Aerosol generation system with extended aerosol-forming substrate length

Abstract

An aerosol generation system (100) and an aerosol generation article (10). The aerosol generation system (100) comprises a heating element (15) and an aerosol forming substrate (12), the heating element (15) is arranged to heat the aerosol forming substrate (12), and the heating element (15) has a length (L H ). The aerosol forming substrate (12) has a length (L S ), and the length (L S ) of the aerosol forming substrate is greater than the length (L H ) of the heating element. The ratio of the length (L S ) of the aerosol forming substrate to the length (L H ) of the heating element is about 1.1 to 3. The aerosol generation article (10) comprises an aerosol forming substrate (12) and a heating element (15), the heating element (15) is arranged to heat the aerosol forming substrate (12), and the heating element (15) has a length (L H ). The aerosol forming substrate (12) has a length (L S ), and the length (L S ) of the aerosol forming substrate is greater than the length (L H ) of the heating element. The ratio of the length (L S ) of the aerosol forming substrate to the length (L H ) of the heating element is about 1.1 to 3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a heating element and an aerosol generating article. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating system in which the heating element has a length equal to the length of the heating element, and the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate having a substrate length greater than the length of the heating element. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems comprising a heating element and a corresponding aerosol generating article are known in the art. For example, a system is known in which the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate heated by a heating element. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco-containing substrate that is heated by the heating element rather than being burned. Typically, in such a system, aerosols are generated by heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be part of the aerosol generating device or part of the aerosol-forming article. During use, the aerosol-forming substrate may be located inside the heating element, around the heating element, or downstream of the heating element. During use of the aerosol generating system, volatile compounds are released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heating element and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous documents disclose aerosol generators for heating aerosol-generating articles. For example, such devices include electrically heated aerosol generators in which aerosols are generated by heat transfer from one or more electrically heated elements of the aerosol generator to an aerosol-forming substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, electrically heated aerosol generators have been proposed that include internal heater blades configured to be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known to provide an aerosol generating system configured for use with a specific aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating article is used. A prior art aerosol generating article may include a downstream section located downstream of an aerosol forming substrate and an upstream element located upstream of the aerosol forming substrate. The downstream section may include at least one of a mouthpiece element, such as a filter, and one or more hollow tubular elements. The upstream element may be present to prevent the aerosol forming substrate from falling from the aerosol generating article and to control the draw resistance of the aerosol generating article. In a prior art article comprising one or more of the downstream section and upstream elements, the aerosol forming substrate does not extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating article, and therefore does not need to heat the entire length of the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, the aerosol generating system may include a heating element sized to match the length of the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol generating article, such that the heating element heats the entire length of the aerosol forming substrate without heating the entire length of the aerosol generating article.

[0005] There remains a need to improve the amount of aerosol generated from a given mass of aerosol-forming substrate. Furthermore, there remains a need to improve the duration of aerosol generation from a given mass of aerosol-forming substrate. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include a heating element. The aerosol generating system may also include an aerosol forming substrate. The heating element may be arranged to heat the aerosol forming substrate. The heating element may have a length. The aerosol forming substrate may have a length greater than the length of the heating element. The ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element may be about 1.1 to 3.

[0007] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating system comprising a heating element and an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element has a length, and the aerosol-forming substrate has a length, the length of which is greater than the length of the heating element. The ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 3.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element may be provided within the aerosol generating article.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generation system further comprises an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element may be provided within the aerosol generator.

[0010] The inventors have found that, advantageously, by extending the length of the aerosol-forming substrate heated by the heating element, such that the length of the substrate is greater than the length of the heating element, the amount of aerosol that can be generated can be increased compared to equivalent systems where the length of the substrate is less than or equal to the length of the heating element, without requiring a corresponding extension of the length of the heating element or an increase in the power supplied to the heating element. In particular, the inventors have found that by providing an aerosol generation system comprising a heating element and an aerosol-forming substrate in which the ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 3, a larger amount of aerosol can be generated than in equivalent aerosol generation systems where the ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element is 1 or less.

[0011] The inventors also found that, advantageously, extending the length of the aerosol-forming substrate allows for longer aerosol generation periods without compromising the aerosol generation rate, compared to equivalent aerosol generation systems where the substrate length is less than or equal to the length of the heating element. In particular, longer aerosol generation periods are achievable when a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is located downstream of the heating element. By positioning a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the heating element, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated by convection of the heated gas drawn away from the heating element to the downstream end of the aerosol generation system.

[0012] Advantageously, the time required to preheat the aerosol-forming substrate before aerosol generation remains the same in aerosol-forming systems having a substrate longer than the length of the heating element, as in equivalent aerosol-forming systems where the substrate length is less than or equal to the length of the heating element. This is because the amount of aerosol-forming substrate in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the heating element is the same for both systems.

[0013] In an aerosol generation system where the aerosol-forming substrate has a length less than or equal to the length of the heating element, the aerosol-forming substrate is typically in direct contact with the heating element along its entire length, or at least directly adjacent to the heating element along its entire length. This arrangement allows heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction and radiation. However, by extending the length of the aerosol-forming substrate so that its length is longer than the length of the heating element, a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed away from the heating element, without direct contact or direct adjacentness. The inventors have found that it is possible to generate an aerosol from a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate that is not in direct contact with the heating element or disposed directly adjacent to the heating element by utilizing the high-temperature gas generated when heating a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the heating element. Therefore, the inventors have found a way to increase the amount of aerosol-forming substrate provided in an aerosol generation system by extending the length of the aerosol-forming substrate without requiring a larger heating element or providing a greater power supply to the heating element.

[0014] According to this disclosure, the length of the substrate can be extended compared to a typical aerosol generating system in which the length of the substrate is the same as or less than the length of the heating element. By extending the length of the substrate, it is possible to increase the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate compared to a typical aerosol generating system. Advantageously, if a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is located downstream of the heating element, providing a larger mass of the aerosol-forming substrate can reduce the temperature of the first or first multiple smokes on the aerosol generating system as perceived by the user. Smokes with a high water vapor content tend to be perceived by the user as being hotter than smokes with a low water vapor content, and the initial smokes of the first multiple smokes in such aerosol generating systems typically contain a higher water vapor content compared to later smokes because they typically contain a higher water vapor content before and during preheating of the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing a larger mass of aerosol-forming substrate, particularly downstream of the heating element, may help cool and condense some of the water vapor in the first or first multiple fumes before it reaches the user while it is still in the aerosol-generating article, thereby lowering the perceived temperature of the aerosol delivered to the user.

[0015] As used herein, “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate is typically part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0016] As used herein, “aerosol generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user inhaling or snorting the mouthpiece at the oral or downstream end of an aerosol generating article, aerosol generating device, or aerosol generating system. Aerosol generating articles may be disposable.

[0017] As used herein, "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device is preferably a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0018] As used herein, "aerosol generating system" typically refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-forming substrate, and preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is contained within an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol generating device cooperate to generate an aerosol.

[0019] As used herein, "length" refers to the maximum dimension of a mechanism in the long-axis direction of the mechanism. The term "length" means the dimension of a component of an aerosol generating system in the long-axis direction from the farthest upstream point of the component to the farthest downstream point of the component. For example, it may be used to mean the dimension of an aerosol-forming substrate or any elongated tubular element in the long-axis direction.

[0020] As used herein, "long-axis direction" refers to the direction corresponding to the major axis of an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol generating device, which extends between the upstream end and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol generating device.

[0021] As used herein, "width" refers to the maximum dimension of a mechanism in the transverse direction of the mechanism. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the long-axis direction.

[0022] As used herein, "thickness" and "depth" refer to the maximum dimension of a mechanism in a direction perpendicular to the long-axis direction of the mechanism and in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the mechanism.

[0023] As used herein, “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative position of an element (or part of an element) of an aerosol generating system with respect to the direction in which aerosols are transported through the aerosol generating article during use. During use, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] As used herein, “end” and “side” are interchangeable to refer to the end of a mechanism such as an aerosol generator, heating assembly, heating element, or aerosol generating article. The mechanism described herein preferably has two opposing ends and at least one side extending between the two opposing ends. Preferably, the mechanism described herein has a length extending in the longitudinal direction between the opposing ends and a width extending transversely between the two opposing side.

[0025] As used herein, “fully received” means the position in which the aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted as far as possible into the device cavity of the aerosol generator. This may be when the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate abuts against the upstream end of the device cavity. Alternatively, this may be when the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate abuts against another component in the device cavity, preventing the aerosol-forming substrate from moving further upstream. This may be when the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article abuts against the upstream end of the device cavity. Alternatively, this may be when the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article abuts against another component in the device cavity, preventing the aerosol-generating article from moving further upstream. When the aerosol-generating article is “fully received” within the device cavity, a portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude outward from the open downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. This may occur, for example, when the length of the aerosol-generating article is greater than the length of the device cavity, or when the length of the aerosol-generating article is greater than the distance between the downstream end of the device cavity and the components within the device cavity, in order to prevent the aerosol-generating article from moving further upstream if present.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is an aerosol-forming substrate segment or an aerosol-forming substrate element. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a single aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a plug of aerosol-forming substrate material. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a rod of aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a plug of tobacco material. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a rod of tobacco material. Therefore, it is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate does not contain multiple segments. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains multiple segments, the length of the substrate refers to the length of the segment of the aerosol-forming substrate that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the heating element.

[0027] As used herein, the length of a heating element refers to the length of a heating element that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to an aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device comprising a heating element and a device cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the length of the heating element refers to the length of the heating element that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to an aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is fully received within the device cavity.

[0028] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating system comprises a single heating element. In other words, the aerosol generating system comprises one or fewer heating elements. In these preferred embodiments, the length of the heating element is the length of the heating element disposed in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the aerosol forming substrate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a plurality of heating elements. In these embodiments, the length of the heating element is the length between the downstream end of the heating elements of the plurality of heating elements disposed in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream end of the heating elements of the plurality of heating elements disposed in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0030] When an aerosol generating system comprises multiple segments of an aerosol-forming substrate and multiple heating elements, the length of the substrate refers to the length of a segment of the aerosol-forming substrate that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to one or more of the heating elements, and the length of a heating element refers to the length between the downstream end of a heating element of a group of heating elements that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to a segment of the aerosol-forming substrate and the upstream end of a heating element of a group of heating elements that is in direct contact with or directly adjacent to a segment of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0031] The length of the substrate may be greater than the length of the heating element. The ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element may be any suitable ratio. The ratio of the length of the substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 3. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 1.16. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element may be about 1.11 to 1.16, or about 1.12 to 1.16, or about 1.13 to 1.16, or about 1.14 to 1.16, or about 1.15 to 1.16. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.16.

[0032] The length of the substrate may be any suitable length greater than the length of the heating element. For example, the length of the substrate may be at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm, or at least 0.7 mm, or at least 0.8 mm, or at least 0.9 mm, or at least 1 mm greater than the length of the heating element. For example, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 5 mm or less, or about 4 mm or less, or about 3 mm or less greater than the length of the heating element. For example, the length of the substrate may be about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, or about 1 mm to about 4 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm greater than the length of the heating element. For example, the length of the substrate may be about 2 mm greater than the length of the heating element.

[0033] The length of the substrate may be any preferred length. For example, the length of the substrate may be about 8 mm to about 20 mm, or about 10 mm to about 18 mm, or about 12 mm to about 16 mm. In some preferred embodiments, the length of the substrate is about 14 mm.

[0034] The length of the heating element can be any suitable length. For example, the length of the heating element may be about 7 mm to about 19 mm, or about 8 mm to about 18 mm, or about 10 mm to about 16 mm, or about 12 mm.

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the length of the substrate is about 14 millimeters, and the length of the heating element is about 12 millimeters. In some of these preferred embodiments, it has been found that it is possible to generate aerosols at a desired rate for about 7 to 10 minutes, compared to about 4 minutes with a corresponding aerosol generator in which the length of the substrate is the same as the length of the heating element, and both the length of the substrate and the length of the heating element are 12 millimeters.

[0036] According to this disclosure, the length of the substrate can be extended compared to a typical aerosol generating system in which the length of the substrate is the same as or less than the length of the heating element. By extending the length of the substrate, it is possible to increase the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate compared to a typical aerosol generating system. The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably at least 150 milligrams, or at least 200 milligrams, or at least 250 milligrams, or at least 300 milligrams. The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is particularly preferably at least 250 milligrams, or at least 260 milligrams, or at least 270 milligrams, or at least 280 milligrams. The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably greater than 260 milligrams. The mass of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 150 to 400 milligrams, or 200 to 400 milligrams, or 250 to 400 milligrams, or 260 to 400 milligrams, or 270 to 400 milligrams. In some preferred embodiments, the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than 260 milligrams. In some preferred embodiments, the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 290 milligrams to about 310 milligrams.

[0037] The aerosol generating system preferably has an upstream end and a downstream end. The aerosol generating device may have an upstream end and a downstream end. The aerosol forming substrate may have an upstream end and a downstream end. If the aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating article may have an upstream end and a downstream end.

[0038] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate extends beyond the downstream end of the heating element. The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend along its longitudinal axis beyond the downstream end of the heating element. If the aerosol generator includes a device cavity and the aerosol generator includes a heating element, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend beyond the downstream end of the heating element when the aerosol-forming substrate is fully received within the device cavity.

[0039] Extending the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate beyond the heating element is advantageous because the high-temperature gas drawn out through the aerosol-forming substrate during use is drawn out through the downstream portion, heating it, and consequently the downstream portion also releases volatile compounds that can condense and form aerosols. As a result, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate can also contribute to aerosol generation even though it is not in direct contact with or directly adjacent to the heating element.

[0040] The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may have any preferred length. For example, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend at least 0.5 millimeters, or at least 1 millimeter, or at least 1.5 millimeters, in the longitudinal direction beyond the downstream end of the heating element. For example, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend at least 5 millimeters, or 4 millimeters, or 3 millimeters, in the longitudinal direction beyond the downstream end of the heating element. The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend at least about 0.5 millimeters to about 5 millimeters, or at least 1 millimeter to about 4 millimeters, or at least 1.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, in the longitudinal direction beyond the downstream end of the heating element. In some preferred embodiments, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate may extend at least about 2 millimeters in the longitudinal direction beyond the downstream end of the heating element.

[0041] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the upstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate. In other words, in some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate does not extend upstream beyond the upstream end of the heating element.

[0042] The aerosol generating system comprises a heating element. The heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element is a resistance heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element is a susceptor element. If the heating element is a susceptor element, the aerosol generating device further comprises an inductor coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for heating the susceptor element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes one or more electrodes of a capacitor. If the heating element includes one or more electrodes of a capacitor, the aerosol generating system may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by dielectric heating. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises a heating element. The heating element may be an external heating element. An external heating element is a heating element configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be an internal heating element. An internal heating element is a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside.

[0043] The heating element may be placed in any suitable location for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0044] In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a heating element. If the aerosol generator includes a device cavity, the heating element may be disposed in or around the device cavity. The heating element may surround the device cavity. The heating element may be configured to surround the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the device cavity. The heating element may be configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. Such a heating element is an external heating element. The heating element may extend into the device cavity. The heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the device cavity. Such a heating element is an internal heating element. The heating element may take the form of a pin, rod, strip, or blade.

[0045] The heating element may be a resistance heating element.

[0046] Suitable materials for forming resistance heating elements include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metal materials. Such composite materials may contain doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. A suitable example of a doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Suitable examples of metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Suitable examples of metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys.

[0047] In some embodiments, the resistance heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of an electrically resistant material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the resistance heating element may include a heating wire or filament (e.g., Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire).

[0048] In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electrically insulated substrate, and the resistance heating element is provided on an electrically insulated substrate.

[0049] The electrically insulated substrate may include any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulated substrate may include one or more of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polymer. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al2O3), or zirconia (ZrO2). The polymer may include polyamide. The electrically insulated substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 watts / meter Kelvin or less, preferably about 20 watts / meter Kelvin or less, and ideally about 2 watts / meter Kelvin or less.

[0050] The heating element may be a susceptor element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a susceptor element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a susceptor element.

[0051] As used herein, “susceptor element” refers to an element that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field. A susceptor element is typically heated by Joule heating due to eddy current induction within the susceptor element, and by at least one of hysteresis losses.

[0052] The susceptor element may contain any suitable material. The susceptor element 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 susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composite materials of metallic materials. Some susceptor elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may contain or consist of ferromagnetic materials such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steels such as AE400 series stainless steel, SAE type 409, 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. A suitable susceptor element may be aluminum, or may contain aluminum.

[0053] The susceptor element preferably contains more than about 5 percent of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, more preferably more than 20 percent of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, and more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Some suitable susceptor elements can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0054] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core having a metal layer arranged on top of the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

[0055] In embodiments where the heat-generating element is a susceptor element, the aerosol generator preferably includes an inductor coil. The inductor coil is preferably arranged to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element.

[0056] An inductor coil can generate a fluctuating magnetic field when a fluctuating current is supplied to it. If the aerosol generator has a device cavity, the inductor coil may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the device cavity. The inductor coil may be located within or around the device cavity. The inductor coil may surround the device cavity.

[0057] As used herein, “variable current” refers to a current that changes over time. An inductor coil generates a variable magnetic field when a variable current is supplied to it. The term “variable current” is intended to include alternating current. A variable current is an alternating current, and an alternating current generates an alternating magnetic field.

[0058] The changing current may be an alternating current. As used herein, “alternating current” refers to a current that periodically reverses direction. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. Suitable frequencies for an alternating current may be between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a tubular coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 500 kilohertz (kHz) and 30 megahertz (MHz). If at least one inductor coil is a flat coil, the alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kilohertz (kHz) and 1 megahertz (MHz).

[0059] The inductor coil is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating magnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes / meter (kA / m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, for example, about 2.5 kA / m. The electrically operated aerosol generator is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating magnetic field having a frequency of 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 megahertz (MHz).

[0060] The inductor coil may have any suitable form. The inductor coil may be a tubular inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a planar inductor coil. The inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. Preferably, the inductor coil is a tubular coil surrounding a substrate cavity.

[0061] The inductor coil may have any preferred number of turns.

[0062] The inductor coil can be formed from any suitable material. The inductor coil may be formed from at least one of silver, gold, aluminum, brass, zinc, iron, nickel, and their alloys, as well as conductive ceramics such as yttrium-doped zirconia, indium tin oxide, and yttrium-doped titanate.

[0063] If the aerosol generator includes an inductor coil, the aerosol generator may include a power supply configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil. The alternating current may have a frequency of about 500 kilohertz (kHz) to about 30 megahertz (MHz). Advantageously, the aerosol generator may include a DC / AC inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply to alternating current. The inductor coil may be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field when it receives alternating current from the power supply. Preferably, the inductor coil may be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field within the device cavity. In some embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially enclose the device cavity. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity. The inductor coil may have a length less than or equal to the length of the susceptor element.

[0064] The shape of the susceptor element may differ from the shape of the inductor coil. Preferably, the shape of the susceptor element is substantially the same as the shape of the inductor coil.

[0065] The inductor coil size may differ from the inductor coil size. Preferably, the susceptor element size is substantially the same as the inductor coil size.

[0066] In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by dielectric heating. When the aerosol generation system is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by dielectric heating, the aerosol generator may include a load capacitor. The heating element may include one or more electrodes of the load capacitor. The load capacitor may form part of a resonant circuit. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate may form part of a load capacitor when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol generator. For example, the load capacitor may include a pair of electrodes, and the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may form part of a load capacitor when it is positioned in close proximity to or between the electrodes. The aerosol generator may be configured to generate an alternating electric field across the load capacitor. When an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate is received by the aerosol generator and forms part of a load capacitor, the aerosol-generating article may be dielectric-heated by the alternating electric field.

[0067] Dielectric heating, also known as microwave heating, electric heating, or radio frequency heating, generally refers to heating that results from the dipole rotation of a material or substrate being heated when subjected to an alternating electric field, particularly a high-frequency alternating electric field. When an alternating electric field is applied to a material or substrate containing polar molecules (i.e., molecules with electric dipole moments), the polar molecules align within the field and rotate as the electric field alternates and maintains alignment with the field. This rotation (dipole rotation) results in heating of the material or substrate in the alternating electric field.

[0068] In some embodiments, the load capacitor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode may be separated from the first electrode by a gap. The first and second electrodes may be arranged such that at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed between the first and second electrodes when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the apparatus cavity of the aerosol generator. The load capacitor may be formed by the first electrode, the second electrode, and the aerosol-forming substrate received in the article between the first and second electrodes. One or both of the first and second electrodes may form a heating element.

[0069] The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate can be any suitable aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably solid. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably solid at room temperature. As used herein, "room temperature" refers to 20 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises both solid and liquid components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is liquid at room temperature.

[0071] The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed from any suitable material for generating an aerosol upon heating. Suitable types of materials for use in the aerosol-forming substrate include, for example, homogenized tobacco materials such as tobacco cut filler and cast leaf, and aerosol-forming films.

[0072] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco material. In certain preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate contains shredded tobacco material. For example, the shredded tobacco material may be in the form of cut fillers, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the shredded tobacco material may be in the form of shredded sheets of homogenized tobacco material. Suitable homogenized tobacco materials for use in the aerosol-generating systems of this disclosure are described below.

[0073] As used herein, “cut filler” refers to a blend of shredded plant materials, such as tobacco plant material, including, in particular, one or more leaf flakes, processed stems and veins, and homogenized plant materials. Cut filler may also include other cut materials, filler tobacco, or covering.

[0074] Preferably, the cut filler contains at least 25 percent of plant leaf blades, more preferably at least 50 percent of plant leaf blades, even more preferably at least 75 percent of plant leaf blades, and most preferably at least 90 percent of plant leaf blades. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea, and clove. Most preferably, the plant material is tobacco. However, the aerosol generating system of the present disclosure is equally applicable to other plant materials that have the ability to release a substance when heated and subsequently form an aerosol.

[0075] Preferably, the cut filler comprises tobacco plant material, including one or more laminas of bright tobacco, dark tobacco, aromatic tobacco, and filler tobacco. As used herein, “tobacco” refers to any plant member of the genus Nicotiana.

[0076] A suitable cut filler may generally be similar to those used in conventional smoking articles. The cut width of the cut filler is preferably 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, and most preferably 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm. The cut width may play a role in the heat distribution inside the aerosol-forming substrate. The cut width may also play a role in the draw-to-discharge (RTD) of the aerosol-generating article. Furthermore, the cut width as a whole may affect the overall density of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0077] Since the length of the strand depends on the overall size of the object from which the strand is cut, the strand length of cut filler is somewhat random. Nevertheless, longer strands can be cut by conditioning the material before cutting, for example, by controlling the moisture content and overall delicacy of the material. Preferably, the strands have a length of about 10 mm to about 40 mm, and then the strands are arranged to form an aerosol-forming substrate. Of course, if the strands are arranged in the aerosol-forming substrate with a longitudinal extension of less than 40 mm in the longitudinal extension of the section, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain strands that are shorter on average than the original strand length. Preferably, the length of the strands in the cut filler is such that about 20 percent to 60 percent of the strand extends along the entire length of the aerosol-forming substrate. This prevents the strands from easily coming off the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] In other preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate includes homogenized plant material, preferably homogenized tobacco material.

[0079] As used herein, “homogenized plant material” encompasses any plant material formed by the aggregation of plant particles. For example, a sheet or web of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by aggregating particles of tobacco material obtained by grinding, crushing, or pulverizing plant material and, optionally, one or more of tobacco leaf laminas and tobacco leaf stems, in order to form an aerosol-forming substrate. Homogenized plant material may be produced by molding, extrusion, papermaking processes, or any other suitable process known in the art.

[0080] The homogenized plant material may be provided in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the homogenized plant material may be in the form of one or more sheets. As used herein, “sheet” refers to a thin layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-forming bodies. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies to be included in the aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dodecanedioic acid and dimethyl tetradecanedioic acid).

[0082] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of 30% by weight or less on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of 25% by weight or less on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of 20% by weight or less on a dry weight basis.

[0083] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of at least 5% by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of at least 10% by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of at least 12% by weight on a dry weight basis. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming content of at least 15% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0084] For example, the aerosol-forming content of the aerosol-forming substrate may be 5% to 30% by weight, or 10% to 25% by weight, or 12% to 20% by weight, or about 15% to about 20% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

[0085] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains glycerol as an aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain 5% to 30% by weight of glycerol, or 10% to 25% by weight of glycerol, or 12% to 20% by weight of glycerol, or 15% to 20% by weight of glycerol, on a dry weight basis.

[0086] It is preferable that the aerosol-forming substrate has a relatively high aerosol-forming content compared to a typical aerosol-generating system. This is because, as described above, the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate can cool the aerosol generated during the initial smoke extraction, allowing for the use of a higher aerosol-forming content in the aerosol-forming substrate without adversely affecting the user experience during the user's initial smoke extraction in the aerosol-generating system.

[0087] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 12% by weight, at least 15% by weight, at least 18% by weight, at least 20% by weight, at least 22% by weight, or at least 25% by weight on a dry weight basis. Most preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 18%, at least 20%, or 20% to 30% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent content of 18% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0088] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming body comprises glycerol, and the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least 12% by weight, at least 15% by weight, at least 18% by weight, at least 20% by weight, at least 22% by weight, or at least 25% by weight of glycerol on a dry weight basis. Most preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least 18% by weight, at least 20% by weight, or 20% to 30% by weight of glycerol on a dry weight basis.

[0089] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco plant-flavored particles. The non-tobacco plant-flavored particles may be selected from one or more of the following: ginger particles, rosemary particles, eucalyptus particles, clove particles, and star anise particles.

[0090] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate contains cloves. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least 1 weight percent of cloves on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least 2 weight percent of cloves on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain about 1 weight percent of cloves, or about 2 weight percent of cloves, on a dry weight basis.

[0091] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol-forming film. The aerosol-forming film may include a cellulosic film-forming agent, nicotine, and an aerosol-forming material.

[0092] As used herein, the term “film” is used to describe a solid layered element having a thickness less than its width or length. A film may be self-supporting. In other words, a film may have cohesive and mechanical properties that allow it to be separated from a support surface, even if it is obtained by casting a film-forming formulation onto a support surface. Alternatively, a film may be placed on a support or sandwiched between other materials. This can enhance the mechanical stability of the film.

[0093] The aerosol-forming film may have an aerosol-forming body containing glycerol, and may have a glycerol content of at least 40% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0094] The aerosol-forming film may further contain water, preferably about 30% by weight or less.

[0095] The aerosol-forming film may contain a cellulose-based film-forming agent. As used herein, the term "cellulose-based film-forming agent" is used to describe a cellulose polymer that has the ability to form a continuous film, either by itself or in the presence of an auxiliary thickener. Preferably, the cellulose-based film-forming agent is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), and combinations thereof. The aerosol-forming film may have a content of cellulose-based film-forming agent of 10% to 40% by weight, or 15% to 35% by weight, or 20% to 30% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

[0096] The aerosol-forming film preferably further contains a cellulosic reinforcing agent. The cellulosic reinforcing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of cellulose fibers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose powder, and combinations thereof. The aerosol-forming film may have a cellulosic reinforcing agent content of 0.5% to 40% by weight, or 5% to 30% by weight, or 10% to 25% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

[0097] The aerosol-forming film may further contain carboxymethylcellulose, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose. The aerosol-forming film may have a carboxymethylcellulose content of 1% to 15% by weight, or 2% to 12% by weight, or 4% to 10% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

[0098] The aerosol-forming film contains nicotine. As used herein, the term “nicotine” is used to refer to nicotine, a nicotine base, or a nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-forming film contains a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine listed herein are, respectively, amounts of free base nicotine or amounts of protonated nicotine. The aerosol-forming film may contain natural or synthetic nicotine. The aerosol-forming film may contain one or more monobasic nicotine salts. As used herein, the term “monobasic nicotine salt” is used to refer to a nicotine salt of a monobasic acid. The aerosol-forming film may contain 0.5% to 10% by weight nicotine, or 1% to 8% by weight nicotine, or 2% to 6% by weight nicotine, on a dry weight basis.

[0099] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming film contains an acid. More preferably, the aerosol-forming film contains one or more organic acids. Even more preferably, the aerosol-forming film contains one or more carboxylic acids. In particularly preferred embodiments, the acid is lactic acid, benzoic acid, fumaric acid, or levulinic acid. The aerosol-forming film may contain 0.25% to 3.5% by weight of the acid, or 0.5% to 3% by weight of the acid, or 1% to 2.5% by weight of the acid, on a dry weight basis.

[0100] The aerosol-forming film may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.75 mm, and even more preferably about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a layer of film-forming composition having a thickness of about 50 micrometers to 400 micrometers, more preferably about 100 micrometers to 200 micrometers, is formed.

[0101] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine-containing gel composition, at least one gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming body. The gel composition may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0102] The preferred weight range of nicotine in the gel composition is the same as that defined above in relation to aerosol-forming films.

[0103] The gel composition may contain at least 50 weight percent of aerosol-forming material, more preferably at least 60 weight percent, and more preferably at least 70 weight percent, on a dry weight basis. The gel composition may contain up to 80 weight percent of aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming material in the gel composition is preferably glycerol.

[0104] The gel composition preferably contains at least one gelling agent. The gel composition preferably contains gelling agents in a total amount ranging from about 0.4% to about 10% by weight. More preferably, the composition contains gelling agents in a range of about 0.5% to about 8% by weight. More preferably, the composition contains gelling agents in a range of about 1% to about 6% by weight. More preferably, the composition contains gelling agents in a range of about 2% to about 4% by weight. More preferably, the composition contains gelling agents in a range of about 2% to about 3% by weight.

[0105] The term "gelling agent" refers to a compound that, when added homogeneously to a mixture of 50% water and 50% glycerol in an amount of approximately 0.3% by weight, forms a solid medium or supporting matrix, leading to the formation of a gel. Examples of gelling agents, though not limited to them, include hydrogen-linked gelling agents and ionic-linked gelling agents.

[0106] The term "hydrogen bond crosslinking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent or physical crosslinks via hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are not covalent bonds to hydrogen atoms, but rather a type of electrostatic dipole-dipole attraction between molecules. This results from the attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an extremely electronegative atom, such as N, O, or F atoms, and another extremely electronegative atom.

[0107] The hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent may contain one or more of galactomannan, gelatin, agarose, konjac gum, or agar. It is preferable that the hydrogen bonding crosslinking gelling agent contains agar.

[0108] The term "ionic crosslinking gelling agent" refers to a gelling agent that forms non-covalent or physical crosslinks via ionic bonding. Ionic crosslinking involves the association of polymer chains through non-covalent interactions. A crosslinking network is formed when polyvalent molecules with opposite charges are electrostatically attracted to each other, creating a crosslinked polymer network.

[0109] The ion-crosslinking gelling agent may include low-acylgellan, pectin, kappa-carrageenan, iota-carrageenan, or alginate. It is preferable that the ion-crosslinking gelling agent may include low-acylgellan.

[0110] The gelling agent may contain one or more biopolymers. The biopolymers may be formed from polysaccharides.

[0111] Examples of biopolymers include gellan gum (natural gellan gum, low-acyl gellan gum, high-acyl gellan gum, and low-acyl gellan gum are preferred), xanthan gum, alginate (alginic acid), agar, and guar gum. It is preferable that the composition contains xanthan gum. The composition may contain two biopolymers. The composition may contain three biopolymers. The composition may contain two biopolymers in substantially equal weights. The composition may contain three biopolymers in substantially equal weights.

[0112] The gel composition may further contain a thickening agent. Surprisingly, thickening agents combined with hydrogen-bonding crosslinking gelling agents appear to support solid media and maintain the gel composition even when it contains high levels of glycerol.

[0113] The term "thickener" refers to a compound that, when uniformly added in an amount of 0.3 weight percent to a mixture of 50 weight percent water / 50 weight percent glycerol at 25°C, increases viscosity without causing gel formation, causing the mixture to remain in a fluid state or stay fluid. Preferably, the thickener refers to a compound that, when uniformly added in an amount of 0.3 weight percent to a mixture of 50 weight percent water / 50 weight percent glycerol at 25°C, increases viscosity to at least 50 cPs, preferably at least 200 cPs, preferably at least 500 cPs, preferably at least 1000 cPs, at a shear rate of 0.1 s⁻¹, without causing gel formation, causing the mixture to remain in a fluid state or stay fluid. Preferably, the thickener refers to a compound that, when homogeneously added in an amount of 0.3 weight percent to a mixture of 50 weight percent water / 50 weight percent glycerol at 25°C, increases the viscosity by at least 2 times, at least 5 times, at least 10 times, or at least 100 times compared to before addition, at a shear rate of 0.1 s⁻¹, without causing gel formation, and causing the mixture to remain in a fluid state or stay fluid.

[0114] The viscosity values ​​listed herein can be measured using a Brookfield RVT viscometer, rotating a disk-type RV#2 spindle at a speed of 6 revolutions per minute (rpm) at 25°C.

[0115] The gel composition preferably contains a thickening agent in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 5% by weight. Preferably, the composition contains a thickening agent in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 3% by weight. Preferably, the composition contains a thickening agent in an amount ranging from about 0.5% to about 2% by weight. Preferably, the composition contains a thickening agent in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 2% by weight.

[0116] The thickener may contain one or more of the following: xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, methylcellulose, gum arabic, guar gum, lambda carrageenan, or starch. It is preferable that the thickener contains xanthan gum.

[0117] The gel composition may further contain divalent cations. Preferably, the divalent cations include calcium ions such as calcium lactate in the solution. Divalent cations (such as calcium ions) can assist in gel formation in compositions containing gelling agents, such as ion-crosslinking gelling agents. Ionic effects may assist in gel formation. Divalent cations may be present in the gel composition in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent, or about 0.5 weight percent.

[0118] The gel composition may further contain an acid. The acid may contain a carboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid may contain a ketone group. Preferably, the carboxylic acid may contain a ketone group having less than 10 carbon atoms, such as levulinic acid or lactic acid, or less than 6 carbon atoms or less than 4 carbonate atoms. Preferably, this carboxylic acid has three carbon atoms (such as lactic acid).

[0119] The gel composition preferably contains some water. The gel composition is more stable when it contains some water. The gel composition preferably contains at least about 1 weight percent, or at least about 2 weight percent, or at least about 5 weight percent of water. The gel composition preferably contains at least about 10 weight percent, or at least about 15 weight percent of water.

[0120] The gel composition preferably contains about 8% to about 32% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 15% to about 25% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 18% to about 22% by weight of water. The gel composition preferably contains about 20% by weight of water.

[0121] The aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter. The "outer diameter" of the aerosol-forming substrate may be calculated as the average of multiple measurements of the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate taken at different locations along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0122] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an outer diameter of at least about 5 mm. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter of at least about 6 mm. Even more preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter of at least about 7 mm, or about 7.2 mm.

[0123] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an outer diameter of about 12 mm or less. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter of about 10 mm or less. Even more preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate has an outer diameter of about 8 mm or less, or about 7.2 mm.

[0124] The outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably 5 to 12 millimeters, more preferably 6 to 10 millimeters, and more preferably 7 to 8 millimeters. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may be less than 7 millimeters, for example, 5 to 7 millimeters or 6 to 7 millimeters.

[0125] In general, it was observed that the smaller the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate, the lower the temperature required to raise the core temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate so that a sufficient amount of volatile species are released from the aerosol-forming substrate to form the desired amount of aerosol.

[0126] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably substantially constant along its length.

[0127] The average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably at least 50 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article, more preferably at least 80 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article, and more preferably at least 90 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article.

[0128] The cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate at the upstream end is preferably at least 50 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating articles, more preferably at least 80 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating articles, and more preferably at least 90 percent of the average cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating articles.

[0129] The aerosol generation system preferably comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0130] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an airflow path between its upstream and downstream ends. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the airflow path.

[0131] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article includes a heating element.

[0132] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating element having a length, the aerosol-forming substrate having a length, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate being greater than the length of the heating element, and the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element being about 1.1 to 3. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 1.16. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element may be about 1.11 to 1.16, or about 1.12 to 1.16, or about 1.13 to 1.16, or about 1.14 to 1.16, or about 1.15 to 1.16. In some preferred embodiments, the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.16. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an upstream end and a downstream end, with the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate extending beyond the downstream end of the heating element. In addition, in some preferred embodiments, the upstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0133] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generating article is provided which includes an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate having a substrate length of at least 13 millimeters, a mass of at least 260 milligrams, and an aerosol-forming material content of at least about 18 weight percent, on a dry weight basis.

[0134] According to this disclosure, an aerosol-generating article is provided which includes an aerosol-forming substrate having, on a dry weight basis, a substrate length of at least 14 millimeters, a mass of at least 27 milligrams, and an aerosol-forming material content of at least 20 weight percent. In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is glycerol.

[0135] As described above, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a heating element. In particular, the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor element. Providing a susceptor element within the aerosol generating article is typically preferable because the susceptor element does not require a direct physical connection to a power source to generate heat. Thus, the aerosol generating article includes a susceptor element rather than a resistive heating element, avoiding the need to provide electrical contacts on the aerosol generating article, which may require periodic cleaning.

[0136] In some embodiments, the susceptor element within the aerosol-generating article surrounds a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element heats the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0137] In some embodiments, the susceptor element within the aerosol-generating article is substantially surrounded by an aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. In these embodiments, the susceptor element heats the aerosol-forming substrate from the inside. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may take the form of a pin, rod, flake, or blade.

[0138] The susceptor element may extend along the long axis of the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be elongated. The susceptor element may extend all the way to the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may extend to the upstream end of the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0139] The susceptor element may have a width of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm.

[0140] The susceptor element may have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 2 mm, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the susceptor element preferably has a thickness of about 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers, more preferably 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

[0141] The susceptor element is preferably disposed in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. When the temperature of the susceptor element rises, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated, releasing volatile compounds, which condense to form an aerosol. Alternatively, the susceptor element is preferably disposed in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0142] The total length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably at least 40 millimeters. More preferably, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 50 millimeters. Even more preferably, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 60 millimeters.

[0143] The total length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 90 millimeters or less. More preferably, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is 85 millimeters or less. Even more preferably, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is 80 millimeters or less.

[0144] In some embodiments, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 40 to 70 millimeters, more preferably 45 to 70 millimeters. In other embodiments, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 40 to 60 millimeters, more preferably 45 to 60 millimeters. In further embodiments, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is preferably 40 to 50 millimeters, more preferably 45 to 50 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 millimeters.

[0145] In some embodiments, the total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably 50 to 90 mm, more preferably 60 to 90 mm, and even more preferably 70 to 90 mm. In some embodiments, the total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably 50 to 85 mm, more preferably 60 to 85 mm, and even more preferably 70 to 85 mm. In some embodiments, the total length of the aerosol generating article is preferably 50 to 80 mm, more preferably 60 to 80 mm, and even more preferably 70 to 80 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the total length of the aerosol generating article is 75 mm.

[0146] The aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 6 mm. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of at least 7 mm.

[0147] The aerosol generating article preferably has an outer diameter of about 12 mm or less. More preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of about 10 mm or less. Even more preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of about 8 mm or less.

[0148] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 12 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 12 mm, and more preferably about 7 mm to about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 10 mm, and more preferably about 7 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 8 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 8 mm, and more preferably about 7 mm to about 8 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of less than 7 mm.

[0149] The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article is preferably substantially constant along its entire length. Alternatively, different parts of the aerosol-generating article may have different outer diameters.

[0150] Aerosol-generating articles have an overall draw-to-discharge (RTD). The overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be at least 10 millimeters of water column (mmH2O). For example, the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be at least 20 millimeters of water column (mmH2O), at least 30 millimeters of water column (mmH2O), at least 35 millimeters of water column (mmH2O), or at least 40 millimeters of water column (mmH2O).

[0151] Unless otherwise specified, the draw resistance (RTD) of a component or aerosol-generating article shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to pump air through the entire length of the component. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” for a component or article may also refer to “resistance to draw.” Such terms generally refer to measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015, performed successfully under a test of a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 ml / s at the output or downstream end of the measured component, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of 60%. The conditions for smoking and the specifications of the smoking machine are presented in ISO standard 3308 (ISO 3308:2000). The atmosphere for adjustment and testing is presented in ISO standard 3402 (ISO 3402:1999).

[0152] The overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be 70 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or less. For example, the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be 60 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or less, 55 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or less, 50 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or less, or 45 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) or less.

[0153] The overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be between 10 mmHg (mmH2O) and 70 mmHg (mmH2O). For example, the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be between 20 mmHg (mmH2O) and 60 mmHg (mmH2O), 30 mmHg (mmH2O) and 55 mmHg (mmH2O), 35 mmHg (mmH2O) and 50 mmHg (mmH2O), or 40 mmHg (mmH2O) and 45 mmHg (mmH2O).

[0154] The overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be 40-60 mmH2O, 35-40 mmH2O, 45-50 mmH2O, or 55-65 mmH2O.

[0155] The overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article may be approximately 38 millimeters of water column (mmH2O), approximately 48 millimeters of water column (mmH2O), or approximately 60 millimeters of water column (mmH2O).

[0156] The aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure may have a ventilation level of at least 25 percent.

[0157] The term “ventilation level” is used throughout this specification to mean the volume ratio of the airflow entering the aerosol-generating article through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) to the total of the aerosol airflow and the ventilation airflow. A higher ventilation level results in a higher degree of dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the consumer. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a ventilation level of at least 25 percent, more preferably at least 30 percent, even more preferably at least 40 percent, and even more preferably at least 50 percent.

[0158] The aerosol-generating articles according to this disclosure may have a ventilation level of up to 90 percent. Preferably, the aerosol-generating articles according to this disclosure have a ventilation level of 80 percent or less, more preferably 70 percent or less, and even more preferably 60 percent or less.

[0159] In some embodiments, the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate may define the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream element.

[0160] Upstream elements may be located upstream of and adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, upstream elements may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, if the aerosol-forming substrate includes a susceptor element, the upstream elements may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the susceptor element. This helps prevent displacement or deformation of the susceptor element during handling or transport of the aerosol-generating article. This, in turn, helps to fix the shape and position of the susceptor element. Furthermore, the presence of upstream elements helps prevent any loss of the aerosol-forming substrate, which may be advantageous, for example, if the aerosol-forming substrate contains particulate plant material.

[0161] If the aerosol-forming substrate contains shredded tobacco, such as tobacco cut filler, its upstream element may additionally help prevent the loss of loose tobacco particles from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. This can be particularly important, for example, when the density of the shredded tobacco is relatively low.

[0162] The upstream element may also provide some degree of additional protection to the aerosol-forming substrate during storage, by covering at least to some extent the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate which might otherwise be exposed.

[0163] In the case of an aerosol-generating article intended to be inserted into the apparatus cavity of an aerosol generator so that the aerosol-forming substrate can be externally heated within the apparatus cavity, the upstream element can advantageously facilitate the insertion of the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article into the apparatus cavity. By including the upstream element, the ends of the aerosol-forming substrate can be additionally protected during the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the apparatus cavity, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0164] The upstream element may be a porous plug element. Preferably, the upstream element has a porosity of at least 50 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. More preferably, the upstream element may have a porosity of 50 percent to 90 percent in the longitudinal direction. The porosity of the upstream element in the longitudinal direction is defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the upstream element to the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article at the location of the upstream element.

[0165] The upstream element may be made of a porous material. The upstream element may have multiple openings. This can be achieved, for example, by laser drilling. Preferably, the multiple openings are uniformly distributed across the cross-section of the upstream element.

[0166] The porosity or permeability of the upstream element may be advantageously designed to provide an aerosol-generating article having a specific overall drawdown resistance (RTD) that does not substantially affect the filtration provided by the other parts of the aerosol-generating article.

[0167] The upstream element may be formed from a material that is impermeable to air. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be configured to allow air to flow into the aerosol-forming substrate through a suitable ventilation means provided within the wrapper.

[0168] In certain preferred embodiments, it may be desirable to minimize the RTD of upstream elements. For example, this may apply to articles intended to be inserted into the apparatus cavity of an aerosol generator so that the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated. In such cases, it is desirable to provide the aerosol-generating article with the lowest possible RTD so that the majority of the consumer's RTD experience is provided by the aerosol generator rather than the aerosol-generating article.

[0169] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream section is preferably located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article preferably extends between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream section may extend to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0170] The downstream section contains one or more elements, each of which is described in more detail below.

[0171] The downstream section may have a length. The length of the downstream section may be at least 20 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 25 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be at least 30 millimeters.

[0172] The length of the downstream section may be less than 70 millimeters. The length of the downstream section may be 60 millimeters or less. The length of the downstream section may be 50 millimeters or less.

[0173] For example, the length of the downstream section may be 20 to 70 millimeters, or 25 to 60 millimeters, or 30 to 50 millimeters.

[0174] By providing a relatively long downstream section, it is ensured that a suitable length of the aerosol-generating article protrudes from the aerosol generator when the article is received inside. This suitable protrusion length facilitates the ease of inserting and removing the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol generator, thereby ensuring that the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article is suitably inserted into the aerosol generator, particularly reducing the risk of damage during insertion.

[0175] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 0.80. More preferably, the ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 0.75. Even more preferably, the ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 0.70.

[0176] The ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.30. Preferably, the ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.40. More preferably, the ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.50.

[0177] In some embodiments, the ratio between the length of the downstream section and the total length of the aerosol-generating article is 0.30 to 0.80, preferably 0.40 to 0.75, and more preferably 0.50 to 0.70.

[0178] The downstream section draw-out resistance (RTD) can be at least 0 milliH2O. The downstream section RTD can be at least 3 milliH2O. The downstream section RTD can be at least 6 milliH2O.

[0179] The RTD of the downstream section may be 12 mmH2O or less. The RTD of the downstream section may be 11 mmH2O or less. The RTD of the downstream section may be 10 mmH2O or less.

[0180] The downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may include a hollow tubular cooling element. The hollow tubular cooling element may be provided downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate portion. The hollow tubular cooling element may, advantageously, provide an aerosol cooling element for the aerosol-generating article.

[0181] A hollow tubular cooling element may be provided immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate portion. In other words, the hollow tubular cooling element may abut the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate portion. The hollow tubular cooling element may define the upstream end of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may coincide with the downstream end of the downstream section. In some embodiments, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article comprises a single hollow tubular element. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only one hollow tubular element. In some embodiments, the downstream section comprises two or more hollow tubular elements, as described in more detail below.

[0182] As used herein, the term “hollow tubular element” refers to a generally elongated element that defines a lumen or airflow passage along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the term “tubular” in this disclosure refers to a tubular element having a substantially cylindrical cross-section and defining at least one airflow conduit that establishes an uninterrupted fluid communication between the upstream and downstream ends of the tubular element. However, naturally, alternative shapes of tubular elements (e.g., alternative cross-sectional shapes) may be possible.

[0183] In this disclosure, the hollow tubular cooling element provides an unrestricted airflow path downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. This means that the hollow tubular cooling element provides a negligible level of drawdown resistance (RTD). The term “negligible level of RTD” is used to indicate an RTD of less than 1 millimeter of water column (mmH2O) per 10 millimeters of length of the hollow tubular cooling element, preferably less than 0.4 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) per 10 millimeters of length of the hollow tubular cooling element, and more preferably less than 0.1 millimeters of water column (mmH2O) per 10 millimeters of length of the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0184] The RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element in the downstream section is preferably 10 millimeters of water column (mm H2O) or less. More preferably, the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element is 5 millimeters of water column (mm H2O) or less. Even more preferably, the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element is 2.5 millimeters of water column (mm H2O) or less. Even more preferably, the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element is 2 millimeters of water column (mm H2O) or less. Even more preferably, the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element is 1 millimeter of water column (mm H2O) or less.

[0185] The RTD of a hollow tubular cooling element may be at least 0 millimeters of water column (mm H2O), or at least 0.25 millimeters of water column (mm H2O), or at least 0.5 millimeters of water column (mm H2O), or at least 1 millimeter of water column (mm H2O).

[0186] The overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article of this disclosure essentially depends on the RTD of the aerosol-forming substrate and, optionally, the RTD of the downstream sections of any upstream elements. This is because the hollow tubular cooling element is substantially empty and therefore contributes only slightly to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the airflow path through the hollow tubular cooling element should not contain any components that would obstruct the airflow in the longitudinal direction. The airflow path is preferably substantially empty, and particularly preferably empty.

[0187] The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone. The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone located along the downstream section. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone located along a hollow tubular cooling element. Such, or any, ventilation zones may extend through the circumferential wall of the hollow tubular cooling element. Thus, fluid communication is established between the airflow path internally defined by the hollow tubular cooling element and the external environment.

[0188] By providing such ventilation downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, several potential technical benefits can be achieved. Firstly, the inventors found that one such ventilated, hollow, tubular cooling element provides particularly efficient cooling of the aerosol. Thus, satisfactory cooling of the aerosol can be achieved even by a relatively short downstream section. Secondly, the inventors surprisingly found that such rapid cooling of volatile species released with heating of the aerosol-forming substrate promotes enhanced nucleation of aerosol particles. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventors found that the temperature reduction resulting from introducing colder outside air into the hollow, tubular cooling element through the ventilation zone may have a favorable effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0189] The ventilation zone may typically include a plurality of perforations running through the circumferential wall of a hollow tubular cooling element. Preferably, the ventilation zone includes at least one circumferential row of perforations. In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may include two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed online during the manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article. Each peripheral row of perforations preferably includes 8 to 30 perforations.

[0190] The hollow tubular cooling element is preferably at least 15 millimeters in length. More preferably at least 20 millimeters in length. The hollow tubular cooling element may be at least 25 millimeters in length. More preferably at least 30 millimeters in length.

[0191] The length of the hollow tubular cooling element is preferably less than 50 millimeters. More preferably less than 45 millimeters. More preferably less than 40 millimeters.

[0192] The relatively long, hollow, tubular cooling element provides and defines a relatively long internal cavity within the aerosol-generating article and downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. As mentioned above, providing an empty cavity downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and preferably immediately downstream, enhances the nucleation of aerosol particles from volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Providing a relatively long cavity maximizes the benefits of this nucleation, thereby improving aerosol formation and cooling in the aerosol-generating article.

[0193] The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular cooling element (in other words, the wall thickness) may be at least 100 micrometers. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be at least 150 micrometers. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be at least 200 micrometers, preferably at least 250 micrometers, and even more preferably at least 500 micrometers (or 0.5 millimeters).

[0194] The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be 2 millimeters or less, preferably 1.5 millimeters or less, and more preferably 1.25 millimeters or less. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be 1 millimeter or less. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be 500 micrometers or less.

[0195] The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may be 100 micrometers to 2 millimeters, preferably 150 micrometers to 1.5 millimeters, and more preferably 200 micrometers to 1.25 millimeters.

[0196] The wall thickness of the hollow tubular cooling element may preferably be 250 micrometers (0.25 millimeters).

[0197] By providing a hollow tubular cooling element with a relatively small thickness, it is ensured that the overall internal volume and cross-sectional surface area of ​​the hollow tubular cooling element are effectively maximized, so that aerosols are available to initiate the nucleation process as soon as volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate, while at the same time ensuring that the hollow tubular cooling element has the structural strength necessary to provide some support to the aerosol-forming substrate as well as to prevent the collapse of the aerosol-generating article, and that the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element is minimized. It is understood that a larger value of the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity of the hollow tubular cooling element is associated with a reduced rate of aerosols traveling along the aerosol-generating article, which is expected to be favorable for aerosol nucleation. Furthermore, by utilizing a hollow tubular cooling element with a relatively small thickness, it may be possible to substantially prevent the diffusion of the venting air before it comes into contact with and mixes with the aerosol flow, which is also understood to be even more favorable for the nucleation phenomenon. In fact, by providing more controllable and localized cooling of the volatile seed flow, it is possible to enhance the cooling effect on the formation of new aerosol particles.

[0198] The hollow tubular cooling element preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate and the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0199] The hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter. Preferably, the hollow tubular cooling element may have a constant inner diameter along its length. However, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular cooling element may vary along its length.

[0200] The hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter of at least 2 millimeters. For example, the hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter of at least 3 millimeters, at least 4 millimeters, or at least 5 millimeters.

[0201] By providing a hollow tubular cooling element having the inner diameter as described above, it is advantageous that sufficient rigidity and strength can be provided to the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0202] The hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter of 10 mm or less. For example, the hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter of 9 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 7 mm or less.

[0203] Providing a hollow tubular cooling element with the inner diameter described above has the advantage of potentially reducing the withdrawal resistance of the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0204] The hollow tubular cooling element may have an inner diameter of 2 mm to 10 mm, 3 mm to 9 mm, 4 mm to 8 mm, or 5 mm to 7 mm.

[0205] The hollow tubular cooling element may contain any suitable material. The hollow tubular cooling element may contain paper-based material. The hollow tubular cooling element may contain at least one layer of paper. The paper may be very hard paper. The paper may be crimped paper such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped sulfuric acid paper. Preferably, the hollow tubular cooling element may contain cardboard. The hollow tubular cooling element may be a cardboard tube. The hollow tubular cooling element may be formed from cardboard. The hollow tubular cooling element may contain polymer material. For example, the hollow tubular cooling element may contain a polymer film. The polymer film may contain a cellulose film. The hollow tubular cooling element may contain low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers. The hollow tube may contain cellulose acetate tow.

[0206] The downstream section may include a downstream filter segment. The downstream filter segment may extend to the downstream end of the downstream section. The downstream filter segment may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end of the downstream filter segment may define the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0207] The downstream filter segment may be located downstream of the hollow tubular cooling element. The downstream filter segment may extend between the hollow tubular cooling element and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0208] The downstream filter segment is preferably a solid plug, which may also be described as a "plain" plug and is non-tubular. Therefore, the downstream filter segment is preferably substantially uniform in cross-section.

[0209] The downstream filter segment is preferably formed of a fibrous filter material. The fibrous filter material may be for filtering aerosols generated from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, at least one downstream filter segment includes a cellulose acetate filter segment formed of cellulose acetate tow.

[0210] In certain preferred embodiments, the downstream section includes a single downstream filter segment. In alternative embodiments, the downstream section includes two or more downstream filter segments aligned axially, with their ends touching each other.

[0211] The downstream filter segment may optionally contain flavoring agents, which can be provided in any preferred form. For example, the downstream filter segment may comprise one or more capsules, beads, or granules of the flavoring agent, or threads or filaments filled with one or more flavoring agents.

[0212] The downstream filter segment preferably has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0213] The downstream filter segment is preferably surrounded by a plug wrap. The downstream filter segment is preferably not permeable to air so that air does not enter the aerosol-generating article along the downstream filter segment.

[0214] The downstream filter segment is preferably connected by a chipping wrapper to one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol-generating article.

[0215] The downstream filter segment preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The outer diameter of the downstream filter segment may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the hollow tubular cooling element. The outer diameter of the downstream filter segment may be 5 mm to 12 mm. The diameter of the downstream filter segment may be 6 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the downstream filter segment may be less than 7 mm, for example, 5 mm to 7 mm, or 6 mm to 7 mm.

[0216] The length of the downstream filter segment may be at least 5 millimeters. The length of the downstream filter segment may be at least 10 millimeters. The length of the downstream filter segment may be less than 25 millimeters. The length of the downstream filter segment may be less than 20 millimeters. For example, the length of the downstream filter segment may be between 5 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 25 millimeters, or between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, or between 10 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

[0217] In some particularly preferred embodiments, an aerosol generating article is provided, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate having a substrate length of about 14 millimeters; an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, having an upstream element length of about 5 millimeters; a hollow tubular cooling element provided downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, having a hollow tubular cooling element length of about 19 millimeters; and a downstream filter segment provided downstream of the hollow tubular cooling element, having a downstream filter segment length of about 7 millimeters.

[0218] The downstream section may further comprise one or more additional hollow tubular elements.

[0219] In certain embodiments, the downstream section may include a hollow tubular support element upstream of the hollow tubular cooling element described above. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the hollow tubular support element abuts against the upstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element. It is preferable that the hollow tubular support element and the hollow tubular cooling element are adjacent to each other and together provide a hollow tubular section within the downstream section.

[0220] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the downstream section may further comprise a downstream hollow tubular element downstream of the hollow tubular cooling element. The downstream hollow tubular element may be provided immediately adjacent to the hollow tubular cooling element. If the downstream section further comprises the additional downstream hollow tubular element described above, the additional downstream hollow tubular element may be formed of the same material as the downstream hollow tubular element, or a different material.

[0221] In certain preferred embodiments, the downstream section may include a ventilation zone at a location on the downstream hollow tubular element. In one embodiment, this ventilation zone at a location on the downstream hollow tubular element may be provided instead of a ventilation zone at a location on the hollow tubular cooling element. In another embodiment, the ventilation zone at a location on the downstream hollow tubular element may be provided in addition to a ventilation zone provided at a location on the hollow tubular cooling element.

[0222] The ventilation zone along the downstream hollow tubular element may include a plurality of perforations passing through the circumferential wall of the downstream hollow tubular element. Preferably, the ventilation zone along the downstream hollow tubular element includes at least one circumferential row of perforations. In some embodiments, the ventilation zone may include two circumferential rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed online during the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, each peripheral row of perforations includes 8 to 30 perforations.

[0223] The downstream section may optionally further include additional cooling elements that define multiple longitudinally extending channels, for example, to make a large surface area available for heat exchange. In other words, one such additional cooling element is adapted to function substantially as a heat exchanger. Multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by sheet material that has been processed by crimping, assembling, or folding to form the channels. Multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a single sheet that has been processed by crimping, assembling, or folding to form the multiple channels. The sheet may also be crimped before being crimped, assembling, or folded. Alternatively, multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by multiple sheets that have been crimped, crimped, assembling, or folded to form the multiple channels. In some embodiments, the channels extending along the longitudinal axis may be defined by multiple sheets that are crimped, pleated, assembled, or folded, i.e., two or more sheets that are brought into an overlay arrangement and then crimped, pleated, assembled, or folded as a single entity.

[0224] As used herein, “crimp” means a sheet having a number of substantially parallel ridges or undulations. When an aerosol-generating article is assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or undulations preferably extend in the longitudinal direction. As used herein, “assemble,” “fold,” or “fold” means that a sheet of material is spiraled, folded, or otherwise compressed or shrunk substantially transversely to the cylindrical axis of the aerosol-generating article. The sheet may be crimped before being assembled, folded, or folded. The sheet may be assembled, folded, or folded without prior crimping.

[0225] One such additional cooling element may have a total surface area of ​​approximately 300 square millimeters per millimeter of length to approximately 1,000 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

[0226] The additional cooling element preferably provides low draw resistance to the passage of air through the additional cooling element. Preferably, the additional cooling element does not substantially affect the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating article. To achieve this, it is preferable that the porosity in the longitudinal direction is greater than 50 percent, and that the airflow path through the additional cooling element is relatively unrestricted. The porosity in the longitudinal direction of the additional cooling element can be defined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the additional cooling element to the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article at the location of the portion containing the additional cooling element.

[0227] The additional cooling element preferably includes a sheet material selected from the group consisting of metal foil, polymer sheets, and substantially non-porous paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include a sheet material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the additional cooling element includes a sheet of PLA.

[0228] In a particularly preferred embodiment, one or more components of the aerosol-generating article are individually surrounded by their own wrappers.

[0229] In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate is wound individually. The upstream element (if present), the aerosol-forming substrate, and the downstream section are then assembled together with the outer wrapper. They are then combined with the downstream filter element, which has its own wrapper, by chipping paper.

[0230] Preferably, at least one component of the aerosol-generating article is wrapped in a hydrophobic wrapper. As used herein, the term “hydrophobic” refers to a surface that exhibits water repellency. One useful way to determine this is by measuring the water contact angle. The “water contact angle” is the angle at which a liquid / vapor interface contacts a solid surface, and has traditionally been measured through a liquid. The water contact angle quantifies the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid via Young’s equation. Hydrophobicity or the water contact angle can be determined by utilizing the TAPPI T558 test method, and the result is expressed as the interfacial contact angle, reported in “degrees,” and can range from approximately zero to approximately 180 degrees.

[0231] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic wrapper is a wrapper comprising a paper layer having a water contact angle of about 30 degrees or more, preferably about 35 degrees or more, or about 40 degrees or more, or about 45 degrees or more.

[0232] For example, the paper layer may contain PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicon. PVOH may be applied to the paper layer as a surface coating, or the paper layer may include a surface treatment containing PVOH or silicon, as described in more detail below.

[0233] The aerosol-forming substrate may be individually surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate may be a paper wrapper or a non-paper wrapper. Suitable paper wrappers for use in the aerosol-generating systems of this disclosure are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, cigarette paper and filter plug wrappers. Suitable non-paper wrappers are known in the industry and include, but are not limited to, sheets of homogenized tobacco material.

[0234] The paper wrapper may have a basis weight of at least 15 gsm (grams per square meter), preferably at least 20 gsm. The paper wrapper may have a basis weight of 35 gsm or less, preferably 30 gsm or less. The paper wrapper may have a basis weight of 15 gsm to 35 gsm, preferably 20 gsm to 30 gsm. In a preferred embodiment, the paper wrapper may have a basis weight of 25 gsm. The paper wrapper may have a thickness of at least 25 micrometers, preferably at least 30 micrometers, more preferably at least 35 micrometers. The paper wrapper may have a thickness of about 55 micrometers or less, preferably about 50 micrometers or less, more preferably about 45 micrometers or less. The paper wrapper may have a thickness of 25 micrometers to 55 micrometers, preferably 30 micrometers to 50 micrometers, more preferably 35 micrometers to 45 micrometers. In a preferred embodiment, the paper wrapper may have a thickness of 40 microns.

[0235] In certain preferred embodiments, the wrapper may be formed from a laminated material comprising multiple layers. Preferably, the wrapper is formed from an aluminum co-laminate sheet. The use of an aluminum co-laminate sheet is advantageous in that it prevents combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate when it is to be ignited rather than heated in the intended manner.

[0236] The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of at least 35 gsm, preferably at least 40 gsm. The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 55 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less. The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 35 gsm to 55 gsm, preferably 40 gsm to 50 gsm. In one preferred embodiment, the paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 45 gsm.

[0237] The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of at least 50 micrometers, preferably at least 55 micrometers, and more preferably at least 60 micrometers. The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 80 micrometers or less, preferably 75 micrometers or less, and more preferably 70 micrometers or less.

[0238] The paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of about 50 micrometers to about 80 micrometers, preferably about 55 micrometers to about 75 micrometers, and more preferably about 60 micrometers to about 70 micrometers. In one preferred embodiment, the paper layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 65 microns.

[0239] The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of at least 12 gsm, preferably at least 15 gsm. The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 25 gsm or less, preferably 20 gsm or less. The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 12 gsm to 25 gsm, preferably 15 gsm to 20 gsm. In one preferred embodiment, the metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a basis weight of 17 gsm.

[0240] The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of at least 2 micrometers, preferably at least 3 micrometers, and more preferably at least 5 micrometers. The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 15 micrometers or less, preferably 12 micrometers or less, and more preferably 10 micrometers or less.

[0241] The metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of about 2 micrometers to about 15 micrometers, preferably about 3 micrometers to about 12 micrometers, and more preferably about 5 micrometers to about 10 micrometers. In one preferred embodiment, the metal layer of the co-laminated sheet may have a thickness of 6 microns.

[0242] The wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate may be a paper wrapper containing PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicon (or polysiloxane). The addition of PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol) or silicon (or polysiloxane) may improve the grease barrier properties of the wrapper.

[0243] PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may be applied to the paper layer as a surface coating, such as by being placed on the outer surface of the paper layer of the wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate. PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may be placed on the outer surface of the paper layer of the wrapper and may form a layer. PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may be placed on the inner surface of the paper layer of the wrapper. PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may be placed on the inner surface of the paper layer of the aerosol-generating article and may form a layer.

[0244] A paper wrapper containing PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may have a basis weight of at least 20 gsm, preferably at least 25 gsm, and more preferably at least 30 gsm. A paper wrapper containing PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may have a basis weight of 50 gsm or less, preferably 45 gsm or less, and more preferably 40 gsm or less.

[0245] The paper wrapper containing PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may have a thickness of at least 25 micrometers, preferably at least 30 micrometers, and more preferably at least 35 micrometers. The paper wrapper containing PVOH or silicon (or polysiloxane) may have a thickness of 50 micrometers or less, preferably 45 micrometers or less, and more preferably 40 micrometers or less.

[0246] The wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a flame-retardant composition containing one or more flame-retardant compounds. The term “flame-retardant compound” is used herein to describe compounds that, when added to or otherwise incorporated into a carrier substrate such as paper or a plastic compound, provide varying degrees of flammability protection to the carrier substrate. In practice, flame-retardant compounds may be activated by the presence of an ignition source and may also be adapted to prevent or slow further progression of ignition through a variety of different physical and chemical mechanisms.

[0247] A flame-retardant composition may typically further contain one or more non-flammable compounds (solvents, excipients, fillers, etc.) that do not actively contribute to providing flammability protection to the carrier substrate, but are used to facilitate the application of the flame-retardant compound to or within the wrapper, or both. Some of the non-flammable compounds in the flame-retardant composition (solvents, etc.) are volatile and may evaporate from the wrapper as it dries after the flame-retardant composition has been applied to or within the wrapping substrate, or both. Thus, although these non-flammable compounds form part of the formulation of the flame-retardant composition, they may no longer be present in or only detectable in trace amounts within the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article.

[0248] For example, the flame retardant composition may comprise a polymer and a mixed salt based on at least one mono, di, and / or tricarboxylic acid, at least one polyphosphate, pyrophosphate, and / or phosphoric acid, and a hydroxide or alkali or alkaline earth metal salt, wherein at least one mono, di, and / or tricarboxylic acid and the hydroxide or salt form a carboxylate and at least one polyphosphate, and the pyrophosphate and / or phosphoric acid and the hydroxide or salt form a phosphate. Preferably, the flame retardant composition further comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate.

[0249] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article may be substantially flat or substantially planar. In particular, the thickness of the aerosol generating article may be less than 50 percent of both its length and width. Advantageously, a thinner thickness can reduce the temperature gradient or temperature difference across the thickness of the aerosol generating substrate during heating. Advantageously, this allows a larger proportion of the aerosol generating substrate to be heated to the aerosol release temperature, while minimizing the risk of the hottest portion of the aerosol generating substrate closest to the heater burning. Advantageously, this can also reduce the time required to sufficiently heat the aerosol generating substrate to release aerosols.

[0250] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises a first planar outer surface, a second planar outer surface, a cavity, a frame positioned between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface, the frame at least partially defining the cavity, an air intake and an air outlet, and an air passage extending through the cavity between the air intake and the air outlet.

[0251] The frame may be a flat frame.

[0252] The frame may define a frame opening that extends through the thickness of the frame. The frame opening may define or form an airflow passage for the aerosol-generating article. The frame opening may define or form a cavity for the aerosol-generating article. For example, the frame may have a hollow cubic shape or a square hollow tube shape.

[0253] The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed at any suitable position within the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located within a cavity. The aerosol-generating substrate may be contained within a layer located between the frame and one of the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface.

[0254] The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate. If the aerosol-forming substrate is contained within an aerosol-generating article, the device cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article. The device cavity may be configured to receive the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article. The device cavity may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating device.

[0255] The aerosol generator may include a housing. The housing of the aerosol generator may define a device cavity for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0256] The length of the device cavity may be approximately 15 mm to approximately 80 mm. Preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 20 mm to approximately 70 mm. More preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 25 mm to approximately 60 mm. More preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 25 mm to approximately 50 mm.

[0257] The length of the device cavity may be approximately 25 mm to approximately 29 mm. Preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 25 mm to approximately 29 mm. More preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 26 mm to approximately 29 mm. Even more preferably, the length of the device cavity is approximately 27 mm or approximately 28 mm.

[0258] The length of the device cavity may be such that when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity, a portion of the downstream section protrudes from the device cavity. The length of the device cavity may be such that when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity, a portion of the downstream section (such as a hollow tubular cooling element or downstream filter segment) protrudes from the device cavity. The length of the device cavity may be such that when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity, a portion of the downstream section (such as a hollow tubular cooling element or downstream filter segment) is received within the device cavity.

[0259] At least 25 percent of the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article may be received within the device cavity when the aerosol generating article is fully received within the device. At least 30 percent of the length of the downstream section of the aerosol generating article may be inserted into or received within the device cavity when the aerosol generating article is fully received within the device cavity.

[0260] When the aerosol-generating article is provided within a hollow tubular element, at least 30 percent of the hollow tubular element is inserted into or received within the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity. At least 40 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element may be inserted into or received within the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity. At least 50 percent of the length of the hollow tubular element may be inserted into or received within the device cavity when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the device cavity. Various lengths of the hollow tubular element are described in more detail below.

[0261] Optimizing the quantity or length of the aerosol generating article inserted into the device cavity of an aerosol generator may increase resistance to accidental dislodgement of the aerosol generating article during use. In particular, during heating of the aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol forming substrate may decrease in size, resulting in a decrease in the outer diameter of the aerosol forming substrate, thereby reducing the area over which the insertion portion of the aerosol generating article inserted into the aerosol generator can frictionally engage with the device cavity. The insertion portion of the aerosol generating article, or a portion of the aerosol generating article configured to be received within the device cavity, may be the same length as the device cavity.

[0262] The diameter of the device cavity may be 4 mm to 10 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be 5 mm to 9 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be 6 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the device cavity may be 6 mm to 7 mm.

[0263] The diameter of the device cavity may be substantially the same as, or larger than, the diameter of the aerosol generating article. The diameter of the device cavity may be the same as the diameter of the aerosol generating article in order to establish a tight fit with the aerosol generating article.

[0264] The device cavity may be configured to establish a tight fit with the aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity. As used herein, “tight fit” may mean a slip fit.

[0265] The aerosol generator may have a peripheral wall. Such a peripheral wall may define a device cavity. The peripheral wall defining the device cavity may be configured to engage in a tight fit with the aerosol generating article received within the device cavity, such that there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral wall defining the device cavity and the aerosol generating article when the device is received within the device.

[0266] Such a tight fit can establish an airtight fit between the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article received within the device cavity. In such an airtight fit, there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral walls defining the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article through which air can flow. The tight fit between the device cavity and the aerosol-generating article may be established along the entire length of the device cavity or along a portion of the length of the device cavity.

[0267] The aerosol generator may include an airflow path. The airflow path may extend between an inlet and an outlet. The airflow path may be configured to establish fluid communication between the inside of the device cavity and the outside of the aerosol generator. In other words, the airflow path may allow ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity. The airflow path of the aerosol generator may be defined within the housing of the aerosol generator to enable fluid communication between the inside of the device cavity and the outside of the aerosol generator. Once the aerosol generating article is fully received within the device cavity, the airflow path may be configured to provide airflow into the aerosol generating article to deliver the generated aerosol to a user who inhales the aerosol generating article from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0268] The airflow path of the aerosol generator may be defined within or by the peripheral wall of the housing of the aerosol generator. In other words, the airflow path of the aerosol generator may be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall, by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or a combination of both. The airflow path 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 device cavity.

[0269] The airflow path of the aerosol generator may extend from an inlet located at the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol generator to an outlet located away from the downstream or mouth end of the aerosol generator. The airflow path may extend along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0270] The aerosol generator may include a control device. The controller may be configured to control the power supply to the heating element. If the heating element is a susceptor element and the aerosol generator includes an inductor coil, the controller may be configured to control the power supply to the inductor coil. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The control circuit may include further electronic components. The control circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of current to the inductor coil. The current may be supplied to the inductor coil continuously after the aerosol generator is started, or intermittently, such as with each fume extraction. The control circuit may advantageously include a DC / AC inverter, which may include a Class D or Class E power amplifier.

[0271] The aerosol generator may further include a power supply. The power supply may be configured to provide power to the aerosol generator. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the aerosol generator.

[0272] The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may include at least one battery and a capacitor. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of approximately 2.5 watts to approximately 4.5 watts) having a DC supply voltage in the range of approximately 2.5 volts to approximately 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of approximately 1 ampere to approximately 10 amperes.

[0273] If the aerosol generator includes an inductor coil, the power supply and controller may be configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil.

[0274] The aerosol generating system of the present disclosure may be configured to generate aerosols over a relatively longer period of time compared to other aerosol generating systems, because the aerosol generating article of the present disclosure contains an aerosol-forming substrate with a larger volume or weight than a typical aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator may be configured to provide at least 12 smokes, or at least 15 smokes, or at least 20 smokes, or at least 25 smokes in a single user experience. The aerosol generator may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate for at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, or at least 9 minutes in a single user experience. If the aerosol generator includes a rechargeable power supply, the rechargeable power supply may be configured to provide at least 12 smokes, or at least 15 smokes, or at least 20 smokes, or at least 25 smokes, before the rechargeable power supply requires recharging. If the aerosol generator is equipped with a rechargeable power supply, the rechargeable power supply may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate for at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, at least 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, or at least 9 minutes before the rechargeable power supply requires recharging. [Examples]

[0275] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0276] Example 1. Aerosol generation system, Heating element and Aerosol-forming substrate and, A heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element has a length, The aerosol-forming substrate has a length, and the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating element. An aerosol generation system in which the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 3. Example 2. The aerosol generation system according to Example 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 1.16, and optionally approximately 1.16. Example 3. The aerosol generating system according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or about 1 mm to about 4 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, or about 2 mm greater than the length of the heating element. Example 4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is approximately 8 mm to approximately 20 mm, or approximately 10 mm to approximately 18 mm, or approximately 12 mm to approximately 16 mm, or approximately 14 mm, and optionally, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than approximately 12 mm. Example 5. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the length of the heating element is approximately 7 mm to approximately 19 mm, or approximately 8 mm to approximately 18 mm, or approximately 10 mm to approximately 16 mm, or approximately 12 mm. Example 6. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, and the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate extends beyond the downstream end of the heating element. Example 7. The aerosol generating system according to Example 6, wherein at least one of the following is achieved: the upstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol forming substrate does not extend beyond the upstream end of the heating element. Example 8. The aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generating article is The first planar outer surface, The second planar outer surface, Cavity and A frame positioned between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface, the frame at least partially defining the cavity, An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, comprising an air intake and an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending through a cavity between the air intake and the air outlet. Example 9. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating article has an airflow path between its upstream end and downstream end, and the aerosol forming substrate is disposed within the airflow path. Example 10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a segment of the aerosol-forming substrate, a plug of the aerosol-forming substrate, or a rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 11. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, further comprising an aerosol generating device including a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 12. The aerosol generating system according to Example 11, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with a heating element, and optionally the heating element is disposed in or around the device cavity. Example 13. The aerosol generating system according to Example 12, wherein the heating element extends into the device cavity and is configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate when it is received into the device cavity. Example 14. The aerosol generation system according to Example 12, wherein the heating element surrounds the device cavity and is configured to surround the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the device cavity. Example 15. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating element. Example 16. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the heating element is a susceptor element. Example 17. The aerosol generation system according to Example 16, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element. Example 18. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generation article, and the aerosol generation article comprises a heating element. Example 19. The aerosol generation system according to Example 18, wherein the heating element is a susceptor element. Example 20. The aerosol generation system according to Example 19, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element when a portion of the aerosol generation article is received within the device cavity. Example 21. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 22. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 21, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a tobacco material. Example 23. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a cut tobacco material. Example 24. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one of tobacco cut filler and a shredded sheet of homogenized tobacco material. Example 25. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming body, the aerosol-forming body comprises at least 18 weight percent of the aerosol-forming substrate on a dry weight basis, optionally comprising more than 18 weight percent of the aerosol-forming substrate on a dry weight basis, and optionally comprising glycerol in the aerosol-forming body. Example 26. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming agent content of at least 18 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 22 weight percent, or at least 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, or optionally the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming agent content of more than 18 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and optionally the aerosol-forming agent contains glycerol. Example 27. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains cloves, and optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate contains at least 1 weight percent of cloves or at least 2 weight percent of cloves on a dry weight basis. Example 28. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is at least 250 milligrams, or at least 260 milligrams, or at least 270 milligrams, or at least 280 milligrams, and optionally, the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than 260 milligrams. Example 29. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, and further comprises a downstream section provided downstream of the aerosol forming substrate. Example 30. The aerosol generating system according to Example 29, wherein the downstream section extends to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. Example 31. The aerosol generating system according to Example 29 or Example 30, wherein the downstream section includes a downstream filter segment. Example 32. The aerosol generating system according to Example 31, wherein the downstream filter segment is a solid plug. Example 33. The aerosol generating system according to Example 31 or 32, wherein the downstream filter segment has a length of at least 5 millimeters. Example 34. An aerosol generating system as described in any one of the implementations 29-33, wherein the downstream section includes a ventilation zone. Example 35. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 29 to 34, wherein the downstream section includes a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 36. The aerosol generating system according to Example 35, wherein the hollow tubular cooling element has a length of at least 20 millimeters. Example 37. The aerosol generating system according to Example 35 or 36, wherein the downstream section includes a ventilation zone positioned along a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 38. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein the downstream section further includes a hollow tubular support element upstream of the hollow tubular cooling element. Example 39. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 35 to 38, wherein the downstream section further includes a downstream hollow tubular element downstream of the hollow tubular cooling element. Example 40. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 39, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 41. The aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol generating article has a ventilation level of at least 40 percent. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 40. Example 42. The aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and the length of the aerosol generating article is 40 millimeters to 50 millimeters. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 41. Example 43. The aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and the length of the aerosol generating article is 70 millimeters to 80 millimeters. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples 1 to 41. Example 44. An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 45. The aerosol generating article further comprises a heating element, The heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, The heating element has a length of the heating element, The aerosol-forming substrate has a length of the substrate, and the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating element, The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 3. The aerosol generating article according to Example 44. Example 46. The ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is about 1.1 to 1.16, and optionally, about 1.16. The aerosol generating article according to Example 45. Example 47. The length of the aerosol-forming substrate is about 0.5 millimeter to 5 millimeters, or about 1 millimeter to about 4 millimeters, or about 1.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters, or about 2 millimeters greater than the length of the heating element. The aerosol generating article according to Example 45 or Example 46. Example 48. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 47, wherein the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is approximately 8 mm to approximately 20 mm, or approximately 10 mm to approximately 18 mm, or approximately 12 mm to approximately 16 mm, or approximately 14 mm, and optionally, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than approximately 12 mm. Example 49. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 48, wherein the length of the heating element is approximately 7 mm to approximately 19 mm, or approximately 8 mm to approximately 18 mm, or approximately 10 mm to approximately 16 mm, or approximately 12 mm. Example 50. Aerosol-generating items, The first planar outer surface, The second planar outer surface, Cavity and A frame positioned between a first planar outer surface and a second planar outer surface, the frame at least partially defining the cavity, An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 49, comprising an air intake port and an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending through a cavity between the air intake port and the air outlet. Example 51. The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 49, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate extends beyond the downstream portion of the heating element, and optionally, at least one of the following: the downstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol forming substrate does not extend beyond the upstream end of the heating element. Example 52. The aerosol generating article according to Example 51, wherein the aerosol generating article has an airflow path between its upstream end and downstream end, and the aerosol forming substrate is disposed within the airflow path. Example 53. The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 52, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a segment of the aerosol-forming substrate, a plug of the aerosol-forming substrate, or a rod of the aerosol-forming substrate. Example 54. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 53, wherein the heating element is a susceptor element. Example 55. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 54, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Example 56. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 55, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco material. Example 57. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 56, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate includes shredded tobacco material. Example 58. The aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 57, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one of tobacco cut filler and a sliced ​​sheet of homogenized tobacco material. Example 59.. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of the embodiments 44 to 58, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate includes an aerosol-forming body, the aerosol-forming body includes at least 18 weight percent of the aerosol-forming substrate on a dry weight basis, optionally includes more than 18 weight percent of the aerosol-forming substrate on a dry weight basis, and optionally the aerosol-forming body includes glycerol. Example 60. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 59, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming material content of at least 18 weight percent, at least 20 weight percent, at least 22 weight percent, or at least 25 weight percent on a dry weight basis, or optionally the aerosol-forming substrate contains an aerosol-forming material content of more than 18 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and optionally the aerosol-forming material contains glycerol. Example 61. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 60, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises cloves, and optionally, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least 1 weight percent of cloves or at least 2 weight percent of cloves on a dry weight basis. Example 62. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 61, wherein the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is at least 250 milligrams, or at least 260 milligrams, or at least 270 milligrams, or at least 280 milligrams, and optionally, the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than 260 milligrams. Example 61. The aerosol generating article according to Example 60, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming film, the aerosol-forming film comprises a cellulose-based film-forming agent, nicotine, and glycerol, and the aerosol-forming film has a glycerol content of at least 40% by weight. Example 62. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 61, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel composition containing nicotine, at least one gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming body. Example 63. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 62, comprising a downstream section provided downstream of an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 64. The aerosol generating article according to Example 63, wherein the downstream section extends to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. Example 65. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 63 or Example 64, wherein the downstream section includes a downstream filter segment. Example 66. The aerosol generating article according to Example 65, wherein the downstream filter segment is a solid plug. Example 67. The aerosol generating article according to Example 65 or 66, wherein the downstream filter segment has a length of at least 5 millimeters. Example 68. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 63 to 67, wherein the downstream section includes a ventilation zone. Example 69. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 63 to 68, wherein the downstream section includes a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 70. The aerosol generating article according to Example 69, wherein the hollow tubular cooling element has a length of at least 20 millimeters. Example 71. The aerosol generating article according to Example 69 or Example 70, wherein the downstream section includes a ventilation zone positioned along a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 72. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 69 to 71, wherein the downstream section further includes a hollow tubular support element upstream of a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 73. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 69 to 72, wherein the downstream section further comprises a downstream hollow tubular element downstream of a hollow tubular cooling element. Example 74. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 73, further comprising an upstream element provided upstream of an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 75. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 74, wherein the aerosol-generating article has an air permeability level of at least 40 percent. Example 76. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 75, wherein the length of the aerosol generating article is 40 mm to 50 mm. Example 77. An aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 44 to 76, wherein the length of the aerosol generating article is 70 mm to 80 mm. Example 78. Aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-forming substrate having a substrate length of approximately 14 millimeters, An upstream element provided upstream of an aerosol-forming substrate, having a length of approximately 5 millimeters, A hollow tubular element provided downstream of an aerosol-forming substrate, having a length of approximately 19 millimeters, An aerosol generating article comprising a downstream filter segment provided downstream of a hollow tubular element, the downstream filter segment being approximately 7 mm in length. Example 79. An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a substrate length of at least 13 millimeters, a substrate mass of at least 260 milligrams, and an aerosol-forming content of at least about 18 weight percent, on a dry weight basis. Example 80. An aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a substrate length of at least 14 millimeters, a mass of at least 27 milligrams, and an aerosol-forming content of at least 20 weight percent, on a dry weight basis. Example 81. The aerosol-generating article according to Example 79 or Example 80, wherein the aerosol-forming material is glycerol.

[0277] The present invention will be further described, for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0278] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic side perspective view of an aerosol generating article for use in the aerosol generating system according to this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system according to this disclosure, and the aerosol generating system comprises the aerosol generating article shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system according to this disclosure, the aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of another aerosol generation system according to this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of another aerosol generation system according to this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic side perspective view of another aerosol generating article for use in the aerosol generating system according to this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system according to the present disclosure, the aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating article shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating object shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the aerosol generation system is configured to dielectrically heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article shown in Figures 8 and 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0279] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 comprising an aerosol forming substrate 12 located at the upstream end 16 of the aerosol generating article 10 and a downstream section 14 located at the downstream end 18 of the aerosol generating article 10. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12 defines the upstream end 16 of the aerosol generating article 10. The downstream section 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 12 and abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 defines the downstream end 18 of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0280] In this embodiment, the downstream section 14 includes a hollow tubular cooling element 20 and a downstream filter segment 50.

[0281] The aerosol generating article 10 has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters and an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

[0282] The aerosol-forming substrate 12 has a length of approximately 14 millimeters L S The aerosol-forming substrate 12 contains about 50 mg of shredded tobacco material containing 15 to 20 percent by weight glycerol and is wrapped in a plug wrap (not shown).

[0283] The hollow tubular cooling element 20 of the downstream section 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the hollow tubular cooling element 20 is aligned with the aerosol-forming substrate 12 in the longitudinal direction. The upstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 12.

[0284] The hollow tubular cooling element 20 defines the hollow section of the aerosol-generating article 10. The hollow tubular cooling element 20 does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10. More specifically, the RTD of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 is approximately 0 millimeters of water column (mmH2O).

[0285] The hollow tubular cooling element 20 is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube made of cardboard. The hollow tubular cooling element 20 defines an internal cavity that extends all the way from the upstream end to the downstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element 20. The internal cavity is substantially empty, and thus allows for substantially unrestricted airflow along the internal cavity.

[0286] The hollow tubular cooling element 20 has a length of approximately 21 millimeters, an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters, and an inner diameter of approximately 6.7 millimeters. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 is approximately 0.5 millimeters.

[0287] The aerosol generating article 10 includes a ventilation zone 30 provided along a hollow tubular cooling element 20. The ventilation zone 30 comprises a row of circumferential openings or perforations surrounding the hollow tubular cooling element 20. The perforations of the ventilation zone 30 extend through the walls of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 to allow fluid to enter the internal cavity from the outside of the aerosol generating article 10. The ventilation level of the aerosol generating article 10 is approximately 40 percent.

[0288] The downstream filter segment 50 extends from the downstream end of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 to the downstream or mouth end 18 of the aerosol generating article 10. The downstream filter segment 50 has a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The outer diameter of the downstream filter segment 50 is approximately 7.2 millimeters. The downstream filter segment 50 comprises a filter segment of low-density cellulose acetate. The RTD of the downstream filter segment 50 is approximately 8 millimeters of water column (mmH2O). The downstream filter segment 50 may be individually wound by plug wrap (not shown).

[0289] The aerosol generating article 10 further comprises an upstream wrapper 44 surrounding an aerosol forming substrate 12 and a hollow tubular cooling element 20. As a result, the upstream wrapper 44 lies over the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 provided on the hollow tubular cooling element 20. The upstream wrapper 44 may also include a circumferential row of perforations. The perforations of the upstream wrapper 44 overlap with the perforations provided on the hollow tubular cooling element 20 within the ventilation zone 30.

[0290] The aerosol generating article 10 also includes a chipping wrapper 52 surrounding a hollow tubular cooling element 20 and a mouthpiece element 50. The chipping wrapper 52 is located on a portion of the upstream wrapper 44 that is above the hollow tubular cooling element 20. In this arrangement, the chipping wrapper 52 effectively connects the mouthpiece element 50 to the rest of the components of the aerosol generating article 10. The width of the chipping wrapper is approximately 26 millimeters. The chipping wrapper 52 is located above the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 provided on the hollow tubular cooling element 20 and the upstream wrapper 44. Additionally, the ventilation zone 30 may comprise a circumferential row of perforations provided on the chipping wrapper 52. The perforations of the chipping wrapper 52 overlap with the perforations provided on the hollow tubular cooling element 20 and the upstream wrapper 44.

[0291] Figure 2 illustrates an aerosol generating system 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 and the downstream portion of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a housing 4 extending between a downstream end 2 and an upstream end (not shown). The housing 4 comprises a peripheral wall 6. The peripheral wall 6 defines a device cavity for receiving a portion of the aerosol generating article 10. The device cavity is defined by a substantially closed upstream end and an open downstream end. The downstream end of the device cavity is located at the downstream end 2 of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating article 10 is configured to be received through the open downstream end of the device cavity and to abut against the upstream end of the device cavity when the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity.

[0292] The airflow path 5 is defined within the peripheral wall 6 of the aerosol generator 1. The airflow path 5 extends between an inlet 7 located at the downstream end 2 of the aerosol generator 1 and the closed end of the device cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generator 1 through the inlet 7, along the airflow path 5, and into the device cavity through an opening (not shown) provided at the closed end of the device cavity. The ambient air drawn into the device cavity through the airflow path 5 may enter the aerosol generating article 10 at the upstream end 16 of the aerosol forming substrate 12. In this way, the airflow path 5 of the aerosol generator 1 is in fluid communication with the aerosol forming substrate 12 of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0293] The aerosol generator 1 further comprises a heating element 15 in the form of a resistance heating element, a controller (not shown), and a power supply (not shown) in the form of a rechargeable battery. The controller is configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the resistance heating element 15 for heating the heating element 15. The resistance heating element 15 is configured to controllably heat the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10 when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity during use.

[0294] The resistance heating element 15 extends from the upstream end to the downstream end, defining a heating zone within the device cavity. The resistance heating element 15 has a length of approximately 12 millimeters L. H The resistance heating element has a length of approximately 2 millimeters shorter than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 within the aerosol-generating article 10. As shown in Figure 2, when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity, the resistance heating element 15 is positioned such that its upstream end aligns with the upstream end of the aerosol-forming substrate 12. Thus, the upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is surrounded by the resistance heating element 15, while the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is not surrounded by the resistance heating element 15. The upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is positioned directly adjacent to the resistance heating element 15 and receives radiant heat directly from the resistance heating element 15 when the heating element is heated. DThe downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which has the characteristic feature, is not exposed to much direct heat from the resistance heating element 15 when the heating element is heated.

[0295] In this embodiment, the length L of the substrate S and the length L of the heating element H The ratio is approximately 1.16.

[0296] When the aerosol generating article 10 is fully contained within the device cavity, the upstream portion of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 is also contained within the device cavity. This upstream portion of the hollow tubular cooling element 20 is approximately 14 millimeters in length. As a result, approximately 28 millimeters of the aerosol generating article 10 are contained within the device cavity, and approximately 17 millimeters of the aerosol generating article 10 are located outside the device cavity. In other words, the length L of the aerosol generating article 10 is approximately 17 mm. P It protrudes from the aerosol generator 1 when the aerosol generating article 10 is completely received within the device cavity.

[0297] The ventilation zone 30 is positioned to be exposed when the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity.

[0298] During use, the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity of the aerosol generator 1 when the aerosol forming substrate 12 is inserted into the device cavity, and the upstream portion of the downstream section 14 protrudes from the aerosol generator 1. The upstream portion of the downstream section 14 protruding from the aerosol generator 1 includes a mouthpiece element 50 and a portion of the tubular cooling element 20 including a ventilation zone 30, so that the perforations of the ventilation zone 30 are not covered by the peripheral wall 6 of the aerosol generator 1.

[0299] When a user inhales smoke from the aerosol generating system 100, a pressure sensor 8 detects the air being drawn out from the inlet 7 through the airflow path 5 into the device cavity. In response to the pressure sensor 8 detecting the inhalation, the controller and power supply (not shown) supply power to the resistance heating element 15 to heat the heating element. The resistance heating element 15 generates heat, which is directly transferred to the upstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 directly adjacent to the heating element 15. This heating releases volatile compounds from the heated aerosol forming substrate 12.

[0300] The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which is not directly adjacent to the resistance heating element 15, is heated more slowly than the upstream portion by conduction through the aerosol-forming substrate due to the user's inhalation of smoke, by radiation from the heating element not absorbed by the upstream portion, and by heated volatile compounds released from the upstream portion that are drawn out from the upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 through to the downstream portion. This heating of the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate also causes volatile compounds to be released into the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0301] The volatile compounds released from both the upstream and downstream portions of the aerosol-forming substrate are carried by the airflow through the aerosol-generating article and drawn out through the downstream section 14. In the downstream section 14, the volatile compounds cool and condense to form an aerosol, which is delivered to the user at the upstream end 18 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0302] Figure 3 shows another aerosol generating system 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 3 comprises an aerosol generating device 1 substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 1 described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 2, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. The aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 3 also comprises the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 1, which includes all the same features as the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 2.

[0303] The aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is different from the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 2 in that the resistive heating element 15 is an internal heating element rather than an external heating element. The resistive heating element 15 of the aerosol generating device 1 in FIG. 3 has the form of a pin extending into the device cavity from a substantially closed upstream end. The resistive heating element 15 of the aerosol generating device 1 in FIG. 3 is configured to penetrate the aerosol forming substrate 12 of the aerosol generating article 10 when the aerosol generating article 10 is completely received within the device cavity. The resistive heating element 15 has a length L of about 12 millimeters, which is shorter than the length L of the aerosol forming substrate 12, which is about 14 millimeters. S When the aerosol generating article 10 is completely received within the device cavity, the resistive heating element 15 extends a distance L of 12 millimeters into the upstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12, and the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 having a length L of about 2 millimeters is not penetrated by the resistive heating element 15. H FIG. 4 shows another aerosol generation system 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generation system 100 of FIG. 4 includes an aerosol generating device 1 that is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 1 described above in relation to the embodiment of FIG. 2, includes all the same features, and like reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. The aerosol generation system 100 of FIG. 3 also includes an aerosol generating article 10 that is substantially similar to the aerosol generating article 10 of FIG. 1, and like reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. H D S H

[0304]

[0305] ​The aerosol generating article 10 in Figure 4 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 in Figure 1 in that the aerosol generating article 10 in Figure 4 is provided with an upstream element 28 at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 10. The upstream element 28 abuts against the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12 and defines the upstream end 16 of the aerosol generating article. The upstream element 28 is a porous plug element with low draw resistance. The upstream element 28 protects the aerosol forming substrate 12 and helps prevent fragments from the aerosol forming substrate 12 from falling from the aerosol generating article 10 at the upstream end 16. In this embodiment, the upstream element 28 has a length of 5 millimeters, and the downstream filter element 50 has a reduced length of 5 millimeters so that the overall length of the aerosol generating article 10 does not change due to the introduction of the upstream element 28.

[0306] The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 4 is configured such that when the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity, the upstream end of the resistance heating element 15 aligns with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12 of the aerosol generating article 10. The resistance heating element 15 is located approximately 14 millimeters long in the length L of the aerosol forming substrate 12. S Shorter than L, approximately 12 millimeters in length. H It has the following characteristics. As in Figure 2, when the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity, the upstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 is surrounded by the resistance heating element 15, while the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 is not surrounded by the resistance heating element 15. The upstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 is positioned directly adjacent to the resistance heating element 15 and receives radiant heat directly from the resistance heating element 15 when the heating element is heated. It has a length of approximately 2 millimeters L. D The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which has the following properties, is not exposed to much direct heat from the resistance heating element 15 when the heating element is heated. The length of the substrate L S and the length L of the heating element H The ratio is approximately 1.16.

[0307] Figure 5 shows another aerosol generating system 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 5 comprises an aerosol generating device 1 substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 1 described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 4, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features. The aerosol generating system 100 of Figure 5 also comprises the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 4, which includes all the same features as the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 4.

[0308] The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 5 differs from the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 2 in that the heating element 15 is a susceptor element rather than a resistance heating element. The susceptor element 15 of the aerosol generator in Figure 5 has the same size and shape as the resistance heating element 15 of the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 4 and is arranged in the same way as the resistance heating element 15. The susceptor element 15 surrounds the device cavity and heats the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10 when the aerosol generator 1 is fully received within the device cavity. The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 5 further comprises an inductor coil 16 surrounding the susceptor element 15. The inductor coil 16 has the same length as the susceptor element 15 and extends from the upstream end of the susceptor element 15 to the downstream end of the susceptor element 15.

[0309] The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 5 includes a power supply and a controller (not shown), which are configured to supply alternating current to an inductor coil 16. When alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 16, the inductor coil 16 generates an alternating magnetic field. In the configuration of the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 5, the susceptor element 15 is located within the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 16 when alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 16. The susceptor element 15 is heated when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field and is then configured to transfer heat to the aerosol-forming substrate 12 in the aerosol-generating article 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0310] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generating article 10 that is substantially similar to the aerosol generating apparatus 1 in Figure 4, and similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same features.

[0311] The aerosol generating article 10 in Figure 6 comprises an upstream element 28, an aerosol forming substrate 12 located at the upstream end 16 of the aerosol generating article 10, and a downstream section 14 located at the downstream end 18 of the aerosol generating article 10. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the upstream element 28 defines the upstream end 16 of the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol forming substrate 12 is located immediately downstream of the upstream element 28 and abuts against the downstream end of the upstream element 28. The downstream section 14 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 12 and abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 defines the downstream end 18 of the aerosol generating article 10. The downstream section 14 includes a hollow tubular cooling element 20 and a downstream filter segment 50, and includes a ventilation zone 30 provided along the hollow tubular cooling element 20.

[0312] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating article 10 comprises a heating element 15 in the form of a susceptor element. The susceptor element 15 includes a piece of aluminum embedded within the aerosol forming substrate 12. The susceptor element 15 is positioned to extend along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article, and the upstream end of the susceptor element 15 is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate 12. The length L of the susceptor element 15 H The length L of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is S Shorter than. In this embodiment, the length L of the susceptor. H It is approximately 12 millimeters, and the length of the base L S It is approximately 14 millimeters.

[0313] Therefore, the upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 surrounds the susceptor element 15, while the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 does not surround the susceptor element 15. The upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 is positioned directly adjacent to the susceptor element 15 and directly receives radiant heat from the susceptor element 15 when the susceptor element is heated. It has a length of approximately 2 millimeters L. D The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate having the susceptor element is not exposed to much direct heat from the susceptor element 15 when the susceptor element is heated.

[0314] Figure 7 illustrates an aerosol generating system 100 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 6 and the downstream portion of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 of Figure 7 is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 1 of Figure 5, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features.

[0315] The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 7 differs from the aerosol generator 1 in Figure 5 in that it does not include the susceptor element 15, because in this embodiment the susceptor element 15 is provided within the aerosol generating article 1.

[0316] In the aerosol generator 1 shown in Figure 7, the inductor coil 16 surrounds the device cavity. The inductor coil 16 has the same length as the susceptor element 15 in the aerosol generating article 10, and is positioned so that when the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity, the upstream end of the inductor coil 16 aligns with the upstream end of the susceptor element 15 in the aerosol generating article 10.

[0317] The aerosol generator 1 in Figure 7 includes a power supply and a controller (not shown), which are configured to supply alternating current to an inductor coil 16. When alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 16, the inductor coil 16 generates an alternating magnetic field within the device cavity. In the configuration of the aerosol generation system 100 in Figure 7, the susceptor element 15 of the aerosol generating article 10 is located within the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 16 when the aerosol generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity and when alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 16. The susceptor element 15 is heated when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field and is then configured to transfer heat to the aerosol-forming substrate 12 within the aerosol generating article 10 to generate an aerosol.

[0318] When a user inhales smoke from the aerosol generating system 100 shown in Figure 7, a pressure sensor 8 detects the air being drawn out from the inlet 7 through the airflow path 5 into the device cavity. In response to the pressure sensor 8 detecting the inhalation, the controller and power supply (not shown) supply alternating current to an inductor coil to generate an alternating magnetic field within the device cavity. The aerosol generating article 1 is fully received within the device cavity, and the susceptor element 15 is heated when it is penetrated by the alternating magnetic field from the inductor coil 16. The susceptor element 15 generates heat, which is directly transferred to the upstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate 12 directly adjacent to the susceptor element 15. This heating releases volatile compounds from the heated aerosol forming substrate 12.

[0319] The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which is not directly adjacent to the susceptor element 15, is heated more slowly than the upstream portion, both by conduction through the aerosol-forming substrate due to the user's inhalation, and by conduction from heated volatile compounds released from the upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12, which are drawn out through the downstream portion. This heating of the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 also causes volatile compounds to be released into the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 12.

[0320] The volatile compounds released from both the upstream and downstream portions of the aerosol-forming substrate 12 are carried by the airflow through the aerosol-generating article 10 and drawn out through the downstream section 14. In the downstream section 14, the volatile compounds cool and condense to form an aerosol, which is delivered to the user at the upstream end 18 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0321] Figure 8 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 comprising a first planar outer layer 124 forming a first planar outer surface 121, a second planar outer layer 125 forming a second planar outer surface 122, and a frame 150 positioned between the first planar outer layer 124 and the second planar outer layer 125. Both the first planar outer layer 124 and the second planar outer layer 125 contain an aerosol-generating material, i.e., an aerosol-generating substrate containing tobacco. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, only one of the first planar outer layer 124 and the second planar outer layer 125 may contain an aerosol-generating substrate. Naturally, in other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate may be located elsewhere within the aerosol-generating article 10.

[0322] The aerosol generating article 10 has a length extending in the x direction, a width extending in the y direction, and a thickness extending in the z direction. The aerosol generating article 10 has a length of 30 millimeters, a width of 10 millimeters, and a thickness of 3.1 millimeters.

[0323] The aerosol generating article 10 is a substantially flat aerosol generating article, that is, a substantially planar aerosol generating article. In particular, the thickness of the aerosol generating article 10 is less than 50 percent of both the length and width of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article 10 generally has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a laminated structure formed by a first planar outer layer 124, a frame 150, and a second planar outer layer 125. The first planar outer layer 124, the frame 150, and the second planar outer layer 125 are bonded to each other by an adhesive, particularly by guar gum, as will be described in detail below in relation to Figure 9.

[0324] Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the aerosol generating article 10 of Figure 1. The frame 150 has a length of 30 millimeters, a width of 10 millimeters, and a thickness of 2.7 millimeters. The frame 150 is made of cardboard and defines a frame opening that extends through the thickness of the frame 150. The frame opening forms a cavity 130, at least partially. The cavity 130 has a length of 26 millimeters, a width of 6 millimeters, and a thickness of 2.7 millimeters. Thus, the cavity 130 has a volume of approximately 421.2 cubic millimeters. In this embodiment, the cavity 30 is substantially empty.

[0325] The frame 150 has an inner frame surface 152 that extends in the z-direction or transverse direction between the first planar outer surface 121 and the second planar outer surface 122. The inner frame surface 152 defines the outer wall of the cavity. The frame 150 has an outer frame surface 153 that extends in the z-direction or transverse direction between the first planar outer surface 121 and the second planar outer surface 122. The outer frame surface 153 defines at least partially one or more outer surfaces of the aerosol-generating article, such as the front wall 113 and the rear wall 114.

[0326] The frame 150 includes a peripheral wall 151 surrounding the cavity 130. More specifically, the peripheral wall 151 is defined by an inner surface 152 and an outer surface 152 of the frame. The peripheral wall 151 has a radial thickness of approximately 2 millimeters when measured between the inner surface 152 and the outer surface 153 of the frame in the x / y plane.

[0327] The first planar outer layer 124 and the second planar outer layer 125 have a thickness of 200 micrometers and are in physical contact with the frame 150. The first planar outer layer 124 and the second planar outer layer 125 are bonded to the frame by adhesive 15. The first planar outer layer 124 is located over the end of the cavity 130 and forms the first cavity end wall 131. The second planar outer layer 125 is located over the opposite end of the cavity 130 and forms the second cavity end wall 132. That is, the frame 150, the first planar outer layer 124, and the second planar outer layer 125 collectively define the cavity 130.

[0328] The air intake 111 and air outlet 112 are defined by the peripheral wall 151 of the frame 150 and extend through the peripheral wall 151 of the frame 150. The air intake 111 and air outlet 112 each have a rectangular cross-section, a width of 2 millimeters, and a thickness of 0.9 millimeters. The airflow passage extends between the air intake 111 and the air outlet 112 through the cavity 130.

[0329] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises an aerosol generating article 10 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The aerosol generating system 100 further comprises an aerosol generating device 1 for heating the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a device cavity 9 configured to removably receive the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating device 1 is configured to generate an alternating electric field in the device cavity 9 to dielectrically heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 10 when the aerosol generating article 10 is received in the device cavity 9.

[0330] The aerosol generator 1 includes a load capacitor comprising a pair of electrodes 15, a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a device cavity 9. The device cavity 9 and the aerosol generating article 10 are configured such that when the aerosol generating article 10 is received into the device cavity 9, the aerosol forming substrate is in close proximity to both the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15. When the aerosol generating article 10 is received into the device cavity 9 and the aerosol forming substrate is positioned between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15, the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 and the aerosol forming substrate are in close proximity to the load capacitor C L It forms.

[0331] In this aerosol generating system 100, the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 form a heating element. The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 are substantially identical, and each electrode 15 extends from the upstream end to the downstream end of the device cavity 9, defining a heating zone within the device cavity 9. Each electrode 15 has a length of approximately 26 millimeters L H The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 are approximately 30 millimeters long, which is approximately 4 millimeters shorter than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-generating article 10. When the aerosol-generating article 10 is fully received within the device cavity 9, the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 are positioned such that the upstream ends of the electrodes 15 are aligned with the upstream ends of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, the upstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15, and the downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is not positioned between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15. The length L is approximately 2 millimeters. D The downstream portion of the aerosol-forming substrate having the aerosol generation system 100 is exposed to less heat when the aerosol generation system 100 is activated and dielectric heating is performed on the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0332] In this embodiment, the length L of the substrate S and the length L of the heating element H The ratio is approximately 1.15.

[0333] The first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 form part of the feedback loop of the oscillation circuit 60.

[0334] In some embodiments, the width of the aerosol-generating article 10 is slightly greater than the distance between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15, so that the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate is slightly compressed between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 10 in its initial uncompressible form has a width 5 to 30% greater than the distance between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15. This can reduce or prevent the accumulation of air between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 when the aerosol-generating article 10 is received in the apparatus cavity 9, and can also reduce the distance between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 for dielectric heating, thereby reducing the load capacitor C formed by the first and second electrodes 15 and the aerosol-forming substrate. L To improve the dielectric properties.

[0335] In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 comprises a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 15. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the aerosol generating article 10 may comprise a first electrode 15 and a second electrode 15. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator 1 comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact for bringing the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 into contact, respectively, when the aerosol generating article 10 is received within the device cavity 9, such that an electrical connection is formed between the first electrode 15 and a first electrical contact and the second electrode 15 and a second electrical contact.

[0336] The aerosol generator 1 further comprises a power supply 65, a control electronic circuit 70 electrically coupled to the oscillation circuit 60, and a user interface (not shown) in the form of a touchscreen display electrically coupled to the control electronic circuit 70. In this embodiment, the power supply 65 is, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having one or more lithium-ion battery cells, and the aerosol generator 1 includes a power connector that allows the aerosol generator 1 to be connected to a main power supply for recharging the power supply.

[0337] When the user starts the aerosol generator 1 during use, power is supplied from the power supply 65 to the oscillation circuit 60. The control electronic circuit 70 controls the power supply from the power supply 65 to the oscillation circuit 60.

[0338] In this embodiment, the aerosol generator 1 is activated by the user pressing an activation button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the aerosol generator 1. In other embodiments, it will be understood that the aerosol generator 1 may be activated in a different manner, such as when a smoke sensor detects that the user is inhaling the aerosol generating article 10 or the mouthpiece (not shown) of the aerosol generator 1. When power is supplied to the oscillation circuit 60, the oscillation circuit 60 generates an alternating electric field between the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 15 in the device cavity 9 to dielectrically heat the aerosol generating article 10, in particular dielectrically heat the aerosol forming substrate in the device cavity 9, thereby releasing volatile compounds from the aerosol forming substrate, which condense to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user of the aerosol generating system 100.

[0339] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values ​​representing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., should be understood in all examples as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, as long as the amount of deviation from A does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges within them, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generation system, Heating element and Aerosol-forming substrate and, The heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, The heating element has a length that corresponds to the heating element. The aerosol-forming substrate has a length, and the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating element. An aerosol generating system in which the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 3.

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 1.16, and optionally approximately 1.

16.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an aerosol generating article containing the aerosol forming substrate.

4. The aerosol-generating article is The first planar outer surface, The second planar outer surface, Cavity and A frame positioned between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface, the frame at least partially defining the cavity, The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, comprising an air intake port and an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending through the cavity between the air intake port and the air outlet.

5. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate extends beyond the downstream end of the heating element, and optionally the upstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate does not extend beyond the upstream end of the heating element.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article including the aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating article includes an airflow path between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the aerosol forming substrate is disposed within the airflow path.

8. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an aerosol generating device including a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol forming substrate.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises the heating element, and optionally the heating element is disposed in or around the cavity of the device.

10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the heating element extends into the cavity of the apparatus and is configured to penetrate the aerosol forming substrate when the aerosol forming substrate is received into the cavity of the apparatus.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the heating element surrounds the device cavity, and the heating element is configured to surround the aerosol forming substrate when the aerosol forming substrate is received in the device cavity.

12. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article containing the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generating article contains the heating element.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the heating element is a susceptor element, and the aerosol generating device further comprises an inductor coil, the inductor coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the susceptor element when a portion of the aerosol generating article is received in the device cavity of the aerosol generating device.

14. Aerosol-generating article, Aerosol-forming substrate and, Equipped with a heating element, The heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, The heating element has a length that corresponds to the heating element. The aerosol-forming substrate has a length, and the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating element. An aerosol generating article in which the ratio of the length of the aerosol-forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 3.

15. The aerosol generating article according to claim 14, wherein the ratio of the length of the aerosol forming substrate to the length of the heating element is approximately 1.1 to 1.16, and optionally approximately 1.

16.

16. The aerosol-generating article is The first planar outer surface, The second planar outer surface, Cavity and A frame positioned between the first planar outer surface and the second planar outer surface, the frame at least partially defining the cavity, An aerosol generating article according to claim 14 or claim 15, comprising an air intake port and an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending through the cavity between the air intake port and the air outlet.

17. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream portion of the aerosol forming substrate extends beyond the downstream end of the heating element, and the upstream end of the heating element is aligned with the upstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.

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