being performed successfully under test conditions of 22 degrees Celsius, 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr), and 60% relative humidity, with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second at the output or downstream end of the measured component. Smoking conditions and smoking machine specifications are provided in ISO Standard 3308 (ISO 3308:2000). Conditioning and testing atmospheres are provided in ISO Standard 3402 (ISO 3402:1999).

[0026] As used herein, the term "downstream section" refers to all components of the aerosol-generating article that are downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0027] As used herein, the term "upstream section" refers to all components of the aerosol-generating article that are upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 80 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 70 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 65 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 60 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 55 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 50 millimeters or less.

[0029] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 5 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 15 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 25 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 35 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 45 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 50 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 55 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 60 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of at least 65 millimeters.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 5 mm to 80 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 15 mm to 80 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 25 mm to 80 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 35 mm to 80 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 35 mm to 70 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 35 mm to 65 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 35 mm to 55 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 35 mm to 50 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have a length of 40 mm to 50 mm.

[0031] Advantageously, reducing the length of the aerosol-generating article may reduce the weight of the components of the aerosol-generating article that are not the aerosol-forming substrate, and therefore may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 18 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 20 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 25 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 30 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 35 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 40 mmH2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of at least 45 mmH2O.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 24 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 22 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 25 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 30 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 35 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 40 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 45 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 50 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 55 mmH2O or less.

[0034] The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 18mm H2O to 24mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20mm H2O to 22mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20mm H2O to 55mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20mm H2O to 50mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 25mm H2O to 50mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 30mm H2O to 50mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 30mm H2O to 45mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 35mm H2O to 45mm H2O. The aerosol-generating article may have a resistance to draw (RTD) of 35 mm H2O to 40 mm H2O.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 6 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 7 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 8 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 10 millimeters.

[0036] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 12 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 11 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 10 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 9 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 8 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7 millimeters or less. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 6 millimeters or less.

[0037] The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 6 mm to about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 6 mm to about 11 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7 mm to about 11 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7 mm to about 10 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 6 mm to about 9 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7 mm to about 8 mm.

[0038] The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially uniform along its length.

[0039] The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 350 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 450 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of at least 500 milligrams.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 700 milligrams or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 650 milligrams or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 600 milligrams or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 550 milligrams or less. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 500 milligrams or less.

[0041] The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 350 milligrams to 700 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 350 milligrams to 650 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 400 milligrams to 650 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 400 milligrams to 600 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 450 milligrams to 600 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 450 milligrams to 550 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article may have a weight of 500 milligrams to 550 milligrams.

[0042] As used herein with respect to the present invention, the term "susceptor element" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Eddy currents induced in the susceptor element result in heating of the susceptor element when it is located within a fluctuating electromagnetic field. When the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor element.

[0043] The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptor elements.The aerosol-generating article may comprise multiple susceptor elements.

[0044] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper surrounding at least the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0045] The wrapper may be a paper wrapper.

[0046] Advantageously, decreasing the density of the wrapper may decrease the weight of the wrapper, which may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may decrease the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] The wrapper may have a basis weight of at least 15 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of at least 20 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of at least 25 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of at least 30 gsm.

[0048] The wrapper may have a basis weight of 35 gsm or less. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 25 gsm or less. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 20 gsm or less.

[0049] The wrapper may have a basis weight of 15 gsm to 35 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 15 gsm to 30 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 20 gsm to 30 gsm. The wrapper may have a basis weight of 20 gsm to 25 gsm.

[0050] Advantageously, reducing the thickness of the wrapper may reduce the weight of the wrapper, which may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 25 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 30 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 35 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 40 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 45 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of at least 50 micrometers.

[0052] The wrapper may have a thickness of 55 micrometers or less. The wrapper may have a thickness of 50 micrometers or less. The wrapper may have a thickness of 45 micrometers or less. The wrapper may have a thickness of 40 micrometers or less. The wrapper may have a thickness of 35 micrometers or less. The wrapper may have a thickness of 30 micrometers or less.

[0053] The wrapper may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 55 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 50 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of 30 micrometers to 50 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of 30 micrometers to 45 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of 35 micrometers to 45 micrometers. The wrapper may have a thickness of 35 micrometers to 40 micrometers.

[0054] The aerosol-generating article may include a ventilation zone.

[0055] A ventilation zone may be provided at a location along the downstream section.

[0056] The ventilation zone may be located at a position along the first hollow tubular element.

[0057] The ventilation zone may be located between 26 and 33 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the term "distance between the ventilation zone and another element or portion of the aerosol-generating article" refers to a distance measurement in the longitudinal direction, i.e., extending along or parallel to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of between 10 percent and 30 percent. The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of between 12 percent and 25 percent.

[0059] The aerosol-generating article may include one or more susceptor elements provided on the aerosol-forming substrate section.The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of susceptor elements provided on the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0060] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8.The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85.

[0061] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.9 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.85 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.8 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.75 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.7 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less.The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 or less.

[0062] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.4 to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.7.The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.6 and 0.65.

[0063] Advantageously, increasing the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, which may decrease the ratio between the weight of the downstream section and the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 8 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 10 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 12 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 13 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 14 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 16 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 18 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 20 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 22 millimeters. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of at least 24 millimeters.

[0065] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 24 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 22 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 20 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 18 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 16 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 14 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 12 millimeters or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 10 millimeters or less.

[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 8 mm to 24 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 8 mm to 22 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 8 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 10 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 10 mm to 18 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 12 mm to 18 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 12 mm to 16 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 14 mm to 16 mm.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 10 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 12 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 13 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 14 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 16 mm to 20 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a length of 16 mm to 18 mm.

[0068] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 6 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 8 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 10 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 15 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 20 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 25 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 30 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 35 mmH2O.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 50 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 45 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 40 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 30 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 10 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 8 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 6 mmH2O or less.

[0071] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 4 mm HO to 50 mm HO. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 10 mm HO to 40 mm HO. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20 mm HO to 40 mm HO. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 30 mm HO to 40 mm HO.

[0072] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have the same RTD as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0073] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0074] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 400 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 380 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 360 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 340 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 320 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 300 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 280 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 260 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 240 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 220 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 200 milligrams or less.

[0075] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 260 milligrams to 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 260 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of 280 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a weight of between 280 milligrams and 300 milligrams.

[0076] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have the same weight as the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0077] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.3. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.31. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.33. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.35. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.37. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.39. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4.

[0078] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.4 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.39 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.37 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.35 or less. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.33 or less.

[0079] The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.3 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.31 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.33 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.35 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.37 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.39 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.4 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.6. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.5 and 0.6.The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.55 and 0.6.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a substantially uniform cross-section along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section.The aerosol-forming substrate section may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0082] The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a substantially solid cylinder. The rod of aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a hollow cylinder.

[0083] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol formers. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plurality of aerosol formers.

[0084] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 10 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 15 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 35 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 40 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 45 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 50 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 55 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 60 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 65 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 75 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 80 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of at least 85 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 90 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 85 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 80 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 75 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 70 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 65 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 60 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 55 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 50 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 45 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 40 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 35 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 30 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 25 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 20 percent or less by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 15 percent or less by dry weight.

[0086] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from 0.01 to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from 5 to 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from 10 to 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0087] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 40 to 90 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 45 to 85 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of 50 to 80 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0088] The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from 55 percent to 75 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of from 60 percent to 70 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0089] The one or more aerosol formers may include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The plurality of aerosol formers may include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0090] Advantageously, increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio between the weight of the downstream section and the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0091] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0092] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 400 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 380 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 360 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 340 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 320 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 300 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 280 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 260 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 240 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 220 milligrams or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams or less.

[0093] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 380 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 360 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 340 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 300 milligrams. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 280 milligrams.

[0094] The term "density" as used herein in relation to an aerosol-forming substrate refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-forming substrate, which can be calculated by measuring the total weight of the aerosol-forming substrate and dividing it by the volume of the rod of aerosol-forming substrate (excluding the wrapper).

[0095] Advantageously, increasing the density of the aerosol-forming substrate may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, which may consequently decrease the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0096] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 320 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 340 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 360 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 380 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of at least 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0097] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 1000 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 800 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 380 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 360 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 340 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 320 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0098] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 1000 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 800 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 350 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0099] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 6 mmH2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 8 mmH2O.

[0100] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 10 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 8 mmH2O or less. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 6 mmH2O or less.

[0101] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 4mm H2O to 10mm H2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 4mm H2O to 8mm H2O. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 6mm H2O to 8mm H2O.

[0102] Suitable types of materials for the aerosol-forming substrate are described below and include, for example, tobacco cut filler, homogenized tobacco materials such as cast leaf, aerosol-generating films, and gel compositions.

[0103] The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film comprising a cellulosic film-forming agent, nicotine, and an aerosol former. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise a cellulosic reinforcing agent. The aerosol-generating film may further comprise water, preferably up to 30 weight percent water.

[0104] The term "film" as used herein is used to describe a solid layered element having a thickness smaller than its width or length. The film may be self-supporting. In other words, even if the film is obtained by casting a film-forming formulation on a support surface, it may have cohesive and mechanical properties that allow it to be separated from the support surface. Alternatively, the film may be placed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This may enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0105] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel composition comprising nicotine, at least one gelling agent, and an aerosol former. Preferably, the gel composition is substantially tobacco-free.

[0106] The gel composition can include at least one gelling agent in a total amount ranging from about 0.4% to about 10% by weight, or from about 0.5% to about 8% by weight, or from about 1% to about 6% by weight, or from about 2% to about 4% by weight, or from about 2% to about 3% by weight.

[0107] The term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when homogeneously added in an amount of about 0.3 weight percent to a 50 weight percent water / 50 weight percent glycerol mixture, forms a solid medium or support matrix leading to a gel. Gelling agents include, but are not limited to, hydrogen-bond cross-linking gelling agents and ionic cross-linking gelling agents.

[0108] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a cut tobacco material. The cut tobacco material may be tobacco cut filler. In the context of this specification, the term "cut filler" is used to specifically describe a blend of finely chopped plant material, such as tobacco plant material, including one or more of leaf blades, processed stems and veins, and homogenized plant material. Cut filler may also include other post-cut material, filler tobacco, or casings.

[0109] Advantageously, increasing the density of the shredded tobacco material may increase the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, which may consequently decrease the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0110] The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 320 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 340 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 360 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 380 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter.The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of at least 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0111] The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 1000 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 800 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 380 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 360 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 340 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 320 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0112] The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 1000 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 800 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The shredded tobacco material may have a bulk density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 350 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0113] Advantageously, increasing the weight of the shredded tobacco material may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 320 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 340 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 360 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 380 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of at least 400 milligrams.

[0115] The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 400 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 380 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 360 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 340 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 320 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 300 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 280 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 260 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 240 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 220 milligrams or less. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams or less.

[0116] The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 380 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 360 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 340 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 200 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 320 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 220 milligrams to 300 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 300 milligrams. The shredded tobacco material may have a weight of 240 milligrams to 280 milligrams.

[0117] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be at least 0.85.

[0118] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.9 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.85 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.8 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.75 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.7 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.65 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating articles may be 0.5 or less.

[0119] The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.7.

[0120] The downstream section may be provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0121] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0122] The downstream section may have a weight of at least 100 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 120 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 140 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 160 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 180 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 220 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 240 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 260 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 280 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of at least 300 milligrams.

[0123] The downstream section may have a weight of 300 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 280 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 260 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 240 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 220 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 200 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 180 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 160 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 140 milligrams or less. The downstream section may have a weight of 120 milligrams or less.

[0124] The downstream section may have a weight of 100 milligrams to 300 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 100 milligrams to 280 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 120 milligrams to 280 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 120 milligrams to 260 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 140 milligrams to 260 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 140 milligrams to 240 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 160 milligrams to 220 milligrams. The downstream section may have a weight of 180 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0125] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.25. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.26. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.28. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.3. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.32. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.33. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.34. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.36. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.38. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6.

[0126] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.48 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.46 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.44 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.42 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.4 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.38 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.36 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.34 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.33 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.32 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.3 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.28 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.26 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.25 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.24 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.22 or less. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.2 or less.

[0127] The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.2 to 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.2 to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.22 to 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.22 to 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.24 to 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.24 to 0.48. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.26 to 0.48. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.26 to 0.46. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.28 to 0.46. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.28 to 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.3 to 0.44. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.3 to 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.31 to 0.42. The ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.31 to 0.4.

[0128] Advantageously, reducing the length of the downstream section may reduce the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0129] The downstream section may have a length of at least 16 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 18 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 20 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 22 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 24 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 26 millimeters. The downstream section may have a length of at least 28 millimeters.

[0130] The downstream section may have a length of 40 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 38 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 36 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 34 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 32 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 30 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 28 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 26 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 25 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 24 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 22 millimeters or less. The downstream section may have a length of 20 millimeters or less.

[0131] The downstream section may have a length of 16 mm to 40 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 16 mm to 38 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 18 mm to 36 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 18 mm to 34 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 20 mm to 32 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 20 mm to 30 mm. The downstream section may have a length of 22 mm to 28 mm.

[0132] The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be at least 0.01 mmH2O. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be at least 1 mmH2O. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be at least 3 mmH2O. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be at least 5 mmH2O.

[0133] The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be 20 mmH2O or less. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be 15 mmH2O or less. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be 10 mmH2O or less. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be 5 mmH2O or less. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 3 mmH2O or less. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 1 mmH2O or less. The resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of the downstream section may be 0.01 mmH2O or less.

[0134] The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 0.01 mmH2O to 20 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 0.01 mmH2O to 15 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 1 mmH2O to 15 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 1 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O. The downstream section may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 3 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0135] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.9.

[0136] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.9 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.85 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.8 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.75 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.7 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less.

[0137] The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.9. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.85. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.8. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 to 0.75. The ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be between 0.65 and 0.7.

[0138] The downstream section may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may comprise a plurality of hollow tubular elements. The downstream section may comprise one or more tubular elements. The downstream section may comprise a plurality of tubular elements.

[0139] The downstream section may comprise one or more solid segments. The downstream section may comprise a plurality of solid segments.

[0140] The downstream section may comprise a combination of one or more hollow tubular elements and one or more solid segments.The downstream section may comprise a combination of a plurality of hollow tubular elements and one or more solid segments.The downstream section may comprise a combination of one or more hollow tubular elements and a plurality of solid segments.

[0141] The downstream section may include a high ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments. Advantageously, a high ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may increase the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article.

[0142] The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 1. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 2. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be at least 3. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be 5 or less. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be 4 or less. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be 3 or less. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be 2 or less. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be 1 or less.

[0143] The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be from 1 to 5. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be from 1 to 4. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be from 1 to 3. The ratio of hollow tubular elements to solid segments may be from 1 to 2.

[0144] The downstream section may comprise a solid segment adjacent the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0145] The downstream section may comprise a solid segment abutting the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element and a second hollow tubular element abutting the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element.

[0146] The downstream section may comprise a solid segment abutting the downstream end of the hollow tubular element, and a downstream tubular element abutting the downstream end of the solid segment.

[0147] The downstream section may comprise a solid segment abutting the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element, a second hollow tubular element abutting the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element, and a downstream tubular element abutting the downstream end of the solid segment.

[0148] The downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element abutting the aerosol-forming substrate section. The hollow tubular element may adjoin the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0149] Advantageously, reducing the length of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0150] One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 3 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 4 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 5 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 6 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 8 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 10 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 12 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 14 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 15 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 17 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 19 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 21 millimeters. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of at least 23 millimeters.

[0151] One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 25 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 23 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 21 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 19 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 17 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 15 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 14 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 12 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 10 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 8 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 6 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 5 millimeters or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of 4 millimeters or less.

[0152] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of between 3 mm and 25 mm. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of between 3 mm and 20 mm. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of between 3 mm and 15 mm. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a length of between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0153] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 10 millimeters H2O or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 5 millimeters H2O or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 2.5 millimeters H2O or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 2 millimeters H2O or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 1 millimeter H2O or less.

[0154] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0 millimeters of HO. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0.25 millimeters of HO. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 0.5 millimeters of HO. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of at least 1 millimeter of HO.

[0155] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 millimeters H2O and 10 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.25 millimeters H2O and 10 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 millimeters H2O and 10 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 millimeters H2O and 5 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.25 millimeters H2O and 5 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0.5 millimeters H2O and 5 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 1 millimeter H2O and 5 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD between 0 millimeters H2O and 2.5 millimeters H2O. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 0.25 millimeters HO to 2.5 millimeters HO. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 0.5 millimeters HO to 2.5 millimeters HO. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an RTD of 0.5 millimeters HO to 2 millimeters HO.

[0156] Advantageously, increasing the internal volume of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements, thereby reducing the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0157] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0158] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 800 cubic millimeters or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 700 cubic millimeters or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 500 cubic millimeters or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 300 cubic millimeters or less.

[0159] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 260 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 300 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 500 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have an internal volume of 700 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters.

[0160] Advantageously, reducing the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0161] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 20 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 25 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 30 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 35 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 40 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 45 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 50 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 55 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 60 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 65 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 70 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 75 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 80 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 90 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 100 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 110 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 120 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 130 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 140 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 150 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of at least 200 milligrams.

[0162] One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 150 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 140 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 130 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 120 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 110 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 100 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 90 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 80 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 75 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 70 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 65 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 60 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 55 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 50 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 45 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 40 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 35 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 30 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 25 milligrams or less. One or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 20 milligrams or less.

[0163] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 150 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 140 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 130 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 120 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 110 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 100 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 90 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 80 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 20 milligrams and 75 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 25 milligrams and 75 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 25 milligrams and 70 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 30 milligrams and 70 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 30 milligrams and 65 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 35 milligrams and 65 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 35 milligrams and 60 milligrams. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight between 40 milligrams and 60 milligrams.

[0164] Advantageously, reducing the wall thickness of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0165] The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 100 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 150 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 200 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 220 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 240 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 250 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 260 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 280 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 300 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 400 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 500 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 600 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 700 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 800 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 900 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1000 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1100 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1200 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1300 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1400 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1500 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1600 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1700 micrometers.The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1800 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 1900 micrometers. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be at least 2000 micrometers.

[0166] The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 2000 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1900 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1800 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1700 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1600 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1500 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1400 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1300 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1200 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1100 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 1000 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 900 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 800 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 700 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 600 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 500 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 400 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 380 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 360 ​​micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 340 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 320 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 300 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 280 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 260 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 240 micrometers or less.The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 220 micrometers or less. The wall thickness of the one or more hollow tubular elements may be 200 micrometers or less.

[0167] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 100 micrometers to 2000 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 200 micrometers to 1900 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 300 micrometers to 1800 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 400 micrometers to 1700 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 500 micrometers to 1600 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 600 micrometers to 1500 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 700 micrometers to 1400 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of 800 micrometers to 1300 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of between 900 micrometers and 1200 micrometers. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a wall thickness of between 1000 micrometers and 1100 micrometers.

[0168] Advantageously, forming one or more of the hollow tubular elements from a material having a low basis weight may reduce the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of one or more of the hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0169] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 68 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 70 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 72 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 74 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 76 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of at least 78 gsm.

[0170] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 90 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 88 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 86 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 84 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 82 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 80 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 78 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 76 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 74 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 72 gsm or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 70 gsm or less.One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 68 gsm or less.

[0171] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 90 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 88 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 62 gsm to 88 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 62 gsm to 86 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 64 gsm to 86 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 64 gsm to 84 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 66 gsm to 84 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 66 gsm to 82 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 68 gsm to 82 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 68 gsm to 80 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 80 gsm. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a basis weight of 70 gsm to 78 gsm.

[0172] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from cellulose acetate. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a paper-based material. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from paper. The paper may be very stiff paper. The paper may be a crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be a paper tube. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be a tube formed from spirally wound paper. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from multiple layers of paper. The paper may have a basis weight of at least 50 grams per square meter, at least 60 grams per square meter, at least 70 grams per square meter, or at least 90 grams per square meter.

[0173] The one or more hollow tubular elements may be formed from cardboard. The one or more hollow tubular elements may be cardboard tubes.

[0174] The one or more hollow tubular elements may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the one or more hollow tubular elements may be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crimped paper (such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper), and polymeric materials (such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE)). In a preferred embodiment, the one or more hollow tubular elements are formed from cellulose acetate. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more hollow tubular elements may be hollow acetate tubes.

[0175] Advantageously, forming one or more of the hollow tubular elements from a material having a low density may reduce the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements. Reducing the weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0176] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of at least 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0177] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 350 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0178] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 350 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may be formed from a material having a density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0179] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may comprise a tubular element including a tubular body defining a cavity. The cavity may extend from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The tubular element may further include a folded end portion forming a first end wall at the first end of the tubular body. The first end wall may define an opening for airflow between the cavity and the exterior of the tubular element. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element, between about 0.6 percent and about 60 percent of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0180] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may include a second folded end portion forming a second end wall at a second end of the tubular body, the second end wall defining a second opening for air flow between the hollow cavity and the exterior of the tubular element.

[0181] One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 10 milligrams or less per millimeter of hollow tubular element length. One or more of the hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 6 milligrams or less per millimeter of hollow tubular element length. Providing hollow tubular elements with such average weights may advantageously allow the hollow tubular elements to be assembled into aerosol-generating articles using existing high-velocity aerosol-generating article assembly machinery.

[0182] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 1 to 10 milligrams per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 1.5 to 8 milligrams per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 2 to 6 milligrams per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element.

[0183] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a weight of 4.25 milligrams per millimeter length of the hollow tubular element.

[0184] Advantageously, increasing the combined internal volume of the one or more hollow tubular elements may reduce the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements, thereby reducing the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0185] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a total internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a total internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a total internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a total internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0186] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 800 cubic millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 700 cubic millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 500 cubic millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 300 cubic millimeters or less.

[0187] The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 260 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 300 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 500 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters. The one or more hollow tubular elements may have a combined internal volume of 700 cubic millimeters to 800 cubic millimeters.

[0188] One or more of the solid segments may comprise a downstream filter segment. One or more of the solid segments may comprise a plurality of downstream filter segments.

[0189] The downstream section may include a downstream filter segment. The downstream filter segment may comprise at least one filter segment formed from a fibrous filtration material. The downstream filter segment may comprise at least one filter segment formed from cardboard.

[0190] Advantageously, reducing the length of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream filter segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0191] The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 3 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 5 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 7 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of at least 9 millimeters.

[0192] The downstream filter segment may have a length of 11 millimeters or less. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 9 millimeters or less. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 7 millimeters or less. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 5 millimeters or less.

[0193] The downstream filter segment may have a length of 3 millimeters to 11 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 3 millimeters to 9 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 5 millimeters to 9 millimeters. The downstream filter segment may have a length of 5 millimeters to 7 millimeters.

[0194] The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 4 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 5 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 7 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of at least 9 mmH2O.

[0195] The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 11 mmH2O or less. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 9 mmH2O or less. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 7 mmH2O or less. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 5 mmH2O or less.

[0196] The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 4 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 5 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 5 mmH2O to 9 mmH2O. The downstream filter segment may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 7 mmH2O to 9 mmH2O.

[0197] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment may reduce the weight of the downstream section, which may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0198] The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 50 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 52 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 54 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 56 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 58 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of at least 60 milligrams.

[0199] The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 70 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 68 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 66 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 64 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 62 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 60 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 58 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 56 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 54 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 52 milligrams or less. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 50 milligrams or less.

[0200] The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 50 milligrams to 70 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 50 milligrams to 68 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 52 milligrams to 68 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 52 milligrams to 66 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 54 milligrams to 66 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 54 milligrams to 64 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 56 milligrams to 64 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 56 milligrams to 62 milligrams. The downstream filter segment may have a weight of 58 milligrams to 62 milligrams.

[0201] Advantageously, forming the downstream filter segment from a material having a low density can reduce the weight of the downstream filter segment. Reducing the weight of the downstream filter segment can reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section can reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0202] The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of at least 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0203] The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0204] The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The downstream filter segment may be formed from a material having a density of 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0205] Advantageously, reducing the combined length of one or more of the hollow tubular element and the downstream filter segment can reduce the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment. Reducing the combined weight of the one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment can reduce the weight of the downstream section. Reducing the weight of the downstream section can reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0206] The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of at least 24 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of at least 26 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of at least 28 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of at least 30 millimeters.

[0207] The one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of 32 millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of 30 millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of 28 millimeters or less. The one or more hollow tubular elements and the downstream filter segment may have a combined length of 26 millimeters or less.

[0208] The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of 24 millimeters to 32 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of 26 millimeters to 32 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of 26 millimeters to 30 millimeters. The hollow tubular element and one or more of the downstream filter segments may have a combined length of 28 millimeters to 30 millimeters.

[0209] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an upstream section provided at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The upstream section may include an upstream element.

[0210] Advantageously, reducing the length of the upstream element may reduce the weight of the upstream element. Reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0211] The upstream element may have a length of at least 2 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of at least 4 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of at least 6 millimeters.

[0212] The upstream element may have a length of 8 millimeters or less. The upstream element may have a length of 6 millimeters or less. The upstream element may have a length of 4 millimeters or less.

[0213] The upstream element may have a length of 2 to 8 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of 2 to 6 millimeters. The upstream element may have a length of 4 to 6 millimeters.

[0214] The upstream element may be formed from a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel.

[0215] The longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular segment may have a diameter of at least 5 millimeters.

[0216] Advantageously, reducing the wall thickness of the upstream element may reduce the weight of the upstream element. Reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0217] The hollow tubular segment forming the upstream element may have a wall thickness of less than 1 millimeter. The hollow tubular segment may have a wall thickness of less than 0.8 millimeters. The hollow tubular segment may have a wall thickness of less than 0.6 millimeters.

[0218] The upstream element may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 2 mmH2O. The upstream element may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 1 mmH2O. The upstream element may have a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 0.01 mmH2O.

[0219] The upstream end of the upstream element may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0220] Advantageously, reducing the weight of the upstream element may allow the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to be increased while keeping the weight of the aerosol-generating article the same. Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0221] The upstream element may have a weight of at least 15 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 20 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 25 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 30 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 35 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 40 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 45 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of at least 50 milligrams.

[0222] The upstream element may have a weight of 70 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 60 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 55 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 50 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 45 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 40 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 35 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 30 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 25 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 20 milligrams or less. The upstream element may have a weight of 15 milligrams or less.

[0223] The upstream element may have a weight of 15 milligrams to 70 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 15 milligrams to 60 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 15 milligrams to 55 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 20 milligrams to 55 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 20 milligrams to 50 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 20 milligrams to 45 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 25 milligrams to 45 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 25 milligrams to 40 milligrams. The upstream element may have a weight of 25 milligrams to 35 milligrams.

[0224] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.4. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.45. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.55. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.6. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.65. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.7. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.9.

[0225] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.9 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.85 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.8 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.75 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.7 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 or less. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 or less.

[0226] The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.4 to 0.9. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.9. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.45 to 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.85. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-generating substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.5 to 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-generating substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.8. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-generating substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.55 to 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.75. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.6 to 0.7. The ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-generating substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article may be 0.65 to 0.7.

[0227] The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0228] The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 160 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0229] The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density between 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0230] The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 220 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 120 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The upstream element may be formed from a material having a density of 140 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 180 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0231] The heating chamber may extend between a distal end and an oral (or proximal) end. The distal end of the heating chamber may be a closed end, and the oral (or proximal) end of the heating chamber may be an open end. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the heating chamber through the open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be cylindrical in shape to fit the same shape of the aerosol-generating article.

[0232] The phrase "received within" may refer to the fact that a component or element is completely or partially received within another component or element. For example, the phrase "the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber" refers to the aerosol-generating article being completely or partially received within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may abut the distal end of the heating chamber. When the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article may be substantially proximate to the distal end of the heating chamber. The distal end of the heating chamber may be defined by an end wall.

[0233] The length of the heating chamber may be between 10 mm and 50 mm. The length of the heating chamber may be between 20 mm and 40 mm. The length of the heating chamber may be between 25 mm and 30 mm.

[0234] The length of the heating chamber may be the same as or longer than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section. The length of the heating chamber may be the same as or longer than the combined length of the upstream section or element and the rod of the aerosol-forming substrate section. Preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that at least 75 percent of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section is inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received with the aerosol-generating device. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that at least 80 percent of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section is inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received with the aerosol-generating device. More preferably, the length of the heating chamber is such that at least 90 percent of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section is inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received with the aerosol-generating device. This maximizes the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section that can heat the aerosol-forming substrate during use, optimizing aerosol generation from the aerosol-forming substrate and reducing tobacco waste.

[0235] The length of the heating chamber may be such that when an aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber, the downstream section, or a portion thereof, protrudes from the heating chamber. The length of the heating chamber may be such that when an aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber, a portion of the downstream section (such as a hollow tubular cooling element or a downstream filter segment) protrudes from the heating chamber. The length of the heating chamber may be such that when an aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber, a portion of the downstream section (such as a hollow tubular cooling element or a downstream filter segment) is received within the heating chamber.

[0236] At least 25 percent of the length of the downstream section may be inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device. At least 30 percent of the length of the downstream section may be inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device.

[0237] At least 30 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element may be inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device. At least 40 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element may be inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device. At least 50 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element may be inserted or received within the heating chamber when the aerosol-generating article is received within the device. Various lengths of hollow tubular elements are described in more detail within this disclosure.

[0238] Optimizing the amount or length of the article inserted into the aerosol-generating device may increase resistance to inadvertent removal of the article during use. In particular, during heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate may shrink, thereby reducing its outer diameter, thereby reducing the extent to which the inserted portion of the article inserted into the device can frictionally engage the heating chamber. The inserted portion of the article, or the portion of the article configured to be received within the heating chamber, may be the same length as the heating chamber.

[0239] The length of the heating chamber may be 15 to 80 mm. The length of the heating chamber is preferably 20 to 70 mm. The length of the heating chamber is more preferably 25 to 60 mm. The length of the device is more preferably 25 to 50 mm.

[0240] The length of the heating chamber may be 25 to 29 millimeters. The length of the heating chamber is preferably 25 to 29 millimeters. The length of the heating chamber is more preferably 26 to 29 millimeters. The length of the heating chamber is even more preferably 27 or 28 millimeters.

[0241] The diameter of the heating chamber may be 4 mm to 10 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be 5 mm to 9 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be 6 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the heating chamber may be 6 mm to 7 mm.

[0242] The diameter of the heating chamber may be substantially the same as or larger than the diameter of the aerosol-generating article, and may be the same as the diameter of the aerosol-generating article to establish a tight fit therewith.

[0243] The heating chamber may be configured to establish a tight fit with an aerosol-generating article received within the heating chamber. A tight fit may refer to a snug fit. The aerosol-generating device may include a peripheral wall. Such a peripheral wall may define the heating chamber, or the heating chamber. The peripheral wall defining the heating chamber may be configured to engage in a tight fit with the aerosol-generating article received within the heating chamber, such that when received within the device, there are substantially no gaps or empty spaces between the peripheral wall defining the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article.

[0244] Such a tight fit may establish an airtight fit or configuration between the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article received therein.

[0245] In such an airtight configuration, there will be substantially no gaps or empty spaces between the peripheral walls defining the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article for air to flow through.

[0246] A tight fit with the aerosol-generating article may be established along the entire length of the heating chamber or along a portion of the length of the heating chamber.

[0247] The aerosol generating device may include an airflow channel extending between the channel inlet and the channel outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to establish fluid communication between the interior of the heating chamber and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within the housing of the aerosol generating device to enable fluid communication between the interior of the heating chamber and the exterior of the aerosol generating device. When an aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber, the airflow channel may be configured to provide air flow into the article to deliver the generated aerosol to a user who inhales through the mouth end of the article.

[0248] The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within or by the peripheral wall of the housing of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall, or by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or a combination of both. The airflow channel may be partially defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or partially defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall. The inner surface of the peripheral wall defines the periphery of the heating chamber.

[0249] The airflow channel of the aerosol generating device may extend from an inlet located at the oral or proximal end of the aerosol generating device to an outlet located away from the oral end of the device. The airflow channel may extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0250] The heater may be any suitable type of heater. The heater may be an external heater.

[0251] The heater may externally heat the aerosol-generating article when received within the aerosol-generating device. Such an external heater may surround the aerosol-generating article when inserted into or received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0252] In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the cavity. The heater may be located in or within the heating chamber.

[0253] The heater may include at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the device includes only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple heating elements. The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the heater includes multiple resistive heating elements. The resistive heating elements are preferably electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in a parallel arrangement may facilitate delivery of desired power to the heater while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the heater may facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.

[0254] Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. An example of a suitable doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.

[0255] In some embodiments, the at least one resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped sections of an electrically resistive material (such as stainless steel), or alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament (e.g., Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire).

[0256] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element comprises an electrically insulating substrate and the at least one resistive heating element is provided on the electrically insulating substrate.

[0257] The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. The ceramic may comprise mica, alumina (Al2O3), or zirconia (ZrO2). The electrically insulating substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 watts per meter Kelvin or less, preferably about 20 watts per meter Kelvin or less, and ideally about 2 watts per meter Kelvin or less.

[0258] The heater may comprise a heating element comprising a rigid, electrically insulating substrate having one or more conductive tracks or wires arranged on its surface. The size and shape of the electrically insulating substrate may allow the heater to be inserted directly into the aerosol-forming substrate. If the electrically insulating substrate is not sufficiently rigid, the heating element may comprise additional reinforcing means. An electric current may be passed through one or more conductive tracks to heat the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0259] In some embodiments, the heater comprises an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may comprise an inductor coil and a power source configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, high-frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between about 500 kHz and about 30 MHz. The heater may advantageously comprise a DC / AC inverter for converting DC current provided by a DC power source into alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field upon receiving the high-frequency oscillating current from the power source. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within the heating chamber. In some embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially surround the heating chamber. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the heating chamber.

[0260] The heater may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may be a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When the susceptor element is positioned within an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. Heating of the susceptor element may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

[0261] The susceptor element may be arranged such that when an aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces current flow in the susceptor element, heating the susceptor element. In these embodiments, the aerosol-generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA / m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, e.g., about 2.5 kA / m. Electrically operated aerosol generators are preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, e.g., 1 to 10 MHz, e.g., 5 to 7 MHz.

[0262] In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is positioned within the aerosol-generating device. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be positioned within a cavity. The aerosol-generating device may include only one susceptor element. The aerosol-generating device may include multiple susceptor elements. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0263] The susceptor elements may comprise any suitable material. They may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated susceptor elements include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Some susceptor elements comprise metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor elements may comprise or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be or contain aluminum. The susceptor elements preferably comprise more than about 5 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, preferably more than 20 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, and more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Some elongated susceptor elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0264] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon, for example, the susceptor element may include a ceramic core or metallic tracks formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

[0265] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise at least one resistive heating element and at least one inductive heating element, hi some embodiments, the aerosol generating device may comprise a combination of resistive and inductive heating elements.

[0266] In use, the heater can be controlled to operate within a defined operating temperature range that is less than the maximum operating temperature. The operating temperature range within the heating chamber is preferably from about 150 degrees Celsius to about 300 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature range of the heater may be from about 150 degrees Celsius to about 250 degrees Celsius.

[0267] Preferably, the operating temperature range of the heater may be between about 150 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the operating temperature range of the heater may be between about 180 degrees Celsius and about 200 degrees Celsius. Specifically, as described in this disclosure, it has been discovered that optimal and consistent aerosol delivery can be achieved when using an aerosol generating device having an external heater with an operating temperature range of about 180 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius, with an aerosol-generating article having a relatively low RTD (e.g., having an RTD in the downstream section of less than 15 millimeters HO).

[0268] In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating article includes a ventilation zone in the downstream section or at a location along the hollow tubular element, the ventilation zone may be positioned so that it is exposed when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating chamber. Thus, the heating chamber or the length of the heating chamber may be less than the distance from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article to the ventilation zone located along the downstream section. In other words, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device, the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the upstream element may be greater than the length of the heating chamber.

[0269] When an article is received within the heating chamber, the ventilation zone may be located at least 0.5 millimeters away (in the downstream direction of the article) from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the apparatus itself. When an article is received within the heating chamber, the ventilation zone may be located at least 1 millimeter away (in the downstream direction of the article) from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the apparatus itself. When an article is received within the heating chamber, the ventilation zone may be located at least 2 millimeters away (in the downstream direction of the article) from the mouth end (or mouth end face) of the heating chamber or the apparatus itself.

[0270] The ratio between the distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the upstream element and the length of the heating chamber is preferably between 1.03 and 1.13.

[0271] This positioning of the ventilation zone ensures that the ventilation zone is not blocked within the heating chamber itself, while also minimizing the risk of blockage by the user's lips or hands, as the ventilation zone is located as far upstream from the downstream end of the article as is reasonably possible without becoming blocked within the heating chamber.

[0272] The aerosol-generating device may include a power source. The power source may be a DC power source. The power source may be a battery. The power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery. For example, the battery may be a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. In some embodiments, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol-generating experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for approximately six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or for discontinuous activation of the heater.

[0273] Any one or more of the features of one example, embodiment, or aspect described herein may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.

[0274] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0275] Example 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a downstream section provided at the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, wherein the downstream section comprises one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section has a length of at least 25 millimeters, and the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 1 or less.

[0276] Example 2. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.95 or less.

[0277] Example 3. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.9 or less.

[0278] Example 4. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.85 or less.

[0279] Example 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.82 or less.

[0280] Example 6. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.8 or less.

[0281] Example 7. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.45.

[0282] Example 8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.55.

[0283] Example 9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.65.

[0284] Example 10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.75.

[0285] Example 11. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.9 or less.

[0286] Example 12. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.85 or less.

[0287] Example 13. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.8 or less.

[0288] Example 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of 60 millimeters or less.

[0289] Example 15. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of 50 millimeters or less.

[0290] Example 16. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a length of 45 millimeters or less.

[0291] Example 17. An aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples 1-16, wherein the one or more tubular elements comprise a hollow tubular element adjacent the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0292] Example 18. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 17, wherein the hollow tubular element has a length of between 6 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

[0293] Example 19. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 17 or 18, wherein the hollow tubular element has an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0294] Example 20. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the hollow tubular element has a weight of 150 milligrams or less.

[0295] Example 21. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 20, wherein the hollow tubular element has a weight of between 40 milligrams and 150 milligrams.

[0296] Example 22. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17-21, wherein the hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of 1500 micrometers or less.

[0297] Example 23. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 22, wherein the hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of from 500 micrometers to 1500 micrometers.

[0298] Example 24. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 23, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from a material having a basis weight of 80 gsm or less.

[0299] Example 25. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 17 to 24, wherein the hollow tubular element is formed from a material having a basis weight of 60 gsm to 80 gsm.

[0300] Example 26. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the one or more tubular elements comprises a second hollow tubular element abutting the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element.

[0301] Example 27. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 26, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a length of between 6 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

[0302] Example 28. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 26 or Example 27, wherein the second hollow tubular element has an internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0303] Example 29. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 28, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a weight of 80 milligrams or less.

[0304] Example 30. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 29, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a weight of between 40 milligrams and 80 milligrams.

[0305] Example 31. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 30, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of 1500 micrometers or less.

[0306] Example 32. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 31, wherein the second hollow tubular element has a wall thickness of from 200 micrometers to 1500 micrometers.

[0307] Example 33. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 32, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed from a material having a density of 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0308] Example 34. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 26 to 33, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed from a material having a density of between 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0309] Example 35. An aerosol-generating article described in any of Examples 26 to 34, wherein the second hollow tubular element is formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, crimped paper such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper, and polymeric materials such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

[0310] Example 36. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 35, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 260 cubic millimeters.

[0311] Example 37. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 300 cubic millimeters.

[0312] Example 38. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 500 cubic millimeters.

[0313] Example 39. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the one or more hollow tubular elements have a combined internal volume of at least 700 cubic millimeters.

[0314] Example 40. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, wherein the downstream section comprises a downstream filter segment.

[0315] Example 41. The aerosol-generating article of Example 40, wherein the downstream filter segment comprises at least one filter segment formed from a fibrous filtration material.

[0316] Example 42. The aerosol-generating article of Example 40, wherein the downstream filter segment comprises at least one filter segment formed from cardboard.

[0317] Example 43. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 42, wherein the downstream filter segment has a length of between 3 millimeters and 11 millimeters.

[0318] Example 44. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 43, wherein the downstream filter segment has a resistance to draw (RTD) of 4 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O.

[0319] Example 45. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 43, wherein the downstream filter segment is formed from a material having a density of 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0320] Example 46. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 45, wherein the downstream filter segment is formed from a material having a density of between 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 400 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0321] Example 47. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 46, wherein the combined length of the first hollow tubular element and the downstream filter segment is between 24 millimeters and 32 millimeters.

[0322] Example 48. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 47, wherein the downstream filter segment has a weight of 70 milligrams or less.

[0323] Example 49. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 48, wherein the downstream filter segment has a weight of 50 milligrams to 70 milligrams.

[0324] Example 50. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 40 to 49, wherein the downstream section comprises a downstream tubular element adjacent the downstream end of the downstream filter segment.

[0325] Example 51. The aerosol-generating article of Example 50, wherein the downstream tubular element is a third hollow tubular element.

[0326] Example 52. An aerosol-generating article according to Example 50 or 51, wherein the downstream tubular element has a weight of 500 milligrams or less.

[0327] Example 53. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 52, wherein the downstream tubular element has a weight of between 50 milligrams and 500 milligrams.

[0328] Example 54. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 53, wherein the downstream tubular element has a length of between 3 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

[0329] Example 55. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 54, wherein the downstream tubular element has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 1 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0330] Example 56. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 55, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed from a material having a density of 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter or less.

[0331] Example 57. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 50 to 56, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed from a material having a density of between 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter and 240 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0332] Example 58. The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 50 to 57, wherein the downstream tubular element is formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0333] Example 59. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein the downstream section has a weight of 300 milligrams or less.

[0334] Example 60. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 59, wherein the downstream section has a weight of 120 milligrams to 300 milligrams.

[0335] Example 61. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.45 or less.

[0336] Example 62. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 61, wherein the downstream section has a length of at least 18 millimeters.

[0337] Example 63. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the length of the downstream section is between 18 millimeters and 40 millimeters.

[0338] Example 64. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 63, wherein the downstream section has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 20 mmH2O.

[0339] Example 65. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 64, wherein the downstream section has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 1 mmH2O.

[0340] Example 66. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 65, wherein the downstream section has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 0.01 mmH2O.

[0341] Example 67. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 66, comprising an upstream section provided at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the upstream section comprising an upstream element.

[0342] Example 68. The aerosol-generating article of Example 67, wherein the upstream element has a length of between 2 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0343] Example 69. The aerosol-generating article of Example 67 or Example 68, wherein the upstream element is formed from a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow channel.

[0344] Example 70. An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 69, wherein the longitudinal cavity of the hollow tubular segment has a diameter of at least 5 millimeters.

[0345] Example 71: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 69 or Example 70, wherein the hollow tubular segment has a wall thickness of less than 1 millimeter.

[0346] Example 72: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 71, wherein the upstream element has a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 2 mmH2O.

[0347] Example 73: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 72, wherein the upstream end of the upstream element defines the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0348] Example 74: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 73, wherein the upstream element has a weight of 70 milligrams or less.

[0349] Example 75: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 74, wherein the upstream element has a weight of between 50 milligrams and 70 milligrams.

[0350] Example 76: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 75, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.4.

[0351] Example 77: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 76, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0352] Example 78: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 77, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0353] Example 79: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 78, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0354] Example 80: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 67 to 79, wherein the ratio of the combined weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section and the upstream section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0355] Example 81: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 80, having a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of 20 mmH2O to 22 mmH2O.

[0356] Example 82: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 81, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 5 millimeters.

[0357] Example 83: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 82, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 12 millimeters or less.

[0358] Example 84: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 83, wherein the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article is substantially uniform along its length.

[0359] Example 85: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 84, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a weight of 700 milligrams or less.

[0360] Example 86: An aerosol-generating article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 85, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a weight of 350 milligrams to 700 milligrams.

[0361] Example 87: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 86, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a rod of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0362] Example 88: The aerosol-generating article of Example 87, wherein the rod of aerosol-forming substrate comprises a substantially solid cylinder.

[0363] Example 89: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 88, comprising a wrapper surrounding at least the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0364] Example 90: The aerosol-generating article of Example 89, wherein the wrapper is a paper wrapper.

[0365] Example 91: The aerosol-generating article of Example 89 or Example 90, wherein the wrapper has a basis weight of 15 gsm to 35 gsm.

[0366] Example 92: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 89 to 91, wherein the wrapper has a thickness of 25 micrometers to 55 micrometers.

[0367] Example 93: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 92, comprising one or more susceptor elements.

[0368] Example 94: The aerosol-generating article of example 90, wherein one or more susceptor elements are provided within the aerosol-forming substrate section.

[0369] Example 95: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 94, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.4.

[0370] Example 96: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 95, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0371] Example 97: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 96, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0372] Example 98: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 97, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0373] Example 99: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 98, wherein the ratio of the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0374] Example 100: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 99, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a length of at least 8 millimeters.

[0375] Example 101: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 100, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a length of between 8 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

[0376] Example 102: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 101, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a length of between 13 millimeters and 25 millimeters.

[0377] Example 103: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 102, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a resistance to draw (RTD) of between 4 mmH2O and 10 mmH2O.

[0378] Example 104: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 103, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a weight of at least 200 milligrams.

[0379] Example 105: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1 to 104, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a weight of between 200 milligrams and 400 milligrams.

[0380] Example 106: The aerosol-generating article of any one of Examples 1 to 105, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more aerosol formers.

[0381] Example 107: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1-106, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of at least 10 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0382] Example 108: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1 to 107, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of 10 weight percent to 20 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0383] Example 109: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1 to 108, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol former content of 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent on a dry weight basis.

[0384] Example 110: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 106-109, wherein the one or more aerosol formers include one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0385] Example 111: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1 to 110, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a weight of at least 200 milligrams.

[0386] Example 112: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples 1 to 111, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a weight of 200 milligrams to 400 milligrams.

[0387] Example 113: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 112, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises shredded tobacco material.

[0388] Example 114: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 113, wherein the cut tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0389] Example 115: An aerosol-generating article according to Example 113 or 114, wherein the cut tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0390] Example 116: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 115, wherein the cut tobacco material has a bulk density of at least 300 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0391] Example 117: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 116, wherein the cut tobacco material has a weight of at least 200 milligrams.

[0392] Example 118: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 117, wherein the cut tobacco material has a weight of 200 milligrams to 300 milligrams.

[0393] Example 119: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 118, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.45.

[0394] Example 120: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 119, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.5.

[0395] Example 121: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 120, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.55.

[0396] Example 122: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 121, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.6.

[0397] Example 123: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 122, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.65.

[0398] Example 124: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 123, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.7.

[0399] Example 125: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 124, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.75.

[0400] Example 126: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 125, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.8.

[0401] Example 127: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 126, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.85.

[0402] Example 128: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 127, wherein the ratio of the weight of the cut tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.9.

[0403] Example 129: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 127, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.9 or less.

[0404] Example 130: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 127, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.85 or less.

[0405] Example 131: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 113 to 127, wherein the ratio of the weight of the shredded tobacco material to the weight of the aerosol-generating article is 0.8 or less.

[0406] Example 132: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 131, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.3.

[0407] Example 133: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 132, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.35.

[0408] Example 134: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 133, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.37.

[0409] Example 135: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 134, comprising a ventilation zone.

[0410] Example 136: The aerosol-generating article of Example 135, wherein a ventilation zone is provided at a location along the downstream section.

[0411] Example 137: The aerosol-generating article of Example 135, wherein ventilation zones are provided at locations along the first hollow tubular element.

[0412] Example 138: An aerosol-generating article as described in Example 135, wherein the ventilation zone is provided at a distance of 26 millimeters to 33 millimeters from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0413] Example 139: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 135 to 138, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a ventilation level of 10 percent to 30 percent.

[0414] Example 140: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 135 to 139, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a breathability level of 12 percent to 25 percent.

[0415] Example 141: An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 1 to 140, An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heated chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; an aerosol generating device comprising: at least one heating element provided at or near the periphery of a heated chamber;

[0416] The invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0417] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generation system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0418] The aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in all figures of this disclosure comprise an aerosol-forming substrate section 2 and a downstream section 4 located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The aerosol-forming substrate section 2 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 6. In these examples, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is a rod of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 extend from an upstream or distal end 8 to a downstream or mouth end 10. The downstream or mouth end 10 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream section 4.

[0419] Each of the components of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in the figures and described in this disclosure may be surrounded by a corresponding wrapper or may be bonded together by one or more wrappers not shown in the figures.

[0420] The aerosol-forming substrate 6 is surrounded by a wrapper (not shown) and comprises at least one type of aerosol-forming substrate as described herein, such as vegetable cut filler, particularly tobacco cut filler, homogenized tobacco, a gel formulation, an aerosol-generating film, or homogenized plant material containing particles of a plant other than tobacco.

[0421] The aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 millimeters.

[0422] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 100 having a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol-generating article 100 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. A distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0423] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in Figure 1 includes one or more tubular elements. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Thus, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0424] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 within the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0425] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed from cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 21 millimeters, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 250 micrometers.

[0426] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 millimeters in length.

[0427] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18. The upstream element 18 is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 1, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0428] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 includes at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and through a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0429] In the example of Figure 1, the aerosol-forming substrate has a bulk density of about 440 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and the aerosol-generating article 100 has a weight of about 505 milligrams.

[0430] Figure 2 shows an aerosol-generating article 200. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the aerosol-generating article 200 does not include an upstream section. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is defined by the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0431] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in Figure 2 includes one or more tubular elements. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Thus, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0432] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. In the example of FIG. 2, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed from cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. In the example of FIG. 2, the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 21 millimeters, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 250 micrometers.

[0433] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 millimeters in length.

[0434] The aerosol-generating article 100 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 includes at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and through a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0435] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 100 of FIG. 1 weighs approximately 273 milligrams.

[0436] In the example of FIG. 2, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 is about 22 millimeters, and the weight of the aerosol-generating article 200 is about 560 milligrams.

[0437] The aerosol-generating article 200 shown in Figure 2 does not include an upstream element.

[0438] In the example of Figure 2, the aerosol-forming substrate 6 has a weight of approximately 381 milligrams. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a weight of 560 milligrams. As a result, in the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in Figure 2, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.47.

[0439] Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 300. The aerosol-generating article 300 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 3, the aerosol-generating article 300 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 100 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0440] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in Figure 3 includes one or more tubular elements. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16. The hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. Thus, the hollow tubular element 14 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 and the downstream filter segment 16. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 300 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0441] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 within the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0442] The hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube. In the example of FIG. 3, the hollow tubular element 14 may be formed from cardboard or cellulose acetate. The hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby allowing substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 100. In the example of FIG. 3, the length of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 21 millimeters, and the wall thickness of the hollow tubular element 14 is approximately 250 micrometers.

[0443] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 7 millimeters in length.

[0444] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18. The upstream element 18 is adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 3, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0445] The aerosol-generating article 300 has a ventilation zone 20 located along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 comprises at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and through a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0446] In the example of Figure 3, the aerosol-forming substrate has a bulk density of about 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter. As a result, the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the example of Figure 3 is 337 milligrams.

[0447] The aerosol-generating article 300 of Figure 3 has a weight of 515 milligrams. As a result, in the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in Figure 3, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.44.

[0448] Figure 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 400 having a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 4, the aerosol-generating article 400 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. A distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 400 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0449] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in Figure 4 includes one or more tubular elements. In this embodiment, the one or more tubular elements include a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16, and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0450] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0451] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0452] The downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 400 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0453] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0454] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an interior cavity that extends from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 all the way to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0455] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 millimeters and the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 1.5 millimeters.

[0456] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0457] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 millimeters and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 millimeter.

[0458] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 millimeters in length.

[0459] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18 that abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 4, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0460] The aerosol-generating article 400 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the first hollow tubular element 14. In the example of Figure 4, the ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14.

[0461] The aerosol-generating article 400 has an elongated susceptor element 24 positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 6, so that the longitudinal axis of the susceptor element 24 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The elongated susceptor element 24 is in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, so that the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when positioned within a varying electromagnetic field.

[0462] 4, the susceptor element 24 is disposed at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends completely from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In effect, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0463] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being dislodged from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6, ensuring that a consumer cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0464] The aerosol-generating article 400 of FIG. 4 weighs approximately 513 milligrams.

[0465] Figure 5 shows an aerosol-generating article 500. The aerosol-generating article 500 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 5, the aerosol-generating article 500 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. A distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 500 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0466] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 500 shown in Figure 5 includes one or more tubular elements. In this embodiment, the one or more tubular elements include a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16, and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0467] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0468] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0469] The downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 500 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0470] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 in the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0471] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 all the way to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 500.

[0472] In the example of Figure 5, the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 millimeters.

[0473] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 500.

[0474] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 millimeters and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 millimeter.

[0475] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 millimeters in length.

[0476] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18 that abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 5, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0477] The aerosol-generating article 500 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the first hollow tubular element 14. In the example of Figure 5, the ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14.

[0478] The aerosol-generating article 500 has an elongated susceptor element 24 positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is disposed substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 6, approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The elongated susceptor element 24 is in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, so that the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when positioned within a varying electromagnetic field.

[0479] 5, the susceptor element 24 is disposed at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends all the way from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In effect, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0480] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being dislodged from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6, ensuring that a consumer cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0481] 5, the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is 1 millimeter. As a result, the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 is 47 milligrams. As a result, the weight of the aerosol-generating article 500 is 484 milligrams, and the weight of the downstream section 4 is 157 milligrams.

[0482] Reducing the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 reduces the weight of the downstream section 4. As a result, in the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in Figure 4, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.53.

[0483] Figure 6 shows an aerosol-generating article 600. The aerosol-generating article 600 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 6, the aerosol-generating article 600 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. A distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 600 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0484] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 600 shown in Figure 6 includes one or more tubular elements. In this embodiment, the one or more tubular elements include a first hollow tubular element 14, a downstream filter segment 16, and a second hollow tubular element 22.

[0485] The second hollow tubular element 22 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the first second tubular element 22 abuts the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0486] The first hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the second hollow tubular element 22. In other words, the first hollow tubular element 14 abuts the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22.

[0487] The downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 abuts the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 600 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0488] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 within the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0489] The second hollow tubular element 22 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate. The second hollow tubular element 22 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22 all the way to the downstream end of the second hollow tubular element 22. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The second hollow tubular element 22 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 600.

[0490] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 8 millimeters and the wall thickness of the second hollow tubular element 22 is about 1.5 millimeters.

[0491] The first hollow tubular element 14 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard or cellulose acetate. The first hollow tubular element 14 defines an interior cavity extending from the upstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14 all the way to the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14. The interior cavity is substantially empty, thereby permitting substantially unrestricted airflow along the interior cavity. The first hollow tubular element 14 may not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 600.

[0492] In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 8 millimeters and the wall thickness of the first hollow tubular element 14 is about 1 millimeter.

[0493] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 millimeters in length.

[0494] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18 that abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 6, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0495] The aerosol-generating article 600 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the first hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the first hollow tubular element 14 and a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the first hollow tubular element 14. In the example of Figure 6, the ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the first hollow tubular element 14.

[0496] The aerosol-generating article 600 has an elongated susceptor element 24 positioned within the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 is substantially longitudinally disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 so that the longitudinal axis of the susceptor element 24 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The elongated susceptor element 24 is in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 6, so that the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is heated by the susceptor element 24 when the susceptor element 24 is inductively heated when positioned within a varying electromagnetic field.

[0497] 6, the susceptor element 24 is disposed at a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6 and extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. The susceptor element 24 extends all the way from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 6. In effect, the susceptor element 24 has substantially the same length as the aerosol-forming substrate 6.

[0498] The upstream section 12 advantageously prevents the susceptor element 24 from being dislodged from its position within the aerosol-forming substrate 6, ensuring that a consumer cannot accidentally come into contact with the heated susceptor element 24 after use.

[0499] The overall length of the aerosol-generating article 600 is the same as the aerosol-generating article 400 of Figure 4. However, the lengths of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 and the aerosol-forming substrate 6 are increased to 19 millimeters. To allow the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2 to be increased without increasing the overall length of the aerosol-generating article 600, in the embodiment of Figure 6, the lengths of the first hollow tubular element 14 and the second hollow tubular element 22 are both shorter than the length of the aerosol-generating article 400 of Figure 4.

[0500] In the aerosol-generating article 600 of Figure 6, the first hollow tubular element 14 has a length of 7 millimeters and the second hollow tubular element 22 has a length of 7 millimeters.

[0501] Decreasing the length of the first hollow tubular element 14 reduces the weight of the first hollow tubular element 14 to 37 milligrams. Decreasing the length of the second hollow tubular element 22 reduces the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 to 57 milligrams. In the example of Figure 6, increasing the length of the aerosol-forming section 2 increases the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 to 329 milligrams. As a result, the aerosol-generating article 600 has a weight of 516 milligrams and the downstream section 4 has a weight of 155.25 milligrams.

[0502] Increasing the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 while also decreasing the weight of the first hollow tubular element 14 and decreasing the weight of the second hollow tubular element 22 results in a reduction in the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 to 0.47.

[0503] Figure 7 shows an aerosol-generating article 700. The aerosol-generating article 700 has a downstream section 4 and an aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The downstream section 4 is located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In the example of Figure 7, the aerosol-generating article 700 also includes an upstream section 12 located upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. A distal end 8 of the aerosol-generating article 700 is defined by the upstream end of the upstream section 12.

[0504] The downstream section 4 of the aerosol-generating article 700 shown in Figure 5 includes one or more tubular elements. In this embodiment, the one or more tubular elements include a hollow tubular element 14 and a downstream filter segment 16.

[0505] The hollow tubular element 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. In other words, the hollow tubular element 14 adjoins the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2.

[0506] The downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. In other words, the downstream filter segment 16 is adjacent to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14. The downstream end 10 of the aerosol-generating article 700 is defined by the downstream end of the downstream filter segment 16.

[0507] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 within the aerosol-forming substrate section is about 17 millimeters.

[0508] In the example of Figure 7, hollow tubular element 14 has a tubular body defining a cavity 25 extending from a first end 26 of the tubular body to a second end 27 of the tubular body. Hollow tubular element 14 also has a folded end at first end 26 of the tubular body that forms a first end wall 28. First end wall 28 defines an opening 29 that permits airflow between cavity 25 and the exterior of hollow tubular element 14. In particular, the embodiment of Figure 7 is configured to allow aerosol to flow from aerosol-forming substrate 6 through opening 29 into cavity 25.

[0509] In the example of FIG. 7 , the cavity 25 is substantially empty, allowing for substantially unrestricted airflow along the cavity 25. As a result, the RTD of the hollow tubular element 14 of FIG. 7 can be localized to a specific longitudinal location of the hollow tubular element 14, i.e., the first end wall 28, and can be controlled by the selected configuration of the first end wall 28 and its corresponding opening 29. In the example of FIG. 7 , the RTD of the hollow tubular element 14 (which is essentially the RTD of the first end wall 28) is substantially 10 mmH2O. In the example of FIG. 7 , the hollow tubular element 14 has a length of approximately 16 millimeters, an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 millimeters, and an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 millimeters. Therefore, the peripheral wall thickness of the hollow tubular element is approximately 0.3 millimeters.

[0510] The downstream filter segment 16 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the downstream filter segment 16 is about 12 millimeters in length.

[0511] The upstream section 12 includes an upstream element 18 that abuts the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section 2. The upstream element 18 is provided in the form of a cylindrical plug of cellulose acetate tow. In the example of Figure 7, the length of the upstream element 18 is about 5 millimeters.

[0512] The aerosol-generating article 700 includes a ventilation zone 20 located along the hollow tubular element 14. The ventilation zone 20 has at least one row of circumferential perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element 14 and a wrapper (not shown) surrounding the hollow tubular element 14. In the example of Figure 7, the ventilation zone 20 is located approximately 2 millimeters from the downstream end of the hollow tubular element 14.

[0513] The hollow tubular element 14 of the aerosol-generating article 700 has a weight of 50 milligrams. This results in the aerosol-generating article 700 having a weight of 438 milligrams, and the downstream section 4 having a weight of 111.5 milligrams. As a result, the ratio of the weight of the downstream section 4 to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate 6 is 0.38. Figure 8 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 800. The aerosol-generating system 800 includes an exemplary aerosol-generating device 900 and any one of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 shown in Figures 1 to 7 and described above.

[0514] 8 shows the downstream mouth-end portion of an aerosol generating device 900, in which a heating chamber is defined and capable of receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device 900 comprises a housing (or body) 30 extending between a mouth end 32 and a distal end (not shown). The housing 30 includes a peripheral wall 34. The peripheral wall 34 defines a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700. The heating chamber is defined by a closed distal end and an open mouth end. The mouth end of the heating chamber is located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating device 800. The aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is configured to be received through the mouth end of the heating chamber and abut the closed end of the heating chamber.

[0515] The airflow channel 36 of the device is defined in the peripheral wall 34. The airflow channel 36 extends between an inlet 38 located at the mouth end of the aerosol-generating device 900 and the closed end of the heating chamber. Air can enter the aerosol-forming substrate 2 through an opening (not shown) in the closed end of the heating chamber, ensuring fluid communication between the airflow channel 36 and the aerosol-forming substrate 2.

[0516] The aerosol-generating device 900 also includes a heater (not shown) and a power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the heater. A controller (not shown) is also provided for controlling the supply of such power to the heater. The heater is configured to controllably heat the aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 during use when the aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 is received within the aerosol-generating device 900. The heater is preferably positioned to externally heat the aerosol-forming substrate 2 of the aerosol-generating article 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 for optimal aerosol generation. The ventilation zone 20 of the aerosol-generating article 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 is arranged so as to be exposed when the aerosol-generating article 100 , 200 , 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 is received within the aerosol-generating device 900 .

[0517] 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." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the typical standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. In some instances, as used in the appended claims, the number A 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. Also, 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. An aerosol-generating article, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate section containing an aerosol-forming substrate; a downstream section provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the downstream section comprising one or more hollow tubular elements, the downstream section having a length of at least 25 millimeters; an aerosol-generating article, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 1 or less;

2. 2. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.9 or less.

3. 3. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.85 or less.

4. 4. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the downstream section to the weight of the aerosol-forming substrate is 0.8 or less.

5. 5. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the downstream section has a length between 18 millimetres and 40 millimetres.

6. The downstream section is 20 mmH 2 6. The aerosol-generating article of claim 1, having a resistance to withdrawal (RTD) of less than 0.

7. 7. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, further comprising an upstream section provided at the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate section, the upstream section comprising an upstream element.

8. 8. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein the upstream element is formed of a hollow tubular segment defining a longitudinal cavity that provides an unrestricted flow path.

9. 9. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the upstream element has a weight of 70 milligrams or less.

10. 10. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one or more susceptor elements, said one or more susceptor elements being provided within said aerosol-forming substrate section.

11. 11. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate section has a length of at least 8 millimeters.

12. 12. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises one or more aerosol formers.

13. 13. The aerosol-generating article of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming substance content of at least 10% by weight on a dry weight basis.

14. 14. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate section to the length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.

3.

15. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14; An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heated chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article; and an aerosol generating device comprising at least one heating element provided on the outer periphery of the heating chamber.

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