Collar Retention System for Flexible Material Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional payout packaging devices for elongated flexible materials face issues with friction-fitted collars slipping when the material exerts outward force during unwinding, leading to instability and increased friction against suspension stanchions.

Innovation Solution

A collar retention system comprising primary and retention collars with varying diameters, where the retention collars provide support to the primary collars, resisting outward pressure and preventing shifting, while also acting as spacers to reduce friction against suspension stanchions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a friction fitted collar is used on the elongated rotatable member, then the collar can be easily installed and removed, but the collar slips when the elongated flexible material exerts outward force during unwinding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar installation and removalVSAvoidcollar position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collar system is segmented into multiple components: a friction fitted collar for easy installation/removal, and a retention collar with lugs that engage with slots to prevent slipping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the friction collar provides ease of operation while the retention collar provides position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention collar acts as an intermediary between the friction fitted collar and the elongated rotatable member. It transfers and distributes the outward force from the unwinding material, preventing the friction collar from slipping while maintaining the ease of installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the collar is allowed to move freely on the elongated rotatable member, then the friction against suspension stanchions increases, but restricting the collar may cause slipping under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar position stabilityVSAvoidfriction against suspension stanchions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention collar is designed with localized engagement features (lugs that fit into slots) at specific positions along the elongated rotatable member. This local quality allows the collar to be restricted at precise locations, reducing friction against suspension stanchions while maintaining stability under load through the engaged lugs and slots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single collar design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle heavier materials effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollar system structureVSAvoidsupport for heavier materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The collar system is divided into distinct components with specialized functions: the friction fitted collar for installation/removal, the retention collar for position stability, and engagement lugs with slots for load bearing. This segmentation enables the system to handle heavier materials effectively while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar system combines different functional elements (friction fit mechanism, retention lugs, slots) into a composite structure that leverages the strengths of each component. This composite approach provides the necessary strength for heavier materials while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 system maintains the position of the collar constant throughout its usable life, reduces friction against suspension stanchions, and enhances structural integrity for heavier materials by reinforcing the center of the rotatable member.

Implementation Method 1

the elongated flexible material wound around the elongated rotatable member exerts an outward force on the collar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

acting as spacers to reduce friction against suspension stanchions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3342738B1Collar retention system for packaging device for dispensing elongated flexible material
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 ADEMCO INC
  • EP3342738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342738B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3342738B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A collar retention system is provided that can be used in connection with a packaging device (10) for dispensing elongated flexible material (22). The system includes an elongated rotatable member (14) for receiving elongated flexible material (22); two primary collars (40) located around and proximate the lengthwise opposing ends of the elongated rotatable member, the first and second primary collars resisting outward pressure thereon from the elongated flexible material; and two retention collars (42) located around and proximate the lengthwise opposing ends of the elongated rotatable member,each retention collar supporting a respective primary collar for resisting the outward pressure thereon from the elongated flexible material, and each retention collar preventing the respective primary collar from shifting lengthwise along the elongated rotatable member and towards the lengthwise opposing ends thereof.