Spring-Biased Spool Holder for Rapid Tape Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for carrying and dispensing tape materials do not provide a convenient and rapid method for attaching and detaching a spool from a belt or working platform, limiting ease of use and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A spool holder with pivotal and spring-biased spool support arms that allow for easy retention and dispensing of tape, featuring a belt clip and spool retention members, enabling quick attachment and detachment with one-hand operation, and optionally incorporating a tape cutter and auxiliary attachment elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pouch mountable on a waste belt is used to carry a spool of tape, then the spool can be carried conveniently, but the attachment and detachment process is time-consuming and not rapid
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder employs a spring-biased arm that is movable between a retained position (holding the spool) and a released position (allowing easy removal). This dynamic mechanism enables rapid attachment and detachment without time-consuming manual operations, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased arm automatically returns to the retained position after the spool is inserted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or additional fastening steps. This self-service feature accelerates the attachment process while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a utility belt with pouches and tool grips is used, then multiple tools can be carried, but the spool attachment is semi-permanent or permanent making rapid detachment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently attached to the utility belt or worn separately. This segmentation allows the spool attachment mechanism to be optimized for rapid detachment without compromising the overall versatility of the utility belt system.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable spring-biased arm creates a dynamic attachment system that contrasts with the static semi-permanent or permanent attachments of traditional utility belts. This dynamic mechanism enables rapid spool detachment while the holder itself can be permanently or semi-permanently mounted on the utility belt for versatile tool carrying.
3Productivity
If a tape dispenser is fixedly secured to a holder, then the tape can be dispensed, but the spool cannot be rapidly exchanged or detached
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased arm is designed to hold the spool securely during tape dispensing operations, then rapidly release it when needed. This dynamic mechanism maintains productivity during tape usage while enabling quick spool exchange, resolving the contradiction between dispensing capability and spool exchange ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains proper spool retention during dispensing operations, then self-releases when the spool is removed, eliminating the need for manual intervention to either hold or release the spool. This maintains productivity while enabling rapid exchange.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a belt-mounted device with multiple components is used, then functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases making operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spool holder combines multiple functions (spool retention, spring biasing, automatic return mechanism) into a single integrated component that attaches to the utility belt. This merging reduces the number of separate parts the user must manage while maintaining enhanced functionality, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
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
Facilitates rapid and convenient access to tape materials, allowing for easy loading and unloading of spools, even when wearing gloves, and supports multiple spools and additional items like headphones or tools.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said spool support arms is pivotal and spring biased towards said other spool support arm
Data Source
AI summary
A spool holder and dispenser comprising a body fitted with a belt clip and two spool support arms extending from the body and defining between them a spool space, wherein at least one of said spool support arms is pivotal and spring biased towards said other spool support arm, and at least one of said spool support arms is fitted at its free end with a spool retention member; said spool support arms being displaceable between a retaining position wherein a tape is retained within the spool space, and a dispensing position wherein a tape is free to be discharged therefrom.