Cigarette Stem Removal Device Using Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing stems from tobacco during the cigarette making process, such as flexible air separation, face challenges like high tobacco losses, poor removal of fine stems, and excessive water loss, making it difficult to achieve high purity and quality of cigarette products.
Innovation Solution
A stem removal device comprising a tobacco feeding unit, flexible air sorting unit, tobacco conveying unit, coarse stem removal unit, and fine stem removal unit, which uses vibrating conveyance, image recognition, and precise air spray to effectively separate and remove coarse and fine stems, improving the purity and quality of tobacco.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind flotation principle is used to remove stems, then coarse stems can be removed effectively, but fine stems cannot be removed efficiently and tobacco losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stem removal process is divided into two distinct stages: coarse stem removal using wind flotation and fine stem removal using image recognition with precise air spray. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific target, resolving the contradiction between removing fine stems and preventing tobacco losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical/wind-based flotation system with an intelligent system that uses image recognition technology to identify fine stems. This substitution enables precise targeting of stems while avoiding tobacco losses, as the system can distinguish between stems and tobacco based on visual characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If flexible air separation is used to remove stems, then stems can be removed, but tobacco losses are high and water loss is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary function of air separation (for coarse stems) and combines it with image recognition technology. By taking out the ineffective air blasting method and replacing it with targeted precise air spray controlled by image recognition, the system achieves stem removal without excessive tobacco and water losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters of the air spray system by using image recognition to determine when and where to apply air spray. This parameter control ensures that air spray is applied only to identified stems with precise timing and location, preventing tobacco losses and reducing water loss in conveying pipes.
3Measurement precision
If traditional air blasting method is used for fine stem removal, then fine stems can be removed, but tobacco content in removed material is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where image recognition continuously monitors the tobacco flow, identifies fine stems, and triggers precise air spray only when stems are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that air spray is applied only to stems and not to tobacco, preventing tobacco losses while effectively removing fine stems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatics in the form of precise air spray controlled by solenoid valves. The air spray is delivered through nozzles positioned to target only identified stems, using pneumatic pressure to remove stems without contacting or losing tobacco material.
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 significantly enhances the removal of stems, reducing tobacco losses and improving the quality of cigarette products by utilizing density differences and precise air jets for fine stem removal, making it suitable for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
The density properties of coarse stems and cut tobacco are very different, and the traditional wind flotation principle can basically remove the coarse stems
Implementation Method 2
the fine stem removal unit N6 is configured to recognize fine stems in images of the tobacco and stem mixture and remove the fine stems from the mixture using a precise (air) spray
Implementation Method 3
the fine stem removal unit N6 is configured to recognize fine stems in images of the tobacco and stem mixture
Implementation Method 4
The tobacco feeding unit N1 may also vibrate, to loosen and/or separate the incoming tobacco and the cut tobacco without stems while conveying it to the flexible air sorting unit N2
Implementation Method 5
The tobacco conveying unit N4 is configured to transport the tobacco and stem mixture pneumatically (e.g., via air flow) after separation from the flexible air sorting unit N2
Data Source
AI summary
A stem removal device for a cigarette making process is disclosed, including a feeding unit (N1), a flexible air sorting unit (N2), a pure tobacco collection unit (N3), a tobacco conveying unit (N4), a coarse stem removal unit (N5) and a fine stem removal unit (N6). A method for removing the stems during the cigarette making process using the stem removal device is also disclosed.