Articles for use in non-combustible aerosol supply systems

Abstract

An article (1) for use in a non-combustion aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device (100) is disclosed. The article includes a rod of aerosol-generating material (3) having a distal end (D) for insertion into the non-combustion aerosol delivery device such that a heating element (103) of the device extends through said distal end and into the rod of aerosol-generating material. The article includes a cavity (20) extending longitudinally from said distal end into the aerosol-generating material for receiving the heating element. A system including a non-combustion aerosol delivery device having a heating element and an article according to the invention is also disclosed, as well as a method of making an article according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol supply system, a system including the article and a non-combustion aerosol supply device, and a method of manufacturing the article according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] Certain tobacco industry products generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user during use. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol-generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it. Such tobacco industry products commonly include a mouthpiece through which the aerosol passes to reach the user's mouth.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments described herein, an article for use in a non-combustion aerosol supply system including an aerosol supply device is provided, the article including a rod of an aerosol-generating material having a distal end for insertion into the non-combustion aerosol supply device, the heating element of the device being adapted to extend into the rod of the aerosol-generating material through the distal end, the article including a cavity extending longitudinally within the rod of the aerosol-generating material from the distal end for housing the heating element.

[0004] The article of the present invention may include a suction end facing the distal end, the suction end being configured to be sandwiched between the user's lips when the distal end is inserted into the non-combustion aerosol supply device.

[0005] A cooling segment may be located between the aerosol-generating material and the suction end. [[ID=​​​​​​

[0008] The cavity may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the article.

[0009] The aerosol generating material may include a tube.

[0010] The tube may include an inner surface, and the mold is formed on the inner surface that extends in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The mold may include spiral grooves or recesses.

[0012] The mold may include straight grooves or recesses.

[0013] Multiple cavities may extend from the distal end into the aerosol generating material.

[0014] One or more of the cavities may be positioned around the longitudinal axis.

[0015] One of the cavities may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis.

[0016] The cavity or each cavity may have a non-circular cross-section.

[0017] The cavity or each cavity may have a non-uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The cavity or each cavity may be tapered in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] The cavity or each cavity may be tapered so as to narrow away from the distal end.

[0020] The article may include a plug at its distal end. This plug may be in contact with the aerosol generating material.

[0021] The plug may have a path that corresponds to a cavity extending within the aerosol generating material. The path may be a slit or slot in the plug.

[0022] The plug may be formed from paper that is pleated and, in some examples, crimped.

[0023] The article of the present invention may include a material layer on the inner wall of the cavity.

[0024] The material layer may be a sheet material layer such as a gel, an amorphous solid, or paper.

[0025] The material layer may be another layer made of an aerosol generating material different from the aerosol generating material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the material layer may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the material layer may include a metal or metal alloy, a polymer ceramic, or graphite.

[0027] In some other embodiments described herein, a non-combustion aerosol supply device having a heating element and a rod of an aerosol generating material having a distal end for insertion into the non-combustion aerosol supply device are included, and a system is provided that includes an article in which the heating element of the device extends into the rod of the aerosol generating material via the distal end, and the cavity extends longitudinally from the distal end into the rod of the aerosol generating material to accommodate the heating element.

[0028] The heating element and the cavity may have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0029] The heating element may be fitted or press-fitted into the cavity.

[0030] The heating element and the cavity may have different cross-sectional shapes such that a path remains between the heating element and the inner wall of the aerosol generating material when the heating element is received in the cavity.

[0031] The heating element may have a circular cross-section, and the cavity may have a portion having a circular cross-section and may have the heating element and at least one projection extending from the circular portion to form the path.

[0032] The aerosol generating material may have a longitudinal axis, and the cavity for housing the heating element may be a central cavity extending along its longitudinal axis.

[0033] There are a plurality of further cavities extending from the distal end into the aerosol generating material, the further cavities surrounding the central cavity and forming an open path through the aerosol generating material when the heating element is housed in the central cavity.

[0034] Some embodiments described herein provide a method for manufacturing an article comprising a rod of aerosol generating material having a distal end for insertion into a non-combustible aerosol supply device, the method comprising extruding the aerosol generating material onto a mandrel via a die head to form a cavity into which the aerosol generating material extends.

[0035] The mandrel may have a shape that provides a cavity in the aerosol generating material that corresponds to the shape of the mandrel.

[0036] In some other embodiments described herein, a method is provided for manufacturing an article comprising an aerosol generating material having a distal end for insertion into a non-combustible aerosol supply device, which includes molding the aerosol generating material around a forming machine.

[0037] The forming machine may be shaped to provide the aerosol generating material with a cavity of a shape corresponding to the forming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described as illustrative examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1]This is a side cross-sectional view of an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view of an article for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to another embodiment. [Figure 3a] Figures 1 or 2 show cross-sections of the aerosol generating material of the article in different embodiments along line AA. [Figure 3b] Figures 1 or 2 show cross-sections of the aerosol generating material of the article in different embodiments along line AA. [Figure 3c] Figures 1 or 2 show cross-sections of the aerosol generating material of the article in different embodiments along line AA. [Figure 3d] Figures 1 or 2 show cross-sections of the aerosol generating material of the article in different embodiments along line AA. [Figure 3e] Figures 1 or 2 show cross-sections of the aerosol generating material of the article in different embodiments along line AA. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustible aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of the components inside the housing of the aerosol supply device shown. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustible aerosol supply device, in which the article shown in Figure 1 or 2 is inserted into the device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] In this specification, the term “dispensing system” is intended to encompass a system that supplies at least one substance to a user, and includes the following: Combustion aerosol supply systems such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or hand-rolled or homemade cigarettes (regardless of whether it is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recycled tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smoking materials), Non-combustion aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol generating materials without burning them, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosol generating materials, and An aerosol-free delivery system for delivering at least one of the above substances, containing or not containing nicotine, orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise to users, including but not limited to articles containing lozenges, gums, patches, patch-inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco containing snus or moist snus.

[0040] In this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system that does not burn or incinerate the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0041] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as an electrically powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0043] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. One example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0045] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system includes a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with that non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0046] This disclosure relates to consumables, including aerosol generating materials, configured for use in non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may, in some cases, be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative terms defined with respect to the direction of the mainstream aerosol drawn through the article or device during use. “Distal end” refers to the upstream of the device, while “proximal end” refers to the downstream of the device.

[0048] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate which is excited to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or heat-conducting material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system includes a consumables storage area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, and a filter and / or aerosol modifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, consumables for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] The consumables include the substance that is dispensed. The dispensed substance is an aerosol generating material. The generating material may optionally include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol forming materials and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0052] In some embodiments, the supplied substance includes an active substance. The active substance used in the present invention is a physiologically active substance that is intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained by synthesis. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plants. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0053] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. The term “plant” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from plants, such as extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, and pods. Separately, the material may include active compounds that are naturally present in plants or obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, ground particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, and the like. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, sesame, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, licorice, matcha, mate tea, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (green or black), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, dwarf spicebush, peanut, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, oriental mint, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, fennel, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint species: peppermint, Moroccan mint, Egyptian mint, peppermint, eau de cologne mint, candy mint, curly mint, Kentucky colonel mint, horsemint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, English spearmint, and marsh mint.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more of the plant or its components, derivatives, or extracts, where the plant is tobacco.

[0055] In some embodiments, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plants being selected from eucalyptus, senna, cocoa, and hemp.

[0056] In some embodiments, the product may include or be derived from one or more of the plant or its components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0057] In some embodiments, the substance includes a flavoring agent.

[0058] The terms “flavoring” and “flavoring agent” as used herein are permitted by local regulations and are used to produce tastes, smells, or other somatosensory stimuli desired by adult consumers.These are naturally occurring flavorings, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, mint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, dwarf spice, cherry, berries, red berries, cranberries, peaches, apples, oranges, mangoes, clementines, lemons, limes, tropical fruits). Roots, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, chats, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, bitter orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang tree, Sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any of the Mentha species, eucalyptus, sesame, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate tea, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, peanut, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, melon This product contains (such as sucralose, damiennes, oriental mint, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, fennel, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), seasonings, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners.They may be imitations, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as liquids like oils, solids like powders, or gases.

[0059] In some embodiments, the flavorings include menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorings include cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavorings include eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorings include flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavorings include flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0060] In some embodiments, the flavorings may include sensory stimulants, which are chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the aroma or taste nerves, and may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing sensations. Preferred thermal agents are, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and preferred cooling agents are, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0061] Aerosol generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when excited, for example, by heating, irradiation, or some other method. Aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol generating material is incorporated into articles for use in aerosol generating systems.

[0062] In this specification, the term “tobacco material” means any material including tobacco or its derivatives or substitutes. Tobacco material may be any preferred form. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, remanufactured tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Tobacco material may include one or more of powdered tobacco, tobacco fibers, loose tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco leaflets, remanufactured tobacco, and / or tobacco extracts.

[0063] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol generating material, which is intended to be consumed by the user, in whole or in part, during use. Consumables may also include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, particularly a heating element, which radiates heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate aerosols during use. The heater may include a material or susceptor that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0064] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and may be configured to induce heating of the heating material by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The heating material may be a conductive material, and may be configured to induce magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor may be based on both conductivity and magnetism, thereby enabling the heating material to be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this specification, a device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0065] Aerosol modifiers are typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region and are configured to modify the generated aerosol by altering, for example, the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics of the aerosol. Aerosol modifiers may be contained within an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0066] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of the following: a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be a powder, a thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier does not need to contain a filter material.

[0067] An aerosol generating device is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating device includes a heater configured to expose the aerosol generating material to thermal energy and release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol.

[0068] The filamentous tow materials described herein may include cellulose acetate fiber tow. The filamentous tow materials may be formed using other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1,4-butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), starch-based materials, paper, aliphatic polyester materials, and polysaccharide polymers or combinations thereof. When the filter material is cellulose acetate tow, the filamentous tow material may be plasticized with a plasticizer suitable for filter materials, such as triacetin, or it may not be plasticized. The tow can be any suitable specification, such as other cross-sections like "Y" or "X" shapes, single filament fineness of 2.5 to 15, denier values ​​of fibers with single filament fineness of 8.0 to 11.0, and total fineness values ​​of 5,000 to 50,000, for example, 10,000 to 40,000.

[0069] In this specification, the same reference numeral is used in the drawings to indicate equivalent features, articles, or components.

[0070] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of article 1 for use in an aerosol delivery system including an aerosol delivery device 100 (see Figures 4-6).

[0071] Article 1 has an upstream or distal end "D" and a downstream or proximal end "P". The proximal end P includes a mouthpiece 2, and the distal end D includes an aerosol generating section connected to the mouthpiece 2. In this example, the aerosol generating section includes a rod-shaped aerosol generating material 3 source. The aerosol generating material 3 may include a plurality of strands or strips made of the aerosol generating material 3. For example, the aerosol generating material 3 may include a plurality of strands or strips made of an aerosolizable material and / or a plurality of strands or strips made of an amorphous solid.

[0072] In this example, the aerosol generating material 3 comprises multiple strands and / or strips of aerosol generating material and is surrounded by a wrapper 4. In this example, the wrapper 4 is a moisture-impermeable wrapper.

[0073] Multiple strands or strips of the aerosol generating material 3 may be positioned within the aerosol generating section such that their longitudinal dimensions are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X' of article 1. Alternatively, the strands or strips may be roughly positioned so that their longitudinal dimensions cross the longitudinal axis of article 1.

[0074] In this example, the rod of the aerosol generating material 3 has a circumference of approximately 22.7 mm. In another embodiment, the rod of the aerosol generating material 3 may have any suitable circumference, for example, a circumference of approximately 20 mm to approximately 26 mm.

[0075] Article 1 is configured for use in a non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 (see Figure 4), which includes an aerosol generator in the form of a heating element 103, such as a blade or pin, for insertion into the aerosol generating material 3 of the aerosol generating section, as described in detail below.

[0076] The mouthpiece 2 includes a cooling section 5, also called a cooling member, located immediately downstream and adjacent to the aerosol generating material source 3. In this example, the cooling section 5 is in contact with the aerosol generating material source 3. The mouthpiece 2 also includes a material body 6 located downstream of the cooling section 5 and a hollow tubular member 7 located at the mouthpiece end 2 of the article 1 and downstream of the material body 6.

[0077] The cooling section 5 includes a hollow channel having an inner diameter of approximately 1 mm to 4 mm, for example, approximately 2 mm to 4 mm. In this example, the hollow channel has an inner diameter of approximately 3 mm. The hollow channel extends along the entire length of the cooling section 5. In this example, the cooling section 5 includes a single hollow channel. In another embodiment, the cooling section may include multiple channels, for example, two, three, or four channels. In this example, the single hollow channel is substantially cylindrical, but in another embodiment, other channel shapes / cross-sections may be used. The hollow channel provides space in which aerosols drawn into the cooling section 5 expand and cool. In all embodiments, the cooling section 5 is configured to limit the cross-sectional area of ​​one or more hollow channels to restrict the movement of cigarettes into the cooling section 5 during use.

[0078] The moisture-impermeable wrapper 4 has low friction with the aerosol generating material 3, which in turn makes the strands and / or strips of the aerosol generating material 3 more prone to longitudinal displacement within the cooling section 5 when the heating element 103 is inserted onto the rod of the aerosol generating material 3. By providing the cooling section 5 directly adjacent to the aerosol generating material 3 source and including an internal channel having a diameter within this range, the longitudinal displacement of the strands and / or strips of the aerosol generating material 3 is reduced when the heating element 103 of the device 100 is inserted onto the rod of the aerosol generating material 3. Reducing the displacement of the aerosol generating material during use has the advantage of making the packing density of the aerosol generating material 3 more constant along the length of the rod, and as a result, the aerosol can be generated more consistently and effectively.

[0079] The cooling section 5 may have a wall thickness in the radial direction. When the cooling section has a predetermined outer shape, the wall thickness of the cooling section 5 defines the inner diameter of the chamber enclosed by the walls of the cooling section 5. The cooling section 5 may have a wall thickness of at least about 1.5 mm and up to about 2 mm. In this example, the cooling section 5 has a wall thickness of about 2 mm. By providing a cooling section 5 with a wall thickness within this range, the longitudinal displacement of the strands and / or strips of the aerosol generating material 3 is reduced when the aerosol generator is inserted into the article 1, thereby ensuring that the aerosol generating material 3 source is well held within the aerosol generating section during use.

[0080] The cooling section 5 is formed from a filamentous tow. Other configurations are also available, including a tube or similar formed using a cardboard tube, a molded or extruded plastic tube, etc., which may be formed using a series of parallel-wound or helically wound layers of paper with joined seams to form the cooling section 5. The cooling section 5 is manufactured to have sufficient rigidity to withstand the axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacturing and during use of Article 1.

[0081] The wall material of the cooling section 5 may be relatively non-porous so that at least 90% of the aerosols emitted by the aerosol generating material 3 pass longitudinally through one or more hollow channels rather than through the wall material of the cooling section 5. For example, at least 92% or at least 95% of the aerosols emitted by the aerosol generating material 3 can pass through one or more hollow channels.

[0082] In some cases, mouthpiece 2 is 110mm 3 It includes a cavity with an internal volume of at least 110 mm³. It has been found that a good aerosol can be formed by providing a cavity of at least this volume. The mouthpiece 2 is formed, for example, within the cooling section 5, and has an internal volume of 110 mm³. 3 Super, or 130mm 3It is ultra-high-performance and includes a cavity to further improve aerosolization. In some cases, the internal cavity is approximately 130 mm 3 ~approx. 230mm 3 For example, approximately 134mm 3 or 227mm 3 It includes the volume of.

[0083] The cooling section 5 can be configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 40°C between the heated and volatile components entering the first upstream end of the cooling section 5 and the heated and volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 5. Preferably, the cooling section 5 is configured to provide a temperature difference of at least 60°C, preferably at least 80°C, and more preferably at least 100°C between the heated and volatile components entering the first upstream end of the cooling section 5 and the heated and volatile components exiting the second downstream end of the cooling section 5. This temperature difference over the length of the cooling section 5 protects the temperature-sensitive material body 6 from the high temperature of the aerosol generating material 3 when heated.

[0084] During use, the aerosol generating section may exhibit a pressure drop of approximately 15 to 40 mmH2O. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating section exhibits a pressure drop of approximately 15 to 30 mmH2O.

[0085] In this embodiment, the moisture-impermeable wrapper 4 surrounding the rod of the aerosol generating material 3 includes aluminum foil. In other embodiments, the wrapper 4 may include a paper wrapper that includes a barrier coating to make the wrapper material substantially moisture-impermeable. Aluminum foil has been shown to be particularly effective in enhancing aerosol formation within the aerosol generating material 3. In this example, the aluminum foil has a metal layer with a thickness of approximately 6 μm. In this example, the aluminum foil has a backing. However, in other configurations, the aluminum foil may have other thicknesses, for example, 4 μm to 16 μm. The aluminum foil may also have a backing material formed from another material that does not require a backing material, for example, to help provide the foil with adequate tensile strength, or it may not have a backing material at all. Metal layers or foils other than aluminum can also be used. The total thickness of the wrapper is preferably 20 μm to 60 μm or 30 μm to 50 μm, which is a thickness that can provide a wrapper with suitable structural integrity and heat transfer properties. The tension that can be applied to the wrapper before it tears is greater than 3,000 grams, for example, 3,000 to 10,000 grams or 3,000 to 4,500 grams. If the wrapper contains paper or paper backing, i.e., cellulose-based material, the wrapper may have a basis weight greater than about 30 gsm. For example, the wrapper 4 may have a basis weight in the range of about 40 gsm to about 70 gsm, which improves the rigidity of the rod of the aerosol generating material 3. The improved rigidity provided by the wrapper 4 having a basis weight in this range allows the aerosol generating material rod 3 to resist crushing or other deformation caused by forces the article experiences during use, for example, when the article is inserted into a device and / or when a heat generator is inserted into the article.

[0086] In this example, the moisture-impermeable wrapper 4 is also substantially airtight. In another embodiment, the wrapper 4 has an air permeability of less than 100 cholesta units, e.g., less than 60 cholesta units. It has been found that wrappers with low air permeability, e.g. less than 100 cholesta units, more preferably less than 60 cholesta units, result in improved aerosol formation in the aerosol generating material 3. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, this is the wrapper. 4 This is presumably due to reduced loss of aerosol compounds via the wrapper. 4 The permeability can be measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, which concerns the measurement of air permeability of materials used as cigarette paper, filter plug wrappers, and filter bonding paper.

[0087] The material body 6 has a substantially cylindrical shape overall and is wrapped in a first plug wrapper 8. The first plug wrapper 8 may have a basis weight of less than 50 gsm or about 20 gsm to 40 gsm. The first plug wrapper 8 may have a thickness of 30 μm to 60 μm or 35 μm to 45 μm. The first plug wrapper 8 may be a non-porous plug wrapper having an air permeability of, for example, less than 100 cores units, for example less than 50 cholesta units. However, in other embodiments, the first plug wrapper 8 may be a porous plug wrapper having an air permeability of, for example more than 200 cholesta units.

[0088] As shown in Figure 1, the mouthpiece 2 of article 1 includes an upstream end 2a adjacent to the rod 3 of the aerosol generating material. At the proximal end, the mouthpiece 2 has a hollow tubular member 7 formed from a filamentous tow. This has been found to be advantageous in that it significantly reduces the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 at the downstream end 2b of the mouthpiece, which comes into contact with the consumer's lips when article 1 is used. In addition, it has been found that the use of the tubular member 7 also significantly reduces the temperature of the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2 even upstream of the tubular member 7. While we do not wish to be bound by any theory, it is presumed that this is due to the tubular member 7, which directs the aerosol flow closer to the center of the mouthpiece 2, and thus reduces the transfer of heat from the aerosol to the outer surface of the mouthpiece 2.

[0089] The "wall thickness" of the hollow tubular member 7 corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the tube 7 in the radial direction. This is measured, for example, using calipers. The wall thickness is preferably greater than 0.9 mm and may be 1.0 mm or more. In some examples, the wall thickness is substantially constant around the entire wall of the hollow tubular member 7. However, if the wall thickness is not substantially constant, the wall thickness is preferably greater than 0.9 mm or 1.0 mm or more at any point around the hollow tubular member 7. In this example, the wall thickness of the hollow tubular member 7 is approximately 1.3 mm.

[0090] The chipping paper 9 is wrapped around the entire length of the mouthpiece 2 and a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating material, and has adhesive on its inner surface, connecting the mouthpiece 2 and the rod 3. In this example, the rod of the aerosol generating material 3 is wrapped in a wrapper 4 that forms the first packaging material, and the chipping paper 9 forms an outer packaging material that extends over at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating material 3 to connect the mouthpiece 2 and the rod 3. In some examples, the chipping paper 9 may extend over only a portion of the rod of the aerosol generating material 3.

[0091] The ventilation level of the aerosol of Article 1 drawn in through Article 1 is approximately 10%. In another embodiment, the ventilation level of the aerosol of Article 1 drawn in through Article 1 is 1% to 20%, for example, 1% to 12%. These levels of ventilation help increase the uniformity of the aerosol inhaled by the user at the mouthpiece end 2b and assist the aerosol cooling process. The ventilation is provided directly within the mouthpiece 2 of Article 1. In this example, the ventilation is provided within the cooling section 5, which has been found to be particularly beneficial in assisting the aerosol generation process. The ventilation is provided by perforation, in this example, as a single row of laser-cut perforations located 13 mm from the mouthpiece end 2b downstream of the mouthpiece 2. In another embodiment, two or more rows of ventilation perforations 10 may be provided. These perforations 10 pass through the chipping paper 9, the second plug wrapper 11, and the cooling section 5. In another embodiment, the ventilation can be provided at other locations in the mouthpiece 2, for example, within the material body 6 or the first tubular member 7. Article 1 has perforations located approximately 28 mm or less from the upstream end of Article 1, preferably 20 mm to 28 mm from the upstream end of Article 1. In this example, the opening is located approximately 25 mm from the upstream end of Article 1.

[0092] The aerosol generating material 3 includes plant-based materials such as tobacco material. The aerosol generating material 3 may be a sheet or a stenciled sheet made of an aerosolizable material that includes plant-based materials such as tobacco material.

[0093] The plant-based material may be in the form of fine particles or granules. In some embodiments, the plant-based material is a powder. Separately or in addition, the tobacco material may include tobacco strips, strands, or fibers. For example, the tobacco material may include tobacco fine particles, particles, fibers, strips, and / or strands. In some embodiments, the tobacco material consists of tobacco fine particles or granules.

[0094] The density of the tobacco material affects the rate at which heat is transferred to it. At low densities, such as 900 mg / cc, heat is transferred slowly into the material, and therefore, aerosols can be released more sustainably.

[0095] The tobacco material may include recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 900 mg / cc, such as recycled paper tobacco material. For example, the aerosol generating material may include recycled tobacco material having a density of less than approximately 800 mg / cc. Separately or in addition, the aerosol generating material may include recycled tobacco material having a density of at least 350 mg / cc.

[0096] The tobacco material may include tobacco obtained from any part of the tobacco plant. In some embodiments, the tobacco material includes tobacco leaves.

[0097] The sheets or shredded sheets may contain 5% to approximately 90% by weight of tobacco leaves.

[0098] Aerosol generating material 3 may include an aerosol forming material. The aerosol forming material includes one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol forming material includes one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The aerosol forming material may also be glycerol or propylene glycol.

[0099] A sheet or engraved sheet made of an aerosolizable material contains an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent is supplied in an amount of approximately 50% or less of the sheet or engraved sheet by dry weight. The aerosol-forming agent is supplied in an amount of approximately 5% to 40% of the sheet or engraved sheet by dry weight, approximately 10% to 30% of the sheet or engraved sheet by dry weight, or approximately 10% to 20% of the sheet or engraved sheet by dry weight.

[0100] The aerosol generating material 3 may include a filler. In some embodiments, the sheet or engraved sheet includes the filler. The filler is generally a non-tobacco component, i.e., a component that does not contain tobacco-derived components. The filler may include one or more of the following suitable inorganic adsorbents: calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and molecular sieves. The filler may be a non-tobacco fiber such as wood fiber or pulp or wheat fiber. It may also be a cellulose-containing material or a cellulose derivative. The filler component may be a non-tobacco cast material or a non-tobacco extruded material.

[0101] The aerosol generating agent 3 described herein may contain an aerosol modifier such as any of the flavorings described herein. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating agent 3 contains menthol. When the aerosol generating agent 3 is incorporated into an article for use in an aerosol supply system, the article may also be referred to as a mentholized article. The aerosol generating agent 3 may contain 0.5 mg to 20 mg of menthol, 0.7 mg to 20 mg of menthol, 1 mg to 18 mg, or 8 mg to 16 mg of menthol.

[0102] In some embodiments, the composition may include an aerosol-forming "amorphous solid," which is also referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may include a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that holds a fluid, such as a liquid, within itself.

[0103] In some cases, amorphous solids, -1 to 60 wt% gelling agent, - Aerosol formation of -0.1 to 50 wt% Material and Contains -0.1 to 80 wt% of flavorings, and these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0104] In some other examples, amorphous solids are -1 to 50 wt% gelling agent, - Aerosol formation of -0.1 to 50 wt% Material and Contains 30-60 wt% of flavoring agents, and these weights are calculated on a dry weight basis.

[0105] The amorphous solid material may be provided in the form of a sheet or an engraved sheet. The amorphous solid material may be in the same form as the sheet or engraved sheet of the aerosolizable material.

[0106] The aerosol generating material 3 may contain recycled tobacco material. The composition may separately or in addition contain any form of tobacco as described herein. The aerosol generating material 3 may contain a sheet or shredded sheet containing tobacco material comprising 10 to 90% by weight of tobacco leaves, wherein the aerosol forming material is supplied in an amount of about 20% by weight of the sheet or shredded sheet, and the remainder of the tobacco material consists of recycled tobacco.

[0107] If the aerosol generating material 3 includes an amorphous solid material, the amorphous solid material may be a dry gel containing menthol.

[0108] Figure 4 shows a simplified representation of the components of a non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. In particular, the elements of the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 are not depicted to scale in Figure 4. Elements not relevant to understanding this embodiment have been omitted to simplify Figure 4.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 includes a housing 101 having a region 102 for accommodating article 1.

[0110] Region 102 is positioned to accommodate article 1. When article 1 is contained in region 102, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material is thermally close to the heater 103. When article 1 is fully contained in region 102, at least a portion of the aerosol generating material 3 is in direct contact with the heater 103. The aerosol generating substrate 3 releases a series of volatile components at different temperatures. The selective release of undesirable components is controlled by controlling the maximum operating temperature of the electrically heated aerosol generating system 100, thereby preventing the release of selected volatile components.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5, an electrical energy supply unit 104, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, is located inside the housing 101. A controller 105 is connected to the heater 103, the electrical energy supply unit 104, and a user interface 106, such as buttons or a display. The controller 105 controls the power supplied to the heater 103 to regulate the heater temperature. Typically, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a temperature of 250-450°C.

[0112] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a non-combustible aerosol supply device of the type shown in Figure 4, in which the heater 103 is inserted into the aerosol generating material 3 of the article 1. The non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 is shown engaged with the aerosol generating article 1 for consumption by the user.

[0113] The housing 101 of the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 defines a cavity-shaped region 102, which opens at its proximal end (or suction end) to accommodate the aerosol-generating article 1 for consumption. The distal end of the cavity is bridged by a heating device including a heater 103. The heater 103 is held in place by a heater fixture such that the active heating region of the heater is located within the cavity. The active heating region of the heater 103 is located within the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article 1 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is fully contained within the cavity.

[0114] The heater 103 is configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating material 3. When the article 1 is pushed into the device 100, the tapered tip of the heater 103 engages with the aerosol generating material 3. Applying force to the article 1 causes the heater to penetrate into the aerosol generating material 3. When the article 1 is properly engaged with the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100, the heater 103 is inserted into the aerosol generating material 3. When the heater 103 is activated, the aerosol generating material 3 is heated, and volatile substances are generated or released. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 2, air is drawn into the article 1, the volatile components condense, and an inhalable aerosol is formed. This aerosol passes through the mouthpiece 2 of the article 1 and moves into the user's mouth.

[0115] Regardless of the composition of the aerosol generating material 3, embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol generating material 3 having a cavity 20 extending longitudinally from a distal end D towards a proximal end P such that when an article 1 is inserted into the device 100, the heating element 103 of the device 100 is housed in the cavity.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cavity 20 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X-X' of the article, and the aerosol generating material 3 may be tubular. In other embodiments, the cavity 20 may be offset from the longitudinal axis X-X', and / or may include multiple cavities 20, one or more of which house the heating element 103 when the article 1 is inserted into the device 100.

[0117] One or more cavities 20 may extend along the entire length of the aerosol generating material 3. Separately, some or all of the cavities 20 may extend along a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0118] In embodiments of the present invention, the inner surface 21 of the cavity 20, i.e., the inner wall 21 of the aerosol generating material 3, may be formed in a shape that increases the surface area of ​​the aerosol generating material 3 and increases the contact time between the aerosol and the aerosol generating material 3, or it may have a flow path provided to increase the surface area and increase the contact time. For example, the inner wall 21 may have a rifled pattern formed therein, such as a helical groove or recess. The heating element 103 of the device 100 may have a complementary shape that rotates the article 1 when it is inserted, effectively screwing the aerosol generating material 3 into the heating element 103. In other embodiments, the heating element 103 may be a pin or blade that slides into the cavity 20 without requiring any rotation and regardless of the shape cut into the inner wall 21. For example, in another embodiment, the inner wall 21 of the aerosol generating material 3 may have a linear round groove or groove that extends longitudinally between the upper and lower ends of the article 1.

[0119] The cavity 20 has a circular cross-section as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3a, but other cross-sectional shapes are also possible. For example, the cross-section of the cavity 20 may be slot-shaped as shown in Figure 3b or star-shaped as shown in Figure 3c. It may also have several other non-circular cross-sections. In these embodiments, the heating element 103 may be cylindrical, i.e., pin-shaped, so that the orientation of the heating element 103 and the cavity does not need to be aligned before insertion. However, the heating element 103 and the cavity 20 may also have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0120] Regardless of the shape of the cavity 20 and regardless of whether the cavity 20 and the heating element 103 have the same cross-sectional shape, the heating element 103 may be fitted or interference-fitted into the cavity 20. In certain embodiments, the heating element 103 may be slightly larger than the cavity 20 so that the aerosol generating material 3 is compressed or deformed by the heating element 103 when inserted into the device 100.

[0121] In all embodiments of the present invention, the inner wall 21 of the cavity 20 of the aerosol generating material 3 may be coated with a layer of a different material from the aerosol generating material, or otherwise may have such a layer attached. For example, a sheet material layer such as amorphous solid and / or gel and / or paper, or another layer of aerosol generating material different from the first, may be placed on the inner wall 21. One or more cavities of the aerosol generating material thus extend through this second layer. The inner material layer may have a lower coefficient of friction compared to the aerosol generating material so that the heating element 103 slides more easily into the cavity 20.

[0122] In certain embodiments, the liner extends across at least a portion of the inner wall 21 of the cavity 20 so that the heating element 103 is separated from the aerosol generating material 3 by the liner. The liner may be formed from a heat transfer material so that it improves the uniformity of heating of the aerosol generating material 3 and the aerosol generating material is heated more uniformly. Hygiene is also improved because the heating element 103 does not come into direct contact with the aerosol generating material 3 and therefore does not adhere to the aerosol generating material 3. Crushing of the aerosol generating material 3 is also minimized or avoided.

[0123] Specific examples of heat transfer materials considered suitable for the liner include metals or metal alloys, polymer ceramics, or graphite. Naturally, the cavity 20 is lined and can take on different forms or shapes as shown in Figure 3.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating element 103 and the cavity 20 into which it is inserted have different cross-sections such that the entire heating element 103 does not fill the cavity 20, leaving one or more paths for aerosols to flow between the inner wall of the aerosol generating material 3 and the heating element 103. Naturally, there may also be multiple cavities 20, one or a portion of which may be occupied by the heating element 103, leaving other paths to allow aerosols to flow freely through the aerosol generating material 3. The suction resistance of the aerosol generating material 3 can be adjusted and optimized for a specific product or market by adjusting the size of the paths relative to the size of the heating element 103, or by providing additional cavities 20 not occupied by the heating element 103. Figure 3e shows a structure with five cavities, configured such that the heating element is housed coaxially with the longitudinal axis X-X' in the central cavity. The remaining cavities may be the same size or different shape as the central cavity that houses the heating element 103 of the device 100, forming channels for the aerosol generating material.

[0125] In some embodiments, the aerosol flow path is formed as a portion integrated with the cavity 20 in which the heating element 103 is housed. In particular, the heating element 103 and the cavity 20 have different cross-sectional shapes to form a path between the heating element 103 and the inner wall of the aerosol generating material 3. In certain embodiments, the heating element 103 is cylindrical, i.e., in the form of a pin, while the cavity 20 has a keyhole-shaped cross-section with a substantially circular section and a projection 21a extending therefrom, as shown in Figure 3d, where the heating element 103 is housed in the substantially circular section of the cavity 20, and the remaining projection 21a is left open to form a free path for the aerosol flow through the aerosol generating material 3. The size and / or number of projections 21a may be determined based on the required suction resistance.

[0126] In any embodiment of the present invention, one or more cavities 20 of the aerosol generating material 3 do not have to be uniform along their length. For example, their shapes may differ along the length of the aerosol generating material 3, or the cavities 20 may be tapered. For example, the cavities 20 may narrow in the direction extending away from the distal end of the aerosol generating material 3.

[0127] In any embodiment, the aerosol generating material 3 may be extruded through a die. In this manufacturing method, the die may be provided with a mandrel, and the aerosol generating material 3 is extruded onto the mandrel to form a cavity 20 in the aerosol generating material 3. The mandrel may be cylindrical, but may have other shapes or structures to form a cavity of the required cross-sectional shape within the aerosol generating material 3.

[0128] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating material 3 may be formed by a mold molding method, in which the aerosol generating material is placed in a mold and hardened to maintain the shape of the mold. The mold may have an internal core shaped to form a cavity 20 within the aerosol generating material.

[0129] In any embodiment of the present invention, article 1 may include a plug 25 at its distal end D, as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the heating element 103 is inserted into the aerosol generating material 3 via the plug 25. The plug 25 may have one or more holes extending through it. These one or more holes are located corresponding to one or more cavities 20 of the aerosol generating material 3, so that the heating element 103 of device 100 passes through the holes in the plug 25 before passing through one or more cavities 20 of the aerosol generating material 3. The one or more holes in the plug 25 may have the same or different cross-sectional shapes as the cavities 20 of the aerosol generating material 3.

[0130] The plug 25 can be made of an elastically compressible material and is designed to deform in response to the heating element 103 being pressed through the plug. The hole in the plug 25 reduces the force required to insert the heating element 103 through the plug 25. The hole in the plug 25 may have a cross-sectional shape that complements the cross-sectional shape of the heating element 103. For example, if the heating element 103 is a pin and has a cylindrical cross-section, the hole in the plug 25 may also be cylindrical. Alternatively, if the heating element 103 is a blade, the hole in the plug 25 may be formed as a slot.

[0131] The plug 25 may wipe the heating element 103 when removed. Ideally, the size of the hole in the plug 25 is therefore slightly smaller than that of the heating element 103, and the material of the plug 25 is such that it comes into contact with the heating element 103 to perform a wiping function when removed.

[0132] The plug 25 may be formed from paper. In particular, the plug 25 may be formed from one or more folded sheets of paper or one or more folded and crumpled sheets of paper. The degree of paper creasing adjusts the resistance when inserting the heating element 103 through the plug. A tightly crumpled paper plug provides greater resistance when inserting the heating element 103 compared to a loosely crumpled paper plug 25.

[0133] When the heating element 103 is housed in the aerosol generating material 3, the article 1 is held more securely by the plug 25. This makes the article 1 less likely to shift from the device 100 during use, thus making the article 1 and the device 100 easier and safer to use.

[0134] The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are neither comprehensive nor exclusive. Naturally, the merits, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered to limit this disclosure to the claims or to equivalents thereof, but rather to be considered to be able to utilize or modify other embodiments without deviating from the scope and / or idea of ​​this disclosure. The various embodiments may appropriately comprise, consist of, or be essentially composed of, the disclosed components, components, features, parts, processes, means, and other combinations. This disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A system comprising a non-combustible aerosol supply device having a heating element, and an article comprising a rod of aerosol generating material having a longitudinal axis and a distal end for insertion into the non-combustible aerosol supply device, wherein the heating element of the device extends through the distal end into the rod of aerosol generating material, wherein a cavity extends longitudinally from the distal end into the rod of aerosol generating material to house the heating element, the cavity for housing the heating element being a central cavity defining an inner wall extending along the longitudinal axis, and comprising a plurality of further cavities extending from the distal end into the aerosol generating material, the further cavities surrounding the central cavity and forming an open path through the aerosol generating material when the heating element is housed in the central cavity, A system in which the heating element and the central cavity have different cross-sectional shapes such that a path remains between the heating element and the inner wall of the central cavity when the heating element is housed in the central cavity.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a portion having a cross-section complementary to the cross-section of the heating element, the heating element is housed in the portion, and the cavity further has at least one projection extending from the portion and forming the path.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the article includes a mouthpiece end facing the distal end, and the mouthpiece end is configured to be held between the user's lips when the distal end is inserted into a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the article has a cooling segment located between the aerosol generating material and the mouthpiece end.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the article has a filtration segment located between a cooling segment and an inlet end.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cavity extends along the entire length of the aerosol generating material.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the above or each cavity has a non-circular cross-section.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the above or each cavity has a non-uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the aforementioned or each cavity is tapered in the longitudinal direction.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the above or each cavity is tapered so as to narrow away from the distal end.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the article includes a plug at the distal end.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the plug is in contact with the aerosol generating material.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that a path located within the plug corresponds to a central cavity extending within the aerosol generating material.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the path is a slit or slot in the plug.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that the plug is formed from pleated and selectively crimped paper.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the article includes a material layer on the inner wall of the cavity.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the material layer is a sheet material layer such as a gel, amorphous solid, or paper.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the material layer is a separate layer made of an aerosol generating material different from the aerosol generating material.

19. The system according to claim 18, characterized in that the material layer includes a thermally conductive material.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the material layer comprises a metal or metal alloy, a polymer ceramic or graphite.

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