Cigarette Filter Adsorbent Capsule Insertion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inserting adsorbent materials into cigarette filters are inefficient and messy, often involving loose powders or slurries that are inconsistent and wasteful.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for inserting adsorbent materials carried by a carrier material into a filter rod, using a continuous supply system that forms a cylindrical rod and subdivides it into portions, ensuring even distribution of the adsorbent material throughout the filter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adsorbent materials are inserted as loose powder or slurry, then the insertion process is simple, but the process is inconsistent and wasteful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion process simplicityVSAvoidadsorbent material distribution consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorbent material is pre-loaded into capsules before insertion into the filter rod. This preliminary encapsulation action ensures controlled dispensing and consistent distribution throughout the filter, eliminating the inconsistency and waste associated with loose powder or slurry methods while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Capsules serve as an intermediary carrier between the adsorbent material and the filter rod. The capsules enable precise placement and controlled release of the adsorbent material, achieving consistent distribution without requiring complex insertion equipment or messy slurry handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If adsorbent materials are inserted as loose powder or slurry, then the equipment requirements are minimal, but material waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion equipment complexityVSAvoidadsorbent material waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorbent material is pre-loaded into capsules before insertion into the filter rod. This preliminary encapsulation action ensures controlled dispensing and consistent distribution throughout the filter, eliminating the inconsistency and waste associated with loose powder or slurry methods while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule system allows for precise dosing of adsorbent material, minimizing excess material usage. Unused or partially used capsules can be recovered and reloaded, reducing material waste while keeping equipment requirements low

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If traditional insertion methods are used, then the process is quick, but cleanliness and efficiency are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion process speedVSAvoidprocess mess and inefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorbent material is pre-loaded into capsules before insertion into the filter rod. This preliminary encapsulation action ensures controlled dispensing and consistent distribution throughout the filter, eliminating the inconsistency and waste associated with loose powder or slurry methods while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Capsules serve as an intermediary carrier between the adsorbent material and the filter rod. The capsules enable precise placement and controlled release of the adsorbent material, achieving consistent distribution without requiring complex insertion equipment or messy slurry handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a cleaner, more efficient, and consistent insertion of adsorbent materials into cigarette filters, reducing waste and improving the production process while ensuring effective smoke filtration.

Implementation Method 1

a cigarette filter comprising at least one filter segment having imbedded therein one or more composite fiber structures, each composite fiber structure comprising a carrier fiber and an adsorbent fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8613284B2Cigarette filter comprising a degradable fiber

Publication Date: 2013.12.24 R J REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY

AI summary

A cigarette filter is provided that includes at least one filter segment having at least one biodegradable fiber imbedded therein, the biodegradable fiber optionally carrying an additive capable of altering the flavor or aroma of mainstream smoke, such as an adsorbent material, a flavorant, or a deodorizing agent. Smoking articles incorporating such a cigarette filter are also provided.