An outlet assembly for arrangement at a wall opening in an outer wall of 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 without a time-efficient and secure attachment of different dispensing outlets.

Innovation Solution

An outlet assembly with interlocking parts, featuring protruding portions and fastening bores, allows for a two-step detachment process and secure attachment to a dispenser, ensuring reliable and efficient switching between dispensing modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional outlet assembly with a single large aperture is used, then the web-shaped absorbent material can pass through, but the material tends to deform and stick to the outlet assembly, causing irregular dispensing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistent dispensingVSAvoidmaterial deformation and sticking
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet aperture is divided into multiple smaller aperture elements arranged in an array pattern. This segmentation prevents the web-shaped material from deforming and sticking by providing multiple smaller exit paths instead of a single large opening, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable dispensing of the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the outlet assembly has a simple single aperture design, then the device complexity is low, but the material may become trapped between the dispenser and the outlet assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet assembly structureVSAvoidmaterial release consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet assembly incorporates multiple aperture elements in an array configuration, which prevents material trapping between the dispenser and outlet while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmented aperture design allows material to pass through multiple small openings rather than one large opening, reducing the risk of trapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet assembly includes a protrusion extending toward the dispenser, creating a three-dimensional configuration that prevents material trapping. This dimensional addition allows the material to be guided properly through the aperture array without becoming caught between surfaces.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If a single large aperture is used in the outlet assembly, then manufacturing is simple, but the material may be dispensed too quickly or in an uncontrolled manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet assembly fabricationVSAvoidmaterial dispensing rate control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single large aperture is segmented into multiple smaller aperture elements arranged in an array. This segmentation provides better control over the dispensing rate of the web-shaped material while still allowing for relatively simple manufacturing processes. The multiple small openings distribute the material flow more evenly and controllably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4498882B1An outlet assembly for arrangement at a wall opening in an outer wall of a dispenser for web-shaped absorbent material
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
  • EP4498882B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498882B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP4498882B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The disclosure relates to an outlet assembly (1) for arrangement at a wall opening (31) in an outer wall (30) of a dispenser (40) for web-shaped absorbent material, the outlet assembly (1) being adapted to form an outlet for dispensing of the web-shaped absorbent material from the dispenser (40) through the wall opening (31). The disclosure also relates to a dispenser (40) and to a method for arranging an outlet assembly (1) to an outer wall (30) of a dispenser (40).