Blower Device Plenum Chamber Pressure Control Filter Web
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blower devices in cigarette filter makers experience pressure fluctuations when outlet ducts are closed or opened, leading to localized inconsistencies in the distribution and density of filter material webs, making it difficult to maintain uniformity and adjust operating parameters manually.
Innovation Solution
A blower device with a plenum chamber and pressure control system that maintains constant air pressure through feedback loops and automatic valve control, using poppet valves and actuators to regulate air flow without affecting other ducts, allowing for precise adjustment of jet pressure and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual valve control is used to adjust air flow for different filter production requirements, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to pressure fluctuations affecting web uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors continuously monitor air pressure in each outlet duct and automatically adjust valve positions to maintain constant pressure. This eliminates the manual control inaccuracies while preserving adaptability, as the system can be programmed to maintain different pressure setpoints for different filter production requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting pressure changes and modifying valve positions without operator intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining optimal pressure conditions across all outlet ducts simultaneously, ensuring web uniformity while adapting to different production needs through programmable parameters.
2Ease of operation
If outlet ducts are closed for maintenance or cleaning, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to pressure changes in remaining ducts
Solution Approach 1:
When an outlet duct is closed for maintenance, the feedback control system immediately detects the pressure change in the remaining open ducts and automatically adjusts their valve positions to compensate. This maintains constant air pressure and jet characteristics, preventing web defects while allowing easy closure of outlet ducts for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by predicting and counteracting pressure changes before they affect web quality. When a valve is closed, the control system proactively adjusts other valves to prevent pressure fluctuations, thereby preventing web defects before they occur.
3Device complexity
If multiple outlet ducts share a common air supply, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to pressure variations when valves are adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple common air supply structure but adds feedback control to each outlet duct. Pressure sensors in each duct independently monitor and control their respective pressures, allowing the system to benefit from both the simplicity of a shared air supply and the precision of independent pressure control through automatic valve adjustment.
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 ensures consistent air pressure and distribution across the filter material web, enabling precise control of operating parameters and maintaining uniform density, even during valve position changes, thus improving the quality and versatility of filter production.
Implementation Method 1
pressure control means for controlling the position of the open/close valves by detecting pressure variations in the outlet ducts and by actuating the open/close valves accordingly
Implementation Method 2
Each open/close valve is provided with a relative actuator for opening and closing the valve
Data Source
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AI summary
Compacted filter tow is drawn out initially into continuous webs (7) and then expanded by a blower device (1) comprising at least one blower unit (12) connected by way of an air delivery duct (13) to an air flow control system (14) equipped with at least two open/close valves (16) controlling relative air outlet ducts (17); also forming part of the air flow control system (14) is a plenum chamber (19), operating in conjunction with a pressure control circuit (20) in such a way as to maintain a steady equalizing pressure internally of the chamber (19).