Rolled Product Dispenser with Sensor-Based Product Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for consumable products, such as hand towels and bath tissues, often malfunction or provide suboptimal dispensing when loaded with products not designed for them, due to differences in roll length, diameter, and sheet thickness.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dispenser system equipped with first and second sensors to determine the length and radial measurement of the rolled product, respectively, allowing the processing device to identify the type of product based on these measurements and prevent unauthorized dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If products with different characteristics (roll length, bulk, thickness) are loaded into a dispenser, then the dispenser can accommodate various product types, but dispensing malfunctions and suboptimal dispensing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the rolled product characteristics (diameter, length, sheet thickness) before dispensing operations begin. Sensors measure these parameters and the processing device determines product type authorization, preventing malfunction before it occurs by ensuring only compatible products are dispensed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors dispensing operations and product characteristics, using sensor feedback to detect deviations from expected parameters. When unauthorized or incompatible products are detected, the system provides feedback by preventing motor actuation or sending alerts, thereby maintaining reliable dispensing performance.
2Reliability
If sensors and processing devices are added to identify product type, then dispensing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring roll diameter, calculating roll length, determining sheet thickness, and identifying product type authorization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each measurement, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If the system prevents actuation of unauthorized products, then dispensing quality is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to restricted dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser system automatically identifies and authenticates rolled products using integrated sensors and processing devices, eliminating the need for manual product verification. This self-service capability maintains high dispensing quality by preventing unauthorized products while minimizing productivity loss through automated, rapid authentication that does not require manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus for determining or identifying the type of product in a dispenser based at least in part on the length of rolled product dispensed and/or the radial measurement.