Tampon Press Compression Jaws with Alternating Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tampon press machines can only produce straight grooves on the surface of tampons, limiting the creation of undulated lines and making it difficult to eject tampons due to the need for replacing all penetrating segments.
Innovation Solution
The press employs compression jaws with alternating straight and undulated penetrating segments, allowing for the embossing of undulated grooves visible on the tampon surface while ensuring easy ejection by retracting undulated segments and using straight segments as guides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If all penetrating segments are replaced by undulated segments to produce undulated grooves, then the surface appearance is improved, but the ejection of the tampon becomes considerably difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression jaw is segmented into different types of penetrating segments: undulated segments (for creating visible undulated grooves) and straight segments (for facilitating ejection). This segmentation allows each type of segment to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between surface appearance and ejection ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local regions of the compression jaw have different geometries: some regions have undulated penetrating segments for aesthetic surface formation, while other regions have straight penetrating segments for functional ejection. This local differentiation allows the same component to satisfy multiple contradictory requirements.
2Ease of operation
If straight penetrating segments are used to facilitate ejection, then the ejection process is simplified, but only straight grooves can be produced on the tampon surface
Solution Approach 1:
The compression jaw is divided into multiple penetrating segments with different geometries. Undulated segments create the desired surface pattern, while straight segments facilitate ejection. Both types work simultaneously during the compression process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two previously separate solutions (undulated segments for appearance and straight segments for ejection) into a single compression jaw assembly. This combination allows both aesthetic and functional requirements to be met in one processing step.
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
Enables the production of tampons with visible undulated grooves and facilitates easy ejection by maintaining straight segments for guiding the tampon out of the press.
Implementation Method 1
radially pressing an absorbent material by means of compression jaws
Implementation Method 2
penetrating segments for embossing grooves into the absorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a press (1) for producing a tampon (8) by radially pressing an absorbent material by means of compression jaws (2, 2′, 3) which have respective penetrating segments (4, 5) for embossing grooves (9, 10) into the absorbent material, one compression jaw (3) the penetrating segment (5) of which is designed as a strip having flat lateral faces projecting into the compression space and one compression jaw (2, 2′) the penetrating segment (4, 4′) of which is designed as a rib having undulated lateral faces projecting into the compression space being alternately arranged. A projection of the strip onto a peripheral surface of the tampon (8) present in the compression space represents a straight line and a projection of the undulated rib onto the peripheral surface represents an undulated line.