Pivoting Arm Paper Goods Holder to Prevent Vehicle Unraveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in vehicles face challenges in finding a space-efficient and secure way to store and dispense paper goods like paper towels without them unraveling during transit.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser apparatus with a base having three sections and a pivotally coupled arm, which secures paper goods in place using friction forces, allowing them to be positioned under a seat or in a cargo area and easily accessed for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper goods are stored in a vehicle without a dispenser, then cabin space is saved, but the paper goods unravel freely during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into three distinct sections (first section with aperture, second section with varying thickness, third section) to create a segmented structure that provides both security and functionality. This segmentation allows each section to serve a specific purpose in preventing unraveling while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is pivotally coupled to the base and can be nested within the base structure when not in use. The paper goods are contained within the dispenser apparatus, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes space while maintaining functionality
2Ease of operation
If paper goods are stored under a seat or in cargo area, then accessibility is improved, but securing them against unraveling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is designed to be movable between a first position (proximate the first section) and a second position (proximate the third section), allowing dynamic adjustment to secure paper goods at different locations within the dispenser. This dynamic capability enables the dispenser to adapt to different storage positions while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The second section of the base has a varying thickness along its width, creating different local characteristics. This varying thickness provides enhanced friction forces at specific locations to secure the paper goods, with each section of the base offering different securing properties based on local geometric features
3Reliability
If a secure dispenser structure is used, then paper goods are kept from unraveling, but cabin space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the base into three sections allows the dispenser to achieve secure paper good retention through distributed friction forces across multiple sections, rather than requiring a single large complex structure. This segmentation enables compact design while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The arm uses flexible positioning capability to provide security through movement rather than rigid structural complexity. The arm can pivot to different positions to engage with paper goods, providing security through adaptive positioning rather than through bulky fixed structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The dispenser effectively keeps paper goods from unraveling and provides easy access for use, maintaining them out of view while allowing for secure storage and vertical or horizontal use within vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
secures paper goods in place using friction forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a base and an arm. The base has a first section defining an aperture through a thickness of the first section; a second section having a varying thickness along a width of the second section; and a third section, wherein the second section is between the first section and the third section. The arm is pivotally coupled to the second section and rotatable between a first position, in which the arm is positioned proximate the first section of the base, and a second section, in which the arm is positioned proximate the third section of the base.