String Filter for Shredded Tobacco Using Pin Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing string from tobacco, such as string doffers and manual inspection, are inefficient and require significant space and resources, particularly in high-speed automated cigarette making machines, where string detection often necessitates holding production runs for inspection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a string filter with rotating rollers and pins, configured to dispense shredded tobacco along a path where the string is contacted and retained by the pins, effectively removing string content with minimal tobacco degradation and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If string doffers are used to remove string from tobacco, then string removal effectiveness is improved, but space requirements and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal conveyor-based doffer system to a vertical gravity-fed system where tobacco falls through a column and is processed by rotating rollers with pins. This dimensional change allows the string removal function to be achieved in a compact vertical footprint rather than requiring extensive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical doffer system with a gravity-assisted system where tobacco is fed vertically through a column and string removal is achieved through rotating rollers with pins that capture string as tobacco passes through. This substitution eliminates the need for large horizontal conveyors while maintaining string removal effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection is employed to detect string in tobacco, then string detection capability is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-inspection and self-cleanup through the rotating rollers with pins that automatically capture string as tobacco passes through the column. The rollers can be rotated in reverse to eject accumulated string, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining continuous operation and high productivity.
3Reliability
If tobacco is spread out for doffer processing, then string picking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of spreading tobacco horizontally across a conveyor for doffer processing, the patent feeds tobacco vertically through a column where it passes between rotating rollers with pins. This vertical arrangement achieves effective string picking without requiring tobacco to be spread out, thereby simplifying the processing arrangement and reducing space requirements.
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
The system efficiently removes string from shredded tobacco with minimal physical degradation and reduced space requirements, allowing for continuous production without the need for extensive manual inspection or large facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The dispensing arrangement may draw shredded tobacco along a conduit with a vacuum fan
Implementation Method 2
At least some of the pins and/or at least some of the cylindrical body may include a textured surface configured to promote retention of string, such as knurled, threaded, crosshatched, dimpled, or any other type of textured surface
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments include a system for removing string from shredded tobacco, including an arrangement configured to dispense shredded tobacco from a first location to a second location along a path of communication, a string filter operative at a location along the path of communication comprising a first roller comprising pins, whereby string may be contacted by at least some of the pins and retained at the string filter as the shredded tobacco passes through the filter.