Absorbent Core Forming Wheel Suction Blowing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing absorbent cores with channels without absorbent material fail to effectively join nonwoven webs within areas containing superabsorbent powder, leading to contamination and ineffective bonding.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a forming wheel with suction and blowing surfaces to retain and clean absorbent material from one nonwoven web, allowing contamination-free bonding of the second web along the channels, using a combination of vacuum and air flow to isolate and clean the joining surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nonwoven webs are joined within areas containing absorbent material to isolate channels, then channel isolation is achieved, but joining surfaces become contaminated with absorbent material rendering joints ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful absorbent material from the joining area by using suction devices that remove powder through channels formed in the first nonwoven web, allowing the joining surfaces to be free of contamination when the second web is applied
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary cleaning action by applying vacuum suction to remove absorbent material from the first nonwoven web surface before the second web is positioned and joined, ensuring contamination-free bonding surfaces in advance
2Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent polymer powder is used in high percentage for improved absorption, then absorption capacity increases, but joining operations become problematic due to powder contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic methods (vacuum suction and air blowing) to manage the superabsorbent polymer powder, removing it from joining areas and preventing contamination, thereby enabling successful joining operations even with high powder content absorbent material
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
Ensures effective joining of nonwoven webs without absorbent material contamination, enhancing the production of absorbent cores with defined channels for improved absorption and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The body 18 of each forming element 16 has a bottom wall 20 with a convex cylindrical shape, provided with a multitude of suction holes 22 connected to the vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
The ribs 32 have respective head surfaces 34 provided with a multitude of blowing holes 36 connected to the holes 30 formed on the sides 28 of the body 18 by means of channels 38
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing absorbent cores for absorbent sanitary articles, comprising: - a rotating forming wheel (12) including a plurality of forming elements (16) defining a peripheral surface of the forming wheel (12), - a forming chamber (46) containing absorbent material (64) facing a portion of the peripheral surface of the forming wheel (12), - a first roller (52) for feeding a first nonwoven web (54) onto the peripheral surface of the forming wheel (12) upstream of the forming chamber (46), - a second roller (56) for feeding a second nonwoven web (58) onto the peripheral surface of the forming wheel (12) downstream of the forming chamber (46), wherein each of said forming elements (16) comprises a suction surface (20) connected to a suction source and at least one protruding rib (32) having a blowing surface (34) selectively connected to a stationary blowing device (40), wherein said at least one blowing surface (34) and said suction surface (20) are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction.