Sheet material dispenser with spring loaded operation trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper towel dispensers with integrated cutting mechanisms can fail due to spring failures or paper jams, leading users to apply excessive force on manual override triggers, potentially causing further damage.
Innovation Solution
A sheet material dispenser with a manually movable operation trigger that engages a rotatable drum only on its return movement, utilizing a return spring to control the force and prevent excessive force application, featuring a releasable engagement mechanism like a ratchet cogwheel and rack system to ensure controlled rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual override trigger is provided to rotate the drum directly, then the dispenser can be operated manually to clear jams or spring failures, but users may apply excessive force causing further damage to the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A return spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the operation trigger and the drum. The spring mediates the force transmission by providing a controlled return force that rotates the drum only during the trigger's return movement, preventing direct transmission of excessive user force to the drum mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism changes its state based on the trigger position. During the forward movement, the ratchet teeth are disengaged from the drum; during the return movement, they engage to transmit force. This parameter change ensures force is applied only in the controlled return direction.
2Ease of operation
If the operation trigger is made resilient to allow movement, then it can accommodate user force variations, but it may move too far or cause uncontrolled drum rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger movement is segmented into two distinct phases: a forward movement phase where the ratchet teeth disengage from the drum, and a return movement phase where the teeth engage. This segmentation allows the trigger to be resilient and move freely in the forward direction while providing controlled engagement only during the return stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary that selectively engages or disengages the connection between the trigger and drum based on movement direction. This allows the resilient trigger to move without causing uncontrolled rotation, as the ratchet only transmits force during the return movement.
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
Prevents users from applying excessive force, reducing the risk of damaging the dispenser and allowing for effective manual override to clear jams without causing additional harm, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which drives said operation trigger in a second direction from said depressed position to said stand-by position
Implementation Method 2
The drum has a surface which frictionally engages the paper, so rotation of the drum draws paper from the roll and ejects it from the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material dispenser comprising an operation trigger and a rotatable drum for frictionally engaging sheet material to be dispensed, in which said operation trigger is manually movable in a first direction from a stand-by position to a depressed position, in which said dispenser comprises a return spring which drives said operation trigger in a second direction from said depressed position to said stand-by position, and in which said operation trigger comprises a releasable engagement mechanism which engages said drum and rotates it only when said operation trigger is moved in said second direction.