Compressed Coreless Roll Center Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressed coreless rolls of sheet products without a central core are difficult for consumers to use due to the challenge of locating the axial cavity for installation into dispensers, as the hollow center void contributes significantly to packaging volume and costs, and existing efforts to eliminate this void have been unsuccessful without compromising the product's usability.
Innovation Solution
A center indicator is applied to the sheet product, which is visible when the roll is compressed, allowing users to easily locate the axial cavity by changing the color of the first few inches of the sheet product using a colored liquid spray or adhesive, facilitating the winding process and subsequent compression to collapse the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the roll is compressed to collapse the axial cavity for better packability, then packaging volume is reduced, but consumers cannot locate the axial cavity for installation into dispensers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a colored indicator (different color than the sheet product) to the axial cavity region. When the roll is compressed, this colored indicator remains visible, allowing consumers to easily locate the axial cavity for dispenser installation while maintaining reduced packaging volume.
2Shape
If a core is used to maintain the shape of the cavity, then the cavity shape is maintained, but packaging volume increases and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the core from the roll structure, creating a coreless design. This extraction eliminates the volume occupied by the core material, reducing packaging volume and transportation costs while maintaining the functional axial cavity through the sheet product winding itself.
3Volume of moving object
If the axial cavity is collapsed for compression, then packability is improved, but the indicator becomes hidden and consumers cannot identify the cavity location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a colored indicator that contrasts with the sheet product color. This color differentiation ensures that even when the roll is compressed and the axial cavity is collapsed, the indicator remains visually distinguishable, preventing loss of information about cavity location.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a compressed and coreless roll of sheet product having a center indicator are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a compressed coreless roll of sheet product is provided. The compressed coreless roll of sheet product includes a sheet product having a first end and a second end. The sheet product is wound about an axis beginning with the first end and ending with the second end to partially define an axial cavity along the axis. The first end includes an indicator that is visible when the sheet product roll is compressed such that the axial cavity is substantially collapsed.