Variable Depth Tow Guide Channel for Spreader Nozzle Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spreader nozzle systems for cigarette filter production lack the ability to easily adapt to different end products, requiring complex processes and storage of multiple parts for varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A channel housing for the spreader nozzle with a variable depth tow guide channel, allowing adjustment of the channel wall's position to change the depth of the tow guide channel without replacing parts, enabling quick adaptation to different end products by rotating the channel wall about an axis of rotation and pivoting it to alter the wide long side facing the tow guide channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple replacement parts are stored for different end products, then adaptability to different cigarette filter diameters is improved, but storage needs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different end productsVSAvoidstorage needs for replacement parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel wall is made movable and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the same device to adapt to different end products by changing the depth of the tow guide channel. The channel wall can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the depth direction, enabling quick adjustment without replacing entire parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The channel housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate different tow dimensions through adjustment of the channel wall position. Instead of requiring different housings for different products, a single housing can serve multiple functions by adjusting the channel depth to match different cigarette filter diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple replacement parts are stored for different end products, then adaptability to different cigarette filter diameters is improved, but changeover time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different end productsVSAvoidchangeover time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The channel wall is designed with movable elements that allow quick repositioning between different depth positions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables rapid changeover between different end products without the time-consuming process of replacing entire channel housings or assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The channel housing is segmented into adjustable components, particularly the channel wall that can be independently repositioned. This segmentation allows only the necessary component to be adjusted rather than replacing the entire assembly, significantly reducing changeover time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the channel wall is made adjustable to change tow guide channel depth, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of tow guide channel depthVSAvoidcomplexity of channel housing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel wall incorporates movable elements with discrete positioning capabilities, allowing depth adjustment through a limited number of predefined positions. This dynamic design provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structure through guided movement and positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism operates in the depth dimension of the tow guide channel, adding a movable degree of freedom along the channel depth direction. This allows the channel wall to be positioned at multiple locations without requiring complex multi-dimensional adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution allows for quick and easy adjustment of the tow's width and depth, reducing changeover times and minimizing storage needs for replacement parts, while maintaining precise control over the tow's dimensions for various cigarette filter diameters.

Implementation Method 1

A gas stream emerges in the spreader nozzle, the gas preferably being air and the gas also preferably being under pressure, it being possible in particular for compressed air to be used. The gas is introduced into the tow guide channel via a gas supply channel in the nozzle wall.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

The gas supply duct of the nozzle wall is generally designed in such a way that a gas flow preferably exits the nozzle wall approximately orthogonally to the tow guidance direction or to the tow guidance plane, as a result of which the tow spreads or widens essentially orthogonally to the tow guidance direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid dynamics:

Data Source

PatentEP2893821B1Channel housing for a spreader nozzle for spreading tow which can be used in the production of cigarette filters and method for the spreading of tow
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2893821B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2893821B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2893821B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d

AI summary

The invention relates to a channel housing for a spreading nozzle for spreading tow used in the manufacture of cigarette filters and tow spreading methods. The channel housing (1) has a substantially plate-shaped nozzle wall (100) and a substantially plate-shaped channel wall (200), wherein a tow guide channel (300) with a tow inlet opening (310) and an opposing tow outlet opening (320) is formed between the channel wall and the nozzle wall (100), and wherein the nozzle wall (100) further comprises a gas supply channel (121) through which gas can be supplied into the tow guide channel (300). The depth of the tow guide channel (300) between the channel wall (200) and the nozzle wall (100) is variable.