Compressible rod for aerosol generating device

Abstract

A compressible rod for an aerosol generating device includes a first layer and a wrapper surrounding the first layer. The first layer comprises a first material, which may include tobacco. The compressible rod has a circular cross-sectional shape and a hollow center. The compressible rod is configured to be compressed such that it has a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 480,639 filed on October 4, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating device configured to receive a rod, and / or a method for generating an aerosol without substantial pyrolysis of an aerosol-forming substrate. Related Art

[0003] Some electronic devices are configured to heat plant material to a temperature sufficient to release constituents of the plant material, while maintaining a temperature below the combustion point of the plant material to avoid substantial pyrolysis of the plant material. Such devices are sometimes referred to as aerosol-generating devices (e.g., heat-not-burn aerosol-generating devices), and the plant material to be heated may be tobacco and / or cannabis. In some cases, the plant material may be introduced directly into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In some cases, the plant material may be pre-packaged in a separate container to facilitate insertion into and removal from the aerosol-generating device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to a compressible rod for an aerosol-generating device.

[0005] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod includes a first layer and a wrapper surrounding the first layer. The first layer includes a first material. The first material includes, for example, tobacco. The compressible rod has a circular cross-sectional shape and a hollow portion. The compressible rod is configured to be compressed such that the compressible rod has a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression.

[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first material includes, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fibers, or any combination thereof.

[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further includes a second layer, the second layer comprising a second material.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second material includes, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fibers, or any combination thereof.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer is positioned between the wrapper and the first layer.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer is positioned between the wrapper and the second layer.

[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further includes a third layer. The third layer may include a flavor material. The flavor material includes, for example, a flavor gel, a flavor powder, encapsulated flavor beads, or any combination thereof.

[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different transmittances.

[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different densities.

[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third layer is located between the first and second layers.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer is located between the first layer and the third layer.

[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first material and the second material are the same.

[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first material and the second material are different.

[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further includes a layer of conductive metal. The layer of conductive metal may be disposed on or formed on the outer surface or inner surface of the compressible rod.

[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the conductive metal may include aluminum.

[0020] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further includes a first layer of conductive metal and a second layer of conductive metal. The first layer of conductive metal may be disposed on or formed on the outer surface of the compressible rod, and the second layer of conductive metal may be disposed on or formed on the inner surface of the compressible rod.

[0021] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wrapper includes, for example, paper, polymer, or both paper and polymer.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further includes a filter at the end of the compressible rod, the filter not having a hollow portion.

[0023] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to a compressible rod for an aerosol generating device.

[0024] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod includes a first layer having an inner surface surrounding a hollow portion, and an outer wrapper surrounding the first layer. The first layer comprises a first material including tobacco.

[0025] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the inner surface comprises a thermally conductive material.

[0026] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the thermally conductive material is deformable.

[0027] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further comprises a second layer. The second layer comprises a second material. The second material includes, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fibers, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer is disposed between the outer wrapper and the first layer.

[0029] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer is disposed between the outer wrapper and the second layer.

[0030] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod further comprises a third layer comprising a flavor material. The flavor material includes, for example, flavor gel, flavor powder, encapsulated flavor beads, or any combination thereof.

[0031] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different permeability or different density.

[0032] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third layer is disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[0033] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

[0034] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod may further comprise a layer of electrically conductive metal. The layer of electrically conductive metal may be disposed on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer surface and the inner surface of the compressible rod.

[0035] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the conductive metal includes, for example, aluminum.

[0036] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to aerosol generating devices.

[0037] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a compressible rod, an outer housing defining a cavity, the outer housing configured to accommodate the compressible rod before, during, and / or after compression, and a heater within the outer housing. The compressible rod includes a first layer and a wrapper surrounding the first layer. The first layer may include a first material, which may include tobacco. The compressible rod may have a circular cross-sectional shape and a hollow portion. The compressible rod may be configured to be compressed such that the compressible rod has a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod has an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape after compression.

[0038] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the heater includes a blade heater, which is housed within a hollow portion of a compressible rod.

[0039] At least some exemplary embodiments relate to methods for generating aerosols.

[0040] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol includes inserting a compressible rod into a cavity of an aerosol generating device, while simultaneously compressing the compressible rod around a heater. The method for generating an aerosol may further include electrically contacting a plurality of electrodes with a heater and supplying an electric current to the heater through the plurality of electrodes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments described herein will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the claims. The accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale unless expressly stated otherwise. Various dimensions in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0042] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 1A, along line 1B-1B. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 2A, along line 2B-2B. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 3A, along line 3B-3B. [Figure 4A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 4A, along line 4B-4B. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 5A, along line 5B-5B. [Figure 5C] This is a diagram of crimped paper according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 6A, along line 6B-6B. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 7A, along line 7B-7B. [Figure 8A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 8A, along line 8B-8B. [Figure 9A] This is a diagram of a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 9A, along line 9B-9B. [Figure 10A] This is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] This is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod before compression, as shown in Figure 10A, along line 10B-10B. [Figure 11A] This is a cross-sectional view of a flared, compressible rod, the hollow portion of which houses a heating unit for a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] This is a cross-sectional view of a compressible rod in a compressed state, the hollow portion of which houses a heating unit of a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Several detailed exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are representative only for the purpose of illustrating the exemplary embodiments. Nevertheless, the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0044] Therefore, while exemplary embodiments are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, these exemplary embodiments are shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit themselves to any particular form disclosed; rather, on the contrary, they should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Throughout the description of the figures, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0045] When an element or layer is described as being "on top of," "connected to," "combined with," or "covering" another element or layer, it should be understood that the element or layer may be directly on top of, connected to, combined with, or cover the other element or layer, or that an intervening element or layer may exist. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on top of," "directly connected to," or "directly combined with" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. The same number refers to the same element throughout the specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more items in the relevant list.

[0046] In this specification, terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used to represent various elements, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these elements, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teaching of the exemplary embodiments.

[0047] In this specification, spatially relative terms (e.g., “downward,” “below,” “lower,” “upward,” “upper side,” and similar terms) may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature, as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms should be understood as intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as “downward” or “below” another element or feature would be oriented “upward” of the other element or feature. Thus, the term “downward” may encompass both upward and downward directions. Otherwise, the device may be oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in another direction), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The terms used herein are intended solely to describe various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit them. Where used herein, unless otherwise explicitly indicated by the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. Furthermore, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of the listed features, integers, steps, actions, and / or elements, but are understood not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Where the terms “approximately” or “substantially” are used in relation to numerical values ​​in this specification, the numerical values ​​in question are intended to include manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., ±10%) before and after the numerical values ​​cited. Furthermore, where the terms “generally” and “substantially” are used in relation to geometric shapes, precision of the geometric shape is not required, but the degree of freedom of the shape is intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, whether numerical values ​​or shapes are modified as “approximately” or “substantially,” it will be understood that these values ​​and shapes should be interpreted as including manufacturing or operational tolerances (e.g., ±10%) before and after the numerical values ​​or shapes cited.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including scientific and technical terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Furthermore, terms including those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with those in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0051] As used herein, “bonded” includes both being removably bonded and being permanently bonded. If the elastic layer and the support layer are removably bonded to each other, the elastic layer and the support layer can be separated by applying sufficient force.

[0052] As used herein, “compressible” includes deformations that result in a reduction of one or more dimensions, including, for example, a potential reduction in volume.

[0053] Figure 1A shows a compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0054] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1A, a rod 100 configured to be housed by a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device includes a filler 110, a filter 120 aligned linearly with the filler 110, and a wrapper 140 surrounding the filler 110 and the filter 120.

[0055] Rod 100 may have an average diameter in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm. For example, the average diameter of rod 100 may be approximately 5 mm or more (e.g., approximately 5.5 mm or more, approximately 6 mm or more, approximately 6.5 mm or more, approximately 7 mm or more, approximately 7.5 mm or more, approximately 8 mm or more, approximately 8.5 mm or more, approximately 9 mm or more, or approximately 9.5 mm or more). The average diameter of rod 100 may be approximately 10 mm or less (e.g., approximately 9.5 mm or less, approximately 9 mm or less, approximately 8.5 mm or less, approximately 8 mm or less, approximately 7.5 mm or less, approximately 7 mm or less, approximately 6.5 mm or less, approximately 6 mm or less, or approximately 5.5 mm or less).

[0056] Rod 100 may have a length in the range of approximately 45 mm to approximately 105 mm. For example, the length of rod 100 may be approximately 45 mm or more (e.g., approximately 50 mm or more, approximately 55 mm or more, approximately 60 mm or more, approximately 65 mm or more, approximately 70 mm or more, approximately 75 mm or more, approximately 80 mm or more, approximately 85 mm or more, approximately 90 mm or more, approximately 95 mm or more, or approximately 100 mm or more). The length of rod 100 may be approximately 105 mm or less (e.g., approximately 100 mm or less, approximately 95 mm or less, approximately 90 mm or less, approximately 85 mm or less, approximately 80 mm or less, approximately 75 mm or less, approximately 70 mm or less, approximately 65 mm or less, approximately 60 mm or less, approximately 55 mm or less, or approximately 50 mm or less).

[0057] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 comprises a fibrous material configured to release a compound (e.g., nicotine, cannabinoid) upon heating. For example, heating this material may produce an aerosol containing this compound. The heating may be below the combustion temperature of the fibrous material such that the aerosol is produced without substantially any thermal decomposition of the fibrous material and / or the formation of combustion byproducts, if any. This compound may be a naturally occurring component of the fibrous material. As illustrated in Figure 1A, the fibrous material may be in the form of a loose material 112.

[0058] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the density of the filler 110 may vary depending on the mass per unit volume of the fibrous material. The density may depend on the voids in the matrix defined by the fibrous material. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may have a void content ranging from about 20% to about 70%. For example, the filler 110 may have a void content of about 20% or more (e.g., about 25% or more, about 30% or more, about 35% or more, about 40% or more, about 45% or more, about 50% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, or about 65% or more). The filler 110 may have a void content of about 70% or less (e.g., about 65% or less, about 60% or less, about 55% or less, about 50% or less, about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, about 30% or less, or about 25% or less). The opening ratio of filler 100 can control the mass transfer of aerosolizable compounds in the aerosol stream and can also contribute to a pressure drop that can be recognized as suction resistance (RTD).

[0059] Figure 1B is a cross-section of the compressible rod shown in Figure 1A, along the line 1B-1B.

[0060] As illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the filler 110 has a hollow portion 114, and the loose material 112 is dispersed around the hollow portion 114. The hollow portion 114 contains a thermally conductive material such as aluminum or stainless steel, making the rod 100 compressible. Pressure or force can be applied to one or more opposing faces of the compressible rod 100 such that, for example, the compressible rod 100 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape before compression and a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression (e.g., the rod can be squeezed). For example, after compression, the rod 100 may generally have an oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. The pressure or force is sufficient to move the compressible rod 100 from a substantially circular cross-sectional shape to a non-circular cross-sectional shape. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod 100 can be compressed by at least about 5% (e.g., at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, at least about 19%, or at least about 20%). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod 100 can be compressed by less than about 30% (e.g., less than about 29%, less than about 28%, less than about 27%, less than about 26%, less than about 25%, less than about 24%, less than about 23%, less than about 22%, less than about 21%, less than about 20%, less than about 19%, less than about 18%, less than about 17%, less than about 16%, less than about 15%, less than about 14%, less than about 13%, less than about 12%, less than about 11%, less than about 10%, less than about 9%, less than about 8%, less than about 7%, or less than about 6%). The compressibility of the compressible rod 100 helps to establish good thermal contact between the inner surface defining the hollow portion 114 and the heater housed within the hollow portion 114, as will be discussed further below.

[0061] Although not shown in the illustrations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the compressible rod 100 and hollow section 114 described herein may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes. In any case, the hollow section 114 may be generally cylindrical and may extend over the entire length or part of the length of the filler 110. The hollow section 114 may have an average diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. For example, the average diameter of the hollow section 114 may be about 1 mm or more (e.g., about 1.25 mm or more, about 1.5 mm or more, about 1.75 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 2.25 mm or more, about 2.5 mm or more, or about 2.75 mm or more). The average diameter of the hollow section 114 may be about 3 mm or less (e.g., about 2.75 mm or less, about 2.5 mm or less, about 2.25 mm or less, about 2 mm or less, about 1.75 mm or less, about 1.5 mm or less, or about 1.25 mm or less).

[0062] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the fibrous material may be plant-based or plant material, such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material, as an aerosol-forming agent. The term “tobacco” includes any tobacco plant material from one or more tobacco plants. For example, tobacco material may include material from any member of the genus Nicotiana (such as Nicotiana rustica and / or Nicotiana tabacum). In at least one exemplary embodiment, tobacco material may include a blend of two or more different tobacco varieties. For example, tobacco material may include hot-air dried tobacco, Burley tobacco, dark tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, blends thereof, and similar. Tobacco material may be provided in any suitable form, including but not limited to tobacco laminas, processed tobacco material (such as volume-expanded tobacco or puffed tobacco), processed tobacco stems (such as cut-rolled stems or cut-puffed stems), reconstituted tobacco material, blends thereof, and similar. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the tobacco material is in the form of a substantially dry tobacco mass.

[0063] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 110 may comprise any portion of cannabis material containing fibers and / or any extracts thereof. For example, filler 110 may comprise a mixture of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 110 may comprise a mixture of about 60 wt.% to about 80 wt.% (e.g., about 70 wt.%) of Cannabis sativa and about 20 wt.% to about 40 wt.% (e.g., about 30 wt.%) of Cannabis indica. If the fibrous material comprises cannabis material, this compound may be a cannabinoid. Examples of cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) is a precursor of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is a precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), respectively, by heating, as will be discussed further below.

[0064] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain an amount of aerosol-forming agent ranging from about 5 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 110 may contain about 5 wt.% or more (e.g., about 10 wt.% or more, about 15 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 25 wt.% or more, about 30 wt.% or more, about 35 wt.% or more, about 40 wt.% or more, or about 45 wt.% or more) in aerosol form based on the weight of the rod 100. The filler 110 may contain an aerosol form of approximately 50 wt.% or less (for example, approximately 45 wt.% or less, approximately 40 wt.% or less, approximately 35 wt.% or less, approximately 30 wt.% or less, approximately 25 wt.% or less, approximately 20 wt.% or less, approximately 15 wt.% or less, or approximately 10 wt.% or less) based on the weight of the rod 100.

[0065] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may include tobacco material and / or cannabis material and another fibrous material. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the other fibrous material may include, for example, other plant material (such as herbs), foliate natural material (such as tea leaves), or a combination of plant material and foliate natural material. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the other fibrous material may include, for example, natural cellulose material (such as cotton), biopolymer (such as alginate, starch, and the like), or a combination of natural cellulose material and biopolymer, processed to form a fibrous structure. In at least one exemplary embodiment, natural material would be preferred. In at least one exemplary embodiment, pre-processed material having improved purity would be preferred as a means of transferring undesirable components into the aerosol flow.

[0066] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain another fibrous material in an amount ranging from about 1 wt.% to about 99 wt.%. For example, the filler 100 may contain, based on the filler 110, about 1 wt.% or more of another fibrous material (e.g., about 10 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 30 wt.% or more, about 40 wt.% or more, about 50 wt.% or more, about 60 wt.% or more, about 70 wt.% or more, about 80 wt.% or more, about 90 wt.% or more, or about 95 wt.% or more). Filler 110 may also include, based on filler 110, another fibrous material in an amount of about 99 wt.% or less (for example, about 95 wt.% or less, about 90 wt.% or less, about 85 wt.% or less, about 80 wt.% or less, about 75 wt.% or less, about 70 wt.% or less, about 65 wt.% or less, about 60 wt.% or less, about 55 wt.% or less, about 50 wt.% or less, about 45 wt.% or less, about 40 wt.% or less, about 35 wt.% or less, about 30 wt.% or less, about 25 wt.% or less, about 20 wt.% or less, or about 10 wt.% or less).

[0067] In at least one exemplary embodiment, fibrous materials and / or other fibrous materials may be mixed and / or combined with one or more additives. In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include aerosol or vapor-forming agents such as propylene glycol, glycerin, or a combination of propylene glycol and glycerin. In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include, for example, flavoring agents, sensory or chemesthesis agents, humectants, pH adjusters, sweeteners, or any combination thereof (e.g., flavoring agents, and / or sensory or chemesthesis agents, and / or humectants, and / or pH adjusters, and / or sweeteners).

[0068] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the flavoring agent may include, for example, natural and artificial flavoring agents. These flavoring agents include peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, menthol, cinnamon, chocolate, vanillin, licorice, clove, anise, sandalwood, geranium, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, cassia, fennel, ginger, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, propyl isobutyrate, isobutyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl valerate, benzyl formate, limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, geraniol, citronellol, citral, orange oil, coriander oil, borneol, fruit extracts, coffee, black tea, cocoa, mint, pomegranate, acai, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, boysenberry, cranberry, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, cognac, hydrangea, and more. It may also contain venison, apple, peach, pear, cherry, plum, orange, lime, grape, grapefruit, butter, rum, coconut, almond, pecan, walnut, hazelnut, French vanilla, macadamia, sugarcane, maple, blackcurrant, caramel, banana, malt, espresso, Kahlúa, white chocolate, spice flavors such as cinnamon, clove, cilantro, basil, oregano, garlic, mustard, nutmeg, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, dill, sage, anise and fennel, methyl salicylate, linalool, jasmine, coffee, olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, or a combination thereof.

[0069] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain a flavoring agent in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt.% to about 25 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 100 may contain about 0.01 wt.% or more (e.g., about 1 wt.% or more, about 2 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, about 6 wt.% or more, about 8 wt.% or more, about 10 wt.% or more, about 12 wt.% or more, about 14 wt.% or more, about 16 wt.% or more, about 18 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 22 wt.% or more, or about 24 wt.% or more) based on the weight of the rod 100. The filler 110 may contain approximately 25 wt.% or less of a flavoring agent based on the weight of the rod 100 (for example, approximately 24 wt.% or less, approximately 22 wt.% or less, approximately 20 wt.% or less, approximately 18 wt.% or less, approximately 16 wt.% or less, approximately 14 wt.% or less, approximately 12 wt.% or less, approximately 10 wt.% or less, approximately 8 wt.% or less, approximately 6 wt.% or less, approximately 4 wt.% or less, approximately 2 wt.% or less, or approximately 1 wt.% or less).

[0070] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensory agent or chemosensory agent may include any mitigating, cooling, and / or warming agents. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensory agent or chemosensory agent may include capsaicin, pipeline, alpha-hydroxy-sanshool, (8)-gingerol, or any combination thereof (e.g., capsaicin and / or pipeline and / or alpha-hydroxy-sanshool and / or (8)-gingerol), which may be included to provide a warming, tingling, or burning sensation. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the sensory agent or chemosensory agent may include menthol, menthyl lactate, WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), WS-23 (2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutylamide), Evercool 180 (trademark) (available from Givaudan SA), or any combination thereof (e.g., menthol and / or menthyl lactate and / or WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), and / or WS-23 (2-isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutylamide), and / or Evercool 180 (trademark) (available from Givaudan SA)), which may be included to provide a cooling sensation.

[0071] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain a sensory agent or chemosensory agent in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt.% to about 25 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 100 may contain a sensory agent or chemosensory agent in an amount of about 0.01 wt.% or more (e.g., about 1 wt.% or more, about 2 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, about 6 wt.% or more, about 8 wt.% or more, about 10 wt.% or more, about 12 wt.% or more, about 14 wt.% or more, about 16 wt.% or more, about 18 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 22 wt.% or more, or about 24 wt.% or more) based on the weight of the rod 100. The filler 110 may contain, based on the weight of the rod 100, about 25 wt.% or less (for example, about 24 wt.% or less, about 22 wt.% or less, about 20 wt.% or less, about 18 wt.% or less, about 16 wt.% or less, about 14 wt.% or less, about 12 wt.% or less, about 10 wt.% or less, about 8 wt.% or less, about 6 wt.% or less, about 4 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, or about 1 wt.% or less) of a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent.

[0072] In at least one exemplary embodiment, a humectant may be added to help maintain the moisture level of the filler 110. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the humectant may include, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the humectant can facilitate aerosol formation through the condensation of vapors generated during the heating and inhalation cycle of use. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain an amount of humectant ranging from about 5 wt.% to about 50 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 110 may contain about 5 wt.% or more (e.g., about 10 wt.% or more, about 15 wt.% or more, about 20 wt.% or more, about 25 wt.% or more, about 30 wt.% or more, about 35 wt.% or more, about 40 wt.% or more, or about 45 wt.% or more) of humectant based on the weight of the rod 100. The filler 110 may contain a humectant in an amount of approximately 50 wt.% or less (for example, approximately 45 wt.% or less, approximately 40 wt.% or less, approximately 35 wt.% or less, approximately 30 wt.% or less, approximately 25 wt.% or less, approximately 20 wt.% or less, approximately 15 wt.% or less, or approximately 10 wt.% or less) based on the weight of the rod 100.

[0073] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the pH adjuster may include a volatile organic compound that adjusts the pH of the aerosol to modify the sensory experience. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the volatile organic compound may include, for example, benzoic acid, lactic acid, levulinic acid, oxalic acid, pyruvic acid, or any combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain an amount of pH adjuster ranging from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 110 may contain about 0.01 wt.% or more (e.g., about 0.5 wt.% or more, about 1 wt.% or more, about 1.5 wt.% or more, about 2 wt.% or more, about 2.5 wt.% or more, about 3 wt.% or more, about 3.5 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, or about 4.5 wt.% or more) of pH adjuster based on the weight of the rod 100. Filler 100 may contain a pH adjuster in an amount of approximately 5 wt.% or less (for example, approximately 4.5 wt.% or less, approximately 4 wt.% or less, approximately 3.5 wt.% or less, approximately 3 wt.% or less, approximately 2.5 wt.% or less, approximately 2 wt.% or less, approximately 1.5 wt.% or less, approximately 1 wt.% or less, or approximately 0.5 wt.% or less) based on the weight of rod 100.

[0074] The sweetener may include natural or artificial sweeteners. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the sweetener may include water-soluble sweeteners (such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and similar substances), sugar alcohols (such as xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, maltitol, and similar substances), non-nutritive artificial sweeteners (such as sucralose), or any combination thereof (e.g., water-soluble sweeteners and / or sugar alcohols and / or non-nutritive artificial sweeteners). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 110 may contain an amount of sweetener ranging from about 0.1 wt.% to about 5 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, filler 100 may contain about 0.1 wt.% or more of sweetener (e.g., about 0.5 wt.% or more, about 1 wt.% or more, about 1.5 wt.% or more, about 2 wt.% or more, about 2.5 wt.% or more, about 3 wt.% or more, about 3.5 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, or about 4.5 wt.% or more) based on the weight of rod 100. Filler 100 may contain about 5 wt.% or less of sweetener (e.g., about 4.5 wt.% or less, about 4 wt.% or less, about 3.5 wt.% or less, about 3 wt.% or less, about 2.5 wt.% or less, about 2 wt.% or less, about 1.5 wt.% or less, about 1 wt.% or less, or about 0.5 wt.% or less) based on the weight of rod 100.

[0075] In at least one exemplary embodiment, fibrous materials and / or other fibrous materials may be mixed and / or combined with functional components. Functional components may include, for example, antioxidants, mitigating agents, energizing agents, foaming agents, any combination thereof (e.g., antioxidants and / or mitigating agents and / or energizing agents and / or foaming agents), or similar. In at least one exemplary embodiment, antioxidants can increase the shelf life of any flavor added to the aerosol-forming agent. In at least one exemplary embodiment, antioxidant capacity can be enhanced by including essential oils, or specific components thereof such as limonene, alpha-pinene, benzyl acetate, myristicin, citronellol, any combination thereof (e.g., limonene and / or alpha-pinene, and / or benzyl acetate, and / or myristicin, and / or citronellol), or similar. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the stimulant may include, for example, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, any combination thereof (e.g., chamomile and / or lavender and / or jasmine), or similar. In some exemplary embodiments, the stimulant may include, for example, caffeine, taurine, guarana, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, any combination thereof (e.g., caffeine and / or taurine and / or guarana and / or vitamin B6 and / or vitamin B12), or similar.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the filler 110 may contain a functional component in an amount ranging from about 0.05 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the weight of the rod 100. For example, the filler 110 may contain approximately 0.05 wt.% or more of a functional ingredient based on the weight of the rod 100 (for example, approximately 0.5 wt.% or more, approximately 1 wt.% or more, approximately 1.5 wt.% or more, approximately 2 wt.% or more, approximately 2.5 wt.% or more, approximately 3 wt.% or more, approximately 3.5 wt.% or more, approximately 4 wt.% or more, approximately 4.5 wt.% or more, approximately 5 wt.% or more, approximately 5.5 wt.% or more, approximately 6 wt.% or more, approximately 6.5 wt.% or more, approximately 7 wt.% or more, approximately 7.5 wt.% or more, approximately 8 wt.% or more, approximately 8.5 wt.% or more, approximately 9 wt.% or more, or approximately 9.5 wt.% or more). Filler 110 may contain a functional component in an amount of approximately 10 wt.% or less (for example, approximately 9.5 wt.% or less, approximately 9 wt.% or less, approximately 8.5 wt.% or less, approximately 8 wt.% or less, approximately 7.5 wt.% or less, approximately 7 wt.% or less, approximately 6.5 wt.% or less, approximately 6 wt.% or less, approximately 5.5 wt.% or less, approximately 5 wt.% or less, approximately 4.5 wt.% or less, approximately 4 wt.% or less, approximately 3.5 wt.% or less, approximately 3 wt.% or less, approximately 2.5 wt.% or less, approximately 2 wt.% or less, approximately 1.5 wt.% or less, approximately 1 wt.% or less, or approximately 0.5 wt.% or less) based on the weight of rod 100.

[0077] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filter 120 may include, for example, a cellulose acetate filter plug, a hollow acetate tube filter, a crimped paper filter plug, or any combination thereof (e.g., a cellulose acetate filter plug and / or a hollow acetate tube filter and / or a crimped paper filter plug). In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the filter 120 may be a plug-space-plug filter. For example, the filter 120 may include a first filter plug 122, a second filter plug 124, and a space 126 disposed between them. The first filter plug 122 may be adjacent to the filler 110. The first and second filter plugs 122, 124 may be the same or different. The first and second filter plugs 122 can be selected from a cellulose acetate filter plug, a hollow acetate tube filter, a crimped paper filter plug, or any combination thereof (for example, a cellulose acetate filter plug and / or a hollow acetate tube filter and / or a crimped paper filter plug). For example, as shown, the first filter plug 122 may include a hollow acetate tube filter, and the second filter plug 124 may include a cellulose acetate filter plug.

[0078] The hollow portion of the filter 120, such as a hollow acetate tube, can help cool the aerosols that move through it. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the hollow acetate tube of the hollow acetate tube filter may have an average outer diameter in the range of about 16 mm to about 30 mm. For example, the average outer diameter of the hollow acetate tube of the hollow acetate tube filter may be about 16 mm or more (e.g., about 17 mm or more, about 18 mm or more, about 19 mm or more, about 20 mm or more, about 21 mm or more, about 22 mm or more, about 23 mm or more, about 24 mm or more, about 25 mm or more, about 26 mm or more, about 27 mm or more, about 28 mm or more, or about 29 mm or more). The average outer diameter of the hollow acetate tubes in hollow acetate tube filters can be approximately 30 mm or less (for example, approximately 29 mm or less, approximately 28 mm or less, approximately 27 mm or less, approximately 26 mm or less, approximately 25 mm or less, approximately 24 mm or less, approximately 23 mm or less, approximately 22 mm or less, approximately 21 mm or less, approximately 20 mm or less, approximately 19 mm or less, approximately 18 mm or less, approximately 17 mm or less).

[0079] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the hollow acetate tube of the hollow acetate tube filter may have an average tube wall thickness of about 6 mm. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the hollow acetate tube of the hollow acetate tube filter may have an average cavity inner diameter in the range of about 4 mm to about 5 mm. For example, the average inner diameter may be about 4 mm or more (e.g., about 4.1 mm or more, about 4.2 mm or more, about 4.3 mm or more, about 4.4 mm or more, about 4.5 mm or more, about 4.6 mm or more, about 4.7 mm or more, about 4.8 mm or more, or about 4.9 mm or more). The average inner diameter may be about 5 mm or less (e.g., about 4.9 mm or less, about 4.8 mm or less, about 4.7 mm or less, about 4.6 mm or less, about 4.5 mm or less, about 4.4 mm or less, about 4.3 mm or less, about 4.2 mm or less, or about 4.1 mm or less).

[0080] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wrapper 140 is made from a material that is generally recognized as safe for use and / or contact with food ("GRAS"). This material may be stain-resistant, permeable to water, and / or porous. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wrapper 140 may include a non-porous paper wrapper (e.g., parliament mouthpiece paper) and / or a hemp wrapper. The wrapper 140 has a desired (or alternatively, predetermined) level of basis weight and / or wet strength to reduce the occurrence of breakage of the rod 100 during manufacturing operations, storage, and use.

[0081] The wrapper 140 may have an overall average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.2 mm. For example, the wrapper 140 may have an overall average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm or more (e.g., approximately 0.06 mm or more, approximately 0.07 mm or more, approximately 0.08 mm or more, approximately 0.09 mm or more, approximately 0.1 mm or more, approximately 0.11 mm or more, approximately 0.12 mm or more, approximately 0.13 mm or more, approximately 0.14 mm or more, approximately 0.15 mm or more, approximately 0.16 mm or more, approximately 0.17 mm or more, approximately 0.18 mm or more, or approximately 0.19 mm or more). The wrapper 140 may have an overall average thickness of approximately 0.2 mm or less (for example, approximately 0.19 mm or less, approximately 0.18 mm or less, approximately 0.17 mm or less, approximately 0.16 mm or less, approximately 0.15 mm or less, approximately 0.14 mm or less, approximately 0.13 mm or less, approximately 0.12 mm or less, approximately 0.11 mm or less, approximately 0.1 mm or less, approximately 0.09 mm or less, approximately 0.08 mm or less, approximately 0.07 mm or less, or approximately 0.06 mm or less).

[0082] The material used to form the wrapper 140 may have a neutral or pleasant taste and / or aroma. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the wrapper 140 is impregnated or coated with a flavoring agent, cannabis material (e.g., cannabis extract), binder, sensory agent or chemical sensory agent, or any combination thereof (e.g., a flavoring agent, and / or cannabis material, and / or a binder, and / or a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent) to enhance the flavor of the rod 100. For example, a substantially continuous coating containing a flavoring agent, and / or cannabis material, and / or a binder, and / or a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent may be coated on the outer (outward-facing) and / or inner (inward-facing) surfaces of the wrapper 140. In the latter case, the coating may form a full or partial barrier between the wrapper 140 and the filler 110 and / or filter 120. In either case, the coating may result in the initial flavor spreading when the rod 100 is heated in a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device configured to house the rod 100. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the coating may also include a functional component or a saliva-stimulating component.

[0083] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the flavoring agent for use within or on the surface of the wrapper 140 may be one of the flavoring agents or combinations of flavoring agents used in the filler 110, as detailed above. The flavoring agent can be coated or impregnated onto the wrapper 140 in an amount ranging from about 0.01 wt.% to about 5 wt.% based on the weight of the wrapper 140. For example, the coating may contain about 0.01 wt.% or more of the flavoring agent (e.g., about 0.05 wt.% or more, about 1 wt.% or more, about 1.5 wt.% or more, about 2 wt.% or more, about 2.5 wt.% or more, about 3 wt.% or more, about 3.5 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, or about 4.5 wt.% or more) based on the weight of the wrapper 140. The coating may contain approximately 5 wt.% or less of flavoring agent based on the weight of the wrapper 140 (for example, approximately 4.5 wt.% or less, approximately 4 wt.% or less, approximately 3.5 wt.% or less, approximately 3 wt.% or less, approximately 2.5 wt.% or less, approximately 2 wt.% or less, approximately 1.5 wt.% or less, approximately 1 wt.% or less, or approximately 0.5 wt.% or less).

[0084] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the binder for use within or on the surface of the wrapper 140 may be a food-grade adhesive, gum, or other binder. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, at least one binder may include, but is not limited to, sodium alginate, sugar, starch or starch derivatives, agar, guar gum, and similar substances. The binder can be coated or impregnated onto the wrapper 140 in an amount ranging from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% based on the weight of the wrapper 140. For example, based on the weight of the wrapper 140, the wrapper 140 can be coated or impregnated with approximately 1 wt.% or more of the binder (e.g., approximately 5 wt.% or more, approximately 10 wt.% or more, or approximately 15 wt.% or more), or based on the weight of the wrapper 140, the wrapper 140 can be coated or impregnated with approximately 20 wt.% or less of the binder (e.g., approximately 20 wt.% or less (e.g., approximately 15 wt.% or less, approximately 10 wt.% or less, or approximately 5 wt.% or less)).

[0085] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the sensory agent or chemosensory agent for use in the wrapper 140 may be any of the sensory agents or chemosensory agents used in the filler 110, as detailed above, or a combination thereof. The sensory agent or chemosensory agent may be coated or impregnated into the wrapper 140 in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt.% to about 10 wt.% based on the weight of the wrapper 140. For example, based on the weight of the wrapper 140, approximately 0.1 wt.% or more (e.g., approximately 1 wt.% or more, approximately 2 wt.% or more, approximately 3 wt.% or more, approximately 4 wt.% or more, approximately 5 wt.% or more, approximately 6 wt.% or more, approximately 7 wt.% or more, approximately 8 wt.% or more, or approximately 9 wt.% or more) of a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent can be coated or impregnated onto the wrapper 140, based on the weight of the wrapper 140, or approximately 10 wt.% or less (e.g., approximately 9 wt.% or less, approximately 8 wt.% or less, approximately 7 wt.% or less, approximately 6 wt.% or less, approximately 5 wt.% or less, approximately 4 wt.% or less, approximately 3 wt.% or less, approximately 2 wt.% or less, or approximately 1 wt.% or less) of a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent can be coated or impregnated onto the wrapper 140, based on the weight of the wrapper 140.

[0086] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the color of the wrapper 140 can be selected to identify the contents of the filler 110 and / or coating. For example, a green wrapper 140 can be used to identify a rod 100 containing a mint or menthol flavoring agent in the filler 110, coating, or other part of the rod 100.

[0087] Figure 2A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 2B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 2A along line 1B-1B.

[0088] The compressible rod 200 illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B is the same as the compressible rod 100 illustrated in Figure 1A and includes a filler 210, a hollow portion 214, a filter 220 aligned linearly with the filler 210, and a wrapper 240 surrounding the filler 210 and the filter 220. However, the wrapper 240 as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B includes a first wrapper or inner wrapper 242 and a second wrapper or outer wrapper 244. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the inner wrapper 242 includes a hemp wrapper, and the outer wrapper 244 includes a non-porous paper wrapper.

[0089] The wrapper 240 may have an overall average thickness in the range of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.2 mm. For example, the wrapper 240 may have an overall average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm or more (e.g., approximately 0.06 mm or more, approximately 0.07 mm or more, approximately 0.08 mm or more, approximately 0.09 mm or more, approximately 0.1 mm or more, approximately 0.11 mm or more, approximately 0.12 mm or more, approximately 0.13 mm or more, approximately 0.14 mm or more, approximately 0.15 mm or more, approximately 0.16 mm or more, approximately 0.17 mm or more, approximately 0.18 mm or more, or approximately 0.19 mm or more). The wrapper 240 may have an overall average thickness of approximately 0.2 mm or less (for example, approximately 0.19 mm or less, approximately 0.18 mm or less, approximately 0.17 mm or less, approximately 0.16 mm or less, approximately 0.15 mm or less, approximately 0.14 mm or less, approximately 0.13 mm or less, approximately 0.12 mm or less, approximately 0.11 mm or less, approximately 0.1 mm or less, approximately 0.09 mm or less, approximately 0.08 mm or less, approximately 0.07 mm or less, or approximately 0.06 mm or less).

[0090] The inner wrapper 242 may have an average thickness in the range of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.2 mm. For example, the inner wrapper 242 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm or more (e.g., approximately 0.06 mm or more, approximately 0.07 mm or more, approximately 0.08 mm or more, approximately 0.09 mm or more, approximately 0.1 mm or more, approximately 0.11 mm or more, approximately 0.12 mm or more, approximately 0.13 mm or more, approximately 0.14 mm or more, approximately 0.15 mm or more, approximately 0.16 mm or more, approximately 0.17 mm or more, approximately 0.18 mm or more, or approximately 0.19 mm or more). The inner wrapper 242 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.2 mm or less (for example, approximately 0.19 mm or less, approximately 0.18 mm or less, approximately 0.17 mm or less, approximately 0.16 mm or less, approximately 0.15 mm or less, approximately 0.14 mm or less, approximately 0.13 mm or less, approximately 0.12 mm or less, approximately 0.11 mm or less, approximately 0.1 mm or less, approximately 0.09 mm or less, approximately 0.08 mm or less, approximately 0.07 mm or less, or approximately 0.06 mm or less).

[0091] The outer wrapper 244 may have an average thickness in the range of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.2 mm. For example, the outer wrapper 244 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.05 mm or more (e.g., approximately 0.06 mm or more, approximately 0.07 mm or more, approximately 0.08 mm or more, approximately 0.09 mm or more, approximately 0.1 mm or more, approximately 0.11 mm or more, approximately 0.12 mm or more, approximately 0.13 mm or more, approximately 0.14 mm or more, approximately 0.15 mm or more, approximately 0.16 mm or more, approximately 0.17 mm or more, approximately 0.18 mm or more, or approximately 0.19 mm or more). The outer wrapper 244 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.2 mm or less (for example, approximately 0.19 mm or less, approximately 0.18 mm or less, approximately 0.17 mm or less, approximately 0.16 mm or less, approximately 0.15 mm or less, approximately 0.14 mm or less, approximately 0.13 mm or less, approximately 0.12 mm or less, approximately 0.11 mm or less, approximately 0.1 mm or less, approximately 0.09 mm or less, approximately 0.08 mm or less, approximately 0.07 mm or less, or approximately 0.06 mm or less).

[0092] Similar to the wrapper 140, the flavor of the filler 210 can be enhanced by impregnating or coating one or both of the inner wrapper 242 and / or the outer wrapper 244 with a flavoring agent, cannabis material, binder, sensory agent or chemical sensory agent, or any combination thereof (e.g., a flavoring agent and / or cannabis material and / or a binder and / or a sensory agent or chemical sensory agent).

[0093] Figure 3A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 3B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 3A along line 3B-3B.

[0094] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the compressible rod 300 shown in Figures 3A and 3B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 1B, and includes a filler 310, a hollow portion 314, a filter 320 aligned linearly with the filler 310, and a wrapper 340 surrounding the filler 310 and the filter 320. However, the compressible rod 300 in Figures 3A and 3B is in the form of concentrically wound paper 312 having the hollow portion 314.

[0095] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 310, like filler 110 and / or filler 210, comprises fibrous material such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material alone. As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, filler 310 comprises tobacco material and / or cannabis material and / or other fibrous plant material in the form of concentrically rolled paper 312. For example, filler 310 may comprise concentrically rolled hemp paper or other pressed paper containing cannabis material, and in certain cases, other fibrous material. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the concentrically rolled paper 312 can be coated or impregnated with one or more additives, as applied to filler 110 and / or filler 210, as discussed earlier.

[0096] Figure 4A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 4B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 4A along line 4B-4B.

[0097] The compressible rod 400 shown in Figures 4A and 4B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2 and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and includes a filler 410, a hollow portion 414, a filter 420 aligned linearly with the filler 410, and a wrapper 440 surrounding the filler 410 and the filter 420. However, the filler 410 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B includes a fibrous material in the form of a combination of loose material 412 mixed with fragments of a second material 416, arranged around the hollow portion 414.

[0098] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 410, like filler 110 and / or filler 210 and / or filler 310, comprises fibrous material such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material alone. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, filler 410 comprises tobacco material and / or cannabis material and / or other fibrous plant material in the form of loose material 412. Loose material 412 is mixed with fragments of second material 416.

[0099] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 410 may contain an amount of bulk material 412 ranging from about 80 wt.% to about 100 wt.%. For example, the filler 410 may contain about 80 wt.% or more of bulk material 412 (e.g., about 82 wt.% or more, about 84 wt.% or more, about 86 wt.% or more, about 88 wt.% or more, about 90 wt.% or more, about 92 wt.% or more, about 94 wt.% or more, about 96 wt.% or more, or about 98 wt.% or more). The filler 410 may contain loose material 412 in an amount of approximately 100 wt.% or less (for example, approximately 98 wt.% or less, approximately 96 wt.% or less, approximately 94 wt.% or less, approximately 92 wt.% or less, approximately 90 wt.% or less, approximately 88 wt.% or less, approximately 86 wt.% or less, approximately 84 wt.% or less, or approximately 82 wt.% or less).

[0100] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the filler 410 may include a second material 416 in an amount ranging from about 0 wt.% to about 20 wt.%. For example, the filler 410 may include more than 0 wt.% (e.g., about 2 wt.% or more, about 4 wt.% or more, about 6 wt.% or more, about 8 wt.% or more, about 10 wt.% or more, about 12 wt.% or more, about 14 wt.% or more, about 16 wt.% or more, or about 18 wt.% or more). The filler 410 may include about 20 wt.% or less (e.g., about 18 wt.% or less, about 16 wt.% or less, about 14 wt.% or less, about 12 wt.% or less, about 10 wt.% or less, about 8 wt.% or less, about 6 wt.% or less, about 4 wt.% or less, or about 2 wt.% or less).

[0101] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second material 416 may be uniformly distributed in the loose material 412. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the loose material 412 may include, for example, tobacco filler or other natural leafy material, or extruded fibers of a biopolymer (such as starch, alginate), and the paper or sheet fragment 416 may include hemp paper. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the paper fragment 416 and / or the loose material 412 may be coated or impregnated with one or more additives, such as those applied to filler 110 and / or filler 210 and / or filler 310, as discussed earlier.

[0102] Figure 5A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, Figure 5B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 5A along line 5B-5B, and Figure 5C is a diagram of crimped paper used, for example, to form a portion of the compressible rod.

[0103] The compressible rod 500 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and includes a filler 510, a hollow portion 514, a filter 520 aligned linearly with the filler 510, and a wrapper 540 surrounding the filler 510 and the filter 520. However, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the rod 500 further includes a fibrous material in the form of crimped paper 512 arranged around the hollow portion 514. As shown in Figure 5C, the crimped paper 512 may include a plurality of projections 515 in one or more directions with respect to a central axis 513.

[0104] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 510 includes fibrous material, such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material, as well as filler 110, and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410. As illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, filler 510 includes tobacco material, and / or cannabis material, and / or other fibrous plant material in the form of crimped paper 512. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the crimped paper can be adapted to provide effective heat and mass transfer throughout the heated material 510, as well as resistance to absorption. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the crimped paper 512 can be coated or impregnated with one or more additives, such as those applied to filler 110, and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410, as discussed earlier.

[0105] Figure 6A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 6B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 6A along line 6B-6B.

[0106] The compressible rod 600 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and / or the compressible rod 500 shown in Figure 5A, and includes a filler 610, a hollow portion 614, a filter 620 aligned linearly with the filler 610, and a wrapper 640 surrounding the filler 610 and the filter 620. However, the filler 610 as shown in Figures 6A and 6B includes a fibrous material having one or more layers 612, 616.

[0107] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 610, like filler 110, and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410, and / or filler 510, includes fibrous material such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material alone. As illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, filler 610 includes tobacco material and / or cannabis material and / or other fibrous plant material in the form of one or more layers 612, 616 that define the hollow portion 614 and are arranged around the hollow portion 614. For example, filler 610 may include a first layer 612 of one or more layers arranged closest to the hollow portion 614, and a second layer 616 of one or more layers arranged away from the hollow portion (i.e., between the first layer 612 and the wrapper 640), as illustrated.

[0108] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer 612 comprises a first material. The first material may include, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer 614 comprises a second material. The second material may be the same as or different from the first material. For example, the second material may include tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof. In either case, the first layer 612 and / or the second layer 616 may be coated or impregnated with one or more additives, such as those applied to filler 110, and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410, and / or filler 510, as discussed earlier.

[0109] Figure 7A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 7B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 7A along line 7B-7B.

[0110] The compressible rod 700 shown in Figures 7A and 7B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and / or the compressible rod 500 shown in Figure 5A, and / or the compressible rod 600 shown in Figure 6A, and includes a filler 710, a hollow portion 714, a filter 720 aligned linearly with the filler 710, and a wrapper 740 surrounding the filler 710 and the filter 720. However, the filler 710 as shown in Figures 7A and 7B further includes a fibrous material having two or more layers 712, 716, 718.

[0111] In at least one exemplary embodiment, filler 710 includes fibrous material, such as tobacco material and / or cannabis material, as well as filler 110, and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410, and / or filler 510. As illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, filler 710 includes tobacco material and / or cannabis material and / or other fibrous plant material in the form of two or more layers 712, 716, 718 that define the hollow portion 714 and are arranged around the hollow portion 714. For example, filler 710 may include a first layer 712, a second layer 716, and a third layer 718. The first layer 712 of the two or more layers may be located closest to the hollow portion 714. The second and third layers 716, 718 of the two or more layers may be located on or adjacent to the outward-facing surface of the first layer 712. In at least one exemplary embodiment, as shown, the third layer 718 may be located between the second layer 716 and the wrapper 740. In other exemplary embodiments, although not shown, the third layer 718 may be located between the first layer 712 and the second layer 716.

[0112] In any case, the first layer 712, the second layer 716, and the third layer 718 may be the same or different. For example, the first layer 712 may contain a first material, which may include, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof. The second layer 714 may contain a second material, which may include, for example, tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof. The third layer 718 may contain a third material, which may include, for example, a flavor material, which may include a flavor gel, flavor powder, encapsulated flavor beads, or any combination thereof. In any case, the first layer 712 and / or the second layer 716 and / or the third layer 718 may be coated or impregnated with one or more additives, as previously discussed, such as those applied to filler 110 and / or filler 210, and / or filler 310, and / or filler 410, and / or filler 510 and / or filler 610.

[0113] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7B, the first layer 712, the second layer 716, and the third layer 718 may each have different effective transmittances, which can be obtained by the aperture ratio of the layers. The aperture ratio of the layers should be understood to change when compressed to conform to the outer space defined by the device housing portion. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer 712, the second layer 716, and the third layer 718 may each have different densities. The density of the layers may also depend on the aperture ratio of the layers and the density of the solid material contained in the layers.

[0114] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the first layer 712 may have a first bubble opening ratio in the range of about 10% to about 70% of the total volume of the first layer 712. For example, the first layer 712 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 10% or more (e.g., about 15% or more, about 20% or more, about 25% or more, about 30% or more, about 35% or more, about 40% or more, about 45% or more, about 50% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, or about 65% or more). The first layer 712 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 70% or less (e.g., about 65% or less, about 60% or less, about 55% or less, about 50% or less, about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, or about 15% or less).

[0115] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the second layer 716 may have a second bubble opening ratio in the range of about 10% to about 70% of the total volume of the second layer 716. For example, the second layer 716 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 10% or more (e.g., about 15% or more, about 20% or more, about 25% or more, about 30% or more, about 35% or more, about 40% or more, about 45% or more, about 50% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, or about 65% or more). The second layer 716 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 70% or less (e.g., about 65% or less, about 60% or less, about 55% or less, about 50% or less, about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, or about 15% or less). The second bubble opening ratio may differ from the first bubble opening ratio.

[0116] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the third layer 718 may have a third bubble opening ratio in the range of about 10% to about 70% of the total volume of the third layer. For example, the third layer 718 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 10% or more (e.g., about 15% or more, about 20% or more, about 25% or more, about 30% or more, about 35% or more, about 40% or more, about 45% or more, about 50% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, or about 65% or more). The third layer 718 may have a bubble opening ratio of about 70% or less (e.g., about 65% or less, about 60% or less, about 55% or less, about 50% or less, about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, about 30% or less, about 25% or less, about 20% or less, or about 15% or less). The third bubble opening ratio may differ from the first bubble opening ratio and / or the second bubble opening ratio.

[0117] Figure 8A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 8B is a cross-section of the compressible rod illustrated in Figure 8A along line 8B-8B.

[0118] The compressible rod 800 shown in Figures 8A and 8B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and / or the compressible rod 500 shown in Figure 5A, and / or the compressible rod 600 shown in Figure 6A, and / or the compressible rod 700 shown in Figure 7A, and includes a filler 810, a hollow portion 814, a filter 820 aligned linearly with the filler 810, and a wrapper 840 surrounding the filler 810 and the filter 820. However, the filler 810 of the rod 800 shown in Figures 8A and 8B includes a layer of conductive metal 812.

[0119] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8B, a layer of conductive metal 812 may be located on the inner surface of the rod 800. For example, the layer of conductive metal 812 may surround or define a hollow portion 814. In at least one exemplary embodiment, although not illustrated, a layer of conductive metal 812 may be located on the outer surface of the filler 810 (i.e., between the filler 810 and the wrapper 840). In at least one exemplary embodiment, although not illustrated, the compressible rod may include two layers of conductive metal. For example, a first layer of conductive metal may be on the inner surface of the rod (as illustrated in Figure 8B), and a second layer of conductive metal may be on the outer surface of the rod (i.e., between the filler and the wrapper).

[0120] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the conductive metal layer(s) may include metals or metal alloys such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, any combination thereof, and similar materials. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the average thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.25 mm. For example, the conductive metal 812 may have an average thickness of about 0.05 mm or more (e.g., about 0.06 mm or more, about 0.07 mm or more, about 0.08 mm or more, about 0.09 mm or more, about 0.1 mm or more, about 0.11 mm or more, about 0.12 mm or more, about 0.13 mm or more, about 0.14 mm or more, about 0.15 mm or more, about 0.16 mm or more, about 0.17 mm or more, about 0.18 mm or more, about 0.19 mm or more, about 0.20 mm or more, about 0.21 mm or more, about 0.22 mm or more, about 0.23 mm or more, or about 0.24 mm or more). The conductive metal 812 may have an average thickness of approximately 0.25 mm or less (for example, approximately 0.24 mm or less, approximately 0.23 mm or less, approximately 0.22 mm or less, approximately 0.21 mm or less, approximately 0.2 mm or less, approximately 0.19 mm or less, approximately 0.18 mm or less, approximately 0.17 mm or less, approximately 0.16 mm or less, approximately 0.15 mm or less, approximately 0.14 mm or less, approximately 0.13 mm or less, approximately 0.12 mm or less, approximately 0.11 mm or less, approximately 0.1 mm or less, approximately 0.09 mm or less, approximately 0.08 mm or less, approximately 0.07 mm or less, or approximately 0.06 mm or less).

[0121] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the hollow portion 814 may have an average diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. For example, the hollow portion 814 may have an average diameter of about 1 mm or more (e.g., about 1.25 mm or more, about 1.5 mm or more, about 1.75 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, about 2.25 mm or more, about 2.5 mm or more, or about 2.75 mm or more). The hollow portion 814 may have an average diameter of about 3 mm or less (e.g., about 2.75 mm or less, about 2.5 mm or less, about 2.25 mm or less, about 2 mm or less, about 1.75 mm or less, about 1.5 mm or less, or about 1.25 mm or less).

[0122] Figure 9A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod shown in Figure 9A before compression, along line 9B-9B.

[0123] The compressible rod 900 shown in Figures 9A and 9B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and / or the compressible rod 500 shown in Figure 5A, and / or the compressible rod 600 shown in Figure 6A, and / or the compressible rod 700 shown in Figure 7A, and / or the compressible rod 800 shown in Figure 8A, and includes a filler 910, a hollow portion 914, a filter 920 aligned linearly with the filler 910, and a wrapper 940 surrounding the filler 910 and the filter 920. However, the filter 920 of the rod 900 shown in Figures 9A and 9B is in the form of a crimped paper filter plug 922.

[0124] Figure 10A is a diagram of an exemplary compressible rod according to at least one exemplary embodiment, and Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the compressible rod shown in Figure 10A before compression, along line 10B-10B.

[0125] The compressible rod 1000 shown in Figures 10A and 10B is the same as the compressible rod 100 shown in Figure 1A, and / or the compressible rod 200 shown in Figure 2, and / or the compressible rod 300 shown in Figure 3A, and / or the compressible rod 400 shown in Figure 4A, and / or the compressible rod 500 shown in Figure 5A, and / or the compressible rod 600 shown in Figure 6A, and / or the compressible rod 700 shown in Figure 7A, and / or the compressible rod 800 shown in Figure 8A, and / or the compressible rod 900 shown in Figure 9, and includes a filler 1010, a hollow portion 1014, and a wrapper 1040 surrounding the filler 1010. However, the rod 1000 shown in Figures 10A and 10B does not include a filter, but instead includes a filler 1010 and a mouthpiece 1020 arranged in a straight line, as shown in Figure 10A.

[0126] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 1020 may be configured to assist in cooling the aerosol and, at the same time, to comfortably fit in the mouth of an adult consumer. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 1020 is a wooden mouthpiece. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece 1020 is made of plastic, metal, or a biodegradable material such as pulp. In any case, the mouthpiece 1020 may be configured to accommodate a portion of the filler 1010 and / or the wrapper 1040. For example, in at least one exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 1020 may extend around a portion of the filler 1010 and / or the wrapper 1040.

[0127] In at least some exemplary embodiments, a compressible rod prepared by one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be inserted to surround at least a portion of the heater of a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device. That is, the hollow portion of the compressible rod can accommodate the heating unit, and thus a larger total surface area of ​​the compressible rod is easily exposed to the heating unit, allowing the compressible rod to be subjected to more efficient heating.

[0128] Compressible rods prepared by one or more embodiments of the present disclosure (as illustrated in Figures 1A-10) can be used, for example, in an aerosol generating device configured to house the rod (e.g., a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device).

[0129] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device may be an electrically heated smoking system, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,803,545 issued October 12, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and further include a cannabis rod, such as that described earlier.

[0130] In at least some exemplary embodiments, a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device may be an electrically heated cigarette smoking system having an internal manifold for puff detection, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,810,883 issued November 2, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and further include a cannabis rod as described above.

[0131] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device may be an elongated heater for an electrically heated aerosol generating system as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,299,511 issued May 28, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and further include a cannabis rod as described above.

[0132] Figures 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary compressible rod 1140 prepared according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a heating unit 1160 of a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device is housed by the hollow portion 1142 of the compressible rod 1140. Figure 11A illustrates the static state, while Figure 11B illustrates the compressed state. The heating unit 1160 may be a blade heater including a non-conductive substrate with conductive or resistive tracks formed on or inside its surface. Although not shown, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device may include multiple heaters and may be configured to house multiple compressible rods, for example, only in a stacked arrangement. In any case, the cross-section of the heating unit 1160 is selected to maximize contact between the heating unit 1160 and the inner surface 1144 of the compressible rod 1140. Figures 11A and 11B illustrate only one example. For example, although not illustrated, in at least some exemplary embodiments, a serrated cross-section should be able to provide maximum surface contact and efficient heat transfer.

[0133] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device configured to accommodate rods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 as described herein.

[0134] In at least one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 12, the aerosol generating device 1200 includes a control system or controller 1220 communicating with the housing 1210, one or more sensors 1240 (e.g., airflow sensors), a power supply unit or source 1250 (e.g., a battery), and / or a heating unit or heater 1260 (e.g., operably connected via one or more conductive elements such as electrical leads or conductive elements, e.g., electrically coupled). The controller 1220 may be configured to establish electrical circuits between the power source 1250 and the heater 1260, and / or between the power source 1250 and one or more sensors 1240, and / or between the power source 1250, the heater 1260, and one or more sensors 1240. In this way, the controller 1220 may be configured to operate as a switching device that selectively enables, disables, and / or regulates the power supply (e.g., current) from the power supply unit to the heater, and / or from the power supply unit to one or more sensors, and / or from the power supply unit to the heater and / or one or more sensors.

[0135] In at least some exemplary embodiments, the controller 1220 may be a combination of hardware and software, such as processing circuits including logic circuits, a processor that runs software stored in memory, or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuits may, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the like. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the heating unit or heater is configured to raise the temperature (e.g., heat) of a compressible rod placed (e.g., inserted) within a heated non-combustible (HNB) aerosol generating device. The compressible rod is prepared by one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those illustrated in Figures 1A-10.

[0136] As shown in the illustration, the heater 1260 is located within the cavity 1280, which is configured to accommodate rods 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 as described herein.

[0137] In either case, the method for generating an aerosol may include inserting a compressible rod into a cavity of an aerosol generating device, while simultaneously compressing the compressible rod around a heater, bringing multiple electrodes into electrical contact with the heater, and supplying current to the heater through the multiple electrodes.

[0138] While several exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations are possible. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included in the following claims, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0139] Although the description has been illustrated with specific examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can modify, add to, and replace the exemplary embodiments in various ways as described. For example, the described technology can be carried out in an order different from that of the described method, and / or elements such as the described system, architecture, device, circuit, and the like can be connected or combined in ways different from those described earlier, or the results can be adequately achieved by other elements or equivalents.

Claims

1. A compressible rod for an aerosol generating device, wherein the compressible rod is A first layer containing a first material including tobacco, and Wrapper surrounding the first layer Equipped with, A compressible rod characterized in that the compressible rod has a circular cross-sectional shape and a hollow center, and is configured such that the compressible rod has a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression.

2. The compressible rod according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material comprises tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof.

3. The compressible rod according to claim 1, further comprising a second layer containing a second material.

4. The compressible rod according to claim 3, characterized in that the second material comprises tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof.

5. The compressible rod according to claim 3, characterized in that the second layer is located between the wrapper and the first layer.

6. The compressible rod according to claim 3, characterized in that the first layer is located between the wrapper and the second layer.

7. The compressible rod according to claim 3, further comprising a third layer containing a flavoring material, wherein the flavoring material comprises a flavoring gel, a flavoring powder, encapsulated flavoring beads, or any combination thereof.

8. The compressible rod according to claim 7, characterized in that the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different transmittances.

9. The compressible rod according to claim 7, characterized in that the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different densities.

10. The compressible rod according to claim 7, characterized in that the third layer is located between the first layer and the second layer.

11. The compressible rod according to claim 7, characterized in that the second layer is located between the first layer and the third layer.

12. The compressible rod according to claim 3, characterized in that the first material and the second material are the same.

13. The compressible rod according to claim 3, characterized in that the first material and the second material are different.

14. The compressible rod according to claim 1, further comprising a layer of conductive metal, wherein the layer of conductive metal is on the outer surface of the compressible rod, on the inner surface of the compressible rod, or on both the outer and inner surfaces of the compressible rod.

15. The compressible rod according to claim 14, characterized in that the conductive metal includes aluminum.

16. The compressible rod according to claim 1, characterized in that the wrapper comprises paper, polymer, or both paper and polymer.

17. The compressible rod according to claim 1, further comprising a filter at the end of the compressible rod, wherein the filter does not contain a hollow portion.

18. A compressible rod for an aerosol generating device, wherein the compressible rod is A first layer including an inner surface surrounding a hollow portion, wherein the first layer contains a first material including tobacco, and Outer wrapper surrounding the first layer A compressible rod characterized by having the following features.

19. The compressible rod according to claim 18, characterized in that the inner surface includes a thermally conductive material.

20. The compressible rod according to claim 18, characterized in that the thermally conductive material is deformable.

21. The compressible rod according to claim 18, further comprising a second layer containing a second material, wherein the second material contains tobacco gel, tobacco powder, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco fiber, or any combination thereof.

22. The compressible rod according to claim 21, characterized in that the second layer is located between the outer wrapper and the first layer.

23. The compressible rod according to claim 21, characterized in that the first layer is located between the outer wrapper and the second layer.

24. The compressible rod according to claim 21, further comprising a third layer containing a flavoring material, wherein the flavoring material comprises a flavoring gel, a flavoring powder, encapsulated flavoring beads, or any combination thereof.

25. The compressible rod according to claim 24, characterized in that the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each have different transmittances or different densities.

26. The compressible rod according to claim 24, characterized in that the third layer is located between the first layer and the second layer.

27. The compressible rod according to claim 24, characterized in that the second layer is located between the first layer and the third layer.

28. The compressible rod according to claim 18, further comprising a layer of conductive metal, wherein the layer of conductive metal is on the outer surface, the inner surface, or both the outer surface and the inner surface of the compressible rod.

29. The compressible rod according to claim 28, characterized in that the conductive metal includes aluminum.

30. Aerosol generating device, A first layer containing a first material including tobacco, and Wrapper surrounding the first layer A compressible rod comprising a compressible rod having a circular cross-sectional shape and a hollow center, and configured such that the compressible rod has a non-circular cross-sectional shape after compression, An outer housing defining a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to house the compressible rod after it has been compressed, The heater inside the outer housing and An aerosol generating device characterized by having the following features.

31. The heater includes a blade heater, The heater is housed within the hollow central part. The aerosol generating device according to claim 30.

32. A compressible rod is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, while the compressible rod is compressed around the heater. Making multiple electrodes electrically contact with the heater, and To supply current to the heater via the plurality of electrodes. A method for generating an aerosol characterized by containing [a specific substance].

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