Automatic Drop-Down Tissue Dispenser for Hands-Free Roll Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In tissue dispensers holding multiple rolls, users face difficulties in accessing rolls above the bottommost roll once it is exhausted, requiring manual adjustments and potentially touching interior components, which can be cumbersome and pose health concerns.
Innovation Solution
A tissue dispenser with a mandrel and sensor system that automatically moves a new roll into position when the bottom roll's diameter falls below a threshold, allowing seamless access without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tissue rolls are held in a vertical configuration, then the storage capacity is improved, but the accessibility to upper rolls deteriorates when the bottom roll is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel is designed to be movable between a retracted position (where upper rolls are hidden) and an extended position (where upper rolls are accessible). This dynamic mechanism automatically adjusts the accessibility of upper rolls based on the status of the bottom roll, resolving the contradiction between vertical storage capacity and ease of access to upper rolls.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustments are required to access upper rolls, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates and health concerns arise from touching interior components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a sensor to detect when the bottom roll is exhausted and automatically actuates the mandrel to move into position, allowing users to access upper rolls without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to touch interior components while maintaining simple overall device architecture.
3Extent of automation
If the mandrel is automatically moved when the bottom roll is exhausted, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to sensor and controller components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical lever-based sensor mechanism. The lever is positioned to contact the bottom roll and automatically transitions between states based on roll presence, mechanically actuating the mandrel without requiring electronic sensors or controllers, thus achieving automation while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for dispensing consumable material can include a housing, first and second support frames, a mandrel, and a lever. The mandrel can be movably mounted to the support frames between upper and lower positions and configured to hold upper and lower rolls. In some embodiments, when the mandrel is in the upper position, only the lower roll is accessible, and when the mandrel is in the lower position, both of the upper and lower rolls are accessible. The lever can be operatively connected to the first support frame and moveable between first and second positions. In some embodiments, when in the first position, a portion of the lever presents a physical interference that inhibits the mandrel from moving from the upper position to the lower position and, when moved to the second position, the physical interference is removed, thereby allowing the mandrel to move.