Wrap Dispensing Station with Integrated Tool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensers for film and foil in food service operations lack storage for essential tools like labels, markers, and scissors, and fail to accommodate varying roll sizes, leading to contamination, loss, and inefficiency in food wrapping and storage processes.
Innovation Solution
A housing with a secure latch mechanism, handles, and adjustable support system for rolls, along with dedicated storage areas for tools and a label dispensing mechanism with a semi-flat writing surface, allowing for secure storage and easy access to markers, labels, and scissors, and accommodating different roll sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If film and foil are stored in large cardboard boxes, then storage capacity is sufficient, but the boxes get wet and dirty and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reusable cardboard boxes with disposable plastic wrap and foil rolls. These single-use packaging materials eliminate contamination risks associated with reusable containers that can get wet and dirty, while maintaining adequate storage capacity through the rolled format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible plastic wrap and foil in rolled form instead of rigid cardboard boxes. These thin film materials provide adequate storage capacity while being resistant to moisture and contamination, directly addressing the cleanliness and contamination issues of cardboard box storage.
2Ease of operation
If tools and labels are stored separately on counters, then access is available, but they get lost, dropped, stolen or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of film/foil with essential tools (scissors, markers, labels) into a single integrated dispenser unit. This merging ensures tools are always available when needed while protecting them from loss, contamination, and theft that occurs when stored separately on counters.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser unit serves multiple functions: storing film/foil, holding tools, dispensing labels, and providing a writing surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage locations for each item, ensuring all components are always available and protected together.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard size film or foil is used, then compatibility with dispensers is ensured, but adaptability to different food products and service requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable components including a movable support arm and adjustable blade position that allow the dispenser to accommodate various roll sizes dynamically. This adaptability enables the use of different film and foil sizes for various food products without requiring multiple specialized dispensers.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispenser is designed as a universal unit that can handle multiple roll sizes and types through its adjustable features. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve diverse food service needs rather than requiring separate dispensers for each roll size.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wrap dispensing station and a method for wrapping food products for storage. A selected size roll of material used to wrap food products is mounted in a housing. The leading edge of the roll of material is fed through a slot in the housing. At least one roll of labels is staged in a storage area in the housing. The leading edge of the labels is fed through a label feeding system. At least one writing implement is preferably staged in the storage area in the housing. The leading edge of the roll of material is pulled to a selected length to be used to wrap a food product. A cutting apparatus is used to cut the selected length of material. The food product is wrapped with the selected length of material. A label is removed from the roll of labels, marked with the staged writing implement and placed on the wrapped food product.