Modular Pick-up Device for Tobacco Format Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor devices in the tobacco processing industry face challenges in adapting to format changes, particularly in article length, which complicates the adjustment and configuration of conveying devices in multi-filter manufacturing machines.

Innovation Solution

A receiving device with modular receiving elements that have individually adaptable outer inlets and connecting channels, allowing for easy replacement and configuration to accommodate different article formats, with a standardized inner outlet system and deflection channels to manage suction flow, enabling format-independent conveyor device bodies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conveying device is adapted to different article formats by modifying the conveyor device body, then the device can accommodate different article lengths, but the device complexity and adjustment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different article formatsVSAvoidcomplexity of conveying device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is divided into two independent parts: a standardized body portion that remains fixed on the conveyor drum, and interchangeable receiving sections that can be easily attached and detached. Each receiving section is configured for specific article formats, allowing format changes without modifying the entire conveying device body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized receiving element body serves multiple functions: it provides a universal mounting interface on the conveyor drum, houses common suction openings, and supports various interchangeable receiving sections. This universal base structure eliminates the need for different conveyor device bodies for different article formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the conveying device uses standardized receiving elements with interchangeable sections, then format changes become simpler, but the device requires additional components for replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of format changeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is segmented into a permanent standardized body and interchangeable receiving sections. This segmentation allows the complex multi-format functionality to be contained in separate, easily replaceable modules rather than requiring modification of the entire receiving element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized receiving element body acts as an intermediary between the conveyor drum and various article-specific receiving sections. It provides a universal interface that simplifies the connection between the fixed conveyor system and the interchangeable format-specific components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If receiving elements are designed with individually adaptable outer inlets for different formats, then precision for specific formats improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision for specific article formatsVSAvoidease of manufacturing receiving elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element is divided into a standardized body portion that can be manufactured once with fixed precision, and interchangeable receiving sections that are manufactured separately with format-specific precision. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying overall manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manufacturing each receiving element with different parameters for different formats, the invention uses interchangeable receiving sections with varying parameters (such as inlet positions and dimensions) that can be attached to a standardized body. This allows precision for specific formats to be achieved through component selection rather than complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates simple and reliable format changes on conveyor devices, such as collecting or assembling drums, by allowing the use of standardized conveyor device bodies with interchangeable receiving elements tailored to specific article formats, enhancing flexibility and production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the articles to be conveyed are sucked towards the outside of the movable body of the conveyor device by a negative pressure formed in the receiving sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2921062B1Pick-up device for picking up articles from the tobacco processing industry
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2921062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2921062B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP2921062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pick-up device for picking up articles from the tobacco processing industry, which is used for a transporter to transmit the articles. The transporter includes at least one pick-up element (6), having an outer side surface (6aa) and an inner side surface (6bc), for picking up at least one article, the outer side surface configured to at least one first external inlet (8a) and at least one second external inlet (8b) disposed at an interval to the external inlet (8a), as well as the inner side surface (6bc) configured to arrange the pick-up element (6) at the outer side surface of the moveable body of the transmitter, and configured to at least one first external outlet (18a) and at least one second external outlet (18b). The arrangement mode on the outer side surface of the pick-up element (6) and the mode of construction of connection tubes (12a, 12b) are respectively adapted to the specification of articles to be picked up, especially the length. The external outlets (18a, 18b), independent of corresponding specification optimization of the articles to be picked up, are arranged in the standardized arrangement mode, and the at least one external inlet (8a) is alternately disposed with respect to the corresponding external outlet (18a), and configures the connection tubes (12a) connected with one another to be steering tubes.