Filter Rod Hopper Loading With Parallel-Alignment Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading filter rods into a hopper result in misalignment and jamming, requiring manual handling and significant manpower, which complicates automation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses a container with U-shaped frame and releasable covers, combined with robotic manipulators and grippers, to maintain rod alignment and efficiently transfer rods into a hopper, minimizing free fall distance and ensuring parallel orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If filter rods are poured into the hopper by overturning boxes, then the loading process can be simplified, but the filter rods become askew and cause jamming of the feeder device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-orienting and arranging the filter rods in a predetermined pattern within the container before transfer. The rods are positioned with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and parallel to a horizontal plane, ensuring correct orientation before insertion into the hopper. This preliminary arrangement prevents jamming while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual loading of rods into the hopper is used, then flexibility is maintained, but significant manual labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a container with a self-emptying mechanism that automatically transfers rods to the hopper. The container includes a bottom opening that allows rods to be discharged under gravity when positioned over the hopper, eliminating the need for manual pouring while maintaining adaptability through the container's design features.
3Productivity
If boxes are overturned to pour rods into the hopper, then loading speed is increased, but the rods become misaligned and cause machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with rod arrangement means that pre-orient all rods parallel to each other and parallel to a horizontal plane before transfer. This preliminary alignment ensures rapid loading without subsequent misalignment issues, maintaining high loading speed while preventing machine downtime caused by jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The container acts as an intermediary device between the storage boxes and the hopper. It receives rods in an organized manner, maintains their parallel orientation during transfer, and releases them in an aligned state into the hopper. This intermediary function enables fast loading while ensuring proper rod alignment to prevent downstream jamming.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for loading rods (14) into a hopper (78), wherein an assembly (12) of rods (14) is formed in a container (10) having a U-shaped frame (16), and wherein the assembly (12) of rods (14) is extracted from the frame (16) and inserted into a hopper (78) of a feeding device.