Electronic dispenser for flexible rolled sheet material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic dispensers for paper products in public restroom facilities face hygiene concerns due to bodily contact and accumulate static electricity, which can cause shocks and affect electronic components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic dispenser with a proximity detection mode and a butler mode that uses a control circuit, adjustable proximity sensors, and a pivotally mounted pawl member to manage sheet material dispensing, along with a static electricity dissipation mechanism using an antenna to prevent shocks and maintain component functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional electronic dispensers use mechanical paper feeding mechanisms actuated by user physical contact, then the dispensing function is reliable and simple, but hygiene concerns arise due to bodily contact in public restroom facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical push-button actuation system with an optical sensing system. The proximity sensor detects the user's hand approach and triggers the dispensing mechanism automatically, eliminating the need for physical contact with the dispenser surface while maintaining reliable dispensing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (proximity sensor) between the user and the dispensing mechanism. This intermediary detects the user's presence and initiates the dispensing cycle without requiring direct contact, thus resolving the contradiction between hygiene and operational reliability.
2Ease of operation
If electronic dispensers operate in hands-free mode using proximity sensors, then hygiene is improved, but static electricity accumulates causing shocks and affecting electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful static electricity accumulation into a beneficial ground reference system. By providing a grounded antenna structure, the static charge is safely discharged to ground potential, preventing shocks to users and protecting electronic components while maintaining the hands-free operational benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a grounded antenna as an intermediary element that mediates between the accumulating static charge and the electronic components. This antenna provides a safe discharge path for static electricity, preventing harmful effects while allowing the proximity sensor to continue operating in hands-free mode.
3Extent of automation
If the dispenser uses a proximity sensor to detect user presence, then automatic dispensing is achieved, but the sensor may not reliably detect when sheet material has been removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two distinct parts: a proximity sensor for detecting user presence to initiate dispensing, and a paper detection sensor for verifying sheet material removal. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection task, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining automatic dispensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the paper detection sensor continuously monitors the discharge chute for the presence of sheet material. When the sheet is removed, the sensor provides feedback to the control circuit, which then triggers the next dispensing cycle. This feedback loop ensures accurate detection of sheet removal while maintaining automated operation.
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 operates hygienically without user contact and effectively dissipates static electricity, ensuring safe and reliable operation by automatically dispensing sheet material and verifying removal, thus enhancing user safety and device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor detects the presence of a user's hand when placed into proximity with the dispenser
Implementation Method 2
The dispenser includes an adjustable proximity sensor. A tear bar is mounted within the housing for severance of sheet material by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic dispenser for dispensing flexible sheet material. A control circuit receives a plurality of signals and controls dispensing of the sheet material. A tear bar is mounted within the housing for severance of sheet material by the user. A pivotally mounted pawl member is located proximate to the tear bar such that movement of sheet material into the tear bar for severance pivots the pawl member from a first position to a second position. Movement of the pawl member to the second position causes a signal to be sent to notify the control circuit that the sheet material has been removed. The dispensing mechanism is operative in a first mode to be responsive to a signal from a proximity sensor to dispense a sheet of material, and is operative in a second mode to dispense a next sheet in response to the signal generated by movement of the pawl member to the second position in response to dispensed sheet material being removed from the dispenser.