Expandable Slit Sheet Dispenser With Core Tensioner for Manual Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for expandable slit sheet material lack efficiency and ease of use, particularly in manually expanding and dispensing recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a frame with core supports and a tensioner mechanism, including a handle and spring, to facilitate manual expansion and dispensing of expandable slit sheet material, utilizing recyclable materials like paper, paperboard, or cardboard cores, and a rotary member to control tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual dispenser is used for expandable slit sheet material, then the device can be simple in structure, but the ease of operation and efficiency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The core supports are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust position during the loading and dispensing process. The first core support can move to receive the roll and the second core support can be positioned to engage with the roll, providing adaptive support that improves ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
A tensioner mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's manual input and the expandable slit sheet material. The tensioner includes a pressure member that applies controlled tension to the material, mediating the expansion process and improving ease of operation by reducing the direct force requirement from the user
2Strength
If heavier materials are used for the dispenser structure, then the strength and stability are improved, but the weight increases making it less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a frame, movable core supports, and a tensioner mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame can be lighter while the movable core supports and tensioner provide the necessary strength and stability functions where needed, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioner mechanism changes the force parameters applied to the expandable slit sheet material during expansion. By controlling the tension and pressure parameters through the tensioner's movable pressure member, the system achieves effective material expansion with reduced overall structural weight requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the core supports are fixed, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the adaptability for different roll sizes and materials is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The core supports are designed with movable characteristics rather than fixed positions. The first core support can move to accommodate different roll positions and sizes, and the second core support can be positioned adaptively. This dynamic design provides versatility for different materials and roll configurations while maintaining reasonable manufacturing ease through standardized movement mechanisms
4Productivity
If a tensioner mechanism is added to improve expansion efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioner mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user themselves, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex automated systems. The user manually actuates the tensioner to apply tension to the expandable slit sheet material, achieving efficient expansion through self-service operation that adds minimal complexity while significantly improving productivity
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
Enhances the ease and efficiency of manually expanding and dispensing expandable slit sheet material, reducing the force required for expansion and enabling the use of lighter weight, recyclable materials, making the process more user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned to apply pressure against said pressure member upon movement of said handle
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a system for dispensing and manually expanding expandable slit sheet material is provided that includes: a roll of expandable slit sheet material, the roll of expandable slit sheet material being wound around a tubular core, a frame having a first support wall, a second support wall, and at least one connecting member extending between the first support wall and the second support wall, the first support wall having a first core support fixedly attached thereto that extends inwardly on an interior side of the first support wall, the first core support having a curved support surface that is configured to be received within a first open end of the core, the second support wall having a second core support fixedly attached thereto that extends inwardly on an interior side of the second support wall, the first core support having a curved support surface that is configured to be received within a first open end of the core, the first support wall having a tensioner including a) a handle member, b) a pressure member having a curved pressure surface configured to be received within the first open end of the core proximate the first core support, and c) a spring positioned to apply pressure against the pressure member upon movement of the handle, and wherein at least one of the first core support and the second core support are movable to enable the roll of expandable slit sheet material wound around the tubular core to be lowered upon the frame and the first core support and the second core support to be received within the core.