Independent Suction Sources for Cigarette Filter Stick Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigarette filter making machines face challenges in adjustability, leading to reduced flexibility and efficiency in production processes due to the reliance on a single suction source for all rollers, which affects the balance of suction force across different processing stations, particularly when changes in filter stick specifications occur.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a machine with two independent suction sources, one for the transfer and slowing-down suction rollers and another for the pickup suction rollers, allows for independent adjustment of suction air flow rates, ensuring balanced suction forces across all rollers and accommodating variations in filter stick parameters without disrupting the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suction source is used for all rollers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different filter stick specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single suction source is segmented into multiple independent suction sources, with each suction source dedicated to specific rollers. This allows independent adjustment of suction parameters for different roller groups, enabling adaptation to various filter stick specifications while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If the suction air flow rate is increased for transfer rollers to improve slowing capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the suction force balance across all rollers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into independent suction sources for transfer rollers and pickup rollers. This segmentation allows the suction air flow rate for transfer rollers to be increased independently to improve slowing capacity and productivity, while the pickup rollers maintain their required suction force balance through their dedicated suction source.
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 solution enhances the machine's flexibility and efficiency by allowing precise control over suction forces, preventing disruptions in the production process and ensuring consistent handling of filter sticks regardless of changes in specifications, thereby improving overall production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the suction flutes are provided with openings, usually made in the bottom of each flute and connected to a suction source capable of generating a negative pressure which slows the sticks down as they enter the suction flutes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a machine (1) for making cigarette filters, comprising first suction rollers (7) for transferring and slowing down filter sticks (5) inside respective first perimeter suction flutes (8), each having respective first suction openings connected to a suction device (9) and a second plurality of suction rollers (10) for picking up the sticks (5) from the first transfer and slowing-down suction rollers (7) and designed to feed the sticks (5) to further processing stations, the second suction rollers (10) being provided with second perimeter suction flutes (11) configured to receive the sticks (5) and provided with respective second suction openings connected to the suction device (9). The suction device (9) comprises a first suction source (9a) connected to the first, transfer and slowing-down suction rollers (7), and a second suction source (9b), independent of the first suction source (9a) and connected to the second suction rollers (10).