Filter Tow Strip Transverse Separation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of filter rods faces challenges in achieving uniform separation of multi-width filter tow strips, leading to tension fluctuations and quality inconsistencies, particularly in fast-running processes, due to the reliance on longitudinal tearing forces rather than controlled transverse separation forces.

Innovation Solution

The development of a filter tow strip with a defined maximum transverse separating force not exceeding 20 cN over 20 cm, achieved by crosslinked and crimped filaments connected with a low crosslinking density area, allowing for precise control of separation and reduced resistance during processing on filter rod machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If longitudinal tearing force is used to separate multi-width filter tow strips, then separation can be achieved, but tension fluctuations and quality inconsistencies occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation of filter tow stripVSAvoiduniformity of separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the separation parameter from longitudinal tearing force to transverse separating force. By defining the filter tow strip with a maximum transverse separating force not exceeding 20 cN over 20 cm, the separation process achieves uniformity and reliability while maintaining ease of operation in fast-running production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If fast-running production processes are used to increase productivity, then output increases, but separation uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speedVSAvoidseparation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the transverse separating force characteristics of the filter tow strip before the separation process. The maximum transverse separating force is controlled to not exceed 20 cN over 20 cm, which ensures that even in fast-running production processes, the separation remains uniform and problem-free without requiring complex real-time control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If defined divisibility of twin tow is implemented, then double filter rod machine processing is enabled, but separation resistance may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing on double filter rod machineVSAvoidseparation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the force parameter by defining the maximum transverse separating force to not exceed 20 cN over 20 cm. This parameter optimization enables the filter tow strip to be separated with minimal resistance on double filter rod machines, maintaining both adaptability for parallel processing and low separation force requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach ensures even and problem-free separation of filter tow strips, minimizing tension fluctuations and quality variations, enabling consistent production of filter rods with improved separating properties.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting filaments (13) being intertwined and/or are hooked in such a way that they each form crossing points (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Data Source

PatentEP2222195B1Filter tow strip, filter rod machine, method for producing filter tow strips and method for producing filter rods
Publication Date: 2011.07.06 SOLVAY ACETOW GMBH(DE)
  • EP2222195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2222195B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2f
  • EP2222195B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter tow strip, especially twin tow from cross-linked and crimped filaments which form at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) that are interlinked by a section of reduced cross-linking density (11), the linking filaments (13) being interlooped and/or interlocked in such a manner that the linking filaments form intersections (14). The filter two strip is characterized in that the maximum cross-cutting force of the partial strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20 cN on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) and/or the number of the linking filaments (13) does not exceed 200 cross-locking and/or cross-looping filaments on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) when impinged with the maximum cross-cutting force.