Dispenser for dispensing a web-like flat product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for web-shaped sheet products, such as paper towel or toilet paper, cease functioning when the power source for the electric motor becomes weak or empty, requiring battery replacement before they can operate again.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design that includes a separate power storage device for the electronic control device and electric motor, allowing the system to switch to a manual operating mode when the power source is weak, enabling the motor to function as a generator and charge the power storage, ensuring continuous operation and allowing the user to manually dispense the product until new batteries are installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power source is used for both the electric motor and electronic control device, then the device structure is simple, but the dispenser stops functioning when the power source becomes weak or empty
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two separate power sources: one for the electric motor and another for the electronic control device. This segmentation ensures that when the motor's power source becomes weak, the control device can still function using its separate power source, maintaining operational reliability without requiring a completely redundant dual-power architecture.
2Ease of operation
If the electric motor is used to drive the dispensing mechanism, then automated dispensing is achieved, but the system becomes inoperable when battery power is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is designed to serve dual functions: as a motor during normal operation to enable automated dispensing, and as a generator during manual operation to convert mechanical energy from hand-cranking into electrical energy. This multi-functionality ensures the system remains operational in both automated and manual modes, eliminating the single point of failure represented by battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation by allowing users to manually crank the motor (which acts as a generator) to produce electrical energy directly at the point of need. This self-charging capability eliminates dependency on external power sources or battery replacement, as users can independently replenish the power supply by performing manual cranking operations.
3Productivity
If batteries are used to power the electric motor, then continuous automated operation is possible, but maintenance frequency increases when batteries need replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-charging operation by allowing users to manually crank the motor (which acts as a generator) to produce electrical energy directly at the point of need. This self-charging capability eliminates dependency on external power sources or battery replacement, as users can independently replenish the power supply by performing manual cranking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the electric motor, allowing it to function as a generator rather than solely as a motor. This parameter change enables the conversion of mechanical energy from manual cranking into electrical energy, fundamentally altering how the system manages its power supply and eliminating the need for battery replacement.
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
Enables the dispenser to continue functioning even with a weak or empty power source, allowing for manual operation and extended use until new batteries are replaced, ensuring uninterrupted service and reducing maintenance frequency.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor operates as a generator in a manual operating mode, in which the user manually pulls the web-shaped flat product out of the dispenser, and charges a power storage device
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Dispenser (1) for dispensing a web-shaped area product (6), in particular paper, with a dispensing unit driven by an electric motor (13), which is supplied with energy by a power source (15) arranged in the dispenser and via which, in a motor operating mode, the web-shaped area product (6) can be dispensed from the dispenser (1) after a trigger sensor (3) - preferably operating without contact - is activated, wherein the electric motor (13) operates as a generator in a manual operating mode, in which the user manually pulls the web-shaped area product (6) from the dispenser (1), and charges an energy storage device (23) for supplying power to the electronic control device (16) and/or the power source (15) supplying the electric motor (13), wherein the energy storage device (23) for the electronic control device (16) on the one hand and the power source (15) for the electric motor (13) on the other hand are designed separately.