Shoulder Box Cigarette Packet Making Machine with Integrated Accessory Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of 'shoulder-box' cigarette packets is slow and complex due to the manual handling and separate processing of multiple blanks and wrapping units, further complicated by the inclusion of accessory components.
Innovation Solution
A machine and method that automates the production of 'shoulder-box' cigarette packets using continuous bands for the base, lid, and collar, with integrated feeding and folding mechanisms, and accessory feed paths to simplify the process and reduce time, enabling the simultaneous inclusion of accessory components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If three independent blanks are manually handled and fed to separate wrapping units, then the packet components can be assembled, but the production process becomes slow and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three independent wrapping units into a single integrated wrapping unit that processes all three blanks (base, lid, and collar) simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual handling and feeding operations, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while significantly increasing productivity through automated concurrent processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary folding of all three blanks into predetermined configurations before they enter the wrapping unit. The blanks are pre-formed with folds and creases that align with the final packet structure, allowing the wrapping unit to complete assembly through a single wrapping operation rather than multiple sequential steps, thus simplifying manufacture and boosting productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory components are placed inside the packet, then the packet functionality is enhanced, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Accessory components are pre-positioned within the collar structure before the final wrapping operation. The collar is formed with integrated pockets or compartments that hold accessories in place, allowing them to be automatically included during the single wrapping process rather than requiring separate insertion steps, thus maintaining versatility while minimizing production time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests accessory components within the collar structure, which itself is nested within the base-lid assembly during wrapping. This hierarchical nesting allows multiple components to be integrated in a single operational sequence, enhancing packet versatility without adding proportional time to the production process.
3Ease of manufacture
If three independent wrapping units are used, then each blank can be processed, but floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three independent wrapping units into one integrated unit that processes all three blanks simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the total floor space required from what would be needed for three separate units to that of a single multi-functional unit, while maintaining the manufacturing capability to process all packet components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated wrapping unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling and processing all three types of blanks (base, lid, and collar) through a single wrapping mechanism. This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated wrapping units for each blank type, thereby reducing floor space requirements while preserving manufacturing flexibility and ease.
4Device complexity
If manual feeding of blanks is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automatic feeding mechanisms that present pre-folded blanks to the wrapping unit in the correct sequence and orientation. This preliminary preparation automates the feeding process, increasing production speed without requiring overly complex real-time manipulation mechanisms within the wrapping unit itself, thus balancing device complexity with productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A machine for making cigarette packets (100) of the "shoulder box" type, comprises a making-up unit (2) configured to make up the base (101) and the lid (102) onto the collar (104) along a making-up path (3), which at least a first feed path (P1) of a first continuous band (5) suitable for making the collar (104), a second feed path (P2) of a second continuous band (7) suitable for making the base (101) and a third feed path (P3) of a third continuous band (9) suitable for making the lid (102) merge into. Accessory feed means (28) are configured to feed at least one continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) suitable for making an accessory component (105, 106) for each packet (100). The accessory feed means (28) are configured to move the continuous accessory band (29a, 29b) along an accessory feed path (Pa, Pb) which merges into the making-up unit (2) along the making-up path (3).