Spacing Drum Radial Flights Combine Filter Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and material usage increase when combining multiple filter segments into a single element in linear fed garniture machines, particularly when using more than two filter segments, leading to inefficiencies in the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

The use of single or dual spacing drums with radial flight profiles to combine multiple filter segments into a single element, reducing the number of combining operations and materials required, such as paper and glue, by aligning and pushing segments to form a continuous filter element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combining operations are used to combine more than two filter segments, then the filter element can be formed, but the complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to combine multiple filter segmentsVSAvoidcomplexity of combining operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate combining operations into a single integrating mechanism. The combining mechanism is configured to receive filter segments from multiple hoppers (first, second, and optionally third hoppers) and combine them simultaneously in one operation, rather than requiring sequential combining steps. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to combine multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The combining mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle different numbers of filter segments (two or more) from different hoppers through a single integrated structure. The mechanism can adaptively combine varying quantities of segments without requiring additional specialized components for each combining operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combining operations are used to combine more than two filter segments, then the filter element can be formed, but material usage (paper and glue) increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to combine multiple filter segmentsVSAvoidmaterial usage in combining operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple combining operations into a single integrating mechanism, the patent reduces the total amount of combining materials required. Instead of applying glue and wrapping paper at multiple sequential combining steps, the single combining operation uses materials more efficiently, reducing overall material consumption while achieving the same result of combining multiple filter segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a single spacing drum is used to combine three filter segments, then the number of steps is reduced, but the drum must handle multiple segments simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of combining stepsVSAvoidsegment handling capability of drum

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing drum is divided into multiple receiving spaces arranged circumferentially, with each space configured to receive and hold a filter segment. This segmentation allows the drum to handle multiple segments simultaneously while maintaining organized control over each segment's position and timing, enabling single-step combining of three or more segments without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If radial flight profile with continuous arcs is used in spacing drum, then segments are pushed consistently, but the drum design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of filter segmentsVSAvoiddrum flight profile design

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing drum employs radial flights with continuous arc profiles instead of straight or angular configurations. These curved flight paths gently guide and push filter segments along the drum's circumference, ensuring consistent positioning and smooth transition between receiving spaces. The continuous arc design maintains manufacturing precision while the modular flight structure keeps the overall design manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS11571015B2Methods of assembling filters and spacing drum systems thereof

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A system includes system at least one dispenser configured to dispense to dispense a plurality of segments on a first conveying path and a spacing drum configured to receive a number of the plurality of segments per revolution of the drum and configured to release the number of segments on a second conveying path at a segment-release spacing and a segment-release speed along the conveying path, the number of the plurality of segments being at least three and the number of segments released by the spacing drum forming a filter element.