Spool Dispenser Friction Rib Jamming Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing elongate materials like wire from a spool often result in jamming due to the spool's angular momentum causing outer turns of wire to become slack and trapped between the spool and container, especially with heavy materials like metal wire or fiber optic cable.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a container with end plates and a rotating spool, where flexible ribs on the ring walls provide controlled friction to stop the spool's rotation and prevent material jamming by guiding the wire back onto the spool when not in use, using a combination of arbor bearings and frustoconical surfaces to manage the material's flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spool rotates freely to enable smooth material dispensing, then the dispensing speed and ease of operation improve, but the angular momentum causes outer turns of wire to become slack and trapped between the spool and container, resulting in jamming
Solution Approach 1:
A friction rib is introduced as an intermediary element between the spool and the container. This friction rib acts as a mediator that provides controlled frictional resistance to the spool's rotation, preventing the angular momentum from causing wire to become slack and trapped, while still allowing smooth dispensing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The friction rib changes the friction parameter between the spool and container by providing a controlled frictional interface. This parameter modification allows the system to maintain reliable operation by preventing jamming while preserving ease of dispensing
2Reliability
If the spool is held firmly to prevent jamming, then reliability improves, but excessive resistance or tension is created during material dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The friction rib modifies the friction parameter to an optimal level that prevents jamming without creating excessive resistance. By controlling the friction coefficient through the rib's geometry and material properties, the system achieves reliable jamming prevention while maintaining acceptable dispensing force
Solution Approach 2:
The friction rib applies localized friction control at a specific interface between the spool and container. This local quality approach allows precise control of the frictional force only where needed, preventing jamming at the critical interface without creating excessive resistance throughout the entire dispensing system
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 effectively prevents material jamming by controlling the spool's rotation and guiding the wire back onto the spool, ensuring smooth dispensing without excessive resistance or tension, maintaining the material's integrity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A friction rib is provided on an inner face of the ring wall and bears on a peripheral face of the spool to frictional engage with the spool and brake rotation of the spool when material is not being drawn off
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispenser (10) for an elongate material is provided having a rotatably mounted spool (40) . The spool includes a core (42) and two ends (46) extending radially outward from the core. At least one ring (32) encircles a respective end of the spool. In one embodiment, the radial outside of each ring is provided with a formation (28) tapering towards the middle of the spool.