Dispenser Spool Pivot Mechanism for Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing elongate materials like cable or wire often result in material jams and damage due to overrunning of the spool, as they lack effective mechanisms to control spool rotation and frictional engagement.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a spool assembly with dynamic support and a brake system that allows the spool to pivot, engaging and disengaging with the brake based on the unwinding force, preventing overrunning by using an offset contact point and multiple frictional surfaces to manage spool rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spool is allowed to rotate freely during dispensing, then the dispensing speed and productivity are improved, but the spool may overrun and cause material jams or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to dynamically change its frictional engagement with the spool based on operational state. During dispensing, the spool pivots to disengage from the brake for free rotation. When dispensing stops, the spool automatically returns to engage the brake, preventing overrun without requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the friction parameter between the spool and support dynamically. The offset contact point creates different normal forces depending on spool position, automatically adjusting friction engagement from high (at rest) to low (during dispensing) and back to high (when stopping), controlling spool behavior through parameter variation.
2Reliability
If a brake is added to prevent spool overrunning, then material jams and damage are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is self-actuating through the spool's own weight and pivot motion. The offset support point causes the spool to automatically engage and disengage the brake based on its rotational state, eliminating the need for external actuators, sensors, or control systems to manage brake engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset support point acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates spool rotation into brake engagement. Rather than directly controlling the brake, the support geometry mediates between spool motion and friction engagement, simplifying the control architecture.
3Reliability
If frictional contact is maintained with the spool at all times, then spool control is improved, but the spool cannot rotate smoothly during dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional contact is dynamic rather than static. The spool pivots on the offset support to automatically modulate contact pressure with the brake, creating periods of high friction (control) and low friction (smooth rotation) based on operational needs without external intervention.
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
This solution effectively prevents material jams and damage by ensuring controlled spool rotation, allowing for smooth dispensing and preventing overrunning, thus maintaining the integrity of the elongate material.
Implementation Method 1
A brake is provided for frictionally engaging at least one of the flanges of the spool assembly
Implementation Method 2
The support is formed to dynamically interact with the spool assembly to allow for a pivoting of the spool assembly during use
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser apparatus (10) is provided for dispensing a length of elongate material (18) wound on the barrel of a spool (16). A dynamic support (22,122,222) is provided for the spool (16). The support is engaged with the spool, such that the spool may rotate about it axis. The dynamic support (22,122,222) creates a pivoting motion by the spool (16) in a rest condition that is radially offset from the center of the support and places the spool into engagement with a brake formed adjacent its periphery. During unwinding of elongate material (18), a pulling force causes the spool (16) to pivot on the dynamic support (22,122,222) and to move away from frictional contact with the brake. Once the unwinding force is removed, the spool again pivots about the dynamic support, back into frictional engagement with the brake.