Parallel Drum Cigarette Separation Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cigarette making machines are unable to accurately separate and deliver single-length cigarette segments when the interval 'A' is smaller than the length of double-length cigarette segments, limiting their adaptability and precision in cigarette production.

Innovation Solution

A separating, guiding, and delivering mechanism comprising a cutting drum, a delivering drum, and a separating drum arranged parallel to each other, with a detachable flow guide plate and fixing member, where the drums rotate in opposite directions to achieve precise separation and guidance, utilizing a 'V-shaped' flow guide plate to control the trajectory of cigarette segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tapered dual-drum structure with fixed intervals is used for separating cigarette segments, then the mechanism can rotate and deliver segments, but it cannot adapt when interval A is smaller than the length of double-length cigarette segments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different segment lengthsVSAvoidcomplexity of separating mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed dual-drum structure into a dynamic adjustable system where the flow guide plate can be positioned at different locations along the separating drum circumference. This allows the separation interval to be dynamically adjusted to match different cigarette segment lengths, solving the adaptability problem while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guide plate serves multiple functions: it guides the cigarette segments, creates the separation interval, and its adjustable position allows the same mechanism to handle different segment lengths. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the flow guide plate is detachably installed with multiple components, then the structure becomes easier to fabricate and maintain, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fabrication and maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guide plate assembly is segmented into detachable components (flow guide plate, fixing member, connecting member, fixing handle) that can be separately manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This segmentation improves ease of manufacture and maintenance while the modular design keeps the overall complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection mechanism allows the flow guide plate to be easily installed and removed, providing operational flexibility. The simple connection structure (pin, fastening member) minimizes the complexity added by the detachable design while maximizing ease of manufacture and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3725710B1Drum assembly for cigarettte production
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HONGTA TOBACCO (GROUP) CO LTD
  • EP3725710B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3725710B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3725710B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A separating, guiding and delivering mechanism adaptive to production of short cigarettes is disclosed by present invention. The delivering mechanism includes a cutting drum, a delivering drum and a separating drum arranged parallel to each other. A flow guide plate is movably installed above the separating drum, and a fixing member is installed on a convex outer surface of the flow guide plate. The fixing member is connected to the connecting member through a pin. The connecting member has one end fixed to a separating drum valve seat through a fastening member, and has an opposite end provided with a fixing handle. A directing plate is arranged on an inside concave surface of the flow guide plate to radially match it. The mechanism can satisfy high-precision, high-reliability separation, and can realize high-precision, high-reliability guidance during cigarettes separation. While satisfying the requirements of the complicated load environment for cigarettes separation, the mechanism uses the tangential force and the normal force to realize control of trajectory for cigarettes separation. It is adaptive to cigarettes separation applications involving different functions, different shapes, and different sizes, thereby facilitating the subsequent twisting and connecting step in cigarette production.