Conical Smoking Article Compaction Pin and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for mass-producing conical smoking articles lack efficient compaction techniques, as existing automated systems designed for cylindrical products are not applicable to conical shapes, leading to labor-intensive and inefficient production processes.

Innovation Solution

A compaction apparatus and method involving a pin and tamping mechanism that vibrates and compresses smokeable products within conical cones to compact them efficiently, using a pin to form an empty column and then vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse, while also utilizing a tamping face to apply compressive force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated compaction systems designed for cylindrical products are used, then production efficiency is improved, but they are not applicable to conical shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidapplicability to conical shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the product (cone) move through a stationary compaction station rather than moving the compaction mechanism. The cone pallet carries cones sequentially through filling, compaction, and sealing stations, allowing standardized automated processing adapted for conical geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The production process is segmented into distinct stations: filling station for loading smokeable material, compaction station with pin and tamping mechanism for densifying the material, and sealing station for closing the cone. This segmentation allows each station to be optimized for its specific function while working together in an automated sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If labor-intensive manual compaction methods are used, then adaptability to conical shapes is maintained, but production efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle conical shapesVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The compaction mechanism uses a self-contained pin and tamping system that automatically densifies the smokeable material as the cone passes through the compaction station. The mechanism requires no manual intervention and is specifically designed for conical geometry, maintaining adaptability while enabling automated high-speed production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If a pin is inserted into the smokeable product to form an empty column, then compaction effectiveness is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompaction effectivenessVSAvoidcompaction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tamping mechanism applies vibratory motion to the pin as it compacts the smokeable material in the cone. This vibration facilitates densification by reducing friction between particles and allowing them to settle into a tighter configuration, improving compaction effectiveness through a relatively simple mechanical addition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 approach enables efficient compaction of smokeable products in conical smoking articles, improving production efficiency and scalability by adapting automated systems for conical shapes, allowing for high-volume production similar to cylindrical smoking articles.

Implementation Method 1

vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse of the smokeable product into the column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

urging a tamping face downwardly against an upper surface of the smokeable product to exert a compressive force thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11439175B2Compaction apparatus and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 CANOPY GROWTH CORP

AI summary

A method of compacting a smokeable product in a cone for production of smoking articles is disclosed. The method includes aligning a respective cone held in a cone pallet with a pin. The cone contains a volume of the smokeable product and has an open upper end. The method further includes advancing the pin into the volume of the smokeable product through the open upper end of the cone; and withdrawing the pin from the volume of the smokeable product. The volume of the smokeable product has an empty column formed therein when the pin is withdrawn. The method further includes vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse of the smokeable product into the column.