Spindle Assembly with Friction Elements for Consistent Roll Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet product dispensers face challenges in providing consistent resistance to rotation, leading to either excessive dispensing or premature tearing, due to variations in the inner surface of the roll or core, which affects user experience and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A spindle assembly with friction elements at both ends of the body, which applies a constant contact force to the mandrel, independent of the roll's installation, ensuring consistent resistance to rotation and preventing over-spin or premature separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the resistance to rotation relies on compressive force from the roll's inner surface or core, then the dispenser can accommodate different roll types, but the resistance to rotation becomes inconsistent due to variations in the inner surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different roll typesVSAvoidconsistency of resistance to rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spindle as an intermediary component between the mandrel and the roll. The spindle includes friction elements that contact the mandrel to provide resistance to rotation, rather than relying on direct contact between the roll's inner surface and the mandrel. This intermediary mechanism ensures consistent resistance regardless of variations in the roll's inner surface or core characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical reliance on compressive force from the roll's inner surface with a friction-based system. The friction elements apply a predetermined friction force to the mandrel, substituting the inconsistent compressive force mechanism with a controlled friction mechanism that provides reliable resistance to rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the resistance to rotation is too high, then over-spin is prevented, but premature tearing or separation of perforations occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of over-spinVSAvoidintegrity of sheet product perforations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the friction parameter by controlling the friction force applied by the friction elements to the mandrel. By setting an optimal friction force level, the system prevents over-spin while avoiding excessive resistance that would cause premature tearing. The friction force is calibrated to match the strength characteristics of the sheet product perforations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the inner diameter of the spindle and outer diameter of the mandrel are uniform, then manufacturing is simpler, but the spindle cannot be properly installed onto the mandrel with desired contact force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of spindle and mandrel fabricationVSAvoidinstallation and contact force application

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the form of a tapered interface between the spindle and mandrel. The inner diameter of the spindle body and outer diameter of the mandrel are larger at one end than at the other, creating a tapered configuration. This asymmetric design enables proper installation and ensures the desired contact force is applied when the friction elements engage the mandrel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution provides a consistent and balanced resistance to rotation, enhancing user experience by preventing unnecessary extra dispensing and maintaining efficient sheet product usage without premature tearing or separation.

Implementation Method 1

The friction elements provide a contact force against the mandrel, thereby providing a desired resistance to rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10743723B2Spindle assembly for sheet product dispensers

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An assembly for supporting a roll of sheet product with respect to a sheet product dispenser is provided including a mandrel configured to be positioned within a housing of the dispenser and a spindle. The spindle includes a spindle body positioned over the mandrel and configured to be received within a central opening of the roll. The spindle includes first and second sets of friction elements extending away from respective ends of the spindle body. Each friction element is configured to extend radially inward from the spindle body so as to provide a contact force against the mandrel when the spindle is installed on the mandrel. The contact forces applied against the mandrel may be designed to be constant irrespective of whether the roll of sheet product is installed on the spindle and/or if the inner surface of the central opening of the roll of sheet product has any inconsistencies.