An outlet assembly for a dispenser for web-shaped absorbent material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers for web-shaped absorbent materials face challenges in efficiently switching between one-by-one and continuous dispensing modes, and require easy replacement of dispensing outlets without moving the dispenser from its fixed orientation, such as in public restrooms.

Innovation Solution

An outlet assembly comprising a first and second part that can be attached to a dispenser's outer wall, allowing for easy installation and secure positioning without external support, enabling both one-by-one and continuous dispensing options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single large outlet opening is used in the dispenser, then the web-shaped absorbent material can pass through, but the material tends to bunch up and create uneven layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial dispensingVSAvoidlayer uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet opening is divided into multiple smaller openings (first outlet opening and second outlet opening) instead of using a single large opening. This segmentation allows the web-shaped absorbent material to pass through in a more controlled manner, preventing bunching and ensuring uniform layer formation while maintaining dispensing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the dispenser outlet is designed for high-speed material ejection, then productivity increases, but the material bunches up and creates non-uniform layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial ejection speedVSAvoidlayer uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet is segmented into multiple openings that distribute the high-speed material ejection across different locations. This allows rapid dispensing while preventing the material from bunching up at a single point, thereby maintaining layer uniformity even at high ejection speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet openings are arranged in a specific spatial configuration (different positions and orientations) to distribute material ejection in multiple directions. This dimensional arrangement ensures that high-speed material passes through without concentrating in one location, preventing bunching and maintaining uniform layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the outlet opening is made larger to facilitate material passage, then dispensing is improved, but the material bunches up and creates uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial passageVSAvoidmaterial distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large outlet opening that causes material bunching, the outlet is segmented into multiple smaller openings. These openings collectively provide sufficient passage for material while distributing it evenly, thus maintaining both ease of operation and stable material distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4498879B1An outlet assembly for a dispenser for web-shaped absorbent material
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
  • EP4498879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498879B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4498879B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2e

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an outlet assembly (1) for arrangement to an outer wall (100) of a dispenser for web-shaped absorbent material, the outlet assembly (1) comprises a first part (10) defining a first outlet portion (12) and a second part (20) defining a second outlet portion (22) wherein the first part (10) comprises a rim attachment element (14) being such that the first part (10) assumes a first part fixed position in relation to the wall opening outer rim (120), the first part (10) further comprises a first connector element (16), and the second part (20) comprises a second connector element (26), the first connector element (16) and the second connector element (26) being such that the second part (20) can be attached to the first part (10) by means of connection between the first connector element (16) and the second connector element (26) such that the second part (20) assumes a second part fixed position in relation to the first part (10), wherein the dispensing axis (X2) of the second outlet portion (22) extends along the dispensing axis (X1) of the first outlet portion (12). The disclosure also relates to a kit for an outlet assembly, a dispenser comprising an outlet assembly and a method for assembling an outlet assembly.