Cigarette Package Folding Mechanism for Gentle Content Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing packs of cigarettes are inefficient in combining the pack and contents, particularly in terms of work process performance and gentleness during the packaging process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a partially or predominantly folded blank is brought into an intermediate folding position with obliquely or funnel-shaped walls, allowing for easier insertion of contents, followed by further folding steps during transport, using a device with a folding unit, filling station, completion station, and discharge unit to create a stable and sealed pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blank is fully folded into the final pack shape before filling, then the pack structure is stable and complete, but the entry opening is too small and insertion of contents becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The folding process is segmented into distinct phases: first folding the blank into an intermediate L-shaped position with raised bottom wall and side tabs, then inserting contents, and finally completing the folding to the closed pack shape. This segmentation allows the pack structure to be stable during each phase while maintaining an open entry for contents insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The blank is preliminarily folded into an intermediate position with the bottom wall raised perpendicular to the front wall and side tabs connected to the rear wall raised, creating a stable framework that facilitates contents insertion before the final folding and sealing steps are completed.
2Productivity
If traditional folding methods are used, then the pack is fully formed, but the combination of pack and contents is rough and work process performance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The folding process is made dynamic and adaptable through the intermediate L-shaped folding position, which allows the pack structure to be in a transitional state optimized for contents insertion. This dynamic approach enables gentle combination of pack and contents while maintaining high work process performance through efficient sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate L-shaped folding position acts as an intermediary state between the flat blank and the closed pack, providing an optimal configuration for contents insertion. This intermediary position facilitates gentle combination of pack and contents while maintaining high productivity through efficient process sequencing.
3Ease of operation
If the rear wall is held in inclined position during filling, then contents insertion is facilitated, but additional positioning mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wall is preliminarily positioned in an inclined position during the folding process itself, creating the optimal insertion geometry before contents are added. This preliminary positioning is achieved through the folding mechanics rather than requiring separate positioning mechanisms, thus facilitating contents insertion without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for producing cigarette packages (20), preferably having a front wall, a rear wall, and side walls, wherein blanks (12) are separated from a material web (14), fed to a first folding station (33), and received by a folding revolver (56) after a first folding step. After the partially finished packages (10) have been filled, said packages enter the region of a finishing unit (35), mainly for the gluing of folding tabs and for the final folding of the blank of the packages (10). Said packages are then transferred to a transversely oriented discharge conveyor (36).