WO2025189985A1 - Aerosol-generating substrate segment and aerosol-generating article - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol-generating substrate segment and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating substrate segment comprises at least two substrate rods arranged in parallel, at least some of the substrate rods are non-uniform-diameter substrate rods, and the cross-section size of the cross-section of at least part of each non-uniform-diameter substrate rod in an axial direction perpendicular to the aerosol-generating substrate segment is different.

Description

Aerosol generating matrix segment and aerosol generating product

This disclosure is based on and claims the priority of Chinese patent application with application number 202410295018.2 and application date March 14, 2024. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of smoking products, and in particular to an aerosol-generating substrate segment and an aerosol-generating product.

Background Art

The aerosol-generating substrate segment can form an aerosol by ignition or by heat-without-burn (HNB). In a heat-without-burn aerosol-generating substrate segment, the aerosol-generating substrate segment is heated by an external heat source to a degree sufficient to emit an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate segment does not burn, but is loaded with a smoke agent. During use, the smoke agent is released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate segment to form an aerosol.

In the related art, the shapes of aerosol-generating matrix segments mainly include thin sheets, filaments, loose particles, and integrated porous columns. Due to their own structural reasons, it is difficult to ensure that the aerosol release amount remains consistent in the front, middle and back sections of the puff during the heating process. When smoking smoking products, the difference in smoke volume from puff to puff is large, and the smoking experience is poor.

Summary of the Invention

In view of the above, the present disclosure aims to provide an aerosol-generating substrate segment and an aerosol-generating article that can improve puff-by-puff uniformity.

To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating substrate segment, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment includes at least two substrate strips arranged in parallel, at least part of the substrate strips are non-uniform-diameter substrate strips, and at least part of the area of the non-uniform-diameter substrate strips has different cross-sectional dimensions in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the aerosol-generating substrate segment.

In one embodiment, at least two parallel substrate strips extend along a first direction, and the angle between the first direction and the central axis direction of the aerosol generating substrate segment is less than or equal to 10 degrees.

In one embodiment, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each of the non-uniform-diameter substrate strips in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from one end to the opposite end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment.

In one embodiment, the non-uniform matrix strip includes a first uniform segment and a second uniform segment sequentially arranged along the first direction, and in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first uniform segment and the second uniform segment are different.

In one embodiment, the first equal-diameter section and the second equal-diameter section are both cylindrical, and the difference in diameter between the first equal-diameter section and the second equal-diameter section is 0.2 mm-3 mm.

In one embodiment, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each of the non-uniform-diameter matrix strips on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from the middle to opposite ends.

In one embodiment, the non-uniform diameter matrix strip comprises a first uniform diameter segment, a second uniform diameter segment and a third uniform diameter segment sequentially arranged along the first direction;

In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimension of the second constant diameter section is larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first constant diameter section and the third constant diameter section; or,

In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, a cross-sectional dimension of the second equal-diameter section is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the first equal-diameter section and the third equal-diameter section.

In one embodiment, all of the matrix strips are distributed on a plurality of trajectory lines, wherein the matrix strips on a single trajectory line are linearly arranged along a second direction, and a plurality of trajectory lines are arranged along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are not parallel.

In one embodiment, the substrate strips on a single trajectory are arranged along a circumferential direction around the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment, and multiple trajectory lines are arranged in concentric circles along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment.

In one embodiment, the matrix strips on a single trajectory have the same density, and the matrix strips on at least some other trajectory lines have different densities.

In one embodiment, along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment, the density of the substrate strips on the outermost single trajectory line away from the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment is less than the density of the substrate strips on the inner single trajectory line; or

Along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment, the density of the substrate strips on the innermost single trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment is less than the density of the substrate strips on the outer single trajectory line.

In one embodiment, the matrix strips on a single trajectory are identical, and the density of the matrix strips on each trajectory gradually increases or decreases as one moves radially outward from the aerosol generating matrix segment.

In one embodiment, the matrix strips include a first isopycnic matrix strip and a second isopycnic matrix strip, wherein the density of the second isopycnic matrix strip is greater than the density of the first isopycnic matrix strip;

All of the second isopycnic matrix strips surround the circumference of all of the first isopycnic matrix strips; or,

All of the first isopycnic matrix strips surround the circumference of all of the second isopycnic matrix strips.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the total volume of the first isopycnic matrix strips to the total volume of the second isopycnic matrix strips in the same aerosol-generating matrix segment is in the range of 1:10 to 5:1.

In one embodiment, the density of the first isopycnic matrix strips ranges from 400 mg/cm 3 to 1300 mg/cm 3 , and the density of the second isopycnic matrix strips ranges from 900 mg/cm 3 to 2000 mg/cm 3 .

In one embodiment, the first constant diameter section and the second constant diameter section have different densities.

In one embodiment, the first constant diameter section, the second constant diameter section, and the third constant diameter section have different densities.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate segment further comprises a packaging layer, wherein the packaging layer is rolled to form a receiving space, and all the substrate strips are received in the receiving space.

In one embodiment, the fill rate of the substrate strip in the aerosol-generating substrate segment is in the range of 40% to 90%.

In one embodiment, the diameter of at least part of a single matrix strip varies periodically along the first direction.

In one embodiment, at least some of the matrix strips are arranged in a random combination.

In one embodiment, the matrix strip has a density in the range of 400 mg/cm3-2000 mg/cm3.

In one embodiment, the diameter of the matrix strips ranges from 0.4 mm to 7 mm.

In one embodiment, the cross-section of the matrix strip is in the shape of at least one of a polygon, an ellipse, a petal, a circle, a waist circle, a gear, and a special shape.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating article comprising:

The aerosol generating matrix segment described above;

a functional segment, the functional segment being disposed at at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment along the first direction, the functional segment comprising a cooling segment and a filtering segment, the cooling segment being located between the filtering segment and the aerosol generating substrate segment;

An outer wrapping layer wraps around the outer circumference of the functional segment and the aerosol generating substrate segment.

In one embodiment, the length dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate segment along the first direction is between 20% and 80% of the length dimension of the aerosol-generating article along the first direction.

In one embodiment, the length of the cooling section along the first direction is 25%-65% of the length of the aerosol-generating article along the first direction.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article further comprises a breathable membrane;

The breathable membrane is provided on the cooling section, and at least one end of the cooling section close to the aerosol generating substrate section is covered with the breathable membrane; or,

The breathable membrane covers one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment close to the functional segment.

In one embodiment, the air permeability of the breathable membrane is greater than or equal to 500 CU.

In one embodiment, the filter section has a suction channel.

In one embodiment, the functional section further includes a flavoring section, and the flavoring section is disposed between the cooling section and the filtering section.

In one embodiment, the fragrance-enhancing section comprises fiber cotton that has been subjected to fragrance-enhancing treatment; or

The fragrance-enhancing section includes fiber cotton and bursting beads arranged in the fiber cotton.

The present disclosure also provides an aerosol-generating article, comprising:

An aerosol-generating substrate segment as described in any of the above items;

a packaging layer, wherein the packaging layer is rolled up to form a receiving space, and all the matrix strips are received in the receiving space;

A breathable membrane is provided at at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment.

The aerosol generating matrix segment provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least two matrix strips arranged in parallel. At least part of the matrix strips are non-equal diameter matrix strips, and at least part of the regions of the non-equal diameter matrix strips have different cross-sectional dimensions on the cross section perpendicular to the first direction. By setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-equal diameter matrix strips, the region with a larger cross-sectional dimension can be set close to the high-temperature region, and the region with a smaller cross-sectional dimension can be set close to the low-temperature region for different heating components and heating methods. The region with a larger cross-sectional dimension has a relatively larger effective material load and a relatively larger heat capacity, and needs to provide a larger energy to generate aerosol. The region close to the high-temperature region can fully release the aerosol for a relatively long time. The region with a smaller cross-sectional dimension has a relatively smaller effective material load and a relatively smaller heat capacity, and needs to provide a relatively smaller energy to generate aerosol. The region close to the low-temperature region can slowly and fully release the aerosol, thereby improving the problem that the effective material is difficult to fully release during the heating process.

In addition, by setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-uniform diameter matrix strips, the filling rate, density and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment can be changed. That is, by controlling the cross-sectional size of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips, the filling rate, density and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment can be controlled and designed, so as to match different heating components and heating methods. For example, an aerosol generating matrix segment with a high porosity can be more suitable for heating by an infrared heating component, and infrared light can more easily penetrate the matrix strips to reach the interior of the aerosol generating matrix segment, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix segment, improving the uniformity of puff by puff, and thus improving the puffing experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a matrix strip of non-uniform diameter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of a first non-uniform diameter matrix strip along a first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG3 is a cross-sectional view of a second non-uniform diameter matrix strip along a first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a first aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along a first direction, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment has substrate strips of non-uniform diameters as shown in FIG3 ;

FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating substrate segment shown in FIG4 taken along a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

FIG6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a second aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along a first direction, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment has substrate strips of non-uniform diameters as shown in FIG2 and FIG3;

FIG7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating substrate segment shown in FIG6 taken along a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

FIG8 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a third aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along a first direction, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment has substrate strips of non-uniform diameters as shown in FIG2 and FIG3;

FIG9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating substrate segment shown in FIG8 taken along a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

FIG10 is a simplified cross-sectional view along a first direction of a fourth aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment has substrate strips of non-uniform diameters as shown in FIG2 and FIG3;

FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of a third non-uniform diameter matrix strip along a first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG12 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a fifth aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a first direction, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment has the non-uniform diameter substrate strips shown in FIG11 ;

FIG13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

FIG14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh aerosol-generating substrate segment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a direction perpendicular to the first direction;

FIG15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an eighth aerosol-generating substrate segment along a direction perpendicular to the first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a first aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of a second aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation methods should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an improper limitation on the present disclosure.

In the description of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationships of “first direction”, “second direction” and “third direction” are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in FIG2 , FIG4 and FIG5 . It should be understood that these orientation terms are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure.

The heating component of the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, causing the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 to release aerosol. The user inhales the aerosol one puff at a time, that is, the user inhales one puff of the aerosol, stops inhaling, and then inhales the next puff of the aerosol, and in this way, the user inhales intermittently. The front section of the inhalation refers to the period of initial use of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, and the first few puffs correspond to the front section of the inhalation, such as 1-5 puffs; the back section of the inhalation refers to the period when the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is close to complete aerosol release, and the last few puffs correspond to the back section of the inhalation, such as the last 1-5 puffs. The front section and back section of the inhalation refer to the early and late stages of the service life of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, respectively. The middle section of the inhalation refers to the inhalation period between the front section and the back section.

The presently disclosed embodiments provide an aerosol-generating substrate segment, as shown in Figures 1 to 15 . The aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 comprises at least two parallel substrate strips. The aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 comprises two opposing ends, with the substrate strips extending from one end to the other end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10. Specifically, each substrate strip extends along a first direction, and at least some of the substrate strips are non-uniformly sized substrate strips 11. At least some regions of the non-uniformly sized substrate strips 11 have different cross-sectional dimensions in a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction.

It should be noted that the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 of the disclosed embodiment can be used for inhalation in an ignited manner or in an inhalation in a heat-not-burn manner. In the disclosed embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 is used for inhalation in an heat-not-burn manner as an example.

The direction in which the matrix strips 100 extend can be defined as a first direction. Parallel arrangement means that the projections of the matrix strips 100 at least partially overlap, with a plane parallel to the first direction serving as the projection plane. In other words, the matrix strips 100 are not arranged end-to-end in sequence along the first direction, but are instead arranged approximately side by side. In other words, the matrix strips are approximately parallel and approximately parallel to the central axis of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10. If the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is cylindrical, the central axis is the central axis of the cylinder. If the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the central axis is its axis of symmetry.

It should be noted that due to the manufacturing and assembly process and precision, it is difficult to achieve absolute parallelism between the matrix strips 11. There will be a certain angle of inclination, or some matrix strips will bend to a certain extent. Therefore, in some embodiments, each matrix strip 11 extends along a first direction, and the angle between the first direction and the central axis of the aerosol generating matrix segment is not greater than 10 degrees.

The substrate strip is used to generate an aerosol when heated for the user to inhale.

The specific structure of the substrate strip is not limited herein. For example, in one embodiment, the substrate strip can be made of the atomizing medium itself, such as a smoke-flavoring flavoring medium. In other embodiments, the substrate strip can also include a substrate and an atomizing medium disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be, for example, one or more of high-temperature-resistant carbon fiber, softwood pulp fiber, hardwood pulp fiber, bamboo fiber, cotton fiber, or hemp fiber. The provision of the substrate can improve the strength of the substrate strip while also allowing it to withstand a certain degree of high temperature without generating odor.

The specific components of the matrix strip are not limited here. For example, in one embodiment, the matrix strip may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke-generating agent components, adhesive components, etc.

In one embodiment, the plant component is one or more combinations of powders formed from crushed tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and flavorful plants. The plant component is the core source of the flavor of the product. Endogenous substances in the plant component, such as nicotine, enter the human bloodstream through aerosolization, promoting dopamine production in the pituitary gland, thereby achieving a sense of physiological satisfaction.

In one embodiment, the plant components may include one or more of tobacco, tea leaves, tea stems, dandelion, eucalyptus, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, fungi, insulin wood, astragalus, jujube seeds, lentils, kudzu root, fennel, rosemary, star anise, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, rose, marigold, mugwort, olive, ginseng, American ginseng, mung beans, red beans, tangerine peel, nut shells, lily, coffee, agarwood, mint, hawthorn, licorice, cocoa, fungus, lotus seeds, lotus leaves, zingiber officinale, ginger, buckwheat, and wheat bran. The mass proportion of the plant components in the aerosol matrix can be 20%-80% (including the endpoint values).

In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent may be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Inorganic fillers include one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. Inorganic fillers can provide skeletal support for the plant component and, while also possessing micropores, can increase the porosity of the wall material after the plant component is formed, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

Lubricants include one or more of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Lubricants can increase particle flowability, reduce friction between particles, and achieve a more uniform particle density. They can also reduce mold pressure and reduce mold wear.

Emulsifiers include one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers can, to a certain extent, slow the loss of flavoring substances during storage, increase their stability, and improve the sensory quality of the product. Emulsifiers (also known as surfactants) can reduce the interfacial tension between the water-soluble and water-insoluble components in a mixed system and form a relatively strong film on the surface of the droplets. Alternatively, due to the charge imparted by the emulsifier, a double layer is formed on the surface of the droplets, preventing the droplets from aggregating and maintaining a uniform emulsion. Emulsifying and homogenizing two immiscible components can improve the consistency of product quality.

The function of the smoke-generating agent component is to generate a large amount of vapor when heated, thereby increasing the amount of smoke produced by the smoking article. In one embodiment, the smoke-generating agent may include, for example, a monohydric alcohol (such as menthol); a polyhydric alcohol (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol); an ester of a polyhydric alcohol (such as glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl diacetate, or glyceryl triacetate); a monocarboxylic acid; a polycarboxylic acid (such as lauric acid, myristic acid), or an aliphatic ester of a polycarboxylic acid (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetyl glycerides, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, and lauryl acetate).

In one embodiment, the adhesive component is a natural plant-extracted, non-ionically modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, pullulan, seaweed polysaccharide, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xyloglucan. The adhesive wetting and intimately contacting the product component materials creates intermolecular attraction, thereby bonding the powders and liquids of the component materials. The use of a natural plant-extracted, non-ionic adhesive can prevent the release of harmful substances such as methanol, formaldehyde, and acrolein caused by colloid modification, thereby improving the safety of the product.

The matrix strip can be a particle combination, which is a reconstituted tobacco medium, for example, a reconstituted tobacco medium containing ingredients such as a smoke-generating agent and tobacco. The matrix strip is a one-piece structure, for example, a one-piece structure that can be formed by injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion. Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a raw material mixture is added to an extruder, and the material is pushed forward by the screw or piston through the extruder barrel and the action of the piston, and continuously passes through the die to form various cross-sectional finished products or semi-finished products.

For example, a plurality of matrix strips can be extruded simultaneously by an extruder, and the matrix strips are dried and shaped by a drying device. After shaping, the matrix strips are first oriented and arranged, and then formed into an aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 by a winding rod.

Since the matrix strips are a combination of particles, the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 formed by multiple matrix strips is an integrated medium after being heated and inhaled or after the heating stops, and is not prone to disintegration and falling off. This solves the problems of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 in the prior art, such as loose flakes, falling off of filamentous components and particle components, and difficulty in cleaning, which occur in the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 with flakes, filaments or loose particles.

The shape of the cross section of substrate bar (promptly the cross section vertical with the direction of extension of substrate bar) is not restricted, illustratively, the shape of the cross section of substrate bar can be polygon (including but not limited to triangle, prism and square shown in Figure 13 etc.), ellipse shown in Figure 14, petal-shaped shown in Figure 15 etc., petal-shaped is meant by circle and be surrounded by the closed figure that a plurality of arc combinations of circular circumference side form.In addition, the shape of the cross section of substrate bar can also be circle, oval, gear-shaped and special-shaped etc., oval is meant that the center of circle is divided into two semicircular arcs and mutually reverse translation, with two equal length parallel lines, the endpoints of two semicircular arcs are connected and the closed figure that forms, and special-shaped is meant other symmetric or asymmetric shape outside the shape of above enumeration.

The substrate strips in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 may all have the same cross-sectional shape, or may have two or more different cross-sectional shapes.

The cross-sectional dimensions of the matrix strip can be set as needed, wherein the cross-sectional dimensions refer to the dimensions used to define the outer contour of the cross section of the matrix strip. For example, if the cross section of the matrix strip is circular, the cross-sectional dimensions are the diameter of the cross section of the matrix strip; if the cross section of the matrix strip is square, the cross-sectional dimensions are the maximum length of the cross section of the matrix strip; if the cross section of the matrix strip is a shape other than circular and square, the cross-sectional dimensions are the maximum dimensions of the cross section of the matrix strip, i.e., the distance between the two farthest points on the outer contour of the cross section.

At least part of the matrix strips are non-uniform matrix strips 11, which means that all the matrix strips can be non-uniform matrix strips 11, or part of the matrix strips can be non-uniform matrix strips 11 and the other part of the matrix strips can be uniform matrix strips.

It should be noted that the cross-sectional dimensions of at least the partial region of non-equal diameter matrix bar 11 on the cross section perpendicular to the first direction are different. In other words, the cross-sectional dimensions of at least two positions of single non-equal diameter matrix bar 11 are different in the first direction. Exemplarily, for cylindrical shape, the diameter of at least the partial region of non-equal diameter matrix bar 11 is different. In addition, the first direction can not be limited to strict straight line, or can not limit that the first direction is fully parallel to the direction of extension of the central axis of aerosol generating matrix section 10, due to the assembly error of matrix bar or the local deformation of self, allow to have the first direction and the central axis of aerosol generating matrix section 10 to have an angle of inclination less than or equal to 10 degree. Perhaps, the first direction is roughly parallel to the central axis.

In one embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the axial direction, that is, the included angle is 0 degree.

The shape of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is also not limited. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 can be cylindrical. The cross-section of the cylindrical aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 can also be polygonal (including but not limited to triangle, prism, and square), elliptical, petal-shaped, circular, oval, gear-shaped, or irregularly shaped.

In one embodiment, please continue to refer to FIG. 5 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 , the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 further includes a packaging layer 12 , which is rolled to form a receiving space, and all substrate strips are received in the receiving space.

The packaging layer 12 can be a hollow tube, with all substrate strips contained within the packaging layer 12. The outer wrapping layer 30 can also be a plugging paper, with all substrate strips being combined into a single structure by the plugging paper. The packaging layer 12 can protect the substrate strips. The plugging paper can be tipping paper.

The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an aerosol-generating product 1, refer to Figures 5, 16 to 17, the aerosol-generating product 1 includes a functional segment 20, an outer wrapping layer 30 and the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 provided in any embodiment of the present disclosure.

The functional segment 20 is disposed at at least one end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 along the first direction. The functional segment 20 includes a cooling segment 21 and a filtration segment 22. The cooling segment 21 is located between the filtration segment 22 and the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10. The outer wrapping layer 30 wraps around the outer periphery of the functional segment 20 and the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

The aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is the distal lip end of the aerosol-generating article 1 , and the functional segment 20 is the proximal lip end of the aerosol-generating article 1 .

The lip-proximal end refers to the end of the aerosol-generating article 1 that is close to the user when the user uses the aerosol-generating article 1 , and the lip-distal end refers to the end of the aerosol-generating article 1 that is away from the user when the user uses the aerosol-generating article 1 .

The aerosol generating article 1 is used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device having a heating component. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 to generate an aerosol, and the user inhales the filtered aerosol through the filter segment 22.

The heating assembly can be heated in a variety of ways. Exemplarily, these methods include central heating and circumferential heating. Central heating involves inserting the heating assembly into the interior of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 from the inside out. Circumferential heating involves placing the heating assembly around the periphery of the aerosol-generating article 1 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 from the outside in. These heating methods may include resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, and the like, without specific limitation herein.

The cooling section 21 is arranged between the filtering section 22 and the aerosol generating matrix section 10, and is used to cool the aerosol before the filtering section 22 filters the aerosol, so as to reduce the temperature of the aerosol and improve the "burning mouth" phenomenon when the user inhales the aerosol.

The materials of the cooling section 21 include but are not limited to one or more combinations of PE (polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic acid, also known as polylactide), PBAT (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), acetate fiber, and propylene fiber materials.

The material of the filter section 22 includes but is not limited to one or more combinations of PE, PLA, PBAT, PP, acetate fiber, and acrylic fiber materials.

The materials of the cooling section 21 and the filtering section 22 may be the same or different.

It should be noted that the aerosol-generating article 1 relies on the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 to generate aerosol, and the functional segment 20 does not generate aerosol.

The material of the outer wrapping layer 30 is not limited, for example, including but not limited to one or more combinations of fiber paper, metal foil, infrared radiation layer, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, PE, PBAT and the like.

The outer wrapping layer 30 can be a hollow tube, and the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 and the functional segment 20 can be arranged in sequence in the hollow tube outer wrapping layer 30. The outer wrapping layer 30 can also be a tipping paper, and the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 and the functional segment 20 are compounded into an integrated structure through the tipping paper.

Please refer to Figures 16 and 17. The first direction is the arrangement direction of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, the cooling segment 21 and the filtering segment 22. The aerosol-generating product 1 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device along the first direction, and the aerosol-generating product 1 is also taken out of the aerosol-generating device along the first direction. The length of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 along the first direction can be longer, shorter, or the same as the length in other directions.

For example, when the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 has a cylindrical appearance, the first direction is the axial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 . It should be noted that the axial length of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 may be smaller than its diameter.

For another example, when the appearance of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped, the first direction is still the direction defined above, that is, the arrangement direction of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, the cooling segment 21 and the filtering segment 22, or the direction of taking and placing the aerosol generating product 1 on the aerosol generating device. The first direction of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can be any direction of the length, width, and height of the rectangular parallelepiped.

For example, referring to Figures 16 to 17, the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, the cooling segment 21 and the filtering segment 22 can be coaxially arranged cylinders and the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is an integrated structure, and the first direction is the axial direction of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, the cooling segment 21 and the filtering segment 22.

Illustratively, the length dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 along the first direction may be 20%-80% (including the endpoint values) of the length dimension of the aerosol-generating article 1 along the first direction, such as 20%, 40%, 50%, 80%, etc.

Illustratively, the length of the cooling section 21 along the first direction may be 25%-65% (including the endpoint values) of the length of the aerosol generating article 1 along the first direction, such as 25%, 30%, 50%, 65%, etc.

It is understandable that during the user's inhalation process, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 flows toward the filter segment 22 along the first direction.

The aerosol generating matrix segment 10 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least two matrix strips. At least part of the matrix strips are non-uniform matrix strips 11, and at least part of the regions of the non-uniform matrix strips 11 have different cross-sectional dimensions on the cross section perpendicular to the first direction. By setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-uniform matrix strips 11, the region with a larger cross-sectional dimension can be set close to the high-temperature region, and the region with a smaller cross-sectional dimension can be set close to the low-temperature region for different heating components and heating methods. The region with a larger cross-sectional dimension has a relatively larger effective material load and a relatively larger heat capacity, and needs to provide a larger energy to generate aerosol. The region close to the high-temperature region can fully release the aerosol for a relatively long time. The region with a smaller cross-sectional dimension has a relatively smaller effective material load and a relatively smaller heat capacity, and needs to provide a relatively smaller energy to generate aerosol. The region close to the low-temperature region can slowly and fully release the aerosol, thereby improving the problem that the effective material is difficult to fully release during the heating process.

In addition, by setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11, the filling rate, density and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can be changed. That is, by controlling the cross-sectional size of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11, the filling rate, density and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can be controlled and designed, so as to match different heating components and heating methods. For example, an aerosol generating matrix segment with a high porosity can be more suitable for heating by an infrared heating component, and infrared light can more easily penetrate the matrix strips to reach the interior of the aerosol generating matrix segment, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, improving the uniformity of puff by puff, and thus improving the puffing experience.

There are many ways to arrange the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11.

For example, in some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each non-uniform-diameter matrix strip 11 on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from one end of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 to the other opposite end.

That is, the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 along the first direction are increasing or decreasing. Here, the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 may be gradually decreasing or increasing, or may not be gradually decreasing or increasing.

In this embodiment, by configuring the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform-diameter matrix strips 11 to increase or decrease along the first direction, it is advantageous to control the filling rate, density, and porosity of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, thereby matching different heating components and heating methods, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component. For example, an aerosol-generating matrix segment with a high porosity is more suitable for heating by an infrared heating component, allowing infrared light to more easily penetrate the matrix strips and reach the interior of the aerosol-generating matrix segment, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3, the non-uniform matrix strip 11 includes a first uniform segment 113 and a second uniform segment 114 arranged in sequence along a first direction, and in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first uniform segment 113 and the second uniform segment 114 are different.

It should be noted that the cross-sectional dimensions of the first constant diameter sections 113 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same. Similarly, the cross-sectional dimensions of the second constant diameter sections 114 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same. For example, taking the first constant diameter sections 113 and the second constant diameter sections 114 as cylindrical, the first constant diameter sections 113 on sections perpendicular to the first direction all have the same diameter, and the second constant diameter sections 114 on sections perpendicular to the first direction all have the same diameter, and the first constant diameter sections 113 and the second constant diameter sections 114 have different diameters.

Of course, in other embodiments, the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 may also include multiple equal diameter segments arranged in sequence along the first direction, such as three, four, five, six or more segments, and the diameter of each segment increases or decreases in sequence along the first direction.

In this embodiment, by configuring the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 as multiple equal diameter segments, the diameters of each of the multiple equal diameter segments are different. In other words, the diameters of each of the multiple equal diameter segments increase or decrease sequentially along the first direction. This further facilitates controlling the filling rate, density, and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, thereby matching different heating components and heating methods, and thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component. For example, the small diameter end of the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 can be configured at the distal lip end, and the large diameter end can be configured at the proximal lip end. In this way, the matrix strips at the distal lip end of this type of aerosol generating matrix segment 10 are sparsely distributed, which can match the central heating component, facilitate the insertion of the central heating component into the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, and improve the situation where the central heating component pushes the matrix strip to the next unit (i.e., improves the situation where the central heating component drives the matrix strip to displace in the first direction). In addition, the large diameter end of the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 can be set at the distal lip end, and the small diameter end can be set at the proximal lip end. In this way, the matrix strips at the distal lip end of this type of aerosol generating matrix segment 10 are distributed more closely, which can match the circumferential heating component. The circumferential heating component does not need to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix segment 10. While improving the situation where the heating component pushes the matrix strip to the next unit, it can also prevent the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 from falling off and causing cleaning problems after heating is completed.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG8 , the first and second equal diameter sections 113 and 114 are both cylindrical, and the difference in diameter between the first and second equal diameter sections 113 and 114 is 0.2 mm to 3 mm, for example, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, or 3 mm.

By setting the diameter difference between the first equal-diameter section 113 and the second equal-diameter section 114 to 0.2 mm-3 mm, it is beneficial to control the filling rate, density of the aerosol generating matrix section 10 and the porosity of different regions of the aerosol generating matrix section 10 within the required range, thereby matching different types of heating components and heating methods.

In some other embodiments, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each non-uniform-diameter matrix strip 11 on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from the middle to opposite ends.

That is, the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 along the first direction are larger in the middle and smaller at both ends, or smaller in the middle and larger at both ends. Here, the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 may be in a gradually decreasing trend or a gradually increasing trend, or may not be in a gradually decreasing trend or a gradually increasing trend.

In this embodiment, by setting the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 along the first direction to be larger in the middle and smaller at both ends, or smaller in the middle and larger at both ends, it is beneficial to control the filling rate, density and porosity of different areas of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, thereby matching different heating components and heating methods, and thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component.

In some embodiments, the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 includes a first uniform diameter segment 113, a second uniform diameter segment 114, and a third uniform diameter segment arranged sequentially along a first direction. In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of the second uniform diameter segment 114 are larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first uniform diameter segment 113 and the third uniform diameter segment.

It should be noted that the cross-sectional dimensions of the first constant diameter sections 113 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same. Similarly, the cross-sectional dimensions of the second constant diameter sections 114 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same. Similarly, the cross-sectional dimensions of the third constant diameter sections on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same. For example, taking the first constant diameter sections 113, the second constant diameter sections 114, and the third constant diameter sections as cylindrical as an example, the diameters of the first constant diameter sections 113 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same, the diameters of the second constant diameter sections 114 on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same, and the diameters of the third constant diameter sections on sections perpendicular to the first direction are all the same, and the diameter of the second constant diameter sections 114 is larger than the diameters of the first constant diameter sections 113 and the third constant diameter sections.

Of course, in other embodiments, the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11 may also include multiple equal diameter segments arranged in sequence along the first direction, such as four, five, six or more segments, and the diameter of each segment tends to be larger in the middle and smaller at both ends.

In this embodiment, by setting the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 along the first direction to be larger in the middle and smaller at both ends, the larger area in the middle can be set close to the high-temperature area, and the smaller areas at both ends can be set close to the low-temperature area, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component.

In some other embodiments, in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional size of the second equal-diameter section 114 is smaller than the cross-sectional sizes of the first equal-diameter section 113 and the third equal-diameter section.

In this embodiment, by setting the cross-sectional dimensions of the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 along the first direction to be smaller in the middle and larger at both ends, the larger areas at both ends can be set close to the high-temperature area, and the smaller area in the middle can be set close to the low-temperature area, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 5, 7, and 9, all substrate strips are distributed on multiple track lines, wherein the substrate strips on a single track line are linearly arranged along the second direction, and multiple track lines are arranged along the third direction, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are not parallel.

Please refer to FIG. 5 , the second direction is represented by Z1 and the third direction is represented by Z2 .

That is, the multiple rows of matrix strips are not arranged along a straight line. The second direction and the third direction constitute a two-dimensional coordinate system, and the second direction and the third direction can define the arrangement of the matrix strips.

It should be noted that the second direction can be a straight line or a curve; the third direction can be a straight line or a curve.

For example, the substrate strips on a single trajectory are arranged linearly along the second direction, and the multiple trajectory lines are arranged linearly along the third direction, with the second and third directions intersecting. That is, the second and third directions are two non-parallel straight lines, so that the cross-section of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is a quadrilateral.

Exemplarily, the matrix strips are distributed in an array, the number of matrix strips in the second direction is the same as the number of matrix strips in the third direction, the matrix strips on a single track line are equidistant, and the intervals between the track lines are equal.

Exemplarily, when the second direction and the third direction are straight line directions perpendicular to each other, the matrix strips are distributed in an array, the matrix strips on a single trajectory line are equidistant, and the spacing between the trajectory lines is equal, that is, the distance between two adjacent matrix strips on a single trajectory line is equal to the distance between two adjacent trajectory lines.

Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the matrix strips are distributed in a matrix pattern. Specifically, the matrix distribution refers to an N*M overall arrangement, wherein N represents the number of matrix strips on a single trajectory line, and M represents the number of trajectory lines. N and M can be the same (the number of matrix strips in the second direction is the same as that in the third direction), or different (the number of matrix strips in the second direction is different from that in the third direction).

Illustratively, the substrate strips on a single trajectory line are arranged along a circumferential direction around the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 , and the multiple trajectory lines are arranged in concentric circles along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 .

The circumferential direction around the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is equivalent to the second direction, and the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is equivalent to the third direction. That is, the plurality of substrate strips may be arranged in a ring shape.

In the related art, the density of aerosol generating matrix segments in the form of thin sheets, filaments, loose particles, and integrated porous columns is relatively uniform, and it is difficult to design and control the density of these aerosol generating matrix segments differently. However, for these aerosol generating matrix segments with relatively uniform density, when the density of the aerosol generating matrix segment is relatively high, the heat capacity is relatively large, the effective material load is relatively high, and the porosity inside the aerosol generating matrix segment is low. The aerosol generating matrix segment requires more energy to generate a larger amount of smoke in the initial stage of heating, and the energy supply of the heating component in the initial stage is delayed and the energy accumulation is small, resulting in the aerosol generating matrix segment generating limited aerosol in the front section of puffing, and more sufficient aerosol generated in the middle and late sections of puffing; when the density of the aerosol generating matrix segment is relatively low, the heat capacity is small, the effective material load is relatively low, and the porosity inside the aerosol generating matrix segment is high. The aerosol generating matrix segment requires less energy to generate a larger amount of smoke in the initial stage of heating, and the smoke is discharged quickly, resulting in the aerosol generating matrix segment generating more sufficient aerosol in the front section of puffing, and the aerosol generated in the middle and late sections of puffing is significantly attenuated. In other words, during the heating process, the aerosol-generating matrix segment, with its relatively uniform density, struggles to maintain consistent aerosol release throughout the entire puff phase. Consequently, puff consistency is difficult to achieve, resulting in a poor puffing experience. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating matrix segment in related art struggles to achieve radially differentiated porosity, which negatively impacts puff uniformity and, in particular, fails to effectively enhance the advantages of infrared heating.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 , the density of each matrix strip on a single trajectory line is the same, and the density of the matrix strips on at least some of the trajectory lines is different.

Here, by setting the density of the matrix strips on at least part of the trajectory line to be different, that is, the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 has both matrix strips with relatively high density and matrix strips with relatively low density. Therefore, in the initial stage of heating, the infrared transmission efficiency of the matrix strips with relatively low density is higher than that of the matrix strips with relatively high density, and the heat capacity of the matrix strips with relatively low density is smaller, so that a relatively sufficient aerosol can be generated in the early stage of puffing. This advantage is more obvious for the heating component of infrared heating. In the middle and late stages of puffing, although the aerosol generated by the matrix strips with relatively low density will attenuate, the matrix strips with relatively high density can generate a relatively sufficient aerosol. Therefore, by matching matrix strips with different densities, the amount of aerosol released can be kept roughly consistent in the early, middle and late stages of puffing, thereby improving the consistency of puffing and further improving the puffing experience. It can be understood that the hierarchical design of dielectric strips with different cross-sectional sizes, combined with the hierarchical design of density, will have a better effect.

When a relatively low-density matrix strip is positioned outside a relatively high-density matrix strip, the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is more suitable for a peripheral heating method. When a relatively low-density matrix strip is positioned inside a relatively high-density matrix strip, the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is more suitable for a central heating method. In other words, the relatively low-density matrix strip is closer to the heating element, resulting in a better initial smoke output speed and vapor volume. Furthermore, the hierarchical density design also ensures a high vapor volume and a satisfying feeling during the middle and later stages of the puff.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 to 9, along the radial direction of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10, the density of the substrate strips on the outermost single trajectory line away from the center of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 is less than the density of the substrate strips on the inner single trajectory line.

That is to say, the density of the matrix strips on the outermost trajectory line is the smallest, that is, the density of the matrix strips on the trajectory line farthest from the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is the smallest. Except for the matrix strips on the outermost trajectory line, the density of the matrix strips on other trajectory lines can be the same or different.

When the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of this embodiment is adapted for circumferential heating, the time required for heat to be conducted from the outside to the inside is shortened, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. During the puffing process, the heating assembly first heats the low-density matrix strips on the outermost trajectory, so that the outermost low-density matrix strips generate sufficient aerosol in the early stages of the puff, while the inner high-density matrix strips generate more sufficient aerosol in the middle and late stages of the puff, thereby fully releasing the active substance.

In other embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 7, along the radial direction of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10, the density of the substrate strips on the innermost single trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 is less than the density of the substrate strips on the outer single trajectory line.

That is to say, the density of the matrix strips on the innermost trajectory line is the smallest, that is, the density of the matrix strips on the trajectory line closest to the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is the smallest. Except for the matrix strips on the innermost trajectory line, the density of the matrix strips on other trajectory lines can be the same or different.

When the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of this embodiment is adapted for central heating, the time required for heat transfer from the inside out is shortened, and the efficiency of infrared outward penetration is improved, thereby enhancing heat transfer and heating efficiency. During the puffing process, the heating component first heats the low-density matrix strips on the innermost trajectory, so that the innermost low-density matrix strips produce sufficient aerosol in the early stages of the puff, while the outer high-density matrix strips produce more sufficient aerosol in the middle and late stages of the puff, thereby fully releasing the effective substance.

It should be noted that the above trajectory lines with the highest or lowest density are not limited to a single one, but can also be two or more consecutive ones, and are specifically designed according to the heating characteristics of the heating component.

In some embodiments, the substrate strips on a single trajectory are identical, and the density of the substrate strips on each trajectory gradually increases or decreases as one moves radially outward from the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 .

The matrix strips on a single track line being the same means that the cross-sectional dimensions and shapes of the matrix strips on the single track line are the same.

That is, the density of the substrate strips on different trajectory lines is different, and the farther away from the center of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10, the smaller or larger the density of the substrate strips.

For example, in some embodiments, taking a plurality of trajectory lines arranged in a ring as an example, the density of each matrix strip can gradually decrease from the matrix strip on the first trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 to the matrix strip on the last trajectory line away from the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, that is, the density of the matrix strip on the outermost single trajectory line of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 in this embodiment is the smallest. Therefore, the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 of this embodiment is adapted to the circumferential heating method.

In other embodiments, the density of each substrate strip may gradually increase from the substrate strip on the first trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 to the substrate strip on the last trajectory line away from the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, that is, the density of the substrate strip on the innermost single trajectory line of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 in this embodiment is the smallest. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 in this embodiment is adapted to the central heating method.

Of course, in other embodiments, the matrix strips may also be arranged in a matrix, and the density of the matrix strips on each trajectory line may gradually decrease or increase as the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 moves radially outward.

Of course, for the central heating method, the smaller the density of the matrix strips in the inner circle, the more conducive it is to the insertion of the aerosol generating matrix segment.

It should be noted that the density of the matrix strips can be selected as needed. For example, the density of the matrix strips ranges from 400 mg/cm ³ to 2000 mg/cm ³ .

The matrix strips within this density range can be loaded with a certain amount of effective substances to meet the needs of generating aerosols, and can also have a certain porosity to ensure better thermal diffusion efficiency and sufficient release of effective substances during heating.

Preferably, the density of the matrix strips is in the range of 800 mg/cm ³ - 1300 mg/cm ³ .

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 to FIG. 10 , the matrix strips include a first isopycnic matrix strip 111 and a second isopycnic matrix strip 112 , wherein the density of the second isopycnic matrix strip 112 is greater than that of the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 .

The density of the same first isopycnic matrix strip 111 is consistent, and the density of the same second isopycnic matrix strip 112 is also consistent.

In some embodiments, the density of the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 ranges from 400 mg/cm ³ to 1300 mg/cm ³ , and the density of the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 ranges from 900 mg/cm ³ to 2000 mg/cm ³ .

The density of the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 is in the range of 400 mg/ ^{cm3-1300 mg} / ^cm3 , for example, 400 mg/ ^cm3 , 450 mg/ ^cm3 , 500 mg/ ^cm3 , 550 mg/ ^cm3 , 600 mg/ ^cm3 , 650 mg/ ^cm3 , 700 mg/ ^cm3 , 750 mg/ ^cm3 , 800 mg/ ^cm3 , 850 mg/ ^cm3 , 900 mg/ ^cm3 , 950 mg/ ^cm3 , 1000 mg/ ^cm3 , 1050 mg/ ^cm3 , 1100 mg/ ^cm3 , 1150 mg/ ^cm3 , 1200 mg/ ^cm3 , 1250 mg/ ^cm3 or 1300 mg/ ^cm3 , etc.

By setting the density of the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 to 400 mg/cm ³ -1300 mg/cm ³ , the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 within this range has a high heat diffusion efficiency when heated, thereby generating sufficient aerosol in the early stage of inhalation.

The density of the second isopycnic matrix strip 112 ranges from 900 mg/cm ³ to 2000 mg/cm ³ , for example, 900 mg/cm ³ , 1300 mg/cm ³ , 1350 mg/cm ³ , 1400 mg/cm ³ , 1450 mg/cm ³ , 1500 mg/cm ³ , 1550 mg/cm ³ , 1600 mg/cm ³ , 1650 mg/cm ³ , 1700 mg/cm ³ , 1750 mg/cm ³ , 1800 mg/cm ³ , 1850 mg/cm ³ , 1900 mg/cm ³ , 1950 mg/cm ³ or 2000 mg/cm ³ , etc.

By setting the density of the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 to 900 mg/cm ³ -2000 mg/cm ³ , the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 within this range can generate sufficient aerosol in the middle and later stages of inhalation, and the effective substance can be fully released.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , a second isopycnic matrix strip 112 surrounds all of the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 .

That is to say, the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 are concentrated in the area near the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10. This aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is suitable for cooperation with a heating component that adopts a central heating method. During the puffing process, the heating component first heats the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 in the area near the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, so that the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 generate sufficient aerosol in the front stage of the puffing, and the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 surrounding all the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 generate more sufficient aerosol in the middle and back stages of the puffing, and the effective substance is fully released.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 , all first isopycnic matrix strips 111 surround the circumference of all second isopycnic matrix strips 112 .

That is to say, the first density segment is concentrated in the area close to the periphery of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10. This type of aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is suitable for cooperation with a heating component that adopts a circumferential heating method. During the puffing process, the heating component first heats the first isodensity matrix strips 111 in the area close to the periphery of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, so that the first isodensity matrix strips 111 generate sufficient aerosol in the front stage of the puffing, and the second isodensity matrix strips 112 in the area close to the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 generate relatively sufficient aerosol in the middle and rear stages of the puffing, and the effective substance is fully released.

The ratio of the total volume of the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 to the total volume of the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 in the same aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 can be set as needed. For example, the ratio of the total volume of the first isopycnic matrix strips 111 to the total volume of the second isopycnic matrix strips 112 in the same aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is in the range of 1:10 to 5:1. For example, the ratio is 1:10, 1:5, 1:1, 2:3, 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, etc.

By setting the ratio of the total volume of the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 to the total volume of the second isopycnic matrix strip 112 to 1:10-5:1, during the puffing process, the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 can generate sufficient aerosol in the front section of the puffing, and the second isopycnic matrix strip 112 can generate relatively sufficient aerosol in the middle and back sections of the puffing, and the effective substance can be fully released, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, and improving the uniformity of the puffing from puff to puff.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 , the first constant diameter section 113 and the second constant diameter section 114 have different densities.

The aerosol generating matrix segment 10 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is achieved by setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11, and the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 include a first uniform diameter segment 113 and a second uniform diameter segment 114 with different densities. Therefore, for different heating components and heating methods, the area with higher density in the first uniform diameter segment 113 and the second uniform diameter segment 114 can be set close to the high-temperature area, and the area with lower density can be set close to the low-temperature area. The area with higher density has relatively more effective material load, and can fully release aerosols for a relatively long time near the high-temperature area. The area with lower density has relatively less effective material load, and can slowly and fully release aerosols near the low-temperature area, thereby improving the problem of difficulty in fully releasing effective substances during the heating process.

In some embodiments, the first constant diameter section 113 , the second constant diameter section 114 , and the third constant diameter section have different densities.

The aerosol generating matrix segment 10 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is achieved by setting at least part of the matrix strips as non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11, and the non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11 include a first uniform diameter segment 113, a second uniform diameter segment 114 and a third uniform diameter segment with different densities. Therefore, for different heating components and heating methods, the areas with higher density in the first uniform diameter segment 113, the second uniform diameter segment 114 and the third uniform diameter segment can be set close to the high-temperature area, and the areas with lower density can be set close to the low-temperature area. The areas with higher density have relatively more effective material loads, and can fully release aerosols for a relatively long time near the high-temperature area. The areas with lower density have relatively less effective material loads, and can slowly and fully release aerosols near the low-temperature area, thereby improving the problem of difficulty in fully releasing effective substances during the heating process.

That is to say, the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can be set with different densities corresponding to the high and low temperature areas of the heating component according to different heating components and heating methods, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, and improving the uniformity of each puff.

The filling ratio of the substrate strips in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 can be set as required. Exemplarily, the filling ratio of the substrate strips in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is in the range of 40%-90%.

It is understood that the higher the filling rate of the matrix strips in the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, the more effective substance is loaded into the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 and the smaller the porosity is. The lower the filling rate of the matrix strips in the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, the less effective substance is loaded into the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 and the larger the porosity is. When the porosity within the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is high, the thermal diffusion efficiency is better during heating, resulting in more aerosol generated in the early stages of the puff, but the aerosol generated in the middle and later stages will decay. When the porosity within the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is relatively low, the thermal diffusion efficiency is relatively poor during heating, resulting in less aerosol generated in the early stages of the puff, more aerosol generated in the middle and later stages, and sufficient release of the effective substance.

Thus, by setting the fill rate of the matrix strips within the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 to 40%-90%, and by matching different heating components and heating methods, the heating efficiency of the heating component is improved, uneven heating of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is improved, and puff-by-puff uniformity is enhanced. The fill rate is the ratio of the sum of the volumes of all matrix strips to the volume of the space containing the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the matrix strip is in the range of 0.4 mm to 7 mm. Taking a circular cross-section as an example, the diameter is in the range of 0.4 mm to 7 mm (inclusive), for example, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.8 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 6.8 mm, or 7 mm, etc.

More preferably, the diameter of the matrix strip can range from 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm (inclusive), for example, the diameter is 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm (inclusive), and more preferably, the diameter of the matrix strip can range from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm (inclusive). It will be understood that when the cross-sectional shape is other shapes, the cross-sectional size can be considered to be the equivalent diameter or the side length of the polygon.

In some embodiments, the number of substrate strips in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 is 2-40, preferably 20-35, for example 20, 25, 28, 30, or 32. A suitable number design can match a suitable porosity, which is very beneficial to the consistency of suction.

By controlling the diameter (i.e., cross-sectional dimensions) of the matrix strip, the filling rate, density, and porosity of different regions of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 can be controlled, thereby matching different heating components and heating methods, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, and improving the uniformity of each puff.

In some embodiments, the length of the matrix strip ranges from 6 mm to 40 mm, for example, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, 31 mm, 32 mm, 33 mm, 34 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm or 40 mm, etc.

The length of the substrate strip can be determined based on the length of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 .

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 16 and 17 , the cooling section 21 may be provided with an air flow channel. The aerosol-generating article 1 further includes a breathable membrane 24. The breathable membrane 24 may be provided on the cooling section 21, and at least one end of the air flow channel proximate to the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 may be covered with the breathable membrane 24. In other words, the breathable membrane 24 may be provided only on the end of the air flow channel proximate to the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, or may be provided on opposite ends of the air flow channel.

The breathable membrane 24 is a membrane through which air can pass. That is, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 can pass through the breathable membrane 24 into the air flow channel and be cooled in the air flow channel.

For example, the breathable membrane 24 may be cigarette paper, non-woven fabric, high molecular polymer, etc., which have good breathability.

For example, the air permeability of the breathable membrane 24 may be greater than or equal to 500 CU, where CU is short for cm ³ /(min*cm ² *kPa).

The breathable membrane 24 covering one end of the air flow channel close to the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can block the matrix strips to prevent the matrix strips from entering the air flow channel in an accidental situation (for example, the centrally heated heating element pushes the matrix strips into the air flow channel). In this way, it can prevent the matrix strips from entering the air flow channel, resulting in a reduction in the number of matrix strips that can be heated and affecting the heating effect, and it can also prevent the matrix strips from blocking the air flow channel and affecting the inhalation resistance.

In addition, the purpose of covering the two opposite ends of the air flow channel with the breathable membranes 24 is to avoid distinguishing the assembly direction of the cooling section 21 during the assembly of the aerosol generating product 1, thereby improving the convenience of assembly.

In other embodiments, the breathable membrane 24 may not be provided on the temperature-lowering section 21 . For example, the breathable membrane 24 may cover one end of the aerosol-generating substrate section 10 close to the functional section 20 .

In other embodiments, the cooling section 21 may also adopt other structural forms as long as it can achieve the cooling effect.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 17 , the filter section 22 may be provided with a suction channel 22 a to adjust the suction resistance.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 , the functional section 20 may further include a flavoring section 23 , which is disposed between the cooling section 21 and the filtering section 22 to compensate for the smoke aroma and enhance the smoking experience.

The structural form of the fragrance section 23 is not limited. For example, the fragrance section 23 can be provided with fiber cotton 231 that has been treated with fragrance, or the fragrance section 23 can be provided with fiber cotton 231 and popping beads 232. The fiber cotton 231 can be fiber cotton 231 that has been treated with fragrance, or it can be fiber cotton 231 that has not been treated with fragrance, and the popping beads 232 are arranged in the fiber cotton 231.

In other embodiments, the functional section 20 may not be provided with the flavoring section 23 .

In some embodiments, the diameter of at least a portion of a single matrix strip varies periodically along the first direction, such as a sine wave or a square wave. The periodic diameter variation may be for the entire matrix strip or only for a portion of it.

In some embodiments, the matrix strips may be randomly arranged to simplify the roll-to-roll process, or they may be arranged in a directional manner to better match the heating assembly or heating method.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may lack a functional segment. That is, the aerosol-generating substrate segment alone may constitute the aerosol-generating article for use in specialized aerosol-generating devices. For example, the aerosol-generating device includes a nozzle and a cooling component. The nozzle and cooling component may be reusable or disposable, and only the aerosol-generating substrate segment needs to be inserted into or removed from the heating space. The substrate strip may be any of the substrate strips and assembly structures described in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

In the above embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate segment may be cylindrical, sheet-shaped, square, etc., and may be adapted according to the characteristics of the heating component and the aerosol generating device.

Five specific embodiments are briefly introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First embodiment

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , in this embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 includes at least two substrate strips, each of which is a non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11. The non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 includes a first uniform diameter segment 113 and a second uniform diameter segment 114 arranged sequentially along a first direction. In a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction, the diameter of the first uniform diameter segment 113 is greater than the diameter of the second uniform diameter segment 114. The second uniform diameter segment 114 of the non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 is located at the distal lip end, while the first uniform diameter segment 113 is located at the proximal lip end.

All the matrix strips are distributed on multiple trajectory lines, wherein the matrix strips on a single trajectory line are arranged along the circumferential direction around the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, and multiple trajectory lines are arranged in concentric circles along the radial direction of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10.

The difference in diameter between the first equal diameter section 113 and the second equal diameter section 114 is 0.2 mm to 3 mm.

By setting the matrix strips as non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11, the area with a larger cross-sectional size can be set close to the high-temperature area, and the area with a smaller cross-sectional size can be set close to the low-temperature area for different heating components and heating methods. The area with a larger cross-sectional size has a relatively larger effective material load and a relatively larger heat capacity, and requires a larger energy to generate aerosols. The area close to the high-temperature area can fully release aerosols for a relatively long time. The area with a smaller cross-sectional size has a relatively smaller effective material load and a relatively smaller heat capacity. The area close to the low-temperature area can slowly and fully release aerosols, thereby improving the problem of difficulty in fully releasing effective substances during the heating process.

In addition, the filling rate, density and porosity of different areas of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can also be changed. That is, by controlling the cross-sectional size of the non-uniform diameter matrix strip 11, the filling rate, density and porosity of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 can be controlled to match different heating components and heating methods. For example, an aerosol generating matrix segment with a high porosity can be more suitable for heating by an infrared heating component. Infrared light can more easily penetrate the matrix strip to reach the interior of the aerosol generating matrix segment, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heating component, improving the uneven heating of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10, improving the uniformity of puffing from puff to puff, and thus improving the puffing experience.

Second embodiment

Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. In this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the main differences include: in this embodiment, the matrix strips include a first isodensity matrix strip 111 and a second isodensity matrix strip 112, the density of the second isodensity matrix strip 112 is greater than the density of the first isodensity matrix strip 111, and the first isodensity matrix strip 111 and the second isodensity matrix strip 112 are both non-uniform diameter matrix strips 11.

Along the radial direction of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 , the matrix strip on the innermost single trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 is the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 , and the second isopycnic matrix strip 112 is arranged on the outside of the first isopycnic matrix strip 111 .

When the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of this embodiment is adapted for central heating, the time required for heat to be conducted from the inside out is shortened, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. During the puffing process, the heating assembly first heats the low-density matrix strips (first isodensity matrix strips 111) on the innermost trajectory, allowing the innermost low-density matrix strips to generate sufficient aerosol in the early stages of the puff, while the outer high-density matrix strips (second isodensity matrix strips 112) generate more sufficient aerosol in the middle and late stages of the puff, thereby fully releasing the active substance.

Third embodiment

Referring to Figures 8 and 9 , the structure of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 in this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment, with the following main differences: In this embodiment, the substrate strips on the outermost single trajectory line along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, away from the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, are first isodensity substrate strips 111, and second isodensity substrate strips 112 are disposed inwardly of the first isodensity substrate strips 111. The second constant-diameter section 114 of the non-constant-diameter substrate strips 11 is disposed at the proximal lip end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, and the first constant-diameter section 113 is disposed at the distal lip end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

The first equal-diameter section 113 of the non-equal-diameter matrix strip 11 is set at the distal lip end, and the second equal-diameter section 114 is set at the proximal lip end. In this way, the matrix strips at the distal lip end of this type of aerosol generating matrix segment 10 are distributed more closely, which can match the circumferential heating component. The circumferential heating component does not need to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix segment 10. While improving the situation where the heating component pushes the matrix strip to the next unit, it can also prevent the aerosol generating matrix segment 10 from falling off after heating is completed, which will cause cleaning problems.

When the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of this embodiment is adapted for circumferential heating, the time required for heat to be conducted from the outside to the inside is shortened, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. During the puffing process, the heating assembly first heats the low-density matrix strips (first isodensity matrix strips 111) on the outermost trajectory, allowing the outermost low-density matrix strips to generate sufficient aerosol in the early stages of the puff, while the inner high-density matrix strips (second isodensity matrix strips 112) generate more sufficient aerosol in the middle and late stages of the puff, thereby fully releasing the active substance.

Fourth embodiment

Referring to FIG. 10 , the structure of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 in this embodiment is substantially the same as that in the second embodiment, with the following main differences: In this embodiment, first isodensity substrate strips 111 and second isodensity substrate strips 112 are evenly distributed in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10. First equal-diameter segments 113 and second equal-diameter segments 114 are randomly distributed at the proximal or distal lip end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

Fifth embodiment

11 and 12 , in this embodiment, the structure of the aerosol generating substrate segment 10 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, with the main differences including: in this embodiment, the density of the first equal-diameter segment 113 is greater than the density of the second equal-diameter segment 114 .

The density of each non-uniform matrix strip 11 is the same, and the density of a single non-uniform matrix strip 11 is different. The density of the first uniform diameter section 113 ranges from 900 mg/cm ³ to 2000 mg/cm ³ , and the density of the second uniform diameter section 114 ranges from 400 mg/cm ³ to 1300 mg/cm ^{3 .} The first equal-diameter section 113 is concentrated at one end and is located in the high-temperature zone of the heating component. The second equal-diameter section 114 is concentrated at the other end and is located in the low-temperature zone of the heating component. The number ratio of the two density matrix strips is in the range of 1:10-5:1. The second equal-diameter section 114 (low-density zone) matches the low-temperature zone, which can make the medium of the second equal-diameter section 114 baked more fully (the heating component heats the homogenized medium, and the corresponding medium section in the low-temperature zone may not be heated fully), and the aerosol generation matrix segment 10 has a higher effective utilization rate. Moreover, the baking of the second equal-diameter section 114 requires relatively low heat, so it just matches the heat in the low-temperature zone without the need to provide more energy. The first equal-diameter section 113 (high-density zone) matches the high-temperature zone. On the premise of ensuring sufficient release of the aerosol, the first equal-diameter section 113 is heated more fully, and the comprehensive energy utilization of the heating component is more efficient.

Exemplarily, the ratio of the dimensions of the second equal-diameter section 114 to the dimensions of the first equal-diameter section 113 in the first direction is 10%-50%.

The aerosol generating substrate segment 10 of the present disclosure will be further described below in conjunction with specific test examples.

Test Example 1 of this disclosure

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising a non-uniform matrix strip 11 , wherein the non-uniform matrix strip 11 has a circular cross-section and a density of 830 mg/cm ³ . The diameters of the first and second uniform segments 113 and 114 of the non-uniform matrix strip are 1 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively. The second uniform segments 114 of the non-uniform matrix strip are located at the distal end of the lip of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 , and the first uniform segments 113 are located at the proximal end of the lip of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 .

Test equipment: central needle aerosol generating device.

Test conditions: 51%-56% RH, 25°C, clean room, 2s draw and 28s pause, 10 puffs, 5 tubes in total.

Test results: See Table 1 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 1

Data analysis: The average amount of smoke (i.e., aerosol) produced by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during heating was 4.19 mg/puff, and the RSD (relative standard deviation) of the smoke volume per puff was 21.39%. The smoke volume and the puff-by-puff release of active substances such as aerosol generating agents and nicotine in the smoke were very stable.

Test Example 2 of this disclosure

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising a non-uniform matrix strip 11, wherein the non-uniform matrix strip 11 has a circular cross-section, a density of 1350 mg/cm ³ , and diameters of a first uniform segment 113 and a second uniform segment 114 of the non-uniform matrix strip 11, respectively, of 1 mm and 0.7 mm. The second uniform segment 114 of the non-uniform matrix strip 11 is located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, and the first uniform segment 113 is located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

Test equipment: central needle aerosol generating device.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 2 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 2

Data analysis: The average puff volume (i.e., aerosol) generated by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during the heating process was 4.14 mg/puff, and the RSD (relative standard deviation) of the puff volume was 21.76%. The puff volume, aerosol generating agents in the smoke, nicotine, and other effective substances were very stable.

Test Example 3 of this disclosure

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising non-uniform-diameter substrate strips 11, wherein the non-uniform-diameter substrate strips 11 have a circular cross-section and include first isodensity substrate strips 111 and second isodensity substrate strips 112. The density of the first isodensity substrate strips 111 is 830 mg/cm ³ , the diameters of the first uniform-diameter segments 113 and the second uniform-diameter segments 114 of the first isodensity substrate strips 111 are 1 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively. The density of the second isodensity substrate strips 112 is 1350 mg/cm ³ , the diameters of the first uniform-diameter segments 113 and the second uniform-diameter segments 114 of the second isodensity substrate strips 112 are 1.5 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. The number ratio of the first isodensity substrate strips 111 to the second isodensity substrate strips 112 is 1:2, and the strips are randomly distributed in parallel in the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

Test equipment: the same as that of Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 3 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 3

Data analysis: The average amount of smoke (i.e., aerosol) produced by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during heating was 4.66 mg/puff, and the RSD (relative standard deviation) of the smoke volume per puff was 15.2%. The smoke volume and the puff-by-puff release of active substances such as aerosol generating agents and nicotine in the smoke were very stable.

Test Example 4 of this disclosure

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising a non-uniform matrix strip 11, wherein the non-uniform matrix strip 11 has a circular cross-section and includes a first uniform segment 113 and a second uniform segment 114. The first uniform segment 113 has a density of 1350 mg/cm ³ and a diameter of 1.5 mm, and the second uniform segment 114 has a density of 830 mg/cm ³ and a diameter of 1.2 mm. The length ratio of the first uniform segment 113 to the second uniform segment 114 in a first direction is 3:1. The second uniform segments 114 are located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10, and the first uniform segments 113 are located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating substrate segment 10.

Test equipment: the same as that of Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 4 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 4

Data Analysis: The average puff volume (i.e., aerosol) generated by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during heating was 4.16 mg/puff, with an RSD (relative standard deviation) of 15.28%. The puff volume and the puff-by-puff release of active substances such as aerosol generating agents and nicotine in the smoke were very stable. However, the overall content was significantly lower than in the previous embodiment. This was attributed to the significant decrease in the overall filling rate of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 due to the difference in the two diameters, which affected aerosol generation.

Comparative test example 1

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising a non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 . The non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 has a circular cross-section and includes a first uniform diameter segment 113 and a second uniform diameter segment 114 . The first uniform diameter segment 113 and the second uniform diameter segment 114 both have a density of 830 mg/cm ³ and diameters of 1.5 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively.

Test equipment: the same as that of Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 5 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 5

Data Analysis: The average puff volume (i.e., aerosol) produced by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during the heating process was 3.26 mg/puff, with an RSD (relative standard deviation) of 38.3%. During the heating process, the aerosol volume produced during the initial puff, as well as the puff-by-puff release of active substances such as aerosol generating agents and nicotine in the smoke, was sufficient, but a significant decrease occurred during the latter stages of the puff. This is primarily due to the low density of the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10, resulting in a low and limited effective load, which results in poor consistency between the initial and final puffs.

Comparative test example 2

Test sample: An aerosol-generating substrate segment 10 having a cylindrical shape and comprising a non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 . The non-uniform diameter substrate strip 11 has a circular cross-section and includes a first uniform diameter segment 113 and a second uniform diameter segment 114 . The first uniform diameter segment 113 and the second uniform diameter segment 114 both have a density of 1350 mg/cm ³ and diameters of 1.5 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively.

Test equipment: the same as that of Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 6 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 6

Data Analysis: The average puff volume (i.e., aerosol) produced by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during the heating process was 3.56 mg/puff, with an RSD (relative standard deviation) of 29.4%. During the heating process, the amount of smoke produced during the initial puff, as well as the puff-by-puff release of active substances such as aerosol generating agents and nicotine in the smoke, was relatively low, but showed significant increases in the middle and later stages. This is primarily due to the matrix's high density and high payload, requiring the matrix to absorb sufficient heat in the early stages of the puff to generate a stable aerosol, resulting in a poorer puff experience.

Comparative test example 3

The homogenized flake-shaped aerosol-forming substrate segment 10 has a density of 799 mg/cm ³ .

Test equipment: the same as that of Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test conditions: Same as Test Example 1 of the present disclosure.

Test results: See Table 7 (all units are mg, PG is glycerol, VG is propylene glycol).

Table 7

Data analysis: The average value of the amount of smoke (i.e., aerosol) generated by the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 during the heating process is 3.54 mg/puff, and the RSD (relative standard deviation) of the smoke volume per puff is 23.8%. Under the same test conditions, the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of the comparative test example 3 before and after puffing generates 28.48% less aerosol than the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of the test example 1 of the present disclosure. The main reason is that the thin-sheet aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 and the aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 of the test example of the present disclosure have obvious differences in morphology, and the shape and distribution of the voids are quite different. In addition, the density of the thin-sheet aerosol-generating matrix segment 10 is lower, and the effective load is lower, which leads to limited aerosol generated during the puffing process.

In the description of the present disclosure, the descriptions with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in the present disclosure and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims (30)

An aerosol-generating substrate segment comprises at least two substrate strips arranged in parallel, at least some of the substrate strips being non-uniform diameter substrate strips, and at least some areas of the non-uniform diameter substrate strips having different cross-sectional dimensions in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the aerosol-generating substrate segment. The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 1, wherein at least two parallel substrate strips extend along a first direction, and the angle between the first direction and the central axis direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment is less than or equal to 10 degrees. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to claim 2, wherein, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each of the non-uniform-diameter substrate strips in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment to the other opposite end. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to claim 3, wherein the non-uniform diameter substrate strip comprises a first uniform diameter segment and a second uniform diameter segment arranged in sequence along the first direction, and in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first uniform diameter segment and the second uniform diameter segment are different. The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 4, wherein the first constant diameter segment and the second constant diameter segment are both cylindrical, and the difference in diameter between the first constant diameter segment and the second constant diameter segment is 0.2 mm-3 mm. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to claim 2, wherein, along the first direction, the cross-sectional dimensions of each of the non-uniform diameter substrate strips in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction increase or decrease from the middle to the opposite ends. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to claim 6, wherein the non-uniform diameter substrate strip comprises a first uniform diameter segment, a second uniform diameter segment, and a third uniform diameter segment arranged in sequence along the first direction; In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-sectional dimension of the second constant diameter section is larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the first constant diameter section and the third constant diameter section; or, In a cross section perpendicular to the first direction, a cross-sectional dimension of the second equal-diameter section is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the first equal-diameter section and the third equal-diameter section. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein all of the substrate strips are distributed on a plurality of trajectory lines, wherein the substrate strips on a single trajectory line are linearly arranged along a second direction, and a plurality of trajectory lines are arranged along a third direction, and the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are not parallel. The aerosol-generating matrix segment according to claim 8, wherein the matrix strips on a single trajectory line are arranged in a circumferential direction around the center of the aerosol-generating matrix segment, and the multiple trajectory lines are arranged in concentric circles along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating matrix segment. The aerosol generating substrate segment according to claim 9, wherein the density of each of the substrate strips on a single trajectory line is the same, and the density of the substrate strips on at least some other trajectory lines is different. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 10, wherein, along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment, the density of the substrate strips on the outermost single trajectory line away from the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment is less than the density of the substrate strips on the inner single trajectory line; or Along the radial direction of the aerosol-generating substrate segment, the density of the substrate strips on the innermost single trajectory line close to the center of the aerosol-generating substrate segment is less than the density of the substrate strips on the outer single trajectory line. The aerosol generating matrix segment according to claim 10, wherein the matrix strips on a single trajectory are identical, and the density of the matrix strips on each trajectory gradually increases or decreases radially outward from the aerosol generating matrix segment. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substrate strips comprise first isodensity substrate strips and second isodensity substrate strips, the density of the second isodensity substrate strips being greater than the density of the first isodensity substrate strips; All of the second isopycnic matrix strips surround the circumference of all of the first isopycnic matrix strips; or, All of the first isopycnic matrix strips surround the circumference of all of the second isopycnic matrix strips. The aerosol generating matrix segment according to claim 13, wherein the ratio of the total volume of the first isopycnic matrix strips to the total volume of the second isopycnic matrix strips in the same aerosol generating matrix segment is in the range of 1:10-5:1. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 13, wherein the density of the first isopycnic matrix strips is in the range of 400 mg/cm ³ to 1300 mg/cm ³ , and the density of the second isopycnic matrix strips is in the range of 900 mg/cm ³ to 2000 mg/cm ³ . The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 4, wherein the first and second equal-diameter segments have different densities. The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 7, wherein the first constant diameter segment, the second constant diameter segment and the third constant diameter segment have different densities. The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cross-section of the substrate strip is in the shape of at least one of a polygon, an ellipse, a petal, a circle, a waist circle, a gear, and an irregular shape; and/or The density of the matrix strip is in the range of 400 mg/cm ³ -2000 mg/cm ³ ; and/or, The diameter or equivalent diameter of the matrix strip is in the range of 0.4 mm to 7 mm. The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate segment further comprises a packaging layer, the packaging layer is wound to form a receiving space, and all the substrate strips are received in the receiving space. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 19, wherein the filling ratio of the substrate strips in the aerosol-generating substrate segment is in the range of 40% to 90%. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of at least part of a single said substrate strip varies periodically along the first direction. An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to claim 2, wherein at least some of the substrate strips are arranged in a random combination. An aerosol-generating article comprising: The aerosol-generating substrate segment according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein each of the substrate strips extends in a first direction; a functional segment, the functional segment being disposed at at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment along the first direction, the functional segment comprising a cooling segment and a filtering segment, the cooling segment being located between the filtering segment and the aerosol generating substrate segment; An outer wrapping layer wraps around the outer circumference of the functional segment and the aerosol generating substrate segment. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 23, wherein the length dimension of the aerosol-generating substrate segment along the first direction is 20%-80% of the length dimension of the aerosol-generating article along the first direction; and/or The length of the cooling section along the first direction is 25% to 65% of the length of the aerosol generating article along the first direction. The aerosol-generating article of claim 23, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises a breathable membrane; The breathable membrane is provided on the cooling section, and at least one end of the cooling section close to the aerosol generating substrate section is covered with the breathable membrane; or, The breathable membrane covers one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment close to the functional segment. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 25, wherein the air permeability of the breathable membrane is greater than or equal to 500 CU. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 23, wherein the filter segment has a suction channel. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 23, wherein the functional section further comprises a flavoring section, and the flavoring section is arranged between the cooling section and the filtering section. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 28, wherein the aromatizing segment comprises aromatized fiber cotton; or The fragrance-enhancing section includes fiber cotton and bursting beads arranged in the fiber cotton. An aerosol-generating article comprising: An aerosol-generating substrate segment according to any one of claims 1 to 22; a packaging layer, wherein the packaging layer is rolled up to form a receiving space, and all the matrix strips are received in the receiving space; A breathable membrane is provided at at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate segment.