Wrapping Material Roll Tensioner System for Dispensing Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material roll dispensing systems fail to effectively maintain the position of the roll edge, leading to deformation and difficulty in grasping, especially with materials like aluminum foil and parchment paper, resulting in injuries and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing box with a roll tensioner system that includes a tensioner slide assembly with parallel slits and slots, and locking flaps, which maintains the cut edge of the wrapping material upward, preventing it from dropping and creating a gap between the edge and the metal cutter strip, allowing easy access and reducing injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wrapping material is spooled onto a tube or core in a conventional dispensing box, then the material can be unrolled and cut, but the remaining wrapping material edge drops down to the bottom of the box, becoming crinkled and disheveled, making it difficult to grasp and causing user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a tensioning apparatus that maintains the wrapping material edge in an upright, accessible position before the user needs to grasp it. The tensioning mechanism pre-positioned in the dispensing box keeps the material edge elevated and organized, preventing it from dropping to the bottom where it becomes crinkled and hazardous. This anticipatory positioning eliminates the need for users to search through disheveled material at the box bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning apparatus acts as an intermediary between the spooled wrapping material and the user. It mediates the material's position and tension, keeping the edge elevated and controlled throughout the dispensing process. This intermediary device prevents direct contact between the user and the hazardous sharp edges, reducing injury risk while maintaining material accessibility.
2Device complexity
If no tensioning mechanism is used, then the dispensing box structure remains simple, but the wrapping material edge becomes inaccessible and requires searching at the bottom of the box
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning apparatus is designed to be self-contained within the dispensing box, automatically maintaining material tension and edge positioning without requiring external intervention or complex external mechanisms. The device serves itself by using the natural tension from the spooled material to maintain its function, eliminating the need for additional power sources or complex control systems while still preventing material droop and edge inaccessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing box with a roll tensioner houses a material roll and maintains a material cutting edge in an upward position for easy grasping during use. The roll tensioner comprises distal and proximal end sections with opposing bottom tabs separated by a spring back reversion section. A roll tensioner slide assembly integrated in the front wall of the dispensing box has opposing parallel slits terminating at opposing parallel slots with parallel locking flaps. Opposing bottom tabs of a roll tensioner are inserted through the parallel slots, resting in a first position during non-use and adapted to be slid down into a second position in the parallel slits when later engaged for use to retain the material cut edge in the upward position for easy grasping. The locking flaps have break-away top and bottom walls abutting a bend wall and are in a stored position and later opened outward to a locking position during use to prevent movement of the roll tensioner.