Device for dispensing strips of a flexible material packaged in a coil positioned horizontally or vertically
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper dispensers with coiled material result in significant waste due to manual cutting by users, and they are complex and costly due to the need for automatic cutting devices and require support for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A strip dispenser apparatus with a flexible coil and elastomeric washers that deform to create tear lines, allowing for automatic cutting with a minimal number of components and low cost, enabling precise cutting regardless of material thickness and user traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual cutting is used by users, then the device structure remains simple, but material waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric washer automatically performs the cutting function by deforming under user traction to create a tearing action on the material band. The system serves itself by using the user's pulling action to directly activate the cutting mechanism through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate cutting devices while preventing material waste through precise tear-line cutting.
2Loss of substance
If automatic cutting devices are integrated, then material waste is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric washer's hardness parameter is specifically optimized to enable automatic cutting functionality. By selecting rubber with appropriate hardness properties, the washer can deform under traction force to create effective cutting action on the material band, providing automatic cutting capability without the complexity of mechanical cutting devices.
3Device complexity
If elastomeric washers are used for cutting, then the device becomes simpler and cheaper, but cutting precision may be affected by material thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness parameter of the elastomeric washer is optimized to maintain cutting precision across varying material thicknesses. The elastic properties allow the washer to adapt its deformation characteristics based on the material being cut, ensuring consistent tear-line cutting regardless of thickness variations while keeping the device simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple washers are used to accommodate different orientations, then versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric washer is designed with universal functionality to operate effectively in both vertical and horizontal coil orientations. The elastic deformation mechanism works independently of orientation, allowing a single washer design to serve multiple functions and configurations without requiring additional orientation-specific components.
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 apparatus effectively reduces material waste and simplifies the cutting process by using elastomeric washers to create tear lines, ensuring consistent cutting without the need for complex mechanisms or additional support, allowing for easy adjustment and use in various orientations.
Implementation Method 1
washers (3) being carried out in an elastomeric material adapted to be deformed under the effect of the distribution Material by said opening (1a) to concomitantly cause the cut of a strip according to a tear line
Data Source
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AI summary
The dispensing apparatus for strips of a flexible material supplied in a reel, and having tear lines at regular intervals to form the strips, said apparatus includes a housing (1) for receiving said reel (B), said housing (1) having a circular opening (1a) for the passage and distribution of a strip under a tensile force, includes at least one washer (3) fixed on the housing (1) concentrically to the distribution opening (1a), the inner diameter of at least one washer (3) being less than the diameter of the opening (1a), said washer(s) (3) being made of an elastomeric material capable of being deformed under the effect of the distribution of material through said opening (1a) to cause, concomitantly, the cutting of a strip along a tear line,said washer(s) (3) cooperate(s) with a manually actuable element (7) arranged to reduce at will the internal diameter of the washer(s) (3).