Differential Speed Forming Members for Web Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mechanically deforming materials to form deformed web materials lack efficiency and versatility, particularly in creating structured web components with specific properties for absorbent and packaging applications.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using intermeshing forming members that move at different surface speeds to deform precursor webs, creating deformed web materials with specific structures such as apertures, protrusions, and depressions, which can be used in absorbent articles and packaging materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional single-speed forming members are used to deform materials, then the process is simple to operate, but the manufacturing precision and versatility of deformed web materials are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of deformed web material structureVSAvoidcomplexity of forming member speed control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the forming members operable at different surface speeds rather than a fixed single speed. The first and second forming members can be operated at different surface speeds to deform the web material in different directions, creating three-dimensional deformations. This dynamic speed variation enables precise control over the deformation process while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If intermeshing forming members operating at different surface speeds are used, then manufacturing precision and structural versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of web material structure formationVSAvoidcomplexity of intermeshing forming member system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the forming members to perform multiple functions: they can deform the web in the machine direction, cross direction, or both simultaneously by adjusting surface speeds; they can create various three-dimensional structures including protrusions, depressions, and apertures; and they can process different types of web materials. This multi-functionality achieves high versatility without requiring multiple separate processing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple deformation cycles are applied to achieve desired web structure, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of web material deformationVSAvoidproduction speed of deformed web material
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the preliminary action principle by performing multiple deformation actions simultaneously in a single pass through the forming members. By operating the first and second forming members at different surface speeds, the web material receives deformations in multiple directions at once rather than requiring sequential processing. This preliminary multi-directional deformation achieves high manufacturing precision while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables the production of web materials with enhanced structural properties, improved fluid acquisition, and visual appeal, suitable for various applications including absorbent products and packaging, by effectively stretching and shaping the materials in multiple directions.

Implementation Method 1

passing the precursor web through a pair of intermeshing forming members comprising a first forming member and a second forming member that are moving at different surface speeds, wherein one of the first forming member and second forming member moves at a slower surface speed than the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential motion:

Data Source

PatentEP2701652B1Methods of mechanically deforming materials
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2701652B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2701652B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2701652B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Methods of mechanically deforming a material are disclosed. The methods of mechanically deforming a material involve using forming members that are moving at different surface speeds relative to each other to form deformed web materials.