Perforated Support Layer for Uniform Absorbent Fiber Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The non-uniform air resistance across the width of the support layer strip in absorbent bed pad production leads to inhomogeneous distribution of absorbent fibers, affecting the quality of the pads.

Innovation Solution

Perforating the support layer strip along its entire width to uniformize air flow resistance, facilitated by perforating members, ensures homogeneous distribution of absorbent fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the support layer strip is not perforated, then the structure remains intact and simple, but the air flow resistance is non-uniform causing inhomogeneous fiber distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of absorbent fiber distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of support layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support layer strip is perforated to create a porous structure with uniform air flow resistance. The perforations are distributed across the entire width of the support layer strip to ensure homogeneous absorbent fiber deposition. This porous modification resolves the contradiction by transforming the solid support layer into a controlled porous medium that guides air flow uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The physical structure of the support layer strip is modified by introducing perforations with specific dimensions and distribution patterns. By changing the structural parameters (hole size, spacing, density), the air flow resistance is standardized across the width, enabling uniform fiber distribution without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the support layer strip is perforated to uniformize air flow, then fiber distribution becomes homogeneous, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of absorbent fiber distributionVSAvoidsimplicity of production process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support layer strip is perforated in advance, before the absorbent fiber deposition process. This preliminary modification of the support layer structure ensures that subsequent fiber deposition occurs uniformly without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the manufacturing process, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving homogeneous fiber distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If air flow passes through the support layer strip without perforation, then the process is simple, but the resistance varies across width causing poor quality pads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of absorbent padsVSAvoidcomplexity of air flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex air flow control mechanisms to manage resistance variations, the support layer strip itself is transformed into a porous medium with uniform resistance characteristics. This approach improves pad quality by ensuring homogeneous fiber distribution while avoiding the need for complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

Achieves a uniform distribution of absorbent fibers, enhancing the quality and consistency of the produced absorbent pads.

Implementation Method 1

The fall of the absorbent fibres is aided by an air flow which, coming from the deposition device, passes through the support layer strip and the conveyor belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentEP4706613A1Apparatus and method for producing absorbent bed pads or absorbent pet mats
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 GDM
  • EP4706613A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4706613A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4706613A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention concerns an apparatus (100) for producing absorbent bed pads or absorbent pet mats, of the type comprising an absorbent core comprising a support layer and a plurality of absorbent fibres arranged on a first surface of said support layer. The apparatus (100) comprises a deposition station (120) comprising a conveyor belt (124) movable along an advancing direction (A) and configured to support a support layer strip (12), and a deposition device (122) configured to generate an air flow passing through the conveyor belt (124) and deposit said plurality of absorbent fibres onto a deposition surface of the support layer strip (12). The apparatus (100) also comprises a preparation station (110) arranged upstream of the deposition station (120) and of the conveyor belt (124) along said advancing direction (A) and comprising perforating members (114) configured to perforate the support layer strip (12) along its entire width. The invention also concerns a method that can be carried out by said apparatus (100).