Dispensing device for dispensing a sheet-like flat product

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensing devices for web-shaped surface products face issues such as space inefficiency and unreliable power transmission due to pivoting actuating elements and potential tilting or snagging during coupling with conveyor rollers.

Innovation Solution

A dispensing device with a permanently engaged coupling element and a freewheel device that allows the conveyor roller to rotate when the linear slide moves in one direction and decouples when it moves in the opposite direction, ensuring reliable power transmission and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pivoting actuating element is used to engage and disengage the coupling element with the conveyor roller, then the coupling can be made and broken, but the actuating element takes up a relatively large amount of space during pivoting movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling engagement capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by actuating element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a pivoting motion to engage and disengage the coupling element, the patent inverts the approach by using a linearly movable actuating element that pushes the coupling element along the circumference of the conveyor roller. The engagement is achieved by pushing the coupling element onto the conveyor roller, and disengagement is achieved by releasing it, allowing the conveyor roller to rotate freely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional pivoting mechanical system with a linear sliding mechanism. The actuating element moves linearly along the axis of the conveyor roller to push the coupling element into engagement or disengagement positions, eliminating the need for complex pivoting motions and reducing the space required for actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the teeth of the coupling element and the teeth of the conveyor roller are arranged twisted relative to each other to allow coupling, then tilting or catching may occur during engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling engagementVSAvoidpower transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric tooth arrangements where the coupling element has teeth that are offset relative to the conveyor roller teeth. This asymmetric configuration allows the coupling element to engage smoothly with the conveyor roller by pushing it along the circumference, preventing tilting or catching during engagement while ensuring reliable power transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the actuating element is designed as a linear slide instead of a pivoting element, then space usage is reduced, but the linear movement must be converted into rotary movement of the coupling element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by actuating elementVSAvoidconversion device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the linear motion of the actuating element directly with the rotational motion of the coupling element by positioning the actuating element to push the coupling element along the circumference of the conveyor roller. This integration eliminates the need for a separate conversion device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired motion transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides reliable and error-free power transmission to the conveyor roller while minimizing space usage, allowing for efficient operation in limited installations and enabling both manual and motorized operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one freewheel device which is designed such that when the linear slide moves in a first direction, the at least one conveyor roller can be set in rotation and when the linear slide moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one conveyor roller can be decoupled from the movement of the linear slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreewheel mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP3721769B1Dispensing device for dispensing a sheet-like flat product
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 HAGLEITNER HANS GEORG
  • EP3721769B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3721769B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3721769B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Dispensing device (1) for dispensing a web-shaped sheet product (2), in particular made of paper, comprising at least one conveying roller (3) and at least one drive device (4, 5) with which the at least one conveying roller (3) can be set into rotation, wherein the at least one drive device (4) comprises at least one actuating element (6) and at least one rotatable coupling element (7) with at least one lever arm (40), and wherein the at least one actuating element (6) is designed as a linear slide (8) and the at least one drive device (4) comprises a conversion device (9) for converting a linear movement of the linear slide (8) into a rotary movement of the at least one coupling element (7), wherein the at least one coupling element (7) is in engagement with the at least one conveying roller (3), and wherein the at least one drive device (4, 5) and/or the at least one conveying roller (3) comprises at least one freewheel device (10),which is designed such that when the linear slide (8) moves in a first direction (11) the at least one conveyor roller (3) can be set into rotation and when the linear slide (8) moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction (12) the at least one conveyor roller (3) can be decoupled from the movement of the linear slide (8).