Adjustable Paper Towel Roll Holder for Variable Roll Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard paper towel roll holders in aircraft galleys are not compatible with paper towel rolls of varying lengths and diameters due to differences in roll sizes provided by local suppliers, leading to compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A paper towel roll holder with adjustable length and locking mechanisms, featuring sliding sleeves and detents, support arms with rounded bosses, and various locking mechanisms such as D-tabs, compressible position rings, and hinged support arms, to accommodate different roll sizes and secure them in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard fixed-length holder is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate paper towel rolls of varying lengths and diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The holder incorporates a sliding sleeve that can move along the support arm, allowing the effective length of the holder to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the holder to accommodate paper towel rolls of varying lengths and diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is divided into distinct functional segments: a fixed carrier section, a movable sliding sleeve section, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adaptability without requiring complete structural complexity throughout the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable sliding sleeves and locking mechanisms are added, then fitment versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding sleeve serves multiple functions: it adjusts the holder length, provides a surface for the locking mechanism to engage, and maintains structural support. The D-tab locking mechanism simultaneously provides both locking and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are implemented, then retention security is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The D-tab locking mechanism is designed to be spring-loaded or elastic, allowing it to automatically engage with the detent feature when the sliding sleeve is positioned correctly. This self-locking capability provides secure retention without requiring additional manual locking actions, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A paper towel roll holder attachable to a galley wall or interior surface of a vehicle is disclosed. The paper towel roll holder includes a fixed carrier section (102) mountable to the wall and terminating in a fixed support arm (104) extending therefrom, the support arm including a circular or rounded boss (108) capable of fitting into an inner cardboard sleeve of a paper towel roll of variable length. The paper towel roll holder includes a sleeve section (106) terminating in an opposing support arm also including a rounded boss capable of fitting the inner sleeve. The sleeve section slides along the fixed carrier section to accommodate paper towel rolls of varying lengths.