Filter Tow Strip Lifting Device for Triacetin Contact Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

During production interruptions, filter tow strips come into contact with triacetin deposits in the application section, leading to dissolution and potential tearing when production resumes, causing operational challenges and material loss.

Innovation Solution

The filter tow strip is lifted and positioned freely within the application line to prevent contact with triacetin deposits during downtime, using a lifting device to separate the strip from contact points, and the application device is closed to maintain this separation, ensuring no triacetin transfer occurs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the filter tow strip remains in contact with triacetin deposits during production stop, then the strip is ready for continuous production, but the strip dissolves and tears when production resumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous production capabilityVSAvoidstrip integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The strip is extracted from the application section and lifted to a position where it no longer contacts the triacetin deposits. This separation removes the harmful interaction between the dissolving strip and the plasticizer deposits, allowing the strip to maintain its structural integrity during production stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device dynamically adjusts the strip position based on production state. During continuous operation, the strip remains in contact with the application section for proper processing. During stops, the strip is automatically lifted to prevent contact with deposits, and lowered again when production resumes, making the system adaptive to operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the machine is stopped for maintenance, then maintenance work can be performed, but the stationary strip contacts triacetin and softens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidstrip strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The strip is extracted from the harmful environment of triacetin deposits by lifting it out of the application section. This prevents the strip from absorbing plasticizer during maintenance periods, preserving its mechanical strength and handling properties for subsequent production runs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device performs preliminary action by raising the strip before maintenance begins and lowering it after maintenance is complete. This preliminary positioning prevents the strip from contacting triacetin deposits during the entire maintenance period, ensuring the strip remains in good condition without requiring additional protective measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the strip is kept in contact with triacetin during downtime, then no additional positioning devices are needed, but the strip dissolves and requires disposal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidfilter tow loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The strip is extracted from the application section and positioned freely during downtime, completely separating it from triacetin deposits. This prevents dissolution and material loss, making the filter tow reusable for the next production run without requiring complex additional protective systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device serves dual purposes: it positions the strip for production and protects it during stops. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate protective measures or complex positioning systems, as the same mechanism that enables production control also prevents material loss during downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method prevents the filter tow strip from dissolving and extends its service life by maintaining a contact-free state with triacetin, allowing for seamless restarts without material damage, thus simplifying the resumption of production.

Implementation Method 1

the strip is lifted by means of at least one lifting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

an application device applying a preferably liquid additive to the strip in an application path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Implementation Method 3

triacetin is deposited in the form of mist in the interior of the housing of an application device or spray chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMist deposition: Aerosol

Implementation Method 4

the strip of tow that comes into contact with triacetin begins to dissolve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP1834530B1Treatment of a filter material rod of the tobacco processing industry
Publication Date: 2010.10.27 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP1834530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1834530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1834530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A strip (2) of filter tow material is fed along a conveyor belt. A liquid additive is applied to this strip in an application section (7) by means of an applicator (31). Contact between this strip of filter tow material and a point making contact with this strip is terminated within the application section either during or after introducing stoppage in production.