Singulation Drum Air Conveyance for Filter Rod Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment lacks the ability to adequately align and insert oriented objects, such as frusto-conical or cylindrical items, into the filter of tobacco products at high speeds, posing a manufacturing challenge.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with rotating singulation drums and air conveyance systems that align and insert objects into the filter, utilizing channels and pockets to ensure precise orientation and alignment with the filter segments, allowing for the insertion of oriented objects like frusto-conical or cylindrical items into the filter of tobacco products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional equipment is used to insert objects into filter rods, then the manufacturing process can proceed, but the objects cannot be adequately aligned with the filter at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The singulation drum pre-aligns objects in pockets before insertion, preparing them in the correct orientation and position ahead of time. This preliminary alignment action enables high-speed insertion while maintaining precision, as objects are already positioned correctly when the filter rod arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The singulation drum acts as an intermediary device between the object supply and the filter rod insertion point. It receives objects, aligns them in oriented pockets, and delivers them precisely to the filter rod, mediating the transfer while ensuring both speed and alignment precision.
2Productivity
If high-speed insertion is implemented, then productivity increases, but alignment precision of objects with the filter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Objects are pre-aligned in the singulation drum pockets at high speed before the actual insertion. The alignment action is completed in advance during the drum rotation, allowing the insertion mechanism to simply transfer already-aligned objects, maintaining precision even at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a rotating drum system that uses centrifugal force and gravity to naturally orient objects in pockets. This substitution simplifies the alignment process and enables high-speed operation while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If oriented objects are inserted into the filter, then the sensory attributes of cigarette smoke are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion system is segmented into distinct functional components: object supply, singulation drum with oriented pockets, air conveyance system, and filter rod positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing complexity while enabling oriented object insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The singulation drum serves multiple functions: it stores objects in oriented pockets, aligns them during rotation, and delivers them to the filter rod. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, managing device complexity while providing the adaptability to insert oriented objects.
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 efficient and precise alignment and insertion of oriented objects into tobacco product filters at high speeds, enhancing the sensory attributes of cigarette smoke and ensuring proper alignment of objects with the filter segments, thereby improving the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first source of air conveying the objects from the first inlet to the first outlet and sequentially into the first pockets of the first singulation drum
Data Source
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AI summary
The present patent application relates to a device (100) for inserting objects (O) into a filter rod.The device (100) may comprise: a first conduit (120) configured to convey a plurality of objects (O) in series; a first feed device (122) having a first inlet (140A) and a first outlet (140B) connected by a first channel (140), the first inlet (140A) being connected to the first conduit (120); a first singulation drum (124) having an outer circumference defining a first row (170) of first pockets (172) configured to hold the objects (O), the first singulation drum (124) being configured to rotate a first axis (R) to successively move the first pockets (172) into alignment with the first outlet (140B); and at least one first air source (158) that transports the objects (O) from the first inlet (140A) to the first outlet (140B) and successively into the first pockets (172) of the first singulation drum (124).Further details and procedures for inserting objects (O) into a filter rod are also discussed.