Ultrasonic Joining Anvil with Segmented Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic joining apparatuses face issues with increased anvil size, leading to localized vibration interference and reduced lifespan, resulting in higher manufacturing costs and lower yield rates when producing larger adult diapers.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic joining apparatus features a rotating drum with a line-shaped projection and protrusions on its surface, including cut portions that extend in the opposite direction of the protrusions, which reduces vibration interference and allows for a larger anvil size without compromising the joining quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the anvil size is increased to accommodate larger adult diapers, then the joining capability for larger sizes is improved, but vibration interference accumulates locally and damages the anvil more quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanvil sizeVSAvoidanvil lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The anvil is divided into multiple independent projection units, each with its own cut portions. This segmentation allows vibration interference to be localized to specific regions rather than accumulating across the entire anvil surface, preventing widespread damage while maintaining the ability to join large adult diaper components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the anvil have locally optimized structures with cut portions positioned to address specific vibration patterns. This local quality adjustment ensures that each area of the enlarged anvil is designed to handle the vibration characteristics specific to its location, maintaining reliability across the entire large-scale anvil surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anvil size is increased for adult diapers, then the manufacturing capability for larger products is improved, but manufacturing costs increase due to more frequent anvil replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing capability for adult diapersVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the anvil into multiple projection units with cut portions, the overall anvil structure becomes more resilient to vibration damage. This reduces the frequency of replacement needed, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to produce adult-sized diapers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the anvil size is increased, then the production capacity for larger diapers is improved, but yield rate decreases due to anvil damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacity for adult diapersVSAvoidyield rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented anvil structure with cut portions in each projection unit prevents vibration-induced damage from compromising the entire anvil. This maintains high yield rates by ensuring consistent joining quality across all production areas, even when producing large adult diapers at high capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Local optimization of each projection unit with strategically positioned cut portions ensures that vibration interference is managed effectively across the entire anvil surface. This maintains reliable joining quality and high yield rates throughout the production process for adult diapers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances the stability of the ultrasonic joining process, reduces damage accumulation, and lowers manufacturing costs by preventing premature anvil replacement, while maintaining high-quality joint formation for larger adult diapers.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic horn configured to output ultrasonic vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the web is melted by being heated from the inside thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2460645B1Ultrasonic joining device and device for manufacturing absorptive article
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 UNI CHARM CORP
  • EP2460645B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2460645B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2460645B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An anvil 200 includes a base 210 and projections 220 and 230. The base 210 is installed at an attachment position 112a on an outer peripheral surface 112 of a rotating drum 110. The projection 220 protrudes from a front surface 210a of the base 210 in a normal direction H of the rotating drum 110 and is formed in a line shape extending in the cross direction CD along the front surface 210a of the base 210. On the front surface 210a of the base 210, one end 220a in the cross direction CD of the projection 220 is provided forward of the other end 220b in a rotation direction R. In the projection 220, a cut portion 260 is formed to extend in a direction opposite to the protrusion direction of each protrusion 240. The cut portion 260 extends from the front surface of the projection 220, protruding from the front surface 210a of the base 210, to the vicinity of the middle of the projection 220.