Modular Cigar Holder Assembly with Intermediary Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cigar holder assemblies for automatic smoking machines lack a leak-free seal and are cumbersome to set up, which hampers efficient analytical testing of cigars in linear and rotary smoking machines.
Innovation Solution
A cigar holder assembly comprising a filter holder and a seal, designed with modular components that form a chamber for a filter, featuring axially extending openings and O-ring grooves for a secure connection to the smoking machine, ensuring a leak-free seal and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional cigar holder assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal is leaky and setup is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cigar holder assembly is divided into separate modular components: a holder body, a detachable seal element, and a filter holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal element acts as an intermediary component between the holder body and the filter holder, creating a reliable seal without requiring complex integration. The seal element includes a protrusion that fits into a recess, providing a simple yet effective sealing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a complex seal mechanism is implemented, then the seal becomes leak-free, but the setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is pre-configured with a protrusion that complements a recess in the holder body, allowing for rapid assembly without complex alignment procedures. The pre-designed interface enables quick attachment while ensuring a reliable seal.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the seal into a distinct, detachable element rather than integrating it into the holder body, the assembly allows for quick installation and removal of the seal component independently, reducing overall setup time.
3Ease of operation
If modular components are used, then the assembly is easier to set up, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element serves as an intermediary that bridges the holder body and filter holder with a reliable connection. The protrusion-recess interface provides mechanical interlocking that ensures stable connection while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element combines multiple functions into a single component: sealing, structural support, and connection. By merging these functions, the design achieves both ease of assembly and connection reliability without requiring separate elements for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cigar holder assembly includes a filter holder that includes: a first filter holder piece having a first end to connect to a smoking machine and a second end, and a second filter holder piece having a first end and a second end, a first opening extending axially into the first end and a second opening extending axially into the second end, and the second end of the first filter holder piece and the first end of the second filter holder piece fit together. The assembly includes a cigar holder having a first end and a second end to receive a cigar, and the second end of the second filter holder piece and the first end of the cigar holder fit together; and a seal has an opening that extends through its entire thickness, the seal configured to fit in the opening in the first end of the cigar holder.