Rotatable Foil Dispenser with Nested Roll Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide dispensers for customs and aluminum foils are bulky, complex, and expensive to produce, and they do not optimize space usage for storing two different-sized foil rolls, with the risk of core sleeves jumping out during film section removal.
Innovation Solution
A compact slide dispenser with an elongated housing designed to store two foil rollers of varying sizes, featuring rotatable storage, a stable core sleeve design, and a hold-up mechanism to prevent core sleeves from jumping out, along with a hinged lid for easy loading and unloading, and optional wall attachment for improved stability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dispenser is designed to hold two film rolls with different diameters, then film availability at the point of use is improved, but the dispenser becomes bulky and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the two film rolls at different depths within the housing rather than side-by-side, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the housing. The rear roll holder is positioned deeper in the housing than the front roll holder, allowing compact arrangement of rolls with different diameters without increasing the overall footprint of the dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The smaller-diameter roll is effectively nested within the spatial envelope defined by the larger-diameter roll's position, with both rolls sharing the same横向 space but arranged at different longitudinal positions. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization while maintaining accessibility to both rolls.
2Reliability
If U-shaped metal plates are welded to side walls for roll support, then roll bearing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the roll holder directly into the housing structure as a unified component rather than using separate welded plates. The roll holder forms an integral part of the housing, eliminating the need for additional welding operations and reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining structural integrity and roll support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides the enclosure, structural support, and integrated roll holder functionality. By combining these functions into a single integrated structure, the design reduces the number of separate components and assembly operations required.
3Ease of operation
If the base is raised to facilitate grasping film, then ease of operation is improved, but space utilization for storing rolls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides film access at the front of the housing where the film naturally exits, allowing users to grasp and pull film without requiring a raised base. The film dispensing opening and access point are positioned to leverage the natural film pull direction, maintaining ease of operation while preserving maximum storage volume.
4Ease of operation
If core sleeves protrude from film rolls, then roll insertion into bearings is simplified, but core sleeves may pop out during film section removal
Solution Approach 1:
The roll holder design includes features that preemptively prevent core sleeve ejection during film removal. The structural configuration of the roll holder creates inherent retention mechanisms that counteract the forces that would cause core sleeves to pop out, eliminating the need for protruding core sleeves while maintaining easy insertion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The foil dispenser (1) is designed for space-optimized, rotatable storage of a larger roll (15) of cling film and a smaller roll (13) of aluminum foil, according to the foil requirements in commercial kitchens. The foil dispenser is easy to manufacture and simple to use.