Gathering Assembly Sacrificial Member for Aerosol Rod Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gathering assemblies in aerosol generating article production systems often deform or break due to sudden increases in material thickness or resistance, leading to production downtime and costly component replacements.
Innovation Solution
A gathering assembly with a support assembly that includes a sacrificial member configured to fail when excessive force is applied, preventing damage to the gathering element and allowing for quick and simple replacement, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a gathering element is used to gather material in aerosol generating article production, then the material is formed into a rod of pre-determined diameter, but the gathering element may deform or break when the force applied by the material exceeds the material resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can move relative to each other, allowing the gathering element to be isolated from excessive forces through relative movement while maintaining its structural integrity for precise rod formation
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the support assembly is made movable relative to the first portion, enabling dynamic adjustment and movement in response to varying material forces, which prevents the gathering element from experiencing damaging static loads while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Reliability
If the gathering element deforms or breaks due to excessive material force, then the material gathering function is compromised, but replacement of the gathering element leads to considerable production down-time
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into movable portions, allowing the gathering element to be isolated and protected from excessive forces. This segmentation enables the gathering element to maintain its functional integrity without承受ing damaging loads, thereby preventing deformation or breakage that would require time-consuming replacements
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support assembly acts as a protective mechanism that prevents excessive forces from being transmitted to the gathering element in the first place. By allowing relative movement between support portions, the system cushions against force spikes before they can damage the gathering element, eliminating the need for replacement
3Stability of the object's composition
If the gathering element is securely fixed to the support assembly, then the gathering element remains stable during operation, but replacement and adjustment of the gathering element becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separable portions (first and second portions) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the gathering element to be securely mounted on the movable second portion, providing operational stability while enabling easy removal and replacement by simply detaching the second portion from the first
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection between the first and second support portions provides a dynamic mounting solution for the gathering element. The gathering element remains stably positioned on the second portion during operation, but the movable nature of the support assembly allows quick detachment and replacement without complex adjustment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A gathering assembly for production of an aerosol generating article is provided, the assembly including a gathering element and a support assembly, the element to receive and to gather a material on the support assembly, the element including an inlet to receive the material, an outlet for outward passage of the material, and a converging portion to receive the material from the inlet and to gather the material on the support assembly as the material passes between the inlet and the outlet, the support assembly including a first portion having a fixed position relative to the support assembly, a second portion movable relative to the first portion, the gathering element being coupled to and movable with the second portion, and a sacrificial member to couple positions of the first and the second portions, and to fail when force applied on the gathering element by the material exceeds a predetermined level.