Systems and methods of applying compositions to webs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the manufacturing of disposable absorbent articles, there is a need for a process that can effectively deposit compositions based on specific features of the web, such as apertures, to ensure accurate printing and functionality, as existing methods often result in offset printing due to machine direction and cross-machine direction offsets.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an inspection/print station that detects features on the web and applies composition sites according to pre-rendered patterns, allowing for precise correlation of composition sites with intermediate features or discontinuities, which can be transformed into apertures, ensuring accurate registration and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional printing methods are used at normal operating speed, then productivity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to offset printing in machine direction and cross-machine direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormal operating speedVSAvoidprinting alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures images of the web at multiple positions along the machine direction before printing occurs. These pre-captured images are used to determine the actual positions of features and calculate the optimal print pattern that compensates for any offsets, ensuring precise printing alignment while maintaining normal operating speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses vision systems to detect feature positions on the web and provides feedback to adjust the print pattern. By continuously monitoring and adjusting based on detected feature positions, the system maintains printing precision despite variations in web tension, speed, or positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If printing is based on particular features of the article, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for feature detection and pattern correlation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting alignment with featuresVSAvoidinspection/print station system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection/print station is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing images, detecting features, determining positions, generating print patterns, and controlling printing. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise feature-based printing alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation (image) of the web and its features before printing. This copy is used to determine feature positions and generate the print pattern, allowing precise alignment without requiring complex physical measurement and adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10632736B2Systems and methods of applying compositions to webs

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method of printing composition(s) on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of advancing the web and printing a plurality of composition sites on the web. The method further includes the step of forming one or more discontinuities in the web. The discontinuities correspond to the printed composition sites.