Web Printing Alignment Using Feature Detection and Pattern Generation
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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 alignment and functionality, as existing methods often result in printing offsets that impact the intended design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for non-contact printing compositions on a web, utilizing an inspection/print station that detects features and generates a print pattern to align composition sites with pre-rendered patterns, allowing for precise deposition of compositions on intermediate features and discontinuities, which can then be transformed into apertures, ensuring accurate registration and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional printing methods are used at normal operating speed, then productivity is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to printing offsets in machine and cross machine directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of the web at multiple positions along the machine direction and cross machine direction before printing occurs. These images are stored and later used to generate corrected print patterns that compensate for any web movement or positioning changes, ensuring precise alignment without slowing production
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors web position by capturing images at multiple positions and comparing them to identify shifts. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the print pattern generation, correcting for offsets in both machine and cross machine directions while maintaining normal operating speed
2Manufacturing precision
If printing is based on particular features like apertures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for feature detection and pattern generation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it captures web position information, detects features like apertures, and provides data for both quality inspection and print pattern generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, managing complexity while achieving precise feature-based alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the web at multiple positions and uses these copies to generate print patterns. By working with digital representations rather than requiring complex real-time mechanical positioning systems, the solution achieves precise feature alignment with manageable device complexity
Data Source
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.