Modular Manufacturing Machine for Smoking Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing industry requires modular machines for producing smoking articles that can quickly adapt to different types and configurations, as traditional and new generation cigarettes involve varying numbers of components, necessitating a machine that can easily modify its module combinations.
Innovation Solution
A modular manufacturing machine composed of interconnected modules with standardized connectors for utilities like suction/water vapor and energy, allowing for flexible arrangement and reconfiguration to produce diverse smoking articles by combining modules for specific processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturing machine is designed as a fixed non-modular system, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the machine cannot adapt to different types of smoking articles with varying component configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing machine is divided into multiple independent modules, each capable of performing specific processing functions. These modules can be selectively combined and reconfigured based on the type of smoking article to be produced, enabling adaptability without requiring complete machine redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connectors and interface designs allow the same module to be used across different production configurations. A single module can serve multiple functions depending on its position and combination with other modules, reducing the total number of unique components needed while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the manufacturing machine uses customized modules for each smoking article type, then the production precision and functionality are optimized, but the reconfiguration time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Modules are pre-designed and pre-configured with standardized interfaces and connectors during the manufacturing phase. This preliminary standardization allows for rapid assembly and disassembly during reconfiguration, eliminating the need for custom fabrication and reducing setup time while maintaining production precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in module configuration (arrangement, connection types, processing parameters) without changing the fundamental module structure. This enables quick adaptation to different production requirements by adjusting operational parameters rather than physically redesigning modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturing machine is designed for high adaptability with multiple configurable modules, then various smoking articles can be produced, but the device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the machine into standardized modules, the system achieves versatility through combinatorial arrangements of a limited set of proven components. This reduces overall system complexity compared to designing entirely custom systems for each product type, as the same modular building blocks are reused across different configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular manufacturing machine (1) for the production of smoking articles or parts of smoking articles. The manufacturing machine (1) has a plurality of modules (2) which are placed one after another and beside one another and are arranged between an input station (S1), where a material or a semi-finished product enters the manufacturing machine (1) and an output station (S2), where a finished product leaves the manufacturing machine (1). The manufacturing machine (1) has: an input module (2), where the first input station (S1) is defined, an output module (2), where the output station (S2) is defined, and at least one processing module (2), which is interposed between the input module (2) and the output module (2) and is configured to process the material or the semi-finished product. A module (2) has a generator (9) designed to generate an operating means, in particular suction or water vapour. A module (2) has a socket (12) designed to receive, from the outside, energy in particular electrical energy or pneumatic energy in the form of compressed air. First connection members (10) are provided between two adjacent modules (2) to transmit the operating means between the two adjacent modules (2). Second connecting members (13) are provided between two adjacent modules (2) to transmit energy between the two adjacent modules (2).