Superabsorbent Particle Distribution via Selective Discharge Pipes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for forming absorbent cores in disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, struggle with achieving a uniform distribution of superabsorbent particles, and lack the ability to customize the SAP profile as desired.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a hopper for introducing superabsorbent particles, multiple discharge pipes for distributing the particles, and a selection device that selectively distributes the particles to one or more discharge pipes, allowing for precise control over the amount and distribution of superabsorbent particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single tube or simple nozzle is used to distribute superabsorbent particles, then the device complexity is low, but the distribution uniformity and control precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution system is divided into multiple discharge pipes (at least two) instead of using a single tube. Each pipe can be independently controlled by the selection device, allowing selective distribution of superabsorbent particles to different regions. This segmentation enables better distribution uniformity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The selection device provides dynamic control over which discharge pipes receive superabsorbent particles from the hopper. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt particle distribution in real-time, achieving uniform distribution across different forming pockets while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If superabsorbent particles are distributed to all discharge pipes simultaneously, then the quantity of particles distributed is high, but the ability to customize SAP profile is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSAP profile customizationVSAvoidquantity of particles distributed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The selection device enables different quantities of superabsorbent particles to be distributed to different discharge pipes based on specific requirements. This local quality control allows customization of SAP profiles for different regions of the absorbent core, with each discharge pipe receiving appropriate particle quantities tailored to its specific forming pocket needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discharge pipes are used with selective distribution, then the SAP profile can be customized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSAP profile customizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selection device serves multiple functions: it controls which discharge pipes receive particles, regulates the quantity of particles to each pipe, and enables SAP profile customization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each discharge pipe, thereby managing device complexity while achieving versatile SAP profile customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The apparatus achieves a more uniform feeding and distribution of superabsorbent particles, enabling the creation of absorbent cores with customized SAP profiles, thereby enhancing the performance and comfort of disposable absorbent articles.

Implementation Method 1

a first airflow conveyed by a first feeding tube, a conveying section conveying a stream comprising the superabsorbent particles and the first airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow conveyance: Advection

Data Source

PatentEP4385474B1Apparatus for feeding and distributing superabsorbent particles onto a substrate
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ONTEX BV
  • EP4385474B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4385474B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4385474B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (78) for feeding and distributing superabsorbent particles on a substrate wherein the apparatus comprises: - a hopper (80) for introducing superabsorbent particles (34), - at least two or more discharge pipes (32) for distributing the superabsorbent particles (34) onto a surface, - a selection device (82) fluidically connecting the hopper (80) to said at least two or more discharge pipe (32), wherein the selection device (82) selectively distributes superabsorbent particles (34) from the hopper (80) to one or more discharge pipe (32). The invention also pertains to an apparatus (1) suitable for forming moulded absorbent material deposit structures to be used as absorbent cores for absorbent articles using said apparatus for feeding and distributing superabsorbent particles as well as a method for forming moulded absorbent material deposit structures to be used as absorbent cores for absorbent articles.