Tissue Dispenser Carousel With Reserve Roll Auto-Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated dispensers are inadequate for reliably dispensing low basis weight tissue products, such as bath tissue, due to their rudimentary construction and inability to ensure consistent availability of the product.
Innovation Solution
An automated dispenser system featuring a rotatable carousel with mounting stations for primary and reserve rolls, a motorized drive system with pinch rollers, and a transfer mechanism that automatically switches to the reserve roll upon depletion of the primary roll, along with a housing that encloses the components and includes an auxiliary access for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automated dispensers are used for low basis weight tissue products, then automation is achieved, but reliability of product availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively transfers the reserve roll to the dispensing position before the primary roll is completely depleted, ensuring continuous product availability. The transfer mechanism is activated when the primary roll reaches a predetermined low level, preventing any interruption in tissue supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser maintains a reserve roll as a backup supply, cushioning against the risk of product depletion. This redundant supply ensures that if the primary roll fails or runs out unexpectedly, the reserve roll immediately takes over, maintaining system reliability.
2Loss of substance
If automated dispensing system is implemented, then waste and contamination are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a drive system with pinch rollers for controlled dispensing, a transfer mechanism for roll substitution, and a carousel for storing multiple rolls. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently while simplifying maintenance and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispenser performs self-service by automatically detecting when the primary roll is depleted and transferring the reserve roll to the dispensing position without human intervention. This self-service capability reduces waste and contamination by eliminating manual handling while managing the complexity through automation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated dispensing system is implemented, then contamination is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic roll transfer and dispensing operations without requiring user intervention, thereby minimizing contamination risk from manual handling. The automated mechanism maintains hygiene by keeping the dispensing area enclosed and reducing contact points for potential contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the reserve roll and the dispensing position, automatically managing the transition without requiring user action. This intermediary system handles the complex task of roll substitution while presenting a simple interface to the user, maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If multiple rolls are stored in the dispenser, then product availability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel structure nests multiple tissue rolls within a compact rotating platform, allowing several rolls to be stored in a space-efficient manner. This nesting arrangement enables the system to maintain multiple rolls for continuous availability while keeping the overall device footprint manageable and complexity controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into a carousel with multiple mounting positions, each capable of holding a roll. This segmentation allows independent loading and management of each roll, simplifying the operation of handling multiple rolls while maintaining product availability through organized storage.
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 system ensures reliable and efficient sequential dispensing of tissue rolls, reducing waste and contamination while maintaining product availability, and allows for easy reloading and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system
Data Source
AI summary
An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing.