Dispenser for a centre-fed roll of web material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable dispensers for centre-fed rolls of tissue paper or nonwoven material face challenges in easily withdrawing and tearing off desired lengths without breaking, and in preventing the roll from falling out when the remaining material is minimal, especially when the web material is thin.
Innovation Solution
A portable dispenser with an elongated dispenser opening having one side with tearing means and the opposite side smooth, where the length of the opening is between 40-90% of the roll diameter and the width is at least 10 times the thickness of the web material, made from moisture and tear-resistant flexible materials, allowing for easy refilling and storage, and featuring a reclosable opening with adhesive or mechanical closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dispenser opening is made large enough to easily withdraw web material, then the ease of operation is improved, but the roll may fall out when the remaining material is thin
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser opening has different characteristics on different sides: one side has a smooth edge while the opposite side has tearing means. This local differentiation allows the opening to simultaneously enable easy withdrawal on one side while preventing roll fall-out on the other side through the tearing means that can engage with the roll structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser opening width is increased to accommodate thick web material, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of web material breaking during withdrawal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening width is specifically designed to be at least 10 times the thickness of the web material, creating a proportionally scaled opening that maintains structural integrity while accommodating varying material thicknesses. The smooth edge on one side further prevents stress concentration that could cause breaking.
3Device complexity
If the dispenser opening length is made short, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of tearing off desired lengths of web material deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tearing means are concentrated on one specific side of the opening rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire opening structure. This localized feature provides effective tearing functionality while keeping the overall opening structure simple and elongated.
4Reliability
If the dispenser opening width is made small to prevent roll fall-out, then the roll retention is improved, but the ease of withdrawal of web material deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening width is optimized to be at least 10 times the web material thickness, providing sufficient clearance for easy withdrawal while the tearing means on one side and smooth edge on the other side work together to maintain roll retention through controlled engagement and release mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable dispenser (10) for a roll (11) of web material in the form of tissue paper or nonwoven material intended for wiping purposes, said roll having a roll diameter (D) and a length and having an end surface (11 a, 11 b) at each end, said web material being adapted to be unwound from the centre of the roll through one end surface thereof, the dispenser comprising an elongated housing (13) in the shape of a casing for accommodating the roll, said housing having an end wall (14, 15) at each end covering the respective end surface of the roll, wherein a dispenser opening (16) is arranged in at least one end wall of the housing, said dispenser opening being provided with tearing means (17), wherein the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape with two plane end walls and at least a substantial part of the dispenser is in the form of the casing made of a moisture and tear resistant flexible material adapted for multiple use, wherein the dispenser further comprises a reclosable opening (21) through which the roll of web material may be inserted into the dispenser, said opening extends in a circumferential direction around at least 80% of the circumference of the dispenser at a distance of no more than 5 cm from an end wall thereof and is provided with refastenable adhesive or mechanical closure means (22) for closing the opening. The dispenser comprises a carrying handle (23), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the dispenser along a substantial part of the length thereof. A rigid strip (25) is attached to the flexible walls of the dispenser just opposite the carrying handle, said strip also extending in the longitudinal direction of the dispenser.