Aerosol Component Feeder with Adjustable Channel Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of multi-component aerosol forming articles faces inefficiencies due to the need for custom-built feeders for each component with different dimensions, leading to production delays and interruptions when switching between article types.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with tubular hoppers having constant insert dimensions and a size change element allows for the delivery of components with varying lengths without machine interruption, utilizing a delivery drum and transport device to align and transport components efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-built feeders are used for each component with different dimensions, then each component can be delivered accurately, but production delays occur when switching between article types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single feeder capable of delivering multiple component types with different dimensions. The feeder includes adjustable positioning elements and a magazine that can accommodate various component sizes, eliminating the need for custom-built feeders for each component type while maintaining accurate delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through adjustable positioning elements within the feeder that can be reconfigured for different component dimensions. The feeder structure allows dynamic adjustment of component placement and delivery timing, enabling the same feeder to adapt to various article types without production delays
2Manufacturing precision
If feeders are adapted and built according to the dimensions of specific components, then component delivery is precise, but feeder changes are needed when producing different articles
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder is designed as a universal device that can handle multiple component types through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The magazine and delivery system are configured to accommodate various component dimensions while maintaining precise alignment, reducing the need for feeder changes between article types
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder is divided into modular sections with independently adjustable positioning elements. This segmentation allows each section to be configured for specific component types while maintaining the overall feeder structure, enabling precise alignment without requiring complete feeder replacement
3Productivity
If components with different lengths are delivered using the same feeder, then production continuity is maintained, but component rotation or misplacement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder incorporates adjustable positioning elements that can be reconfigured for different component lengths. These dynamic adjustments ensure that components are properly oriented and prevented from rotating during delivery, maintaining both production continuity and component orientation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as guide surfaces and positioning fixtures within the feeder that mediate between components of different lengths and the delivery mechanism. These intermediaries ensure proper component orientation and prevent rotation while maintaining continuous production
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a feeder for components of an aerosol-forming article, the feeder comprising: —a plurality of tubular hoppers, each hopper being adapted to receive and to deliver a plurality of components, each hopper including an inlet and an outlet and a channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, each channel having an axis and defining an insert dimension in a direction perpendicular to the axis, the insert dimension being constant along the axis of the channel; —a frame to which the tubular hoppers are fastened and arranged so that their axes are substantially parallel to each other and in series along a transport direction; —a delivery drum including a plurality of angularly spaced grooves arranged substantially parallel to said transport direction, said drum being located under the outlets of the tubular hoppers so that components going through said channels are delivered into one of said groves; —a motor to rotate said delivery drum; —a transport device located under said delivery drum and adapted to transport said components delivered by the delivery drum along the transport direction; and —a size change element adapted to vary the insert dimension of the channel of at least one of the plurality of hoppers.