Transfer Mechanism for Nonwoven Materials in Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core technology of transferring cut-out nonwoven material members to pioneer new applications in modular furniture, customized packaging, acoustic panels, filters, and insulation materials.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for transferring nonwoven material members for use in absorbent articles. However, the patent's limitations in terms of industry and application scope hinder its potential. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by exploring new use cases, thereby expanding the technology's reach and value.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves adapting the transfer mechanism to accommodate diverse material properties and fabrication requirements. In modular furniture, the cut-out nonwoven material members are used as cushioning or sound-absorbing components. In customized packaging, the members are molded into packaging materials with specific dimensions and properties. Similarly, in acoustic panels, filters, and insulation materials, the nonwoven material members are utilized as sound-absorbing, filtering, or insulating components, respectively. The transfer mechanism's flexibility enables seamless integration with various fabrication stations, ensuring efficient and precise material relocation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its ability to transcend the original patent's industry boundaries, applying the core technology to novel applications. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the transfer mechanism's versatility and its adaptation to accommodate diverse material properties and fabrication requirements.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include varying the transfer mechanism's design to accommodate different material types, incorporating additional sensors or automation features to enhance precision, or integrating the transfer mechanism with artificial intelligence to optimize material selection and fabrication. Variations may also involve applying the inventive concept to other industries, such as aerospace or automotive.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential, with applications in multiple industries, including furniture, packaging, acoustics, filtration, and insulation. The target market includes manufacturers and suppliers seeking to integrate innovative materials and fabrication techniques into their products, as well as companies looking to expand their offerings into new markets.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F13/15739 |
| A | A61 | A61F13/15723 |
| B | B26 | B26D7/1863 |
| B | B26 | B26F1/384 |
| B | B32 | B32B38/0004 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Nonwoven material processing and transfer technologies, specifically in absorbent articles, packaging, and industrial fabrication, with expertise in material cutting, transfer mechanisms, and cross-industry material adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer or technologist with advanced knowledge of material science, manufacturing processes, and transfer mechanisms, capable of understanding material properties, fabrication techniques, and cross-domain technology adaptation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core transfer mechanism disclosed in US 11857399 represents a fundamental material handling technique that can be readily adapted to diverse applications beyond absorbent articles. The PTD demonstrates that the vacuum transfer roll and cut-out nonwoven material transfer method can be systematically applied to modular furniture, packaging, acoustic panels, filters, and insulation with predictable and successful results. The technical principles of precise material relocation and handling remain consistent across these applications, making the variations obvious extensions of the source patent's core technological concept.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,399 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for transferring one or more cut-out nonwoven material members for use in an absorbent article |
| Assignee(s) | Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag |