Elastic Segment Production With Selective Film And Thread Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines for manufacturing absorbent sanitary articles require separate apparatuses for producing elastic film segments and elastic thread segments, leading to higher production costs due to the need for two separate machines.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that integrates a film feeding unit and a thread feeding unit to selectively produce either continuous elastic film or elastic threads between non-woven fabric webs, allowing for the production of both types of segments within the same machine by selectively bonding and cutting the materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate machines are used for producing elastic film segments and elastic thread segments, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both film segment production and thread segment production capabilities into a single machine. The apparatus includes a film feeding unit for producing elastic film segments and a thread feeding unit for producing elastic thread segments, both controlled by a central control unit that coordinates the operation of multiple feeding units, bonding units, and cutting units to manufacture different types of elastic segments using one multifunctional device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate production lines into one integrated apparatus. The film feeding unit and thread feeding unit are merged into a single machine structure with shared components including bonding units, cutting units, and a common control system, thereby reducing the total number of machines required while maintaining production capabilities for both elastic film segments and elastic thread segments
2Device complexity
If a single machine produces both elastic film segments and elastic thread segments, then production costs are reduced, but the machine complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control unit that dynamically adjusts the operation parameters of the film feeding unit and thread feeding unit based on the desired segment type. The system can switch between producing elastic film segments and elastic thread segments by activating the appropriate feeding unit and adjusting bonding and cutting parameters through centralized control, making the machine adaptable to different production requirements without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated machine includes automated control systems that manage the switching between film and thread production modes. The control unit automatically coordinates the feeding, bonding, and cutting operations for either elastic film segments or elastic thread segments, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying operation despite the machine's multifunctional capability
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
Enables the production of both elastic film and thread segments in a single machine, reducing production costs and minimizing the need for machine adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
bonding, in the overlapping zone (24), the first and second non-woven fabric webs (16, 18), overlapped on each other, to either the continuous elastic film (28) or the plurality of elastic threads (32), thereby selectively producing an elastic film strip (36) or an elastic thread strip (38)
Implementation Method 2
transversely cutting the elastic film strip (36) or the elastic thread strip (38) to selectively form an array of elastic film segments (40) or an array of elastic thread segments (42)
Implementation Method 3
a longitudinal stretching device (48) configured to stretch the continuous elastic film (28) elastically in a longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 4
a tension control device (50) configured to control the tensioning of the elastic threads (32) unwound from the reels (52)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An apparatus for producing strip segments, comprising a film feeding unit (26) and a thread feeding unit (30), selectively operated to feed either a continuous elastic film (28) or a plurality of elastic threads (32) between a first and a second non-woven fabric web (16, 18), thereby forming, selectively, an array of elastic film segments (40) or an array of elastic thread segments (42).