Spindle for paper rolls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper roll spindles lack versatility, often being specific to one brand or type of dispenser and can become skewed when used in multiple roll dispensers, making it difficult to retrieve paper.
Innovation Solution
A spindle assembly with varying cross-sectional dimensions and a biasing spring mechanism that allows the spindle to fit in different dispensers, maintaining paper rolls in a desired orientation and reducing the tendency for the roll to over-spin by incorporating brake elements to increase friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a spindle is designed for a specific dispenser type, then it can function reliably in that dispenser, but it lacks versatility and cannot be used in other dispenser types
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle is divided into separate components: a rod portion and a sleeve portion that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall compatibility across different dispenser types.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle assembly is designed with standardized features and adjustable dimensions that enable it to function in multiple dispenser types. The combination of rod and sleeve portions with varying cross-sectional dimensions creates a universal interface that adapts to different dispenser configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spindle is used in plural roll dispensers, then it can support multiple rolls, but the rolls become skewed making it difficult to retrieve paper
Solution Approach 1:
The rod and sleeve portions are designed with specific local geometric features including varying cross-sectional dimensions at different locations. These localized structural variations create proper engagement points with the dispenser that maintain roll orientation stability in multi-roll configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable axial length of the spindle assembly allows dynamic adaptation to different dispenser configurations. By varying the insertion depth of the rod into the sleeve, the spindle can optimize its dimensions for specific dispenser types, maintaining roll stability whether in single or plural roll arrangements.
3Length of moving object
If the rod body is inserted deeper into the sleeve, then the axial length decreases for compact dispensers, but the available space for paper roll support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the rod insertion depth into the sleeve, enabling the axial length to be optimized for different dispenser sizes. This adjustability ensures that compact dispensers can use shorter spindles while larger dispensers can utilize longer spindles with greater paper roll support volume.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the insertion parameter (depth of rod into sleeve), the spindle assembly adapts its axial length to match different dispenser requirements. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of both compactness and paper roll support capacity based on the specific dispenser application.
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 spindle assembly is versatile across multiple dispenser types, prevents skewing, and reduces paper over-spinning by maintaining the roll's orientation and providing controlled dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing spring is also positioned within the rod receiving passageway. The first end of the spindle rod portion and the spindle rod have a cross sectional dimension that is sized to permit sliding of the spindle rod portion into and along the rod receiving passageway upon assembly of the sleeve body and rod body into the spindle assembly, the compressed biasing spring applying a force that urges the second and fifth rings away from one another and against portions of the dispenser.
Implementation Method 2
A brake can be incorporated into the spindle to increase friction between a supported paper roll and the spindle to reduce the tendency of the roll to over spin and dispense excess paper when the exposed end of the paper roll is grabbed and pulled by a user.
Data Source
AI summary
A spindle assembly for supporting a roll of paper product is disclosed with features that make the spindle versatile and useable for supporting paper product rolls in a plurality of styles of dispensers. The spindle assembly also includes features that assist in maintaining the supported paper rolls in a desired orientation, such as horizontally in a vertically oriented dispenser. This resists skewing of the rolls in the dispenser and facilitates the separation of the rolls as paper is used from a lower roll in a dispenser. Also, brake members are provided to engage the core of a supported roll of paper to slow down the rotation of the roll of paper when pulled upon by a user.