Recessed Dispenser Adapter for Larger Coreless Rolls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed dispensers are limited in accommodating larger coreless or solid rolls, as they are designed for cored rolls and require complex adapters that compromise aesthetics and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A simple adapter system with a frame and roll adapters that attach to existing recessed dispensers, allowing for easy installation and enabling the dispensing of larger coreless or solid rolls by extending into the dispensing cavity and using flexible protrusions for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cored roll dispensers are used, then the dispensing mechanism works reliably, but coreless and solid rolls cannot be dispensed and the dispenser is incompatible with ecologically superior roll types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with coreless and solid rollsVSAvoiddispensing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the dispenser and the coreless/solid roll. The adapter includes a mounting structure that attaches to the dispenser's spindle mechanism and a roll-holding structure that secures the coreless or solid roll, enabling compatibility while maintaining reliable dispensing through the original spindle-driven rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If larger diameter coreless or solid rolls are used to maximize product quantity, then more product can be dispensed, but the rolls do not fit into existing recessed dispensers and dispensing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of rolled materialVSAvoiddispensing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter extends the roll-holding structure outward from the dispenser face, creating additional spatial dimension. This allows larger diameter rolls to be accommodated by positioning the roll externally rather than requiring increased cavity depth, thereby maintaining ease of dispensing while maximizing product quantity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex adapters are used to enable coreless roll dispensing, then compatibility is achieved, but the installation becomes difficult and aesthetics are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with coreless rollsVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal mounting structure that interfaces with standard dispenser spindle mechanisms. The single-component design with integrated mounting features and roll-holding structure provides multi-functionality, enabling easy installation on various dispenser types while maintaining aesthetic appearance through streamlined design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7316369B2Coreless roll product adapter for recessed dispensers

Publication Date: 2008.01.08 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

An adapter for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed roll product dispenser is disclosed. The adapter also allows for rolled product to be dispensed from the existing recessed dispenser where the rolls being dispensed may have a larger diameter than allowed by the recessed dispenser without the adapter. A system for dispensing coreless or solid rolled product from an existing recessed dispenser is also disclosed.