Universal Packaging Unit for Hinge Lid and Shell Slide Cigarette Formats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging apparatuses for smoking articles are limited to packaging single formats, are complex, bulky, and expensive, and require intricate operations to switch between formats, leading to inefficiencies and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A versatile packaging apparatus that can handle multiple formats, including a rotating packaging system with multiple seatings and feed mechanisms, allowing for rapid switching between formats and precise automated assembly of packets, reducing complexity and increasing productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known apparatuses are designed to package packets of a single format, then the packaging operation is simple and reliable, but the apparatus lacks versatility and requires multiple machines for different formats
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging apparatus is designed with a universal packaging unit that can handle both hinge lid packets and shell & slide packets through the same basic structure. The unit includes interchangeable format parts (collar for hinge lid, external sheath for shell & slide) that can be quickly replaced depending on the packet type, allowing one machine to perform multiple packaging functions without requiring completely different apparatuses for each format
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates movable and interchangeable components, particularly the format parts (collar and external sheath) that can be dynamically replaced based on the packet format being produced. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same packaging unit to adapt to different packet types, transforming a static single-purpose machine into a dynamic multi-purpose system
2Adaptability or versatility
If known apparatuses are designed to package both hinge lid and shell & slide packets, then versatility is improved, but the apparatus becomes very complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging apparatus uses a single universal packaging unit that can accommodate both hinge lid and shell & slide packet formats through interchangeable format parts. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated packaging lines for each format, significantly reducing the overall footprint and volume of the apparatus while maintaining the capability to produce both packet types
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of separate hinge lid packaging and shell & slide packaging operations into a single integrated packaging unit. By combining the collar mechanism and external sheath mechanism within one universal unit that can be reconfigured, the apparatus reduces space requirements and avoids the bulkiness of having parallel dedicated systems for each packet format
3Adaptability or versatility
If format parts are replaced in the packaging unit, then adaptability to different formats is achieved, but the replacement operation is long and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The format parts (collar and external sheath) are designed to be pre-assembled as complete units specific to each packet format. This preliminary preparation allows for quick interchange during format switching, as the entire formatted assembly can be replaced as a single unit rather than assembling components individually, significantly reducing format changeover time
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging unit incorporates quick-release mechanisms and movable components that enable rapid replacement of format parts. The collar and external sheath are designed with dynamic mounting features that allow operators to quickly swap between different format configurations without lengthy adjustment procedures, minimizing production downtime during format transitions
4Productivity
If the internal container is inserted into the external sheath at high speed, then productivity is improved, but the operation becomes delicate and prone to defects
Solution Approach 1:
The internal container and external sheath are pre-positioned and pre-oriented in their respective feeding mechanisms before the insertion operation. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the high-speed insertion occurs, the components are already correctly positioned, reducing the risk of misalignment, damage, or defective assembly even at high production speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging unit incorporates guide structures, alignment mechanisms, and controlled insertion paths that act as intermediaries between the internal container and external sheath. These intermediary elements ensure smooth, controlled engagement during high-speed operation, preventing damage to the delicate components while maintaining productivity through automated precision handling
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus (10) for packaging packets of smoking articles, wherein the packets are of at least two different formats. The apparatus (10) comprises a feed member (11) for feeding organized groups of smoking articles, at least one packaging member (12) of the rotating type, disposed downstream of the feed member (11) and having a plurality of first seatings (19) configured to each house at least one of the organized groups of smoking articles. A collection device (13) is disposed downstream of the packaging member (12) to take the packets toward an exit zone (ZU).