Intersecting-Groove Rod Separation for Tobacco Segment Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack the capability to recover and separate individual segments from multi-segment rod-like articles in the tobacco industry, particularly for materials like tobacco and inserts, and there is a need for efficient perforation of wrapper materials to facilitate recovery.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising synchronized conveyors with intersecting grooves and a perforating mechanism, such as rotating rollers with needles or knives, to separate and perforate the wrapper material of multi-segment rod-like articles, allowing for the extraction of individual segments and filler materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional devices are used for making perforations along rod-like articles, then continuous processing is achieved, but individual segments cannot be separated or recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the rod-like article into individual segments by using grooves in rotating conveyors to separate and transport each segment independently after perforation, enabling both continuous processing and segment recovery
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex separation device is designed to recover single segments, then segment recovery capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating conveyors with grooves serve multiple functions: they transport the rod-like article, perform separation of segments, and facilitate perforation, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves in the conveyors automatically separate and position segments during the rotation process without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms, reducing device complexity
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A separating device (1) for separating a multi-segment rod-like article (2) of tobacco industry comprising segments (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D) wrapped with a wrapper material (2X), the device comprising: a first conveyor (4) for conveying multi-segment rod-like articles (2) and having first grooves (5); a second conveyor (6) for conveying separated segments (2B) after separation of the multi-segment rod-like article (2), having second grooves (7); wherein the first conveyor (4) and the second conveyor (6) are positioned so that a first movement track (5T) of the first groove (5) and a second movement track (7T) of the second groove (7) intersect; wherein the first conveyor (4) and the second conveyor (6) are synchronized such that in an intersection zone (X) of said movement tracks (5T, 7T), the first groove (5) is positioned opposite the second groove (7) so that the first groove (5) and the second groove (7) push adjacent segments (2A, 2B, 2C) in opposite directions (PA, PB, PC). The device (1) further comprises a perforating device (9) for perforating and/or incising the wrapper material (2X) of the separated segment (2B).