Out indicator sheets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional out indicator sheets on tissue products are difficult to see once placed in a dispenser, and they do not provide information on the remaining tissue quantity, serving only as a replacement indicator without additional functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of a dispensing device and method for forming tissue sheets with an improved out indicator, where the image is printed across the centerline of each sheet, enhancing visibility and serving as both an advertisement and a visual indicator of the remaining tissue quantity within the dispenser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the out indicator is printed on conventional tissue sheets, then it serves as a replacement indicator, but it is difficult to see once placed in a dispenser and does not provide information on remaining tissue quantity
Solution Approach 1:
The out indicator is strategically positioned at the center of the tissue sheet, which becomes the visible portion when the sheet is dispensed and folded. This local positioning ensures maximum visibility and information conveyance at the critical viewing location within the dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator design extends across the centerline of the tissue sheet in a way that leverages the three-dimensional folding and dispensing geometry. By positioning the indicator at the center rather than at edges or corners, it maintains visibility across multiple angles and dimensions as the tissue is dispensed from the container.
2Illumination intensity
If the out indicator image is printed across the centerline of each sheet, then visibility from multiple angles is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a symmetric pattern that would require precise alignment from multiple directions, the out indicator employs an asymmetric design centered on the centerline. This approach provides good multi-angle visibility while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations, as the centerline is a natural reference point in tissue sheet production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the out indicator serves dual purpose as advertisement and quantity indicator, then functionality is enhanced, but design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The out indicator is designed to simultaneously serve as both a product advertisement and a quantity/replacement indicator. The same central graphic element conveys brand identity while its positioning and visual characteristics indicate tissue remaining and when replacement is needed, eliminating the need for separate indicator systems.
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 improves the visibility of the out indicator from multiple angles and provides consumers with a clear indication of when the product needs to be replaced, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by integrating a dual-purpose visual indicator.
Implementation Method 1
spraying, from the first print head, wax ink onto a surface of the first sheet to form a first out indicator
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a dispensing device and methods of using a dispensing device having an improved out indicator. The dispensing device includes a housing having a cavity. A tissue stack is disposed within the cavity, the tissue stack including a plurality of tissue sheets folded along a crease. An aperture is formed in a top surface of the housing such that a tissue sheet is removable from the cavity through the aperture. A portion of the tissue sheets includes an out indicator formed along a centerline of each tissue sheet and across the crease.