Peltier Element Cooling for Filter Rod Forming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature control systems in the tobacco processing industry, particularly in filter rod and tobacco rod machines, require separate external dry coolers and have high energy consumption, limited flexibility, and are cumbersome to set up and retrofit.

Innovation Solution

Integration of Peltier elements for temperature control, allowing for compact, energy-efficient cooling and heating of format devices without the need for separate cooling circuits, using a single cooling circuit system and minimizing thermal losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an external dry cooler is used for process cooling, then cooling capacity is sufficient, but device complexity increases and installation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the temperature control function directly into the format device by incorporating a Peltier element and cooling circuit within the format housing. This merging of the cooling system with the format device eliminates the need for separate external dry coolers and long coolant lines, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity for the adhesive seam.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature control is segmented into a localized cooling circuit that serves only the specific area of the format device where cooling is needed (the adhesive seam region). This segmentation allows the cooling system to be compact and integrated rather than requiring a full-scale external cooling system, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If an external dry cooler is used for process cooling, then cooling is effective, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing cooling only at the specific location where it is needed (the adhesive seam area on the format device) rather than cooling the entire machine or using a large external cooling system. The Peltier element is positioned to cool only the relevant portion of the format, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical external dry cooler system with an electric Peltier element that directly generates the cooling effect at the format device. This substitution eliminates the need for large coolant circulation systems and associated energy consumption, while providing effective localized cooling through direct thermoelectric cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If coolant lines are extended for double-rod machines, then cooling capacity is doubled, but thermal losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidthermal losses
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cooling function directly into the format device housing, eliminating the need for extended coolant lines that would connect external coolers to multiple format positions. By integrating the Peltier element and cooling circuit within the format housing, the system provides cooling capacity for double-rod machines without requiring long coolant lines, thereby minimizing thermal losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Temperature

If temperature control is implemented with external coolers, then temperature regulation is possible, but response time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature control function into a localized, integrated system within the format device. By placing the Peltier element and cooling circuit directly at the format device rather than using an external cooler with long coolant lines, the system achieves rapid response time for temperature control adjustments. The segmented, distributed cooling approach eliminates the thermal inertia and response delays associated with large external cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables reliable operation of filter rod and tobacco rod machines with reduced energy consumption, faster temperature control, and simplified installation, eliminating the need for external dry coolers and long coolant lines, while preventing coolant leaks and optimizing adhesive seam bonding processes.

Implementation Method 1

The temperature control device comprises at least one Peltier element, by means of which the temperature control body can be cooled and/or heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one temperature control body which is formed in one piece with the at least one temperature control surface body or with the at least one temperature control surface body is thermally conductively connected or can be connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2509456B1Temperature control of a forming device for a filter rod machine or tobacco rod machine
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2509456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2509456B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2509456B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a temperature control device (20, 40) for a forming device of a machine in the tobacco-processing industry, in particular a filter rod machine or tobacco rod machine, wherein the temperature control device (20, 40) comprises at least one temperature control surface member (7, 7', 45, 45') having a temperature control surface und at least one temperature control member (6, 6', 43, 43', 44, 44'), which is designed integrally with the at least one temperature control surface member (7, 7', 45, 45') or is or can be thermally conductively connected to the at least one temperature control surface member (7, 7', 45, 45'). The invention further relates to a method for operating a machine in the tobacco-processing industry, in particular a filter rod machine or tobacco rod machine, wherein a filter rod (8, 8') or tobacco rod is wrapped with an enveloping paper strip, which is provided on a glued seam with an adhesive, in particular a hot-setting adhesive or a cold-setting adhesive, wherein the wrapped filter rod (8, 8') is conveyed through a forming device having an upper forming unit and/or a lower forming unit with a cooling bridge (7, 7', 45, 45') for the glued seam, and the invention also relates to the use thereof. The cooling device (20, 40) according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises at least one Peltier element (23, 23') by means of which the cooling member (6, 6', 43, 43', 44, 44') can be cooled.