Test articles for use in aerosol generators

Abstract

A test article is provided for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The test article comprises an elongated body configured to be received within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The test article comprises a heatable substrate configured to be received within the elongated body. The heatable substrate is configured to be heated when the test article is located within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The heatable substrate is a non-aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the heatable substrate is not a heatable substrate that can be configured to generate an aerosol suitable for consumption by a consumer. A testing system including the test article and the aerosol-generating device, and a method of testing an aerosol-generating device using the test article are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a test article for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol generator or a heating device. The present disclosure further relates to a test system comprising the test article and an aerosol generator, and a method of testing an aerosol generator using the test article.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generators that heat a heatable substrate without burning the heatable substrate to generate an aerosol are well known in the art. The heatable substrate is typically disposed within a test article, along with other components such as a filter. The test article may have a rod shape for insertion of the test article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. The heating element is typically disposed within or around the heating chamber for heating the heatable substrate once the test article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. Volatile compounds are released from the heatable substrate by heat transfer from the heat source during use of the test article and entrained in the air drawn through the test article. The released compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol.

[0003] The heating chamber may be located within the housing of the aerosol generator and may form part of the airflow path through the aerosol generator. Testing the heating performance of an aerosol generator may require heating different articles adapted for use in the device. It is known that aerosol generators may need to withstand a relatively large number of sequential heating cycles, especially when the device's power supply is depleted and recharged in each heating cycle. Using pure aerosol-generating articles containing aerosol-generating substrates such as tobacco material can be very expensive and time-consuming, as conducting such tests may require periodic replacement of the articles throughout the test. This may be particularly relevant when conducting long lifecycle performance tests on the power supply or heating element of an aerosol generator. Lifecycle performance testing of an aerosol generator may involve starting and stopping the aerosol generator and its heating element over more than 10,000 heating cycles. The aerosol-generating articles may need to be replaced, consumed, and removed repeatedly during each heating cycle.

[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a test apparatus for aerosol generators or heating devices that reduces the cost and length of testing. [Overview of the project]

[0005] According to this disclosure, a test article may be provided for insertion into a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The test article may comprise an elongated body configured to be received within the heating chamber. The test article may comprise a heatable substrate configured to be received within the elongated body. The heatable substrate may be configured to be heated when the test article is located within the heating chamber. The heatable substrate may be a non-aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the heatable substrate may not be a heatable substrate, but may be configured to generate an aerosol suitable for consumption or inhalation by a consumer.

[0006] The heating chamber may be a heating chamber for an aerosol generator. However, those skilled in the art will understand that any heating or testing apparatus having a heating chamber configured for heating an aerosol generating article may be suitable.

[0007] According to the present invention, a test article for insertion into the heating chamber of an aerosol generator is provided. The test article comprises an elongated body configured to be received within the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. The test article comprises a heatable substrate configured to be received within the elongated body. The heatable substrate is configured to be heated when the test article is located within the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. The heatable substrate is a non-aerosol-generating substrate. In other words, the heatable substrate is not a heatable substrate that can be configured to generate an aerosol suitable for consumption or inhalation by a consumer.

[0008] This disclosure provides a test system comprising a test article relating to this disclosure and a heating device equipped with a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The heating device may comprise a heating chamber and a heating element for heating the article received in the heating chamber. The heating element is preferably for heating the article received in the heating chamber from the outside. The heating element is preferably an induction heating element. The heating device is preferably an aerosol generator.

[0009] By providing test articles adapted for use in aerosol generators that have a heatable substrate that is a non-aerosol-generating substrate, the test articles can be used and heated multiple times within the aerosol generator. This advantageously makes such articles suitable for testing, thereby eliminating the need for consistent removal and replacement of articles and reducing testing costs and execution time compared to testing using purely heatable test articles.

[0010] A heatable substrate is a non-aerosol-generating substrate. A non-aerosol-generating substrate is considered to be a substrate that is not configured to generate aerosols suitable for consumer consumption or inhalation. For example, a heatable substrate may not contain plant materials. A heatable substrate may not contain tobacco materials. A heatable substrate may not contain aerosol-forming agents such as glycerin.

[0011] The heat-resistant substrate preferably contains a fibrous material. The fibrous material is preferably substantially heat-resistant. The heat-resistant substrate may contain synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers are preferably substantially heat-resistant. The heat-resistant substrate may contain carbon fibers, carbon fabrics, carbon flocs, carbon staples, or carbon pulp. The heat-resistant substrate may contain aramid fibers, aramid fabrics, aramid flocs, aramid staples, or aramid pulp. The heat-resistant substrate may contain para-aramid fibers, para-aramid fabrics, para-aramid flocs, para-aramid staples, or para-aramid pulp. The heat-resistant substrate may contain Kevlar fibers, Kevlar fabrics, Kevlar flocs, Kevlar staples, or Kevlar pulp. Kevlar® may be commercially available from DuPont de Nemours.

[0012] The heatable substrate may comprise a mixture of any of the materials described above. In particular, the heatable substrate may comprise a mixture of carbon fibers, textiles, staples, flocs or pulps and aramid fibers, textiles, staples, flocs or pulps. The heatable substrate may comprise a mixture of carbon fibers, flocs or pulps and Kevlar fibers, flocs or pulps. The heatable substrate is preferably permeable, thereby allowing air to flow through the heatable substrate when air is drawn through a test article. The inventors have found that such materials, such as carbon or aramid, provide a heatable, non-aerosol-generating substrate that can be reused and durable, while mimicking the draw resistance and energy absorption properties of heatable substrates such as tobacco-based substrates.

[0013] The aerosol generator or heating device of the test system may have a distal end and an oral end. The aerosol generator or heating device may comprise a body. The body or housing of the aerosol generator or heating device may define a cavity in the device for removably receiving a test article at the oral end of the device. When the test article is received within the cavity of the device, the aerosol generator or heating device may comprise a heating element or heater for heating a heatable substrate.

[0014] The test article may be partially inserted into the cavity or heating chamber of the corresponding aerosol generator (or heating device) when in use. To heat the heatable substrate, the heatable substrate is substantially aligned with one or more electric heater elements of the aerosol generator when the test article is fully inserted into the cavity. The term “fully inserted” is understood to mean the position of the test article within the cavity of the aerosol generator when the test article is in the position intended for heating. The entire length of the test article does not need to fit within the cavity. A portion of the test article (e.g., the mouth end) may protrude from the cavity when the test article is fully inserted into the cavity.

[0015] As used herein, the term "length" refers to the length of a component of a test article or heating device (or aerosol generator) along its longitudinal axis, from its furthest upstream or distal point to its furthest downstream or proximal point.

[0016] As used herein, the term “longitudinal axis” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the test article or aerosol generator, extending between the upstream and downstream ends of the test article or aerosol generator. As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements or parts of elements of the test article or aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which air may be drawn through the test article or aerosol generator during use. During testing, air may be drawn through the test article in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] The cavity of the apparatus may be referred to as the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. The cavity of the apparatus may extend between the distal end and the inlet end, or the proximal end. The distal end of the cavity of the apparatus may be a closed end, while the inlet end or proximal end may be an open end. The test specimen may be inserted into the cavity or heating chamber of the apparatus through the open end of the cavity of the apparatus. The cavity of the apparatus may be cylindrical in shape to accommodate the same shape of the test specimen.

[0018] The expression "received within" may refer to the fact that a component or element is fully or partially received within another component or element. For example, the expression "the test article is received within the cavity of the apparatus" means that the test article is fully or partially received within the cavity of the apparatus of the test article. When the test article is received within the cavity of the apparatus, the test article may abut against the distal end of the cavity of the apparatus. When the test article is received within the cavity of the apparatus, the test article may be substantially close to the distal end of the cavity of the apparatus. The distal end of the cavity of the apparatus may be defined by an end wall.

[0019] The length of the cavity in the device may be approximately 10 mm to 50 mm. The length of the cavity in the device may be approximately 20 mm to 40 mm. The length of the cavity in the device may be approximately 25 mm to 30 mm.

[0020] The diameter of the cavity in the device may be approximately 4 mm to 10 mm. The diameter of the cavity in the device may be approximately 5 mm to 9 mm. The diameter of the cavity in the device may be approximately 6 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the cavity in the device may be approximately 7 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the cavity in the device may be approximately 7 mm to 7.5 mm.

[0021] The diameter of the cavity in the apparatus may be substantially the same as, or larger than, the diameter of the test article. The diameter of the cavity in the apparatus may be the same as the diameter of the test article in order to establish a tight fit with the test article.

[0022] The cavity of the apparatus may be configured to establish a tight fit with the test article received within the cavity of the apparatus. A tight fit may refer to a snug fit, press fit, or interlock fit. The aerosol generator may have a peripheral wall. Such a peripheral wall may define the cavity of the apparatus or a heating chamber. When the peripheral wall defining the cavity of the apparatus is received within the apparatus, it may be configured to engage with the test article received within the cavity of the apparatus in a manner of tight fit such that there is substantially no gap or empty space between the peripheral wall defining the cavity of the apparatus and the test article.

[0023] Such a tight fit can establish an airtight fit or configuration between the cavity of the device and the test article received therein.

[0024] With such an airtight configuration, there will be virtually no gaps or empty spaces between the surrounding walls defining the cavity of the apparatus and the test specimen through which air flows.

[0025] A tight fit with the test article can be established along the entire length of the cavity of the device, or along a portion of the length of the cavity of the device.

[0026] An aerosol generator may include an airflow channel extending between a channel inlet and a channel outlet. The airflow channel may be configured to establish fluid communication between the inside of the device's cavity and the outside of the aerosol generator. The airflow channel of the aerosol generator may be defined within the housing of the aerosol generator, enabling fluid communication between the inside of the device's cavity and the outside of the aerosol generator. When a test article is received within the device's cavity, the airflow channel may be configured to provide airflow into the article.

[0027] The airflow channel of the aerosol generator can be within or defined by the peripheral wall of the housing of the aerosol generator. In other words, the airflow channel of the aerosol generator can be defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall, or by the inner surface of the peripheral wall, or by a combination of both. The airflow channel can be partially defined by the inner surface of the peripheral wall and can be partially defined within the thickness of the peripheral wall. The inner surface of the peripheral wall defines the peripheral boundary of the cavity of the device.

[0028] The airflow channel of the aerosol generator can extend from an inlet located at the mouth-side end or proximal end of the aerosol generator to an outlet located away from the mouth-side end of the device. The airflow channel can extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0029] The heater can be of any suitable type. The heater is preferably an external heater.

[0030] When the heater is received within the aerosol generator, it is preferably capable of heating the test article from the outside. Such an external heater can surround the test article when inserted into or received within the aerosol generator.

[0031] In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to heat the heatable substrate from the outside. In some embodiments, the heater is arranged to be inserted into the heatable substrate when the heatable substrate is received within the cavity. The heater can be positioned within the cavity or heating chamber of the device.

[0032] The heater may comprise at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises multiple heating elements. The heater may include at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the heater comprises multiple resistive heating elements. Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, by providing multiple electrically connected resistive heating elements in a parallel arrangement, the desired power can be easily delivered to the heater while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired power. Advantageously, by reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the heater, the physical size of the power supply can be easily reduced or minimized.

[0033] Suitable materials for forming at least one resistance heating element include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. A suitable example of a doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Suitable examples of metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Suitable examples of metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one resistive heating element includes one or more stamped portions of an electrically resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, at least one resistive heating element may include a heating wire or filament (e.g., Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire).

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one heating element includes an electrically insulated substrate, and at least one resistance heating element is provided on an electrically insulated substrate.

[0036] The electrically insulated substrate may include any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulated substrate may include one or more of paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al2O3), or zirconia (ZrO2). The electrically insulated substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 watts / meter Kelvin or less, preferably about 20 watts / meter Kelvin or less, and ideally about 2 watts / meter Kelvin or less.

[0037] The heater may comprise a heating element comprising a rigid, electrically insulated substrate having one or more conductive tracks or wires arranged on its surface. Depending on the size and shape of the electrically insulated substrate, it may be possible to insert the substrate directly into the heatable substrate. If the electrically insulated substrate is not sufficiently rigid, the heating element may include further reinforcing means. An electric current may pass through one or more conductive tracks to heat the heating element and the heatable substrate.

[0038] In some embodiments, the heater comprises an induction heating device. The induction heating device may comprise an inductor coil and a power supply configured to supply a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, the high-frequency oscillating current refers to an oscillating current having a frequency of about 500 kHz to about 30 MHz. Advantageously, the heater may comprise a DC / AC inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into an AC current. The inductor coil may be configured to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field upon receiving the high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The inductor coil may be configured to generate the high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within the cavity of the device. In some embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially enclose the cavity of the device. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the cavity of the device.

[0039] A heater in an aerosol generator or heating device may include an inductive heating element. The inductive heating element may be a susceptor element. As used herein, the term “susceptor element” refers to an element comprising a material having the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat. When a susceptor element is located in an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. The heating of the susceptor element may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

[0040] The susceptor element may be arranged such that, when a test article is received within the cavity of the aerosol generator, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces a current within the susceptor element, thereby heating the susceptor element. In these embodiments, the aerosol generator is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes / meter (kA / m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, for example, about 2.5 kA / m. The electrically operated aerosol generator is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, for example, 1 to 10 MHz, for example, 5 to 7 MHz.

[0041] In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably located in contact with a heatable substrate. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located within a cavity or heating chamber of the device. The aerosol generator may comprise only one susceptor element. The aerosol generator may comprise multiple susceptor elements. In some embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably arranged to heat the outer surface of the heatable substrate.

[0042] The test article most preferably comprises a susceptor or a susceptor element. The susceptor is preferably located within a heatable substrate. The susceptor may be located in contact with the heatable substrate. The susceptor may extend along the heatable substrate. The susceptor may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The susceptor may be substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. The susceptor is preferably embedded within the heatable substrate.

[0043] The susceptor may be insertable into a heat-resistant substrate. The material of the heat-resistant substrate may surround the susceptor. The material of the heat-resistant substrate may encase the susceptor. The heat-resistant substrate may define a casing into which the susceptor can be inserted. This is advantageous because the susceptor can degrade before the surrounding heat-resistant substrate degrades, thus making the susceptor replaceable. The susceptor and the heat-resistant substrate may define a heat-resistant segment or a segment of the heat-resistant substrate.

[0044] The susceptor element may contain any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from a heatable substrate. Suitable materials for elongated susceptor elements include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Some susceptor elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may contain or consist of ferromagnetic materials such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be aluminum or may contain aluminum. The susceptor element preferably contains more than about 5 percent, preferably more than about 20 percent, more preferably more than about 50 percent or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Some elongated susceptor elements can be heated to temperatures above about 250 degrees Celsius.

[0045] The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core having a metal layer disposed on top of the non-metallic core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

[0046] The elongated body is preferably configured to hold a heatable substrate. The test article may have a substrate cavity for receiving the heatable substrate. The substrate cavity may be defined within the elongated body. The substrate cavity may extend along the elongated body. The cross-section of the substrate cavity may match the shape of the cross-section of the heatable substrate or a segment of the heatable substrate. The segment of the heatable substrate preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Therefore, the cross-section of the substrate cavity may be rectangular to conform to the shape of the segment of the heatable substrate.

[0047] The elongated body is preferably formed from a polymer material. More preferably from a plastic material. Even more preferably from a thermoplastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). It has been found that plastic materials such as PEEK may be suitable for withstanding the high temperatures in the heating chamber. Furthermore, PEEK has a suitable level of heat resistance and mechanical strength for this test application.

[0048] The elongated body may extend between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end may also be referred to as the first end or upstream end. The proximal end may also be referred to as the second end, oral end or downstream end.

[0049] Both ends of the elongated body can be open. In other words, each end of the elongated body defines an opening. In such embodiments, the elongated body may be hollow. The elongated body may comprise a hollow tube, and is preferably cylindrical.

[0050] The elongated body can define an air passage extending downstream from the distal end to the proximal end. The elongated body can also define an air passage extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. Such air passages allow for airflow testing through the aerosol generator and the test article, as well as testing of any fume extraction sensors present within the aerosol generator.

[0051] Alternatively, both ends of the elongated body are substantially closed. In other words, both ends of the elongated body have end faces or end walls. In such embodiments, a portion of the elongated body does not have to be hollow. In other words, a portion of the elongated body can be solid. Preferably, the proximal or upper portion of the elongated body is solid. This allows the elongated body to absorb heat.

[0052] The cavity in the substrate may be sized or dimensionally set so that the heat-retaining substrate is held within the cavity after insertion. Preferably, the cavity in the substrate is defined by the internal cavity surface of an elongated body, and the cavity surface is configured to establish an interlocking or press-fit with a portion of the heat-retaining substrate. In other words, the cavity in the substrate may engage with a portion of the heat-retaining substrate to hold the heat-retaining substrate within it. The heat-retaining substrate, especially if it contains fibrous or woven material, may expand within the cavity in the substrate, thereby further promoting the retention of the substrate material within the elongated body.

[0053] The test article may have an insertion opening to provide access to the cavity of the heatable substrate. The insertion opening may be defined on an elongated body. Before the test article is inserted into the heating chamber, the heatable substrate may be inserted into the cavity of the substrate of the article through the insertion opening. The insertion opening may allow for easy removal of the heatable substrate from the test article and insertion into it. A portion of the insertion opening may be configured to position or hold the heatable substrate within the elongated body. A portion of the insertion opening may be configured to position the heatable substrate within the elongated body. A portion of the insertion opening may be configured to hold the heatable substrate within the elongated body. A portion of the insertion opening may be configured to position and hold the heatable substrate within the elongated body.

[0054] The insertion opening may extend between two opposing end portions of the insertion opening. The opposing ends of the insertion opening may be configured to position or hold the heatable substrate within the elongated body. A portion of the insertion opening may be configured to establish an interlocking or press-fit with a portion of the heatable substrate. In other words, a portion of the heatable substrate may engage with the end portion of the insertion opening to hold the heatable substrate within the cavity of the substrate. The insertion opening may be an insertion slot. If present, the insertion slot or opening may not only facilitate the replacement of the heatable substrate and susceptor, but also facilitate the positioning of the substrate cavity during such replacement.

[0055] The insertion opening may be located along the elongated body. In other words, the insertion opening may extend along the elongated body. The insertion opening may extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. The insertion opening may be provided on the side wall or peripheral wall of the elongated body. In such embodiments, a heatable substrate, if present, may be inserted into the elongated body through the side of the body, together with the susceptor. The insertion opening may be provided at the bottom or upstream half of the elongated body.

[0056] Alternatively, the insertion opening may be located at the end of the elongated body. In other words, the insertion opening may be provided on the end wall of the elongated body. The insertion opening may extend along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. The insertion opening may be located at the distal or upstream end of the elongated body. In such embodiments, a heatable substrate, if present, may be inserted into the elongated body via the end of the body, together with a susceptor.

[0057] The insertion opening is preferably located above a cavity in the substrate of the test article. This facilitates the insertion and removal of the substrate, which may contain a susceptor, from the test article. The shape of the insertion opening is preferably substantially rectangular.

[0058] The test article may further comprise one or more cooling openings for establishing fluid communication between a heatable substrate and the outside of the test article, with one or more cooling openings defined on an elongated body. The cooling openings may be located along the elongated body. In other words, the cooling openings may extend along the elongated body. The cooling openings may extend along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. The test article may comprise two cooling openings, which may be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis on the elongated body. The cooling openings may be provided on the lower, distal, or upstream half of the elongated body. One or more cooling openings may be at least partially above a cavity in the substrate.

[0059] Cooling openings may be located circumferentially around the periphery of the elongated body. Insertion slots or openings may be spaced apart from the cooling openings around the periphery of the elongated body. Insertion openings may be located at an angular or circumferential offset from one or more cooling openings. Insertion openings may be located circumferentially offset by approximately 90 degrees from one or more cooling openings.

[0060] One or more cooling openings, particularly in embodiments where the ends of the elongated body are closed, allow heat to dissipate from the heatable substrate during heating, thereby enabling the test article to closely mimic the airflow and cooling conditions that an aerosol-generating article experiences during normal use.

[0061] The test article may further comprise an insulating element surrounding a portion of the elongated body. If the test article has an insertion opening or a cooling opening, the insulating element may, at least partially, be over one or more openings or openings defined on the elongated body. The insulating element may be arranged in a tight manner around the periphery of the elongated body. While it is preferable that the insulating element be tightly arranged around the elongated body, the insulating element may be configured to slide along the elongated body, preferably by the application of force to overcome any friction. This allows for adjustment of the amount of overlap over the insertion opening and the cooling opening. It is preferable that the insulating element surrounds the entire periphery of the elongated body.

[0062] A single insulating element or each insulating element may be in the form of a sleeve or sheath. The test article may comprise multiple insulating elements arranged at different longitudinal positions along an elongated body. A single insulating element or each insulating element may be wrapped around an elongated body.

[0063] The insulating element can advantageously prevent heat dissipation from cavities in the substrate of the test specimen during testing. The insulating element may include polyimide material, film, or tape. The insulating element may be an adhesive polyimide film. The insulating element may comprise Kapton film or tape. Kapton® may be commercially available from DuPont de Nemours.

[0064] The thickness of the insulating element may be approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.3 mm. The thickness of the insulating element may be approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.25 mm. The thickness of the insulating element may be approximately 0.24 mm to approximately 0.3 mm.

[0065] As described above, the elongated body may include a hollow tube extending between its distal and proximal ends. The heatable substrate may be located within the hollow tube. The heatable substrate may be located within a cavity of the substrate defined within the hollow tube.

[0066] The test article may include a filter segment. The filter segment may be positioned within an elongated body. The filter segment may be located downstream of a heatable substrate. The filter segment may be located at the downstream or mouth end of the test article. The filter segment may extend from the downstream or mouth end of the test article.

[0067] The filter segment may comprise at least one mouthpiece filter segment formed from a fibrous filter material. Suitable fibrous filter materials will be well known to those skilled in the art. It is particularly preferable that at least one mouthpiece filter segment comprises a cellulose acetate filter segment formed from cellulose acetate tow.

[0068] In certain preferred embodiments, the filter segment consists of a single mouthpiece filter segment. In alternative embodiments, the filter segment includes two or more mouthpiece filter segments aligned axially with their ends touching each other.

[0069] The filter segment preferably has a low particle filtration efficiency.

[0070] The diameter of the mouthpiece element may be approximately 5 mm to 10 mm. The diameter of the mouthpiece element may be approximately 6 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the mouthpiece element may be approximately 7 mm to 8 mm. The diameter of the filter segment may be approximately 7.2 mm ± 10 percent. The diameter of the filter segment may be approximately 7.25 mm ± 10 percent.

[0071] Unless otherwise specified, the draw resistance (RTD) of a component or test article shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to push air through the entire length of the component. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” for a component or article may also refer to “resistance to draw.” Such terms generally refer to measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015, performed under normal testing conditions at a volumetric flow rate of approximately 17.5 ml / second at the output or downstream end of the component being measured, at a temperature of approximately 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of approximately 101 kPa (approximately 760 Torr), and a relative humidity of approximately 60%.

[0072] The lead-to-discharge (RTD) of the filter segment may be at least about 0 mmH2O. The RTD of the filter segment may be at least about 3 mmH2O. The RTD of the filter segment may be at least about 6 mmH2O.

[0073] The RTD of the filter segment may be approximately 12 mmH2O or less. The RTD of the filter segment may be approximately 11 mmH2O or less. The RTD of the filter segment may be approximately 10 mmH2O or less.

[0074] The draw resistance of the filter segment may be 0 mmH2O or more and less than about 12 mmH2O. Preferably, the draw resistance of the filter segment may be about 3 mmH2O or more and less than about 12 mmH2O. The draw resistance of the filter segment may be 0 mmH2O or more and less than about 11 mmH2O. More preferably, the draw resistance of the filter segment may be about 3 mmH2O or more and less than about 11 mmH2O. Even more preferably, the draw resistance of the filter segment may be about 6 mmH2O or more and less than about 10 mmH2O. Preferably, the draw resistance of the filter segment may be about 8 mmH2O.

[0075] As described above, the filter segment or mouthpiece filter segment may be formed from a fibrous material. The filter segment may be formed from a porous material. The filter segment may be formed from a biodegradable material. The filter segment may be formed from a cellulose material such as cellulose acetate. For example, the filter segment may be formed from a bundle of cellulose acetate fibers having about 10 to about 15 denier per filament. For example, the filter segment may be formed from a relatively low-density cellulose acetate tow, such as cellulose acetate tow containing fibers with about 12 denier per filament.

[0076] The filter segments may be formed from polylactic acid-based materials. The filter segments may also be formed from bioplastic materials, preferably starch-based bioplastic materials. The filter segments may be manufactured by injection molding or extrusion molding. Bioplastic materials are advantageous because they can provide a filter segment structure that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, with a specific complex cross-sectional profile that may include multiple relatively large airflow channels extending through the filter segment material, providing suitable RTD properties.

[0077] The filter segment may be formed from a sheet of a suitable material that is crimped, pleated, gathered, woven, or folded into elements defining multiple channels extending along its long axis. Such a sheet of a suitable material may be formed from paper, cardboard, polymers such as polylactic acid, or any other cellulosic, paper-based, or bioplastic material. The cross-sectional profile of such a filter segment may show randomly oriented channels.

[0078] The filter segments may be formed in any other preferred manner. For example, the filter segments may be formed from a bundle of tubes extending in the longitudinal direction. The tubes extending in the longitudinal direction may be formed from polylactic acid. The filter segments may be formed by extrusion, molding, lamination, injection, or shredding of a suitable material. Therefore, it is preferable that a low pressure drop (or RTD) exists from the upstream end to the downstream end of the filter segments.

[0079] The length of the filter segment may be at least about 3 mm. The length of the filter segment may be at least about 5 mm. The length of the filter segment may be about 11 mm or less. The length of the filter segment may be about 9 mm or less. The length of the filter segment may be between about 3 mm and about 11 mm. The length of the filter segment may be between about 5 mm and about 9 mm. Preferably, the length of the filter segment may be about 7 mm.

[0080] The test article may comprise an upstream segment or a front segment. The upstream segment may be positioned within an elongated body. The upstream segment may be located upstream of the heatable substrate. The upstream segment may be located adjacent to the heatable substrate. The upstream segment may be located at the upstream or distal end of the test article. The upstream segment may extend from the upstream or distal end of the test article.

[0081] The upstream element may be a porous plug element. The upstream element may be formed from a material that is impermeable to air.

[0082] The upstream element is formed from a hollow tubular segment that defines a longitudinal cavity providing an unlimited flow channel. In such embodiments, the upstream element can provide protection to the heat-sensitive substrate as described above, while having minimal effect on the overall draw-to-discard (RTD) and filtration characteristics of the article.

[0083] The upstream elements of the upstream section may be made of any material suitable for use in the test article. The upstream elements may be made of the same material used for one of the other components of the test article, such as a filter segment. Suitable materials for forming the upstream elements include filter materials, polymer materials, cellulose acetate, or cardboard. The upstream elements may include a cellulose acetate plug. The upstream elements may comprise a hollow acetate tube or a cardboard tube.

[0084] The test article may include a hollow tubular segment. The hollow tubular segment may be positioned within an elongated body. The hollow tubular segment may be located downstream of the heatable substrate. The hollow tubular segment may be located upstream of the heatable substrate. The hollow tubular segment may also be located adjacent to the heatable substrate. The hollow tubular segment may be located adjacent to the filter segment. The hollow tubular segment may be located between the heatable substrate and the filter segment. The hollow tubular segment may include a cardboard tube or paper tube.

[0085] The hollow tubular segment may have an outer diameter of 5 to 12 mm, for example, 5 to 10 mm, or 6 to 8 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular segment has an outer diameter of 7.2 mm ± 10 percent.

[0086] A hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter. Preferably, the hollow tubular segment may have a constant inner diameter along its length. However, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular segment may vary along its length.

[0087] A hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter of at least about 2 millimeters. For example, a hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter of at least about 4 millimeters, at least about 5 millimeters, or at least about 7 millimeters.

[0088] The hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter of approximately 10 mm or less. For example, the hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter of approximately 9 mm or less, approximately 8 mm or less, or approximately 7.5 mm or less.

[0089] The hollow tubular segments may have inner diameters of approximately 2 mm to 10 mm, 4 mm to 9 mm, 5 mm to 8 mm, or 6 mm to 7.5 mm.

[0090] The hollow tubular segment may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.1 or 7.2 mm. The hollow tubular segment may have an inner diameter of approximately 6.7 mm.

[0091] The lumen or cavity of a hollow tubular segment may have any cross-sectional shape. The lumen of a hollow tubular segment may have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0092] The hollow tubular segment may contain a paper-based material. The hollow tubular segment may contain at least one layer of paper. The paper may be very rigid. The paper may be crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped sulfuric acid paper.

[0093] Preferably, the hollow tubular segment may include cardboard. The hollow tubular segment may be a cardboard tube. The hollow tubular segment may be formed from cardboard.

[0094] The hollow tubular segment may be a paper tube. The hollow tubular segment may be a tube formed from spirally wound paper. The hollow tubular segment may be formed from multiple layers of paper. The paper may have a basis weight of at least about 50 grams per square meter, at least about 60 grams per square meter, at least about 70 grams per square meter, or at least about 90 grams per square meter.

[0095] The hollow tubular segment may contain polymer materials. For example, the hollow tubular segment may contain a polymer film. The polymer film may contain a cellulose film. The hollow tubular segment may contain low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) fibers. The hollow tubular segment may contain cellulose acetate tow.

[0096] If the hollow tubular segments contain cellulose acetate tow, the cellulose acetate tow may have about 2 to about 4 deniers per filament and about 25 to about 40 total deniers.

[0097] The cavity in the substrate of the test article is preferably defined between the hollow tubular segment and the upstream segment. The filter, the hollow tubular segment and the upstream segment, and the heatable substrate (and susceptor, if present) are preferably inserted into an elongated body. Such segments are preferably defined as interlocking or press-fitting with the inner peripheral surface of the elongated body. Such segments are preferably defined as hermetically tight fitting with the inner peripheral surface of the elongated body.

[0098] The length of the test specimen may be approximately 35 mm to 50 mm. The length of the test specimen may be approximately 38 mm to 47.5 mm. The length of the test specimen may be approximately 40 mm. The length of the test specimen may be approximately 45 mm.

[0099] The outer diameter of the test specimen may be approximately 6 mm to 8 mm. The outer diameter of the test specimen may be approximately 6.5 mm to 8 mm. The outer diameter of the test specimen may be approximately 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm. The outer diameter of the test specimen may be approximately 7 mm. The outer diameter of the test specimen may be approximately 7.25 mm.

[0100] The test specimen may have cooling channels through which a coolant flows. The cooling channels may extend through a heatable substrate and may be configured to communicate fluidly with a coolant source. The inlet and outlet of the cooling channels may be configured to communicate fluidly with a coolant source to form a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit may act like a heat exchanger.

[0101] The test system may further comprise a coolant source and a pump for pumping the coolant from the coolant source through a cooling channel. The coolant source may comprise a thermostatic bath having the pump and the coolant located therein. The thermostatic bath may be configured to maintain the temperature of the coolant at a predetermined temperature. The pump may be in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel, and as a result, the coolant may be pumped from the thermostatic bath through the cooling channel. Providing such a cooling channel and cooling device may be beneficial in preventing overheating of the heatable substrate and susceptor, thereby maximizing the lifespan of the heatable substrate and reducing test costs. Furthermore, providing such a cooling device may mimic the heat exchange and dissipation that occur during fume extraction, thereby eliminating the need to fume the test article during testing.

[0102] The present disclosure provides a method for testing an aerosol generator using a test article relating to the present disclosure. The method includes the steps of: inserting the test article into a heating chamber equipped with a heating element; and performing a test cycle, the test cycle may include the steps of: performing a test cycle, which includes activating the heating element to heat the test article received in the heating chamber; and stopping the heating element. The heating chamber may be a heating chamber of an aerosol generator.

[0103] The heating element may be activated by pressing a button on the heating device or aerosol generator, or by drawing air through the test article, which can be detected by the device's fume extraction sensor. A control device within the device may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to the heating element in order to heat it.

[0104] Each test cycle may include drawing air through the test article. The method preferably includes performing multiple test cycles. The method preferably includes performing at least 100 test cycles, preferably at least 1,000 test cycles, more preferably at least 2,500 test cycles, and even more preferably at least 5,000 test cycles.

[0105] The test method may further include a step of replacing the heat-retaining substrate of the test article with a new heat-retaining substrate. Such a step may be performed after the multiple test cycles described above have been carried out.

[0106] In an embodiment comprising a test system having the cooling device described above, the test method includes the steps of inserting a test article into a heating chamber equipped with a heating element, and performing a test cycle, the test cycle including the steps of activating the heating element to heat the test article received in the heating chamber, operating a pump so that a coolant from a coolant source flows through a cooling channel, and stopping the heating element. The heating chamber may be a heating chamber of an aerosol generator.

[0107] The test article may be equipped with a pressure sensor to provide pressure data during the test. The test article may be equipped with a temperature sensor to provide temperature data during the test. The test method may further include a step of acquiring measurement data during the test cycle. The test method may further include a step of recording the measurement data during the test cycle. The measurement data may include one or more of the following: pressure data, draw resistance data, airflow data, and temperature data within the test article or the heating chamber of the aerosol generator. The measurement data may include power information relating to the power supplied to the heating element by the power supply of the device.

[0108] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein. [Examples]

[0109] Example 1. A test article for insertion into a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, A long, slender body configured to be received inside a heating chamber, A test article comprising: a heatable substrate configured to be received within an elongated body, configured to be heated when the test article is located in a heating chamber, and which is a non-aerosol generating substrate. Example 1A. A test article for insertion into the heating chamber of an aerosol generator, A long, slender body configured to be received inside the heating chamber of an aerosol generator, A test article comprising: a heatable substrate configured to be received within an elongated body, which is configured to be heated when the test article is located in the heating chamber of an aerosol generator, and which is a non-aerosol generating substrate. Example 2. The heatable substrate is the test article described in either Example 1 or 1A, which does not contain tobacco material. Example 3. The heat-resistant substrate is a test article according to any one of Examples 1, 1A, and 2, comprising a fibrous material. Example 4. The heat-resistant substrate is a test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, comprising carbon fiber, floc, or pulp. Example 5. The heat-resistant substrate is a test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, comprising aramid fibers, flocs, or pulp. Example 6. The heat-resistant substrate is a test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, comprising Kevlar fibers, flocs, or pulp. Example 7. The test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the heat-heatable substrate comprises carbon fibers, flocs or pulp, and a mixture of aramid fibers, flocs or pulp. Example 8. The elongated body is configured to hold a heatable substrate, as described in any of Examples 1 to 7. Example 9. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, further comprising a cavity in the substrate for receiving a heatable substrate, wherein the cavity in the substrate is defined within an elongated body. Example 10. The elongated body is a test article as described in any of Examples 1 to 9, formed from a polymer material. Example 11. The elongated body is formed from a plastic material, and is a test article as described in any of Examples 1 to 10. Example 12. The elongated body is formed from a thermoplastic material, preferably polyetheretherketone (PEEK), as described in any of Examples 1 to 11. Example 13. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the elongated body extends between the distal and proximal ends, and both ends of the elongated body are open. Example 14. The elongated body defines an air passage extending downstream from the distal end to the proximal end, as described in any one of Examples 1 to 13. Example 15. A test article as described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the elongated body extends between the distal and proximal ends, and both ends of the elongated body are closed. Example 16. The test article according to Example 9, wherein the cavity of the substrate is sized so that a heatable substrate is held within the cavity of the substrate after insertion. Example 17. The test article according to Example 9, wherein the cavity of the substrate is defined by the internal cavity surface of the elongated body, and the cavity surface is configured to establish an interlocking fit with a portion of the heatable substrate. Example 18. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, further comprising a heatable substrate with an insertion opening for providing access to a cavity in the substrate, wherein the insertion opening is defined on an elongated body. Example 19. The test article according to Example 18, wherein a portion of the insertion opening is configured to position or hold a heatable substrate within an elongated body. Example 20. The test article according to Example 18, wherein the opposite end of the insertion opening is configured to position or hold a heatable substrate within an elongated body. Example 21. The test article according to Example 18, wherein a portion of the insertion opening is configured to establish an interlocking fit with a portion of a heatable substrate. Example 22. The insertion opening is an insertion slot, as described in any one of Examples 18 to 21 of the test article. Example 23. The insertion opening is located along the elongated body of the test article as described in any one of Examples 18 to 22. Example 24. The test article described in Example 23 has an insertion opening that extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. Example 25. The test article according to Example 23 or 24, wherein the insertion opening is provided on the side wall or peripheral wall of the elongated body. Example 26. The insertion opening is located at the distal end of the elongated body of the test article as described in any one of Examples 18 to 22. Example 27. The test article according to Example 26, wherein the insertion opening extends along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the elongated body. Example 28. The test article according to Example 26 or 27, wherein the insertion opening is provided on the distal end wall of the elongated body. Example 29. The test article according to any of Examples 1 to 28, further comprising a cooling opening for establishing fluid communication between a heatable substrate and the outside of the test article, wherein the cooling opening is defined on an elongated body. Example 30. A test article according to any of Examples 1 to 29, further comprising an insulating element surrounding a portion of the elongated main body. Example 31. The test article according to any of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the thermal insulation element is located on one or more openings or openings defined on an elongated body. Example 32. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the elongated body comprises a hollow tube extending between the distal and proximal ends, and a heatable substrate is located inside the hollow tube. Example 33. The test article according to Example 32, further comprising a filter segment, the filter segment being positioned within an elongated body and downstream of a heatable substrate. Example 34. The test article according to Example 32 or 33, further comprising a hollow tubular segment, the hollow tubular segment being positioned within an elongated body and downstream of a heatable substrate. Example 35. The test article according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, further comprising an upstream segment, wherein the upstream segment is positioned upstream of a heatable substrate within an elongated body. Example 36. The test article according to Example 32 further comprises an upstream segment located adjacent to a heatable substrate, a hollow tubular segment located adjacent to the heatable substrate, and a filter segment located adjacent to the hollow tubular segment, wherein the upstream segment, the hollow tubular segment, and the filter segment are located within the hollow tube. Example 37. The hollow tubular segment is a test article as described in Example 34 or 36, including a cardboard tube or paper tube. Example 38. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 37, further comprising a susceptor, wherein the substrate is located within a heatable substrate. Example 39. The susceptor extends along a heatable substrate, as described in Example 38 of the test article. Example 40. The test article described in Example 38 has a susceptor that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. Example 41. The test article according to Example 38, wherein the susceptor is substantially aligned with a central longitudinal axis defined by an elongated body. Example 42. A test article according to any one of Examples 1 to 41, further comprising a cooling channel through which a coolant flows, wherein the cooling channel extends through a heatable substrate and is configured to be in fluid communication with a coolant source. Example 43. The test article according to Example 42, wherein the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel are configured to communicate with a coolant source and fluid to form a cooling circuit. Example 44. The test article has a length of 35 mm to 45 mm, as described in any of Examples 1 to 43. Example 45. The test article has an outer diameter of 6 mm to 8 mm, as described in any of Examples 1 to 44. Example 46. The test article described in Example 30 or 31 has a thermal insulation element thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. Example 47. A test system comprising a test article described in any of Examples 1 to 46 and an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a heating chamber and a heating element for heating the article received in the heating chamber from the outside. Example 48. The heating element is an induction heating element, as described in Example 47 of the test system. Example 49. A test system comprising the test article described in Example 42, 43, or 47, a coolant source, and a pump for pumping the coolant from the coolant source through a cooling channel. Example 50. A method for testing an aerosol generator using a test article described in any one of Examples 1 to 49, The process involves inserting the test item into the heating chamber of an aerosol generator equipped with a heating element, This is a process for carrying out a test cycle, and the test cycle is To heat the test article received in the heating chamber, the heating element is activated, and A method comprising a process including stopping a heating element. Example 51. Each test cycle includes drawing air through the test article, a method for testing the aerosol generator described in Example 50. Example 52. A method for testing the aerosol generator described in Example 50 or 51, wherein multiple test cycles are performed. Example 53. A method for testing an aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 50 to 52, further comprising the step of replacing the heatable substrate of the test article. Example 54. A method for testing an aerosol generator using the test articles of the test system described in Example 49, The process involves inserting the test item into the heating chamber of an aerosol generator equipped with a heating element, This is a process for carrying out a test cycle, and the test cycle is To heat the test item placed inside the heating chamber, the heating element is activated. To operate the pump so that the coolant from the coolant source flows through the cooling channel, and A method comprising a process including stopping a heating element.

[0110] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0111] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a test article according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B show schematic side views of the test specimen shown in Figure 1, respectively. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B further show schematic side views of the embodiment of the test article shown in Figure 1, respectively. [Figure 4] Figures 4A and 4B show schematic side views of another embodiment of the test article according to the present invention, respectively. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the test article according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figures 6A and 6B show schematic side views of other embodiments of the test article according to the present invention, respectively. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the test system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of another test system according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0112] Figure 1 shows test article 1 for use in an aerosol generator. Test article 1 is configured to be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator and heated within it.

[0113] Test article 1 comprises a cylindrical, elongated body 14 extending between a distal end 2 and a proximal end 3. Test article 1 comprises a heatable substrate 12 configured to be received by the elongated body 14. Test article 1 further comprises a susceptor 11 disposed to be received within the heatable substrate 12, as shown in Figure 1. The heatable substrate 12 and the susceptor 11 define a segment 23 of the heatable substrate. The heatable substrate 12 contains a mixture of carbon fibers and aramid fibers and does not contain plant-derived materials such as tobacco. The elongated body 14 is formed from PEEK.

[0114] Test article 1 comprises a substrate cavity 18 defined within an elongated body 14. A heatable substrate segment 23 is configured to be fully received (or inserted) into the substrate cavity 18 via an insertion slot 15, as shown in Figure 2B. The insertion slot 15 is positioned along the elongated body 14. In other words, the insertion slot 15 is located on the side surface of the elongated body 14. Thus, the heatable substrate segment 23 is inserted through the side surface of the elongated body 14.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2B, opposing portions 181 and 182 of the inner surface defining the cavity 18 of the substrate are configured to engage with the substrate segment 23 after insertion of the substrate segment 23, thereby holding the substrate segment 23 within the cavity 18. The insertion slot 15 also provides means for guiding the substrate segment 23 into the cavity 18.

[0116] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the test article 1 has at least two cooling openings 16, 17 above the cavity 18 of the substrate. As shown in Figure 2A, the cooling openings 16, 17 are located along the lower (or upstream) portion of the elongated body 14 and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The cooling openings 16, 17 are configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity 18 and the outside of the test article 1 so that heat can be dissipated from the heatable substrate segment 23 when the test article 1 is heated in an aerosol generator or heating device during testing.

[0117] Furthermore, the test article 1 comprises three insulating sleeves 13 surrounding an elongated body 14. The three insulating sleeves 13 are spaced apart along the elongated body 14 in the longitudinal direction. One of the insulating sleeves 13A is partially above both cooling openings 16 and 17, as shown in Figure 2A. The same insulating sleeve 13A is partially above the insertion slot 18, as shown in Figure 3B. Each insulating sleeve 13 is formed from polyimide material.

[0118] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, both ends 2 and 3 of the elongated body 14 are closed. Figure 3B schematically shows the insertion of a heatable substrate segment 23 into the elongated body 14 via an insertion slot 15. The length h of the elongated body 14 is approximately 40 mm, and the outer diameter b of the elongated body 14 is 7 mm.

[0119] The embodiments shown in Figures 4A and 4B are similar to the first embodiments in Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, differing in that the elongated body 104 is a hollow tube having an open distal end and a proximal end. Thus, the test article 10 comprises a hollow elongated body 104 defining an air passage extending between the open distal end 2 and the open proximal end 3. Therefore, air can flow through the test article 10 during the fume extraction test. In the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, the length h of the elongated body 14 is approximately 40 mm, and the outer diameter b of the elongated body 14 is 7 mm. Considering that the elongated body is hollow, the inner diameter r iThe inner diameter is defined. For example, such an inner diameter may be about 5 mm. An insulating sleeve (not shown) may be provided around the insertion slot 15.

[0120] The embodiment shown in Figure 5 is similar to the second embodiment in Figures 4A and 4B, except that the insertion opening 1005 for the test article 100 is located at the distal end 3 of the elongated body 1004 rather than along the side of the elongated body, and that no insulating sleeve and cooling opening are provided. The elongated body 1004 is also hollow. The upstream or lower portion of the elongated body 1004 defines a substrate cavity 18. The substrate cavity 18 is defined by the inner surface of the hollow elongated body 1004. Such an inner surface is sized to receive and hold a heatable substrate segment 23 within the substrate cavity 18. As shown in Figure 5, the cross-section of the cavity 18 is substantially rectangular to correspond to the substantially rectangular cross-section of the heatable substrate segment 23. Air may flow through the distal end 3 of the elongated body 1004, through the heatable substrate segment 23, and out of the proximal end 2 of the elongated body 1004. The length h and outer diameter b may be the same as those in the embodiments shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0121] The embodiments shown in Figures 6A and 6B are intended to more closely mimic a heatable aerosol generating article with respect to its components. The test article 40 comprises an elongated body 414 in the form of a hollow tube. The elongated body 414 is made of PEEK. The elongated body 414 houses an upstream segment 413, a heatable substrate segment 423, a hollow tubular segment 416 defining an empty cavity 422, and a filter segment 418 adjacent to each other in a linearly continuous order. The upstream segment 413 and the hollow tubular segment 422 define a substrate cavity that receives the heatable substrate segment 423.

[0122] The heat-resistant substrate segment 423 comprises a heat-resistant substrate 413 and an elongated susceptor element 411 located in the center of the heat-resistant substrate 413. In other words, the susceptor element 411 is embedded within the heat-resistant substrate 413. The heat-resistant substrate 413 contains aramid fibers. The hollow tubular segment 416 is made from cardboard. The filter segment 418 is a cellulose acetate plug. The upstream segment 413 is also a cellulose acetate material plug, but may also comprise a hollow tubular segment. Air can flow axially through the test article 40. In the embodiments of Figures 6A and 6B, the length of the elongated body 14 is approximately 45 mm, and the outer diameter of the elongated body 14 is approximately 7.25 mm.

[0123] Figure 7 shows a test system 700 comprising test articles 1, 10, 40, 100 according to any embodiment described herein, and an aerosol generator or heating device 70 equipped with a power supply 706. As shown in Figure 7, test article 1 is received in the heating chamber 710 of the aerosol generator 70. The aerosol generator 70 includes a heating element or heater 702 surrounding a portion of the heating chamber 710. The heating element 702 is an induction heating element and is arranged to inductively heat a segment of the heatable substrate of test article 1 from the outside. The heating element 702 is arranged to be started or powered by the power supply 706 via a control device (not shown). A fume extraction sensor (not shown) may also be provided in the heating device 70. Air may be drawn through the airflow channels of the device 70, through to or around test article 1.

[0124] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a test system 800 comprising a test article according to one of the embodiments described herein, inserted into a heating chamber 17 of a test apparatus or aerosol generator. The test article 1 comprises a cooling channel 24 through which a coolant flows. The cooling channel 24 extends through a heatable substrate 12 and is configured to be in fluid communication with a coolant source 5. The coolant source 5 comprises a pump 51 located therein. The inlet and outlet of the cooling channel 24 are configured to be in fluid communication with the coolant source 5 to form a cooling circuit. More precisely, the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel 24 are in fluid communication with the pump 51 to form a cooling circuit. The pump 51 is arranged to pump the coolant from the coolant source 5 through the cooling channel 24. A portion of the cooling channel 24 is positioned close to the susceptor element 11 to extract heat from the susceptor element 11. A cooling channel 24 extending through the heatable substrate 12 also extracts heat from the heatable substrate 12. Such a test system 800 is not arranged to absorb smoke, and the cooling circuit is configured to mimic the level of cooling provided by air flowing through an aerosol-generating article.

[0125] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation of A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. A test article for insertion into the heating chamber of an aerosol generator, An elongated body configured to be received within the heating chamber of the aerosol generator, A test article comprising: a heatable substrate configured to be received within the elongated body, configured to be heated when the test article is located in the heating chamber of the aerosol generator, and which is a non-aerosol generating substrate.

2. The test article according to claim 1, wherein the heatable substrate does not contain tobacco material.

3. The test article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heatable substrate comprises a fibrous material.

4. The test article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heatable substrate comprises carbon fibers, flocs, or pulp.

5. The test article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cavity in the substrate for receiving the heatable substrate, wherein the cavity in the substrate is defined within the elongated body.

6. The elongated body is formed from a thermoplastic material, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The test article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cooling opening for establishing fluid communication between the heatable substrate and the outside of the test article, wherein the cooling opening is defined on the elongated body.

8. The test article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an insulating element surrounding a portion of the elongated main body.

9. The test article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a susceptor, wherein the susceptor is located within the heatable substrate.

10. The test article according to claim 9, wherein the susceptor extends along the heatable substrate.

11. A test system comprising a test article according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a heating chamber and a heating element for heating the test article received in the heating chamber from the outside.

12. A method for testing an aerosol generator using a test article described in any one of claims 1 to 10, The steps include inserting the test article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator equipped with a heating element, A process for carrying out a test cycle, wherein the test cycle is To heat the test article received in the heating chamber, the heating element is activated, and A method comprising the steps of stopping the aforementioned heating element.

13. A method for testing the aerosol generator according to claim 12, wherein each test cycle includes drawing air through the test article.

14. A method for testing the aerosol generator according to claim 12 or 13, wherein multiple test cycles are performed.

15. A method for testing an aerosol generator using a test article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the test article further comprising a cooling channel through which a coolant flows, wherein the cooling channel extends through the heatable substrate, the cooling channel is configured to be in fluid communication with a coolant source, and the inlet and outlet of the cooling channel are configured to be in fluid communication with the coolant source to form a cooling circuit, and the method is The steps include inserting the test article into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator equipped with a heating element, A process for carrying out a test cycle, wherein the test cycle is To heat the test article received in the heating chamber, the heating element is activated. Operate the pump so that the coolant from the coolant source flows through the cooling channel, and A method comprising the steps of stopping the aforementioned heating element.

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