Multi-Feeder Hopper for Flexible Rod Article Collations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for forming collations of rod-shaped articles, such as cigarettes, lack flexibility in arranging different types of articles, particularly restricting the placement of different smoking articles in the center of the collation and limiting the variety of arrangements that can be achieved on high-speed machinery.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a feeder arrangement and hopper vanes that allows for the formation of collations with multiple types of rod-shaped articles, where each type is fed into specific subsets of hopper vanes, enabling the creation of complex arrangements like a middle layer with different types of articles surrounded by others, and allowing for the appearance of central placement of one type within the collation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single hopper and single feeder are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to arrange different types of rod-shaped articles in various positions (including center placement) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single hopper is divided into multiple hopper vanes (first subset, second subset, third subset), each responsible for directing specific types of rod-shaped articles to predetermined positions in the pocket. This segmentation enables different article types to be arranged in specific positions including the center, while keeping the overall hopper structure unified rather than using completely separate hoppers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different subsets of hopper vanes are assigned different functions based on their local position within the hopper. The first subset handles outer layer articles, the second subset handles center articles, and the third subset handles additional outer layer articles. This local differentiation of function within the unified hopper structure achieves high arrangement flexibility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hoppers are used for different article types, then the adaptability to create complex collations is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional subsets that would traditionally require separate hoppers are merged into a single integrated hopper structure. The first subset of hopper vanes, second subset of hopper vanes, and third subset of hopper vanes all operate within one unified hopper, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle multiple article types and create complex collations.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hopper structure serves multiple functions by incorporating different subsets of vanes that can handle different types of rod-shaped articles. This multi-functional design allows the hopper to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized hoppers, achieving versatility without proportional increases in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-layer feeding is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to create nested arrangements (different types surrounded by others) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder arrangement transitions from traditional single-layer feeding to a multi-level spatial arrangement with first, second, and third subsets of hopper vanes positioned at different locations. This dimensional organization enables the creation of nested collation patterns where center articles (from second subset) are surrounded by outer layer articles (from first and third subsets), achieving complex nested arrangements while maintaining an organized feeder structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a predetermined collation of rod shaped articles, in particular smoking articles, includes a feeder arrangement, and a pocket. The pocket is adapted to house a predetermined number of rod shaped articles in the predetermined collation in a predetermined position within the pocket. The apparatus further includes a hopper with a plurality of hopper vanes, wherein each hopper vane is at least associated to one predetermined position in the pocket. The feeder arrangement includes a first feeder being adapted to provide a first subgroup of rod shaped articles of a first type to a first subset of hopper vanes, a second feeder being adapted to provide a second subgroup of rod shaped articles of a second type to a second subset of hopper vanes, and a third feeder being adapted to provide a third subgroup of rod shaped articles of a third type to a third subset of hopper vanes.