Paper Dispenser with Speed-Controlled Cutting for Jam Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper dispensers lack control over the amount of paper dispensed per step, are not compatible with different paper roll sizes and types, and suffer from paper jam issues, leading to high maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A paper dispenser with a paper cutting unit between the input and output units, adjustable tension to prevent jams, and a plug system for accommodating various paper roll sizes and types, along with a sensor for controlled paper dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a paper dispenser lacks a mechanism to control the amount of paper dispensed, then the device complexity is reduced, but excessive use of paper occurs leading to high maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper control mechanismVSAvoidpaper consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the dispensing speed to be larger than the displacing speed, creating tension that enables precise cutting control. This speed parameter adjustment allows the paper cutting unit to accurately determine cut positions while maintaining simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the paper cutting unit between the paper input unit and paper output unit. The cutting unit is prepared in advance to cut paper at controlled intervals as it passes through, enabling automated paper length control without complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a paper dispenser is designed for a specific paper roll type, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different paper roll sizes and types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper roll compatibilityVSAvoidpaper roll type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the paper input unit and paper cutting unit to accommodate various paper roll types and sizes. The system uses a standardized interface that can handle different paper widths, thicknesses, and roll diameters, allowing one dispenser design to serve multiple paper roll specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the paper input unit adjustable to adapt to different paper roll characteristics. The displacing speed and tension control mechanisms can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific paper roll being used, maintaining optimal cutting conditions across various paper types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the dispensing speed is equal to the displacing speed, then the paper tension is minimized, but paper cutting reliability is reduced due to lack of tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper tensionVSAvoidpaper cutting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by deliberately setting the dispensing speed larger than the displacing speed. This creates controlled tension in the paper, which improves cutting reliability by keeping the paper taut and preventing misalignment during the cutting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial or excessive action by applying more tension than the minimum required for paper transport. The excessive speed differential creates sufficient tension to ensure reliable cutting, with the understanding that this additional tension is necessary for cutting reliability rather than just paper movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Reliability

If the dispensing speed is significantly larger than the displacing speed, then paper cutting reliability is improved through high tension, but paper jams increase due to excessive pulling force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaper cutting reliabilityVSAvoidpaper jams
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the speed differential to achieve the minimum necessary tension for reliable cutting. Rather than using excessively high speed differences, the system carefully adjusts the dispensing speed to be moderately larger than the displacing speed, creating just enough tension for cutting while avoiding excessive pulling forces that cause jams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring paper tension and adjusting the speed differential accordingly. The system responds to paper feed conditions and cutting performance, modifying the dispensing and displacing speeds to maintain optimal tension levels that prevent both poor cutting and paper jams.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3549499B1Paper dispenser
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 GUANGZHOU FANER AROMA PROD CO
  • EP3549499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3549499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3549499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A paper dispenser comprising a paper input area and a paper output area; the paper input area comprising a holder for a paper roll and comprising a paper input unit provided to displace paper from the paper roll towards the paper output area, the paper output area comprising a paper output unit which is adapted to dispense paper to an outside of the dispenser, the dispenser further comprising a paper cutting unit arranged between the paper input unit and a paper output unit, which paper cutting unit is adapted for cutting the paper, wherein the paper output unit is operationally connected to the paper input unit to dispense the paper at a dispensing speed that is at least as large as a displacing speed of the paper input unit.