Filter Segment Assembly Device With Prime Number Troughs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter segment assembly devices in the tobacco processing industry require a large number of components and lack variability in producing filter segments of different lengths, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A filter segment assembly device with a sliding device having a prime number of troughs greater than or equal to 29, which allows for efficient transverse axial transfer and cutting of filter rods into segments, reducing the number of conveying and processing elements needed, and enabling precise cutting and high variability in segment lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of conveying and processing elements are used in existing filter segment assembly devices, then the device can handle filter segments of different lengths, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability in segment lengthsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding device is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys filter segments, positions them for assembly, and accommodates variable segment lengths through its prime number of troughs (29 or more). This single multi-functional device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized conveying and processing elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to produce filter segments of different lengths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional filter segment assembly devices are used, then they can produce filter segments, but productivity is reduced due to the large number of components and processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of conveying and processing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple conveying and processing functions into a single sliding device with a prime number of troughs (29 or more). By combining these functions into one integrated component rather than using multiple separate elements, the device achieves higher productivity through streamlined operations while reducing the overall number of components that would otherwise be required in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3790416B1Filter segment combining device
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3790416B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790416B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790416B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter segment assembling device of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a filter segment transportation path for transferring a filter segment (9, 9') in an axially transverse direction to a filter segment assembling member (28), wherein there is provided in the filter segment transportation path a removal device (1, 1', 1'') which is designed to remove a filter rod (8) having multiple usage lengths from a filter magazine (21.1-21.5), wherein additionally a cutting device (3, 3', 3'') is provided in the filter segment transportation path which is designed to cut the filter rod (8) having a multiple usage length in an axially transverse direction into filter segments, a pushing device being disposed downstream of the cutting device, said pushing device (3, 3', 3'') comprising troughs (7) for receiving filter segments, characterized in that the number of troughs (7) is a prime number greater than or equal to 29. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for assembling filter segments of the tobacco processing industry.