Retractable Paper Roll End Plug for Compact Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper roll end plugs with protruding holding elements occupy valuable space and require wrapping for storage and transport, making it difficult to form stable packages for multiple rolls.
Innovation Solution
An end plug design with a holding element that can be axially moved from a protruding use position to a recessed transport position, using mechanisms like toggle joints, sliding shafts, and spring biases, allowing the holding element to be releasably held in the transport position to save space and protect it during storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holding element protrudes outwardly from the end plug, then it can effectively hold and guide the paper roll in the dispenser, but it occupies valuable storage space and requires wrapping for protection
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to be movable relative to the end plug body, transitioning between a protruding operational position for guiding the paper roll and a retracted storage position that minimizes volume. This dynamic configuration allows the same component to fulfill both the holding function and space-saving storage requirement
2Reliability
If the holding element protrudes outwardly, then it can guide the paper roll correctly in the dispenser, but it makes storage and transport difficult without wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element's ability to move between protruding and retracted positions enables it to provide guiding functionality during dispenser operation while facilitating easy storage and transport when retracted, eliminating the need for protective wrapping
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is designed to be nested within or retractable into the end plug body during storage and transport, similar to a nested doll structure, thereby reducing overall dimensions and eliminating the need for external protective packaging
3Reliability
If the holding element is fixed in a protruding position, then it provides stable holding function, but it increases the overall size of the end plug and complicates packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element transitions from a fixed protruding configuration to a dynamic movable configuration, allowing it to maintain stable holding function when needed while reducing overall dimensions for compact packaging when retracted
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 design allows for efficient storage and transport of paper rolls without the need for wrapping, enabling the formation of stable packages by keeping the holding elements inside the end plug, thus optimizing space usage and protecting them from damage.
Implementation Method 1
Paper rolls having end plugs with axially movable holding elements which are biased to a protruding use position by resilient elements, e.g. springs
Data Source
AI summary
An end plug to be inserted axially into the centre of an end of a roll of paper, includes a holding element adapted to hold and/or guide the end of the roll of paper in correct position in a dispenser. The end plug includes an outer sleeve having an outer end and an inner end and the holding element is connected to the sleeve by elements allowing the holding element to be axially moved from a first position to a second position, in which the holding element protrude outwardly from the outer end of the sleeve, the holding element being releasably held in the first position when moved thereto. A roll of tissue paper including such an end plug and a dispenser provided with such a roll are also disclosed.