Sheet Dispenser Control Using Roll Identification and Absorbency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material dispensers lack the ability to automatically adjust the length of sheet material dispensed based on the absorbency characteristics of the material, leading to inefficiencies, waste, and increased costs, as they often require manual adjustment and do not account for the varying absorbency of different sheet materials.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser that identifies the type of sheet material using an identifier, such as an RFID tag or infrared emitter/detector, and adjusts the length of sheet material dispensed accordingly, using a processor and controller to determine the optimal length based on the material's absorbency, ensuring efficient use and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dispenser is preset to dispense a fixed length of sheet material, then the dispensing operation is simple and quick, but it results in waste and higher costs when the sheet material has low absorbency
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser dynamically adjusts the length of sheet material dispensed based on the absorbency characteristics of the material. The system transitions from a static fixed-length dispensing mechanism to a dynamic one that modifies dispensing parameters in real-time according to the detected sheet material properties, thereby optimizing both productivity and reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser changes the dispensing parameter (length of sheet material) based on the absorbency level of the sheet material. Highly absorbent materials trigger shorter dispensing lengths, while low absorbency materials trigger longer lengths, optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste without compromising user satisfaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dispenser manually adjusts the sheet material length during roll replacement, then it can adapt to different sheet material types, but it requires time, effort and expertise from the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser performs self-adjustment of dispensing parameters automatically upon detecting a change in sheet material type. The system uses sensors to identify the sheet material characteristics and autonomously modifies the dispensing length without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating time loss and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser incorporates a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor sheet material properties and automatically adjust dispensing parameters based on detected changes. This closed-loop system ensures the dispenser adapts to different sheet material types instantly without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time consumption.
3Device complexity
If the dispenser uses a fixed dispensing mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot satisfy users when the sheet material absorbency varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. Optical sensors or other detection devices identify sheet material properties, and electronic controllers automatically adjust dispensing parameters, achieving adaptability with simpler overall system architecture compared to mechanically adjustable fixed-length dispensers.
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 dispenser automatically controls the length of sheet material dispensed, optimizing usage and reducing waste by tailoring the length to the specific absorbency of the material, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the identifier may comprise an infrared emitter/detector circuit which is arranged to emit infrared light into the core of the sheet material roll, and to detect reflection of the light off reflective identification on the core of the roll
Implementation Method 2
detect reflection of the light off reflective identification on the core of the roll
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material dispenser includes a controller for automatically controlling the lengths of sheet materials dispensed from a continuous roll by identifying the type of sheet materials on the roll and dispensing suitable lengths of the identified sheet material. The dispenser desirably has a support for rotatably supporting a roll of sheet material carrying identification relating to the type of sheet material on the roll, and an identifier positioned in or adjacent the dispenser for identifying the type of sheet material on the roll. A processor receives data from the identifier, processes the data and generates an output command, and a controller controls the lengths of sheet material dispensed from the roll in response to the output command. In this way, more absorbent products may be dispensed in shorter lengths and less absorbent products may be dispensed in longer lengths.