Paper Roll Dispenser Dual-Opening Threading for Faster Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers for absorbent paper rolls face difficulties in easy refilling due to the restricted size of the dispensing opening, making the threading process cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when transitioning from one roll to another.

Innovation Solution

The dispenser features a dual-threading opening system where the first and second threading openings are partly overlapping to form the dispensing opening, allowing for two-step threading, with the first opening being larger for easier access and the second being narrower to guide the tail through, facilitating a smooth transition from one roll to another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the dispensing opening has a restricted open area to protect the roll and enable automatic sheet-by-sheet dispensing, then the roll is protected from soiling and water splashing, but the threading process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll protectionVSAvoidthreading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing opening is segmented into two separate openings: a first dispensing opening in the inner lid and a second dispensing opening in the outer lid. This segmentation allows each opening to serve a specific function - the first opening facilitates easy threading while the second opening maintains roll protection, thereby resolving the contradiction between threading ease and roll protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If the dispensing opening has a restricted open area to maintain a closed dispenser form, then the dispenser remains aesthetically pleasing and compact, but the refilling process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser closed formVSAvoidrefilling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing function is segmented across two separate openings in the inner and outer lids. The first opening in the inner lid provides easy access for threading during refilling, while the second opening in the outer lid maintains the aesthetic closed form. This segmentation allows the dispenser to maintain its compact shape while significantly reducing refilling time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the dispensing opening is made larger to facilitate threading, then the threading process becomes easier, but the roll becomes exposed to soiling and water splashing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethreading easeVSAvoidroll soiling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The threading function and protection function are segmented into two separate openings. The first dispensing opening in the inner lid is larger and facilitates easy threading, while the second dispensing opening in the outer lid is smaller and maintains roll protection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both threading ease and roll protection simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If a single small dispensing opening is used to maintain a closed dispenser, then the dispenser remains compact and protective, but the threading process requires twisting and manipulation of the web material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispenser closed structureVSAvoidthreading operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing opening is divided into two separate openings located in different lids. The first opening in the inner lid provides a larger, more accessible path for threading the web material without twisting or manipulation. The second opening in the outer lid maintains the closed structural integrity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between maintaining a closed structure and facilitating easy threading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3818918B1Dispenser for a roll of absorbent paper web material
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
  • EP3818918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dispenser (1) for a roll (2) of rolled up absorbent paper web material, said dispenser (1), in a closed state, comprising an outer casing (10) enclosing a roll compartment (20) for housing a roll (2), and a dispensing opening (42) extending from the roll compartment (20) to the outside of said outer casing (10) along a dispensing axis (X) of the dispenser (1), said outer casing (10) comprising an outer lid (12) assuming a closed position when the dispenser is in said closed state. Said dispenser (1) further comprising an inner lid (30), which, in said closed state of the dispenser, is arranged between said roll compartment (20) and said outer lid (12), wherein said inner lid (30) defines a first threading opening (32) through said inner lid (30) along said dispensing axis (X), said first threading opening (32) comprising a first dispensing opening portion (42a); and said outer lid (12) defines a second threading opening (16) through said outer lid (12) along said dispensing axis (X), said second threading opening (16) comprising a second dispensing opening portion (42b); and, when the dispenser (1) is in a closed state, said first threading opening (32) and said second threading opening (16) are arranged in a partly overlapping relationship so as to form said dispensing opening (42) by said first dispensing opening portion (42a) and said second dispensing opening portion (42b).