Quick-Release Operative Part Locking for Tobacco Machine Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tobacco industry machines require time-consuming processes for changing operative parts, leading to unacceptable downtime due to the complexity and number of parts involved in traditional systems.
Innovation Solution
A rapid changeover device utilizing plug members and receiving portions with a quick connect/disconnect system, facilitated by a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating means, allows for swift replacement of machine components by simply activating a command or pressing a release button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional threaded fastening systems are used for replacing operative parts, then the machine can be adapted to different products, but the replacement process becomes highly time-consuming and results in unacceptable machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The operative part is divided into modular components (operative part, fastening elements, receiving portions) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the operative part to be quickly detached as a complete module rather than disassembling multiple individual fasteners, directly reducing replacement time while maintaining adaptability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional manual threaded fastening system is replaced with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuating means that automatically performs the fastening and unfastening operations. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated pneumatic/hydraulic actuation dramatically reduces the time required for operative part replacement while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure operative parts, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the complexity of the replacement process increases and requires numerous tools and operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening elements are merged into an integrated fastening system where all fastening operations are controlled by a single pneumatic or hydraulic actuating means. This consolidation maintains the security of multiple connection points while reducing operational complexity from multiple individual fastener operations to a single automated actuation command
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is designed to automatically secure and release the operative part through the actuating means without requiring manual intervention for each fastening element. The system serves itself by using the actuating means to both engage and disengage all fastening elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate multiple fasteners with various tools
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
Significantly reduces machine downtime by enabling quick and efficient replacement of operative parts, enhancing productivity by minimizing the time required for changeovers and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating means (13), in this case pneumatic or hydraulic, for acting on the locking member (10) to move it away from the plug member (5)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for changing operative portions for tobacco industry machines including a receiving portion made in a structural part of a tobacco industry machine; a plug member attached to an operative portion of the tobacco industry machine, a locking member, housed in the structural part of the machine and configured to adopt a locked position, where it locks the plug member in the receiving portion, and a released position, where it releases the plug member from the receiving portion and actuating means acting on the locking member at least to move the locking member from the locked position to the released position.