Adjustable Lid Dispenser Pagers for Compact Multi-Size Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid dispensers are not compact enough to efficiently utilize space in retail environments and cannot easily accommodate lids of different dimensions without complex adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A compact lid dispenser with an axially extending polygonal tube and adjustable pager assemblies that engage lids at a radially positioned opening, using constant force springs to urge lids forward and a dispensing mechanism with flippers and claws for precise lid extraction, allowing for easy adjustment to various lid sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact lid dispenser is designed to reduce space usage and material consumption, then the device size and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to accommodate various lid sizes and the ease of adjustment become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into modular components including adjustable pager assemblies that can be independently positioned. Each pager assembly consists of separate elements (pager body, flipper, spring) that can be adjusted without affecting the entire device, enabling compact design while maintaining adaptability to different lid sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The pager assemblies are made adjustable and reconfigurable rather than fixed. The flippers are spring-loaded and can be positioned at different radial locations, allowing the compact dispenser to dynamically adapt to various lid dimensions while maintaining a small overall footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable pager assemblies are implemented to accommodate different lid sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pager assemblies incorporate self-adjusting features where the spring-loaded flippers automatically position themselves based on the lid size. The adjustable mechanism allows users to simply reposition the pager assembly along the radial direction without complex tools or procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability
3Ease of manufacture
If a compact design with less material is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability and durability of the dispenser may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser utilizes thin-walled but strategically reinforced structural elements. The pager bodies and housing use optimized material distribution with thicker sections at high-stress points (where the flippers engage lids) and thinner sections where structural loads are minimal, achieving cost-effective manufacturing without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into single components to reduce total material usage. The pager body simultaneously serves as a mounting structure, a guide for the flipper, and a support for the constant force spring. The housing integrates the tube, front element, and mounting features into a unified structure, reducing overall material consumption while maintaining durability through functional integration
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
The dispenser effectively accommodates a range of lid dimensions in a compact form, reducing material usage and manufacturing costs while ensuring efficient and hygienic lid dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
Constant force springs are engaged with a polygonal piston with a standoff plate which urges the stack of lids frontwardly against the pagers through the front element
Implementation Method 2
The polygonal tube abuts the front element, such that the circular opening permits the dispensing of lids, but restrains the polygonal piston from escaping frontwardly through the front plate opening
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A lid dispenser receives a stack of drink cup lids within a housing tube, such that the frontmost lids extend through a front element opening and are retained by multiple pager assemblies, each of which has a frontwardly extending pager body post. The inside of the pager body has an engaging wall with an inclined surface directed radially inwardly. Flippers are pivoted to the posts and have wings which extend towards the front element, and have interior surfaces which are inclined radially outwardly. The flippers are biased radially inwardly, but are displaceable by a pressure applied axially towards the interior cavity. When adjusted so the pager body posts project radially over the front element opening, each pager body post inside wall is positioned to engage lids which extend from the front element opening, and direct them towards engagement with the pager flippers.