Internal-Battery Roller Apparatus for Cable-Free Ground Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller systems for ground covers require an external mains electrical power supply, limiting their use to areas with access to electricity, pose safety hazards due to trailing electrical cables, and are cumbersome and expensive to operate and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered roller apparatus with internal rechargeable batteries and a wireless operation system, allowing use in remote areas and reducing the need for external power sources, cables, and weight, while maintaining operational control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external mains electrical power supply is used to power the roller system, then the roller system can operate with sufficient power, but it cannot be used in remote areas without electrical supply and requires trailing cables that pose safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical power source from the external environment and places it within the roller system itself through internally mounted batteries. This eliminates the need for trailing electrical cables and enables operation in remote areas without mains power supply, directly resolving the safety hazards and adaptability limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The roller system becomes self-sufficient by incorporating internal battery power sources that provide autonomous operation without requiring external electrical infrastructure. The system serves its own power needs through integrated energy storage, eliminating dependency on external power supplies and trailing cables
2Reliability
If a sturdy and heavy rotatable shaft and large roller members are used to transmit rotation along the entire length of the roller member, then rotational movement can be effectively transmitted, but the system becomes large, cumbersome and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the roller system into modular sections with individual drive mechanisms at each end, eliminating the need for a single heavy rotatable shaft spanning the entire length. Each end independently drives its section, allowing lighter construction while maintaining reliable rotational transmission throughout the system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire roller system heavy and sturdy throughout, the patent concentrates strength and rigidity only where needed at the drive ends and reaction arms. The central roller sections can be lighter since they don't bear the same structural loads, reducing overall weight while maintaining functional reliability
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 battery-powered roller system enables flexible deployment without external power, reduces safety risks, and is lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is provided in use connected to the batteries and arranged to drive rotation of the roller member
Data Source
AI summary
A roller apparatus (102) is provided including roller means (104), drive means (110) for driving rotation of the roller means in use, and an electrical power source for providing electrical power to the drive means in use. The electrical power source is provided by one or more batteries (112) located internally of the roller means.