Dispenser Insert with Movable Dispensing Part for Easy Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed dispenser cabinets face issues with incompatibility and difficulty in refilling due to firmly attached dispensing mechanisms, leading to increased friction and potential tearing of sheet products, especially when overloaded.

Innovation Solution

A dispenser insert with a frame-mounted dispensing mechanism that is translationally and rotationally movable relative to the magazine part, allowing for easy refilling without modifying the cabinet's structure, and compatible with various bottom wall shapes, including slanted or curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the dispensing mechanism is firmly attached to the cabinet bottom wall, then the structure is stable and simple, but refilling becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefilling operationVSAvoiddispensing mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism is designed with movable components that allow it to be dynamically repositioned between a dispensing position (attached to the bottom wall) and a refilling position (detached and accessible). This dynamic capability enables easy refilling while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing mechanism is divided into separable components that can be independently moved or detached. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be partially detached from the cabinet bottom wall for refilling operations, making the refilling process accessible without requiring complete disassembly or complex modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cabinet bottom wall is firmly attached or integrally formed, then the cabinet structure is stable and simple, but adapting to different dispensing mechanisms becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with dispensing mechanismsVSAvoidcabinet manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet structure is segmented into a permanent bottom wall and a detachable dispensing mechanism. This allows the bottom wall to remain simple and stable while the dispensing mechanism can be easily replaced or adapted to different configurations without modifying the cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable dispensing mechanism design creates a universal interface that can accommodate different types of dispensing mechanisms while maintaining compatibility with the same cabinet structure. This multi-functionality allows a single cabinet design to work with various dispensing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the total weight of the sheet product stack is on the leading sheet product, then the dispensing mechanism is simple, but friction increases and sheet products may tear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing mechanismVSAvoidsheet product integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure acts as an intermediary between the sheet product stack and the dispensing mechanism. This support structure distributes the weight of the sheet product stack across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on the leading sheet product, reducing friction and preventing tearing while maintaining a relatively simple dispensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If multiple sheet products are withdrawn at a time, then the dispensing speed is high, but sheet product waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidsheet product waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters that control the withdrawal quantity and timing of sheet products. By changing these parameters, the system can optimize between dispensing speed and waste prevention, allowing flexible adjustment based on usage patterns and requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3937746B1Dispenser insert for dispensing sheet products
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
  • EP3937746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3937746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3937746B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dispenser insert (1) for being mounted in an existing cabinet (2), the dispenser insert (1) comprising a frame (3) configured to be mounted in the cabinet (2), a dispensing mechanism mounted to the frame (3), the dispensing mechanism comprising a magazine part (4) for accommodating a stack of sheet products and a dispensing part (5) for dispensing the sheet products, the magazine part (4) having a refilling access (6) at its bottom, wherein the dispensing part (5) is at least translationally moveable relative to the magazine part (4) into a refilling position.