Tobacco Filter Rod Storage via Gravity Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry, such as filter rods, often damage these items due to the need to push them against the weight of already stored articles, leading to stress and potential damage during transverse transport.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a receiving store and an adjustable working store below it, where rod-shaped articles are introduced through a constriction, allowing them to be gently placed into the working store via gravity, decoupling the insertion force and ensuring the articles are aligned parallel for a compact arrangement, with sensors to adjust storage volume based on fill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rod-shaped articles are pushed into the storage magazine from below against the weight of existing articles, then the articles can be stored in the magazine, but the articles are damaged due to the pushing force against gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional feeding direction by introducing rod-shaped articles into the magazine from above rather than from below. This allows articles to be fed in a direction opposite to gravity, eliminating the need to push articles against their weight and thereby preventing damage to shock-sensitive articles while maintaining reliable storage
2Quantity of substance
If a large storage volume is provided for rod-shaped articles, then more articles can be stored, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable side wall in the working storage unit that can be moved between different positions to vary the storage volume. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the storage capacity to be adapted to different operational requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled mobility rather than multiple fixed components
3Productivity
If the storage volume is made adjustable to optimize space usage, then storage efficiency improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor system that automatically detects the fill level of rod-shaped articles in the magazine and triggers automatic adjustment of the working storage unit volume. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and adjustment by operators, maintaining ease of operation while optimizing storage efficiency through automated volume adaptation based on actual storage needs
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 prevents damage to shock-sensitive articles by eliminating the need to push them against existing weights, ensuring gentle handling and efficient storage without excessive force, while maintaining a compact arrangement and optimizing storage volume.
Implementation Method 1
the rod-shaped articles are introduced from the receiving storage unit into the working storage unit via gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates, inter alia, to a storage device (10) for storing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter rods. The storage device (10) has a receiving storage unit (20) for the rod-shaped articles and an article feed device provided on the receiving storage unit (20), wherein a working storage unit (30) for the rod-shaped articles, the storage volume of which is adjustable, is provided below the receiving storage unit (20), and the rod-shaped articles can be or are fed from the receiving storage unit (20) into the working storage unit (30).