Automated E-Cigarette Cartridge Assembly with Magnetic Electrode Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of electronic cigarette cartridges is inefficient, resulting in low hourly productivity and frequent damage to electrodes during handling, which affects the quality and feasibility of the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing machine and method that utilize a series of assembly and application stations with feed devices and conveyors to efficiently assemble and connect electrodes, electronic circuits, heating members, and hygroscopic pads, ensuring precise positioning and gentle handling to enhance productivity and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrodes are manually handled and moved from depositories to connecting members, then assembly can be performed, but productivity is low and electrode damage occurs frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of electrodes with an automated system that uses magnetic fields. Electromagnetic actuators generate magnetic fields that attract and move electrodes along predetermined paths without physical contact, eliminating mechanical stress and damage while increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic conveyors to transport electrodes through the assembly process.压缩空气 streams guide electrodes from depositories through positioning stations to connecting members, providing gentle, contactless transport that prevents deformation and enables high-speed operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If assembly operations are performed slowly to maintain quality, then electrode damage is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated assembly operations where electrodes are constantly moved, positioned, and assembled without interruption. The automated system maintains precise positioning and gentle handling throughout the continuous process, achieving both high quality and high productivity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predetermined programmed paths and sequences for electrode movement and assembly. The control system replicates precise positioning patterns for each electrode, ensuring consistent quality across all assemblies while operating at high speed through automation.
3Strength
If mechanical force is applied to fit electrodes into supporting bases, then secure connection is achieved, but electrode deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force application with magnetic field-based positioning and connection. Electromagnetic actuators use magnetic attraction to secure electrodes to supporting bases without mechanical impact or excessive force, achieving strong connections while preserving electrode integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing machine and a method for producing a cartridge for an electronic cigarette comprising a supporting base and at least one electrode fitted to the supporting base are disclosed: a conveyor, which comprises a pocket for feeding the supporting base along a conveying path; a gripping device for gripping the electrode; and an actuating device, which moves the gripping device cyclically back and forth in a fitting direction perpendicular to the conveying path, so as to fit the electrode gripped by the gripping device to the supporting base during a forward stroke and to detach the gripping device from the electrode fitted to the supporting base during a return stroke.