Automated Folding Mechanism for Smoking Article Casing Closure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated systems for packaging smoking articles struggle to efficiently and automatically close the rear zone of each casing, particularly by folding, which is typically done manually or not at all in automated processes.

Innovation Solution

A closing apparatus and method that utilize folding means to automatically close the rear zone of smoking article casings by folding, accompanied by movement means to reciprocally position the casings and folding tools for effective closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual folding is used to close the rear zone of smoking articles, then the closure quality is maintained, but the productivity is limited and cannot reach high hourly production rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehourly production rateVSAvoidautomation of folding closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical folding operation with an automated mechanical system consisting of folding members, abutment elements, and movement means that automatically perform the folding and closing of the rear zone, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining closure quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The folding means are designed to automatically position and fold the rear zone of the casing without external assistance. The abutment element automatically engages with the rear zone and the folding member guides it through the folding motion, making the system self-sufficient for the closing operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated twisting closure is used, then productivity is improved, but the closure type is limited to twist and cannot achieve folded closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidclosure type options

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The folding member and abutment element are designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust during the closing operation. The abutment element moves into engagement with the rear zone and the folding member provides guided motion, enabling the system to achieve folded closure while maintaining high productivity through automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the containing material is made very thin and light to reduce weight, then the packaging is more efficient, but the material becomes difficult to treat in automated manner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of casingVSAvoidease of automated handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifically addresses the handling of very thin and light containing material by designing folding means that can reliably manipulate such flexible materials. The abutment element and folding member are configured to provide sufficient support and guidance during the folding operation to prevent deformation or damage to the thin casing material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The folding member acts as an intermediary between the abutment element and the thin casing material. It provides a guided path and distributed contact during the folding operation, making it easier to handle the thin and light containing material automatically without damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If high productivity is achieved with automated operations, then hourly production reaches 7,000 articles, but the time for each individual operation must be very short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehourly production rateVSAvoidcycle time per article

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The folding means are designed to perform the closing operation continuously without interruption. The abutment element and folding member are positioned and moved in a continuous sequence that eliminates idle time between operations, enabling the system to achieve high hourly production rates by minimizing the cycle time for each article

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables rapid, automatic, and reliable closure of smoking article casings, enhancing productivity to achieve high hourly production rates, such as 7,000 smoking articles, while maintaining the integrity of the casing.

Implementation Method 1

an abutment element (20) disposed slidingly in a channel (19), so as to be able to move away from and close to the folding seating (17), in order to strike and flatten in a controlled manner, one or several times, the rear zone (Z3) of each casing (101)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4340647B1Closing apparatus and method for automatically closing smoking articles

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~9

AI summary

Closing apparatus (10) and method for automatically closing smoking articles (100), each comprising a casing (101) having at least one rear zone (Z3) which is configured to be closed. The apparatus (10) comprises movement means (12) and folding means (11) configured to close the rear zone (Z3) of each casing (101) by folding an open end portion of the rear zone (Z3).