Tissue Dispenser User-Change Detection to Prevent Floor Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for tissue webs face reliability issues and operational troubles, particularly in high-frequency usage scenarios where the retrieval of used tissue is delayed, leading to oversized tissue loops that can reach the floor, causing 'floor loops' and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a detection arrangement using a combination of sensors, such as infrared and acceleration sensors, to detect user changes, activating the second transport arrangement for used tissue retrieval as soon as a user change is detected, thereby preventing oversized tissue loops and ensuring timely retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second transport arrangement is activated only after a predetermined time delay, then energy consumption is reduced and the system operates in a simpler manner, but oversized tissue loops form and reach the floor causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The detection arrangement is activated in advance by the acceleration sensor detecting the pulling motion, allowing the control unit to prepare for timely activation of the second transport arrangement before the tissue loop becomes oversized and reaches the floor
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor provides continuous feedback on user interaction with the tissue, enabling the control unit to dynamically adjust the activation timing of the second transport arrangement based on real-time detection of pulling motions, ensuring reliable prevention of oversized loops
2Reliability
If the detection arrangement operates continuously in active mode, then user changes are detected immediately and tissue loop size is controlled, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection arrangement operates in periodic cycles, switching between sleeping mode and active mode based on triggering events. The acceleration sensor detects pulling motions periodically and triggers the infrared sensor to become active only when needed, rather than operating continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor continuously monitors for pulling motions and automatically triggers the activation of the infrared sensor and detection arrangement, eliminating the need for continuous operation while ensuring timely detection. The system serves itself by using the pulling detection to initiate the full sensing sequence
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of tissue web dispensers by reducing the likelihood of oversized tissue loops and improving operational performance in high-frequency usage situations, ensuring continuous and trouble-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
two of said first, second and/or third sensors are an infrared sensor and an acceleration sensor
Implementation Method 2
said acceleration sensor continuously detecting whether a user pulls the tissue or not
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue web, a retrofit kit for a dispenser, a method for provision of portions of a tissue web and a method for upgrading a dispenser. The dispenser comprises a first transport arrangement for unused tissue and a second transport arrangement for used tissue, a housing with a dispensing opening through which a tissue portion located between the first transport arrangement and the second transport arrangement protrudes, a detection arrangement comprising at least one sensor unit, preferably comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, for detecting a user change, a control unit adapted to activate the second transport arrangement when a user change is detected.