Capacitive HF Measurement for Filter Rod Glue Quantification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The monitoring of material properties in filter rods, particularly the application and consistency of cold glue on wrapping paper strips, has not been effectively addressed in existing technologies, which affects the quality and consistency of filter rods in the tobacco processing industry.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a capacitive HF rod measuring device to determine the imaginary part of permittivity, allowing for the quantification of glue applied to the wrapping paper strip, combined with microwave measurements to assess other material properties, ensuring even glue application and minimizing fluctuations through adjustments in the spinneret's circular movement and calibration processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If cold glue is applied to the wrapping paper strip to bond it to the filter tow material, then the bonding strength and structural integrity of the filter rod is improved, but the measurement of material properties becomes difficult because the set glue is hardly measurable in microwave or HF measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidmeasurement of material properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the bulk material measurement and applies it specifically to the glue layer. By using a capacitive HF measuring device with a measuring electrode arranged close to the wrapping paper strip, the system isolates and measures only the glue's dielectric properties, separating this measurement from the overall rod material measurement that would be affected by the set glue's low measurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a capacitive HF measuring device as an intermediary between the glue application process and quality assessment. This measuring device acts as a mediator that can detect the dielectric properties of the cold glue before it sets, enabling indirect measurement of glue quantity and distribution without requiring direct physical contact or interference with the bonding process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the spinneret moves in a circular movement to apply glue in a loop-shaped line, then the glue application coverage is improved, but fluctuations in the amount of glue are introduced due to the circular movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue application coverageVSAvoidconsistency of glue amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the HF measuring device continuously monitors the dielectric properties of the applied glue in real-time. The measured values are fed back to control the spinneret's circular movement, allowing dynamic adjustment of rotation speed or position to compensate for variations in glue application quantity, thereby minimizing fluctuations and ensuring consistent glue distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the HF measuring device is used to determine the imaginary part of permittivity for glue quantification, then the measurement precision of glue amount is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for capacitive HF rod measuring device and calibration processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantification of glue appliedVSAvoidcomplexity of measuring device and calibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the dielectric properties of the cold glue at HF frequencies. By measuring the imaginary part of the permittivity, which varies with glue quantity and composition, the system achieves precise glue quantification. The calibration process establishes the relationship between measured dielectric parameters and actual glue amounts, enabling accurate measurement without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach provides precise monitoring of glue application and other material properties, ensuring consistent filter rod quality by minimizing irregularities and optimizing the evenness of glue distribution, thereby enhancing the production process and quality control.

Implementation Method 1

capacitive HF rod measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an HF measurement signal dependent on the material properties of the filter rod is measured, in which from an imaginary part of a permittivity of the filter rod is determined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric Permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 3

the filter material is conveyed through a microwave measuring device and through an HF measuring device, with at least one microwave frequency and at least one high frequency being used to measure at least three parameters that are influenced by the quantities and the permittivity numbers of the ingredients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave Radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3354143B1Method and device for the monitoring and production of a filter rod for the tobacco processing industry
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3354143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3354143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3354143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for monitoring an endless filter strand (22) for the tobacco processing industry, made from a filter tow material (12). The filter strand is formed from a filter tow material (12) wrapped with a wrapping paper strip (18) and formed into an endless strand. The wrapping paper strip (18) is bonded to the filter tow material (12) by means of an adhesive (21) applied to an inner surface of the wrapping paper strip (18). The endless filter strand (22) wrapped with the wrapping paper strip (18) is fed through a capacitive RF strand measuring device (24) for monitoring purposes. The RF measurement signal, dependent on the material properties of the filter strand (22), is measured in the device. The invention further relates to a device (10) for producing a filter strand made from a filter tow material (12) for the tobacco processing industry.According to the invention, an imaginary part of a permittivity of the filter string (22) is determined from the RF measurement signal and a quantity of the glue (21) applied to the wrapping paper (18) is determined from the determined imaginary part of the permittivity.