Variable-Capacity Store for Tobacco Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable-capacity stores for cylindrical articles in the tobacco processing industry are complex and expensive to maintain, lack ductility for flexible input and output configurations, and can damage articles due to pneumatic conveyors and gravity-fed systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable-capacity store design featuring endless conveyors with a transfer conveyor system, including a feeding device and actuator assembly, allows for adjustable path lengths and orientations, reducing article damage and enabling flexible input and output positions, with the transfer conveyor using pulleys and belts to manage article flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two conveying portions are wound around each other on a common axis, then the store achieves variable capacity, but the structure becomes particularly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is divided into separate conveying portions (first and second conveying portions) that operate independently but can be selectively connected. Each portion has its own input and output stations, allowing the system to function as two separate conveyors or combine them for increased capacity, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining variable capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The store incorporates a deviation device that can dynamically switch the flow path between the two conveying portions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its capacity by directing articles through one portion or the other, or both in sequence, without requiring a permanently complex intertwined structure.
2Productivity
If pneumatic conveyors are used, then the store achieves efficient article transport, but the articles are damaged and particles detach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic conveyance with a mechanical conveying system using belts or chains on conveying portions. This mechanical approach provides gentler handling of articles, preventing damage and particle detachment while maintaining efficient transport through controlled movement and support surfaces.
3Device complexity
If gravity feeding is used for delicate articles, then the store simplifies the conveying mechanism, but articles are damaged and blockages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer mechanism (deviation device with transfer portion) between the input and output stations. This intermediary component actively manages article flow, preventing uncontrolled gravity-fed movement that causes damage and blockages, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of basic mechanical elements.
4Ease of manufacture
If the output station is at the bottom, then the store follows conventional design, but it is not convenient for downstream machine layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The store is designed with multiple possible output positions through the deviation device configuration. The first conveying portion can deliver articles to different locations, and the second conveying portion provides alternative output paths. This multi-functional capability allows the store to adapt to various downstream machine layouts without requiring redesign, while maintaining conventional manufacturing approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
Variable-capacity store for cylindrical articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry; the store (1) comprises a conveying assembly (3) comprising a first conveyor (6) having a substantially helical shape; a second conveyor (7) having a substantially helical shape and arranged above the first conveyor (6); and a linear transfer conveyor (8), which is adapted to convey the articles (2) from the first conveyor (6) to the second conveyor (7), having a variable length and, by extending and shortening, changes the area of the first conveyor (6) from which it picks up the articles (2) and the area of the second conveyor (7) to which it feeds the articles (2), thus varying the capacity of the store (1).