Reconfigurable Diaper Converting Line with Universal Mechanisms

Solution Overview

Problem

Converting lines for disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, are often inflexible and require separate machinery for producing different types of products, leading to high costs and inefficiencies, as they are custom-designed for specific products like taped or pant diapers, limiting manufacturers' ability to offer a range of products in varying market demands.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable converting line that uses a combination of transformation mechanisms to produce both taped and pant diapers, with over 70% of the transformations remaining the same in both configurations, allowing for efficient switching between production modes and minimizing the need for additional machinery and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate converting lines are used for taped and pant diapers, then manufacturing precision and specialization are improved, but device complexity and capital costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct-specific manufacturing precisionVSAvoidnumber of separate converting lines

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converting line is designed with universal transformation mechanisms that can produce both taped diapers and pant diapers using the same basic equipment. The line incorporates configurable transformation mechanisms that can be adjusted to create different diaper types, eliminating the need for separate specialized lines for each product type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The converting line incorporates dynamically configurable transformation mechanisms that can be reconfigured between different production modes. The line can switch between producing taped diapers and pant diapers by adjusting the transformation mechanisms, allowing flexible adaptation to different product requirements without physical reinstallation of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If custom converting lines are designed for specific products, then productivity for that product is improved, but adaptability to produce different products decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speed for specific diaper typeVSAvoidability to produce different diaper types

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The converting line is designed with universal transformation mechanisms that can produce both taped diapers and pant diapers using the same basic equipment. The line incorporates configurable transformation mechanisms that can be adjusted to create different diaper types, eliminating the need for separate specialized lines for each product type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The converting line incorporates dynamically configurable transformation mechanisms that can be reconfigured between different production modes. The line can switch between producing taped diapers and pant diapers by adjusting the transformation mechanisms, allowing flexible adaptation to different product requirements without physical reinstallation of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transforming mechanisms are used on the same line, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to produce different diaper typesVSAvoidnumber of transformation mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The converting line divides the transformation process into discrete, modular transformation mechanisms that can be independently configured. Each transformation mechanism handles a specific aspect of the diaper formation process, allowing individual modules to be adjusted or reconfigured without affecting the entire line, thus managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The converting line incorporates dynamically configurable transformation mechanisms that can be reconfigured between different production modes. The line can switch between producing taped diapers and pant diapers by adjusting the transformation mechanisms, allowing flexible adaptation to different product requirements without physical reinstallation of equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11980530B2Taped and pant diapers comprising substantially identical chassis

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to taped and pant articles comprising substantially identical chassis.