Dispenser for rolls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for rolls of tissue paper in public restrooms fail to reliably switch between accessible and spare rolls, leading to potential soiling of the spare roll and requiring high spring forces for closure mechanisms, which are costly and difficult to operate.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design with a slidable closure system that uses tension springs connected closer to the second edge of the walls, bump protrusions, and a rib to reduce spring force requirements, allowing for efficient switching between rolls and protecting the spare roll by adjusting the force initiation parallel to the sliding direction, thereby reducing the need for high spring forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure mechanism with springs is used to protect the spare roll, then the spare roll is protected from soiling, but high spring forces are required making the mechanism costly and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism uses a dynamic system where the closure can slide between positions based on the state of the rolls. The closure transitions from blocking access to the spare roll when the active roll has sufficient paper, to allowing access when the active roll is depleted. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for high spring forces while maintaining reliable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure acts as an intermediary element between the user and the spare roll. It mediates access control by positioning itself to block or allow access based on the paper level in the active roll. This intermediary mechanism provides reliable protection without requiring complex high-force spring systems.
2Reliability
If the closure completely blocks access to prevent soiling, then the spare roll is protected, but access to dispense paper from the active roll is also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The closure mechanism segments the access control function into two distinct operational states: a protective state where the closure blocks access to the spare roll, and a dispensing state where the closure allows access to the active roll. This segmentation enables the same mechanism to fulfill both protection and dispensing functions without conflict.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure dynamically transitions between blocking and unblocking positions based on the paper level in the active roll. When paper is sufficient, the closure blocks the spare roll while allowing active roll access. When paper is depleted, the closure moves to allow access to the spare roll. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between protection and productivity.
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 dispenser effectively switches between rolls with lower spring force requirements, preventing soiling of the spare roll and ensuring reliable dispensing by using a combination of tension springs, bumps, and a rib to manage the closure mechanism, enhancing mechanical strength and reducing operational difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
first and second walls are urged toward each other to respectively position second edges of the first and second walls opposite to the first edges in a blocking position
Implementation Method 2
a rib is provided on the body, the rib having a gradually increasing height along, preferably parallel to, the axis of rotation of the first and second walls or to put differently of the roll or to the roll axis... The rib engages with an outer circumferential surface of the non-accessible roll, thereby preventing rotation of the roll
Implementation Method 3
Bumps 50, which are protrusions extending only over a part of the length of the walls 33, 34 along the rotational axes 35, 36 and protruding toward the rolls 1, 2 or the axis 13 or to put differently toward each other, are provided adjacent or at the second edges 40... The bumps initiate a force onto the roll for returning the closure into its originate position, wherein the force is initiated parallel to a sliding direction of the closure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Dispenser for rolls (1, 2) of tissue paper, the dispenser comprising a housing (10) for accommodating at least two of said rolls (1, 2), an access opening (14) defined in said housing for allowing access to the rolls, and a closure (21) for selectively closing a portion of the access opening, the closure being slideably mounted to the housing between a first position closing a first portion (19) of the access opening preventing access to a first roll (1) of said rolls and a second position closing a second portion (20) of the access opening preventing access to a second roll (2) of said rolls, wherein the closure comprises a body (22), a first wall (33) movably connected to the body at a first edge (39) of the first wall; and a second wall (34) movably connected to the body at a first edge (39) of the second wall, wherein the first and second wall are urged toward each other to respectively position second edges (40) of the first and second walls opposite to the first edges in a blocking position in which sliding of the closure into the second position is blocked until a predetermined amount of paper of the second roll (2) has been dispensed and in which sliding of the closure into the first position is blocked until a predetermined amount of paper of the first roll (1) has been dispensed, wherein the closure comprises a first spring (45) urging the first wall toward the second wall and a second spring (45) urging the second wall toward the first wall, the spring force of the first and second springs being configured so as to automatically return the closure into the first position when sliding of the closure into the second position is blocked and to automatically return the closure into the second position when sliding of the closure into the first position is blocked.