Elastic Laminate Strand Cleaning Before Adhesive Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for incorporating elastic members into absorbent articles face issues with dust and loose fibers generated by softer materials, leading to inadequate glue application and strand breakage during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an air blowing device to clean elastic strands of dust and loose fibers before adhesive application by blowing air from a predetermined distance upstream from the nozzle, ensuring efficient removal of contaminants without heating the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If softer materials are used to address the desire for soft absorbent articles, then comfort is improved, but dust and loose fibers are generated during manufacturing causing glue application issues and strand breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing device is positioned upstream from the adhesive dispensing nozzle to remove dust and loose fibers from elastic strands before the strands enter the nozzle and before adhesive application occurs. This preliminary cleaning action prevents contaminants from interfering with the gluing process, eliminating the need to compromise strand softness while maintaining manufacturing quality.
2Productivity
If air blowing device is positioned close to the nozzle, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but heating the air becomes necessary increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The air blowing device is positioned at a predetermined distance upstream from the nozzle along the machine direction, creating a spatial separation that allows effective cleaning without requiring heated air. This dimensional positioning enables the air stream to interact with contaminants over an extended period and distance, achieving thorough cleaning while avoiding the need for thermal processing and associated heating equipment.
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 reduces the risk of inadequate glue application and strand breakage, enhancing the manufacturing process efficiency and quality of the elastic laminate.
Implementation Method 1
blowing air onto said at least one elastic strand from an air blowing device... in order to blow off dust, loose fibers or other contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing an elastic laminate for an disposable absorbent hygiene product, said elastic laminate comprises at least a first continuous sheet and at least one elastic strand. Furthermore, it is disclosed an apparatus and a disposable absorbent hygiene product comprising an elastic laminate manufactured according to the method.