Cigarette Packing Machine Dynamic Path Switching for Dual Packet Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging machines are limited in their ability to selectively produce packets of cigarettes of two different types, as they often require extensive modifications to change the shape and size of the packets, and existing solutions do not efficiently accommodate variations in blanks used for manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A packing method and machine that allows for the selective production of two different types of cigarette packets by altering the conveyor paths and folding mechanisms based on the type of blanks employed, enabling the use of either 'longitudinal' or 'transverse' outer blanks to change the packet shape and size without extensive machine modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses fixed conveyor paths and folding mechanisms, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but the ability to selectively produce two different types of packets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching of conveyor paths and folding mechanisms based on the type of blank being processed. The machine can alter its configuration in real-time to accommodate different packet types, transitioning between longitudinal and transverse folding modes as needed during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing machine is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The same basic structure handles both longitudinal and transverse folding operations, allowing a single machine to produce different packet types without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine is modified to produce different packet shapes and sizes, then product variety increases, but the number of extensive modifications required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is divided into separate modular components that can be independently adjusted or switched. This segmentation allows the machine to reconfigure for different packet types by activating specific folding segments rather than requiring comprehensive modifications to the entire machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine incorporates dynamic path selection and mechanism switching capabilities that allow it to adapt to different packet configurations without permanent structural modifications. The system can switch between different operational modes based on the input blank type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine accommodates variations in blanks used for manufacturing, then production flexibility improves, but the complexity of conveyor paths and folding mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor paths and folding mechanisms are designed with dynamic switching capabilities that allow the machine to adapt its configuration based on the blank type being processed. This dynamic approach enables the system to handle variations in blanks while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is configured with pre-programmed paths and folding sequences for different blank types. Before processing begins, the system selects and prepares the appropriate configuration, allowing the actual production process to proceed smoothly without complex real-time decision-making or manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
On a packing machine (1), packets (19, 56) of cigarettes, selected from different alternative packets of cigarettes of at least a first and second type, are produced by transferring groups (6) of cigarettes relative to the selected type of packet (19; 56) from a forming path (PF) to a first packing path (P1), along which an inner sheet (10) of packing material is folded about each group (6) of cigarettes, and then to a second packing path (P2), along which at least a collar (12; 12') is folded about each group (6) of cigarettes and on top of the inner sheet (10) of packing material; each group (6) of cigarettes is then transferred, depending on the type of packet (19, 56) selected, to a third packing path (P3), along which folding of a first outer blank (15) about each group (6) of cigarettes is completed to form a packet (19) of cigarettes of the first type, or to a fourth packing path (P4), along which folding of a second outer blank (16) about each group (6) of cigarettes is completed to form a packet (56) of cigarettes of the second type. (Figure 1)