Paper Dispenser with Rotating Arm for Easy Roll Changing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for rolled paper products, such as toilet paper or paper towels, are difficult to use when changing rolls, as they require compressing a sprung bar to remove an empty roll or install a new one, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a first arm with an elongate member that rotates to engage with a second arm, allowing for easy change of rolls by limiting rotation to a predetermined angular range and using mounting brackets to secure the arms to a surface, hiding the mounting mechanism from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sprung bar mechanism is used to hold and remove rolls, then the dispenser can securely hold rolls, but the operation becomes cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separate arms (first arm and second arm) that can move independently relative to each other. The first arm rotates about a first axis while the second arm rotates about a second axis, allowing the roll to be accessed and changed without manipulating a complex sprung bar mechanism. This segmentation transforms the single cumbersome operation into simpler, independent rotational movements.
2Ease of manufacture
If mounting brackets are visible, then the mounting mechanism is exposed, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are nested within or concealed by the arms of the dispenser. The first arm rotates about a first axis that is positioned such that the first mounting bracket is hidden behind or within the structure of the first arm. Similarly, the second mounting bracket is concealed by the second arm. This nesting approach allows the mounting mechanism to be functional while maintaining a clean, aesthetic appearance from the front view.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment, a dispenser for rolled paper product includes a first arm and a second arm, with the first arm having an elongate member configured to receive a roll of paper product. A first mounting bracket is configured to rotatingly couple the first arm to a mounting surface. The first arm is configured to cover the first mounting bracket from view. A second mounting bracket is configured to rigidly couple the second arm to the mounting surface.