Drum Conveyor Cleaning System for Filter Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drum conveyor systems in multi-segment filter manufacturing machines used in the tobacco industry face operational disturbances due to dirt accumulation in circumferential grooves, which are not effectively addressed by existing cleaning methods.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with movable cleaning means inserted into circumferential grooves to remove dirt, featuring a vacuum channel connection to discharge dirt and a position sensor-controlled system that switches off the unit if the cleaning means encounter adhered particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If circumferential grooves are formed on the drum conveyor for rod cutting, then correct cutting of filter rods is enabled, but dirt accumulates in the grooves causing operational disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful dirt and dust from the circumferential grooves by introducing a vacuum cleaning system. The vacuum channel with suction openings removes accumulated dirt from the grooves, separating the harmful contaminant from the cutting system to prevent operational disturbances while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum cleaning system as an intermediary between the circumferential grooves and the external environment. This intermediary system captures and removes dirt accumulation through vacuum suction, preventing direct contact between dirt and the cutting operation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining grooves for cutting precision and preventing dirt accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning means are inserted into circumferential grooves to remove dirt, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the system may encounter strongly adhered particles causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a flexible protective element between the cleaning means and the drum conveyor surface. This protective element cushions the cleaning means against strongly adhered particles, preventing damage to the cleaning system while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through gradual contact and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning means by making it flexible and deflectable. This parameter change allows the cleaning means to adapt to varying conditions in the grooves, deflecting upon encountering strongly adhered particles rather than causing damage, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and system reliability.
3Ease of operation
If movable cleaning means are used to remove adhered particles, then cleaning capability is enhanced, but position control and system safety become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by introducing a position sensor that continuously monitors the position of the movable cleaning means. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about the cleaning means position, enabling automatic control and safety shutdown when limits are reached, thus enhancing cleaning capability while managing control system complexity through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the cleaning system to monitor and control itself through the position sensor and control unit. The system automatically detects when the cleaning means reaches limit positions or encounters issues, and can autonomously shutdown to prevent damage, reducing the need for external intervention and managing complexity through self-monitoring capabilities.
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 system ensures effective cleaning of the drum conveyor by mechanically removing dirt and using vacuum discharge, maintaining uniform operation and preventing damage from adhered particles.
Implementation Method 1
the system comprises a vacuum channel receiving the dirt having a connection with the passages discharging the dirt in the discs
Implementation Method 2
cleaning means inserted into circumferential grooves for tearing off the dirt from the walls of the circumferential grooves
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The object of the application is a cleaning system of a drum conveyor of a filter segment feeding apparatus in the tobacco industry wherein a transport drum(3) comprises a plurality of discs (4) on the circumferential surface of which concavities (5) are formed whereas the concavities of the individual discs are positioned relative to one another so that together they form channels (6) receiving filter rods (1), where in the said channels(6) the filter rods (1) are transported during cutting, whereas the borders of adjacent discs (4) do not contact one another and in this way they form circumferential grooves(9). The discs (4) have passages (12) discharging the dirt, the circumferential grooves (9) have a connection with the passages (12) discharging the dirt, and the system comprises a vacuum channel (15) receiving the dirt having a connection with the passages (12) discharging the dirt in the discs (4).