Multisegment Filter Assembly via Segmented Suction Seats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling composite filters result in excessive or non-standard lengths, leading to production constraints and complications during transfer, especially when using 'spider' devices with non-standard lengths.

Innovation Solution

A method and machine that feed segments of different kinds into a single continuous rod, forming alternating successions of units with specific properties, allowing for a wide range of article sizes and configurations, including cylindrical segments with circular cross sections, and enabling precise assembly and cutting to achieve desired lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If segments are assembled in suction seats of a conveying system to form complete sequences, then composite filters can be produced, but the sequences become excessive or non-standard length causing production constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction of composite filtersVSAvoidlength of sequences
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple suction seats (first set and second set) that independently assemble alternating units. Each suction seat handles a portion of the assembly process, creating modular units that are then combined. This segmentation prevents excessive sequence length by distributing the assembly across multiple stations rather than accumulating all segments in a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-standard machine configurations are used to accommodate non-standard lengths, then articles of different sizes can be produced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of article sizesVSAvoidmachine configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system uses a universal configuration with multiple suction seats that can handle various segment types and combinations. The system is designed to accommodate different article sizes through flexible segment selection rather than requiring non-standard machine configurations. The alternating unit assembly approach allows the same machine setup to produce various lengths by controlling which segments are placed in which units.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If alternating units are assembled with segments of different kinds in a single forming beam, then multisegment articles with varying properties can be produced, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of segment propertiesVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different suction seats are assigned specific segment types (first segments, second segments, third segments) to create units with specific local qualities. The first units contain certain segment combinations while the second units contain different combinations. This local quality assignment simplifies the overall assembly process by pre-organizing segments according to their intended positions, reducing the complexity of managing all possible segment permutations in a single forming beam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4161297B1Method and machine for making multisegment articles
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 GD SPA
  • EP4161297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4161297B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4161297B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method for making multisegment articles comprising the steps of: preparing at least one succession of first segments (1), one succession of second segments (2) and one succession of third segments (3), wherein the first, second and third segments (1, 2, 3) are segments of different kinds; assembling the first, second and third segments (1, 2, 3) to make an alternating succession of first and second units (60, 70) advancing transversely to the longitudinal axis of the segments (1, 2, 3) and wherein the first units (60) comprise at least a first and a second segment (1, 2) and the second units (70) comprise at least a third segment (3); assembling the units (60, 70) in a single forming beam (80) to form a single continuous rod (100) defined by a predetermined sequence of segments (1, 2, 3) of different kinds. The step of assembling the segments (1, 2, 3) of different kinds to make an alternating succession of first and second units (60, 70) is carried out in such a way that the first and second segments (1, 2) form part only of the first units (60) and the third segments (3) form part only of the second units (70).