Dispenser Rod Mechanism for Custom Filter Component Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers are limited in customizing their smoking experience with pre-manufactured smoking articles, as they can only use additives provided during production, lacking the ability to choose or modify flavors and filtration components.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser for filter components that allows users to insert and customize flavor capsules or filtration materials into smoking articles, featuring a rod that extends to push components into narrow recesses and multiple storage zones for various filter components, enabling the selection and use of different additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rod extends outside the housing to push filter components into narrow recesses, then the ability to insert filter components into smoking articles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is nested within the housing when retracted and extends outward when actuated. The rod can pass through the exit orifice and extend beyond the housing to push filter components into narrow recesses of smoking articles, then returns to its nested position within the housing after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod transitions between a retracted position (fully inside the housing) and an extended position (outside the housing). This dynamic movement allows the rod to adapt its length based on the operational requirement, enabling it to reach into narrow recesses when needed while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage zones are provided for different filter components, then the versatility of customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage area is segmented into multiple distinct storage zones (first storage zone, second storage zone, third storage zone) within the housing. Each zone can hold different types of filter components, allowing users to select from various options. The segmentation is organized spatially to enable easy access and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the rod mechanism, provides multiple storage zones for different filter components, and guides the rod's movement. The rod itself is multi-functional, capable of pushing different types of filter components from different storage zones into the exit orifice.
3Ease of operation
If the rod moves between retracted and extended positions, then the ease of dispensing filter components is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod mechanism is designed to automatically return to its retracted position after extending to dispense a filter component. The system self-regulates the rod's movement between positions, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and minimizing positioning errors that could arise from manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides physical guidance and constraints for the rod's movement, ensuring it returns to the correct retracted position after extension. The interaction between the rod and housing walls provides feedback that maintains precise positioning without requiring additional sensors or control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser for dispensing a filter component is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing (2) defining an exit orifice (5) and a rod (3) at least partially disposed within the housing. The rod has a first end face (301), and the rod is movable between a retracted position in which the first end face of the rod is fully disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which the first end face of the rod is disposed outside the housing. When the rod is moved between the retracted position and the extended position, the first end face (301) of the rod passes through the exit orifice (5).