Perforated Web Dispenser Separation With Tension and Stretching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for web materials with perforation lines struggle with reliable separation of individual products, especially when the web material is wet or subjected to varying pull forces, and they often require strong web materials that are not suitable for hygienic products due to their roughness. Additionally, they face challenges with accommodating different web lengths and connection means, leading to issues with feeding and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser with a separation arrangement comprising a first unit providing a tensioning force and a second unit that stretches the web material in both length and width directions, allowing for reliable separation along perforation lines with a low pull force requirement, and is adaptable to various web materials and connection means through adjustable tensioning force and resilient units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a strong web material is used to withstand the force necessary to bring a full heavy roll into rotation, then the roll can be accelerated, but the softness of the paper is low
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous web material is divided into individual products by perforation lines, allowing the web to be separated into manageable sections. This segmentation enables the web to be fed through the dispenser in smaller increments, reducing the overall force and energy required compared to rotating a full heavy roll.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser uses a dynamic feeding mechanism that advances the web material progressively rather than requiring full roll acceleration. The system adapts to different web material strengths and can handle both strong and soft materials by controlling the feeding speed and force applied at any given moment.
2Extent of automation
If a roll dispenser is used for heavy paper towels, then the paper towels can be dispensed automatically, but the dispenser demands a large amount of space due to the relatively large volume of the heavy paper rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The paper towels are provided in segmented bundles rather than as a continuous heavy roll. Each bundle can be independently inserted into the dispenser, significantly reducing the volume required in the dispenser housing while maintaining automated dispensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed to use disposable bundles of paper towels that are inserted and consumed. This approach eliminates the need for large, permanent roll storage and allows for compact dispenser design, as each bundle is relatively small and is replaced when depleted.
3Ease of operation
If the web material is pulled by the user, then the wipe products can be separated at the perforation lines, but the web material may break when the user applies force, especially when the web material is wet
Solution Approach 1:
The leading end of the web material is pre-positioned and presented to the user in a controlled manner, ensuring proper alignment with the dispensing opening. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the user pulls, the force is applied correctly to initiate separation at the perforation line without causing misalignment or breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser controls the physical parameters of the web material during feeding, including tension and positioning. By maintaining appropriate tension and ensuring proper alignment before the user pulls, the system optimizes the conditions for clean separation at the perforation line while minimizing the risk of breakage, even when the web material is wet.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for dispensing at least one perforated web from a storage of web material, the dispenser including: a housing arranged to hold a storage of perforated web material, wherein a web path extends along a feeding direction in an interior of the housing from a storage position to a dispensing opening of the dispenser, and a separation arrangement being arranged along said web path, for separating the at least one perforated web along the perforations thereof, said separation arrangement including a first unit and a second unit, the second unit being arranged downstream of said first unit. The first unit is arranged to provide a tensioning force on said web, said tensioning force being at least 2 N/m, and the second unit being arranged to stretch the web material along the length of the web and along the width of the web.