Carpet Stripping Roller with Grip Release Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing flexible floor coverings are often cumbersome, require significant physical strength, pose safety hazards, and have high energy consumption, with inefficiencies arising from constant repositioning and the need for powerful motors due to winding of the removed material.
Innovation Solution
A carpet stripping apparatus with a frame supported by castors, featuring a roller with gripping members for engaging the floor covering and a grip releasing mechanism to prevent winding, allowing for efficient removal without constant repositioning and using a modestly powered drive assembly to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spool-like roller is used to wind stripped carpet, then the carpet can be collected continuously, but the roller diameter and weight increase requiring more operating power and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carpet collection function from the roller itself by introducing a separate collection bag. The roller only performs the stripping function while the bag handles carpet accumulation, preventing the roller from gaining weight and diameter during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the roller assembly for stripping and the collection bag for accumulation. This separation allows each component to optimize its specific function without the drawbacks of combined design.
2Strength
If a heavy frame is used to resist high forces from rolls, then the apparatus can handle strong stripping forces, but the device becomes difficult to transport and handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical frame structure with a lightweight polymer foam core that provides structural strength through material properties rather than mass. The foam core resists stripping forces without requiring a heavy supporting framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus uses composite construction with a polymer foam core providing structural strength and an outer shell for protection. This combination achieves high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling force resistance with minimal weight.
3Ease of operation
If gripping members are fixed on the roller, then the carpet can be engaged effectively, but the stripped carpet may get wound around the roller causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the carpet from the roller surface by introducing a collection bag that receives stripped carpet immediately. This prevents the carpet from wrapping around the roller and eliminating the associated safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection bag acts as an intermediary between the roller and the accumulated carpet. It provides a safe interface for carpet deposition without requiring direct contact between the carpet and the rotating roller.
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 apparatus enables safe, efficient, and easy handling of flexible floor coverings with reduced energy consumption, minimizing the need for repositioning and the use of powerful motors, while preventing the floor covering from being wound around the roller, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a frame supported on a plurality of castors to allow rolling motion of the frame along the floor
Implementation Method 2
A roller is supported on the frame for rotational motion relative thereto. The roller has an axis of rotation disposed substantially parallel to the floor when the apparatus is in use.
Implementation Method 3
gripping means carried on the roller for grippingly engaging a portion of the flexible floor covering
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing a flexible floor covering from a floor. The apparatus has a frame supported on a plurality of castors and a roller supported on the frame for rotational motion substantially parallel to the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the roller for driving same. A plurality of gripping members are carried on the roller for grippingly engaging a portion of the flexible floor covering and a grip releasing means functioning as a wedge placed between the flexible floor covering and the gripping members is provided to prevent floor covering from winding about the roller as the apparatus is operated.