Aerosol-generating product and aerosol-generating system containing an internal heating element

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol-generating product; embodiments of an aerosol-generating system.SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. An elongated internal heating element is located within the aerosol generating substrate in thermal contact with a plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material. The internal heating element is a current-collecting element, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.EFFECT: internal heating element provides efficient and stable heating of the aerosol-generating substrate, maintaining acceptable draw resistance without increasing draw resistance.29 cl, 3 dwg

Description

[0001] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating article or an aerosol generating system comprising an internal heating element.

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The purpose of such "heated" aerosol-generating articles is to reduce the amount of known harmful smoke components produced by the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

[0003] Typically, in heated aerosol-generating products, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate due to heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating product. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user.

[0004] A number of portable aerosol-generating devices capable of heating aerosol-generating substrates and heated aerosol-generating articles are known in the art. These include electric aerosol-generating devices in which the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electric heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to the aerosol-generating substrate or heated aerosol-generating article. Known portable electric aerosol-generating devices typically comprise a battery or other power source, control electronics, and one or more electric heating elements for heating the aerosol-generating substrate or heated aerosol-generating article, configured specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Some known electrical aerosol-generating devices contain one or more external heating elements. For example, WO 2020 / 115151 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrical aerosol-generating device comprising an external heating element that surrounds the outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Other known electrical aerosol-generating devices comprise an internal heating element that is configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. For example, WO 2013 / 098410 A2 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrical aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element in the form of a plate that is inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] Electric aerosol-generating devices comprising an inductor capable of inductively heating aerosol-generating substrates and heated aerosol-generating articles are also known in the art. For example, WO 2015 / 176898 A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an electrical aerosol-generating device having an inductor for creating a pulsating electromagnetic field, and an aerosol-generating article with an internal current collector (susceptor) located within an aerosol-generating substrate. In use, an alternating electromagnetic field created by the induction coil creates a current in the sensing element, causing the sensing element to heat. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a collected sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0008] As described in WO 2015 / 176898 A1, direct contact between the internal heating element of an aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article can provide an effective means for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to form an inhalable aerosol. In this configuration, heat from the internal heating element can be almost instantly transferred to at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate upon activation of the internal heating element, which can facilitate rapid aerosol formation.Furthermore, the total amount of thermal energy required to generate the aerosol may be less than in the case of an aerosol-generating system containing an external heating element, in which the aerosol-generating substrate is not in direct contact with the external heating element, and the initial heating of the aerosol-generating substrate occurs primarily by convection or radiation. If the internal heating element is in direct contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, the initial heating of the areas of the aerosol-generating substrate that are in direct contact with the internal heating element will occur primarily by conduction.

[0009] If the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating product contains an assembled sheet of aerosol-generating material, the air passages formed between the bundles of the assembled sheet may increase the thermal resistance of the aerosol-generating substrate and reduce direct contact between the aerosol-generating substrate and the internal heating element. This may result in less efficient heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0010] It would be desirable to provide aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems with internal heating elements that are capable of providing more efficient and stable heating of an aerosol generating substrate by the internal heating element compared to known aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems.

[0011] Further, it would be desirable to provide aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems with internal heating elements that are configured to provide more efficient and stable heating of an aerosol generating substrate by the internal heating element compared to known aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems, while maintaining acceptable draw resistance.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of filaments of an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol-generating section may comprise an elongated internal heating element. The elongated internal heating element may be located within the aerosol-generating substrate. The elongated internal heating element may be in thermal contact with the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material. The elongated heating element may be a current-receiving (susceptor) element.The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element may range from 0.05 to 4.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol generating section. The aerosol generating section may comprise an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may have a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an elongated internal heating element. The elongated internal heating element may be designed to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating section, or an aerosol-generating article.The ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element may range from 0.05 to 4.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an elongated internal heating element located inside the aerosol generating substrate, which is in thermal contact with the plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material, wherein the elongated internal heating element is a susceptor element, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating section, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises: an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an elongated internal heating element located inside the aerosol-generating substrate, which is in thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the elongated internal heating element is a current-receiving (suspender) element, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is cut tobacco filler, and wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generating device comprising an induction element.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an elongated internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system, comprising: An aerosol generating article, comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an elongated internal heating element for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section of an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is cut tobacco filler, and wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

[0019] Providing an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material and an elongated internal heating element, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4 can, as an advantage, it provides more efficient and stable heating of the aerosol generating substrate by the internal heating element compared to known aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating systems, while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD).

[0020] When combined, the density of the aerosol-generating substrate is from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, and the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the elongated internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4, which can advantageously ensure sufficient direct contact between the internal heating element and the filaments of the aerosol-generating material to ensure that the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material are quickly and efficiently heated by the internal heating element without negatively increasing the RTD of the aerosol-generating article above an acceptable level.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, references to an "aerosol-generating article" refer to aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention, aerosol-generating articles in aerosol-generating systems according to the second aspect of the present invention, and aerosol-generating articles in aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, references to "internal heating element" refer to elongated internal heating elements in aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the present invention, elongated internal heating elements in aerosol-generating articles in aerosol-generating systems according to the second aspect of the present invention, and elongated internal heating elements in aerosol-generating devices in aerosol-generating systems according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, references to an “aerosol generating system” refer to aerosol generating systems according to the second aspect of the present invention and aerosol generating systems according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, references to an "aerosol generating device" refer to aerosol generating devices in aerosol generating systems according to the second aspect of the present invention and aerosol generating devices in aerosol generating systems according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0025] As used herein, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol generating substrate that is heated to form an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

[0026] In the context of this document, in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate containing an aerosol-generating material that is capable of releasing, upon heating, volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol.

[0027] In the context of this document, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may contain vapors of substances that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

[0028] In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0029] An aerosol-generating product has a proximal end through which, during use, the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating product for delivery to the user. The proximal end of an aerosol-generating product may also be referred to as the downstream end or mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating product. During use, the user draws directly or indirectly on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating product to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating product.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article has a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0031] Components of an aerosol-generating article may be described as being upstream or downstream relative to each other based on their relative positions between a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0032] In the context of this document, the term "longitudinal" is used to denote the direction between the upstream end and the downstream end of an aerosol-generating article. In use, air is drawn through the aerosol-generating article in a longitudinal direction.

[0033] In the context of this document, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum dimension in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article.

[0034] In the context of this document, the term "transverse" is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Any reference to a "cross-section" of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article refers to a cross-section, unless otherwise specified.

[0035] In the context of this document, the term "width" is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of an aerosol-generating article and its components. If the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If a component of the aerosol-generating article has a substantially circular cross-section, the width of the component of the aerosol-generating article corresponds to the diameter of the component of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] In the context of this document, the term "thickness" is used to describe the maximum dimension of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0037] In the context of this document, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or element whose length is greater than its width and height. For example, the length of an elongated component or element may be at least twice its width. An elongated component or element may have a width that is greater than its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section or a substantially elliptical or oval circular cross-section. An elongated component or element may have a width that is substantially the same as its thickness. For example, an elongated element may have a substantially square cross-section or a substantially circular cross-section.

[0038] As used herein in relation to an aerosol generating substrate, the term "thread" describes an elongated element of the aerosol generating material whose length is substantially greater than its width and thickness.

[0039] As used herein in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate, the term "density" refers to the bulk density of the aerosol-generating substrate in an aerosol-generating section of an aerosol-generating article. The density of the aerosol-generating substrate is calculated by dividing the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article by the volume occupied by the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article is substantially cylindrical and contains a mass of the aerosol-generating substrate surrounded by a wrapper, the density of the aerosol-generating substrate is equal to the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the cylindrical volume defined by the inner surface of the wrapper.

[0040] As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating or fluctuating electromagnetic field, at least one of the hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor element causes the susceptor element to heat up.

[0041] As used herein, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the solid aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine provided herein are the amount of nicotine in freebase form or the amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0042] As used herein, the term "cut tobacco filler" is used to describe an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of tobacco leaf blades. If the aerosol-generating substrate is cut tobacco filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler.

[0043] As used herein, the term "homogenized plant material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating ground plant material. Homogenized plant material may be formed by agglomerating plant material particles obtained by grinding, milling, or milling the plant material. Homogenized plant material may be produced by casting, extrusion, papermaking, or any other suitable processes known in the art.

[0044] In the context of this document, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomeration of shredded tobacco.

[0045] As used herein, the term "gel" is used to describe a substantially dilute cross-linked material that does not exhibit flowability in a steady state.

[0046] In the context of this document, the term "heat transfer enhancing element" is used to describe an element having a thermal conductivity at 25 degrees Celsius that is greater than the thermal conductivity of a plurality of filaments of an aerosol generating material at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0047] In the context of this document, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to denote a substantially elongated element having a lumen or cavity for air flow along its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular element may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. The lumen may have a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. In particular, the term "hollow tubular element" is used to denote an element that forms at least one passage for air flow, establishing continuous fluid communication between an upstream end of the hollow tubular element and a downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0048] In the context of the present invention, the hollow tubular element provides a channel for unrestricted flow. This means that the hollow tubular element provides an insignificant resistance to draw (RTD) level. In the context of this document, the term "insignificant RTD level" is used to describe an RTD of less than 1 mm H2O per 10 mm of the length of the hollow tubular element, preferably less than 0.4 mm H2O per 10 mm of the length of the hollow tubular element, more preferably less than 0.1 mm H2O per 10 mm of the length of the hollow tubular element. Therefore, the flow channel must be free of any components that can restrict air flow in the longitudinal direction. The flow channel can be substantially empty.

[0049] In the context of this document, the term "ventilation level" may refer to the volumetric ratio between the airflow in an aerosol-generating product through the ventilation zone (ventilation airflow) and the sum of the aerosol-containing airflow and the ventilation airflow. The higher the ventilation level, the greater the dilution of the aerosol flow delivered to the user.

[0050] Unless otherwise stated, the weight percentages of aerosol-generating substrate components given in this document are based on the dry weight of the solid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0051] Unless otherwise stated, the percentages of aerosol-generating material components given herein by weight are based on the dry weight of the aerosol-generating material.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated, the average values ​​given in this document are arithmetic means.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article shall be measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 at a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters per second at the near end of the aerosol-generating article or component thereof, at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of 60%.

[0054] For the purposes of this document, the RTD per unit length of an aerosol-generating article or a component of an aerosol-generating article is equal to the RTD of the aerosol-generating article divided by the length of the aerosol-generating article or the RTD of the component divided by the length of the component, respectively.

[0055] The aerosol generating article may have a total length of at least 35 mm, at least 38 mm, at least 40 mm, or at least 42 mm.

[0056] The aerosol generating article may have an overall length less than or equal to 100 mm, less than or equal to 70 mm, less than or equal to 60 mm, or less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0057] The aerosol generating product may have a total length of 35mm to 100mm, 35mm to 70mm, 35mm to 60mm, or 35mm to 50mm.

[0058] The aerosol generating product can have a total length of 38mm to 100mm, 38mm to 70mm, 38mm to 60mm, 38mm to 50.

[0059] The aerosol generating product can have a total length of 40mm to 100mm, 40mm to 70mm, 40mm to 60mm, 40mm to 50mm.

[0060] The aerosol generating product can have a total length of 42mm to 100mm, 42mm to 70mm, 42mm to 60mm, 42mm to 50mm.

[0061] For example, an aerosol generating product may have a total length of 45mm.

[0062] The aerosol generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

[0063] The aerosol generating article may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0064] The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0065] The aerosol-generating article may have an outside diameter of less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0066] The aerosol generating product may have an outer diameter of 5mm to 12mm, 5mm to 10mm, or 5mm to 8mm.

[0067] The aerosol generating product may have an outer diameter of 6mm to 12mm, 6mm to 10mm, or 6mm to 8mm.

[0068] The aerosol generating product may have an outer diameter of 7mm to 12mm, 7mm to 10mm, or 7mm to 8mm.

[0069] For example, an aerosol generating product may have an outer diameter of 7.1 mm or an outer diameter of 7.2 mm.

[0070] The aerosol generating section may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0071] The aerosol generating section may have a length that is less than or equal to 60 mm, less than or equal to 45 mm, less than or equal to 35 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0072] The aerosol generating section can have a length of 4mm to 60mm, 4mm to 45mm, 4mm to 35mm, 4mm to 25mm, or 4mm to 15mm.

[0073] The aerosol generating section can have a length of 6mm to 60mm, 6mm to 45mm, 6mm to 35mm, 6mm to 25mm, or 6mm to 15mm.

[0074] The aerosol generating section can have a length of 8mm to 60mm, 8mm to 45mm, 8mm to 35mm, 8mm to 25mm, or 8mm to 15mm.

[0075] The aerosol generating section can have a length of 10mm to 60mm, 10mm to 45mm, 10mm to 35mm, 10mm to 25mm, or 10mm to 15mm.

[0076] For example, the aerosol generating section can be 11mm long or 12mm long.

[0077] The ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0078] The ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.60, less than or equal to 0.50, less than or equal to 0.40, less than or equal to 0.35, or less than or equal to 0.30.

[0079] The ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.10 to 0.60, 0.10 to 0.50, 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0080] The ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.15 to 0.60, 0.15 to 0.50, 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0081] The ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.20 to 0.60, 0.20 to 0.50, 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0082] For example, the ratio of the length of the aerosol generating section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.27.

[0083] The aerosol generating section may be substantially cylindrical.

[0084] The aerosol generating section may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0085] The aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0086] For example, the aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0087] The aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter of less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0088] For example, the aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter of 5mm to 12mm, 5mm to 10mm, or 5mm to 8mm.

[0089] For example, the aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter of 6mm to 12mm, 6mm to 10mm, or 6mm to 8mm.

[0090] The aerosol generating section can have an outer diameter of 7mm to 12mm, 7mm to 10mm, or 7mm to 8mm.

[0091] For example, the aerosol generating section may have an outer diameter of 7mm to 7.1mm.

[0092] The RTD of the aerosol generating section may be at least 4 mm H2O, at least 5 mm H2O, or at least 6 mm H2O.

[0093] The RTD of the aerosol generating section may be less than or equal to 25 mmH2O, less than or equal to 20 mmH2O, or less than or equal to 15 mmH2O.

[0094] The RTD of the aerosol generating section may be less than or equal to 10 mmH2O, less than or equal to 9 mmH2O, or less than or equal to 8 mmH2O.

[0095] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be from 4 mm H2O up to 25 mm H2O, from 4 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O or from 4 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O.

[0096] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be 4mmH2O to 10mmH2O, 4mmH2O to 9mmH2O, or 4mmH2O to 8mmH2O .

[0097] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be 5mmH2O to 25mmH2O, 5mmH2O to 20mmH2O, or 5mmH2O to 15mmH2O.

[0098] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be 5mmH2O to 10mmH2O, 5mmH2O to 9mmH2O, or 5mmH2O to 8mmH2O.

[0099] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be 6mmH2O to 25mmH2O, 6mmH2O to 20mmH2O, or 6mmH2O to 15mmH2O.

[0100] The RTD of the aerosol generating section can be 6mmH2O to 10mmH2O, 6mmH2O to 9mmH2O, or 6mmH2O to 8mmH2O .

[0101] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter, at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0102] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of less than or equal to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, less than or equal to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, less than or equal to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, less than or equal to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or less than or equal to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0103] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0104] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or from 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0105] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or from 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0106] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or from 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0107] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a density of from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter, from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter, or from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0108] The aerosol generating substrate may have a mass of at least 120 milligrams, at least 130 milligrams, at least 140 milligrams, at least 150 milligrams, or at least 160 milligrams.

[0109] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass that is less than or equal to 340 milligrams, less than or equal to 310 milligrams, less than or equal to 280 milligrams, less than or equal to 250 milligrams, or less than or equal to 220 milligrams.

[0110] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 120 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 120 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 120 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0111] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 130 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 130 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 130 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0112] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 140 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 140 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 140 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0113] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 150 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 150 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 150 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0114] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a mass of 160 milligrams to 340 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 310 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 280 milligrams, 160 milligrams to 250 milligrams, or 160 milligrams to 220 milligrams.

[0115] The aerosol generating substrate contains a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material.

[0116] Multiple strands of aerosol-generating material can be randomly oriented within the aerosol-generating section. During use, this can help retain the generated aerosol within the aerosol-generating section between puffs.

[0117] A plurality of strands of aerosol generating material may be arranged substantially parallel to each other within the aerosol generating section.

[0118] The filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be arranged substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating section. That is, the longitudinal axis of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section. For example, the longitudinal axis of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section.

[0119] The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a paper wrapper. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a film.

[0120] The strands of the aerosol generating material may have an average length of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 5 mm.

[0121] The average filament length of the aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each filament of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, divided by the number of filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0122] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average length of less than or equal to 80 mm, less than or equal to 50 mm, less than or equal to 30 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, less than or equal to 20 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0123] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average length of 0.5 mm to 80 mm, 0.5 mm to 50 mm, 0.5 mm to 30 mm, 0.5 mm to 25 mm, 0.5 mm to 20 mm, or 0.5 mm to 15 mm.

[0124] The strands of the aerosol generating material may have an average length of 1mm to 80mm, 1mm to 50mm, 1mm to 30mm, 1mm to 25mm, 1mm to 20mm, or 1mm to 15mm.

[0125] The strands of the aerosol generating material may have a length of 2mm to 80mm, 2mm to 50mm, 2mm to 30mm, 2mm to 25mm, 2mm to 20mm, or 2mm to 15mm.

[0126] The strands of the aerosol generating material may have a length of 5mm to 80mm, 5mm to 50mm, 5mm to 30mm, 5mm to 25mm, 5mm to 20mm, or 5mm to 15mm.

[0127] For example, the strands of the aerosol generating material may be 11mm long or 12mm long.

[0128] The plurality of strands of aerosol generating material may have substantially the same length.

[0129] The length of the filaments of the aerosol generating material may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol generating section.

[0130] The length of the filaments of the aerosol generating material can be determined by a process for manufacturing the aerosol generating section in which a longer section is divided to form a plurality of shorter sections.

[0131] For example, the aerosol generating material may have a length of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.3 mm, at least 0.4 mm, at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm.

[0132] The average width of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, divided by the number of filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0133] If the aerosol-generating substrate is cut tobacco filler, the average width of the plurality of strands of the aerosol-generating material is the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler. The average cut width of the cut tobacco filler is equal to the sum of the individual cut widths of each strand of tobacco leaf blades in the aerosol-generating substrate, divided by the number of strands of tobacco leaf blades in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0134] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average width of less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 2 mm or equal to 1.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.2 mm, or less than or equal to 0.9 mm.

[0135] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0136] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.3 mm to 5 mm, 0.3 mm to 2 mm, 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0137] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.4 mm to 5 mm, 0.4 mm to 2 mm, 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.4 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0138] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may comprise cellulose fibers having an average thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 2 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0139] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.6 mm to 5 mm, 0.6 mm to 2 mm, 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, or 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0140] For example, the strands of the aerosol generating material may have an average width of 0.7mm or 0.8mm.

[0141] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness that is substantially the same as their average width.

[0142] The average thickness of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each filament of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate divided by the number of filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0143] If the aerosol-generating substrate is cut tobacco filler, the thickness of the plurality of strands of tobacco leaf blades is equal to the thickness of the tobacco leaf blades.

[0144] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0145] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average width greater than their average thickness.

[0146] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0147] The strands of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.18 mm, or at least 0.2 mm.

[0148] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness that is less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1 mm, less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0149] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, 0.1 mm to 1 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0150] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.15mm to 2mm, 0.15mm to 1mm, 0.15mm to 0.6mm, or 0.15mm to 0.3mm.

[0151] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.18 mm to 2 mm, 0.18 mm to 1 mm, 0.18 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.18 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0152] The filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.2 mm to 2 mm, 0.2 mm to 1 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0153] For example, the filaments of the aerosol generating material may have an average thickness of 0.25 mm.

[0154] The aerosol generating material may be plant material.

[0155] The aerosol generating material may be a non-tobacco plant material. Other suitable non-tobacco plant materials include, but are not limited to, a ginger-based material, a eucalyptus-based material, a clove-based material, and a star anise-based material.

[0156] The aerosol generating material may be tobacco material.

[0157] The aerosol generating substrate may be cut tobacco filler.

[0158] The aerosol generating material may be homogenized plant material.

[0159] The strands of homogenized plant material can be formed by cutting or shredding a sheet of homogenized plant material. The strands of homogenized plant material can also be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of homogenized plant material can be formed by extrusion.

[0160] The aerosol generating material may be homogenized non-tobacco plant material.

[0161] The aerosol generating material may be homogenized tobacco material.

[0162] The aerosol generating material may be a gel-like material.

[0163] The strands of gel-like material can be formed by cutting or crushing a sheet of gel-like material. The strands of gel-like material can also be formed by other methods. For example, the strands of gel-like material can be formed by extrusion.

[0164] Aerosol-generating material may contain an aerosol-generating substance.

[0165] The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol former may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at temperatures typically reached during use of the aerosol-generating article.

[0166] Suitable aerosol forming substances are, for example: polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0167] The aerosol-forming agent may comprise one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of glycerin. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0168] For example, the aerosol-generating material may contain at least 1 weight percent of an aerosol-forming substance, at least 5 weight percent of an aerosol-forming substance, at least 10 weight percent of an aerosol-forming substance, or at least 15 weight percent of an aerosol-forming substance. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-forming substance content of at least 5 weight percent, at least 10 weight percent, or at least 15 weight percent.

[0169] An aerosol-generating material may contain an aerosol-forming substance in an amount less than or equal to 30% by weight, less than or equal to 25% by weight, or less than or equal to 20% by weight. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-forming substance content that is less than or equal to 30% by weight, less than or equal to 25% by weight, or less than or equal to 20% by weight.

[0170] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 1 percent to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 1 percent to 25 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 1 percent to 20 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0171] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 5 percent to 25 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 5 percent to 20 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0172] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 10 percent to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 10 percent to 25 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 10 percent to 20 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0173] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 15 percent to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 15 percent to 25 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 15 percent to 20 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0174] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 50 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, at least 60 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or at least 70 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0175] An aerosol-generating material may contain an aerosol-generating substance in an amount that is less than or equal to 85 percent by weight, less than or equal to 80 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 75 percent by weight.

[0176] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 50 percent to 85 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 50 percent to 80 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 50 percent to 75 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0177] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 60 percent to 85 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 60 percent to 80 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 60 percent to 75 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0178] The aerosol-generating material may contain from 70 percent to 85 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, from 70 percent to 80 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance, or from 70 percent to 75 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0179] Aerosol generating material may contain nicotine.

[0180] The aerosol-generating material may contain natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

[0181] The aerosol-generating material may contain at least 0.5 percent by weight of nicotine, at least 1 percent by weight of nicotine, at least 1.5 percent by weight of nicotine, or at least 2 percent by weight of nicotine. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of at least 0.5 percent by weight, at least 1 percent by weight, at least 1.5 percent by weight, or at least 2 percent by weight.

[0182] The aerosol-generating material may contain nicotine in an amount of less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, less than or equal to 8 percent by weight, less than or equal to 6 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 4 percent by weight. Thus, the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content that is less than or equal to 10 percent by weight, less than or equal to 8 percent by weight, less than or equal to 6 percent by weight, or less than or equal to 4 percent by weight.

[0183] The aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of from 0.5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, from 0.5 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, from 0.5 percent by weight to 6 percent by weight, or from 0.5 percent by weight to 4 percent by weight.

[0184] The aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of from 1 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, from 1 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, from 1 percent by weight to 6 percent by weight, or from 1 percent by weight to 4 percent by weight.

[0185] The aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of from 1.5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, from 1.5 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, from 1.5 percent by weight to 6 percent by weight, or from 1.5 percent by weight to 4 percent by weight.

[0186] The aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of from 2 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, from 2 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, from 2 percent by weight to 6 percent by weight, or from 2 percent by weight to 4 percent by weight.

[0187] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material of substantially the same composition. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of strands of homogenized tobacco material of substantially the same composition.

[0188] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a plurality of filaments of an aerosol-generating material having different compositions. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more filaments of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition and one or more filaments of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition differs from the second composition. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more filaments of a homogenized tobacco material having a first composition and one or more filaments of a gel-like material having a second composition.

[0189] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises filaments of an aerosol-generating material of different compositions, at least one of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may have a content of an aerosol-forming substance in percent by weight as set forth above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more filaments of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition, and one or more filaments of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition differs from the second composition, and wherein at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has a content of an aerosol-forming substance from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight.For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-forming substance content of 5 percent to 30 percent by weight, and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having an aerosol-forming substance content of 50 percent to 85 percent by weight.

[0190] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises filaments of an aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-forming substance content in percentages by weight as set forth above. For example, the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-forming substance content of 5 percent to 30 percent by weight, 5 percent to 25 percent by weight, or 5 percent to 20 percent by weight. For example, the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may have an average aerosol-forming substance content of 50 percent to 85 percent by weight, 50 percent to 80 percent by weight, or 50 percent to 75 percent by weight.

[0191] The average content of aerosol forming substance in the filaments of the aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual contents of aerosol forming substance of each of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, as a percentage by weight, divided by the number of filaments of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0192] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises filaments of an aerosol-generating material of different compositions, each filament of the aerosol-generating material may have a content of an aerosol-forming substance in percentages by weight as set forth above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more filaments of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition, and one or more filaments of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein the first aerosol-generating material has a content of an aerosol-forming substance from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight, and the second aerosol-generating material has a content of an aerosol-forming substance from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight.

[0193] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises filaments of an aerosol-generating material of different compositions, at least one of the filaments of the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content in percent by weight as set forth above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more filaments of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition, and one or more filaments of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein at least one of the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material has a nicotine content of from 0.5 percent to 10 percent by weight.For example, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol generating material having a nicotine content of from 0.5 percent to 10 percent by weight, and one or more strands of a second aerosol generating material having a nicotine content of 0 percent by weight.

[0194] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises filaments of aerosol-generating material of different compositions, the filaments of aerosol-generating material may have an average nicotine content in the aerosol, expressed as a percentage by weight, as described above. For example, the filaments of aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content of 0.5 percent by weight to 10 percent by weight, 0.5 percent by weight to 8 percent by weight, 0.5 percent by weight to 6 percent by weight, or 0.5 percent by weight to 4 percent by weight.

[0195] The average nicotine content of the strands of the aerosol-generating material is equal to the sum of the individual nicotine content of each of the strands of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate, as a percentage by weight, divided by the number of strands of the aerosol-generating material in the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0196] If the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands of an aerosol-generating material of different compositions, each strand of the aerosol-generating material may have a nicotine content in percent by weight as set forth above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more strands of a first aerosol-generating material having a first composition, and one or more strands of a second aerosol-generating material having a second composition, wherein the first composition is different from the second composition, and wherein the first aerosol-generating material has a nicotine content of from 0.5 percent to 10 percent by weight, and the second aerosol-generating material has a nicotine content of from 0.5 percent to 10 percent by weight.

[0197] The aerosol generating section may include a heat transfer enhancing element disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0198] The heat transfer enhancing element may be in thermal interaction with a plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material.

[0199] The heat transfer enhancing element may advantageously be in direct contact with a plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material.

[0200] The heat transfer enhancing element can promote the heat transfer from the internal heating element to the multiple filaments of the aerosol generating material.

[0201] The heat transfer enhancing element can promote heat transfer between multiple filaments of the aerosol generating material.

[0202] The heat transfer improving element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of at least 0.15 W / (mK), at least 0.2 W / (mK), at least 0.25 W / (mK), or at least 0.3 W / (mK).

[0203] The heat transfer enhancing element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius that is less than or equal to 1700 W / (mK), less than or equal to 1600 W / (mK), or less than or equal to 1500 W / (mK).

[0204] The heat transfer improving element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.15 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.15 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.15 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0205] The heat transfer improving element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.2 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.2 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.2 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0206] The heat transfer improving element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.25 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.25 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.25 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0207] The heat transfer improving element may have a thermal conductivity in at least one direction at 25 degrees Celsius of 0.3 W / (mK) to 1700 W / (mK), 0.3 W / (mK) to 1600 W / (mK), or 0.3 W / (mK) to 1500 W / (mK).

[0208] The heat transfer enhancing element may comprise one or more thermally conductive materials. The heat transfer enhancing element may comprise one or more metals, one or more alloys, one or more carbon-containing materials, or a combination thereof. For example, the heat transfer enhancing element may comprise one or more of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, stainless steel, diamond, graphene, graphite, and expanded graphite.

[0209] The heat transfer enhancing element may contain an aerosol forming agent.

[0210] Suitable aerosol forming substances are, for example: polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, propylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as, for example, glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as, for example, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate; and combinations thereof.

[0211] The aerosol-forming agent may comprise one or more of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may comprise or consist of glycerin. The aerosol-forming agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0212] The heat transfer enhancing element may comprise a plurality of individual heat-conducting elements. The plurality of individual heat-conducting elements may be substantially uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0213] The heat transfer enhancing element may comprise a plurality of heat-conducting particles. For example, the heat transfer enhancing element may comprise: a plurality of metal particles; a plurality of alloy particles; a plurality of carbon-containing particles such as graphene particles, graphite particles, and sparse graphite particles; or a combination thereof. The heat-conducting particles may comprise an aerosol-forming substance.

[0214] The heat transfer enhancing element may comprise a plurality of heat-conducting filaments. For example, the heat-conducting element may comprise: a plurality of metal foil filaments, such as aluminum foil or copper foil; a plurality of alloy foil filaments, such as stainless steel foil; a plurality of carbon-containing foil filaments, such as graphite foil; or a combination thereof. The heat-conducting filaments may contain an aerosol-forming agent.

[0215] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may include an internal heating element disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0216] The aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may include an internal heating element for inserting into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article.

[0217] The internal heating element can be in thermal contact with a plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material. During use, heat from the internal heating element can be transferred to the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material.

[0218] The internal heating element may advantageously be in direct contact with a plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material.

[0219] The internal heating element may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0220] The internal heating element may have a length less than or equal to 45 mm, less than or equal to 35 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0221] The internal heating element can be 4mm to 45mm, 4mm to 35mm, 4mm to 25mm, or 4mm to 15mm in length.

[0222] The internal heating element can be 6mm to 45mm, 6mm to 35mm, 6mm to 25mm, or 6mm to 15mm in length.

[0223] The internal heating element can be 8mm to 45mm, 8mm to 35mm, 8mm to 25mm, or 8mm to 15mm in length.

[0224] The internal heating element can be 10mm to 45mm, 10mm to 35mm, 10mm to 25mm, or 10mm to 15mm in length.

[0225] For example, the current collector (susceptor) element can be 11 mm long or 12 mm long.

[0226] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0227] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length, disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0228] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of varying lengths located within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first length located within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first length is different from the second length.

[0229] The aerosol generating device may include a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0230] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same length for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0231] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different lengths for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first length for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second length for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, wherein the first length is different from the second length.

[0232] If a plurality of internal heating elements are present, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first length, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second length, wherein at least one of the first length and the second length is from 4 mm to 45 mm.

[0233] If a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average length in millimeters as specified above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average length of 4 mm to 45 mm, 4 mm to 35 mm, 4 mm to 25 mm, or 4 mm to 15 mm.

[0234] The average length of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual lengths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0235] If multiple internal heating elements are present, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length in millimeters as described above. For example, each of the multiple internal heating elements may have a length of between 4 mm and 45 mm.

[0236] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be at least 0.04, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, at least 0.12, at least 0.15, at least 0.20 or at least 0.25.

[0237] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be less than or equal to 7, less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 1, less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.7, less than or equal to 0.6, or less than or equal to 0.5.

[0238] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.04 to 7, from 0.04 to 4, from 0.04 to 1, from 0.04 to 0.8, from 0.04 to 0.7, from 0.04 to 0.6, or from 0.04 to 0.5.

[0239] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.07 to 7, from 0.07 to 4, from 0.07 to 1, from 0.07 to 0.8, from 0.07 to 0.7, from 0.07 to 0.6, or from 0.07 to 0.5.

[0240] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.10 to 7, from 0.10 to 4, from 0.10 to 1, from 0.10 to 0.8, from 0.10 to 0.7, from 0.10 to 0.6, or from 0.10 to 0.5.

[0241] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.12 to 7, from 0.12 to 4, from 0.12 to 1, from 0.12 to 0.8, from 0.12 to 0.7, from 0.12 to 0.6, or from 0.12 to 0.5.

[0242] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.15 to 7, from 0.15 to 4, from 0.15 to 1, from 0.15 to 0.8, from 0.15 to 0.7, from 0.15 to 0.6, or from 0.15 to 0.5.

[0243] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.20 to 7, from 0.20 to 4, from 0.20 to 1, from 0.20 to 0.8, from 0.20 to 0.7, from 0.20 to 0.6, or from 0.20 to 0.5.

[0244] The ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element may be from 0.25 to 7, from 0.25 to 4, from 0.25 to 1, from 0.25 to 0.8, from 0.25 to 0.7, from 0.25 to 0.6, or from 0.25 to 0.5.

[0245] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the length of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first length, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second length, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first length and the second length is from 0.04 to 7.

[0246] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the average length of the plurality of internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the average length of the plurality of internal heating elements may be from 0.04 to 7, from 0.04 to 4, from 0.04 to 1, from 0.04 to 0.8, from 0.04 to 0.7, from 0.04 to 0.6, or from 0.04 to 0.5.

[0247] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the plurality of internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the length of each of the plurality of internal heating elements may be from 0.04 to 7.

[0248] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0249] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.40, less than or equal to 0.35, or less than or equal to 0.30.

[0250] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating product may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.35, or 0.10 to 0.30.

[0251] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating product may be 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.35, or 0.15 to 0.30.

[0252] The ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.20 to 0.40, 0.20 to 0.35, or 0.20 to 0.30.

[0253] For example, the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol generating product may be 0.27.

[0254] When there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the ratio of the length of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first length, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second length, wherein the ratio of at least one of the first length and the second length to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is from 0.10 to 0.40.

[0255] When multiple internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average length of the plurality of internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.10 to 0.40, from 0.10 to 0.35, or from 0.10 to 0.30.

[0256] When multiple internal heating elements are provided, the ratio of the length of each of the plurality of internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the length of each of the plurality of internal heating elements to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.10 to 0.40.

[0257] The internal heating element may have a width of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0258] The internal heating element may have a width less than or equal to 8 mm, less than or equal to 7 mm, less than or equal to 6 mm, less than or equal to 5 mm, or less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0259] The internal heating element width can be 0.5mm to 8mm, 0.5mm to 7mm, 0.5mm to 6mm, 0.5mm to 5mm, or 0.5mm to 4mm.

[0260] The internal heating element width can be 1mm to 8mm, 1mm to 7mm, 1mm to 6mm, 1mm to 5mm or 1mm to 4mm.

[0261] The internal heating element width can be 1.5mm to 8mm, 1.5mm to 7mm, 1.5mm to 6mm, 1.5mm to 5mm or 1.5mm to 4mm.

[0262] The internal heating element width can be 2mm to 8mm, 2mm to 7mm, 2mm to 6mm, 2mm to 5mm or 2mm to 4mm.

[0263] The internal heating element width can be 2.5mm to 8mm, 2.5mm to 7mm, 2.5mm to 6mm, 2.5mm to 5mm or 2.5mm to 4mm.

[0264] For example, the internal heating element may be 4mm wide.

[0265] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width, disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0266] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of varying widths located within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width located within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first width is different from the second width.

[0267] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same width for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0268] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different widths for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first width for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second width for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, wherein the first width is different from the second width.

[0269] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second width, wherein at least one of the first width and the second width is from 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0270] When a plurality of internal heating elements are provided, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average width in millimeters as specified above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average width of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 0.5 mm to 7 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0271] The average width of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual widths of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0272] When a plurality of internal heating elements are provided, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a width in millimeters as described above. For example, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 8 mm.

[0273] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be at least 0.05, at least 0.06, at least 0.08, at least 0.09, at least 0.10, at least 0.11, at least 0.12 or at least 0.13.

[0274] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, less than or equal to 1.8, less than or equal to 1.6, less than or equal to 1.5, less than or equal to 1.4, or less than or equal to 1.3.

[0275] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.05 to 4, from 0.05 to 3, from 0.05 to 2, from 0.05 to 1.8, from 0.05 to 1.6, from 0.05 to 1.5, from 0.05 to 1.4, or from 0.05 to 1.3.

[0276] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.06 to 4, from 0.06 to 3, from 0.06 to 2, from 0.06 to 1.8, from 0.06 to 1.6, from 0.06 to 1.5, from 0.06 to 1.4, or from 0.06 to 1.3.

[0277] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.08 to 4, from 0.08 to 3, from 0.08 to 2, from 0.08 to 1.8, from 0.08 to 1.6, from 0.08 to 1.5, from 0.08 to 1.4, or from 0.08 to 1.3.

[0278] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.09 to 4, from 0.09 to 3, from 0.09 to 2, from 0.09 to 1.8, from 0.09 to 1.6, from 0.09 to 1.5, from 0.09 to 1.4, or from 0.09 to 1.3.

[0279] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.10 to 4, from 0.10 to 3, from 0.10 to 2, from 0.10 to 1.8, from 0.10 to 1.6, from 0.10 to 1.5, from 0.10 to 1.4, or from 0.10 to 1.3.

[0280] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.11 to 4, from 0.11 to 3, from 0.11 to 2, from 0.11 to 1.8, from 0.11 to 1.6, from 0.11 to 1.5, from 0.11 to 1.4, or from 0.11 to 1.3.

[0281] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.12 to 4, from 0.12 to 3, from 0.12 to 2, from 0.12 to 1.8, from 0.12 to 1.6, from 0.12 to 1.5, from 0.12 to 1.4, or from 0.12 to 1.3.

[0282] The ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the width of the internal heating element may be from 0.13 to 4, from 0.13 to 3, from 0.13 to 2, from 0.13 to 1.8, from 0.13 to 1.6, from 0.13 to 1.5, from 0.13 to 1.4, or from 0.13 to 1.3.

[0283] When there are a plurality of internal heating elements, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material to the width of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements is from 0.05 to 4. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located inside the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements located inside the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second width, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material to at least one of the first width and the second width is from 0.05 to 4.

[0284] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the average width of the plurality of internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material to the average width of the plurality of internal heating elements may be from 0.05 to 4, from 0.05 to 3, from 0.05 to 2, from 0.05 to 1.8, from 0.05 to 1.6, from 0.05 to 1.5, from 0.05 to 1.4, or from 0.05 to 1.3.

[0285] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the plurality of internal heating elements may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the width of each of the plurality of internal heating elements may be from 0.05 to 4.

[0286] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section may be at least 0.1, at least 0.2, at least 0.3, or at least 0.4,

[0287] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section may be less than or equal to 0.9, less than or equal to 0.8, less than or equal to 0.7, or less than or equal to 0.6.

[0288] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section can be 0.1 to 0.9, 0.1 to 0.8, 0.1 to 0.7, or 0.1 to 0.6.

[0289] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section can be 0.2 to 0.9, 0.2 to 0.8, 0.2 to 0.7, or 0.2 to 0.6.

[0290] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section may be 0.3 to 0.9, 0.3 to 0.8, 0.3 to 0.7, or 0.3 to 0.6.

[0291] The ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section may be 0.4 to 0.9, 0.4 to 0.8, 0.4 to 0.7, or 0.4 to 0.6.

[0292] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the ratio of the width of at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first width, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second width, wherein the ratio of at least one of the first width and the second width to the width of the aerosol-generating section is from 0.1 to 0.9.

[0293] When a plurality of internal heating elements are provided, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the average width of the plurality of internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.1 to 0.9, from 0.1 to 0.8, from 0.1 to 0.7, or from 0.1 to 0.6.

[0294] When multiple internal heating elements are provided, the ratio of the width of each of the plurality of internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be as described above. For example, the ratio of the width of each of the plurality of internal heating elements to the width of the aerosol-generating article may be from 0.1 to 0.9.

[0295] The internal heating element may be substantially cylindrical.

[0296] The internal heating element may be in the form of a pin.

[0297] The internal heating element may have a thickness that is substantially the same as its width.

[0298] The internal heating element may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0299] The internal heating element can be made in the form of a needle or a pin.

[0300] The internal heating element may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm.

[0301] The internal heating element may have a diameter of less than or equal to 5 mm, less than or equal to 4.5 mm, less than or equal to 4 mm, less than or equal to 3.5 mm, less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0302] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 0.5mm to 5mm, 0.5mm to 4.5mm, 0.5mm to 4mm, 0.5mm to 3.5mm, or 0.5mm to 3mm.

[0303] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 1mm to 5mm, 1mm to 4.5mm, 1mm to 4mm, 1mm to 3.5mm, or 1mm to 3mm.

[0304] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 1.5mm to 5mm, 1.5mm to 4.5mm, 1.5mm to 4mm, 1.5mm to 3.5mm, or 1.5mm to 3mm.

[0305] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 2mm to 5mm, 2mm to 4.5mm, 2mm to 4mm, 2mm to 3.5mm or 2mm to 3mm.

[0306] The internal heating element can have a diameter of 2.5mm to 5mm, 2.5mm to 4.5mm, 2.5mm to 4mm, 2.5mm to 3.5mm, or 2.5mm to 3mm.

[0307] For example, the internal heating element may have a diameter of 3mm.

[0308] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0309] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters located within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter located within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter.

[0310] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same diameter for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0311] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different diameters for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first diameter for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second diameter for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter.

[0312] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first diameter, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second diameter, wherein at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter is from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0313] When a plurality of internal heating elements are provided, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average diameter in millimeters as described above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average diameter of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 4 mm, 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

[0314] The average diameter of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual diameters of each of the internal heating elements, divided by the number of internal heating elements located inside the aerosol generating substrate.

[0315] When a plurality of internal heating elements are provided, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a diameter in millimeters, as described above. For example, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a diameter of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0316] The internal heating element may have a width greater than its thickness.

[0317] The internal heating element may have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0318] The internal heating element can be in the form of a blade or a strip.

[0319] The internal heating element may have a substantially constant cross-section along the entire length of the internal heating element.

[0320] The thickness of the internal heating element may be at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.02 mm, at least 0.03 mm, or at least 0.05 mm.

[0321] The internal heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 2mm, less than or equal to 1mm, less than or equal to 0.5mm, or less than or equal to 0.1mm.

[0322] The thickness of the internal heating element can be 0.01mm to 2mm, 0.01mm to 1mm, 0.01mm to 0.5mm or 0.01mm to 0.1mm.

[0323] The thickness of the internal heating element can be 0.02mm to 2mm, 0.02mm to 1mm, 0.02mm to 0.5mm or 0.02mm to 0.1mm.

[0324] The thickness of the internal heating element can be 0.03mm to 2mm, 0.03mm to 1mm, 0.03mm to 0.5mm or 0.03mm to 0.1mm.

[0325] The thickness of the internal heating element can be 0.05mm to 2mm, 0.05mm to 1mm, 0.05mm to 0.5mm or 0.05mm to 0.1mm.

[0326] The internal heating element may have a thickness of at least 55 μm, at least 56 μm, at least 57 μm, or at least 58 μm.

[0327] The internal heating element may have a thickness less than or equal to 65 μm, less than or equal to 64 μm, less than or equal to 63 μm, or less than or equal to 62 μm.

[0328] The internal heating element thickness can be 55μm to 65μm, 55μm to 64μm, 55μm to 63μm, or 55μm to 62μm.

[0329] The internal heating element thickness can be 56μm to 65μm, 56μm to 64μm, 56μm to 63μm, or 56μm to 62μm.

[0330] The internal heating element thickness can be 57μm to 65μm, 57μm to 64μm, 57μm to 63μm, or 57μm to 62μm.

[0331] The internal heating element thickness can be 58μm to 65μm, 58μm to 64μm, 58μm to 63μm, or 58μm to 62μm.

[0332] For example, the internal heating element may have a thickness of 60 μm.

[0333] The aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness disposed within the aerosol generating substrate.

[0334] The aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of varying thicknesses located within the aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness located within the aerosol-generating substrate, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness located within the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness.

[0335] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of substantially the same thickness for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0336] The aerosol generating device may comprise a plurality of internal heating elements of different thicknesses for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating device may comprise one or more first internal heating elements having a first thickness for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, and one or more second internal heating elements having a second thickness for insertion into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, or an aerosol generating article, wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness.

[0337] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, at least one of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first thickness, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second thickness, wherein at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more first internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a first thickness, and one or more second internal heating elements located within the aerosol-generating substrate, having a second thickness, wherein at least one of the first thickness and the second thickness is from 55 μm to 65 μm.

[0338] When a plurality of internal heating elements are present, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness in millimeters or micrometers, as specified above. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm. For example, the plurality of internal heating elements may have an average thickness of 55 μm to 65 μm, 55 μm to 64 μm, 55 μm to 63 μm, or 55 μm to 62 μm.

[0339] The average thickness of the plurality of internal heating elements is equal to the sum of the individual thicknesses of each of the internal heating elements divided by the number of internal heating elements.

[0340] If a plurality of internal heating elements are present, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness in millimeters or micrometers, as described above. For example, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness of 0.01 mm to 2 mm. For example, each of the plurality of internal heating elements may have a thickness of 55 μm to 65 μm.

[0341] The current-collecting (suspender) element may be located substantially longitudinally within the aerosol-generating section. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section. For example, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be within plus or minus 10 degrees of parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section.

[0342] The internal heating element may be located centrally within the aerosol-generating section. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section.

[0343] The internal heating element may extend from a downstream end of the aerosol generating section to an upstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0344] The susceptor element may extend from an upstream end of the aerosol generating section toward a downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0345] The current-collecting (suspending) element may extend from the upstream end to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the current-collecting (suspending) element may extend along the entire length of the aerosol-generating section.

[0346] The length of the internal heating element may be substantially the same as the length of the aerosol generating section.

[0347] The internal heating element may extend partially along the length of the aerosol generating section.

[0348] The internal heating element may be located at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0349] The internal heating element may be located at a distance from the upstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0350] The internal heating element may be located at a distance from either the downstream end or the upstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0351] The length of the internal heating element may be shorter than the length of the aerosol generating section.

[0352] The internal heating element can be completely enclosed within the aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating substrate can completely surround the internal heating element.

[0353] The heating element may be a current-collecting (susceptor) element.

[0354] The current-collecting (suspender) element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the current-collecting (suspender) heating element may comprise a metal, alloy, or carbon.

[0355] The current collector (suspender) element may contain a ferromagnetic material. For example, the current collector (suspender) element may contain a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. The current collector (suspender) element may contain aluminum. The current collector (suspender) element may contain 400 grade stainless steel. For example, the current collector (suspender) element may contain 410, 420, or 430 grade stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when located within electromagnetic fields having similar frequencies and field strengths.

[0356] Thus, all parameters of the current-collecting (suspender) element, such as material type, length, width, and thickness, can be adjusted to ensure the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field. The current-collecting (suspender) element can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0357] The current-collecting (suspender) element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metallic layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current-collecting (suspender) element may comprise metallic tracks formed on the surface of a ceramic core.

[0358] The current-collecting (suspender) element may comprise a protective outer layer. For example, the current-collecting (suspender) element may comprise a protective outer ceramic layer, a protective outer glass layer, or a protective outer inert metal layer.

[0359] The current-collecting (suspending) element may contain a protective coating. For example, the current-collecting (suspending) element may contain a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal.

[0360] The current collector (suspender) element may be a current collector (suspender) element made of multiple materials. The current collector (suspender) element may comprise a first current collector (suspender) material and a second current collector (suspender) material.

[0361] The internal heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0362] The aerosol generating article may include a section located upstream of the aerosol generating section.

[0363] The upstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol generating section.

[0364] The upstream section may be located immediately upstream of the aerosol generating section.

[0365] The upstream section may be adjacent to the aerosol generating section.

[0366] The upstream section can be connected to the aerosol-generating section via a wrapper. The upstream section can be connected to the aerosol-generating section via a paper wrapper.

[0367] The upstream end of the aerosol generating article may be formed by the upstream end of the upstream section.

[0368] The upstream section can provide an improved appearance to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0369] The upstream section may have a length of at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 4 mm.

[0370] The upstream section may have a length less than or equal to 10 mm, less than or equal to 8 mm, or less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0371] The upstream section can have a length of 2mm to 10mm, 2mm to 8mm, or 2mm to 6mm.

[0372] The upstream section can have a length of 3mm to 10mm, 3mm to 8mm, or 3mm to 6mm.

[0373] The upstream section can have a length of 4mm to 10mm, 4mm to 8mm, or 4mm to 6mm.

[0374] The element located upstream of the flow may have a length of 5 mm.

[0375] The length of the upstream section can be advantageously varied to achieve the desired overall length of the aerosol-generating article. For example, if it is desired to reduce the length of one of the other components of the aerosol-generating article, the length of the upstream section can be increased to maintain the same overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0376] The length of the upstream section can be used to control the position of the aerosol-generating article within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. This provides the advantage of being able to optimize the position of the aerosol-generating section and the aerosol-generating article within the cavity for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. This can advantageously ensure the optimization of any ventilation position.

[0377] The upstream section may be substantially cylindrical.

[0378] The upstream section may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0379] The upstream section may have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0380] The upstream section may have an outside diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0381] The upstream section may have an outside diameter less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0382] The upstream section may have an outside diameter of 5mm to 12mm, such as 5mm to 10mm or 5mm to 8mm.

[0383] The upstream section may have an outside diameter of 6mm to 12mm, such as 6mm to 10mm or 6mm to 8mm.

[0384] The upstream section may have an outside diameter of 7mm to 12mm, such as 7mm to 10mm or 7mm to 8mm.

[0385] For example, the upstream section may have an outside diameter of 7mm or 7.1mm.

[0386] For example, the RTD of the upstream section may be at least 0 mm H2O, at least 0.1 mm H2O, at least 0.25 mm H2O, or at least 0.5 mm H2O.

[0387] The RTD of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 30 mm H2O, less than or equal to 20 mm H2O, less than or equal to 10 mm H2O, less than or equal to 5 mm H2O, or less than or equal to 2 mm H2O.

[0388] The upstream section RTD can be 0 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O, or 0 mmH2O to 20 mmH2O, 0 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O, 0 mmH2O to 5 mmH2O, or 0 mmH2O to 2 mmH2O.

[0389] The RTD of the upstream section can be from 0.1 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O, from 0.1 mmH2O to 20 mmH2O, or from 0.1 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O, or from 0.1 mmH2O to 5 mmH2O or from 0.1 mmH2O to 2 mmH2O.

[0390] The RTD of the upstream section can be 0.25 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O, 0.25 mmH2O to 20 mmH2O, 0.25 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O, 0.25 mmH2O to 5 mmH2O, or 0.25 mmH2O to 2 mmH2O.

[0391] The RTD of the upstream section can be 0.5 mmH2O to 30 mmH2O, 0.5 mmH2O to 20 mmH2O, 0.5 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O, 0.5 mmH2O to 5 mmH2O, or 0.5 mmH2O to 2 mmH2O.

[0392] The upstream section may have an RTD less than or equal to 2 mm H2O per mm length, less than or equal to 1.5 mm H2O per mm length, less than or equal to 1 mm H2O per mm length, less than or equal to 0.5 mm H2O per mm length, less than or equal to 0.3 mm H2O per mm length, or less than or equal to 0.2 mm H2O per mm length.

[0393] The combined RTD of the upstream section and the aerosol generating section may be less than or equal to 30 mm H2O, less than or equal to 20 mm H2O, less than or equal to 15 mm H2O, less than or equal to 12 mm H2O, less than or equal to 10 mm H2O.

[0394] An upstream section may contain an upstream element.

[0395] The upstream end of the aerosol generating article may be formed by an upstream end of the upstream element.

[0396] The downstream end of the upstream element may be adjacent to the aerosol generating section.

[0397] The upstream element may advantageously prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating section, the aerosol generating article.

[0398] If the aerosol-generating section of an aerosol-generating article contains an internal heating element located within the aerosol-generating substrate, the upstream element may prevent direct physical contact with the upstream end of the internal heating element. This may advantageously help prevent displacement or deformation of the internal heating element during storage, transportation, use, and handling of the aerosol-generating article.

[0399] The upstream element may advantageously help prevent or reduce the loss of strands of aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating section, the aerosol-generating article during storage, transportation, use, and handling of the aerosol-generating article.

[0400] An upstream element can facilitate the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The upstream element can protect the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article during insertion, minimizing the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating section.

[0401] The upstream element may be substantially cylindrical.

[0402] The upstream element may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0403] The upstream element may have an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the upstream section.

[0404] The upstream element may be a non-tubular upstream element.

[0405] The upstream element may be a non-tubular upstream porous element.

[0406] The upstream element may have a porosity of at least 50 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0407] The porosity of the upstream element in the longitudinal direction is determined by the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the material forming the upstream element and the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating article at the position of the upstream element.

[0408] The upstream element may have a porosity of less than or equal to 90 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0409] The upstream element may have a porosity of 50 percent to 90 percent in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0410] The porosity of the upstream element can be advantageously designed to provide the aerosol generating section with the required overall RTD without significantly affecting the filtration provided by other parts of the product.

[0411] The element located upstream of the flow may be made of a porous material.

[0412] The upstream element may comprise a plurality of apertures. For example, the upstream element may comprise a plurality of apertures formed by laser perforation. The plurality of apertures may be substantially uniformly distributed across the cross-section of the upstream element.

[0413] The upstream element may be a hollow tubular upstream element.

[0414] A hollow tubular element located upstream may not substantially affect the overall RTD of an aerosol generating article.

[0415] The hollow tubular element located upstream of the flow may form a lumen having a diameter of at least 3 mm, at least 3.5 mm, at least 4 mm, or at least 4.5 mm.

[0416] The lumen diameter of the upstream hollow tubular element can be maximized to minimize the RTD of the upstream section.

[0417] The upstream hollow tubular member may have a peripheral wall having a thickness of less than or equal to 2 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, or less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0418] The upstream element may be made of any material suitable for use in an aerosol generating product.

[0419] Examples of suitable materials include: ceramic materials; polymeric materials; paper materials and combinations thereof.

[0420] The upstream element may be a non-tubular segment of cellulose acetate tow.

[0421] The upstream element may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0422] The element located upstream of the flow may be a cardboard tube.

[0423] The upstream element may be formed from a heat-resistant material. For example, the upstream element may be formed from a material that can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius. This may advantageously ensure that the upstream element is not adversely affected by the internal heating element used to heat the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0424] An upstream element may be surrounded by wrapping. An upstream element may be surrounded by paper wrapping. For example, an upstream element may be surrounded by a filament.

[0425] The aerosol generating article may include a downstream section that is located downstream of the aerosol generating section.

[0426] The downstream section may be adjacent to the downstream aerosol generating section.

[0427] The downstream section may be located immediately upstream of the aerosol generating section.

[0428] The downstream section may abut the aerosol generating section.

[0429] The downstream section can be connected to the aerosol-generating section via a paper wrapper.

[0430] The downstream end of the aerosol generating article may be formed by a downstream end of the downstream section.

[0431] For example, the downstream section may have a length of at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, or at least 30 mm.

[0432] The length of the downstream section may be less than or equal to 50mm, less than or equal to 45mm, less than 40mm, or less than 35mm.

[0433] The length of the downstream section can be 15mm to 50mm, 15mm to 45mm, 15mm to 40mm, or 15mm to 35mm.

[0434] The length of the downstream section can be 20mm to 50mm, 20mm to 45mm, 20mm to 40mm, or 20mm to 35mm.

[0435] The length of the downstream section may be, for example, 25mm to 50mm, or 25mm to 45mm, or 25mm to 40mm, or 25mm to 35mm.

[0436] The length of the downstream section can be 30mm to 50mm, 30mm to 45mm, 30mm to 40mm, or 30mm to 35mm.

[0437] Providing a relatively long downstream section ensures that an appropriate length of the aerosol-generating article protrudes from the aerosol-generating device when the aerosol-generating article is positioned therein. This can facilitate insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating device into the device cavity. This can advantageously reduce the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating article during insertion and removal.

[0438] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, or at least 0.65.

[0439] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.85, less than or equal to 0.80, less than or equal to 0.75, or less than or equal to 0.70.

[0440] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.50 to 0.85, 0.50 to 0.80, 0.50 to 0.75, or 0.50 to 0.70.

[0441] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.55 to 0.85, 0.55 to 0.80, 0.55 to 0.75, or 0.55 to 0.70.

[0442] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.60 to 0.85, 0.60 to 0.80, 0.60 to 0.75, or 0.60 to 0.70.

[0443] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.65 to 0.85, 0.65 to 0.80, 0.65 to 0.75, or 0.65 to 0.70.

[0444] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section may be at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, or at least 7.

[0445] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section may be less than or equal to 25, less than or equal to 20, less than or equal to 15, or less than or equal to 10.

[0446] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section can be 4 to 25, 4 to 20, 4 to 15, or 4 to 10.

[0447] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section may be 5 to 25, 5 to 20, 5 to 15, or 5 to 10.

[0448] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section can be 6 to 25, 6 to 20, 6 to 15, or 6 to 10.

[0449] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the upstream section can be 7 to 25, 7 to 20, 7 to 15, or 7 to 10.

[0450] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be at least 1.0, at least 1.25, at least 1.5, or at least 1.75.

[0451] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be less than or equal to 3.5, less than or equal to 3.25, less than or equal to 3.0, or less than or equal to 2.75.

[0452] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be 1.0 to 3.5, 1.0 to 3.25, 1.0 to 3.0, or 1.0 to 2.75.

[0453] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be 1.25 to 3.5, 1.25 to 3.25, 1.25 to 3.0, or 1.25 to 2.75.

[0454] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be 1.5 to 3.5, 1.5 to 3.25, 1.5 to 3.0, or 1.5 to 2.75.

[0455] The ratio of the length of the downstream section to the length of the aerosol generating section may be 1.75 to 3.5, 1.75 to 3.25, 1.75 to 3.0, or 1.75 to 2.75.

[0456] The downstream section may be substantially cylindrical.

[0457] The downstream section may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0458] The downstream section may have an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0459] The downstream section may have an outside diameter of at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0460] The downstream section may have an outside diameter less than or equal to 12 mm, less than or equal to 10 mm, or less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0461] The downstream section may have an outside diameter of 5mm to 12mm, 5mm to 10mm, or 5mm to 8mm.

[0462] The downstream section may have an outside diameter of 6mm to 12mm, 6mm to 10mm, or 6mm to 8mm.

[0463] The downstream section may have an outside diameter of 7mm to 12mm, 7mm to 10mm, or 7mm to 8mm.

[0464] For example, the downstream section may have an outside diameter of 7mm or 7.1mm.

[0465] The RTD of the downstream section may be at least 0 mm H2O, at least 3 mm H2O, or at least 6 mm H2O.

[0466] The RTD of the downstream section may be less than or equal to 12 mmH2O, less than or equal to 11 mmH2O, or equal to 10 mmH2O .

[0467] The downstream section RTD can be 0 mmH2O to 12 mmH2O, 0 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O, or 0 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0468] The downstream section RTD can be 3 mmH2O to 12 mmH2O, 3 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O, or 3 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0469] The downstream section RTD can be 6 mmH2O to 12 mmH2O, 6 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O, or 6 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0470] The RTD of the downstream section may be less than 8 mmH2O.

[0471] The downstream section may comprise a support element.

[0472] The support member may form an upstream end of a downstream section of the aerosol generating article.

[0473] The end of the support element located upstream of the flow can rest against the aerosol generating section.

[0474] The support member may have a length of at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm.

[0475] The support member may have a length less than or equal to 30 mm, less than or equal to 25 mm, or less than or equal to 22 mm.

[0476] The support member can be 8mm to 30mm, 8mm to 25mm, or 8mm to 22mm in length.

[0477] The support member can have a length of 10mm to 30mm, 10mm to 25mm, or 10mm to 22mm.

[0478] The support member can have a length of 15mm to 30mm, 15mm to 25mm, or 15mm to 22mm.

[0479] For example, the support element may be 21mm long.

[0480] For example, the support member may be substantially cylindrical.

[0481] The support member may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0482] The support member may have an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the downstream section.

[0483] The supporting member may be a hollow tubular member.

[0484] The support member may form a downstream end of a downstream section of the aerosol generating article.

[0485] The support member may extend to a downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0486] The downstream end of the support member may form a downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0487] The downstream section may comprise one or more additional elements located downstream of the support element.

[0488] The downstream section may comprise a mouthpiece element located downstream of the support element.

[0489] The mouthpiece element can be positioned directly downstream of the support element.

[0490] The upstream end of the mouthpiece may come into contact with the support element.

[0491] The downstream section may comprise one or more additional elements located between the mouthpiece element and the mouthpiece element.

[0492] The mouthpiece member may form a downstream end of a downstream section of the aerosol generating article.

[0493] The mouthpiece may extend to a downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0494] The downstream end of the mouthpiece member may form a downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0495] The length of the mouthpiece element may be at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0496] The length of the mouthpiece element may be less than or equal to 15mm, less than or equal to 12mm, or less than or equal to 10mm.

[0497] The length of the mouthpiece can be from 5mm to 15mm, 5mm to 12mm or 5mm to 10mm.

[0498] The length of the mouthpiece can be from 6mm to 15mm, 6mm to 12mm or 6mm to 10mm.

[0499] The length of the mouthpiece can be from 8mm to 15mm, 8mm to 12mm or 8mm to 10mm.

[0500] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article may be at least 0.05, at least 0.07, at least 0.10, or at least 0.15.

[0501] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 0.40, less than or equal to 0.30, less than or equal to 0.25, or less than or equal to 0.20.

[0502] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.05 to 0.40, 0.05 to 0.30, 0.05 to 0.25, or 0.05 to 0.20.

[0503] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.07 to 0.40, 0.07 to 0.30, 0.07 to 0.25, or 0.07 to 0.20.

[0504] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.10 to 0.40, 0.10 to 0.30, 0.10 to 0.25, or 0.10 to 0.20.

[0505] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating article may be 0.15 to 0.40, 0.15 to 0.30, 0.15 to 0.25, or 0.15 to 0.20.

[0506] For example, the ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the total length of the aerosol generating product may be 0.16.

[0507] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section may be at least 0.05, at least 0.10, at least 0.15, or at least 0.20.

[0508] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section may be less than or equal to 0.55, less than or equal to 0.45, less than or equal to 0.35, or less than or equal to 0.25.

[0509] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section may be from 0.05 to 0.55, from 0.05 to 0.45, from 0.05 to 0.35, or from 0.05 to 0.25.

[0510] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section can be from 0.10 to 0.55, from 0.10 to 0.45, from 0.10 to 0.35, or from 0.10 to 0.25.

[0511] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section may be from 0.15 to 0.55, from 0.15 to 0.45, from 0.15 to 0.35, or from 0.15 to 0.25.

[0512] The ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the downstream section may be from 0.20 to 0.55, from 0.20 to 0.45, from 0.20 to 0.35, or from 0.20 to 0.25.

[0513] For example, the ratio of the length of the mouthpiece element to the length of the section located further downstream may be 0.25.

[0514] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be at least 1.25, at least 1.5, or at least 2.

[0515] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element may be less than or equal to 6, less than or equal to 5, or less than, or less than or equal to 4.

[0516] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element can be from 1.25 to 6, from 1.25 to 5, or from 1.25 to 4.

[0517] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element can be from 1.5 to 6, from 1.5 to 5, or from 1.5 to 4.

[0518] The ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element can be 2 to 6, 2 to 5, or 2 to 4.

[0519] For example, the ratio of the length of the support element to the length of the mouthpiece element can be 3.

[0520] The RTD characteristics of a downstream section may be fully or largely assigned to the RTD characteristics of the mouthpiece element of the downstream section. In other words, the RTD of the mouthpiece element of the downstream section may fully or largely determine the mouthpiece element of the downstream section.

[0521] The RTD of the upstream mouthpiece element may be at least 0 mm H2O, or at least 3 mm H2O, or at least 6 mm H2O.

[0522] The RTD of the mouthpiece element may be less than or equal to 12 mmH2O, less than or equal to 11 mmH2O, or equal to 10 mmH2O.

[0523] The RTD of the mouthpiece element can be 0 mmH2O to 12 mmH2O, 0 mmH2O to 11 mmH2O, or 0 mmH2O to 10 mmH2O.

[0524] The RTD of the mouthpiece element can be 3mmH2O to 12mmH2O, 3mmH2O to 11mmH2O, or 3mmH2O to 10mmH2O.

[0525] The RTD of the mouthpiece element can be 6mmH2O to 12mmH2O, 6mmH2O to 11mmH2O, or 6mmH2O to 10mmH2O.

[0526] For example, the RTD of a mouthpiece element may be 8 mmH2O.

[0527] The mouthpiece element may be substantially cylindrical.

[0528] The mouthpiece element may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0529] The mouthpiece element may have an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the downstream section.

[0530] The mouthpiece element may have an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the support element.

[0531] The mouthpiece element may be a non-tubular element.

[0532] The mouthpiece element may be a porous non-tubular element.

[0533] The mouthpiece element may be a hollow tubular mouthpiece element.

[0534] The mouthpiece element can be a filter element.

[0535] The filter element may have low particle filtration efficiency.

[0536] The filter element can be made of biodegradable material.

[0537] The filter element can be made of fibrous filter material.

[0538] The filter element may be made of cellulose material. For example, the filter element may be made of cellulose acetate tow.

[0539] The filter element may be a non-tubular segment of cellulose acetate tow.

[0540] The filter element can be formed from a polylactic acid based material.

[0541] The filter element may be formed from a bioplastic material. The filter element may be formed from a starch-based bioplastic material.

[0542] The mouthpiece may contain a flavoring agent. For example, the mouthpiece may contain one or more capsules, beads, or granules of flavoring agent, or one or more threads or fibers filled with a flavoring agent.

[0543] The mouthpiece may be surrounded by a wrapper. The mouthpiece may be surrounded by paper wrapping. For example, the mouthpiece may be surrounded by a filament.

[0544] The mouthpiece may not be ventilated so that air does not enter the aerosol generating product along the mouthpiece.

[0545] The mouthpiece element may be connected to one or more upstream components of the aerosol generating article via a rim wrap.

[0546] The downstream section may contain a mouthpiece end cavity

[0547] The cavity at the mouthpiece end may be located at the downstream end of the downstream section.

[0548] The downstream cavity of the mouthpiece end may form a downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0549] The mouthpiece end cavity may be located further downstream of the filter element, if present.

[0550] The mouthpiece end cavity may be formed by a hollow tubular member of the mouthpiece end.

[0551] The mouth end cavity may be defined by a wrapper surrounding one or more adjacent upstream components of the aerosol generating article, wherein the wrapper extends in a direction downstream of the one or more adjacent upstream components.

[0552] The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the downstream section.

[0553] The aerosol generating article may include a ventilation zone at a location along the support member of the downstream section.

[0554] If the support element is a hollow tubular support element, the ventilation zone may extend through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular support element. This establishes fluid communication between the lumen formed by the hollow tubular support element and the external environment. This allows the ventilated cavity to be provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may provide several potential technical advantages.

[0555] First, it was discovered that such a ventilated hollow tubular element provides particularly effective aerosol cooling. Thus, satisfactory aerosol cooling can be achieved even with a relatively short downstream section. This is particularly desirable, as it allows for the aerosol-generating article to be provided with a substrate that is heated rather than combusted, thereby combining satisfactory aerosol delivery with effective aerosol cooling to temperatures desired by the user.

[0556] Secondly, the inventors of the present invention unexpectedly discovered that such rapid cooling of volatile compounds released during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate promotes improved nucleation of aerosol particles. This effect is particularly noticeable when the ventilation zone is positioned at a precisely defined location along the length of the hollow tubular element relative to other components of the aerosol-generating article. Indeed, it was found that the beneficial effect of enhanced nucleation can significantly counteract the potentially less desirable dilution effects caused by the introduction of ventilation air.

[0557] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article may be at least 25 mm, at least 26 mm, or at least 27 mm.

[0558] For the purposes of this document, the term "distance between the ventilation zone and another element or component of an aerosol-generating article" refers to the distance measured in the longitudinal direction. That is, the distance measured in a direction running along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0559] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 40 mm, less than or equal to 37 mm, or less than or equal to 34 mm.

[0560] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating product may be 25 mm to 40 mm, 25 mm to 37 mm, or 25 mm to 34 mm.

[0561] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating product may be 26 mm to 40 mm, 26 mm to 37 mm, or 26 mm to 34 mm.

[0562] The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol generating product may be 27 mm to 40 mm, 27 mm to 37 mm, or 27 mm to 34 mm.

[0563] It has been found that aerosol generating articles comprising a ventilation zone at a location along a hollow tubular member at a distance from an upstream end of the aerosol generating article that is within the ranges described above have numerous advantages.

[0564] Firstly, it has been observed that such aerosol generating articles provide a particularly satisfactory delivery of aerosol to the user, in particular in cases where the aerosol generating substrate contains tobacco and an aerosol forming substance.

[0565] Without being limited by theory, it should be understood that the intense cooling caused by ambient air drawn into the cavity of the hollow tubular element in the ventilation zone accelerates the condensation of aerosol-forming substance droplets released from the aerosol-generating substrate upon heating. In turn, vaporized nicotine and organic acids released from tobacco accumulate on the newly formed aerosol-forming substance droplets and subsequently combine to form nicotine salts. Accordingly, the overall ratio of particulate aerosol to gaseous aerosol can be improved compared to existing aerosol-generating products.

[0566] Locating the ventilation zone away from the upstream end of the aerosol-generating device, as described above, advantageously reduces the time it takes for vaporized nicotine particles to reach the aerosol-forming substance droplets. At the same time, positioning the ventilation zone relative to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating device ensures sufficient time and space for nicotine to accumulate and form nicotine salts to a significant degree before the aerosol stream reaches the user's mouth.

[0567] The ventilation zone may typically comprise a plurality of perforations extending through the peripheral wall of the hollow tubular element. The ventilation zone may comprise at least one annular row of perforations. The ventilation zone may comprise two annular rows of perforations. For example, the perforations may be formed on a production line during the manufacturing of an aerosol-generating article. Each annular row of perforations may comprise from 8 to 30 perforations.

[0568] The aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation level of at least 2 percent, at least 5 percent, at least 10 percent, at least 12 percent, or at least 15 percent, at least 20 percent, at least 30 percent, or at least 40 percent.

[0569] An aerosol-generating article may have a ventilation rate that is less than or equal to 90 percent, less than or equal to 80 percent, less than or equal to 70 percent, less than or equal to 60 percent, or less than or equal to 50 percent.

[0570] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 2 percent to 90 percent, 2 percent to 80 percent, 2 percent to 70 percent, 2 percent to 60 percent, or 2 percent to 50 percent.

[0571] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 5 percent to 90 percent, 5 percent to 80 percent, 5 percent to 70 percent, 5 percent to 60 percent, or 5 percent to 50 percent.

[0572] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 10 percent to 90 percent, 10 percent to 80 percent, 10 percent to 70 percent, 10 percent to 60 percent, or 10 percent to 50 percent.

[0573] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 12 percent to 90 percent, 12 percent to 80 percent, 12 percent to 70 percent, 12 percent to 60 percent, or 12 percent to 50 percent.

[0574] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 15 percent to 90 percent, 15 percent to 80 percent, 15 percent to 70 percent, 15 percent to 60 percent, or 15 percent to 50 percent.

[0575] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 20 percent to 90 percent, 20 percent to 80 percent, 20 percent to 70 percent, 20 percent to 60 percent, or 20 percent to 50 percent.

[0576] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 30 percent to 90 percent, 30 percent to 80 percent, 30 percent to 70 percent, 30 percent to 60 percent, or 30 percent to 50 percent.

[0577] An aerosol-generating product may have a ventilation level of 40 percent to 90 percent, 40 percent to 80 percent, 40 percent to 70 percent, 40 percent to 60 percent, or 40 percent to 50 percent.

[0578] Without being limited by theory, it was found that the temperature difference caused by introducing cooler outside air into the hollow tubular segment through the ventilation zone can have an advantageous effect on the nucleation and growth of aerosol particles.

[0579] The rapid cooling caused by introducing external air into the hollow tubular element through the ventilation zone can be beneficially utilized to promote the nucleation and growth of aerosol droplets. However, the immediate disadvantage of introducing external air into the hollow tubular element is the dilution of the aerosol stream delivered to the user.

[0580] It was unexpectedly found that the beneficial effect of improved nucleation provided by rapid cooling caused by the introduction of ventilation air into the product can significantly counteract the less desirable effects of dilution.

[0581] It was unexpectedly found that the dilution effect on aerosol, which can be assessed by measurement, in particular the effect on the delivery of the aerosol forming substance contained in the aerosol generating substrate, is advantageously minimized when the ventilation level is within the ranges described above.

[0582] A ventilated hollow tubular element does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article. Therefore, the overall RTD of an aerosol-generating article can be advantageously fine-tuned by adjusting the length and density of the aerosol-generating substrate, or the length and density of one or more elements of a downstream section of the aerosol-generating article, such as a filter element, or the length and density of one or more elements of an upstream section of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, aerosol-generating articles with a specified RTD can be manufactured consistently and with high accuracy, ensuring satisfactory RTD levels for the consumer even in the presence of ventilation.

[0583] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 11 mm.

[0584] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be less than or equal to 21 mm, less than or equal to 19 mm, less than or equal to 17 mm, or less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0585] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 4mm to 21mm, 4mm to 19mm, 4mm to 17mm, or 4mm to 15mm.

[0586] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 6mm to 21mm, 6mm to 19mm, 6mm to 17mm, or 6mm to 15mm.

[0587] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 8mm to 21mm, 8mm to 19mm, 8mm to 17mm, or 8mm to 15mm.

[0588] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 9mm to 21mm, 9mm to 19mm, 9mm to 17mm, or 9mm to 15mm.

[0589] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 10mm to 21mm, 10mm to 19mm, 10mm to 17mm, or 10mm to 15mm.

[0590] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate may be 11 mm to 21 mm, 11 mm to 19 mm, 11 mm to 17 mm, or 11 mm to 15 mm.

[0591] It has been found that locating the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol generating substrate rod, within the ranges described above, can advantageously improve nucleation as well as aerosol formation and delivery.

[0592] Locating the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate within the ranges described above can advantageously ensure that when the aerosol-generating article is partially housed within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the ventilation zone is located directly outside the aerosol-generating device, while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being accidentally blocked by the lips or hands of the user.

[0593] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 7 mm.

[0594] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may be less than or equal to 14 mm, less than or equal to 12 mm, or less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0595] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular member may be from 3 mm to 14 mm, from 5 mm to 14 mm, or from 7 mm to 14 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular member may be from 3 mm to 12 mm, from 5 mm to 12 mm, or from 7 mm to 12 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the hollow tubular member may be from 3 mm to 10 mm, from 5 mm to 10 mm, or from 7 mm to 10 mm.

[0596] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article may be at least 10 mm, at least 12 mm, or at least 15 mm.

[0597] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol generating article may be less than or equal to 21 mm, less than or equal to 19 mm, or less than or equal to 17 mm.

[0598] The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be from 10 mm to 21 mm, preferably from 12 mm to 21 mm or from 15 mm to 21 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be from 10 mm to 19 mm, from 12 mm to 19 mm, or from 15 mm to 19 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article may be from 10 mm to 17 mm, from 12 mm to 17 mm, or from 15 mm to 17 mm.

[0599] The advantage of arranging the ventilation zone at a distance from the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article within the ranges described above may be that it generally ensures that when the aerosol-generating article is partially housed within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the portion of the aerosol-generating article extending beyond the aerosol-generating device has a sufficient length to allow the user to comfortably hold the aerosol-generating article between his or her lips, while reducing the risk of the ventilation zone being accidentally blocked by the user's lips or hands.At the same time, the data indicate that if the length of the portion of the aerosol generating article extending beyond the heating device were greater, the aerosol generating article could easily be unintentionally and undesirably bent, and this could impair the delivery of the aerosol or the overall intended use of the aerosol generating article.

[0600] As discussed above, the support element of the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may be a hollow tubular support element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element or a downstream hollow tubular element. The downstream section may comprise a single hollow tubular element in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the downstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only a single hollow tubular element.

[0601] As discussed above, the upstream element of the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may be an upstream hollow tubular element. Such a hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element or an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream section may comprise a single hollow tubular element in accordance with the present disclosure. In other words, the upstream section of the aerosol-generating article may comprise only a single hollow tubular element.

[0602] A downstream hollow tubular element may abut against a downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the downstream hollow tubular element may abut against a downstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the downstream hollow tubular element may form a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0603] The upstream hollow tubular element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The downstream end of the upstream hollow tubular element may abut the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section. The upstream end of the upstream hollow tubular element may form the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0604] The upstream section, the downstream section, or both the upstream section and the downstream section may comprise a hollow tubular element. Unless otherwise specified, a general reference to a "hollow tubular element" may refer to both the hollow tubular element of the upstream section and the hollow tubular element of the downstream section.

[0605] The hollow tubular element may be a separate, independent component of the aerosol-generating article, having a specific length and thickness. The hollow tubular element may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element.

[0606] A hollow tubular element may comprise an end wall that forms either a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a portion of the end wall that forms either a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an upstream portion of the end wall that forms the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a downstream portion of the end wall that forms the downstream end of the hollow tubular element.

[0607] A hollow tubular element may comprise an opening at the end of the hollow tubular element. The opening provides fluid communication into the cavity of the hollow tubular element from the outside of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an opening in the end wall or a portion of the end wall of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an upstream opening at the upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a downstream opening at the downstream end wall of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be formed through the wall of the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise an upstream opening at the upstream end wall of the hollow tubular element.In other words, an opening may be formed through the upstream end wall of a hollow tubular element. An opening at the end of a hollow tubular element may designate an entrance or access to a cavity formed between the upstream and downstream ends of the hollow tubular element.

[0608] The end of the hollow tubular element may be flanged. The hollow tubular element may comprise a flanged end portion that forms either a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a flanged end portion that forms an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a flanged end portion that forms a downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The flanged end portion may form or define an end wall or a portion of an end wall of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or a portion of an end wall may separate an opening between the cavity and the outer side of the hollow tubular element. In other words, the opening may be formed through the end wall or a portion of the end wall.

[0609] The flanged end of the hollow tubular element may be formed by a folded end of the hollow tubular element. The end of the hollow tubular element may be folded. The hollow tubular element may comprise a folded end portion that forms either a downstream end or an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a folded end portion that forms an upstream end of the hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a folded end portion that forms a downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The folded end portion may form or define an end wall or a portion of an end wall of the hollow tubular element. Such an end wall or a portion of an end wall may separate an opening between the cavity and the outer side of the hollow tubular element.In other words, a hole can be formed through the end wall or a portion of the end wall.

[0610] The end wall or end wall portion of the hollow tubular member can effectively form a closed end of the hollow tubular member. For example, a flanged end or a folded end of the hollow tubular member can form the closed end of the hollow tubular member. The flange formed at the flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular member preferably extends inward in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular member.

[0611] A hollow tubular element may contain an upstream orifice, a downstream orifice, or both. Each orifice provides access to an air passage or cavity formed within the hollow tubular element. Each end of the hollow tubular element may contain only one orifice. In other words, the downstream end of the hollow tubular element may contain only one orifice, and the upstream end of the hollow tubular element may contain only one orifice.

[0612] The outer diameter of the tubular element is preferably constant over a given length. In other words, the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element at its flanged end may correspond to the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. A flanged or folded end of the hollow tubular element preferably does not change the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element when measured at its ends.

[0613] The tubular element may comprise a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body. The hollow tubular element may comprise a portion of the first end that forms an end wall at the first end of the tubular body, wherein the first end wall defines an opening for air flow between the cavity and the outer portion of the second tubular element. The hollow tubular element may comprise a second end portion that forms an end wall at the second end of the tubular body, wherein the second end wall defines another opening for air flow between the cavity and the outer portion of the second tubular element.

[0614] The first end wall may partially extend into the cavity of the tubular body and form an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees with the inner surface of the tubular body, an angle of less than or equal to 80 degrees with the inner surface of the tubular body, or an angle of less than or equal to 70 degrees with the inner surface of the tubular body. This can be achieved by applying a bending force to the hollow tubular element during the manufacture of the tubular element, causing at least a portion of the first end portion of the hollow tubular element to be pressed into the cavity of the tubular body. Such designs may advantageously increase the likelihood that the first end wall will remain stationary relative to the tubular body after the manufacture of the hollow tubular element.In particular, such designs may help to overcome any natural elasticity of the material forming the hollow tubular member, causing the folded end portion of the hollow tubular member to be less likely to return to its unfolded state after fabrication.

[0615] The opening defined by the end wall may be a single opening in the first end wall. The opening may be located generally at the radial center of the hollow tubular element. The end wall may have a generally annular shape.

[0616] The end wall may extend from a bending point on the tubular member and toward the radial center of the tubular member. The bending point may typically correspond to the first end of the tubular body of the hollow tubular member.

[0617] The cavity may have a constant cross-section along its entire length, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member. That is, the cross-section of the cavity at the first longitudinal position of the tubular body is preferably the same as the cross-section of the cavity at the second and subsequent longitudinal positions of the tubular body. Therefore, the cavity area may be constant along the entire length of the tubular body. However, if the cavity cannot have a constant cross-section along its entire length (for example, because the inner surface of the hollow tubular body tapers along the length of the hollow tubular body), then the cavity area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular member, is taken as the smallest similar cavity area along the entire length of the tubular body.

[0618] Preferably, the hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the hollow tubular element provides a negligible resistance to draw (RTD). Therefore, the flow path should be free of any components that could restrict longitudinal airflow. The flow path is essentially empty. In this case, the tubular body of the hollow tubular element forms an empty cavity.

[0619] The tubular element according to the present invention provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming a hollow tubular element from a tubular body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be empty and ensure unimpeded airflow. If the hollow tubular element is provided downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can contribute to improved cooling and nucleation of the aerosol. Moreover, such a configuration can also help minimize the filtration of any compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate, especially compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0620] By providing a hollow tubular element with a folded or flanged end portion forming an end wall at the end of the tubular body, the tubular element can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end wall. Specifically, the tubular element and its end wall can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, with satisfactory RTD and low RTD variability from one product to another. Furthermore, the configuration of the hollow tubular element and its end wall means that the RTD can be localized at a specific longitudinal position of the tubular element, rather than continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0621] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a baffle that can restrict the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow one or both of the air and the aerosol to pass through the opening into the cavity. The design of the hollow tubular element can also be better adapted to withstand the temperatures generated by the heating plate or the susceptor element.

[0622] By providing an end wall opening with a size as defined in this disclosure, either relative to an absolute value or with reference to one or more of the following: the area of ​​the tubular body cavity; the diameter of the tubular body cavity; and the outer or external diameter of the tubular body, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to a desired value. Moreover, if the hollow tubular element is located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, selecting such an opening size can facilitate the formation of an aerosol having desired properties, such as a desired high level of aerosol constituents containing one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0623] The aerosol generating section and the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section and in contact with the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section.

[0624] The aerosol-generating section and the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, as long as a small gap of free space separates the former from the tubular member in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 mm or less. The gap may be 1 mm or less.

[0625] As discussed above, the upstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0626] As discussed above, the downstream element may comprise or be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0627] An aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one of which is a downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of an aerosol-generating section, and the other is an upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. Each of the downstream and upstream tubular elements may have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the hollow tubular element of the present disclosure.

[0628] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element that is located downstream of the aerosol-generating section, wherein the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The end wall of the upstream hollow tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.As a result, the aerosol generating section containing the aerosol generating substrate may be sandwiched between upstream and downstream hollow tubular elements, each tubular element having a corresponding end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0629] The aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section may comprise a plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material. The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material may be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material may be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material may be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material may be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol generating material may be less than or equal to 5.The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 2.5. Such an opening of the hollow tubular element may refer to an opening located upstream of the flow, an opening located downstream of the flow, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0630] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 3.Such an opening of a hollow tubular member may refer to an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both openings of the hollow tubular member.

[0631] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 0.1 to 20, from 0.1 to 15, from 0.1 to 10, from 0.1 to 7.5, from 0.1 to 5, or from 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 0.2 to 20, from 0.2 to 15, from 0.2 to 10, from 0.2 to 7.5, from 0.2 to 5, or from 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 0.5 to 20, from 0.5 to 15, from 0.5 to 10, from 0.5 to 7.5, from 0.5 to 5, or from 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 1 to 20, from 1 to 15, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 7.5, from 1 to 5, or from 1 to 2.5.The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 2 to 20, from 2 to 15, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 7.5, from 2 to 5, or from 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the hollow tubular element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 3 to 20, from 3 to 15, from 3 to 10, from 3 to 7.5, or from 3 to 5. Such an opening of the hollow tubular element may refer to an opening located upstream, an opening located downstream, or both openings of the hollow tubular element.

[0632] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 5.The ratio of the width of the upstream element's opening to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 2.5. Such an opening of the upstream element may be related to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0633] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 2.The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 3. Such an opening of the upstream element may be related to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0634] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material may be from 0.1 to 20, from 0.1 to 15, from 0.1 to 10, from 0.1 to 7.5, from 0.1 to 5, or from 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material may be from 0.2 to 20, from 0.2 to 15, from 0.2 to 10, from 0.2 to 7.5, from 0.2 to 5, or from 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 0.5 to 20, from 0.5 to 15, from 0.5 to 10, from 0.5 to 7.5, from 0.5 to 5, or from 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 1 to 20, from 1 to 15, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 7.5, from 1 to 5, or from 1 to 2.5.The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 2 to 20, from 2 to 15, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 7.5, from 2 to 5, or from 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 3 to 20, from 3 to 15, from 3 to 10, from 3 to 7.5, or from 3 to 5. Such an opening of the upstream element may refer to the upstream opening, the downstream opening, or both openings of the upstream element. The upstream element may comprise a hollow tubular element as described herein.

[0635] The above ratios have been found to reduce the risk of any displaced aerosol-generating material migrating upstream of the aerosol-generating section toward the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article. These ratios can ensure that the opening is small enough, relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material, to prevent such migration. Although the opening may be large enough for the filaments to pass through, internal friction between the filaments within the aerosol-generating section and interference with other filaments can also play a role in preventing such migration.However, such a ratio can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to impede and reduce the aerosol-generating material's migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD) for the entire product. Furthermore, the filaments typically have an average length that is significantly greater than their average width. Any filaments that may protrude through the opening must still travel, with relative difficulty, a distance equivalent to their average length to successfully migrate downstream.

[0636] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 20. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 15. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 10. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 7.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be less than or equal to 2.5.Such an opening of the support element may refer to an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0637] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 0.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 1. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 2. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be at least 3.Such an opening of the support element may refer to an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element, as described herein.

[0638] The ratio of the width (or diameter) of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material may be from 0.1 to 20, from 0.1 to 15, from 0.1 to 10, from 0.1 to 7.5, from 0.1 to 5 or from 0.1 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol generating material may be from 0.2 to 20, from 0.2 to 15, from 0.2 to 10, from 0.2 to 7.5, from 0.2 to 5 or from 0.2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 0.5 to 20, from 0.5 to 15, from 0.5 to 10, from 0.5 to 7.5, from 0.5 to 5, or from 0.5 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material may be from 1 to 20, from 1 to 15, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 7.5, from 1 to 5, or from 1 to 2.5.The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 2 to 20, from 2 to 15, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 7.5, from 2 to 5, or from 2 to 2.5. The ratio of the width of the opening of the support element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material may be from 3 to 20, from 3 to 15, from 3 to 10, from 3 to 7.5, or from 3 to 5. Such an opening of the support element may relate to an upstream opening, a downstream opening, or both openings of the support element. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element as described herein.

[0639] The above ratios have been found to reduce the risk of any displaced aerosol-generating material migrating upstream from the aerosol-generating section toward the downstream or mouthpiece end of the aerosol-generating article. These ratios can ensure that the opening is small enough relative to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to prevent such migration. Although the opening may be large enough for the filaments to pass through, internal friction between the filaments within the aerosol-generating section and obstruction of other filaments can also play a role in preventing such migration.However, such a ratio can ensure that the orifice is small enough compared to the average size of the aerosol-generating material to impede and reduce the aerosol-generating material's migration while maintaining an acceptable resistance to draw (RTD) for the entire product. Furthermore, the filaments typically have an average length that is significantly greater than their average width. Any filaments that may protrude through the orifice will still have to travel, with relative difficulty, a distance equivalent to their average length to successfully migrate downstream.

[0640] The opening of a hollow tubular member, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular member, may have an area ranging from 0.6 percent to 60 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity. The opening of a hollow tubular member may have an area ranging from 1.5 percent to 21 percent of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity.

[0641] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular element, that is at least 0.6 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element, that is at least 1.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element, that is at least 2.5 percent of the area of ​​the cavity. The opening may have an area, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular element, that is at least 4 percent of the area of ​​the cavity.

[0642] The opening may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member that is less than or equal to 60 percent of the cavity area. The opening may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member that is less than or equal to 21 percent of the cavity area. The opening may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member that is less than or equal to 10 percent of the cavity area. The opening may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member that is less than or equal to 9.5 percent of the cavity area. The opening may have an area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular member that is less than or equal to 7 percent of the cavity area.

[0643] A hollow tubular element may have an internal diameter that defines a cavity. Therefore, the internal diameter of a hollow tubular element may be referred to as the cavity diameter. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter ranging from 8 percent to 77 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter ranging from 12 percent to 46 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter ranging from 15 percent to 30 percent of the cavity diameter.

[0644] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 8 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 12 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter that is at least 15 percent of the cavity diameter.

[0645] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular member may have a diameter less than or equal to 77 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter less than or equal to 50 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter less than or equal to 46 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter less than or equal to 30 percent of the cavity diameter. The opening may have a diameter less than or equal to 25 percent of the cavity diameter.

[0646] The hollow tubular member may have an outside diameter. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular member may have a diameter of 7 percent to 70 percent of the outside diameter of the hollow tubular member. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular member may have a diameter of 11 percent to 45 percent of the outside diameter of the hollow tubular member. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular member may have a diameter of 13 percent to 27 percent of the outside diameter of the hollow tubular member. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular member may have a diameter of 27 percent to 42 percent of the outside diameter of the hollow tubular member.

[0647] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 7 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 10 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 11 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter that is at least 13 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0648] The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter less than or equal to 70 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter less than or equal to 45 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter less than or equal to 42 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter less than or equal to 30 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element. The opening at the end of the hollow tubular element may have a diameter less than or equal to 27 percent of the outer diameter of the hollow tubular element.

[0649] The hole diameter can range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The hole diameter can range from 0.8 mm to 3 mm. The hole diameter can range from 1 mm to 2 mm. The hole diameter can range from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The hole diameter can range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0650] The hole may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm. The hole may have a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. The hole may have a diameter of at least 1 mm. The hole may have a diameter of at least 1.5 mm. The hole may have a diameter of at least 2 mm.

[0651] The hole may have a diameter less than or equal to 5 mm. The hole may have a diameter less than or equal to 4 mm. The hole may have a diameter less than or equal to 3 mm. The hole may have a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0652] The cavity may have a constant cross-section along its entire length, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular member. That is, the cross-section of the cavity at the first longitudinal position of the hollow tubular member is preferably the same as the cross-section of the cavity at the second and subsequent longitudinal positions of the hollow tubular member. Therefore, the cavity area may be constant along the entire length of the tubular body. However, if the cavity cannot have a constant cross-section along its entire length (for example, because the inner surface of the hollow tubular member tapers along the length of the hollow tubular member), then the cavity area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hollow tubular member is taken as the smallest similar cavity area along the entire length of the tubular member.

[0653] A hollow tubular element provides an unrestricted flow path. This means that the tubular body portion of the element provides a negligible resistance to draw (RTD). Therefore, the flow path must be free of any components that could restrict longitudinal airflow. The flow path is essentially empty. In this case, the tubular body of the element forms an empty cavity.

[0654] The hollow tubular element of the present disclosure provides an improved component for an aerosol-generating article. By forming the hollow tubular element from a tubular body that defines a cavity extending from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a relatively large portion of the hollow tubular element can be empty and provide unimpeded airflow. If the hollow tubular element is located downstream of the aerosol-generating substrate, this can contribute to improved cooling and nucleation of the aerosol. Moreover, such a configuration can also help minimize the filtration of any compounds released from the aerosol-generating substrate, especially compared to prior art hollow acetate tubes.

[0655] By providing a hollow tubular element with a folded or flanged end portion forming an end wall, the tubular element can be configured to have a desired RTD by configuring the size and shape of the end wall. Specifically, the tubular element and its end wall can be manufactured efficiently and at high speed, with satisfactory RTD and low RTD variability from one product to another. Furthermore, the configuration of the hollow tubular element and its end wall means that the RTD can be localized at a specific longitudinal position of the tubular element, rather than continuously distributed along the length of the hollow tubular element.

[0656] When the end wall of the hollow tubular element is adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate, the end wall can provide a baffle that can restrict the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate. This arrangement can also advantageously allow one or both of the air and the aerosol to pass through the opening into the cavity. The design of the hollow tubular element can also be better adapted to withstand the temperatures generated by the heating plate or the susceptor element.

[0657] By providing an end wall opening with a size defined above either relative to an absolute value or with reference to one or more of the following: the area of ​​the tubular body cavity; the diameter of the tubular body cavity; and the outer or outside diameter of the tubular body, the RTD of the hollow tubular element can be precisely adjusted to the desired value, while reducing the risk of migration of the aerosol-generating substrate material. Moreover, if the hollow tubular element is located downstream of the aerosol-generating section, the selection of such an opening size can promote the formation of an aerosol having the desired properties, such as the desired high level of aerosol constituents containing one or both of nicotine and glycerin.

[0658] The aerosol generating section and the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section and in contact with the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section.

[0659] The aerosol-generating section and the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to each other but not in contact with each other, as long as a small gap of free space separates the former from the tubular member in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the end wall of the hollow tubular member may be adjacent to the aerosol-generating substrate but not in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The gap may be 2 mm or less. The gap may be 1 mm or less.

[0660] As discussed above, the upstream element may be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as an upstream hollow tubular element.

[0661] As discussed above, the support element may be a hollow tubular element. Thus, the hollow tubular element may be located downstream of the aerosol-generating section. In such embodiments, the hollow tubular element may be referred to as a downstream hollow tubular element.

[0662] The aerosol-generating article may comprise two hollow tubular elements, one of which is a downstream hollow tubular element located downstream of the aerosol-generating section, and the other is an upstream hollow tubular element located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. Each of the first and second hollow tubular elements may have any feature or combination of features described above or below with respect to the tubular element according to the present invention.

[0663] For example, the hollow tubular element may be a downstream hollow tubular element that is located downstream of the aerosol-generating section, wherein the end wall of the downstream hollow tubular element is adjacent to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise an upstream hollow tubular element. The upstream hollow tubular element may be located upstream of the aerosol-generating section. The end wall of the upstream tubular element may be adjacent to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate.As a result, the aerosol generating section containing the aerosol generating substrate may be sandwiched between upstream and downstream hollow tubular elements, each tubular element having a corresponding end wall adjacent to or abutting the upstream or downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0664] Preferably, at least the first portion of the hollow tubular element, forming the first end wall, is substantially airtight. In other words, the end wall may be substantially non-porous. The end wall may not contain any perforations. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of less than or equal to 2000 Coresta units. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of less than or equal to 1000 Coresta units. The material forming the end wall may have a porosity of less than or equal to 500 Coresta units.

[0665] The tubular body of the hollow tubular element is substantially airtight. The tubular body may be substantially non-porous. The tubular body may not contain perforations. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of less than or equal to 2000 Coresta units. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of less than or equal to 1000 Coresta units. The material forming the tubular body may have a porosity of less than or equal to 500 Coresta units.

[0666] If the aerosol-generating section contains an internal heating element within the aerosol-generating substrate, the opening in the first wall may be generally aligned with the radial position of the internal heating element. This may advantageously help maintain a distance between the end wall of the hollow tubular element and the internal heating element of the aerosol-generating section. Maintaining this distance may help reduce any unwanted heating of the first end wall of the hollow tubular element by the internal heating element.

[0667] The hollow tubular member may have an outer or outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer or outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. If the aerosol-generating section is formed in the form of a rod, the hollow tubular member may have an outer or outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer or outer diameter of the aerosol-generating section.

[0668] The hollow tubular element may have an outside diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm, such as 7 mm to 9 mm, or 7.5 mm to 8.5 mm. The hollow tubular element may have an outside diameter of 7.8 mm.

[0669] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 5.5 mm. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 6 mm. The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have an equivalent inner diameter of at least 7 mm. The term "equivalent inner diameter" is used herein to refer to the diameter of a circle that has the same cross-sectional surface area of ​​the air flow passage formed inside the hollow tubular element. The cross-section of the air flow passage may have any suitable shape. However, as briefly described above, a circular cross-section is preferred, i.e., the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is actually a cylindrical tube.In this case, the equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is actually the same as the internal diameter of the cylindrical tube.

[0670] The equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body may be less than or equal to 10 mm. The equivalent internal diameter of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body is less than or equal to 9.5 mm, or less than or equal to 9 mm.

[0671] The hollow tubular member may have a wall thickness of at least 0.1 mm or at least 0.2 mm.

[0672] The hollow tubular element or its tubular body may have a wall thickness less than or equal to 1.5 mm or less than or equal to 1.25 mm. The wall thickness of the hollow tubular element or its tubular body may be less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0673] Thus, the hollow tubular member or its tubular body may have a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, or 0.2 mm to 1.25 mm, or 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0674] Providing a tubular member or its tubular body with such a wall thickness can contribute to improving the resistance of the tubular body to crushing or deformation, while allowing the end wall to be formed by a folded or flanged end portion of the hollow tubular member.

[0675] The size of the hollow tubular member may be equivalent to the upstream member or support member described in this disclosure.

[0676] The RTD of the hollow tubular element can be from 0 mmH2O (approx. 0 Pa) to 20 mmH2O (approx. 100 Pa) or from 0 mmH2O (approx. 0 Pa) to 10 mmH2O (approx. 100 Pa).

[0677] The hollow tubular member may be formed from a paper material such as paper, thin cardboard, or cardboard. The hollow tubular member may be formed from multiple overlapping paper layers, such as multiple parallel-wound paper layers or multiple spiral-wound paper layers. Forming the tubular member from multiple overlapping paper layers can help increase the tubular member's resistance to crushing or deformation, while also allowing the formation of an end wall by a folded or flanged end portion of the tubular member.

[0678] The hollow tubular element may contain at least two layers of paper. The hollow tubular element may contain fewer than eleven layers of paper.

[0679] If the hollow tubular member is formed from a paper material, the paper material may have a basis weight of at least 90 grams per square meter. The paper material may have a basis weight of less than or equal to 300 grams per square meter. The paper material may have a basis weight of 100 to 200 grams per square meter. Providing a tubular member with such a basis wall weight can contribute to improving the resistance of the tubular body to crushing or deformation, while allowing the end wall to be formed by a folded or flanged end portion of the hollow tubular member.

[0680] The aerosol generating device may be a portable aerosol generating device.

[0681] The aerosol generating device may be an electrically controlled aerosol generating device.

[0682] An aerosol generating device may include a power supply and control electronics.

[0683] The aerosol generating device may contain a battery and control electronics.

[0684] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing defining a cavity of the device.

[0685] The cavity of the device may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0686] The cavity of the device may be configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating section of an aerosol-generating article.

[0687] The cavity of the device may be substantially cylindrical.

[0688] The cavity of the device may have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0689] The aerosol generating device may contain an external heating element.

[0690] The external heating element can be located around the perimeter of the cavity of the device.

[0691] The external heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0692] The external heating element may be a current-collecting (susceptor) element.

[0693] The aerosol generating device may include an internal heating element for inserting into an aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating section, an aerosol generating article.

[0694] The internal heating element may have a pointed end to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element into the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0695] The internal heating element may be located inside the cavity of the device.

[0696] The internal heating element may be located substantially longitudinally within the cavity of the device. That is, the longitudinal axis of the internal heating element may be approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the device.

[0697] The internal heating element may be located centrally within the cavity of the device. The internal heating element may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cavity of the device.

[0698] The aerosol generating device may contain an induction element.

[0699] The induction element may comprise one or more induction coils.

[0700] The induction element can be located around the perimeter of the cavity of the device.

[0701] An aerosol generating system may comprise: a consumable aerosol generating article; and a reusable aerosol generating device.

[0702] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0703] Example 1. An aerosol-generating article comprising: an aerosol-generating section, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises: an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of filaments of an aerosol-generating material; and an elongated internal heating element located within the aerosol-generating substrate, which is in thermal contact with the plurality of filaments of an aerosol-generating material.

[0704] Example 2. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to example 2, wherein the internal heating element extends between an upstream end of the aerosol-generating section and a downstream end of the aerosol-generating section.

[0705] Example 3. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to Example 1 or 2, and an aerosol generating device.

[0706] Example 4. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: an aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol generating material; and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an elongated internal heating element for insertion into the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article.

[0707] Example 5. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element.

[0708] Example 6. The aerosol generating system according to example 4, wherein the heating element is a resistive heating element.

[0709] Example 7. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0710] Example 8. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 150 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0711] Example 9. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 200 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0712] Example 10. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 250 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0713] Example 11. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of at least 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0714] Example 12. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0715] Example 13. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 650 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0716] Example 14. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 600 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0717] Example 15. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 550 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0718] Example 16. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density less than or equal to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0719] Example 17. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 120 milligrams.

[0720] Example 18. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 130 milligrams.

[0721] Example 19. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 140 milligrams.

[0722] Example 20. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 150 milligrams.

[0723] Example 21. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of at least 160 milligrams.

[0724] Example 22. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 340 milligrams.

[0725] Example 23. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 310 milligrams.

[0726] Example 24. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 280 milligrams.

[0727] Example 25. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 250 milligrams.

[0728] Example 26. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass less than or equal to 220 milligrams.

[0729] Example 27. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 0.5 mm.

[0730] Example 28. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 1 mm.

[0731] Example 29. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 2 mm.

[0732] Example 30. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length of at least 5 mm.

[0733] Example 31. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 80 mm.

[0734] Example 32. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0735] Example 33. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0736] Example 34. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 25 mm.

[0737] Example 35. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0738] Example 36. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average length less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0739] Example 37. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.1 mm.

[0740] Example 38. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.3 mm.

[0741] Example 39. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.4 mm.

[0742] Example 40. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.5 mm.

[0743] Example 41. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average width of at least 0.6 mm.

[0744] Example 42. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average width less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0745] Example 43. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average width less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0746] Example 44. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average width less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0747] Example 45. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average width less than or equal to 1.2 mm.

[0748] Example 46. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average width less than or equal to 0.9 mm.

[0749] Example 47. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.1 mm.

[0750] Example 48. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.15 mm.

[0751] Example 49. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.18 mm.

[0752] Example 50. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness of at least 0.2 mm.

[0753] Example 51. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0754] Example 52. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0755] Example 53. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness less than or equal to 0.6 mm.

[0756] Example 54. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material have an average thickness less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

[0757] Example 55. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 4 mm.

[0758] Example 56. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 6 mm.

[0759] Example 57. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 8 mm.

[0760] Example 58. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length of at least 10 mm.

[0761] Example 59. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length less than or equal to 45 mm.

[0762] Example 60. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length less than or equal to 35 mm.

[0763] Example 61. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length less than or equal to 25 mm.

[0764] Example 62. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a length less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0765] Example 63. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 0.5 mm.

[0766] Example 64. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1 mm.

[0767] Example 65. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 1.5 mm.

[0768] Example 66. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2 mm.

[0769] Example 67. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width of at least 2.5 mm.

[0770] Example 68. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 8 mm.

[0771] Example 69. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 7 mm.

[0772] Example 70. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0773] Example 71. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0774] Example 72. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 4.5 mm.

[0775] Example 73. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 4 mm.

[0776] Example 74. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 3.5 mm.

[0777] Example 75. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element has a width less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0778] Example 76. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.05.

[0779] Example 77. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.06.

[0780] Example 78. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.08.

[0781] Example 79. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.09.

[0782] Example 80. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.10.

[0783] Example 81. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.11.

[0784] Example 82. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.12.

[0785] Example 83. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is at least 0.13.

[0786] Example 84. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 4.

[0787] Example 85. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 3.

[0788] Example 86. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 2.

[0789] Example 87. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.8.

[0790] Example 88. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.6.

[0791] Example 89. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.5.

[0792] Example 90. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.4.

[0793] Example 91. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average width of the plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material to the width of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.3.

[0794] Example 92. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.04.

[0795] Example 93. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.07.

[0796] Example 94. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.10.

[0797] Example 95. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.12.

[0798] Example 96. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.15.

[0799] Example 97. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.20.

[0800] Example 98. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is at least 0.25.

[0801] Example 99. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 7.

[0802] Example 100. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 4.

[0803] Example 101. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 1.

[0804] Example 102. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0805] Example 103. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.7.

[0806] Example 104. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.6.

[0807] Example 105. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material to the length of the internal heating element is less than or equal to 0.5.

[0808] Example 106. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.1.

[0809] Example 107. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.2.

[0810] Example 108. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.3.

[0811] Example 109. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is at least 0.4.

[0812] Example 110. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.9.

[0813] Example 111. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.8.

[0814] Example 112. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.7.

[0815] Example 113. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol-generating section is less than or equal to 0.6.

[0816] Example 114. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.10.

[0817] Example 115. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.15.

[0818] Example 116. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is at least 0.20.

[0819] Example 117. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.40.

[0820] Example 118. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.35.

[0821] Example 119. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the ratio of the length of the internal heating element to the total length of the aerosol-generating article is less than or equal to 0.30.

[0822] Example 120. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 1 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0823] Example 121. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 5 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0824] Example 122. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 10 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0825] Example 123. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 15 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0826] Example 124. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0827] Example 125. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 25 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0828] Example 126. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 20 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

[0829] Example 127. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 0.5 percent by weight nicotine.

[0830] Example 128. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 1.0 percent by weight nicotine.

[0831] Example 129. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 1.5 percent by weight nicotine.

[0832] Example 130. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains at least 2.0 percent by weight nicotine.

[0833] Example 131. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains nicotine in an amount that is less than or equal to 10 percent by weight.

[0834] Example 132. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains nicotine in an amount that is less than or equal to 8 percent by weight.

[0835] Example 133. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains nicotine in an amount that is less than or equal to 6 percent by weight.

[0836] Example 134. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains nicotine in an amount that is less than or equal to 4 percent by weight.

[0837] Example 135. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a tobacco material.

[0838] Example 136. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating material is cut tobacco filler.

[0839] Example 137. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1-135, wherein the aerosol-generating material is homogenized tobacco material.

[0840] Example 137. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 1-134, wherein the aerosol-generating material is a gel-like material.

[0841] Example 138. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating section comprises: a heat transfer enhancing element located within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with a plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material.

[0842] Example 139. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 138, in which the heat transfer enhancing element is in direct contact with a plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material.

[0843] Example 140. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the heat transfer enhancing element comprises a plurality of individual heat-conducting elements.

[0844] Example 141. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 140, wherein a plurality of individual heat-conducting elements are substantially uniformly distributed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0845] Example 142. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to Example 140 or Example 141, wherein the heat transfer enhancing element comprises a plurality of heat-conducting particles.

[0846] Example 143. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to example 140 or example 141, wherein the heat transfer enhancing element comprises a plurality of heat-conducting threads.

[0847] Example 144. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples 138-143, wherein the heat transfer enhancing element comprises an aerosol-forming substance.

[0848] Example 145. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element is in direct contact with a plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material.

[0849] Example 146. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the internal heating element is in direct contact with a plurality of filaments of aerosol-generating material.

[0850] Example 147. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of internal heating elements disposed within the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0851] Example 148. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol-generating section.

[0852] Example 149. An aerosol generating article or aerosol generating system according to example 148, wherein the downstream section comprises a support member abutting against the downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

[0853] Example 150. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 149, wherein the support member comprises an opening at the end of the support member.

[0854] Example 151. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1.

[0855] Example 152. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5.

[0856] Example 153. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 1.

[0857] Example 154. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 150, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 3.

[0858] Example 155. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 150-154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 20.

[0859] Example 156. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 150-154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 10.

[0860] Example 157. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 150-154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 7.5.

[0861] Example 158. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 150-154, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the support member to the average width of the plurality of threads of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 5.

[0862] Example 159. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples 150-158, wherein the support member is a downstream hollow tubular member having an end wall defining either a downstream end or an upstream end of the downstream hollow tubular member.

[0863] Example 160. An aerosol generating article or aerosol generating system according to example 159, wherein the end wall is formed by a flanged end of a hollow tubular element located downstream of the flow path.

[0864] Example 161. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating system according to example 159 or example 160, wherein the opening of the support member is formed through the end wall.

[0865] Example 162. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 150-161, wherein the opening of the support element is located at the upstream end of the support element.

[0866] Example 163. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol-generating section.

[0867] Example 164. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 163, wherein the upstream section comprises an upstream element having a downstream end abutting the aerosol-generating section.

[0868] Example 165. An aerosol generating article or aerosol generating system according to example 163 or example 164, wherein the upstream element comprises a non-tubular element.

[0869] Example 166. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 163 or example 164, wherein the upstream element comprises an opening at the end of the upstream element.

[0870] Example 167. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.1.

[0871] Example 168. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 0.5.

[0872] Example 169. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 1.

[0873] Example 170. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to example 166, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is at least 3.

[0874] Example 171. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 166-170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 20.

[0875] Example 172. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 166-170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 10.

[0876] Example 173. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 166-170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 7.5.

[0877] Example 174. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 166-170, wherein the ratio of the width of the opening of the upstream element to the average width of the plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material is less than or equal to 5.

[0878] Example 175. An aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating system according to any of examples 166-174, wherein the upstream element is an upstream hollow tubular element having an end wall that forms either a downstream end or an upstream end of the upstream hollow tubular element.

[0879] Example 176. An aerosol generating article or aerosol generating system according to example 175, wherein the end wall is formed by a flanged end of a hollow tubular element located upstream of the flow direction.

[0880] Example 177. An aerosol generating article or aerosol generating system according to any of examples 166-176, wherein the opening of the upstream element is located at the downstream end of the support element.

[0881] Example 178. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is a portable aerosol generating device.

[0882] Example 179. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device is an electrically controlled aerosol generating device.

[0883] Example 180. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply and control electronics.

[0884] Example 181. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a battery and control electronics.

[0885] Example 182. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a housing defining a cavity of the device.

[0886] Example 183. An aerosol generating system according to example 182, in which the cavity of the device is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0887] Example 184. An aerosol generating system according to example 183, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate at least an aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article.

[0888] Example 185. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a plurality of internal heating elements for insertion into the aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating section of the aerosol generating article.

[0889] Example 186. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an induction element.

[0890] Example 187. An aerosol generating system according to example 186, wherein the induction element comprises one or more induction coils.

[0891] Example 188. An aerosol generating system according to example 186 or example 187, in which the induction element is located along the perimeter of the cavity of the device.

[0892] The invention will be described further by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0893] Fig. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

[0894] Fig. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

[0895] Fig. 3 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating article according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

[0896] Fig. 4 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, comprising the aerosol generating article shown in Fig. 3;

[0897] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the invention;

[0898] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the invention;

[0899] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the invention;

[0900] Fig. 8 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a first embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, comprising the aerosol generating article shown in Fig. 5; and

[0901] Fig. 9 is a schematic side sectional view of an aerosol generating system according to a second embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, comprising the aerosol generating article shown in Fig. 5.

[0902] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 10 is substantially cylindrical and has an overall length of 45 mm and an outer diameter of 7.2 mm.

[0903] The aerosol generating article 10 comprises an aerosol generating section 12 and a downstream section 14. The downstream section 14 is located downstream of the aerosol generating section 12. The upstream end of the aerosol generating section 12 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 10. The downstream end of the downstream section 14 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol generating article 10. The aerosol generating section 12 has a length of 14 mm. The downstream section has a length of 31 mm.

[0904] The aerosol generating section 12 comprises an aerosol generating substrate 16 and a current collecting (susceptor) element 18 located inside the aerosol generating substrate 16.

[0905] Aerosol-generating substrate 16 contains 180 milligrams of cut tobacco filler. The cut tobacco filler is surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The cut tobacco filler contains multiple strands of tobacco leaf blades. The cut tobacco filler contains 90 percent tobacco leaf blades by weight. The glycerin content of the cut tobacco filler is 18 percent by weight. The cut width of the cut tobacco filler is 1 mm. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 325 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0906] The current-collecting (suspender) element 18 is located in the longitudinal direction inside the aerosol-generating substrate 16. As shown in Fig. 1, the current-collecting (suspender) element 18 is located centrally inside the aerosol-generating substrate 16 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating section 12. The current-collecting (suspender) element has a length of 12 mm, a width of 5 mm, and a thickness of 60 μm. The ratio of the cutting width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the current-collecting (suspender) element 18 is 0.2.

[0907] The downstream section 14 comprises a hollow tubular element 20 and a mouthpiece element 22.

[0908] The support member 20 can be located immediately downstream of the aerosol generating section 12. The downstream end of the support member 20 abuts against the downstream end of the aerosol generating section 12. The support member has a length of 24 mm. As shown in Fig. 1, the support member 20 is a hollow tubular member. The hollow tubular member has an inner diameter of 6.7 mm. The hollow tubular member is a hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube is 0.25 mm. The hollow tubular member forms an internal cavity or lumen that extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular member to the downstream end of the hollow tubular member. The internal cavity is substantially empty.In use, the airflow through the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular element is essentially unrestricted. The hollow tubular element has essentially no effect on the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10. The RTD of the support element 20 is 0 mm H2O.

[0909] The aerosol-generating article 10 may comprise a ventilation zone 24 located along the downstream section 14. The distance between the ventilation zone and the downstream end of the downstream section 14 is 18 mm. The distance between the ventilation zone and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating section 12 is 27 mm. As shown in Fig. 1, the ventilation zone is located along the support member 20. The ventilation zone 24 comprises an annular row of perforations. The perforations extend through the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cardboard tube. In use, the perforations provide air flow from outside the aerosol-generating article 10 into the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular element.

[0910] The mouthpiece element 22 is located downstream immediately after the support element 20. The upstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 abuts against the downstream end of the support element 20. The downstream end of the mouthpiece element 22 corresponds to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. The mouthpiece element 22 has a length of 7 mm. The mouthpiece element 22 is a cylindrical segment of low-density cellulose acetate tow surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the mouthpiece element 22 is 8 mm H2O.

[0911] The aerosol generating article 10 comprises an upstream wrapper (not shown) surrounding the aerosol generating section 12 and an adjacent upstream portion of the support member 20 of the downstream section 14. The upstream wrapper has a length of 24 mm.

[0912] The aerosol generating article 10 also comprises a downstream wrapper (not shown) surrounding the mouthpiece 22 and the adjacent downstream portion of the support member 20 of the downstream section 14. The downstream wrapper has a length of 26 mm. The downstream wrapper lies on top of the downstream portion of the upstream wrapper.

[0913] The perforations of the ventilation zone 24 pass through the upstream wrapper and the downstream wrapper.

[0914] Fig. 2 shows an aerosol-generating article 30 according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1, as described above. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 will be described below only with respect to its differences from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0915] The aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that it comprises an upstream section 32. The upstream section 32 is located upstream of the aerosol generating section 12. The upstream end of the upstream section 32 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 30. The upstream section has a length of 5 mm.

[0916] The upstream section 32 comprises an upstream element 34. The upstream element 34 is positioned immediately upstream of the aerosol generating section 12. The downstream end of the upstream element 34 abuts the upstream end of the aerosol generating section 12. The upstream end of the upstream element 34 corresponds to the upstream end of the aerosol generating article 30. The upstream element has a length of 5 mm. The upstream element 34 is a cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The RTD of the upstream element is 30 mm H2O.

[0917] The aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 also differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the aerosol generating section 12 has a length of 12 mm.

[0918] The aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 also differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the aerosol-generating substrate 16 contains 150 milligrams of cut tobacco filler. The glycerin content in the cut tobacco filler is 17 percent by weight. The cut width of the cut tobacco filler is 0.7 mm. The aerosol-generating substrate has a density of 316 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

[0919] The aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 also differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the current collecting (suspender) element has a length of 12 mm, a width of 4 mm and a thickness of 60 μm. The ratio of the cutting width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the current collecting (suspender) element 18 is 0.175. The current collecting (suspender) element 18 is located centrally inside the aerosol generating substrate 16 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating section 12 from the upstream end of the aerosol generating section 12 to the downstream end of the aerosol generating section 12.

[0920] The aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 also differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that the downstream section has a length of 28 mm and the support member 20 has a length of 21 mm.

[0921] Fig. 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 40 according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 is similar to the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2, as described above. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 will be described below only with respect to its differences from the aerosol-generating article 30 shown in Fig. 3.

[0922] The aerosol generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 differs from the aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 in that the upstream element 34 is a hollow tubular element. The hollow tubular element may have an inner diameter of 5.1 mm. The hollow tubular element is a hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube is 1 mm. The hollow tubular element forms an internal cavity that extends from the upstream end of the hollow tubular element to the downstream end of the hollow tubular element. The internal cavity is substantially empty. In use, the air flow through the internal cavity formed by the hollow tubular element is substantially unrestricted.The hollow tubular element has essentially no effect on the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10. The RTD of the upstream element is 1 mm H2O.

[0923] The aerosol generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 also differs from the aerosol generating article 30 shown in Fig. 2 in that the aerosol generating substrate 16 contains 210 milligrams of cut tobacco filler. The glycerin content in the cut tobacco filler is 18 percent by weight. The cut width of the cut tobacco filler is 0.6 mm. The aerosol generating substrate has a density of 442 milligrams per cubic centimeter. The ratio of the cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the current-receiving (susceptor) element 18 is 0.15.

[0924] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generating system 100 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating system 100 comprises an aerosol generating article 40 according to a third embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention shown in Figure 3 and an aerosol generating device 110.

[0925] The aerosol generating device 110 comprises a housing 112. The housing 112 comprises a cavity 114 of the device configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article 40 therein. The aerosol generating device comprises an induction element 116. The induction element 116 is located along the perimeter of the cavity 114 of the device.

[0926] As shown in Fig. 4, the aerosol generating system 100 is configured such that the ventilation zone 24 at the location along the support member 20 of the downstream section 14 of the aerosol generating article 40 is open when the aerosol generating article 40 is placed inside the cavity 116 of the aerosol generating device 110.

[0927] The aerosol generating device 110 further comprises a power supply in the form of a battery (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit controls the supply of power from the battery to the induction element 116.

[0928] When used, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the induction element 116 induces eddy currents in the current-receiving (suspender) element 18 in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article 40. This causes the current-receiving (suspender) element 18 in the aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article 40 to heat up.

[0929] The user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 22 of the aerosol-generating article 40. The aerosol-generating system 100 is configured such that when the user takes a puff on the mouthpiece 22, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 40 through the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 40. The drawn air passes further downstream through the internal cavity of the upstream element 34 of the upstream section 32 of the aerosol-generating article 40 to the aerosol-generating section 12 of the aerosol-generating article 40.

[0930] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating section 12 of the aerosol-generating article 40 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the susceptor element 18. Heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 16 releases volatile and semi-volatile compounds of the cut tobacco filler, which form an aerosol, which is entrained by air as it flows through the aerosol-generating substrate 16. The drawn-in air and the entrained aerosol pass through an intermediate cavity of the support element 20 of the downstream section 14 of the aerosol-generating article 40, where they are cooled and condensed. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece 22 of the downstream section 14 of the aerosol generating article 40 into the user's mouth.

[0931] Figure 5 shows an aerosol generating article 210 for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 is similar to the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1 and described above. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 will be described below only with respect to its differences from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0932] The aerosol generating article 210 shown in Fig. 5 differs from the aerosol generating article 10 shown in Fig. 1 in that it does not contain a current-receiving (susceptor) element 18 inside the aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating section 12.

[0933] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generating article 220 for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 220 shown in Figure 6 is similar to the aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 and described above. Accordingly, the aerosol generating article 220 shown in Figure 6 will be described only with respect to its differences from the aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5.

[0934] The aerosol generating article 220 shown in Fig. 6 differs from the aerosol generating article 210 shown in Fig. 5 in that the support member 20 is a hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube having an inner diameter of 5.1 mm. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube is 1 mm.

[0935] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generating article 240 for use in an aerosol generating system according to a third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 240 shown in Figure 7 is similar to the aerosol generating article 40 shown in Figure 3 and described above. The aerosol generating article 240 shown in Figure 7 will be described below to the extent that it differs from the aerosol generating article 40 shown in Figure 3.

[0936] The aerosol generating article 240 shown in Fig. 7 differs from the aerosol generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 in that it does not contain the current-receiving (susceptor) element 18 inside the aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating section 12.

[0937] The aerosol generating article 240 shown in Fig. 7 also differs from the aerosol generating article 40 shown in Fig. 3 in that the support member 20 is a hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube having an inner diameter of 5.1 mm. The thickness of the peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical cellulose acetate tube is 1 mm.

[0938] Figure 8 shows an aerosol generating system 400 according to a first embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating system 400 comprises an aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 and an aerosol generating device 410.

[0939] The aerosol generating article 410 shown in Fig. 8 is similar to the aerosol generating article 110 shown in Fig. 4 and described above. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 410 shown in Fig. 8 will be described only with respect to its differences from the aerosol generating device 110 shown in Fig. 4.

[0940] The aerosol generating device 410 shown in Fig. 8 differs from the aerosol generating device 110 shown in Fig. 4 in that it contains an internal heating element 418 located inside the cavity 114 of the device. The internal heating element 418 is a current-collecting (susceptor) element. The internal heating element 418 is substantially cylindrical. The internal heating element 418 has a length of 12 mm and a diameter of 2 mm. As shown in Fig. 8, the internal heating element 418 is located inside the cavity 114 of the aerosol generating device 410 and extends along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 114 of the device.

[0941] When used, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the induction element 116 located along the perimeter of the cavity 114 of the device induces eddy currents in the internal heating element 418 located inside the cavity 114 of the device. This causes the internal heating element 418 to heat up.

[0942] The internal heating element 418 of the aerosol generating device 410 may be provided with a pointed end (not shown) to facilitate insertion of the internal heating element 418 into the aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating section 12 of the aerosol generating article 210.

[0943] The ratio of the cutting width of the cut tobacco filler in the aerosol generating section 12 of the aerosol generating article 210 to the diameter of the internal heating element 418 of the aerosol generating device 410 is 0.5.

[0944] The user draws on the mouthpiece 22 of the aerosol-generating article 210. The aerosol-generating system 400 is configured such that when the user draws on the mouthpiece 22, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 210 through an upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 210. The drawn air passes downstream through the aerosol-generating section 12 of the aerosol-generating article 400.

[0945] The aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating section 12 of the aerosol-generating article 210 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 418 of the aerosol-generating device 410. Heating the aerosol-generating substrate 16 releases volatile and semi-volatile compounds of the cut tobacco filler, which form an aerosol that is entrained in the drawn air as it flows through the aerosol-generating substrate 16. The drawn air and the entrained aerosol pass through the internal cavity of the support member 20, located downstream of the section 14 of the aerosol-generating article 210, where they are cooled and condensed. The cooled aerosol then passes through the mouthpiece 22 of the downstream section 14 of the aerosol generating article 210 into the user's mouth.

[0946] Figure 9 shows an aerosol generating system 500 according to a second embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. The aerosol generating system 500 comprises an aerosol generating article 210 shown in Figure 5 and an aerosol generating device 510.

[0947] The aerosol generating article 510 shown in Fig. 9 is similar to the aerosol generating article 410 shown in Fig. 8 and described above. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 510 shown in Fig. 9 will be described only with respect to its differences from the aerosol generating device 410 shown in Fig. 8.

[0948] The aerosol generating device 510 shown in Fig. 9 differs from the aerosol generating device 410 shown in Fig. 9 in that the internal heating element 518 is a resistive heating element rather than a susceptor element.

[0949] The aerosol generating device 510 shown in Fig. 9 also differs from the aerosol generating device 410 shown in Fig. 9 in that it does not contain an induction element 116 located along the perimeter of the cavity 114 of the device.

[0950] When used, electric current in the internal heating element 518 located inside the cavity 114 of the device causes the internal heating element 518 to be heated. The aerosol generating substrate 16 of the aerosol generating section 12 of the aerosol generating article 210 is heated by conductive heat transfer from the internal heating element 518 of the aerosol generating device 510.

[0951] The above-described specific embodiments and examples illustrate, but do not limit, the present invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention can be realized, and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

[0952] In particular, in the specific embodiments and examples described above, the aerosol-generating substrate is a cut tobacco filler comprising a plurality of strands of tobacco leaf blade. However, it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of another aerosol-generating material. For example, other embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a plurality of strands of homogenized tobacco material or a plurality of strands of a nicotine-containing gel-like material.

[0953] For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Therefore, in this context, the number A is to be understood as A ± 10 percent A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the normal standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances, when used in the appended claims, may vary by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A varies does not materially affect the fundamental and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an elongated internal heating element located within the aerosol-generating substrate in thermal contact with a plurality of filaments of the aerosol-generating material, wherein the internal heating element is a susceptor element, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is cut tobacco filler and the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

2. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the cut tobacco filler has an average cut width of from 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

3. An aerosol generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal heating element has a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

4. An aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-3, in which the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.06 to 3.

5. An aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-4, in which the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.13 to 1.

5.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a mass of from 120 milligrams to 340 milligrams.

7. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element is from 0.1 to 1.

8. An aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-7, in which the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section is from 0.1 to 0.

8.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-8, wherein the aerosol-generating material contains from 15 percent by weight to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol-forming substance.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-9, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

11. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the upstream section comprises an upstream element having a downstream end abutting the aerosol generating section.

12. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1-11, comprising a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the downstream section comprises a support element having an upstream end abutting the aerosol generating section.

13. An aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the internal heating element extends between an upstream end of the aerosol generating section and a downstream end of the aerosol generating section.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article comprising: an aerosol generating section, wherein the aerosol generating section comprises: an aerosol-generating substrate comprising a plurality of strands of aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate has a density of from 100 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 700 milligrams per cubic centimeter; and an aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: an elongated internal heating element for insertion into an aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating section, an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is cut tobacco filler and the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.05 to 4.

15. An aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the cut tobacco filler has an average cut width of from 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

16. An aerosol generating system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the internal heating element has a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

17. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 14-16, wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.06 to 3.

18. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein the ratio of the average cut width of the cut tobacco filler to the width of the internal heating element is from 0.13 to 1.

5.

19. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 14-18, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a mass of from 120 milligrams to 340 milligrams.

20. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 14-19, wherein the ratio of the average length of the plurality of strands of aerosol generating material to the length of the internal heating element is from 0.1 to 1.

21. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 14-20, in which the ratio of the width of the internal heating element to the width of the aerosol generating section is from 0.1 to 0.

8.

22. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 14-21, wherein the aerosol generating material contains from 15 percent by weight to 30 percent by weight of an aerosol forming agent.

23. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 14-22, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a density of from 275 milligrams per cubic centimeter to 500 milligrams per cubic centimeter.

24. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 14-23, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: an upstream section located upstream of the aerosol generating section, wherein the upstream section comprises: an upstream element having a downstream end that abuts against the aerosol generating section.

25. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 14-24, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a downstream section located downstream of the aerosol generating section, and the downstream section comprises a support member having an upstream end abutting the aerosol generating section.

26. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article according to any one of paragraphs 1-13; and an aerosol generating device containing an induction element.

27. An aerosol generating system according to any one of paragraphs 14-26, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an external heating element.

28. The aerosol generating system of claim 27, wherein said external heating element is a resistive heating element.

29. The aerosol generating system of claim 27, wherein said external heating element is a susceptor element.

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