Airflow Wing Folding for High-Speed Underwear Pad Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production methods for absorbent pads fail to reliably and precisely fold and couple wings to form a pants-like shape at high production speeds, leading to uncontrollable fluttering and incorrect coupling of connection systems like Velcro.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with folding means that include airflow and fingers or suction devices to stabilize and maintain wings in an overturned position on the pad surface, ensuring precise coupling with complementary wings during the folding process, even at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high production speeds are used in the folding process, then productivity is improved, but the wings become uncontrollably fluttering and coupling precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first lifting the wings with airflow before folding them over the rollers. This preliminary positioning ensures the wings are in the correct orientation and location before the folding action occurs, preventing fluttering and ensuring precise coupling even at high production speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses airflow as an intermediary to lift and position the wings before folding. The airflow acts as a mediator between the wing and the folding rollers, ensuring the wing is properly positioned without direct mechanical contact that could cause fluttering or misalignment
2Device complexity
If the wings are folded without stabilization means, then device complexity is reduced, but the wings flutter uncontrollably and reliability of coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic means (airflow) to lift and stabilize the wings during the folding process. This pneumatic stabilization prevents fluttering and ensures reliable coupling without requiring complex mechanical stabilization mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the folding process into distinct stages: lifting the wing with airflow, folding over the first roller, and securing with the second roller. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, maintaining reliability while keeping the overall device relatively simple
3Ease of manufacture
If the connection means are not properly positioned, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the coupling of wings fails and product functionality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using airflow to lift and position the wings in the correct orientation before folding occurs. This ensures the connection means (Velcro hooks and loops) are properly aligned for coupling, maintaining both ease of manufacture and connection reliability
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 stable and precise folding of absorbent pads into a pants-like shape by maintaining wings in the correct position for reliable coupling, enhancing production reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one airflow (10) integrated on board said path of forward motion and adapted to fold a wing of said semifinished product (1) lifting it with respect to the plane (100) of the pad by an angle of 90° or approximately 90°
Implementation Method 2
said path of forward motion provided with said pair of shoes (30) comprises, in an area adjacent to said pair of shoes (30), a free area and/or a cavity adapted, in use, to house the excess material of the semifinished product in the narrowing step
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for folding pads with the shape of pants and wherein the first wing and the second wing provided with Velcro hooks are overturned by 180° on the plane of the pad and maintained in this position until the pad with the shape of pants is closed.