Variable-Length Conveyor Assembly to Prevent Cigarette Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for conveying cylindrical articles, such as cigarettes, are complex, expensive, prone to clogging, and can damage articles due to their design and operation, particularly when using pneumatic conveyors and gravity-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor assembly with a transfer conveyor system that includes a transporting element supported by oblong elements and a deflector device to adjust the length of the conveyor segments, reducing clogging and damage by maintaining article orientation and using a compact, efficient structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pneumatic conveyors are used to convey articles, then the conveying speed and efficiency are improved, but the articles are damaged and particles detach from the articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic conveying systems with a mechanical conveyor belt system. The conveyor belt with pins provides mechanical contact for article transport, eliminating the harmful effects of pneumatic flow while maintaining conveying efficiency. The pins on the belt engage with the articles to prevent sliding and ensure controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the articles. Instead of using pneumatic flow directly to move articles, the belt serves as a mediating element that transfers motion mechanically, reducing direct harmful effects on the articles while maintaining transport functionality.
2Device complexity
If gravity-based conveying is used to convey delicate articles, then the structure is simple, but the articles are damaged and clogs are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based conveying with a mechanically driven conveyor belt system. The belt is powered by a drive mechanism that actively controls article movement, preventing the uncontrolled sliding and clogging issues that occur with passive gravity-based systems while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is segmented with pins that can be independently positioned along the belt. This segmentation allows the pins to engage with individual articles, providing controlled movement and preventing clogs by ensuring each article is properly supported and guided through the conveying path.
3Quantity of substance
If two helical conveyors are arranged one above the other with intermediate transfer elements, then the storage capacity is increased, but the structure and construction become particularly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conveying and storage functions into a single integrated conveyor belt system. Instead of using separate helical conveyors with intermediate transfer elements, the single belt performs both functions by creating loops and utilizing vertical space efficiently, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively by arranging the conveyor belt in loops at different heights. This vertical stacking approach increases storage capacity without requiring complex horizontal arrangements of multiple conveyors, simplifying the overall structure while maximizing space utilization.
4Device complexity
If the output station is located at the bottom of the conveyor, then the structure is simplified, but it is not convenient for downstream machine layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conveyor system dynamic by allowing the belt to be configured in different loop arrangements. This enables the output station position to be adjusted or reconfigured based on downstream machine requirements, providing layout flexibility without requiring a completely different conveyor structure. The system can adapt to various operational configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Conveyor assembly (3) for cylindrical articles (2) of the tobacco processing industry; the conveyor assembly (3) is configured to convey the articles (2) along an intermediate segment (IS') with a variable length of a path (P) from an input (9) to an output (10) and comprises a transporting element (11), configured to accompany the articles (2) in a given direction (D), and a wall (W) provided with an oblong element (ES) for supporting the transporting element (11) from behind; when, in use, the input (2) and/or the output (10) are moved, the length of the intermediate segment (IS') is changed and an end (E) of the oblong element (ES) moves; at the same time, a deflector device (DD) deflects an end segment of the oblong element (ES) so that it does not extend in the given direction (D).