Tissue Dispenser Carousel With Reserve Roll 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 lack of features necessary for consistent and efficient dispensing.
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 aperture for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If automated dispensers use rudimentary construction suitable for higher basis weight materials, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability for dispensing low basis weight tissue products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into distinct functional modules: a carousel module with multiple roll mounting positions, a drive system with motor and drive roller, a transfer mechanism with transfer arm and shield, and a housing with dispensing aperture. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to reliably handle low basis weight tissue through coordinated operation of specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel is designed to rotate between a locked dispensing position and an unlocked reloading position. The transfer mechanism dynamically switches between holding the primary roll and transferring to the reserve roll. This dynamic positioning enables reliable automated dispensing while allowing manual intervention when needed.
2Productivity
If a transfer mechanism automatically switches to reserve roll upon depletion, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel pre-positions multiple rolls (primary and reserve) in designated mounting stations before dispensing begins. The transfer mechanism is pre-configured with a transfer arm and shield that automatically engage when the primary roll is depleted. This preliminary arrangement enables seamless automatic switching without complex real-time decision-making, improving productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism operates automatically upon detection of roll depletion, without requiring external control signals or complex sensor systems. The mechanical design allows the transfer arm to self-engage with the reserve roll and automatically position it for dispensing, enabling productivity improvement through simple, reliable self-actuating mechanics.
3Ease of operation
If the carousel is movable between locked and forward positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carousel mounting mechanism allows the carousel to be dynamically positioned in two states: a locked rearward position during automated dispensing, and a forward unlocked position for manual reloading. This dynamic positioning is achieved through a simple locking mechanism that engages or disengages based on carousel position, providing ease of operation without adding significant complexity to the mounting 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 system ensures reliable and efficient sequential dispensing of tissue rolls, reducing waste and contamination, while providing a compact and reliable solution for low basis weight materials.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to a drive roller
Implementation Method 2
a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller... an upper pinch roller bearing upon the drive roller defining an upper dispensing nip with the drive roller; and a lower pinch roller bearing upon the drive roller defining a lower dispensing nip with the drive roller
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.