Rolled Sheet Dispenser with Integrated Feed Roller Cutting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic dispensers for flexible sheet materials face issues such as high manufacturing costs due to complex mechanisms, static electricity accumulation, and noise during operation, while also requiring close tolerances and not addressing hygiene concerns in public restroom settings.

Innovation Solution

An electronic dispenser with a motorized feed roll assembly incorporating a gear reducer and one-way clutch system, integrated motor, and adjustable sensors for controlled dispensing, along with a cutting mechanism and pivotally mounted pawl for automatic sheet severance, which reduces noise and manufacturing costs and enhances hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional electronic dispensers use motors, gears and drive systems for controlled dispensing, then dispensing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical drive systems (motors, gears) with a simple manual feed mechanism where sheet material is fed through a feed roll and pressing roll assembly. The cutting is achieved through a tear bar and pawl mechanism that uses the user's pulling action rather than motorized cutting. This mechanical simplification reduces manufacturing costs and device complexity while maintaining functional capability for controlled dispensing and cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If sheet material moves over rollers in electronic dispensers, then automated dispensing is achieved, but static electricity accumulates causing shocks and circuit interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated dispensingVSAvoidstatic electricity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges the static electricity generation from roller contact but does not implement active mitigation. Instead, the design accepts this harmful effect as an unavoidable byproduct of the simplified mechanical feeding mechanism, focusing on other aspects of hygiene and functionality rather than attempting to convert or eliminate the static charge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional electronic dispensers use sensors and motors for hands-free operation, then hygiene is improved, but noise during operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehygieneVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates motorized components that generate noise by using a manual feeding mechanism where the user physically feeds the sheet material through the rolls. The cutting function uses a mechanical tear bar and pawl system that operates silently through user action. This mechanical approach maintains hygiene through contactless cutting while eliminating the noise associated with electronic motors and sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If motorized feed roll assemblies are used for controlled dispensing, then dispensing consistency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces motorized feed roll assemblies with a simple manual feeding system consisting of a feed roll and pressing roll. The pressing roll applies friction to guide the sheet material through the dispenser, providing sufficient control for consistent dispensing without requiring expensive motors and control electronics. This mechanical simplification significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate dispensing consistency for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11344165B2Dispenser for rolled sheet materials with cutting system

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

AI summary

A dispenser for dispensing a flexible, rolled sheet material can include a housing and a supply of the sheet material supported within the housing for feeding the sheet material along a path defined through the housing. A feed roller can be rotatably mounted within the housing and have a body that engages the sheet material to pull the sheet material from the supply to dispense a selected amount of the sheet material therefrom. The dispenser also can include pressing rollers positioned adjacent the feed roller and biased to engage the sheet material between the pressing rollers and the feed roller, and a cutting mechanism arranged along the body of the feed roller that can have a cutting blade operatively connected to the body of the feed roller and actuated with rotation thereof to at least partially cut or perforate a selected portion of the sheet material.