Absorbent Article Process Lines With Main and Booster Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process lines for manufacturing absorbent articles require sophisticated air circulation systems that consume high energy due to the need for vacuum at multiple stations, leading to increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A process line design with a main pump having a volume flow rate at least twenty times greater than booster pumps, combined with a filtering apparatus and a recycling pump, optimizes energy consumption by efficiently managing airflow and recycling absorbent material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sophisticated air circulation system with multiple vacuum sources is used to ensure vacuum at different stations, then the reliability of vacuum is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple vacuum sources into a single main pump system with a large volume flow rate, eliminating the need for multiple separate vacuum sources while maintaining reliable vacuum at all stations through the main pump's high capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The main pump with volume flow rate at least twenty times greater than booster pumps serves multiple functions: providing vacuum to all assembly modules, recycling air, and replacing the need for multiple dedicated vacuum sources, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If multiple vacuum sources are used at different stations, then the vacuum coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vacuum sources into a single main pump system, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining comprehensive vacuum coverage through the main pump's high volume flow rate capability
3Use of energy by moving object
If a large volume flow rate main pump is used, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the vacuum pressure at assembly modules may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning booster pumps with smaller volume flow rates at specific assembly modules that require enhanced vacuum, while the main pump provides overall vacuum coverage, creating a hybrid system that optimizes both energy consumption and local vacuum pressure requirements
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
The solution ensures efficient and reliable vacuum throughout the manufacturing process while reducing energy consumption, enhancing material recycling and extending the lifespan of filtering media.
Implementation Method 1
Providing vacuum at different stations implies using a sophisticated air circulation system
Implementation Method 2
the process line comprises a filtering apparatus arranged upstream of main pump
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure pertains to a process line (62) for manufacturing absorbent articles comprising a plurality of assembly modules (64), the process line (62) comprising at least one channel (70) fluidically connecting at least one assembly module (64) and a main pump (38), said main pump being arranged downstream, with respect to the airflow, of said assembly module (64) wherein at least one booster pump (72) is arranged between an assembly module (64) and said main pump (38), said at least one channel (70) fluidically connecting said assembly module (64), booster pump (72) and main pump (38).