Superabsorbent Particle Outlet Nozzle Crossflow for Uniform Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for distributing superabsorbent particles in absorbent cores of disposable articles fail to achieve uniform distribution, which is crucial for the functionality and performance of these products.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a discharge pipe and outlet nozzle design that creates a crossflow between deflected and undeflected streams of superabsorbent particles and airflow, using a deflecting portion at the outlet nozzle to achieve uniform distribution on a substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a valve, nozzle or barrier is arranged at the end of a tube to deflect superabsorbent polymer, then distribution uniformity is improved, but distribution homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoiddistribution homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet nozzle is divided into multiple outlet openings (at least two) arranged in different directions. Each outlet opening deflects a portion of the particle stream in a different direction, creating multiple crossflows that interact to achieve homogeneous distribution. This segmentation of the outlet into multiple directional openings resolves the contradiction by distributing particles through multiple paths rather than a single deflection point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet openings are asymmetrically arranged in different directions relative to the tube axis. This asymmetric configuration creates intentional crossflows between particle streams moving in different directions, which mixes the particles and achieves homogeneous distribution while maintaining uniformity through the controlled asymmetric geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If superabsorbent particles are conveyed through a tube with airflow, then particles can be distributed, but distribution uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle distribution capabilityVSAvoiddistribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet openings are arranged in different spatial directions (at least two different directions) rather than a single direction. This introduces a dimensional aspect to the particle distribution, creating crossflows that mix particles in multiple directions and achieve uniformity. The airflow continues to convey particles easily, but now through a multi-dimensional outlet configuration that enhances uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single stream of superabsorbent particles is discharged, then discharge simplicity is maintained, but distribution homogeneity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge structure simplicityVSAvoiddistribution homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The single particle stream is segmented into multiple sub-streams through the multiple outlet openings arranged in different directions. Each outlet opening creates a separate particle stream that deflects in a different direction. The interaction and mixing of these segmented streams produce homogeneous distribution while maintaining relatively simple discharge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airflow acts as an intermediary that carries particles through the tube and facilitates their separation and mixing at the outlet. The airflow mediates the particle movement, enabling the simple discharge structure to achieve homogeneous distribution through the interaction of multiple airflow-particle streams exiting in different directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures a homogeneous distribution of superabsorbent particles, enhancing the absorbent core's performance by improving absorption and retention capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge pipe for conveying a stream comprising superabsorbent particles and a first airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow conveyance: Advection

Implementation Method 2

only a portion of the stream of superabsorbent particle and first airflow is deflected and the other portion of said stream is not deflected, creating a crossflow between the portion of the said stream that is deflected and the portion of the said stream that is not deflected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrossflow: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP4378436B1Apparatus for distributing superabsorbent particles onto a substrate

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ONTEX BV

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for distributing superabsorbent particles (34) onto a substrate, the distribution system comprising a discharge pipe (32) conveying a stream of superabsorbent particle (34) and a first airflow (62), said discharge pipe (32) comprising a conveying section (38) and an outlet nozzle (40), said outlet nozzle (40) comprising a straight portion (42) and a deflecting portion (46). According to the invention, the deflecting portion (46) comprises deflecting means (48) arranged in a way that only a portion of the stream of superabsorbent particle (34) is deflected and the other portion of said stream is not deflected.