Actuated Guide Pin for Smoke Filter Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses and methods for forming smoke filters in the tobacco industry are inefficient due to limitations in shaping and processing fibrous materials, particularly in creating hollow and wrapped filters with internal voids and reducing friction during the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a converging forming nozzle with a guide pin and bobbin, where the guide pin is mechanically actuated and infused with a working fluid to shape and treat fibrous materials, allowing for precise control over the formation of smoke filters through heating, cooling, and dynamic manipulation to create desired internal structures and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tow processing methods are used to form smoke filters, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the productivity and manufacturing precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is made dynamically actuable to adjust its position and orientation during the forming process, enabling precise control over filter material flow and shaping. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to achieve complex internal structures and hollow configurations that static systems cannot produce, thereby improving productivity and manufacturing precision without requiring multiple separate apparatuses
Solution Approach 2:
The forming nozzle is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys fibrous bundle material, shapes the filter material flow, and works in coordination with the guide pin to create various filter configurations (hollow, wrapped, with internal voids). This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, improving productivity while managing apparatus complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a static guide pin is used in the forming nozzle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and ability to create complex internal structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is equipped with actuation mechanisms that allow it to change its position and orientation dynamically during the forming process. This enables precise control over the filter material flow, allowing the creation of complex internal structures, hollow configurations, and varied cross-sections with high manufacturing precision. The dynamic guide pin can adapt to different filter designs without requiring manual intervention or multiple fixed fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor the forming process and adjust the guide pin's position and orientation in real-time. This feedback control ensures that the filter material is shaped precisely according to the desired configuration, maintaining high manufacturing precision even as the guide pin moves and adjusts during operation
3Manufacturing precision
If friction between the guide pin and filter material is not reduced, then the device structure is simpler, but the manufacturing precision and equipment durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A working fluid is introduced as an intermediary between the guide pin and the filter material. This fluid reduces friction and adhesion forces, allowing the filter material to flow smoothly over the guide pin with precise control. The working fluid enables the dynamic guide pin to manipulate the material effectively without excessive wear or sticking, thereby improving manufacturing precision while reducing equipment wear and maintenance requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the efficient formation of smoke filters with precise internal structures and reduced friction, improving the manufacturing process by allowing for the creation of complex shapes and voids within the filters, enhancing product quality and reducing wear on equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The guide pin is mechanically actuated or excited such to adjust the position or orientation of the guide pin throughout the process
Implementation Method 2
a converging forming nozzle through which a fibrous bundle material is conveyed by a working fluid
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus may also include additional heating or cooling sections for treatment of the fibrous bundle material that make use of the same or additional working fluids
Implementation Method 4
The apparatus may also include additional heating or cooling sections for treatment of the fibrous bundle material that make use of the same or additional working fluids
Implementation Method 5
The guide pin further comprises an excitation device, and a bobbin through which the fibrous bundle material passes as it is infused by the same or an working fluid. The guide pin is mechanically actuated or excited
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for forming a smoke filter including a forming nozzle (20) through which a fibrous bundle material (11) passes. The forming nozzle (20) includes a converging passage (22), at least one first internal cavity (28, 352, 44, 52, 54) in fluid connection with a first working fluid source (354, 71, 72, 73), and a plurality of first holes (26, 356, 46, 56) fluidly connecting the at least one first internal cavity (28, 352, 44, 52, 54) with a working surface (24) of the forming nozzle (20). The plurality of first holes (26, 356, 46, 56) are further positioned and directed such that in passing through the plurality of first holes (26, 356, 46, 56), the first working fluid conveys the fibrous bundle material (11) through the forming nozzle (20) in a transport direction. A guide pin (30) is disposed along a central axis of the converging passage (22), the guide pin (30) including an elongated body which tapers in the transport direction. A bobbin (40) disposed downstream of the forming nozzle (20).