Floor Covering Rack With Extendable Base and Cleaning Brushes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor covering storage and dispensing racks lack stability, particularly when storing multiple rolls, and do not effectively remove dirt from the floor covering during retrieval, lacking a broad base and effective cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A floor covering storage and dispensing rack with an extendable broad base, antifriction castors, and integrated cleaning brushes to remove dirt as the floor covering is rolled back onto the rack, ensuring stability and cleanliness during retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple rolls of floor covering are stored on the rack, then the storage capacity is improved, but the stability of the rack deteriorates due to increased weight and height
Solution Approach 1:
The rack transitions from a simple vertical structure to one with an extendable base that projects outward in a horizontal dimension. This dimensional expansion creates a broader support footprint without increasing vertical height, thereby improving stability while maintaining the ability to store multiple rolls vertically.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack incorporates an extendable base that can dynamically adjust its configuration. The base extends outward when rolls are being loaded or unloaded to provide additional stability, and can be retracted when not in use to minimize space occupation. This dynamic adaptation allows the rack to maintain stability throughout various operational states.
2Ease of operation
If the rack frame is made lightweight for ease of movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the rack structure have different material properties optimized for their specific functions. The main vertical support members are made of stronger, heavier material to bear the weight of multiple rolls, while the base and moving components use lighter materials to facilitate ease of movement. This localized differentiation of material quality allows the rack to be both strong where needed and mobile where required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If floor anchors are added to lock the rack in position during retrieval, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floor anchor system is designed to be self-operating through a simple locking mechanism that engages automatically when the rack is positioned on the floor. The user simply needs to lower the rack onto the anchors, and the locking action occurs through the natural weight and positioning of the rack itself, minimizing the need for additional complex control systems or manual intervention.
4Productivity
If cleaning brushes are integrated into the rack, then the productivity is improved by cleaning during retrieval, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing retrieval mechanism of the rack. As the floor covering is unrolled and retrieved from the rack, it automatically passes through the integrated brushes, which are positioned along the path of the material. This combination allows cleaning to occur during the normal retrieval operation without requiring separate cleaning equipment or additional manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is transformed from a single-function storage device into a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs storage, retrieval, and cleaning operations. The integrated brushes enable the rack to serve multiple purposes: storing rolls of floor covering, facilitating their retrieval, and cleaning the material as it passes through, thereby improving overall productivity while adding only one set of cleaning components.
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 solution provides a stable and efficient system for storing and dispensing multiple rolls of floor covering while effectively cleaning the material, preventing dirt accumulation and ensuring safe, secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate cleaning head extending along a frame member parallel to the rolls, whereby material received on said rollers contacts the cleaning head as it is returned to storage
Implementation Method 2
antifriction castors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a floor covering storage and dispensing rack including a frame equipped with extendable members having castors. Floor lock anchors are also provided on the frame. Upper frame members of the rack support rollers in spaced relation and a crank or motor is provided to rotate the rollers to wind floor covering onto the rollers for storage. Perforated end caps are provided on the rollers to limit access to moving parts. An elongated cleaning head consisting of a pair of brushes is provided on a frame member. Floor covering passes over at least one brush when the floor covering is retrieved or dispensed to remove dirt prior to storage or reuse.