Axially Adjustable Core Plug for Sheet Product Dispenser Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core plugs for sheet product dispensers are rigid and non-adjustable, leading to variations in axial length and engagement with dispenser support features, resulting in under-engagement or over-engagement, which can cause the roll to fall out or become immovable, and may damage packaging during shipment or handling.
Innovation Solution
The development of axially adjustable core plugs with a movable support mechanism that can translate relative to a shell, allowing for accommodation of variations in roll length and dispenser feature spacing, reducing the likelihood of under-engagement or over-engagement and minimizing damage during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid core plugs with fixed axial length are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but variations in roll length and dispenser feature spacing cause under-engagement or over-engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The core plug incorporates a movable support mechanism that can translate axially within the shell, transforming the rigid fixed-structure into a dynamic adjustable-structure. This allows the support to automatically position itself to accommodate variations in roll length and dispenser feature spacing, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core plug design enables change in the axial position parameter of the support relative to the shell. By allowing this parameter to vary, the core plug can adapt to different roll lengths and dispenser configurations without requiring multiple fixed-length core plug variants, thus improving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If rigid core plugs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but variations in engagement cause roll to fall out or become immovable
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability that ensures reliable engagement across varying conditions. The support can translate to accommodate tolerances in roll length and dispenser feature spacing, preventing both under-engagement (roll falling out) and over-engagement (roll becoming immovable), thus significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The core plug's movable support mechanism automatically self-adjusts to the correct engagement position based on the specific roll and dispenser configuration. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual adjustment or multiple fixed designs, achieving high reliability while keeping the structure relatively simple.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid core plugs with fixed axial length are used, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but damage to packaging and core plugs during shipment or handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support mechanism provides built-in compliance that allows the core plug to absorb mechanical shocks and stresses during handling and shipment. When subjected to external forces, the support can translate rather than transmitting full force to the packaging or causing fracture, significantly reducing damage while adding only moderate structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support acts as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism that anticipates and mitigates冲击 forces during handling. The ability of the support to move provides a buffer zone that protects both the core plug itself and the surrounding packaging from damage, applying the cushioning principle before damage can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A core plug for supporting a roll of sheet product with respect to a sheet product dispenser is provided. The core plug may include a shell and a support. The shell may be positioned about a longitudinal axis of the core plug and configured to be at least partially inserted into a central opening of the roll of sheet product. The support may be movably attached to the shell and configured to engage a support feature of the sheet product dispenser such that the roll of sheet product is rotatably supported with respect to the sheet product dispenser. The support may be positioned at least partially within the shell, and at least a portion of the support may be configured to translate relative to the shell in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the core plug.