Method for assembling an aerosol generating article

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling an aerosol generating article, wherein a first component (1) of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a first groove (3), and an at least partially hollow second component (2) of the aerosol generating article is arranged in a second groove (4). The first component (1) is pushed in a first direction (100) along the first groove (3) into the second component (2) in the second groove (4), by relatively moving the first groove (3) in a second direction (200) with respect to a guide element (6) with an engagement surface (7), such that the engagement surface (7) engages and pushes the first component (1) in the first direction (100). The invention further provides an apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article and a use of an inclined engagement surface (7) for the insertion of a first component (1) in an at least partially hollow second component (2) of an aerosol generating article.

1 . A method for assembling an aerosol generating article,
 arranging a first component of the aerosol generating article in a first groove,   arranging an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article in a second groove,   pushing the first component in a first direction along the first groove into the second component in the second groove, by relatively moving the first groove in a second direction with respect to a guide element with an engagement surface, such that the engagement surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component is a capsule comprising alkaloid containing powder. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component has a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, wherein the diameter of the first section is greater than the diameter of the second section. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end, wherein the wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end corresponds to the height of a step in between the second groove and the first groove. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal directions to enable insertion, and wherein in case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by means of the first component. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first groove and the second groove are provided in axial alignment on a drum, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially along the circumferential direction of the drum. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the engagement surface is arranged radially outside of the proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove, when the first component is fully inserted in the second component. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein an inner diameter of the second component is bigger than an outer diameter of the first component, such that the first component can be readily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guide element. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for assembling an aerosol generating article, comprising
 a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol generating article,   a second groove for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article, and   a guide element with an inclined engagement surface,   wherein the first groove and second groove extend in a first direction, and   wherein the first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guide element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is arranged over the first groove or second groove,   wherein the first groove and second groove are formed on a drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the engagement surface of the guide element is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the drum is rotatable and the guide element is stationary. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein the second groove is open in its axial direction on its distal end with respect to the first groove. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein a negative pressure holding means is provided at least in the second groove, being adapted such that the holding force regarding the second component in the direction of the extension of the second groove is greater than the holding force regarding the first component in the direction of the extension of the first groove. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , wherein a detection system is provided, adapted to detect the presence of the first component inside the second component in the second groove. 
     
     
         14 . Use of an inclined engagement surface for the insertion of a first component in an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol generating article, by means of engaging the first component with the engagement surface, and moving the first component along the engagement surface.