Modular Tobacco Strand Measuring Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring arrangements in the tobacco processing industry are inflexible, requiring separate configurations for different strand machines and formats, leading to high handling and maintenance efforts, as well as increased costs due to customer-dependent setups.
Innovation Solution
A modular measuring arrangement with all measuring modules housed in a common unit, allowing for flexible configuration via electrical and pneumatic plug connections on a module carrier with standardized slots, enabling the combination and expansion of measurement functions and reducing the number of parts needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate measuring arrangements are configured for each strand machine and format, then measurement precision and adaptability to specific customer requirements are improved, but device complexity and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring arrangement is divided into modular measuring modules that can be independently selected and combined. Each module performs a specific measurement function (e.g., diameter, density, humidity), and modules are arranged in sequences according to the measuring section to be examined, allowing flexible configuration for different strand formats without creating entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized base plate with standardized interfaces is designed to accommodate multiple types of measuring modules. This universal platform allows the same base structure to support various measurement functions through different module combinations, reducing the need for customer-specific configurations while maintaining adaptability to different strand formats.
2Measurement precision
If individualized measuring arrangements are created for each customer and machine type, then measurement precision for specific applications is improved, but manufacturing cost and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules that can be reused across different applications. Instead of manufacturing entirely new measuring arrangements for each customer, the same modules are reconfigured in different sequences and combinations to meet specific measurement requirements, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring arrangement allows dynamic reconfiguration of modules through standardized interfaces. Modules can be easily added, removed, or repositioned on the base plate to adapt to different measurement tasks, enabling the system to respond flexibly to varying customer requirements without permanent customization.
3Ease of repair
If measuring modules are arranged in separate housings, then ease of individual module replacement is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measuring modules are combined within a single housing structure that is mounted on the standardized base plate. This merging reduces the overall number of separate assemblies and simplifies the system architecture while maintaining the ability to individually access and replace modules through the standardized interfaces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate measuring arrangements are used for different strand formats, then adaptability to various formats is improved, but loss of time for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of measuring modules through standardized interfaces. When a different strand format needs to be measured, modules can be quickly repositioned or replaced on the base plate without complete disassembly, significantly reducing the time required to adapt to different formats compared to assembling entirely separate measuring arrangements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The arrangement (10) has a measuring head (13) provided with two measuring modules (14) for forming a measuring section, where the measuring modules are connected to an evaluation unit (18) over a connection unit. A strand guide unit is attached to the measuring head. The measuring modules are arranged in a common housing (19) of the measuring head, and pluggable to a module carrier (22) with a partial free slot selection over electrical and/or pneumatic plug connections, where the module carrier provides multiple slots (21) and fastened at a base plate (20) of the housing. An independent claim is also included for a strand unit.