Dual-Roll Web Material Dispenser with Sequential Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for tissue paper and web materials face challenges such as excessive material consumption and difficulty in handling rolls without tubular winding cores, particularly in public places where multiple users access the dispensers, leading to inefficient use and waste.
Innovation Solution
A dual-roll dispenser with a closing mechanism that forces users to fully utilize the first roll before accessing the second, featuring a blocking member that prevents access to the second roll until the first is finished, along with elastic biasing and a sliding door system to optimize consumption and prevent waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple rolls are arranged in the same dispenser housing, then the time interval between fillings is extended, but the complexity of the dispenser structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is segmented into multiple independent seating areas (first seat and second seat) within a single housing, each capable of holding a roll. This segmentation allows the dispenser to serve multiple rolls simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between extended duration and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A dynamic closing member (door assembly) is introduced that can selectively cover or uncover dispensing openings based on roll consumption status. This dynamic element enables automatic control of access to different rolls, extending the operational duration while adding only minimal structural complexity through a single movable component.
2Ease of operation
If users can access multiple rolls simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing member is positioned to preliminarily block access to the second dispensing opening before the first roll is exhausted. This preliminary anti-action prevents users from accessing the second roll prematurely, thereby reducing material waste while still allowing easy access to the first roll when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly provides visual feedback through its position (covered vs. uncovered) indicating which roll is currently accessible. This feedback mechanism guides user behavior to consume from the appropriate roll, optimizing material usage while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive access control.
3Ease of manufacture
If rolls without tubular winding core are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and paper capacity is increased, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seating structure and closing member are designed with universal functionality that works effectively with rolls lacking tubular cores. The seat geometry and door mechanism are optimized to accommodate coreless rolls, enabling the dispenser to maintain ease of operation while supporting the manufacturing advantages of coreless roll design.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The dispenser (2) comprises a housing (3) where the following are provided: a first seat (5) for a first roll (R1) of web material (N1), provided with a first dispensing opening (21) for dispensing web material (N1); a second seat (7) for a second roll (R2) of web material, (N2), provided with a second dispensing opening (23) for dispensing web material (N2). A closing member (31) is mounted on the housing and is suitable to take selectively two positions with respect to the housing (3). In a first position the closing member (31) prevents access to the second dispensing opening (23) and allows access to the first dispensing opening (21). In the second position the closing member (31) prevents access to the first dispensing opening (21) and allows access to the second dispensing opening (23). A blocking member (43) is also provided, preventing the closing member (31) from moving from the first position to the second position when a roll (R1) is contained in the first seat (5).