Rotating Paper Dispenser Arm for Easier Roll Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensers for rolled paper products, such as toilet paper or paper towels, are difficult to use when changing rolls, as they require compressing a sprung bar to remove an empty roll or install a new one, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a first arm and second arm assembly with a bushing assembly and elongated member, allowing for easy rotation and detachment of the paper holder, enabling simple roll changes by covering the mounting bracket from view and limiting rotation to a predetermined angular range for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sprung bar is used to hold the paper roll, then the roll can be securely held in place, but the dispenser becomes difficult to operate when changing rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static sprung bar mechanism into a dynamic rotating arm assembly. The first arm can rotate between a first position (holding the roll securely) and a second position (allowing easy roll change), enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is divided into separate functional components: a first arm for holding the roll, a second arm for support, a bushing assembly for rotation, and an elongated member for securing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the first arm is rigidly coupled to the mounting surface, then the dispenser is stable, but the paper holder cannot rotate for easy roll access
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing assembly acts as an intermediary between the first arm and the mounting surface, enabling rotation while maintaining stable mounting. The bushing allows the first arm to rotate relative to the second arm while the second arm remains rigidly coupled to the mounting surface.
3Ease of operation
If the paper holder can rotate freely, then roll changes are easy, but translational movement occurs causing insecure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static secured state to a dynamic rotating state and back. The elongated member with detent features provides secure attachment during rotation while preventing unwanted translational movement, allowing controlled dynamic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent features on the elongated member provide pre-positioned stopping points that guide and secure the rotating first arm at specific positions, preventing uncontrolled movement and ensuring reliable attachment throughout the rotation cycle.
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
Facilitates easier and more efficient roll changes by allowing the paper holder to rotate relative to the arms, preventing translational movement and ensuring secure attachment to a mounting surface, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The bushing assembly includes first and second members that are rotatable relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A rolled paper dispenser including a first arm having a base portion and an end portion; a first mounting bracket attachable to a wall and disposed in a cavity of the base portion of the first arm; first and second bushing members that are rotatable relative to one another, such that the end portion of the first arm and the first bushing member are selectively rotatable relative to the second bushing member and the first mounting bracket; a second arm including a second cavity; a second mounting bracket attachable to the wall and disposed entirely in the second cavity; and an elongated member configured to receive the rolled paper product, the elongated member detachably coupled to the end portion of the first arm by a fastener extending through the elongated member, such that the elongated member rotates with the end portion of the first arm relative to the second arm.