CN117956912A

CN117956912A - Component for a combustible sol supply system

Info

Publication number: CN117956912A
Application number: CN202280043144.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 理查德·赫普沃斯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-18
Filing date: 2022-06-17
Publication date: 2024-04-30
Also published as: KR20240008357A; JP2024523119A; GB202108814D0; WO2022263858A1; AU2022292963A1; MX2023014767A; EP4355137A1; IL309477A; CA3218888A1; BR112023025355A2

Abstract

A component (2) for a non-combustible sol supply article (1), and a method of forming the component. The component comprises: a body (7) formed from a sheet of aerosol-generating material, the body comprising a void (8); and at least one tube (11) located in a void within the body. The sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises an inner edge at least partially defining a closed end of the void. The void includes an open end in the plane of the end of the body. The application also discloses a device for manufacturing the component.

Description

Component for a combustible sol supply system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a component for a non-flammable sol supply article (combustible aerosol provision article), and a method of forming the component.

Background

Some delivery systems generate an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by the user. For example, a tobacco heating device heats an aerosol-generating substrate (such as tobacco) to form an aerosol by heating but not burning the substrate. Such delivery systems typically include a heating device having a heating element that, when heated, heats an aerosol-generating substrate (aerosol-GENERATING SUBSTRATE ) to release the aerosol.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment of the invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a component for a non-combustible sol delivery system, the component comprising: a body formed from a sheet of aerosol-generating material, the body comprising a void; and at least one tube located in a void within the body; wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises an inner edge at least partially defining a closed end of the void; and wherein the void includes an open end in the plane of the body end.

In some embodiments, the sheet of aerosol-generating material may comprise a plurality of elongate strips (elongate strip) extending between laterally-extending strips (TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING BAND) of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge may be a cut edge of a sheet of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the sheet of aerosol-generating material may comprise a slit forming the first inner edge.

In some embodiments, the sheet of aerosol-generating material may comprise an aperture, and wherein an edge of the aperture comprises a first inner edge of the sheet material.

In some embodiments, the cross-section of the aperture may be substantially rectangular.

In some embodiments, the sheet of aerosol-generating material may comprise first and second outer edges at axial ends of the sheet material, wherein the first.

In some embodiments, the at least one tube may be positioned coaxially with the body of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the end of the tube may lie in the plane of the end of the body of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the tube may be configured to receive a susceptor.

In some embodiments, the tube may include at least one active substance and/or aerosol-modifying substance.

In some embodiments, the tube may be formed of paper.

In some embodiments, the end of the tube may be positioned in abutting engagement (abutting engagement) with a closed end wall (closed end wall) of the void.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge may be longitudinally spaced from the open end of the void by a distance in the range of about 5mm to about 45 mm.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the method comprising: providing an assembly comprising at least one tube and a sheet of aerosol-generating material, the sheet comprising a first inner edge and a second inner edge; and arranging the sheet material into a body (into the body) such that the body includes a void between the first and second interior edges that receives at least one tube; wherein the first and second inner edges at least partially define a closed end of the void; and cutting the body between the first and second inner edges to provide two body portions having a void with an open end.

In some embodiments, providing an assembly includes cutting a sheet of aerosol-generating material to form a plurality of elongate strips of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, providing the assembly may include forming a first inner edge and a second inner edge in the sheet material.

In some embodiments, forming the first and second interior edges in the sheet material may include cutting the sheet material to form the first and second interior edges, and optionally cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first and second interior edges.

In some embodiments, forming the first and second interior edges may include cutting the sheet material using a knife and/or a laser.

In some embodiments, forming the first and second interior edges may include forming a slit in the sheet material.

In some embodiments, forming the first and second interior edges may include forming a hole in the sheet material such that the edges of the hole include the first and second interior edges of the sheet material, and optionally, the hole is substantially rectangular.

In some embodiments, forming the aperture may include forming a cut-out (cut-out) in the sheet material.

In some embodiments, providing the assembly may include providing a sheet material including a first interior edge and a second interior edge, and then providing at least one tube on the sheet material, and optionally, wherein providing the assembly includes forming the first interior edge and the second interior edge in the sheet material, and then providing at least one object (object) on the sheet material.

In some embodiments, providing the assembly may include providing a sheet material, providing at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming a first interior edge and a second interior edge in the sheet material.

The method may further comprise crimping the sheet material and optionally crimping the sheet material to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1mm to 2 mm.

The method may further include crimping the sheet material after the first and second inner edges have been formed.

The method may further include crimping the sheet material prior to forming the first and second inner edges.

In some embodiments, providing the assembly may include providing a continuous web (web) of sheet material.

The method may further include forming a plurality of inner edges at regularly spaced intervals (regularly SPACED INTERVAL) in the continuous web.

The method may include moving a continuous path and providing at least one tube at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the transport path.

In some embodiments, disposing the sheet material into a body may include gathering (gather) the sheet material together to form the body.

In some embodiments, the first wall portion may be defined by gathering a first inner edge of the sheet material and/or the second wall portion may be defined by gathering a second inner edge of the sheet material.

The method may detect information indicative of at least one interior edge of the sheet material.

The method may include controlling a position of the at least one tube relative to the sheet material being supplied based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor.

The method may comprise controlling the tube supply means based on information detected by the sensor indicating the position of the at least one inner edge in order to control the position of the at least one tube relative to the sheet material being supplied and optionally the timing and/or frequency when the at least one tube is dispensed onto the sheet material.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the apparatus comprising: an edge forming device configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet of aerosol-generating material; a tube supply configured to place at least one tube on a sheet of aerosol-generating material; a body forming device configured to arrange a sheet of aerosol-generating material into a body such that the body comprises a void receiving at least one tube, wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the void.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an article;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an article;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a component of an article;

FIG. 4 shows an end view of a component of the article;

FIG. 5 shows a sheet of material used to form a component;

FIG. 6 shows a sheet of material used to form double-length parts;

FIG. 7 shows a sheet of material for forming multiple length parts;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating steps of one embodiment of a method of manufacturing components for a delivery system;

fig. 9 shows one embodiment of a continuous web of aerosol-generating material having tubes thereon, wherein the web passes along a conveying path; and

Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing components for a delivery system, and a controller connected to sensors and supplies of the apparatus.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to include a system that delivers at least one substance to a user, and includes:

Combustible sol supply systems such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, tobacco for pipes or for self-wrapping or for self-made cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable materials);

a non-combustible aerosol supply system that releases a compound from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as an electronic cigarette, a tobacco heating product, and a mixing system, to produce an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials; and

An aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance orally, nasally, transdermally, or in another manner to a user without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, inhalable powder-containing products, and oral products, such as oral tobacco comprising snuff or snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) are combusted or ignited during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible sol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for a combustible sol supply system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter section, a tobacco rod, a spill (splash), an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, strand (thread), or bead), or a paper (such as plug wrap), tipping paper, or cigarette paper).

In accordance with the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible sol supply system, such as a power (powered) non-combustible sol supply system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also referred to as an electronic cigarette device (VAPING DEVICE) or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not necessary.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible sol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also referred to as a heated non-combustion system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate an aerosol, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise a plant-based material, such as tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

In general, a non-combustible sol supply system may include a non-combustible sol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible sol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible sol supply system, such as a non-combustible sol supply thereof, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or a exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate (carbon substrate) that may be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material proximate to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter section, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, strand or bead), or paper (such as a forming paper), or paper (such as a tipping paper).

In some embodiments, the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance orally, nasally, transdermally, or in another manner to a user without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, inhalable powder-containing products, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or wet snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. Any of the materials may comprise one or more active ingredients, one or more flavoring agents, one or more aerosol former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials, as appropriate.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.

An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active substance, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropic agents and psychoactive agents. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theophylline, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or another botanical (botanical, botanical, plant material).

In some embodiments, the active comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

As noted herein, an active substance may include or be derived from one or more botanicals or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from a plant, including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, shells, and the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise a synthetically derived active compound naturally occurring in a botanical. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, chips, strips, sheets, etc. Exemplary botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, fennel, lemon grass, peppermint, spearmint, juniper, roxburgh (rooibos), chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice (licorice) (liquorice (liquour)), japanese green tea (matcha), mate tea (mate), orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, fennel seed (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom (cardamom), coriander, fennel, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, long-old flower, vanilla, winter green, perilla (beefsteak plant), turmeric, sandalwood (sandalwood), coriander leaf, bergamot, orange flower, myrtle, black currant, valerian, spanish sweet pepper (pimento), round cardamomordica (mae), sham flower (damien), sweet wormwood (3775), herb (3775), herba Ocimicifugae, herba Oenoae, herba Oenotherae, 3875, herba Oenotherae biennis (3875), herba Oenotherae biennis (3875), herba Officinae, herba Oenotherae biennis (3875), herba Officinarum (3875), herba Officinarum), herba Oenotherae (3875). The mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: peppermint (MENTHA ARVENTIS), mint cultivars (Mentha c.v.), egyptian mint (MENTHA NILIACA), peppermint (MENTHA PIPERITA), lemon-peppermint cultivars (MENTHA PIPERITA CITRATA c.v.), peppermint cultivars (MENTHA PIPERITA c.v.), spearmint (MENTHA SPICATA CRISPA), madder mint (Mentha cordifolia), peppermint (Mentha longifolia), macleaya She Fengli mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), spearmint (Mentha pulegium), spearmint cultivars (MENTHA SPICATA c.v.), and apple mint (Mentha suaveolens).

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or ingredients, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are selected from eucalyptus, star anise and cocoa.

In some embodiments, the active comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or ingredients, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the botanicals are selected from the group consisting of loyi Bai Si and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavoring agent.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring (flavourant)" refer to materials that can be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory sensation in an adult consumer's product, as permitted by local regulations. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice (licorice) (licorice (liqu)), hydrangea (hydrangea), eugenol, japanese white bark magnolia leaf (Japanese white bark magnolia leaf), chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, japanese green tea, menthol, japanese mint, fennel seed (pimpinella), cinnamon, turmeric, indian spice, asian spice, herbal medicine, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, claimen citrus (clementine), lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruit, scoffy whiskey (Drambuie), bourbon whiskey (bourbon) scotch whiskey, juniper wine, agave wine, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe, cardamom, celery, west indian bitter tree (cascarilla), nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, arabian tea (khat), nano tile (naswar), betel nut (betel), broad leaf pterocarpus (shisha), pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange flower, cherry blossom, cinnamon, caraway, french brandy (cognac), jasmine, ylang-ylang tree (ylang-ylang), sage, fennel, wasabi (piment), ginger, coriander Coffee, peppermint oil from any of the genus Boschniakia, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemon grass, loyo Bai Si, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, mate tea, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, presoak, basil, fennel, oregano, capsicum, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, peppermint, perilla, turmeric root, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, spanish sweet pepper (pimento), cardamom (mace), shaggy clock flower (damien), marjoram, olive, lemon vanilla (lemon balm), lemon basil, chive, amaranth (carvi), verbena, tarragon (tarragon), limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulators, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, glucose, sorbitol, sucrose, other minerals, and other medicinal substances, fresh or other substances. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as oil, solid such as powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavoring component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit, and/or raspberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent comprises a flavoring component extracted from tobacco.

In some embodiments, the flavoring agents may include sensates (sensate) that are intended to achieve a somatosensory sensation that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulating the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or in lieu of the aromatic or gustatory nerve, and these sensates may include agents that provide heating, cooling, stinging, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effectors may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may for example be in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a flavour. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within their interior. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% amorphous solids, for example.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials and optionally one or more other functional materials.

The aerosol former material may comprise one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be present on or in the support to form a matrix. For example, the carrier may be or include paper, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in use. The heater may for example comprise a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.

Susceptors are materials that are heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that its penetration with a varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor is heatable by two heating mechanisms. The device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance typically located downstream of the aerosol-generating region that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by altering the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided in an aerosol modifier release member operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifiers may, for example, comprise one or more of flavourings, colourants, water and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in powder, strand or particulate form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filter material.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

The delivery system described herein may be embodied as a combustible sol supply system, a non-combustible sol supply system, or an aerosol-free delivery system.

Referring now to fig. 1, one embodiment of a non-combustible sol delivery article 1 is shown. The non-combustible sol supply article 1 comprises a component 2 and a filter component 3, in this example, the component 2 being a component for the non-combustible sol supply system 1. That is, the component 2 is a non-combustible sol generating component 2.

An outer wrapper 4 surrounds the filter component 3 and a portion of the component 2. The outer wrapper 4 comprises tipping paper (TIPPING PAPER) 4 which attaches the component 2 to the filter component 3. The component 2 is surrounded by a rod wrapper 6. The filter component 3 may comprise a filter material such as, for example, but not limited to, a tow (such as cellulose acetate) or a sheet material.

The component 2 comprises an aerosol-generating material 10 arranged as a body 7 such that the body 7 comprises a void 8 within the body 7 that receives at least one tube 11. The void 8 includes an open end at one end of the component 2. In this example, at least one tube 11 may be formed of paper. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, at least one tube 11 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, an extruded form or sheet form of tobacco material, together with: binder and/or fibrous material and/or glycerin, non-tobacco material such as plastic, optionally in extruded form, dust free (airlaid) or nonwoven fibrous sheet, metal such as aluminum, or laminates such as metallic bi-laminates and paper layers, or sheet formed from dried gel sheet (which may contain glycerin and/or menthol and/or other flavoring agents). Furthermore, the body may be porous or non-porous.

At least one tube 11 is positioned coaxially with the body 7 of aerosol-generating material 10. The body 7 is generally rod-shaped. In the present embodiment, the at least one tube 11 extends partially along the length of the body 7 of aerosol-generating material 10.

The body 7 is generally cylindrical. The cylindrical body may be, for example, but not limited to, a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, a hyperbolic cylinder, or a parabolic cylinder. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes are possible. In this example, the body 7 forms a plug 7. In the present embodiment, this component is an aerosol-generating component 2.

In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 10 may comprise a plant-based material, such as a tobacco material.

The plant-based material may be a particulate or granular material. The plant-based material may be a particulate or granular material. In some embodiments, the plant-based material is a powder. Alternatively or additionally, the tobacco material may comprise a rod, strand or fiber of tobacco. For example, the tobacco material may include particles, grains, fibers, strands, and/or strands of tobacco. In some embodiments, the tobacco material consists of particles or granules of tobacco material. The tobacco material may comprise reconstituted tobacco material.

The sheet or shredded sheet of aerosol-generating material may comprise nicotine in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight of the sheet or sheet material.

Paper reconstituted tobacco (paper reconstituted tobacco, paper-making reconstituted tobacco) may also be present in the aerosol-generating material described herein. The paper reconstituted tobacco may be any type of paper reconstituted tobacco known in the art.

The aerosol generating material 10 may comprise an aerosol former material. The aerosol former material comprises one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol former material comprises one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillic acid, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. In some examples, the aerosol former material is glycerin or propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating material 10 may comprise a binder. The binder is arranged to bind the components of the aerosol-generating material to form a sheet or shredded sheet. The binder may at least partially coat the surface of the tobacco material. In the case where the tobacco material is in particulate form, the binder may at least partially coat the surfaces of the tobacco particles and bind them together.

The aerosol-generating material 10 may comprise a filler. In some embodiments, the sheet or shredded sheet includes a filler. Fillers are typically non-tobacco components, i.e., components that do not include tobacco-derived ingredients. The filler may comprise one or more inorganic filler materials such as calcium carbonate, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic adsorbents such as molecular sieves. The filler may be non-tobacco fibres such as wood fibres or pulp or wheat fibres. The filler may be a material comprising cellulose or a material comprising cellulose derivatives. The filler component may also be a non-tobacco cast (cast) material or a non-tobacco extruded material.

In certain embodiments that include a filler, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood, wood pulp, hemp, cellulose or cellulose derivatives. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the inclusion of fibrous fillers may increase the tensile strength of the material.

The aerosol-generating material 10 herein may comprise an aerosol-modifying agent, such as any of the flavoring agents described herein. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material comprises menthol. When the aerosol-generating material is incorporated into an article for use in an aerosol-supply system, the article may be referred to as a menthol (mentholated) article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 may comprise an aerosol-forming "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may comprise a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) therein. The amorphous solid may include a flavoring agent. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid additionally comprises an active substance. The active substance may be a tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may include one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. The amorphous solid may be provided as a plurality of elongated strips.

The aerosol-generating material 10 may comprise a blend of an aerosolizable material and an amorphous solid material as described herein. Such an aerosol-generating material may provide an aerosol with a desired flavour profile in use, as additional flavour may be incorporated into the aerosol-generating material by inclusion in the amorphous solid material component. The flavoring provided in the amorphous solid material may be more stably retained within the amorphous solid material than flavoring added directly to the tobacco material, resulting in a more consistent flavoring profile between the manufactured articles.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 is gathered and/or expanded to form the body 7 such that the at least one tube 11 is retained within the void 8 within the body 7.

In the present embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 10 is crimped prior to being arranged into the body 7. For example, the aerosol-generating material 10 may be passed through a pair of crimping rollers. Crimping may make it easier to aggregate the aerosol-generating material 10 to form a body. Crimping may also increase the length of aerosol-generating material that may be used to form a body 7 of a particular volume. Increasing the amount of aerosol-generating material 10 in the body may increase the surface area of the aerosol-generating material 10 and thus the amount of aerosol that may be formed by the aerosol-generating material 10.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 is crimped to a crimp depth of at least 0.1mm, and in some examples, at least 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, or 2mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 is crimped to a crimp depth of at most 2mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 is crimped to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1mm to 2mm, and in some examples in the range of 0.1mm to 1mm, or in the range of 0.2mm to 0.7 mm.

The curl depth (also referred to as "curl factor") refers to the depth of grooves (grooves) formed by the curl in the aerosol-generating material 10. That is, the crimped aerosol-generating material creates a plurality of grooves (rough) in the aerosol-generating material 10 when viewed from a first side of the aerosol-generating material, wherein the crimp depth is the depth of the grooves. The curl may form a zig-zag form or another shape. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped aerosol-generating material 10 are spaced apart by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 3mm, and in some examples, in the range of 0.2 to 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material 10 is heated as it curls. For example, the aerosol-generating material 10 may be passed between crimping rollers, wherein one or both of the crimping rollers are heated.

The component 2 is configured for use in a non-combustible sol supply device comprising an aerosol generator for insertion into an aerosol generating section of the component 2. The aerosol generator may be a heating element, which is a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The component 2 is configured to receive an aerosol generator in a rod 7 of aerosol-generating material 10.

In some embodiments, the filter component 3 may include a cooling section 13 positioned immediately downstream (IMMEDIATELY DOWNSTREAM) of and adjacent to the component 2 of the aerosol-generating material 10. In this embodiment, the cooling section 13 is in abutting relationship with the source of aerosol-generating material 10. The filter component 2 comprises a material body 14 downstream of the cooling section 13, and a hollow tubular element 15 downstream of the material body 14 at the mouth end of the article 1.

The cooling section 13 may comprise at least one hollow channel. The cooling section 13 may be formed from, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of paper layers with butt joints wound in parallel, or a spirally wound paper layer, a cardboard tube, using concrete pulp (papier-Paper-molded) process formed into a tube, molded or extruded plastic tube, or the like. The cooling section 13 is manufactured to have sufficient rigidity to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and when the article 1 is in use.

The material body 14 and the hollow tubular element 15 each define a substantially cylindrical overall external shape and share a common longitudinal axis. The material body 14 is wrapped in a first forming paper 17. In this example, the body of material 14 is formed from a filamentary tow. The tow may comprise plasticized cellulose acetate tow.

In other examples, different materials may be used to form the material body 14. For example, the body 14 may be formed of paper rather than tow, for example in a manner similar to paper filters known for cigarettes. For example, paper or other cellulosic material may be provided as one or more portions of sheet material that is folded and/or rolled to form the body 14. Alternatively, the body 14 may be formed from tows other than cellulose acetate, such as polylactic acid (PLA), other materials described herein for filamentous tows, or the like. The hollow tubular element 15 may be formed as described above in relation to the material body 14.

In the present example, the hollow tubular element 15, the material body 14 and the cooling section 13 are joined using a second forming paper 18 wrapped around all three sections. It will be appreciated that any of these sections may be omitted from the filter element 3.

The outer wrapper or tipping paper 4 is wrapped around the entire length of the filter component 3 and over a portion of the rod 7 of aerosol-generating material 10 and has adhesive on its inner surface to join the filter component 3 and the rod of aerosol-generating material 10. In this example, the rod of aerosol-generating material 10 is wrapped in a rod-shaped wrapper 6, which forms the first wrapper, and the tipping paper 4 forms an outer wrapper which extends at least partially over the rod of aerosol-generating material 10 to connect the filter component 3 (also referred to as a mouthpiece) to the rod of aerosol-generating material 10. In some examples, the tipping paper 4 may extend only partially over the rod of aerosol-generating material 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the filter component 3 may include an aerosol modifier provided within the material body 14. In the present embodiment, the aerosol modifier is provided in the form of a capsule 19. In other examples, the aerosol modifiers may be provided in other forms, such as material injected into the material body 14 or provided on strands, such as material on strands carrying a flavor or other aerosol modifier (which may also be provided within the material body 14).

The capsule 19 may comprise a breakable capsule, such as a capsule having a solid frangible shell surrounding a liquid payload (payload). In this example, a single capsule 19 is used. The capsule 19 is completely embedded within the body of material 14. In other words, the capsule 19 is completely surrounded by the material forming the body 14. In other examples, a plurality of breakable capsules may be disposed within the material body 14, for example, 2,3, or more breakable capsules 19.

The capsule 19 has a core-shell structure. In other words, the capsule 19 comprises a shell encapsulating a liquid agent (e.g., a flavoring or other agent), which may be any of the flavoring or aerosol modifiers described herein. The shell of the capsule 19 may be ruptured by a user to release the flavoring or other agent into the body of material 7.

Referring to fig. 3, a component 2 is shown. The component 2 comprises a first end 21 and a second end 22. At least the first end 21 and the second end 22 are of uniform outer dimensions. In the present embodiment, the first end 21 is the free end of the component 2 furthest from the filter component 3, and the second end 22 abuts the filter component 3, i.e. closest to the mouthpiece 2. The first end 21 comprises a first surface 23 and the second end 22 comprises a second surface 24.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the component 2 comprises at least one tube 11. At least one tube 11 is located in the void 8 in the component 2 and forms a core section 26 of the component 2. The core section 26 extends longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X of the component 2. In the present embodiment, the core section 26 extends partially along the length of the longitudinal axis X of the component 2.

The component 2 further comprises an outer section 27. The outer section 27 extends longitudinally along the length of the longitudinal axis X. In the present embodiment, the outer section 27 extends the entire length of the component 2. The outer section 27 includes a first end surface 28 and an opposite second end surface 29. In this embodiment, the first end surface 28 extends in the same plane as the first surface 23 of the first end 21 of the component 2 and the second end surface 29 extends in the same plane as the second surface 24 of the second end 22 of the component 2.

The outer section 27 surrounds the core section 26. Thus, the core section 26 is positioned radially inward of the outer section 27. The outer section 27 comprises an aerosol-generating material 10 configured to generate an aerosol upon heating.

In the present embodiment, the cross-section of the first end surface 28 is annular and the cross-section of the second end surface 29 is circular, as shown in fig. 4, and will be explained in more detail below. However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the surfaces 28, 29 may have different cross-sections than those described.

At least one tube 11 includes a first end surface 31 and an opposite second end surface 32. In this embodiment, the first end surface 31 extends in the same plane as the first end of the aerosol-generating material 10 of the component 2. That is, the first end surface 31 of the tube 11 extends on the same plane as the first end surface 28 of the outer section 27.

In this embodiment, the second end surface 32 extends in a plane spaced from the plane in which the second end surface 29 of the outer section 27 extends. In some examples, the plane in which second end surface 32 extends and the plane in which second end surface 29 extends are parallel to each other.

Thus, the outer section 27 comprises an annular section 33 and a circular section 34. The annular section 33 may be referred to as a tubular section. The circular section 34 may be referred to as a cylindrical section. The annular section 33 surrounds the at least one tube 11 and has an annular cross section. Thus, the annular section 33 extends longitudinally from a plane in which the first end surface 31 of the tube 11 extends to a plane in which the second end surface 32 of the tube 11 extends. The void 8 is formed within an annular section 33 of the aerosol-generating material 10. The circular section 34 extends longitudinally from a plane in which the second end surface 32 of the tube 11 extends to a plane in which the second end surface 24 of the aerosol-generating material 10 extends.

In the present embodiment, at least one tube 11 is a hollow tube. The hollow tube 11 may be generally cylindrical. Thus, in the present embodiment, the cross section of the hollow tube 31 is annular in shape in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core section 26.

In the present embodiment, the hollow tube 11 includes a peripheral wall 35 surrounding the cavity 36 or hollow portion. In the present embodiment, the cross section of the peripheral wall 35 is annular. The peripheral wall 35 may have a thickness in the range of about 50um to about 1 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the hardness or stiffness of the peripheral wall 35 is in the range of at least about 50%. That is, the peripheral wall may be capable of withstanding crushing forces in the range of about 0.1N prior to deformation. The crushing force may be applied in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The cavity 36 extends longitudinally along the length of the tube 11 from the first end surface 31 to the second end surface 32. The cavity 36 is configured to receive a heating element during use. Thus, the cavity 36 may have a diameter in the range of about 1mm to about 5 mm. In some examples, the cavity 36 may have a diameter in the range of about 2mm to 4 mm. The cavity 36 is open at the first end 31 of the tube 11 and is configured to receive a heating element.

In the present embodiment, the tube 11 is formed of paper. Thus, the paper tube 11 may be formed of: a plurality of paper layers with butt joints wound in parallel, or a spirally wound paper layer, a cardboard tube, or a tube formed using a coagulated pulp process.

However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the first material may be, for example, but not limited to, one of another paper material (PAPER MATERIAL), belt cast tobacco (bandcast tobacco), paper reconstituted tobacco, or an amorphous solid.

In the present embodiment, the outer section 27 of the component 2 comprises a first wall 43A. The first wall 43A defines the end of the cylindrical section 34 of the outer section 27 of the component 2. The first wall 43A extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first and second ends 21, 22 of the component 2. At least one tube 11 may abut the first wall 43A. As described in more detail below, the first wall 43A is formed by using a slit 41 in the aerosol-generating material 10.

Referring to fig. 5, a sheet 100 of aerosol-generating material 10 forming part 2 is shown. The aerosol-generating material 10 of the component 2 comprises a first outer edge 10A and a second outer edge 10B at opposite ends of the aerosol-generating material 10. The first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B extend substantially parallel to each other. When the aerosol-generating material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B form a first axial end 7A and a second axial end 7B of the body 7. It will be appreciated that the second outer edge 10B may not be formed until the component 2 is cut from the continuous rod during the manufacturing process, as will be explained in more detail below.

The aerosol-generating material 10 further comprises a third outer edge 10C and a fourth outer edge 10D. The third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer edges 10A, 10B. When the aerosol-generating material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D are substantially parallel to the central axis A-A of the component 2. The sheet of aerosol-generating material 10 may be generally rectangular.

The aerosol-generating material 10 forming part 2 comprises a first slit 41.

The first slit 41 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third 10C and fourth 10D outer edges of the aerosol-generating material 10. The first slit 41 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first outer edge 10A and the second outer edge 10B.

The aerosol-generating material 10 has a width (shown by arrow 'W' in fig. 5) measured between the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D of the aerosol-generating material 10. In some embodiments, the width W of the aerosol-generating material 10 is in the range of 30mm to 400mm, and in some examples in the range of 40mm to 300mm, in the range of 50mm to 280mm, in the range of 75mm to 225mm, or in the range of 100mm to 200mm, as measured with the aerosol-generating material 10 laid flat.

In some embodiments, the first slit 41 is spaced apart from the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D. In other words, the first slit 41 does not extend over the entire width W of the aerosol-generating material 10.

The first slit 41 forms a first inner edge 43 of the aerosol-generating material 10. That is, when the aerosol-generating material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the first slit 41 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on a first side (e.g. a downstream side during use) of the at least one tube 11 such that the first inner edge 43 at least partially defines the boundary of the void 8 accommodating the at least one tube 11. Thus, the first inner edge 43 may form a first wall portion 43A.

Thus, the first inner edge 43 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on one side of the void 8 to at least partially or fully define the boundary of the void 8 to prevent the at least one tube 11 from moving away from the first end of the void 8. This improves the positioning of the at least one tube 11 within the component 4.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is axially spaced from the second outer edge 10B by a distance in the range of 10mm to 80 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is axially spaced from the second outer edge 10B by a distance in the range of 20mm to 70mm, in the range of 30mm to 60 mm.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first slit 41 extends linearly, and in some examples, the entire first slit 41 extends linearly. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first slit 41 may be at least partially or entirely non-linear, such as curved. In one embodiment (not shown), the first slit 41 follows a zig-zag path.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is continuous. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is discontinuous, interspersed with one or more intermediate portions of the aerosol-generating material 10 that connect adjacent portions of the first inner edge 43.

In some embodiments, the first wall portion 43A subtends around the entire central axis a of the component 4.

The first wall portion 43A is porous. In this example, the inhalant is able to flow through the layer of aggregated aerosol-generating material 10 of the first wall portion 43A.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 has a length L1 in the range of 5mm to 360mm, and in some examples, in the range of 5mm to 270mm, when the aerosol-generating material 10 is laid flat.

During the manufacturing process, the aerosol-generating material 10 is formed as a continuous rod that is gathered around the at least one tube 11. The continuous rod is then cut into individual pieces 2.

As described above, the at least one tube 11 may be applied to the aerosol-generating material 10 before or while the aerosol-generating material 10 is formed into the body 7. However, at least one tube 11 may be a double length tube 11.

In some embodiments, the body 7 is surrounded by a wrapper 6, such as a paper wrapper. For example, the wrapper 6 may help to retain the aerosol-generating material 10 in the form of the body 7 by preventing the aerosol-generating material 10 from unwinding.

Referring to fig. 6, a sheet 110 of aerosol-generating material 10 for forming a double length component 2 is shown. The aerosol-generating material 10 of the double length member 2 comprises a first outer edge 10A 'and a second outer edge 10B' at opposite ends of the aerosol-generating material 10. The first outer edge 10A 'and the second outer edge 10B' extend substantially parallel to each other. When the aerosol-generating material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the first outer edge 10A 'and the second outer edge 10B' form a first axial end 7A 'and a second axial end 7B' of the body 7. It should be appreciated that the second outer edge 10B' may not be formed until the component is cut from the continuous rod during the manufacturing process.

The aerosol-generating material 10 further comprises a third outer edge 10C and a fourth outer edge 10D. The third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the first and second outer edges 10A ', 10B'. When the aerosol-generating material 10 is arranged to form the body 7, the third and fourth outer edges 10C, 10D are substantially parallel to the central axis A-A of the component. The sheet of aerosol-generating material 10 may be generally rectangular.

The aerosol-generating material 10 forming the double length member 2 comprises a first slit 41 and a second slit 42.

The first slit 41 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third 10C and fourth 10D outer edges of the aerosol-generating material 10. The first slit 41 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first outer edge 10A 'and the second outer edge 10B'.

The second slit 42 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the third outer edge 10C and the fourth outer edge 10D. In other words, the second slit 42 does not extend over the entire width of the aerosol-generating material 10 (shown by arrow "W" in fig. 6).

The first slit 41 forms a first inner edge 43 of the aerosol-generating material 10. The second slit 42 forms a second inner edge 44 of the aerosol-generating material 10. That is, when the aerosol-generating material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the first slit 41 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on a first side (e.g., downstream side) of the at least one tube 11 such that the first inner edge 43 at least partially defines the boundary of the void 8 housing the at least one tube 11. Thus, the first inner edge 43 may form a first wall portion 43A.

Similarly, when the aerosol-generating material 10 is gathered to form the body 7, the second slit 42 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on a second side (e.g. an upstream side) of the at least one tube 11 such that the second inner edge 44 at least partially defines the boundary of the void 8 accommodating the at least one tube 11. The second inner edge 44 may thus form a second wall portion 44A.

Thus, the first inner edge 43 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on one side of the void 8 to at least partially or fully define the boundary of the void 8 to prevent the at least one tube 11 from moving away from the first end of the void 8. This improves the positioning of the at least one tube 11 within the component 2.

The second inner edge 44 allows the aerosol-generating material 10 to be gathered together on one side of the void 8 to at least partially or fully define the boundary of the void 8 to prevent the at least one tube 11 from moving away from the second end of the void 8. This improves the positioning of the at least one tube 11 within the component 2.

In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 43, 44 are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 10mm to 80 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 43, 44 are axially spaced apart by a distance in the range of 12mm to 60mm, in the range of 15mm to 30 mm. Thus, the length of the cavity 36 in the single component 2 may be in the range of about 5mm to 40 mm.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 extend linearly, and in some examples, the entire first slit 41 and/or the second slit 42 extend linearly. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first slit 41 and/or the second slit 42 may be at least partially or completely non-linear, e.g., curved. In one embodiment (not shown), the first outer edge and/or the second outer edge follow a zig-zag path.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is continuous. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is discontinuous, interspersed with one or more intermediate portions of the aerosol-generating material 10 that connect adjacent portions of the first inner edge 43. Similarly, the second inner edge 44 may be continuous or intermittent.

The first and second inner edges 43, 44 may be disposed on opposite sides of the at least one tube 11 and may face in opposite directions.

The double length part 2 comprises a first end 3A 'and a second end 3B'. In the present example, the first inner edge 43 is located between the at least one object 11 and the first end 3A' of the double length part 2. In other embodiments, the first inner edge 43 is located between the at least one tube 11 and the second end 3B' of the component 2.

In the present embodiment, the second inner edge 44 is located between the at least one tube 11 and the second end 3B' of the component 2. In other embodiments, the second inner edge 44 is located between the at least one tube 11 and the first end 3A' of the component 2.

In some embodiments, the first wall portion 43A and/or the second wall portion 44A subtends around the entire central axis a of the component 2. In some embodiments, the first wall portion 43A subtends around the entire central axis a of the component. Further, the second wall portion 44A is around the entire central axis a of the opposing member 3.

The first wall portion 43A and the second wall portion 44B are porous. In this example, the inhalant is able to flow through the layer of aggregated aerosol-generating material 10 of the first wall portion 43A and through the layer of aggregated aerosol-generating material 10 of the second wall portion 44A.

In some embodiments, the annular portion 33 of the aerosol-generating material 10 surrounds the at least one tube 11. The first inner edge 43 and the second inner edge 44 may be provided on opposite sides of the annular portion 33 of the aerosol-generating material 10. The annular portion 33 may be generally tubular and may be cylindrical. The void 8 is formed within the annular portion 33 of the aerosol-generating material 10.

In some embodiments, the second inner edge 44 has a length L2 in the range of 5mm to 360mm, and in some examples, in the range of 5mm to 270mm, when the aerosol-generating material 10 is laid flat.

In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 and/or the second inner edge 44 are spaced apart from the third outer edge 10C and/or the fourth outer edge 10D by at least 3mm, and in some examples, at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10mm, as measured when the aerosol-generating material 10 is laid flat.

At the end of the manufacturing process, the double-length part 2 is cut in half through its centre in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the part 2 at its midpoint, in order to divide the double-length part 2 into two separate parts 2. The two parts 2 are essentially mirror images of each other.

If the manufacturing process forms a continuous rod, the first part is formed by separating the first part from the continuous rod, a first cut through the at least one tube 11 and the annular portion 33, and a second cut through the aerosol-generating material 10 between the annular portions 33, i.e. through the cylindrical portion 34, separates the second part 2 from the continuous rod.

Referring now to fig. 7, a sheet 115 of aerosol-generating material 10 of an alternative embodiment of the component 2 is shown. The sheet 115 of aerosol-generating material 10 of fig. 7 is similar to the sheet 110 of aerosol-generating material 10 described above, except that the first slit 41 and the second slit 42 are omitted and replaced by the aperture 120, like features retain the same reference numerals. The aperture 120 extends from a first inner edge 121 of the aerosol-generating material 10 to a second edge 122 of the aerosol-generating material 10.

The aperture 120 may be formed as a cut in the aerosol-generating material 10, for example, by cutting a portion of the aerosol-generating material 10 from the remainder of the aerosol-generating material 10 to form the first aperture 120. For example, the first aperture 120 may be formed by punching out the portion from the aerosol-generating material 10.

In other embodiments, the first aperture 120 may be formed by different methods, for example, by cutting the aerosol-generating material 10 using one or more lasers. In yet another embodiment, the aerosol-generating material 10 may be cast in a mold such that the first apertures 120 are formed in the aerosol-generating material 10 when the aerosol-generating material is cast.

In this example, the first aperture 120 is rectangular. However, in other embodiments, the first aperture 120 may be a different shape.

The sheet 115 of aerosol-generating material 10 may further comprise further apertures, such as the second aperture 121 shown in fig. 7, configured to form further cavities during the manufacturing process of the component 2.

Referring now to fig. 8, a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a component 2 for a delivery system is shown. The method comprises the following steps: providing an assembly comprising at least one tube 11 and an aerosol-generating material 10, the aerosol-generating material comprising a first inner edge 43 (step S1); and arranging the aerosol-generating material 10 as a body 7 such that the body 7 comprises a void 8 receiving the at least one tube 11, wherein the first inner edge 43 at least partially or fully defines the boundary of the void 8 (step S2).

In some embodiments, providing the component (S1) includes forming a first inner edge in the aerosol-generating material 10. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating material 10 may be provided with a first inner edge 43 preformed into the aerosol-generating material 10.

In some embodiments, forming the first interior edge 43 in the aerosol-generating material 10 includes cutting the aerosol-generating material 10 to form the first interior edge 43, and in some examples, cutting through the entire thickness of the aerosol-generating material 10 to form the first interior edge 43.

In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge 43 includes cutting the aerosol-generating material 10 using a suitable cutting device, for example, using a knife and/or a laser. In some embodiments, forming the first inner edge includes forming a slit in the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, forming the first interior edge comprises forming a hole in the aerosol-generating material such that the edge of the hole comprises the first interior edge of the aerosol-generating material. The aperture may be substantially rectangular or may be another shape.

In some embodiments, providing the assembly (S1) comprises providing an aerosol-generating material comprising a first inner edge and then providing at least one tube over the aerosol-generating material, and in some examples, wherein providing the assembly comprises forming the first inner edge in the aerosol-generating material and then providing at least one tube over the aerosol-generating material.

In other embodiments, providing the assembly (S1) includes providing an aerosol-generating material, providing at least one tube over the aerosol-generating material, and then forming a first inner edge in the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the method includes crimping the aerosol-generating material, and in some examples, crimping the aerosol-generating material to a crimp depth, as previously described. In some embodiments, the method comprises heating the aerosol-generating material as it is crimped.

The method may comprise crimping the aerosol-generating material after the or each inner edge has been formed, or crimping the aerosol-generating material before the or each inner edge has been formed.

In some embodiments, the method includes providing at least one tube on the aerosol-generating material using a tube supply device (e.g., a tube delivery wheel).

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material of the assembly comprises a second inner edge, and wherein disposing the aerosol-generating material into the body comprises disposing the aerosol-generating material such that the second inner edge at least partially or fully forms a boundary of the void.

In some embodiments, the step of providing the component (S1) comprises forming a second inner edge in the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the second inner edge is formed in the same manner as the first inner edge described above.

In some embodiments, providing the component (S1) comprises providing a continuous web of aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the method comprises cutting the continuous web of aerosol-generating material (and any surrounding wrapper) after arranging the aerosol-generating material into the body. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous web of aerosol-generating material forms one or more discrete components. In some embodiments, cutting the continuous web of aerosol-generating material after arranging the aerosol-generating material into the body comprises cutting the web such that a single-length component (i.e., a final length for use in a delivery system) is formed. In other embodiments, cutting the continuous web of aerosol-generating material after arranging the aerosol-generating material into the body comprises cutting the web such that multiple length components are formed, which may then be cut to form single length components (either before or after attachment to other components such as a tobacco rod).

Fig. 9 shows an example of a continuous web 200 of sheet material.

In this example, the continuous web 200 is intermittently cut in the region between adjacent first and second inner edges 43, 44 (along the dashed line "Z-Z" in fig. 9) in order to separate portions of the aerosol-generating material 10 from the remainder of the continuous web 200. In this example, once the aerosol-generating material is gathered in the body and wrapped with plug wrap, the continuous web 200 and overlying forming paper (not shown) are cut in that region. I.e. after the web 200 has been formed into a rod containing at least one tube 11. In some embodiments, the cutting rod is such that each separate portion of the aerosol-generating material 10 corresponds to the final length of the component (i.e., the cutting rod is a single length of the component). In other embodiments, the rods are cut such that each separate portion of the aerosol-generating material 10 corresponds to multiple final lengths of the component (e.g., the cut rods are double length components that are subsequently cut to form single length components, or three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more times the final length of the component). In some embodiments, each separate portion of aerosol-generating material comprises one or more pairs of first and second inner edges.

In some embodiments, the method includes forming a plurality of inner edges at regularly spaced intervals in the continuous web. For example, the method may include forming the first interior edge, the second interior edge, the third interior edge, and/or the fourth interior edge in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals. In the example of fig. 9, a plurality of first inner edges 43 are formed at regularly spaced intervals (see arrow "D2" in fig. 9) on the web 200, and a plurality of second inner edges 44 are formed at regularly spaced intervals (shown by arrow "D3" in fig. 9) on the web 200.

The distance D2 between each first inner edge 43 and/or the distance D3 between each second inner edge 44 may be in the range of 40 to 100mm, and in some examples, in the range of 80 to 90 mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 and/or D3 is at least 40mm, and optionally at least 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm. In some embodiments, the distance D2 and/or D3 is at most 100mm, and preferably at most 95mm, 90mm, 85mm, 80mm, 75mm, 70mm, 65mm, 60mm, 55mm, 50mm or 45mm.

Each first inner edge 43 is separated from a corresponding second inner edge 44 by a distance (shown by arrow "D1" in fig. 9), wherein at least one object 11 is disposed between each pair of first inner edges 43 and second inner edges 44. When the aerosol-generating material of the web 200 is gathered to form the body, the first and second inner edges 43, 44 allow the aerosol-generating material to be gathered together such that the first and second inner edges 43, 44 at least partially define the boundary of the void accommodating the at least one tube 11. In other embodiments, one of the first and second inner edges 43, 44 may be omitted. In further embodiments, a third inner edge and/or a fourth inner edge (not shown) may be formed on the continuous web 200, and optionally, at least one additional tube (not shown) may be positioned on the web 200 near the third inner edge and/or the fourth inner edge.

In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the first inner edge 43 and the second inner edge 44 is in the range of 10 to 90mm, and in some embodiments, in the range of 20mm to 45 mm. In some embodiments, the first inner edge 43 and the second inner edge 44 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at least 10mm, and in some examples, at least 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, or 90mm. In some embodiments, the first and second inner edges 43, 44 are spaced apart by a distance D1 of at most 90mm, and in some examples, at most 85mm, 80mm, 75mm, 70mm, 65mm, 60mm, 55mm, 50mm, 45mm, 40mm, 35mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, or 10mm.

In some embodiments (not shown), the web comprises a third inner edge and a fourth inner edge, and wherein the distance between the third inner edge and the fourth inner edge is in the range of 10 to 90mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at least 3mm, and in some examples, at least 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, or 90mm. In some embodiments, the third and fourth inner edges are spaced apart by a distance of at most 50mm, and in some examples, at most 85mm, 80mm, 75mm, 70mm, 65mm, 60mm, 55mm, 50mm, 45mm, 40mm, 35mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, or 10mm.

In some embodiments, the method includes moving the continuous web 200 along a conveyance path (shown by arrow "Y" in fig. 9) and providing at least one tube 11 (and/or at least one other object) at regular intervals as the continuous web 200 moves along the conveyance path Y. The at least one tube 11 may be located between the first inner edge 43 and the second inner edge 44, or near one of the first inner edge 43 or the second inner edge 44 (if the other of the first inner edge 43 and the second inner edge 44 is omitted).

In some embodiments, the width of web 200 (shown with arrow "W1" in fig. 9) is in the range of 30 to 400mm, and in some examples, in the range of 40 to 300mm, in the range of 50 to 280mm, in the range of 75 to 225mm, or in the range of 100 to 200 mm.

In some embodiments, the width W1 of the web 200 is at least 30mm, and in some examples at least 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 190mm, 250mm, 280mm, 300mm, or 400mm.

In some embodiments, the width W1 of the web 200 is at most 400mm, and in some examples, at most 300mm, 280mm, 250mm, 225mm, 200mm, 175mm, 150mm, 125mm, or 100mm.

Although in the above example the inner edges 43, 44 are provided in the web 200 of continuous sheet material, the web is then gathered and formed into a body, which is then cut to form individual parts (or multiple length parts), in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the web is cut into individual sheets, and thereafter the inner edges are provided in the aerosol-generating material and the at least one tube is provided on the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the step of arranging the aerosol-generating material into a body (S2) comprises gathering the aerosol-generating material together to form the body.

In some embodiments, the first wall portion is defined by a first inner edge of the aggregated aerosol-generating material and/or the second wall portion is defined by a second inner edge of the aggregated aerosol-generating material. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating material further comprises a third and/or fourth inner edge, the method may comprise gathering the third and/or fourth inner edge of the aerosol-generating material to define a respective third and/or fourth wall portion. In some embodiments, the assembly comprises at least one additional tube. Arranging the aerosol-generating material into the body (S2) may comprise arranging the aerosol-generating material such that the body comprises a second cavity receiving at least one further tube, wherein the third inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second void. In some embodiments, disposing the aerosol-generating material into the body (S2) comprises disposing the aerosol-generating material such that the fourth inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the second void.

The third and/or fourth inner edges may be formed in the same manner as previously described with respect to the first and/or second inner edges.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises connecting the component to a further component of the delivery system, e.g., a further component of a combustible or non-combustible aerosol supply device. In one embodiment, the further component is a filter component 3 and may be attached to the component by wrapping paper (e.g. tipping paper).

Referring now to fig. 10, an embodiment of an apparatus 300 for manufacturing components for a delivery system is shown.

The apparatus 300 comprises a supply 301 of aerosol-generating material 10, a crimping device 302 and an edge forming device 303 comprising a first pair of cutting drums 304 and a second pair of cutting drums 305. The apparatus 300 further includes an adhesive applicator 306, a tube supply 307, and a body forming device 308.

In this example, the supply means 301 is a spool (rel) 301 of aerosol-generating material 10 fed along a conveying path (shown by arrow "Y" in fig. 10). The aerosol-generating material 10 may be fed along the conveying path Y by, for example, rollers and/or belts, as will be apparent to the skilled person. In this example, the aerosol-generating material 10 is fed as a continuous web 200 to the body-forming device 308.

In this example, crimping device 302 includes a first crimping roller 302A and a second crimping roller 302B. However, in other embodiments, the crimping device 302 may be omitted or may have a different configuration, for example, alternatively or additionally including an embossing device such as an embossing roller.

The crimping device 302 is configured to crimp the aerosol-generating material 10 as the aerosol-generating material 10 passes between the rollers 302A, 302B. In some embodiments, the crimping device 302 is configured to crimp the aerosol-generating material 10 to the previously described crimp depth, for example in the range of 0.1 to 2mm, and in some examples, in the range of 0.1 to 1mm or in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the crimping device 302 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material, e.g., one or both of the rollers 302A, 302B may be heated. In one such embodiment, one or both of the crimping rollers 302A, 302B includes one or more heating elements, such as resistive heating elements.

In this example, the crimping device 302 is configured to crimp the aerosol-generating material 10 before the edge forming device 303 forms the inner edge. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the crimping device 302 is configured to crimp the aerosol-generating material 10 after the edge forming device 303 forms the inner edge.

The first pair of cutting drums 304 includes a scissor drum 304A and a support drum 304B. The scissor drum 304A includes a plurality of knives 304C configured to sequentially contact the aerosol-generating material 10 as the aerosol-generating material 10 passes between the scissor drum 304A and the support drum 304B to form a first slit in the aerosol-generating material 10 of the web 200. The knives 304C are regularly spaced about the central axis of the scissor drum 304A such that the knives 304C form first slits in the aerosol-generating material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each first slit may be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent knives 304C and/or the number of knives 304C on the scissor drum 304A.

The second pair of cutting drums 305 includes a scissor drum 305A and a support drum 304B. The scissor drum 305A includes a plurality of knives 305C configured to sequentially contact the aerosol-generating material 10 as the aerosol-generating material 10 passes between the scissor drum 305A and the support drum 305B to form a second slit in the aerosol-generating material 10 of the web 200. The knives 305C are regularly spaced about the central axis of the scissor drum 305A such that the knives 305C form second slits in the aerosol-generating material 10 at regularly spaced intervals. The distance between each second slit may be selected by adjusting the distance between adjacent knives 305C and/or the number of knives 305C on the scissor drum 305A.

In some embodiments, the rotation of the first and second cutting drums 304, 305 may be synchronized.

The first slit forms a first inner edge of the aerosol-generating material 10 and the second slit forms a second inner edge of the aerosol-generating material 10. The first and second slits and/or the first and second inner edges may have any features of the slits/inner edges, including similar shapes and/or sizes.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a pair of cutting drums form both the first and second inner edges. For example, one knife or set of knives forms a first inner edge and a second knife or set of knives forms a second inner edge. In other embodiments, the first or second inner edge is omitted.

In some embodiments, the first pair of cutting drums 304 and/or the second pair of cutting drums 305 may be replaced by one or more cutting lasers configured to form slits or holes in the aerosol-generating material that form the inner edges of the aerosol-generating material 10.

In this example, the edge forming means 303 forms a slit in the aerosol-generating material 10. In other embodiments, the edge forming device 303 forms a hole in the aerosol-generating material 10, the hole forming an inner edge. For example, the edge forming means 303 may be configured to form a cut in the aerosol-generating material 10 to form the or each aperture. In one such embodiment, the cutting device 303 comprises a punching cylinder comprising a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion punching a portion of the aerosol-generating material 10 out of the remainder of the aerosol-generating material 10 to form a hole. The aperture may have any of the features of the apertures described above, including similar shapes and/or sizes.

In some embodiments, the edge forming device 303 is configured to form a first interior edge, wherein the first interior edge passes through a tube supply that then positions at least one tube on the aerosol-generating material. In another embodiment, the edge forming means is configured to form the first inner edge after the tube supply means has positioned the at least one tube on the first portion of aerosol-generating material.

The adhesive applicator 306 is configured to apply adhesive to the aerosol-generating material 10, for example, by spraying the adhesive or applying the adhesive with a roller or brush. Alternatively, the binder may be gravity fed to the aerosol-generating material 10. As the aerosol-generating material 10 moves along the transport path Y and past the adhesive applicator 306, adhesive is applied to the aerosol-generating material 10. The adhesive applicator 306 may use compressed gas to supply adhesive to the aerosol-generating material 10 through the nozzle 306A. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the adhesive applicator 306 may be omitted.

The tube supply 307 is configured to provide at least one tube at regular intervals on the continuous web. The tube supply 307 may be configured to position at least one tube on a first side of the first inner edge and on a second side of the second inner edge such that the at least one tube is positioned on the aerosol-generating material between the first edge and the second edge.

The tube supply device 307 includes a hopper 307A and a screw feeder 307B. Hopper 307A comprises a tube. The screw feeder 307B is configured to supply a tube from the hopper 307A to the aerosol-generating material 10 as the aerosol-generating material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and past the tube supply 307.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the screw feeder 307B is replaced by an alternative tube supply, for example feeding a tube to a strip of aerosol generating material. In some embodiments (not shown), the tubes are stored in a container and supplied to the aerosol-generating material through a conduit using compressed gas.

In some embodiments, the tube supply 307 comprises a tube delivery wheel.

Body forming device 308 includes tongue 308A. The aerosol-generating material 10 is fed into the tongue 308A. The cross-sectional area of the tongue 308A decreases such that the aerosol-generating material 10 is gathered together to form a body as it passes the tongue 308A.

The body forming device 308 may arrange the aerosol-generating material 10 as a body of material surrounded by a wrapper (not shown). The body and wrapper may form a continuous rod which may then be cut into segments for inclusion in a delivery system, and in some embodiments the apparatus further comprises a component cutting device configured to cut the rod into components/segments of a single length or multiples thereof.

The body forming device 308 is configured to arrange the aerosol-generating material 10 into a body such that the body comprises a void that receives at least one tube. When the aerosol-generating material of the web is gathered to form the body, the first and second inner edges 43, 44 allow the aerosol-generating material to be gathered together such that the first and second inner edges 43, 44 at least partially or fully define the boundary of the void accommodating the at least one tube 11.

In some embodiments, the edge forming means 303 is configured to provide a third slit or aperture and/or a fourth slit or aperture in the aerosol-generating material 10 in order to form a third and/or fourth inner edge, respectively, in the aerosol-generating material 10. In one embodiment, the first pair of cutting drums 304 are configured to form a first inner edge and a third inner edge in the aerosol-generating material 10, and the second pair of cutting drums 305 are configured to form a second inner edge and a fourth inner edge in the aerosol-generating material 10. In another embodiment (not shown), the edge forming device 303 further comprises a third pair of cutting drums (not shown) configured to form a third inner edge (e.g., forming a third slit/hole in the aerosol-generating material) and/or a fourth pair of cutting drums (not shown) configured to form a fourth inner edge (e.g., forming a fourth slit/hole in the aerosol-generating material). In yet another embodiment (not shown), a single pair of cutting drums forms all of the first, second, third and fourth inner edges. In another embodiment (not shown), one or more lasers may be used to form the first, second, third, and fourth interior edges.

The third and fourth slits/holes and/or the third and fourth inner edges may have any features of the slits/inner edges, including similar shapes and/or sizes.

The tube supply 307 is configured to position at least one further tube on the aerosol-generating material 10. For example, the tube supply 307 may include a second hopper (not shown) and a second screw feeder (not shown). The second hopper contains additional tubes. The second screw feeder is configured to supply further tubes from the second hopper to the aerosol-generating material 10 as the aerosol-generating material 10 moves along the conveying path Y and through the tube supply 307. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second screw feeder is replaced by an alternative tube supply means, for example feeding further tubes to the strip of aerosol generating material. In some embodiments (not shown), additional tubes are stored in the container and supplied to the aerosol-generating material through the conduit using compressed gas.

In such an embodiment, the body forming device 308 is configured to arrange the aerosol-generating material 10 into a body such that the body comprises a second void receiving at least one further tube, wherein the third inner edge at least partially or fully forms a boundary of the second void and the fourth inner edge at least partially or fully forms a boundary of the second void.

In some embodiments, the body forming device 308 is configured to gather a first interior edge of the aerosol-generating material to form a first wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 308 is configured to gather a second inner edge of the aerosol-generating material to form a second wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 308 is configured to gather a third inner edge of the aerosol-generating material to form a third wall portion. In some embodiments, the body forming device 308 is configured to gather a fourth inner edge of the aerosol-generating material to form a fourth wall portion.

In some embodiments, the device 300 includes a sensor 350 (shown in fig. 10) configured to detect information indicative of at least one inner edge 43, 44 (e.g., one or more of the first inner edge, the second inner edge, the third inner edge, and/or the fourth inner edge) of the aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 further includes a controller 360 (shown in fig. 10) configured to control the position of the at least one tube based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor 350.

In some embodiments, the controller 360 controls the tube supply 307 based on information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor 350 to control the position of the at least one tube and/or the further tube. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 360 is configured to control the speed at which the aerosol-generating material 10 is conveyed along the conveying path Y in order to control the position of the at least one tube and/or the further tube.

The sensor 350 may include a camera (not shown) configured to detect each first inner edge as it passes the camera. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may comprise a different type of sensor (not shown), for example, a grating, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic or hall effect sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In some embodiments, sensor 350 or one or more other sensors additionally or alternatively detects the second interior edge, the third interior edge, and/or the fourth interior edge.

The controller 360 may include a memory 361 and a processor 362. Memory 361 may be configured to store instructions and/or information and processor 362 may be configured to execute the instructions.

The controller 302 may be configured to control the tube supply 307 based on information indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge detected by the sensor 350 in order to control the position of the at least one tube, for example by controlling the timing and/or frequency when dispensing the at least one tube onto the aerosol-generating material 10, so as to align each of the at least one tube into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges. For example, in embodiments in which the tube supply 307 includes a tube insertion wheel, the controller 360 may control the speed at which it rotates. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 360 may be configured to control the speed at which the aerosol-generating material 10 is conveyed along the conveying path Y, in order to control the position of the at least one tube, for example, to control the speed at which the belt, drum and/or roller of aerosol-generating material 10 is fed along the conveying path Y. Furthermore, this facilitates alignment of each of the at least one tube into the space between adjacent first and second inner edges (and/or alignment of each of the at least one further tube into the second space between adjacent third and fourth inner edges).

Based on information detected by the sensor indicating at least one first, second, third and/or fourth inner edge, controlling the position of the at least one tube/at least one further tube supplied to the aerosol-generating material 10 helps to ensure that the at least one tube/further tube is not out of alignment with the aerosol-generating material 10, e.g. due to the aerosol-generating material stretching or sliding on the conveying path. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the sensor is omitted.

The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the appropriate combination of the elements, components, features, parts, steps, instruments, etc. disclosed, in addition to those specifically described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A component for a non-combustible sol delivery system, the component comprising:

a body formed from a sheet of aerosol-generating material, the body comprising a void; and

At least one tube located in the void within the body;

wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises an inner edge at least partially defining a closed end of the void; and

Wherein the void includes an open end in the plane of the end of the body.

2. A component according to claim 1, wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises a plurality of elongate strips extending between transversely extending strips of aerosol-generating material.

3. A component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first inner edge is a cut edge of the sheet of aerosol-generating material.

4. A component according to claim 3, wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises a slit forming the first inner edge.

5. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises an aperture, and wherein an edge of the aperture comprises a first inner edge of sheet material.

6. The component of claim 5, wherein the aperture is substantially rectangular in cross-section.

7. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet of aerosol-generating material comprises a first outer edge and a second outer edge at axial ends of the sheet material, wherein the first.

8. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one tube is positioned coaxially with the body of aerosol-generating material.

9. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the end of the tube is located in the plane of the end of the body of aerosol-generating material.

10. The component of any preceding claim, wherein the tube is configured to receive a susceptor.

11. The component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tube comprises at least one active substance and/or aerosol-modifying substance.

12. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the tube is formed from paper.

13. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein the end of the tube is positioned in abutting engagement with a closed end wall of the void.

14. The component of any of the preceding claims, wherein a first inner edge is longitudinally spaced from the open end of the void by a distance in the range of about 5mm to about 45 mm.

15. A method of manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the method comprising:

providing an assembly comprising at least one tube and a sheet of aerosol-generating material comprising a first inner edge and a second inner edge; and

Disposing sheet material into a body such that the body includes a void between the first and second interior edges that receives the at least one tube;

Wherein the first and second interior edges at least partially define a closed end of the void; and

The body between the first and second inner edges is cut to provide two body portions having a void with an open end.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the component comprises: cutting the sheet of aerosol-generating material to form a plurality of elongate strips of aerosol-generating material.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein providing the component comprises: the first and second inner edges are formed in the sheet material.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein forming the first and second interior edges in the sheet material comprises: cutting the sheet material to form the first and second interior edges, and optionally cutting through the entire thickness of the sheet material to form the first and second interior edges.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein forming the first and second inner edges comprises: the sheet material is cut using a knife and/or a laser.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein forming the first and second inner edges comprises: slits are formed in the sheet material.

21. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein forming the first and second inner edges comprises: forming a hole in the sheet material such that an edge of the hole comprises the first and second inner edges of the sheet material, and optionally, the hole is substantially rectangular.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein forming the aperture comprises: a cut is formed in the sheet material.

23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein providing the assembly comprises: providing the sheet material comprising the first inner edge and the second inner edge, and then providing the at least one tube on the sheet material, and optionally wherein providing the assembly comprises: the first and second inner edges are formed in the sheet material and then at least one object is provided on the sheet material.

24. The method of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein providing the assembly comprises: providing the sheet material, providing at least one object on the sheet material, and then forming the first and second interior edges in the sheet material.

25. The method of any one of claims 15 to 24, comprising crimping the sheet material, and optionally crimping the sheet material to a crimp depth in the range of 0.1mm to 2 mm.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising crimping the sheet material after forming the first and second inner edges.

27. The method of claim 25, comprising crimping the sheet material prior to forming the first and second inner edges.

28. The method of any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein providing the assembly comprises: a continuous web of sheet material is provided.

29. The method of claim 28, comprising forming a plurality of inner edges in the continuous web at regularly spaced intervals.

30. A method according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the method comprises: a continuous path is moved and the at least one tube is provided at regular intervals as the continuous web moves along the conveying path.

31. The method of any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein arranging the sheet material into a body comprises: the sheet materials are gathered together to form the body.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein a first wall portion is defined by gathering the first inner edge of the sheet material and/or a second wall portion is defined by gathering the second inner edge of the sheet material.

33. The method of any one of claims 17 to 32, wherein the method comprises: information indicative of at least one interior edge of the sheet material is detected.

34. The method of claim 33, comprising controlling a position of the at least one tube relative to the sheet material being supplied based on information indicative of the at least one inner edge detected by a sensor.

35. A method according to claim 34, comprising controlling a tube supply means based on information detected by the sensor indicative of the position of the at least one inner edge, so as to control the position of the at least one tube relative to the sheet material being supplied, and optionally the timing and/or frequency at which the at least one tube is dispensed onto the sheet material.

36. An apparatus for manufacturing a component for a delivery system, the apparatus comprising:

an edge forming device configured to form a first inner edge in a sheet of aerosol-generating material;

a tube supply configured to place at least one tube on the sheet of aerosol-generating material;

A body forming device configured to arrange the sheet of aerosol-generating material into a body such that the body comprises a void receiving the at least one tube,

Wherein the first inner edge at least partially defines a boundary of the void.