Cigarette Group Forming Hopper with Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for forming groups of cigarettes cannot freely position different cigarettes within the same group, limiting their versatility in creating packets with specific arrangements of various cigarette types.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a hopper with multiple outlets and a conveyor system that allows for the integration of different cigarette types through separate feed channels, enabling flexible positioning of distinct cigarettes within each group by using expulsion devices and feed devices that insert cigarettes into specific channels, allowing for customizable arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hopper with multiple channels is used to form cigarette groups, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to freely position different cigarette types within groups is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hopper is divided into multiple independent channels, each capable of receiving and delivering different cigarette types. This segmentation allows each channel to be independently controlled, enabling flexible positioning of different cigarette types in the final group while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each channel within the hopper is equipped with independent control mechanisms (such as individual gates or pushers) that allow selective delivery of cigarettes from specific channels. This local quality control enables precise positioning of different cigarette types in the group without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hoppers are used to supply different cigarette types, then the adaptability to create mixed groups is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cigarette supply sources are merged into a single hopper structure with multiple channels. Instead of using separate hoppers for different cigarette types, the invention combines them in one integrated structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to form mixed cigarette groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hopper structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different cigarette types in different channels. Each channel can be configured for specific cigarette types, making the hopper a universal supply unit that replaces multiple specialized hoppers.
3Manufacturing precision
If cigarettes are delivered in fixed positions from hopper channels, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the ability to customize cigarette arrangements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cigarette delivery system incorporates dynamic control elements (such as movable gates, pushers, or timing mechanisms) that allow the position of delivered cigarettes to be adjusted in real-time. This dynamic capability enables customization of cigarette arrangements while maintaining precise delivery control through programmable parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is an apparatus (6, 6') for forming groups (1 ) of smokers' articles in a packing machine, comprising a hopper (7) equipped at the bottom of it with a plurality of outlets (8) provided with channels (18; 27) for the downfeed of respective piles of smokers' articles (2, 2'), an intermittent conveyor (9) comprising a succession of pockets (12) distributed according to a certain spacing and extending along a path (P) near the outlets (8) and at a feed station (16) where the smokers' articles (2, 2') are fed to at least one packing line of the packing machine, and an expulsion device (10) for transferring smokers' articles (2, 2') from the outlets (8) of the hopper (7) into the respective pockets (12) of the conveyor (9); at least one further feed device (28) is provided for feeding smokers' articles (2') of a second type, which has an end portion (30) juxtaposed with an upper portion of a respective channel (27) related to an outlet (8) of the hopper (7) and in communication with a conveyor (28') for supplying smokers' articles (2') of the second type; pushing elements (33) are provided for extracting smokers' articles (2') of the second type in succession from the end portion (31 ) of the further feed device (28) and inserting them into the channel (27) under the closing element (32).