Slidable Fiber-Stacking Drum for Rapid Absorbent Core Pattern Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing apparatuses for absorbent cores of disposable worn articles require disassembly of segments for size changes, leading to reduced facility utilization rates due to the time-consuming process of replacing fiber-stacking drum segments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a fiber-stacking drum with a slidable rotation shaft and a removable wheel and fiber-stacking ring, allowing for quick replacement without disassembling the drum into segments, using a suction chamber and actuator for efficient sliding and attachment of new components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segments of the fiber-stacking drum are disassembled for replacement, then the pattern can be changed to accommodate different worn article sizes, but the replacement process becomes time-consuming and reduces facility utilization rate
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-stacking drum is divided into modular components: the drum body, the wheel, and the fiber-stacking ring. This segmentation allows the fiber-stacking ring to be easily removed and replaced as a single unit rather than disassembling multiple segments, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing replacement time and improving facility utilization rate
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation shaft is designed to be slidable along the axial line, enabling dynamic repositioning of the fiber-stacking drum. This dynamic capability allows the drum to move between operational positions and replacement positions, facilitating quick component changes without disrupting the entire system, thereby improving both adaptability and productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple segments are disassembled and reassembled for each size change, then the pattern can be adapted, but the operation complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-stacking ring is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the drum body. This segmentation simplifies the replacement operation to a single-component change rather than multiple segment disassembly and reassembly operations, making the process simpler while maintaining size adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-stacking ring is extracted as a distinct, replaceable element from the drum assembly. This extraction allows operators to remove and replace only the necessary component (the fiber-stacking ring) without touching other parts of the drum, significantly simplifying the operation while preserving adaptability
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 method enables rapid replacement of the fiber-stacking ring and wheel, improving facility utilization rates by allowing for quick changes in pattern without disassembling the drum, thus enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction chamber 6 is fixed to the fixed frame 5, wherein the suction chamber 6 is arranged on an inner side of the fiber-stacking ring 22 and produces a suction force from an outer circumference toward an inner circumference of the fiber-stacking ring 22
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent core includes: a dispenser for dispensing a fiber; a fiber-stacking drum for stacking the dispensed fiber on the outer circumferential surface while sucking the fiber toward an inside; and a fixed frame for rotatably supporting the fiber-stacking drum. The fiber-stacking drum includes: a rotation shaft; a wheel attached to the distal end of the rotation shaft; and a fiber-stacking ring provided on an outer circumference portion of the wheel for stacking the fiber A suction chamber is fixed to the fixed frame The suction chamber is arranged on an inner side of the fiber-stacking ring and produces a suction force toward an inner circumference of the fiber-stacking ring. The fiber-stacking drum is supported by the fixed frame so as to be slidable in an axial direction of the rotation shaft; and the wheel is removably attached to the distal end of the rotation shaft via a fastener.