Cigarette Pack Closure Label Positioning via Sensor Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing cigarette packs face challenges in precisely positioning the closure label, particularly when packs have an inner collar, due to positional tolerances in the transport belt and driver systems.
Innovation Solution
The method synchronizes the position of the closure label on the foil with the cigarette group by recording and coordinating their positions during feeding to the wrapping station, using sensors to detect and adjust the transport speed, ensuring precise alignment with the inner collar, and maintaining a constant transport speed through servo drive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the closure label is positioned using conventional transport systems, then the production process is simple, but the positioning precision of the closure label deteriorates due to transport belt tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual positions of cigarette groups and closure labels during transport, feeds this information back to the control unit, and adjusts the transport speeds of the film and cigarette conveyor accordingly to achieve precise positioning despite transport tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transport speeds of the film web and cigarette conveyor based on real-time position detection, allowing the previously static transport system to adapt and compensate for positional deviations, thereby achieving precise closure label placement
2Manufacturing precision
If the transport speed is varied to compensate for positional tolerances, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the transport stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the positions of cigarette groups and closure labels and adjusts transport speeds in real-time based on detected deviations, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains accuracy while adapting to transport variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transport speed parameter dynamically during the process - maintaining constant speed during stable transport phases and adjusting speed when positional deviations are detected, thereby balancing stability and precision requirements
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 solution ensures accurate placement of the closure label on the pack, compensates for positional tolerances, and maintains a constant speed during transport, resulting in correctly positioned and sealed cigarette packs.
Implementation Method 1
the transport speed of the film in the transport path is detected by means of a rotary encoder, which is actuated via a counter wheel that is in contact with the film and rotates accordingly
Implementation Method 2
the position of the closure label on the film in the area of the transport path is detected and the transport of the cigarette groups along the cigarette path is controlled accordingly, such that the closure labels are detected by means of a sensor
Implementation Method 3
the position of the cigarette groups is detected by detecting the position of the carriers of the transport belt by means of a sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing (cigarette) packaging (10) having a wrapping made of a thermally sealable film (14), wherein a group (12) of cigarettes is wrapped in a film (14) as the packaging contents, in particular with an internal collar (13), and then packaging (10) is then closed in particular using sealing seams, and wherein the film (14) has a removal opening (33) arranged in the region of an end side (14) of the packaging (10) and in an adjacent region of a front side (17) of the packaging (10), and having a multi-use closure tab (32), which covers the removal opening (33) in the closed position, and wherein the film (14) is transported along a transport path (37) and cigarette groups (12) are transported along a cigarette path (25), and wherein the transport path (37) and the cigarette path (25) are brought together in a wrapping station (26), in which cigarette groups (12) are wrapped in film (14). According to the invention, the location of the closure tab (32) on the film (14) and the position of the cigarette group (12) in the cigarette path (25) is detected during the supplying of the film (14) and the cigarette groups (12) to the wrapping station (26) and aligned with one another, in order to guarantee an exact location of the closure tab (32) on the packaging (10).