Method for manufacturing medical dressings
By setting CD and MD synchronous marks on the release paper web and determining the position of the cutting tool using detection sensors, the mark alignment and positioning problems in the manufacturing process of medical dressings are solved, and the precise positioning and correct cutting of medical dressings are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280102758.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-01
AI Technical Summary
During the manufacturing process of medical dressing, the alignment and positioning of specific marks of medical dressings is difficult to control, resulting in difficulty in cutting and marking offset, affecting the correct use and application of dressings.
By setting CD and MD synchronous marks on the release paper web, ensure that the release paper web is aligned with the medical dressing web, and the position of the cutting tool is determined using detection sensors to achieve precise positioning and cutting of medical dressing specific marks.
Accurate positioning and cutting of specific marks for medical dressings ensures the correct use and application of dressings, and reduces cutting errors and marking offsets.
Smart Images
Figure CN120417865A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for manufacturing a medical dressing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a medical dressing having a specific marking of the medical dressing. Background Art
[0002] Generally, manufacturing a medical dressing includes processing various continuous material webs that are fed from a roll or other source, combined with other continuous material webs to form a web assembly, and passing through different workstations to perform different processing steps. Such manufacturing of a medical dressing can include providing a first material web composed of a plastic film that is intended to form the backing layer of the medical dressing, a second absorbent layer web, and a sticky skin contact layer web that is intended to form the wound-facing side of the medical dressing. The manufacturing can also include applying a web of one or more release paper sheets to protect the sticky skin contact layer from contamination before use. Conventionally, the release paper is applied as two or more parallel release paper sheets that correspond in width to the final medical dressing, i.e., thus the release paper sheets do not coextend with the medical dressing web on which they are applied. In a final step, the medical dressing is cut out from the web assembly, which in some cases can include contour cutting the medical dressing from the web assembly.
[0003] Sticky medical dressings are often used in wound care, both for treating wounds and scars and for preventing the occurrence of these wounds and scars in the first place. Certain types of medical dressings may require instructions, such as how to cut the medical dressing or how to correctly apply the medical dressing to a patient. In view of this, the medical dressing (more specifically, the release paper) can be provided with a specific marking of the medical dressing to convey instructions regarding the correct use and application of the dressing to a caregiver or medical staff.
[0004] The manufacturing of medical dressings is carried out at high speed and typically simultaneously cuts a plurality of medical dressings arranged in parallel (as seen in the machine direction (MD)). When providing parallel release paper sheets with specific markings of the medical dressing, it is necessary to correctly position the release paper sheets onto the underlying medical dressing web to ensure the alignment of the specific markings of the medical dressing before cutting. Otherwise, there may be a risk that the specific markings of the medical dressing are arranged with a slight offset (as seen in the cross-machine direction (CD)). In addition, the tension in the assembled web results in a variable and unpredictable distance between the specific markings of the medical dressing as seen in the machine direction (MD), which may also cause difficulties when cutting the medical dressing and a risk of an offset position of the markings as seen in the MD direction on the cut medical dressing.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need to provide an improved manufacturing method for a medical dressing including a specific marking of the medical dressing. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved and effective method for manufacturing a medical dressing including specific markings of the medical dressing, which method at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. This is achieved by a method for manufacturing a medical dressing including specific markings of the medical dressing according to claim 1.
[0007] Accordingly, in a first aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a medical dressing including specific markings of the medical dressing, the method comprising the steps of:
[0008] - feeding a continuous medical dressing web in a machine direction (MD), the medical dressing web including a backing layer, an absorbent layer, and an adhesive skin contact layer, the absorbent layer being disposed between the backing layer and the adhesive skin contact layer, the continuous medical dressing web having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge extending in the machine direction (MD) and a first longitudinal edge region and a second longitudinal edge region extending along the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the continuous medical dressing web;
[0009] - providing a release paper web provided with a plurality of specific markings of the medical dressing, the plurality of specific markings of the medical dressing being arranged in a first row and a second row extending in a cross machine direction (CD), thereby defining a first row and a second row of a medical dressing substrate including the corresponding specific markings of the medical dressing, each of the first row and the second row of the medical dressing substrate being disposed between the first longitudinal edge region and the second longitudinal edge region of the medical dressing web, the release paper web further being provided with continuous or discontinuous CD synchronization markings extending along the first longitudinal edge and / or the second longitudinal edge of the continuous medical dressing web, the release paper web further being provided with corresponding MD synchronization markings for the first row and the second row of the medical dressing substrate;
[0010] - detecting the CD synchronization markings on the release paper web to align the release paper web and the medical dressing web as seen in the CD direction;
[0011] - disposing the release paper web on the adhesive skin contact layer;
[0012] - detecting the corresponding MD synchronization markings and, based on the detected corresponding MD synchronization markings, positioning a contour cutting tool at a predetermined position relative to the first row and the second row of the medical dressing substrate, the first row and the second row of the medical dressing substrate being defined by the first row and the second row of the specific markings of the medical dressing; and
[0013] - cutting out individual medical dressings from the continuous medical dressing web.
[0014] The specific markings of the medical dressing provided on the release paper web can guide caregivers and medical staff to correctly use or apply the dressing.
[0015] Since the process is a high-speed process involving several steps, such as applying a release paper web onto a medical dressing web including a backing layer, an absorbent layer, and an adhesive skin contact layer, and contour cutting a plurality of medical dressings from the web assembly, it is crucial to correctly position the release paper web relative to the medical dressing web and the cutting tool relative to specific markings of the plurality of medical dressings before cutting out individual medical dressings one row at a time, whereby the cut-out medical dressings are shaped to align with the corresponding specific markings of the medical dressings.
[0016] Accordingly, a first row and a second row of specific markings of the medical dressings extending in the CD direction and a first row and a second row of the medical dressing substrates defined by the first row and the second row of the specific markings of the medical dressings are arranged parallel as seen in the MD direction. As seen in the MD direction, each row may include two, three, four, five, or six specific markings of the medical dressings arranged in parallel and thus include two, three, four, five, or six medical dressing substrates arranged in parallel.
[0017] The method shows a continuous method, the release paper web is a continuous release paper web, and may be provided with a continuous number of rows, wherein the specific markings of the medical dressings extend in the CD direction, thereby defining a continuous number of rows of medical dressing substrates arranged between a first longitudinal edge region and a second longitudinal edge region of the continuous medical dressing web. Accordingly, the release paper web may also be provided with corresponding MD synchronization markings for each row of the medical dressing substrates, as disclosed herein for the first row and the second row.
[0018] In the cutting step, first the first row of the medical dressing substrates is cut out simultaneously, and then in a subsequent cutting step the second row of the medical dressing substrates is cut out simultaneously, i.e., one row at a time. In the continuous method, each row of the medical dressing substrates as seen in the CD direction is thus cut out row by row as seen in the CD direction.
[0019] The present disclosure is at least partly based on the recognition that providing a release paper web having multiple rows of specific markings of the medical dressings as seen in the CD direction (such that a plurality of medical dressings with markings can be cut out simultaneously) facilitates the turning and positioning of the release paper web relative to the medical dressing web and the pre-determination of the positions of a first specific marking of the medical dressing and a second specific marking of the medical dressing, as seen in the CD direction. The fact that the release paper web is provided with multiple rows of specific markings of the medical dressings extending in the CD direction and the release paper web is provided with CD synchronization markings enables the position of the entire release paper web to be read to correctly position the release paper web on the adhesive skin contact layer such that the release paper web is aligned with the medical dressing web, as seen in the CD direction. If desired, the positions of the release paper web and / or the medical dressing web may subsequently be turned and adjusted after reading the CD synchronization markings such that the release paper web is aligned with the medical dressing web.
[0020] As seen in the CD direction, the continuous or discontinuous CD synchronization marks may have a width of 10 mm to 20 mm. The CD synchronization marks are preferably continuous along the first longitudinal edge and / or the second longitudinal edge of the continuous medical dressing web to enable continuous guiding of the release paper web so that the specific marks of the medical dressing provided on the release paper web are aligned with respect to the cutting tool.
[0021] The release paper web is further provided with corresponding MD synchronization marks for each row of medical dressing substrates, each row of medical dressing substrates being defined by the corresponding specific marks of the medical dressing provided on the release paper web, to provide an indication of the positions of the multiple rows of medical dressing substrates defined by the specific marks of the medical dressing for correctly determining and setting the position of the cutting tool.
[0022] The term "medical dressing substrate" is used to describe the part of the medical dressing web that is intended to form the final medical dressing after being cut at the contour cutting station. The position of the medical dressing substrate is determined by the position of the specific marks of the medical dressing.
[0023] The release paper web may extend substantially coextensively with the medical dressing web in the CD direction. This means that the webs have the same width, or the difference in width between the release paper web and the medical dressing web in the CD direction does not exceed 5%, such as not exceeding 3%, or not exceeding 1%. Usually, the skin-adhesive contact layer has a slightly narrower width than the release paper web to avoid production problems caused by the adhesiveness of the skin-adhesive contact layer. Preferably, the skin-adhesive contact layer has a slightly narrower width than the absorbent layer and the backing layer. Thus, the width of the release paper web may be 5 mm to 40 mm wider than the skin-adhesive contact layer, such as 5 mm to 20 mm wider than the skin-adhesive contact layer.
[0024] The first row of medical dressing substrates and the second row of medical dressing substrates may each have a length measured in the MD direction, and wherein the MD synchronization marks each have a leading edge as seen in the MD direction, and wherein the distance between the leading edge of the MD synchronization marks of the first row and the leading edge of the MD synchronization marks of the second row measured in the MD direction is the same as the lengths of the first row of medical dressing substrates and the second row of medical dressing substrates. This can provide an indication of the positions of the multiple rows of medical dressing substrates for correctly determining and setting the position of the cutting tool. The contour of the medical dressing substrate may be indicated by contour marks provided on the release paper web, or may be predetermined only with respect to the position of the specific marks of the medical dressing.
[0025] The corresponding MD synchronization marks may have a width in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm as seen in the CD direction and a length in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm as seen in the MD direction.
[0026] Each of the first row medical dressing substrate and the second row medical dressing substrate may have the same length.
[0027] The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to the present disclosure may include the following steps:
[0028] - Disposing one or more release paper strips on the adhesive skin contact layer; and in a subsequent step,
[0029] - Disposing a release paper web on top of the one or more release paper strips and on the adhesive skin contact layer.
[0030] The step of disposing one or more release paper strips may include disposing one or more continuous release paper strip webs onto the adhesive skin contact layer.
[0031] One or more release paper strips may be folded release paper strips, the folded release paper strips including respective fold lines extending in the MD direction and overlapping each of the medical dressing substrates in the respective first row and second row.
[0032] The medical dressing may be provided with overlapping release paper strips to facilitate removal of the release paper from the medical dressing and also to facilitate positioning of the medical dressing by leaving the release paper strips on the edge portion of the medical dressing while correctly positioning the medical dressing on the skin or wound of the patient.
[0033] The release paper strips may be applied in combination with the release paper web, for example, such that the one or more release paper strips are applied in the same step as the medical dressing step. The release paper strips are continuous strips of material having a narrower width compared to the release paper web.
[0034] The release paper web and the release paper strips may be formed of different materials.
[0035] Conventional release paper is typically formed by a first folded release paper portion and a second release paper portion overlapping the first folded release paper portion. A slight overlap between the folded release paper and the overlying release paper forms a "tab" that can be grasped by the wearer or caregiver to facilitate removal.
[0036] The release web of the present disclosure may be slightly more difficult to grasp than conventional release paper because it coextends with the adhesive skin contact layer. If the release paper web and the release paper strip are formed of the same material, the difficulty of grasping and removing the release paper strip from the release paper web is particularly increased. During the manufacture of the dressing, especially during the assembly of the dressing components, the release paper web and the release paper strip tend to adhere to each other, especially at the interface between the release paper web and the release paper strip, which is relatively large in the current case. One reason for this unwanted adhesion may be that the heat generated by friction during the assembly of the dressing components can cause the release paper to be partially welded or fused together. Therefore, the release paper web and the release paper strip advantageously use different materials with different melting points. This helps to remove the release paper web from the underlying release paper strip (and from the dressing).
[0037] The release paper web may comprise a first polymer film, and wherein the release paper strip comprises a second polymer film, wherein the first polymer film is different from the second polymer film.
[0038] The first polymer film and / or the second polymer film may be selected from polyethylene films, polypropylene films and polyurethane films.
[0039] In this method, as seen in the MD direction, the first lateral edge of the medical dressing substrate may correspond to the foremost edge of the medical dressing substrate, and wherein the MD synchronization mark may be aligned with the first lateral edge of the medical dressing substrate in the respective first and second rows.
[0040] The MD and CD synchronization marks may be arranged in the first longitudinal edge region and / or the second longitudinal edge region of the continuous medical dressing web, preferably, the MD and CD synchronization marks are arranged in the same longitudinal edge region.
[0041] The medical dressing specific mark may be a separate instruction indicating how to cut, fold, use or apply the dressing.
[0042] The medical dressing specific mark may be formed by a printed pattern, a welded pattern, a compressed pattern, an embossed pattern, a material deposition pattern or a combination thereof.
[0043] Each medical dressing substrate may have a lateral extension and a longitudinal extension, wherein each medical dressing substrate may comprise a lateral center line dividing each medical dressing substrate into a first part and a second part; the first part and the second part are symmetric about the lateral center line, wherein the first part comprises a first set of marks, and wherein the second part comprises a second set of marks, and wherein the first set of marks is different from the second set of marks. Description of the Drawings
[0044] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including its specific features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0045] Figure 1a Shows a portion of a continuous medical dressing web including a release paper web according to the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a This portion of the continuous medical dressing web shown, wherein the release paper web is separated from the continuous medical dressing web.
[0047] Figure 2A Shows the first step in a method of manufacturing a medical dressing: feeding a continuous medical dressing web in the machine direction (MD), the medical dressing web including a backing layer, an absorbent layer, and an adhesive skin contact layer.
[0048] Figure 2B Shows a step in a method of manufacturing a medical dressing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure: disposing a release paper strip over the adhesive skin contact layer.
[0049] Figure 2C Shows a step in a method of manufacturing a medical dressing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure: detecting CD synchronization marks provided on the release paper web to correctly position the release paper web relative to the medical dressing web, and disposing the release paper web over the release paper strip and the adhesive skin contact layer of the continuous medical dressing web.
[0050] Figure 2D Shows a step in a method of manufacturing a medical dressing according to the present disclosure: conveying the continuous medical dressing web toward a contour cutting station, detecting MD synchronization marks provided on the release paper web to position a cutting tool in a predetermined position, and aligning and matching the cut-out medical dressing with the layout of medical dressing specific marks. Detailed Description
[0051] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0052] Reference Figure 1a and 1b, conceptually shows a portion of a continuous medical dressing web 100 according to the present disclosure. The medical dressing web 100 extends in the machine direction MD and the cross-machine direction CD. The medical dressing web 100 includes a backing layer 3, an absorbent layer 4, and an adhesive skin contact layer 5, and the absorbent layer 4 is disposed between the backing layer 3 and the adhesive skin contact layer 5. The continuous medical dressing web 100 has a first longitudinal edge 6 and a second longitudinal edge 7 extending in the MD direction, and a first longitudinal edge region 6a and a second longitudinal edge region 7a extending along the first longitudinal edge 6 and the second longitudinal edge 7 of the continuous medical dressing web 100.
[0053] A release paper strip 15 is disposed on the adhesive skin contact layer 5. The release paper strip 15 can be configured to cover 20% to 50%, such as 30% to 40%, of the surface area of the adhesive skin contact layer.
[0054] A release paper web 16 is disposed on the adhesive skin contact layer 5 and covers the release paper strip 15. As seen in the CD direction, the release paper web 16 substantially coextends with the medical dressing web 100, and the release paper web 16 is provided with a plurality of medical dressing specific markings 2.
[0055] The medical dressing specific markings 2 are disposed in a first row and a second row extending in the cross-machine direction CD, thereby defining a first row 8 and a second row 9 of a medical dressing substrate 10. Each of the first row 8 and the second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10 is disposed between the first longitudinal edge region 6a and the second longitudinal edge region 7a of the medical dressing web 100 and is parallel as seen in the MD direction.
[0056] Each of the first row 8 and the second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10 has a first longitudinal edge 11 and a second longitudinal edge 12 extending in the MD direction, and a first transverse edge 13 and a second transverse edge 14 extending in the CD direction. The release paper strip 15 overlaps the first longitudinal edge 11 of the medical dressing substrate 10. The edges of the medical dressing substrate, i.e., the profile, can be indicated by profile markings or can be pre-determined and related to the positions of the medical dressing specific markings.
[0057] Since each of the individual medical dressings includes the medical dressing specific markings 2, it is necessary to identify these markings (as Figure 2D shown) before cutting out the individual medical dressings 1. In addition, when applying the release paper web 16, it is necessary to turn and position the release paper web relative to the medical dressing web 100 including the backing layer 2, the absorbent layer 4, and the adhesive skin contact layer 5, and to position the medical dressing specific markings 2.
[0058] Medical dressing specific marking 2 refers to any type of marking that preferably indicates the correct use or application of the dressing. For example, the medical dressing specific marking 2 can indicate how to cut, fold, use, or apply the medical dressing. These markings are visually recognizable to caregivers. The markings can be formed by printed patterns, welded patterns, compressed patterns, embossed patterns, material deposition patterns, or combinations thereof. Typically, the markings are printed or embossed. If the markings are embossed, the markings can also be recognized by touch. The markings in Figure 1 are printed on the first release paper web. The markings can alternatively or additionally be embossed. The release paper web has a first surface facing the adhesive skin contact layer and an opposite second surface. The second surface faces the observer. Typically, when the markings are formed by printing, the markings are printed onto the second surface of the release paper web 16.
[0059] The release paper web 16 includes CD synchronization markings 17 that extend along the first longitudinal edge 6 and / or the second longitudinal edge 7 of the continuous medical dressing web 100. As shown, the CD synchronization markings 18 are continuous synchronization markings that, when the release paper 16 has been positioned on the medical dressing web 100 and forms part of the medical dressing web 100, continuously extend along the first longitudinal edge 6 of the medical dressing web 100 and in the first longitudinal edge region 6a.
[0060] The release paper web 16 is also provided with MD synchronization markings 18. In these figures, as seen in the MD direction, the MD synchronization markings 18 are aligned with the first transverse edge 13 (here corresponding to the leading edge) of the medical dressing substrate 10 in the respective first row 8 and second row 9. However, the release paper web 16 can include corresponding MD synchronization markings 18 that are aligned with the medical dressing substrate 10 in the first row 8 and second row 9 such that the position of the medical dressing specific marking 2 can be determined, as seen in the MD direction.
[0061] In Figure 1a and 1b the medical dressing substrates 10 in the first row 8 and second row 9 each have a length l measured in the MD direction mds and each of the medical dressing substrates 10 in the first row 8 and second row 9 has the same length l mds .
[0062] The corresponding MD synchronization markings 18 have a leading edge 18a as seen in the MD direction, and the distance d between the leading edges 18a of the corresponding MD synchronization markings 18 in the first row 8 and second row 9 measured in the MD direction 18a is the same as the length l of the medical dressing substrates 10 in the first row 8 and second row 9 mdsThe same. This enables the distance between the foremost edges 18a to be read, and by predetermining the position of the respective MD synchronization marks 18 relative to the medical dressing substrate 10 of the first row 8 and the second row 9, the position of the medical dressing specific mark 2 can be determined, as seen in the CD direction.
[0063] The release paper strip 15 is usually folded (see Figure 1b ). The folded portion forms a gripping tab that the applicator can grasp after the release paper web has been removed or displaced from its covering position.
[0064] The release paper web 16 can be configured to cover 50% to 80%, for example 60% to 70%, of the surface area of the adhesive skin contact layer 5. Accordingly, the area where the release paper web 16 overlaps the release paper strip 15 is 20% to 50%, for example 30% to 40%. In FIG. 1, the release paper web 16 extends together with the backing layer 3, however this is an optional feature.
[0065] The release paper web 16 and the release paper strip 15 can be formed of different materials.
[0066] Typically, the release paper web 16 comprises a first polymer film, and wherein the release paper strip 15 comprises a second polymer film, wherein the first polymer film is different from the second polymer film.
[0067] Polymer films are advantageous because they enable marks to be printed, welded, compressed, and / or embossed onto the release paper web 16.
[0068] The different materials of the release paper web 16 and the release paper strip 15, namely the polymer films, prevent undesired fusion or adhesion between the two release papers in the area where the release paper web 16 overlaps the release paper strip 15. Accordingly, it is facilitated to remove the release paper web 16 from the release paper strip (and from the dressing).
[0069] The first polymer film and / or the second polymer film can be selected from polyethylene films, polypropylene films, and polyurethane films.
[0070] The release paper web 16 and / or the release paper strip 15 can consist of a polymer film, or can be a laminate including a polymer film.
[0071] The thickness of the first polymer film and / or the second polymer film is typically in the range of 20 μm to 150 μm, for example 40 μm to 120 μm, for example 70 μm to 100 μm.
[0072] The release paper web 16 preferably comprises a polyethylene or polypropylene film having a thickness in the range of 40 to 140 μm, for example 70 to 100 μm.
[0073] Suitably, the first polymer film is a polyethylene film and the second polymer film is a polypropylene film.
[0074] The absorbent layer 4 preferably comprises a pressure-relieving material. If the dressing is to be used in combination with a medical device, i.e., in order to reduce pressure ulcers (MDRPU) associated with the medical device, an improved pressure-relieving effect can thus be obtained and unwanted indentations caused by the medical device are avoided.
[0075] The absorbent layer 4 is not limited to a particular absorbent material, but is preferably such that it can be cut through the dressing and produce a pressure-relieving effect.
[0076] For example, the absorbent layer 4 may comprise a hydrophilic and / or absorbent foam. Preferably, the absorbent layer 4 comprises a polyurethane foam.
[0077] The absorbent layer 4 may comprise one or more sub-layers. If the absorbent layer 4 comprises multiple layers, these layers may be laminated or attached to each other to facilitate cutting through the dressing. Preferably, the absorbent layer 4 does not have superabsorbent particles or gel-forming fibers that may "leak" from the dressing during the cutting process.
[0078] The thickness of the absorbent layer 4 may be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, for example 2 mm to 3 mm. If the thickness of the absorbent layer 4 is too large, it may be difficult to fold and / or cut through the dressing.
[0079] The backing layer 3 may be adhesively attached to the absorbent layer 4. Alternatively, the backing layer 3 may be laminated onto the absorbent layer 4. For example, the backing layer 3 may be applied to the absorbent layer 4 using thermal lamination.
[0080] As used herein, the term "adhesive skin contact layer" refers to a layer configured to removably adhere the dressing to the skin surface. In other words, the adhesive skin contact layer 102 is configured to contact the skin of the wearer.
[0081] Preferably, the adhesive skin contact layer 4 comprises a polysiloxane-based adhesive. The polysiloxane-based adhesive is gentle on the skin and can be removed from the skin without causing any trauma. For example, the adhesive skin contact layer 4 may comprise a polysiloxane gel. The polysiloxane gel may be provided as a coating on the absorbent layer.
[0082] The adhesive skin contact layer 4 may comprise one or more sub-layers. For example, the adhesive skin contact layer may comprise a polymer film and an adhesive polysiloxane gel layer, wherein the adhesive polysiloxane gel layer is arranged to contact the skin.
[0083] As seen in the MD direction, the first lateral edge 13 of the medical dressing substrate 10 corresponds to the foremost edge of the medical dressing substrate 10 in this figure, and as shown in FIG. 1, the MD synchronization marks 17 are aligned with the first lateral edges 13, 14 of the medical dressing substrate 10 in the corresponding first row 8 and second row 9. As shown in this figure, the first lateral edges 13 may be marked on the release paper web, or they may be pre-determined relative to the medical dressing specific marks 2 but not marked out.
[0084] In addition, the MD synchronization marks and the CD synchronization marks are arranged in the first longitudinal edge region 6a and / or the second longitudinal edge region 7a of the continuous medical dressing web 100. In Figure 1a and Figure 1b the MD synchronization marks and the CD synchronization marks are arranged in the first longitudinal edge regions 6a, 7a. The first edge region 6a and / or the second edge region 7a may correspond to the outermost 25 mm of the web 100, as seen in the CD direction.
[0085] Each medical dressing substrate 10 has a lateral extension x extending in the CD direction and a longitudinal extension y extending in the MD direction, wherein each medical dressing substrate 10 includes a lateral center line C t , the lateral center line C t divides each medical dressing substrate 10 into a first part 10a and a second part 10b. The first part 10a and the second part 10b are symmetric about the lateral center line C t of the corresponding medical dressing substrate 10, wherein the first part 10a includes a first set of medical dressing specific marks 2a, and wherein the second part 10b includes a second set of medical dressing specific marks 2b, and wherein the first set of marks 2a is different from the second set of marks 2b.
[0086] The first set of medical dressing specific marks 2a may be a first set of guide lines indicating the correct use, application, cutting or folding of the medical dressing 1 suitable for a first specific care situation. The second set of medical dressing specific marks 2b may be a second set of guide lines indicating the correct use, application, cutting or folding of the medical dressing suitable for a different second care situation.
[0087] The individual medical dressings 1 obtained after cutting the first set of guide lines and / or the second set of guide lines (as Figure 2D shown) may have a shape configured to relieve pressure points from at least one medical device. Each cut-out medical dressing may be adapted to match a specific facial area and match a specific medical device.
[0088] The guide lines in the first set of guide lines may be adapted to produce a dressing suitable for a first facial area, and the second set of guide lines may be adapted to produce a dressing suitable for a second facial area.
[0089] The term "facial area" should be interpreted broadly. The "facial area" includes all parts of the patient's face, such as the cheeks, nose, nasal ridge, forehead, the area between the mouth and the nose, and also includes the chin, neck, and the area behind the ears.
[0090] Transverse centerline C t It can be indicated by at least one marking including the folding marking 20, which indicates that the medical dressing should be folded before cutting.
[0091] The folding marking 20 can be formed by a printed pattern, a welded pattern, a compressed pattern, an embossed pattern, a material deposition pattern, or a combination thereof.
[0092] Typically, the folding marking 20 is a printed marking.
[0093] The folding marking 20 is not limited to a specific shape, but any marking that guides the caregiver to fold the dressing can be used.
[0094] In Figure 1a and 1b the folding marking 20 includes a curved arrow, which is used to emphasize that the dressing should be folded. Thus, it guides the staff or caregiver to fold the dressing before cutting it into multiple pieces.
[0095] In Figures 2A to 2D a method for manufacturing a medical dressing 1 including a specific marking 2 of a medical dressing according to the present disclosure is shown.
[0096] In Figure 2A In the first step shown, a continuous medical dressing web 100 is fed in the machine direction MD. The continuous medical dressing web 100 includes a backing layer 3, an absorbent layer 4, and an adhesive skin contact layer 5, and the absorbent layer 4 is disposed between the backing layer 3 and the adhesive skin contact layer 5. The continuous medical dressing web 100 has a first longitudinal edge 6 and a second longitudinal edge 7 extending in the machine direction MD, and a first longitudinal edge region 6a and a second longitudinal edge region 7a extending along the first longitudinal edge 6 and the second longitudinal edge 7 of the continuous medical dressing web 100.
[0097] In Figure 2B an optional second step of disposing a release paper strip 15 onto the adhesive skin contact layer 5 is shown.
[0098] Figure 2CThe release paper web 16 is shown being applied to the adhesive skin contact layer 5. The release paper web 16 extends substantially coextensively with the medical dressing web 100 and is provided with a plurality of medical dressing specific markings 2. The plurality of medical dressing specific markings 2 are arranged in a first row and a second row extending in the cross machine direction CD, thereby defining a first row 8 and a second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10. Each of the first row 8 and the second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10 is arranged between a first longitudinal edge region 6a and a second longitudinal edge region 7a of the medical dressing web 100 and is parallel as seen in the MD direction.
[0099] Each of the first row 8 and the second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10 has a first longitudinal edge 11 and a second longitudinal edge 12 extending in the MD direction, and a first transverse edge 13 and a second transverse edge 14 extending in the CD direction.
[0100] The release paper strip 15 overlaps the first longitudinal edge 11 of the medical dressing substrate 10. The edge of the medical dressing substrate, i.e., the profile, can be indicated by a profile marking or can be pre - determined and related to the position of the medical dressing specific markings.
[0101] The release paper web 16 further includes CD synchronization markings 17 and MD synchronization markings 18.
[0102] The continuous CD synchronization markings 17 extend along the first longitudinal edge 6 of the continuous medical dressing web 100 and are arranged in the first longitudinal edge 6a of the web 100.
[0103] As seen in the MD direction, the MD synchronization markings 18 are aligned with the first transverse edge 13 (here the leading edge) of the medical dressing substrate 10 in the respective first row 8 and second row 9.
[0104] Before applying the release paper web 16, the CD synchronization markings 17 on the release paper web 16 are detected to determine the position of the release paper web 16 and whether adjustment of the release paper web 16 and / or the medical dressing web 100 is required to align the release paper web 16 and the medical dressing web 100 such that they are aligned as seen in the CD direction.
[0105] Figure 2D Shown are the steps of feeding the continuous medical dressing web 100 towards the profile cutting tool 19 and detecting the respective MD synchronization markings 18 to align the cutting tool 19 with the first row 8 and the second row 9 of the medical dressing substrate 10 defined by the medical dressing specific markings 2, and cutting out individual medical dressings 1 row by row from the continuous medical dressing web 100.
[0106] To detect the MD synchronization markings 18, the continuous medical dressing web 100 passes through a detection sensor 21.
[0107] The detection sensor 21 detects the position of each MD synchronization mark 18. The position of the MD synchronization mark 18 triggers the positioning of the contour cutting tool 19 so that the contour cutting tool 19 is aligned such that the cutting matches the layout of the specific mark 2 of the medical dressing. The individual medical dressings 1 are cut out from the continuous medical dressing web 100 one row at a time using the contour cutting tool 19.
[0108] The contour cutting tool 19 may include a rotary cutting tool and a cutting counter-roller, such as a vertical rotary die cutter (RDC), a laser cutting tool, or a flat stamping tool.
[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to its specific exemplary embodiments, many different changes, modifications, etc. will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0110] By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the present disclosure. Further, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1), said medical dressing comprising a medical dressing specific marking (2), the method comprising the following steps; - Feeding a continuous medical dressing web (100) in the machine direction (MD), said medical dressing web (100) comprising a backing layer, an absorbent layer and an adhesive skin contact layer (5), said absorbent layer (4) being arranged between said backing layer (3) and said adhesive skin contact layer (5), said continuous medical dressing web (100) having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge (6, 7) extending in the machine direction (MD) and a first longitudinal edge region and a second longitudinal edge region (6a, 7a) extending along the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge (6, 7) of said continuous medical dressing web (100); - Providing a release paper web (16), said release paper web (16) being provided with a plurality of medical dressing specific markings (2), said plurality of medical dressing specific markings being arranged in a first row and a second row extending in the cross-machine direction (CD), thereby defining a first row and a second row (8, 9) of a medical dressing substrate (10) comprising corresponding medical dressing specific markings (2), each of said first row and second row (8, 9) of said medical dressing substrate (10) being arranged between the first longitudinal edge region and the second longitudinal edge region (6a, 7a) of said medical dressing web (100), said release paper web (16) further being provided with continuous or discontinuous CD synchronization markings (17) extending along the first longitudinal edge and / or the second longitudinal edge (6, 7) of said continuous medical dressing web (1), said release paper web (16) further being provided with corresponding MD synchronization markings (18) for the first row and second row (8, 9) of said medical dressing substrate; - Detecting the CD synchronization markings (17) on said release paper web (16) to align said release paper web (16) with said medical dressing web (100), as seen in the CD direction; - Arranging said release paper web (16) on said adhesive skin contact layer (5); - Detecting said corresponding MD synchronization markings (18) and, based on the position of said detected corresponding MD synchronization markings (18), positioning a contour cutting tool (19) at a predetermined position relative to the first row and second row (8, 9) of said medical dressing substrate (10), said first row and second row of said medical dressing substrate being defined by the first row and second row of medical dressing specific markings (2); and - Cutting out individual medical dressings (1) from said continuous medical dressing web (100) using said contour cutting tool (19).
2. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The medical dressing substrates (10) of the first and second rows (8, 9) each have a length (l measured in the MD direction mds ), and wherein the respective MD synchronization marks (18) have a leading edge (18a) as seen in the MD direction, and wherein the distance (d between the leading edge (18a) of the respective MD synchronization marks (18) of the first row and the leading edge (18a) of the MD synchronization marks (18) of the second row, measured in the MD direction 18a ) is the same as the length (l of the medical dressing substrates (10) of the first and second rows (8, 9 mds ).
3. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the medical dressing substrates (10) of the first and second rows (8, 9) has the same length (l mds ).
4. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: - Arranging one or more release paper strips (15) on said adhesive skin contact layer (5); and in a subsequent step, - Arranging said release paper web (16) on top of said one or more release paper strips (15) and on said adhesive skin contact layer (5).
5. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to claim 4, wherein, Said release paper web (16) and said release paper strips (15) are formed of different materials.
6. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The step of arranging one or more release paper strips (15) includes arranging one or more continuous release paper strip webs onto the adhesive skin contact layer (5).
7. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The release paper web (16) comprises a first polymer film, and wherein the release paper strip (15) comprises a second polymer film, wherein the first polymer film is different from the second polymer film.
8. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to claim 7, wherein, The first polymer film and / or the second polymer film is selected from a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, and a polyurethane film.
9. The method for manufacturing a medical dressing according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The one or more release paper strips (15) are folded release paper strips, the folded release paper strips comprising respective fold lines extending in the MD direction and overlapping each of the medical dressing substrates (10) in respective said first and second rows (8, 9).
10. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The MD synchronization mark (17) is aligned with the first lateral edge (13) of the medical dressing substrate (10) in respective said first and second rows (8, 9), optionally, as seen in the MD direction, the first lateral edge of the medical dressing substrate (10) in respective said first and second rows (8, 9) corresponding to the foremost edge.
11. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The MD synchronization mark and the CD synchronization marks (17, 18) are arranged in the first longitudinal edge region and / or the second longitudinal edge region (6a, 7a) of the continuous medical dressing web (100), preferably, wherein the MC synchronization mark and the CD synchronization marks are arranged in the same first longitudinal edge region and / or the second longitudinal edge region (6a, 7a).
12. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The medical dressing specific mark (2) is a separate instruction indicating how to cut, fold, use, or apply the dressing (1).
13. A method for manufacturing a medical dressing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The medical dressing specific mark (2) is formed by a printed pattern, a welded pattern, a compressed pattern, an embossed pattern, a material deposition pattern, or a combination thereof.