Assembled product

Abstract

A collection assembly (220) for use in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles is described. The collection assembly comprises a collection element (230) for receiving and collecting material on a support. The collection element comprises an inlet (232) for receiving the material, an outlet (234) for outward passage of the material, and a converging portion (236) configured to receive the material from the inlet and collect the material on the support as it passes between the inlet and outlet of the collection element. The collection assembly further comprises a support assembly (240) comprising a first portion (242) having a fixed position relative to the support, a second portion (244) movable relative to the first portion, the second portion being coupled to the collection element and movable with the collection element, and a sacrificial member (248) configured to couple the first portion and the second portion, the sacrificial member configured to break when a force applied to the collection element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for use in the manufacture of aerosol generating articles. The assembly may be part of a larger system, such as a system for use in the manufacture of aerosol generating articles or a rod making machine.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating articles are often combinations of different types of plugs, each plug being made of a material formed into a rod shape and wound within a packaging material.

[0003]

[0004] In known systems, the material is typically unwound from a bobbin and then passed through a converging funnel. The converging funnel gradually assembles the material into a rod shape.

[0005] The converging device is located upstream of the inlet of the rod forming means. As the assembled material approaches the outlet of the converging funnel, it is dispensed onto a packaging material. The packaging material is pulled or driven by a cannula tape from the outlet of the converging funnel to the rod forming means via an assembly element.

[0006] The assembly element typically has a semi-funnel shape. That is, the assembly element comprises a funnel separated into two parts along the longitudinal direction such that there is a semi-funnel shape above the sheet of material and the packaging material at the bottom.

[0007] As the material passes through the assembly element, the material is gradually assembled by the assembly element. That is, the assembly element applies a force to the material. By the outlet of the assembly element, the material is formed into a rod of a predetermined diameter.

[0008] The ends of the packaging material along its long axis are overlapped and glued together to form a continuous cylindrical rod. This continuous rod is then cut into individual sticks to create the desired components to be used in the aerosol-generating article. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Occasionally, strips of material passing through an aggregate element may exhibit an unexpected increase in thickness or resistance to compression (or both). This increase in thickness or resistance to compression may be temporary. For example, the increase may occur during the transition between material received from one bobbin and material received from a subsequent bobbin. The increase in thickness or resistance to compression may also be due to other factors, such as the disorder associated with the use of natural materials.

[0010] As the material passes through the aggregate element, this "spike" of resistance to thickness or compression can result in the force exerted by the material on the aggregate element exceeding the material resistance of the aggregate element. As a result, the aggregate element may deform or break under unexpectedly high forces. Since replaced aggregate elements must be fixed and fine-tuned for correct positioning, the removal and replacement of aggregate elements can lead to considerable manufacturing downtime.

[0011] It would be desirable to provide a method for assembling aggregate elements and materials to overcome the above problems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates a typical schematic perspective view of a system used in the manufacture of rod components for aerosol-generating articles. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assembly in an operational configuration. [Figure 3]This figure illustrates a schematic perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 2 in a non-operational configuration. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 2, which is part of the operational configuration. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 2 in a non-operational configuration. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating adjustment mechanisms for a composite assembly. [Figure 7] Figure 2 illustrates the upper cross-sectional view of the assembled product. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates sacrificial components for a composite assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] According to the first embodiment, an assembly is provided for use in the manufacture of an aerosol generating article, the assembly comprising an assembly element and a support assembly, The assembly element is configured to receive and assemble materials on the support assembly, and the assembly element is An entry point for receiving materials, An outlet for the outward passage of the material, The device comprises a convergence portion configured to receive material from an inlet and to assemble the material on a support assembly as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the assembly element, and The support assembly is, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support assembly, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the set elements are connected to the second part and are movable together with the second part, The system comprises a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of a first part and a second part, and configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0014] The use of a sacrificial member prevents the assembly elements from being damaged during use. If the force applied to the assembly elements by the material increases beyond a predetermined level, the sacrificial member breaks. Breaking the sacrificial member removes the force on the assembly elements. By ensuring that the assembly elements avoid damage, a more reliable system is provided with a reduction in manufacturing downtime. As a result, there is a beneficial effect on efficiency. In addition, only a simple part (the sacrificial member) needs to be replaced, rather than a relatively expensive component (the entire assembly). The replacement of the sacrificial member is faster than replacing the entire assembly because little fine-tuning is required.

[0015] In some embodiments, the material is a web of sheet material.

[0016] In some embodiments, the material may include a susceptor. The problems of known systems are particularly a concern when manufacturing rods that include non-compressible susceptors.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second part is rotatably coupled to the first part. The rotational coupling provides a simple yet effective way to allow the second part to move relative to the first part. Further, by rotatably coupling the first part and the second part, only a single fixed point (i.e., a single sacrificial element) is required to firmly couple or fix the relative positions of the first part and the second part.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support assembly further includes a limiter element configured to limit the rotation of the second part relative to the first part. The limiter element may prevent collisions between the second part and other components within the system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second portion is biased away from the support assembly. In some embodiments, the second portion is biased away from the first portion. Biasing the second portion away from the support assembly or away from the first portion ensures that, after the sacrificial element breaks, the force on the assembly element is significantly reduced. That is, the second portion actively moves away from the support assembly or away from the first portion when the sacrificial element breaks.

[0020] In some embodiments, the breakage of the sacrificial member enables the assembly element to move away from the operating position. Specifically, the breakage of the sacrificial member removes the constraints on the relative positions of the first and second portions. Thus, the second portion can move away from the support assembly or away from the first portion, and thus the force applied to the assembly element by the material is reduced.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the outlet of the assembly element exceeds a predetermined level. The diameter of the assembly element is generally smallest at its outlet. Thus, the force applied to the assembly element by the strip of material is highest at the outlet of the assembly element. As a result, deformation or breakage of the assembly element is most likely to occur at the outlet of the assembly element. By linking the breakage of the sacrificial member to the force applied to the outlet of the assembly element, the risk of breakage of the assembly element is reduced.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the outlet of the assembly element exceeds a predetermined level that is less than the vertical breaking load at the outlet of the assembly element. The material generally applies a vertical load to the outlet of the assembly element. By considering this vertical load, the sacrificial member is configured to break precisely at a predetermined load.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the exit of the aggregate element exceeds a predetermined level, i.e., the vertical failure load at the exit of the aggregate element divided by a safety factor, for example, 1.5, 2, or more. The safety factor provides a balance between continued operation and protection of the aggregate element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sacrificial member includes a shear pin.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first and second portions each include recesses for receiving a portion of the sacrificial member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support assembly further comprises an intermediary member positioned within the recess of the first or second part for mediating between the sacrificial member and the recess.

[0027] In some embodiments, the intermediary member is a bushing or a vibration isolation device. The intermediary member, specifically the bushing or vibration isolation device, ensures that when the sacrificial member breaks, there is little to no damage to the first and second parts.

[0028] In some embodiments, the sacrificial member includes hardened or tempered steel. Using such a hard material for the sacrificial member ensures that the relative position between the first and second parts is properly maintained during use. That is, the sacrificial member undergoes little deformation before failure, and therefore the aggregate remains stable during use.

[0029] In some embodiments, the support assembly further comprises positioning means for adjusting the position of the aggregate element relative to a second part. The positioning means allows the aggregate element to be aligned with an upstream component through which material passes, or with a downstream component through which material passes.

[0030] According to a second aspect, a system is provided for use in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article, the system is A first-generation assembly and, The present invention comprises a support, wherein, during use, the assembled elements of an assembly assemble materials together on the support.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system The funnel upstream of the assembly, The assembly further comprises a rod-forming means downstream of the assembly.

[0032] According to a third aspect, a method for constructing an assembly for use in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article is disclosed, the method is: The invention includes providing aggregate elements and support assemblies, wherein the aggregate elements are for receiving and assembling materials on the support assemblies. The set elements are, An entry point for receiving materials, An outlet for the outward passage of the material, The device comprises a convergence portion configured to receive material from an inlet and to assemble the material on a support assembly as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the assembly element, and The support assembly is, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support assembly, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the set elements are connected to the second part and are movable together with the second part, The system comprises a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of a first part and a second part, and configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0033] In some embodiments, the assembly is an assembly of a first embodiment of the assembly of the present invention.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method is The further includes removing a fractured sacrificial member from the support assembly when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level at which the sacrificial member is configured to fracture at that point.

[0035] The method may further include providing a further sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of the first and second parts and to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0036] In some embodiments, both the sacrificial member and any further sacrificial members are configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds the same predetermined level.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method is Determining the failure load at the exit of the aggregate element, This further includes selecting the properties and position of the sacrificial member such that the sacrificial member breaks before the aggregate element breaks.

[0038] As used herein, the term “assembly element” is used to describe a channel or channel-like component for assembling material, i.e., a component that forms material from substantially two-dimensional, e.g., a web of sheet material, to three-dimensional, e.g., a rod or rod precursor. Specifically, the internal surface of the assembly element aggregates material as it moves through the assembly element. The material aggregates transversely with respect to the long axis of the assembly element. As used herein, the term “converging portion” is used to describe a portion of the assembly element that aggregates material.

[0039] As used herein, the term “failure” is used to describe the failure of a component that has reached or is subject to a fracturing load or force. Failure may refer to shattering, separation into two or more pieces, yielding, or another threshold.

[0040] As used herein, the terms “breaking load” or “breaking force” refer, respectively, to the maximum load or force that a component can withstand without breaking.

[0041] As used herein, the term “sacrificial member” refers to a component designed to break to a certain extent in order to protect another component or to allow an additional action or function to occur. In the embodiments described, the additional action permitted by the breakage of the sacrificial member is the movement of the second part relative to the first part.

[0042] As used herein, the term “prescribed limits” refers to commonly known or conceivable limits, such as calculated loads.

[0043] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0044] [Examples] Example 1. An assembly for use in the manufacture of an aerosol generating article, wherein the assembly is A collection element for receiving and assembling materials on a support, An entry point for receiving materials, An outlet for the outward passage of the material, A collection element comprising: a convergent portion configured to receive material from an inlet and to assemble the material on a support as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the collection element; A support assembly, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the set elements are connected to the second part and are movable together with the second part, A support assembly comprising a support assembly comprising a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of a first part and a second part, and configured to break when the force applied to the assembly element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0045] Example 2. An assembly according to Example 1, wherein the material is a web of sheet material.

[0046] Example 3. An assembly according to Example 1, in which the second part is rotatably connected to the first part.

[0047] Example 4. An assembly according to Example 3, further comprising a limiter element configured to restrict the rotation of the second part relative to the first part.

[0048] Example 5. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second part is biased to move away from the support.

[0049] Example 6. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the failure of a sacrificial member allows the assembly elements to move away from their operating positions.

[0050] Example 7. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the exit of the assembly element exceeds a predetermined level.

[0051] Example 8. An assembly according to Example 7, wherein the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied to the exit of the assembly element by the material exceeds a predetermined level that is less than the vertical breaking load at the exit of the assembly element.

[0052] Example 9. An assembly according to Example 8, wherein the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the exit of the assembly element exceeds a predetermined level, i.e., the vertical breaking load at the exit of the assembly element divided by a safety factor, for example, 1.5, 2, or more.

[0053] Example 10. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sacrificial member comprises a shear pin.

[0054] Example 11. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first part and the second part each have a recess for receiving a portion of a sacrificial member.

[0055] Example 12. An assembly according to Example 11, wherein the support assembly further comprises an intermediary member positioned within the recess of the first or second part for mediating between the sacrificial member and the recess.

[0056] Example 13. An assembly according to Example 12, wherein the intermediary member is a bushing or a vibration isolation device.

[0057] Example 14. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sacrificial member includes hardened steel or tempered steel.

[0058] Example 15. An assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support assembly further comprises positioning means for adjusting the position of the assembly elements relative to a second part.

[0059] Example 16. A system for use in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, A composite assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, A system comprising a support, wherein, during use, the aggregate elements of an assembled product assemble materials on the support.

[0060] Example 17. The funnel upstream of the assembly, A system according to Example 16, further comprising a rod forming means located downstream of the assembly.

[0061] Example 18. A method for constructing an assembly for use in the manufacture of an aerosol generating article, A collection element for receiving and assembling materials on a support, An entry point for receiving materials, An outlet for the outward passage of the material, The assembly element comprises a convergent portion configured to receive material from an inlet and to assemble the material on a support as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the assembly element, A support assembly, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the set elements are connected to the second part and are movable together with the second part, A method comprising a support assembly comprising a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of a first part and a second part, and configured to break when the force applied to the assembly by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0062] Example 19. The method is, The method according to Example 18 further includes removing a fractured sacrificial member from the support assembly when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level at which the sacrificial member is configured to fracture at that point.

[0063] Example 20. The method according to Example 19, further comprising providing a further sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of the first and second parts and to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

[0064] Example 21. The method according to Example 20, wherein both the sacrificial member and the further sacrificial member are configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds the same predetermined level.

[0065] Example 22. Determining the failure load at the exit of the aggregate element, A method according to Example 18, further comprising selecting the properties and location of the sacrificial member such that the sacrificial member breaks before the aggregate element breaks.

[0066] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures.

[0067] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for use in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article. The system 100 includes a converging funnel 102 for receiving material to be formed into a rod or plug. During use, the material is received in the direction of arrow 10. The converging funnel 102 gradually assembles the material into a rod shape.

[0068] Generally, the material is provided as a web of sheet material (not shown), for example, a tobacco compound such as cast leaf tobacco. The web of the sheet material may have a width of 5 cm to 25 cm. The web of the sheet material may be subjected to various pretreatments, such as crimping.

[0069] As the assembled material approaches the outlet of the converging funnel 102, it is positioned on the packaging material 104. The packaging material 104 is pulled or driven by a support from the outlet of the converging funnel 102 to the downstream components (described below). In this embodiment, the support is a gantry tape 110, but in other embodiments, the support may be a gantry tongue.

[0070] The system 100 further includes a collection element 230 for receiving and assembling material onto a support. The collection element 230 is positioned downstream of the converging funnel 102. The collection element 230 receives material from the converging funnel 102 and then further assembles the material onto a rod of a predetermined diameter.

[0071] The material may be assembled around, for example, a metal fragment such as a susceptor, and the material is one that has the ability to convert sufficient electromagnetic energy into heat to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor is located within the final rod.

[0072] The system 100 further includes a rod-forming means 108 located downstream of the aggregate element 230. As the material passes through the rod-forming means 108, the longitudinal ends of the packaging material 104 overlap and are glued together to form a continuous cylindrical rod. The rod-forming means 108 has an opening at the top to allow for the closure and gluing of the packaging material 104 around the moving compressed strip of material. This continuous rod is then cut into individual sticks to create the desired components to be used in the aerosol-generating article.

[0073] The aggregate element 230 is part of the aggregate assembly 220. For clarity, only the aggregate element 230 of the aggregate assembly 220 is shown in Figure 1. The aggregate assembly 220 is shown in Figures 2 to 8.

[0074] The assembly element 230 includes an inlet 232 for receiving material. The assembly element 230 further includes an outlet 234 for the outward passage of material. The assembly element 230 further includes a convergence section 236 configured to receive material from the inlet 232 and assemble the material on the support as it passes between the inlet 232 and the outlet 234 of the assembly element 230. The direction of material transport when driven by the gantry tape 238 is indicated by arrow 238 in Figure 2.

[0075] The convergence portion 236 of the aggregate element 230 generally has a "half-funnel" shape. That is, the shape of the convergence portion 236 of the aggregate element 230 corresponds to a funnel that is separated into two parts along the longitudinal direction.

[0076] The assembly 220 further includes a support assembly 240. Generally, the support assembly 240 provides a support to which the assembly elements 230 are attached or connected.

[0077] The support assembly 240 includes a first portion 242 that has a fixed position relative to the support. In this embodiment, if the support is a gantry tape 110, the first portion 242 has a fixed position relative to the stationary position of the gantry tape 110. That is, the first portion 242 is static within the system.

[0078] The support assembly 240 further includes a second portion 244, the second portion 244 being movable relative to the first portion 242. In this embodiment, the second portion 244 is movable relative to the first portion 242 by rotation; that is, the second portion 244 is rotatably connected to the first portion 242.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 are rotatably connected by a shaft assembly 246. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the shaft assembly 246 includes a shaft 2461 extending through the first portion 242 and into the second portion 244. The first portion 242 is fixed to or attached to the shaft 2461. The second portion 244 rotates freely about the shaft 2461 as an axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the shaft assembly 246 includes a housing 2462 mounted within the second portion 244. The second portion 244 is fixed to the housing 2462 via a fixing element 2463. In this embodiment, the fixing element 2463 extends into the hollow end of the shaft 2461 and is freely rotatable within the shaft 2461. The shaft 2461 is received within the housing 2462 so that the shaft 2461 can rotate freely within the housing 2462. In some embodiments, additional bearings or lubricants may be included between the housing 2462 and the shaft 2461 to reduce friction.

[0080] In other embodiments, the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 may be rotatably connected using other suitable rotatable couplings. For example, the shaft assembly 246 may include a single shaft passing through both the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. The first portion 242 may be attached to the shaft, while the second portion 244 rotates freely around the shaft as an axis of rotation. That is, the shaft is freely received within a recess of the second portion 244.

[0081] The aggregate element 230 is connected to the second part 244 and is movable together with the second part 244. That is, the rotation of the second part 244 relative to the first part 242 also rotates the aggregate element 230 relative to the first part 242.

[0082] In this embodiment, the aggregate element 230 is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second portion 244. That is, the aggregate element 230 is oriented perpendicular to the shaft assembly 246. The distance between the outlet 234 of the aggregate element 230 and the shaft assembly 246 is greater than the distance between the inlet 232 of the aggregate element 230 and the shaft assembly 246. In this way, as the second portion 244 rotates relative to the first portion 242, the outlet 234 of the aggregate element 230 moves away from the support relative to the inlet 232 of the aggregate element 230.

[0083] The support assembly 240 further includes a sacrificial member 248 configured to connect the positions of the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. In this embodiment, the sacrificial member 248 prevents relative rotation between the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. That is, the sacrificial member 248 substantially fixes the position of the second portion 244 relative to the first portion 242.

[0084] In this example, the sacrificial member 248 is provided with an elongated pin. The first portion 242 and the second portion 244 each have a recess for receiving a portion of the sacrificial member 248. Generally, as shown in Figure 7, the recesses extend inward from corresponding faces of the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The recesses are located on the respective sides of the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. When in use, the side of the first portion 242 having the recess faces the side of the second portion 244 having the recess. In this way, when the recesses are aligned, the sacrificial member 248 can extend simultaneously into both the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. Thus, the sacrificial member 248 can prevent relative rotation between the first portion and the second portion 244.

[0085] Figures 2 and 4 illustrate the assembly 220 in operation. The first part 242 and the second part 244 are positioned with their corresponding recesses aligned. The sacrificial member 248 extends into the recesses of both the first part 242 and the second part 244. Thus, the position of the second part 244 and the assembly element 230 is fixed relative to the first part 242. In this way, the assembly 220 can be positioned such that the assembly element 230 is in its operating position adjacent to and parallel to the support.

[0086] The support assembly 240 may include positioning means 250 for adjusting the position of the assembly element 230 relative to the second part 244. In this way, the operating position of the assembly element 230 can be adjusted to ensure that the assembly element 230 aligns upstream and downstream components, such as rod forming means and funnel devices.

[0087] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the position adjustment means 250 includes at least one screw 252 mounted on the second portion 244. When in use, the forward movement of the screw 252 pushes the assembly element 230, adjusting its position relative to the second portion 244. Multiple screws may be provided to adjust the position of the assembly element 230 in multiple dimensions relative to the second portion 244.

[0088] During use, as the material passes through the aggregate element 230, the cross-sectional dimensions of the converging portion 236 decrease, and the material is increasingly aggregated by the converging portion 236 onto the support below. As the material aggregates on the support, a reactive force is applied by the material to the aggregate element 230. This generally perpendicular force increases as the material approaches the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230, and is typically maximum at the exit 234.

[0089] The sacrificial member 248 is configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element 230 by the material exceeds a predetermined level. That is, the sacrificial member 248 is configured to have a breaking load corresponding to the force exceeding a predetermined level on the aggregate element 236.

[0090] In this embodiment, the sacrificial member 248 is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the exit 248 of the aggregate element 230 exceeds a predetermined level. The predetermined level is less than the vertical breaking load at the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230. That is, the sacrificial member 248 is configured to break before the vertical load applied by the material to the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230 reaches a breaking limit, such as the maximum allowable vertical force at the exit 234.

[0091] Using the above arrangement, an upward force from the material onto the aggregate element 230 generates a moment that compels the aggregate element 230 to rotate. This moment imposes a shear load 239 on the sacrificial member 248. In this embodiment, the sacrificial member 248 is a shear pin configured to break when the shear load reaches a predetermined shear load.

[0092] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary shear pin (shown in Figure 7). The shear pin 248 includes an outer portion 2481 and a central portion or notch 2482 located between the outer portions 2481. The notch 2482 has a smaller diameter than the outer portions 2481 and is generally the point of failure of the shear pin. When in use, as shown in Figure 7, the shear pin 248 can be positioned within the recesses of the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 such that the notch 2482 is located at the interface between the first portion 242 and the second portion 244. Positioning the notch at the interface between the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 ensures that the shear pin breakage allows relative movement between the first portion 242 and the second portion 244.

[0093] Figure 3 illustrates an assembly 220 in a non-operational configuration. Specifically, the sacrificial member 248 is broken, allowing the second part 244 to rotate relative to the first part 242 (as indicated by the arrows). Similarly, the assembly element 230 is made capable of moving away from its operational position. This eliminates, or at least significantly reduces, the force applied to the assembly element 230 by the material.

[0094] A method for selecting a suitable sacrificial member 248 for the support assembly 240 is: - A step of determining the fracture load at the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230, -This may include the step of selecting appropriate characteristics and positioning for the sacrificial member 248 such that the sacrificial member 248 breaks before the aggregate element 230 breaks.

[0095] For example, the breaking load at outlet 234 and the distance of outlet 234 from the axis of rotation can be used to determine the breaking torque or moment on the manifold element 230. The torque applied to the sacrificial member 248 by the material is substantially equal to the torque applied to the outlet 234 of the manifold element 230 by the material. Thus, the position, material, and dimensions of the sacrificial member 248 can be selected such that the breaking torque or moment of the sacrificial member 248 is less than the breaking torque or moment of the manifold element 230.

[0096] A safety factor may be included at any stage of the calculations illustrated above. That is, a predetermined level of force applied to the aggregate element 230 by the material, such that the sacrificial member 248 is configured to break at that level, may be the breaking load of the aggregate element 230 divided by a safety factor, for example, 1.5.

[0097] In this embodiment, the sacrificial member 248 includes hardened or tempered steel. Using a hard material that is resistant to deformation allows for the maintenance of the relative position between the first part 242 and the second part 244. This holds the assembly element 230 in the correct position to assemble the material to the correct diameter.

[0098] The non-restrictive example calculation may be as follows: Lt = distance between the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230 and the axis of rotation. Ft = the vertical force applied by the material to the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230. Ls = distance between sacrificial member 248 and the axis of rotation Fs = Vertical force applied to the sacrificial member 248 via the aggregate element 230 and the second part 244. The torque at the sacrificial member 248 is made equal to the torque at the outlet 234 of the aggregate element: Ft × Lt = Fs × Ls The fracture load at the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230 may be calculated theoretically, for example, from the shape and material of the aggregate element 230. The fracture load at the exit 234 of the aggregate element 230 may be determined using known experimental methods (or both). The maximum vertical force supported by outlet 234, which is 4000N, is given by Ft = 4000N. If a safety factor of 2 is included, Ft may be reduced to 2000N. That is, the aggregate element 230 should not experience a maximum of 2000N during use. Fs = 2000 × Lt / Ls (1) Furthermore, regarding the sacrificial body parts, Shear stress = Fs / surface area of ​​the cross-section Fs = shear stress × surface area of ​​the cross-section Fs = shear stress × Pi × (radius) 2 When using D3 hardened steel, the ultimate shear strength is approximately 1220 MPa, which is about 60 percent of its ultimate tensile strength. For a D3 hardened steel shear pin to fracture, the shear stress must be equal to its ultimate shear strength. Therefore, Fs=1220MPa×Pi×(radius) 2 (2) For example, if Lt = 195 mm and Ls = 125 mm, by making equations (1) and (2) equal, it can be calculated that the notch radius of the sacrificial member 248 should be 9 mm.

[0099] In this embodiment, the intermediary member 249 is positioned within a recess of the first portion 242 or the second portion 244 (as shown in Figure 7). The intermediary member 249 provides mediation between the sacrificial member 248 and the recess. For example, the intermediary member 249 may be a bushing or a vibration isolation device. By providing the intermediary member 249 to mediate between the sacrificial member 248 and either or both of the first portion 242 and the second portion 244, the first portion 242 and the second portion 244 may be protected from the sacrificial member 248 when they break. That is, the bushing or vibration isolation device may absorb or attenuate the mechanical energy of the broken sacrificial member 248. This allows for the repeated replacement of the sacrificial member 248 without damaging the main body of the support assembly 240.

[0100] The support assembly 240 may further include a limiter element configured to restrict the rotation of the second part 244 relative to the first part 242. For example, the limiter element may prevent excessive rotation of the second part 244 that would risk colliding with a component of the system, such as the converging funnel 102.

[0101] Any suitable limiting element may be used. In this embodiment (as shown in Figure 7), the limiting element is a projection 247 that protrudes from the second portion 244. The projection 247 extends into a corresponding recess in the first portion 242. The boundary of the recess defines the range of degree of movement of the second portion 244. For example, the recess may be located within an arc having a radius centered on the axis of rotation, thereby allowing the second portion 244 to rotate relative to the first portion 242 until the projection 247 is obstructed by the edge of the groove. In this way, the limiter defines the maximum rotation angle of the second portion 244.

[0102] In some embodiments, the assembly 220 may be biased toward its non-operating configuration. Specifically, the second portion 244 may be biased toward the support. In this way, as the sacrificial member 248 breaks the second portion 248 and the assembly 230 moves toward the support, the force applied to the assembly 230 by the material is relieved. Any suitable biasing means may be used. For example, the second portion 244 may be spring-mounted toward the first portion 242.

[0103] As described above, various modifications to the detailed arrangement are possible. For example, the first part 242 and the second part 244 may not be rotatably coupled. Instead, the second part 244 may be translated in parallel with the first part 242 as the assembly 220 moves into its non-operating configuration. That is, the entire assembly element 230 may move away from the support as the sacrificial member 248 is destroyed.

[0104] Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any combination of the aforementioned features or the features shown in the accompanying drawings provides clear advantages over the prior art and therefore falls within the scope of the present invention as described herein.

[0105] Schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are provided for illustrative purposes only, not limiting purposes. The drawings depict one or more embodiments described herein. However, naturally, other embodiments not shown in the drawings are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0106] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as 25 percent of A ± A. In this context, number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic that number A modifies. Number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that in some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An assembly for use in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article, comprising an assembly element and a support assembly, The aggregate element is configured to receive and assemble materials on the support assembly, and the aggregate element is configured An inlet for receiving the aforementioned material, An outlet for the outward passage of the aforementioned material, A converging portion comprising, configured to receive the material from the inlet and to assemble the material on the support assembly as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the assembly element, The aforementioned support assembly, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support assembly, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the aggregate element is connected to the second part and is movable together with the second part, An assembly comprising: a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of the first and second parts, which is configured to break when the force applied to the assembly element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the material is a web of a sheet material.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is rotatably connected to the first portion.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support assembly further comprises a limiter element configured to restrict the rotation of the second part relative to the first part.

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second portion is biased to move away from the support assembly.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the destruction of the sacrificial member allows the assembly element to move away from its operating position.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied by the material to the outlet of the assembly element exceeds a predetermined level.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the sacrificial member is configured to break when the force applied to the outlet of the assembly element by the material exceeds a predetermined level less than the vertical breaking load at the outlet of the assembly element.

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sacrificial member comprises a shear pin.

10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part and the second part each have a recess for receiving a portion of the sacrificial member.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein the support assembly further comprises an intermediary member positioned within the recess of the first or second portion for the purpose of mediating between the sacrificial member and the recess.

12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the intermediary member is a bushing or a vibration insulating device.

13. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sacrificial member includes hardened steel or tempered steel.

14. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support assembly further comprises positioning means for adjusting the position of the assembly element relative to the second part.

15. A system for use in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, A composite assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A system comprising a support, wherein, during use, the aggregate elements of the aggregate assembly assemble materials on the support.

16. The funnel upstream of the aforementioned assembly, The system according to claim 15, further comprising a rod forming means downstream of the aforementioned assembly.

17. A method for constructing an assembly for use in the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article, The invention includes providing aggregate elements and support assemblies, wherein the aggregate elements are for receiving and assembling materials on the support assemblies, The aforementioned set of elements is An inlet for receiving the aforementioned material, An outlet for the outward passage of the aforementioned material, A converging portion comprising, configured to receive the material from the inlet and to assemble the material on the support assembly as the material passes between the inlet and outlet of the assembly element, The aforementioned support assembly, A first part having a fixed position relative to the support assembly, A second part that is movable relative to the first part, wherein the aggregate element is connected to the second part and is movable together with the second part, A method comprising: a sacrificial member configured to connect the positions of the first and second portions, the sacrificial member configured to break when the force applied to the aggregate element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.

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