Absorbent Body Folding on a Cylindrical Conveyance Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing disposable wear result in a long section where absorbent bodies are folded into two parts, necessitating increased installation space for the manufacturing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves folding absorbent bodies into two parts along a cylindrical conveyance path, rotating them by 90 degrees, and bonding them to a waist-member continuous body, with repitching units to accommodate size differences, allowing for higher production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If absorbent bodies are folded into two parts while being conveyed along a linear path, then the folding process can be performed continuously, but the section length increases requiring more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cylindrical conveyance path instead of a linear path for folding the absorbent bodies. The cylindrical surface allows the absorbent bodies to be folded into two parts while being conveyed, significantly shortening the folding section length and reducing the installation space required while maintaining continuous processing capability
2Length of stationary object
If the folding section is shortened, then installation space is reduced, but the folding process may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding operation with the conveyance operation by using a cylindrical conveyance path. The folding and conveying functions are merged into a single integrated process, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired space reduction
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and an apparatus which are for manufacturing a disposable wear, and with which it is possible to shorten a section where an absorbent body is to be folded into two parts. The present invention involves: conveying, in a first direction (2x), an absorbent-body continuous body (2) in which first portions (3) to be made into absorbent bodies (4) are connected in the first direction (2x); and conveying, in a second direction (6x), a waist-member continuous body (6) in which second portions (7) to be made into waist members (8) are connected in the second direction (6x). The present invention also involves: forming the absorbent bodies (4) by cutting the absorbent-body continuous body (2); and forming folded absorbent bodies (5) by folding the absorbent bodies (4) into two parts while conveying the same along a cylindrical conveyance path (28). The present invention also involves: rotating the folded absorbent bodies (5) by 90 degrees; and forming a wear continuous body (9) by placing, onto the waist-member continuous body (6), the folded absorbent bodies (5), which have been rotated by 90 degrees, apart from each other, and bonding the folded absorbent bodies (5) to the waist-member continuous body (6). The present invention also involves: forming disposable wears (10) by cutting the wear continuous body (9) at cutting positions (9x) located between the absorbent bodies (4) adjacent to each other.