Filter Rod Forming Connecting Member Curved Transition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for producing continuous rods of tobacco and filter material face issues with the semi-finished streams loosening and scattering due to sharp edges at the tile-shaped member's outfeed section, leading to quality problems and production interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a connecting member that blends smoothly with the tile-shaped member and the forming channel, creating a gradual compacting path to maintain the transverse cross section and prevent sudden expansion, thus stabilizing the continuous stream as it transitions into the forming channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a tile-shaped member with a sharp edge at the outfeed section is used to progressively reduce the transverse cross section of the semi-finished continuous stream, then the manufacturing precision of the continuous stream's transverse cross section is improved, but the stability of the continuous stream deteriorates causing it to loosen and scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sharp edge at the outfeed section of the tile-shaped member with a curved surface that gradually reduces the transverse cross section. This curved transition prevents sudden geometric discontinuities that cause the continuous stream to expand and scatter, while still achieving the required dimensional precision through progressive compression along the curved path.
2Manufacturing precision
If the transverse cross section of the semi-finished continuous stream is progressively reduced in size to increase density, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the continuous stream tends to instantaneously recover its shape and expand when leaving the tile-shaped member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by gradually pre-compressing the continuous stream along a curved path before it exits the tile-shaped member. This progressive compression prepares the material for the final dimension without creating sudden density changes that would cause instantaneous expansion and scattering upon exit.
3Ease of manufacture
If a sharp edge is used at the outfeed section to constrain the material, then the ease of manufacture of the tile-shaped member is improved, but the quality of the continuous rod deteriorates due to particle scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sharp edge geometry with a curved surface that is easier to manufacture using standard forming processes while simultaneously improving product quality by preventing material scattering. The curved transition eliminates stress concentration points and provides smooth material flow.
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 solution ensures that the continuous stream maintains its shape and cross-sectional size, reducing particle scattering and increasing production efficiency by preventing the material from expanding and breaking up, resulting in higher-quality rods and minimizing production disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting member which blends smoothly with said tile-shaped member and with said forming channel and which is configured to progressively reduce the transverse cross section of said semi-finished, continuous stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a machine (1) for making at least one continuous rod (100) of filter material (F) or tobacco (T), comprising a pre-forming device (3) adapted to receive at least one semi-finished, continuous stream (101) in order to make at least one continuous stream (102). The pre-forming device 3 comprises: - at least one oblong tile-shaped member (10) having an inside surface (10') which is configured to progressively reduce the transverse cross section of the semi-finished, continuous stream (101) feeding along it and to channel it into a forming channel (5) of a garniture tongue (4) along which the at least one continuous rod (100) is progressively formed; and - at least one connecting member (12) blending the tile-shaped member (10) with the forming channel (5) and having an inside surface (12') which blends smoothly with the inside surface (10') of the tile-shaped member (10) in such a way as to allow the semi-finished, continuous stream (101) to be progressively compacted.