Erosion Control Frame with Adjustable Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing erosion control surface coverings in roll form are labor-intensive and require multiple individuals due to the large and heavy nature of the rolls, and many commercial products lack a center core, making them incompatible with existing unrolling devices.
Innovation Solution
A frame with spaced-apart end panels, a surface covering support base, and rotating rollers that accommodate rolls with and without a center core, allowing for easy unrolling and installation on a ground surface, featuring adjustable rollers and wheels for mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual unrolling methods are used, then installation can be performed without specialized equipment, but labor requirements increase significantly and installation time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The frame enables self-service installation by allowing a single operator to unroll and position the surface covering independently, eliminating the need for multiple workers to manually coordinate the unrolling process. The frame's design with rollers and support structures allows the material to feed through automatically as it is unrolled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of multiple workers physically unrolling and positioning the material with a mechanical frame system that uses rollers, support bases, and tensioning mechanisms to automatically guide and position the surface covering during installation.
2Productivity
If existing unrolling devices are used, then installation speed improves, but compatibility is limited to products with center cores
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate both surface coverings with center cores and those without center cores. The support base and roller configuration can adjust to handle different product types, making the device versatile for various erosion control materials regardless of their core structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the support base and roller positions can be modified to adapt to different product configurations. This allows the system to transition between handling centered-core products and coreless products, providing flexibility for various material types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple individuals manually unroll the material, then coordination and control are maintained, but labor costs and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame performs the coordination and control functions that previously required multiple workers, now handled automatically by the mechanical system. The rollers and support structures inherently coordinate the unrolling process, maintaining control without human intervention beyond the single operator guiding the material.
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 frame significantly reduces labor required for installation, is inexpensive, and can handle various roll sizes, enabling efficient and simple deployment of erosion control surface coverings on slopes and uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one lower roller and the at least one upper roller are mounted for rotation as the surface covering is pulled through the gap during installation
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for cradling a rolled surface covering during installation onto a ground surface, including first and second spaced-apart end panels, a surface covering support base extending between the first and second spaced-apart panels and adapted for holding the rolled surface covering during installation. At least one lower roller extends along the support base between the first and second spaced-apart end panels at a level above the support base, and at least one upper roller extends along the support base between the first and second spaced-apart end panels at a level above the support base and is vertically spaced-apart from the at least one lower roller. The space defines a gap extending along a length of the at least one lower roller and the at least one upper roller through which a free end of the rolled surface covering is extended during installation onto the ground surface.