Cone Top Folding and Sealing for Precise Multi-Size Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy cone filling devices struggle to handle cones of different shapes and sizes, and fail to control precise amounts of smokable material accurately during the filling process.
Innovation Solution
A cone filling system that includes a cone dispenser, a cone top sealing system, and an auger load system, which uses a series of closing heads and a sealing head to fold and seal the cone top, while an auger dispenses the smokable material with precise control based on user input, ensuring consistent filling across various cone shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy cone filling devices are used, then the filling process is simple, but the devices cannot handle cones of different shapes and sizes and fail to control precise amounts of smokable material
Solution Approach 1:
The closing heads are designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different cone shapes and sizes. The sealing head can be repositioned along the cone surface, and the closing heads can be adjusted to accommodate varying cone dimensions, enabling the device to handle diverse cone geometries effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device integrates multiple functions into a single system: the auger load system dispenses precise amounts of material, the closing heads fold and seal the cone top, and the sealing head provides additional sealing. This multi-functional design allows one device to handle various cone types while maintaining precision and versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise control of smokable material amount is implemented, then filling consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auger load system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and control the amount of smokable material dispensed. By tracking the dispensing process and adjusting accordingly, the system achieves precise control over material amounts while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and control mechanisms with an automated auger-based dispensing system. This mechanical substitution enables precise control of material amounts through controlled rotation and positioning of the auger, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement tools while improving consistency.
3Reliability
If multiple closing heads and sealing head are used, then cone sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing heads and sealing head are integrated into a coordinated system that operates together to seal the cone top. The closing heads perform the initial folding and sealing actions, while the sealing head provides additional sealing reinforcement. This merging of functions into a unified system improves sealing effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity through coordinated automated movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for closing and sealing a cone is provided. One embodiment extends a first closing head in a first downward slant onto an open top of the cone filled with the smokable material to form a first fold on the top of the cone; extends a sealing head downward onto the first fold; extends a second closing head in a second downward slant onto the open top of the cone to form a second fold on the top of the cone; extends the sealing head downward onto the first fold and the second fold; extends a third closing head in a third downward slant onto the open top of the cone to form a third fold on the top of the cone; and extends the sealing head downward onto the first fold, the second fold, and the third fold.