Perforating Apparatus for Sanitary Webs Using Linear Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing perforating apparatuses for sanitary absorbent articles fail to produce precise, circular holes without imperfections, often causing production delays and waste due to the need for pre-perforated webs and limitations in production flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A perforating apparatus with first and second deformation members, positioned on opposite sides of the advancement path, that advance parallel to the web, allowing orthogonal coupling to create holes without slowing the web, thus ensuring precise, circular holes without elongation or lacerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rotating rollers with joined protrusions are used to perforate the web, then holes are made in the web, but the holes have elliptical shapes and imperfections due to curved engagement path and localized velocity variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole making capabilityVSAvoidhole shape precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the protrusions rotate and engage the web along a curved path, the invention uses linearly moving plates where the protrusions move in a straight line parallel to the web advancement direction. This inverts the traditional rotational mechanism into a linear translation mechanism, eliminating the curved engagement path and localized velocity variations that cause elliptical holes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the rotational mechanical system with a linear translation system. The plates move linearly in the advancement direction rather than rotating, substituting the rotational mechanics with linear mechanics to achieve uniform hole shapes without the complications of curved engagement paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If perforating apparatuses are installed in line to make holes in the web, then holes are created in specific zones, but the web must be stopped or slowed causing production delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole positioning accuracyVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the perforating plates movable rather than stationary, allowing them to translate linearly in synchronization with the web advancement. This dynamic positioning enables the plates to maintain precise alignment with the web without requiring the web to stop or slow down, thus maintaining high production speed while achieving accurate hole positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The linear movement of the plates allows continuous perforation action as the web advances, eliminating the need to stop or slow the web. The useful action of making holes continues uninterrupted throughout the web advancement process, maintaining constant production speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If pre-perforated webs are purchased to obtain breathable and elastic properties, then the desired article properties are achieved, but high costs, lengthy loading times, and large warehouse spaces are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle propertiesVSAvoidloading and supply time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of purchasing pre-perforated webs that require storage and loading time, the invention performs the perforation action preliminarily during the manufacturing process itself. The holes are made in real-time as the web is produced, eliminating the need for separate pre-perforation, storage, and loading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing system performs the perforation function itself rather than relying on external pre-perforated webs. The same production line that manufactures the web also creates the holes, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external suppliers and pre-prepared materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple webs with different hole configurations are used to obtain different article properties, then diversified elasticity and breathability are achieved, but production flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle property diversificationVSAvoidproduction system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perforating apparatus is designed with multiple plates that can be selectively positioned and configured to create different hole patterns in different zones of the web. This universal system can produce various hole configurations (different sizes, shapes, densities, and distributions) using the same equipment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized webs and simplifying the production system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11529749B2Perforating apparatus of a web, perforating process and production machine

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 FAMECCANICA DATA SPA

AI summary

A perforating apparatus for perforating a web capable of making at least one plurality of holes in a zone of the web in a precise way and without imperfections or lacerations in the web. The present invention also relates to a process for perforating the web capable of making at least one plurality of holes in a zone of the web in an efficient way and without snags occurring. The present invention also relates to a machine for producing sanitary absorbent articles comprising at least one perforating apparatus.