Adjustable-Width Tarp Rolling Bracket for Ground Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarp rolling devices are unable to efficiently roll a tarp lying on the ground into a roll for storage, lacking a portable solution.
Innovation Solution
A handle bracket with adjustable width and a pair of ratcheting spools, each with extending rods, allows the tarp to be rolled into a roll by rotating the spools, facilitated by the handle bracket's downward and upward swinging motion to wrap the tarp around the rods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing tarp rolling devices are used, then tarps can be rolled for storage, but they cannot efficiently roll a tarp lying on the ground and require attachment to a cargo trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a handle bracket assembly, multiple ratcheting spools with rods, and a tarp engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows the device to be portable and operated independently on the ground without requiring attachment to a cargo trailer, directly solving the limitation of existing devices.
2Productivity
If manual tarp rolling is performed, then tarps can be stored, but it requires significant physical effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism employs periodic action through its ratchet and pawl system, allowing the operator to roll the tarp in incremental steps with repeated handlebracket oscillations. Each oscillation advances the tarp rolling process, maintaining continuous progress without requiring sustained high force, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratcheting spools with rods act as intermediaries between the operator's manual input and the tarp rolling process. The rods extend across the tarp and engage with it, while the spools provide mechanical advantage through their rotational motion, transforming the operator's oscillating handlebracket motion into efficient tarp rolling action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-width handle bracket is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate tarps of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The handle bracket incorporates adjustable width through a telescoping mechanism with interlocking segments and fastening elements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the bracket width to be modified according to different tarp sizes, providing versatility without excessive complexity. The mechanism enables the device to adapt to various operating conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Enables easy and efficient rolling of tarps of any size onto rods while lying on the ground, allowing single-person operation and secure storage.
Implementation Method 1
The spool includes a ratchet mechanism that converts oscillating motion of the handlebracket into unidirectional rotation of the spool
Data Source
AI summary
A tarp rolling device includes a handle bracket which includes a first section slidably engaging a second section such that the handle bracket has an adjustable width. A pair of ratcheting spools is removably mountable to the handle bracket and each of the ratcheting spools includes a plurality of rods which extend across a tarp to facilitate the tarp to be rolled into a roll when the pair of ratcheting spools are rotated. The handle bracket is urged to swing downwardly thereby facilitating the handle bracket to be rotated on each of the ratcheting spools. Continuing, the handle bracket is urged to swing upwardly subsequent to being urged downwardly thereby rotating each of the ratcheting spools to wrap the tarp around the plurality of rods.