Dispenser for rolled sheet materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for flexible sheet materials, such as paper products, suffer from issues like bunching, ripping, inconsistent cutting, and noise during operation, and often require user force to reset the cutting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a feed roller and biasing assembly that includes a cutting mechanism with a movable support and cam follower system, allowing for controlled cutting or perforation of sheet material without bunching, while reducing noise and ensuring easy resetting through a biasing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical cutting mechanisms are used to cut or perforate paper, then cutting function is provided, but bunching, ripping, or inconsistent cutting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically engage and disengage from the paper based on roller rotation. The blade moves between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended cutting position (when the roller rotates), adapting to the dispensing cycle and preventing paper damage from continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously. The cutting blade extends only during specific phases of the roller rotation cycle when cutting is required, and retracts during other phases. This periodic engagement ensures clean cuts without causing bunching or ripping from constant blade presence.
2Reliability
If mechanical cutting mechanisms are used to cut or perforate paper, then cutting function is provided, but significant noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting blade is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically engage and disengage from the paper based on roller rotation. The blade moves between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended cutting position (when the roller rotates), adapting to the dispensing cycle and preventing paper damage from continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously. The cutting blade extends only during specific phases of the roller rotation cycle when cutting is required, and retracts during other phases. This periodic engagement ensures clean cuts without causing bunching or ripping from constant blade presence.
3Ease of operation
If user pull force is applied to reset the dispenser, then resetting is achieved, but insufficient force prevents reliable resetting
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing assembly with spring members provides a counteracting force that assists the user in resetting the roller. The springs are configured to bias the roller in the resetting direction, reducing the effort required by the user and ensuring the roller returns to its initial position reliably even with insufficient pull force.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing assembly enables the system to partially reset itself without relying entirely on user force. The spring members automatically exert force to return the roller to its initial position after dispensing, reducing the burden on the user and improving resetting reliability.
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 provides reliable cutting or perforation of sheet material without bunching or tearing, reduces operational noise, and facilitates easy resetting of the cutting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing assembly includes a pair of spring members that are connected to the feed roller and that are biased in a direction that assists rotation of the feed roller in the direction of rotation during a dispensing operation and that facilitate return of the feed roller to an initial position after manual dispensing of the sheet material.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a sheet material dispenser that includes a feed roller that is rotatable to facilitate dispensing of the sheet material from a discharge in a housing of the dispenser. The dispenser can have a cutting assembly that includes a cutting blade and at least one movable support coupled to cutting blade and that is actuated with rotation of the feed roller to cause movement of the cutting blade to at least partially cut, score, or perforate the sheet material during dispensing thereof. The dispenser also can have a biasing assembly coupled to the feed roller body to assist rotation of the feed roller body and/or movement of the cutting blade. Other aspects also are described.