Segmented Garniture Insert for Cigar Manufacturing Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing garniture components in machine-made cigar manufacturing face issues with wear and tear due to high friction and heat from the tobacco rod forming process, leading to costly re-machining and potential downtime.
Innovation Solution
A garniture design with interchangeable inserts made from heat-resistant materials, featuring a groove structure that aligns with the tobacco rod forming apparatus, and a cooling system to extend the lifespan of the garniture components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the garniture components are used in the tobacco rod forming process, then the cigar manufacturing can be performed, but wear and tear occurs due to high friction and heat
Solution Approach 1:
The garniture is divided into multiple sections with individual grooves, allowing selective replacement of worn sections without replacing the entire garniture. Each groove can be independently maintained or replaced, improving overall system reliability while maintaining manufacturing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inserts made from heat-resistant and low-friction materials (such as ceramic or coated materials) that are integrated into the garniture grooves. These composite material solutions reduce wear and tear from high friction and heat, extending component durability while maintaining manufacturing capability.
2Reliability
If the garniture components undergo re-machining to restore functionality, then wear damage can be repaired, but costly downtime and re-machining costs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The garniture is segmented into replaceable sections and inserts, allowing quick replacement of worn components without shutting down the entire manufacturing system for extensive re-machining. This reduces maintenance downtime while restoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of re-machining worn garniture components, the patent enables easy replacement of worn inserts or sections with new ones. The old worn components can be removed and replaced quickly, minimizing downtime and avoiding costly re-machining operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the garniture components are designed with fixed groove structures, then the tobacco rod forming can be performed, but the components require costly re-machining when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The garniture groove structure is segmented into modular sections with standardized interfaces, making it easy to manufacture and equally easy to maintain. Worn sections can be quickly replaced without complex re-machining, simplifying both manufacturing and repair processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The garniture design uses universal, standardized groove sections that can be interchanged. This universality simplifies manufacturing through standardization and simplifies repair through interchangeable parts, reducing the need for specialized re-machining operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The garniture includes at least one first garniture section with a first upper surface, a first groove being defined within the first upper surface, and at least one first insert overlaying the first groove, a second upper surface of the at least first insert defining a second groove, a width of the second groove narrowing from a first end to a second end of the second groove, a first upper portion of the first upper surface and a second upper portion of the second upper surface being flush with each other.