Multiple-Orifice Nozzle Cavity to Prevent Sheet Tail Pushback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet product dispensers allow malicious tampering of the tail of the sheet product, where a user can twist and push it back into the dispenser, making it unavailable for subsequent users.
Innovation Solution
A sheet product dispenser with a nozzle featuring multiple orifices and a cavity, where the first orifice, second orifice, and cavity are configured to prevent the tail from being pushed back into the dispenser, ensuring it remains available for subsequent users by providing a specific resistance level for tearing at perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single orifice of predetermined size is used in the nozzle, then the sheet product can be dispensed and torn at perforations, but the tail of the sheet product can be maliciously tampered with and pushed back into the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple sections with different orifices (first orifice, second orifice, third orifice) arranged in sequence. Each orifice serves a specific function: the first orifice allows normal dispensing, the second orifice creates resistance to prevent pushing back, and the third orifice allows limited passage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation through the first orifice and reliability through the protective second orifice.
Solution Approach 2:
The second orifice acts as an intermediary barrier between the user and the interior space of the dispenser. It provides a controlled resistance that prevents the tail from being pushed back into the dispenser while still allowing the sheet product to pass through during normal dispensing. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for easy dispensing and the need to prevent tampering.
2Force
If the orifice is designed to create resistance for tearing, then the sheet product separates at perforations, but the tail can still be twisted and pushed through back into the dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance function is segmented across multiple orifices rather than concentrated in a single orifice. The second orifice specifically provides the resistance needed to prevent pushing back, while the first and third orifices facilitate normal passage. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the tearing function from the anti-tampering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple orifices are designed with asymmetric functionality - the second orifice creates significant resistance to pushing back, while the first orifice allows easy passage for normal dispensing. This asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by providing different force characteristics for different operational modes (normal dispensing versus attempted tampering).
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet product dispenser for dispensing sheet product from a roll of sheet product is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a housing defining an interior space configured to receive the roll of sheet product therein. The housing includes a nozzle configured to allow the sheet product to be dispensed therethrough and out of the interior space of the housing. The nozzle includes a first orifice disposed at or near an outer end of the nozzle, a second orifice disposed at or near an inner end of the nozzle, and a cavity disposed between the first orifice and the second orifice. The first orifice, the second orifice, and the cavity are configured to allow the sheet product to pass therethrough. The first orifice has a first cross-sectional area, the second orifice has a second cross-sectional area, and the cavity has a third cross-sectional area, wherein the third cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area and greater than the second cross sectional area.