Bath Tissue Dispenser Hub for Non-Standard Roll Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial bath tissue dispensers often restrict the use to standard-sized rolls, limiting the options for luxury facilities that require non-standard size rolls, leading to difficulties in ensuring consistent tissue supply from multiple vendors.
Innovation Solution
A custom hub designed for bath tissue dispensers that supports larger diameter and width rolls, featuring a first end with a specific diameter to fit the roll core and a second end with a lip to securely hold the roll, along with a connector rod for attachment, allowing for the use of predetermined roll sizes and preventing smaller rolls from functioning properly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard size hub is used in the dispenser, then the dispenser can accommodate standard-sized tissue rolls, but it cannot accommodate non-standard size rolls required by luxury facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The hub design incorporates variable parameters including different first end diameters (e.g., 1.82 inches) and adjustable connector rod lengths to accommodate different roll core dimensions. The lip longitudinal length (0.5 inches or less) and first end longitudinal length (0.5 inches or less) are optimized to work with larger diameter rolls while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The hub is divided into distinct functional segments: a first end for inserting into the roll core, a connector rod for attachment to the dispenser, and a second end with a lip for supporting the roll core. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function while enabling the overall hub to accommodate non-standard roll sizes
2Volume of moving object
If larger diameter roll cores are used to accommodate larger tissue rolls, then non-standard size rolls can be supported, but the connector rod must be proportionally larger affecting the overall hub dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector rod is designed as a thin rod with a longitudinal diameter less than half of the first diameter of the first end. This thin-film approach allows the connector rod to maintain structural integrity while minimizing its contribution to the overall hub dimensions, enabling larger roll core diameters without proportionally increasing hub size
Solution Approach 2:
The hub design optimizes the spatial arrangement by positioning the connector rod attachment points at specific locations on the first end (proximate to top, bottom, or middle) and extending the rod to connect near the bottom of the second end. This dimensional optimization allows larger roll cores while controlling the overall hub length through strategic placement rather than uniform scaling
3Reliability
If the dispenser is designed to accept only standard rolls, then the investment is protected through limited compatibility, but luxury facilities cannot use premium non-standard size tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The hub design achieves universality by incorporating adjustable parameters that allow it to function with different roll sizes and specifications. The configurable first end diameter, connector rod dimensions, and lip characteristics enable the same hub design to accommodate various premium roll sizes while maintaining reliable tissue supply consistency through proper mechanical engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The hub described herein is adapted for specialized use with relatively larger diameter tissue roll cores and large width rolls. The hub prevents the practical use of smaller tissue rolls having smaller core diameters and/or being a smaller width roll. The hub allows for custom matching a bath tissue roll with a particular hub for quality control purposes. The hub facilitates the installation of a predetermined uniform bath tissue to be mounted in a dispenser with the hub.