Variable-Capacity Cigarette Store With Adjustable Conveyor Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable-capacity stores for cylindrical articles in the tobacco processing industry are complex, expensive, and prone to damaging articles due to pneumatic conveyors, lack ductility for varied input and output positions, and are cumbersome for placement in specific spaces.
Innovation Solution
A variable-capacity store with a conveying system comprising two overlapping and staggered conveyor assemblies, allowing for adjustable path length and reduced dimensions, using a movement assembly to vary the active conveyor portion length and control unit to manage conveyor speeds for efficient article flow, with guide devices to ensure homogeneous conveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic conveyors are used to transport cigarettes, then the conveying speed and efficiency are improved, but the articles are damaged and particles detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic conveyors with mechanical conveyors that use belts or chains to transport cigarettes. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of pneumatic pressure while maintaining conveying efficiency through controlled mechanical movement along a defined path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conveying mechanism (belt or chain) between the input and output stations. This intermediary element gently transports cigarettes without direct pneumatic contact, preventing damage and particle detachment while still achieving efficient conveying.
2Volume of moving object
If two conveying portions are arranged one inside the other, then the space utilization is improved, but the structure becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges conveying portions in different spatial dimensions (one above the other) rather than nested configurations. This dimensional separation maintains space efficiency while simplifying the overall structure and making maintenance access easier for each conveying portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the conveying system into separate, modular conveying portions that can be independently maintained. Each conveying portion operates as a distinct unit, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service one portion without disrupting the other, thereby reducing maintenance complexity.
3Device complexity
If the storage path length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the store cannot adapt to varying production needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable-length storage path where at least one conveying portion can be moved relative to another. This dynamic configuration allows the effective storage capacity to be adjusted based on production needs while maintaining a relatively simple base structure. The movement mechanism enables flexible reconfiguration without requiring complete structural redesign.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and adaptable storage system that minimizes article damage, facilitates easy maintenance, and can be positioned in various spaces while maintaining a constant article height and adjusting capacity according to production needs.
Implementation Method 1
a conveying system (3) to convey the articles (2) from an input station (4) to an output station (5) along a path (P) with a variable length
Implementation Method 2
with guide devices to ensure homogeneous conveying
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Variable-capacity store for cylindrical articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry; the store (1) comprises a plurality of conveying assemblies (6), each of which is adapted to feed the articles along a segment of the path (P) with a variable length and is provided with an upper conveyor (7) and a lower conveyor (8), arranged below the upper conveyor (7); a movement assembly (9) is adapted to translate the lower conveyor (7) so as to obtain a lengthening and/or a shortening of said segment of the path (P) and consequently an increase and/or a decrease of the capacity of the store (1).