End Plug Locking Surface for Easy-Insert Roll Dispensers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for rolls of material, such as tissue paper, face challenges in ensuring easy insertability and secure locking of end plugs within retention mechanisms, often resulting in inadequate locking forces and difficulties in exchangeability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an end plug with an inclined locking surface, angled between 117° to 141°, which fits into a retention mechanism, enhancing both insertability and locking forces by allowing better sliding and supporting higher loads without deformation, along with a bearing pin and counter surface design that optimizes the interaction with the retention mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a simple bearing pin is used for retaining the end plug, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking force and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking surface is designed as an inclined plane at a specific angle (117° to 141°) relative to the longitudinal axis of the bearing pin, creating a wedge-like geometric configuration that converts axial insertion force into radial locking force, thereby achieving reliable retention without complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined angle of the locking surface is optimized within a specific range (117° to 141°) to balance insertion ease and locking force generation, representing a parameter optimization approach that achieves optimal performance without increasing structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If a perpendicular pin is used for the end plug, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the insertability and slideability into the retention mechanism are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined locking surface creates a wedge geometry that guides the end plug into the retention mechanism during insertion, improving slideability and ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single geometric feature on the bearing pin
3Strength
If a flat locking surface is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the locking force under load is insufficient and deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined locking surface acts as a wedge that distributes and redirects loads, preventing deformation of the bearing pin while maintaining structural simplicity, as the inclined geometry inherently provides mechanical advantage for load bearing
Solution Approach 2:
The specific angle range (117° to 141°) of the inclined locking surface is optimized to maximize load bearing capacity while preventing deformation, representing a parameter-based solution that achieves high strength without complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An end plug for a roll of material to be inserted into a retention mechanism, includes a receiving portion to fit into a hollow core of the roll of material; and a bearing member to fit into the retention mechanism. The bearing member includes a bearing pin having a counter surface facing the receiving portion; and a locking surface for locking the end plug in an end position in the retention mechanism, the locking surface being arranged between the receiving portion and the bearing pin, the locking surface having at least one portion inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bearing pin by an angle to the longitudinal axis of the bearing pin in the range of 117° to 141°. A retention mechanism in a dispenser for retaining the end plug of an exchangeable roll of material is also disclosed.