Adjustable Axle Dispenser for Multi-Width Tape Rolls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in managing and dispensing multiple rolls of tape or similar objects of different widths and sizes, as existing dispensers often struggle to accommodate various widths and prevent rolls from sticking together.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with an adjustable axle assembly and movable stops that allow for secure mounting of rolls of different widths, featuring a non-rotating axle and a locking mechanism to prevent roll movement and sticking, while also allowing easy replacement and adjustment of the axle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed axle assembly is used in the dispenser, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot accommodate rolls of different widths
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly incorporates movable stops that can be adjusted along the axle to different positions, allowing the dispenser to accommodate rolls of various widths. The stops can be moved independently to match the width of different rolls, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different axle structure for each roll size.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle assembly is divided into modular components including the axle itself and separate movable stops. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or replaced, enabling the system to handle different roll widths while maintaining overall structural simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
2Quantity of substance
If rolls are placed close together to save space, then storage capacity increases, but rolls tend to stick together and become difficult to dispense
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the problematic contact surfaces between rolls by implementing a non-rotating axle that prevents rolls from rotating and sticking to each other. The movable stops also create small gaps between adjacent rolls, further reducing contact area and preventing sticking while allowing rolls to be stored close together.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable stops act as intermediaries between adjacent rolls, creating separation and preventing direct contact between the rolls themselves. This intermediary structure allows rolls to be stored in close proximity without sticking, maintaining both high storage capacity and ease of dispensing.
3Reliability
If multiple rolls are secured tightly to prevent movement, then roll stability increases, but replacement and adjustment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable stops are designed to be easily adjustable along the axle, allowing users to quickly reposition them when replacing rolls. The stops can be moved to new positions and secured with simple friction or snap-fit mechanisms, providing stable roll securing during use while enabling rapid replacement without complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle assembly incorporates self-adjusting features where the movable stops can be easily repositioned by hand to accommodate different roll widths. The design allows users to perform maintenance and adjustments themselves without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, balancing stability with ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser with a case including a base and a cover that together define an internal storage region, and an adjustable axle assembly, mounted within the internal storage region of case, including an axle and at least one movable stop that is configured to be secured to the axle.