Automated Cigarette Loading Device with Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing cigarettes lack efficiency in producing small lots of cigarettes with consistent quality, as they often result in variations in appearance, size, weight, and component materials, leading to inconsistent smoking characteristics and smoke yield.
Innovation Solution
An automated device that uses a reservoir for loose tobacco and pre-formed tubular wrapping portions, with downward passageways and compression mechanisms to ensure consistent tobacco distribution and shaping, along with a system for trimming excess tobacco and packaging, allowing for the production of uniform cigarettes in small batches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional automated cigarette-making machines are used, then large quantities of cigarettes can be produced, but consistency in quality, appearance, size, weight, and smoking characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cigarette production process into discrete modular components: individual rod formation stations, separate wrapping modules, and independent quality control checkpoints. Each module handles specific tasks with precision, ensuring consistent output while allowing the system to produce multiple cigarettes simultaneously, thus maintaining both high precision and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hand-operated devices are used for manufacturing individual cigarettes, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically adapt to different cigarette specifications without manual intervention. Sensors detect variations in tobacco density, humidity, and rod dimensions, then automatically adjust wrapping tension, cutting lengths, and assembly parameters to maintain consistent quality across all produced cigarettes, combining automation precision with adaptive flexibility.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated compression mechanisms are used, then manufacturing precision and uniformity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression mechanism utilizes programmable parameters that can be adjusted through software control rather than mechanical reconfiguration. By changing digital settings for compression force, duration, and distribution patterns, the system achieves precise uniformity in cigarette production without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby reducing physical device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 device enables the manufacture of cigarettes with consistent quality and uniformity in small lots, ensuring identical appearance, size, weight, and performance characteristics, addressing the inefficiencies of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism for arranging a pre-determined amount of loose tobacco filler within each receptacle into a charge of tobacco filler of pre-determined shape
Implementation Method 2
several downwardly extending passageways for downward passage of loose tobacco filler from the hopper region
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for loading cigarettes from a cartridge into a package. The device provides for transferring cigarettes from a cartridge supporting them to a package.