Method and arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue dispensers face challenges in accurately detecting the filling level, leading to incorrect resource management and inefficient operation, as they often lack reliable methods to determine the remaining tissue quantity and adapt to changes in tissue rolls.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement for detecting the filling level in tissue dispensers, which includes a counter for tracking dispensed portions, a control unit for determining initial and verified filling levels based on counter data and tissue type information, and a holding arrangement with a diameter sensor to manage tissue roll positions and adjust portion sizes, ensuring accurate resource management and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing tissue dispensers use simple detection methods, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of filling level detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with optical sensing technology. The optical sensor detects the position of the tissue roll and measures the length of dispensed tissue non-contactively, eliminating the need for mechanical counters or physical measurement devices while achieving high precision in filling level detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that processes optical sensor data and calculates filling levels. This intermediary component coordinates between the simple optical sensor and the complex detection task, enabling accurate measurement without requiring the sensor itself to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tissue dispensers lack adaptive filling level detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different tissue rolls and user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation through the control unit, which continuously monitors optical sensor data and adjusts filling level calculations in real-time. The system adapts to different tissue roll sizes, speeds, and dispensing patterns automatically, allowing the dispenser to remain versatile across various tissue types and user requirements without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the optical sensor continuously provides information about tissue roll position and dispensed length to the control unit. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust its detection and calculation methods based on actual operating conditions, improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple hardware through intelligent software control.
3Loss of information
If tissue dispensers use inaccurate filling level detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about remaining tissue quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical counting mechanisms with optical measurement technology. The optical sensor captures continuous visual information about the tissue roll position and dispensed tissue length, providing rich quantitative data without the mechanical complexity of counters, sensors, or physical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an information copy of the physical tissue roll state through optical sensing. The optical sensor generates a digital representation of the tissue roll position and dispensed length, which the control unit processes to calculate remaining quantity. This informational copy enables accurate tracking without physical interaction with the tissue.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll. Further, the invention relates to a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll. The method comprises: counting portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser, determining an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, determining a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.