Double Action Filter Assembly Wheel with Flipping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling cigarette filter rods require separate assembly wheels for each end of the filter tube, increasing floor space, setup time, machine cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single assembly wheel is used to fill both ends of a filter tube by placing it in a vertical position, transferring it to a flipping wheel, and then back to the assembly wheel for complete filling, reducing the need for dual wheels and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate assembly wheels are used for each end of the filter tube, then filling operations can be performed simultaneously on both ends, but floor space requirements increase and machine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate assembly wheels into a single shared assembly wheel that services both ends of the filter tube. The wheel is configured with filling mechanisms that can deposit material into either end of the tube as it passes through, eliminating the need for two separate wheels and reducing floor space requirements while maintaining simultaneous filling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single assembly wheel is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform filling operations on both ends of the filter tube. The wheel includes adjustable filling mechanisms that can be positioned to deposit material into either end of the tube depending on the operational mode, making it a universal filling station that replaces two specialized wheels
2Productivity
If separate assembly wheels are used for each end of the filter tube, then filling operations can be performed independently, but setup time increases and machine cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate assembly wheels into one shared wheel, which reduces the number of components that need to be installed, aligned, and calibrated. This consolidation directly reduces setup time while maintaining the capability to fill both ends of the filter tube simultaneously through the wheel's dual-position filling mechanisms
3Productivity
If separate assembly wheels are used for each end of the filter tube, then each wheel can be optimized for specific filling tasks, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate assembly wheels into a single wheel with integrated filling mechanisms. The wheel includes adjustable components that can be positioned to deposit material into either end of the filter tube, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the machine structure while maintaining the capability to fill both ends simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The single assembly wheel is designed with universal filling capabilities that can adapt to different filling requirements for either end of the tube. The wheel includes adjustable positioning mechanisms and filling heads that can be configured for different material types and deposition patterns, providing the optimization benefits of specialized wheels without the complexity of having separate dedicated wheels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming two filters in a two-up configuration. The apparatus includes a feed wheel 18, an assembly wheel 20, a take-off wheel 22, and a flipping wheel 24. According to the method of the invention, tubes 10 are loaded from the feed wheel 18 to the assembly wheel 20 where one hollow end of the tubes is filled. The half-filled tubes 10′ are then transferred to take-off wheel 22 and then to a flipping wheel 24 where the tubes are flipped. The half-filled and flipped tubes 10″ are returned to vacant positions on the feed wheel and transferred back to the assembly wheel so that the remaining hollow ends can be filled. The filled tube 10′″ is transferred to a take-off wheel 22, where it is then removed from the take off wheel 22 using a stripper and/or additional wheels for further processing.