Keder Tarpaulin Guide Roller Assembly for Fast Low-Wear Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing keder tarpaulins on keder roofs require multiple personnel, are time-consuming, and cause wear and tear on the keder bead due to manual insertion, especially in spaces with limited workspace.

Innovation Solution

An assembly device with guide rollers and a connection unit that facilitates the insertion of keder beads into keder rails, allowing single-person operation and reducing wear by guiding the beads gently through rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual insertion method is used, then installation can be performed with simple tools, but installation time increases and wear on keder bead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of installation methodVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pulling device as an intermediary tool between the installer and the keder tarpaulin. This device includes a pulling element that engages with the keder bead and a pulling means (such as a winch or cable system) that applies controlled tensile force to draw the keder bead into the groove, replacing manual insertion methods and reducing both installation time and wear on the keder bead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The installation process is segmented into distinct phases: positioning the pulling device, engaging the pulling element with the keder bead, applying tensile force to insert the keder bead into the groove, and then removing the pulling device. This segmentation allows for systematic and efficient installation while minimizing wear on the keder bead through controlled, staged application of force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If two people are used for installation, then keder tarpaulin can be pulled evenly, but personnel requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevenness of keder tarpaulin insertionVSAvoidpersonnel requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling device is designed to automatically ensure even insertion of the keder tarpaulin through its mechanical structure. The device includes guiding elements and a centrally applied pulling mechanism that naturally distributes force evenly across the keder bead, eliminating the need for multiple personnel to coordinate manual pulling while maintaining precise and even insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical system requiring two people to pull the keder tarpaulin evenly with an automated mechanical system. The pulling device uses a winch, cable, or other mechanical means to apply controlled tensile force, substituting human coordination with an automated mechanism that ensures even insertion without requiring multiple operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual pulling is used, then no special equipment is needed, but wear and tear on keder bead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidwear on keder bead
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling element acts as an intermediary between the pulling means and the keder bead. It is designed to distribute the pulling force evenly across the keder bead surface and guide it smoothly into the groove, preventing concentrated stress and wear that occurs with manual pulling methods while still using relatively simple equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulling device incorporates cushioning or protective elements that contact the keder bead before the main pulling force is applied. This preliminary cushioning protects the keder bead from sudden impacts and concentrated stress, distributing the load evenly throughout the insertion process and minimizing wear while maintaining equipment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If installation is performed in limited workspace, then adaptability to different sites is improved, but installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to limited workspaceVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pulling device is designed with dynamic components that can adapt to different workspace configurations. The pulling means can be positioned at various locations along the keder tarpaulin, and the pulling element can be engaged at different points, allowing the system to accommodate limited or varying workspace conditions while maintaining ease of operation through flexible positioning and adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 assembly device enables efficient, safe, and quick installation of keder tarpaulins with reduced wear on the keder bead, requiring minimal personnel and ensuring proper alignment with keder rails.

Implementation Method 1

a first guide roller rotatably connected to the base bearing unit about a first axis of rotation, a second guide roller rotatably connected to the base bearing unit about a second axis of rotation spaced parallel to the first axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction through rolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4031726B1Installation aid device for installing a keder tarpaulin and installation method using an installation aid device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 WILHELM LAYHER VERWALTUNGS GMBH
  • EP4031726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4031726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4031726B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The inventio relates to an installation aid device (10) for installing a keder tarpaulin, which has, in its longitudinal edge in question, a keder bead/keder, which can be inserted into a groove (56) of a keder rail (54), the installation aid device comprising: a base supporting unit (12); a connection unit (14), which is connected to the base supporting unit (12) and can be detachably connected to a keder rail; a first guide roller (20), which is connected to the base supporting unit (12) for rotation about a first axis of rotation (D1); a second guide roller (22), which is connected to the base supporting unit (12) for rotation about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from and parallel to the first axis of rotation (D1), the first and second guide rollers (20, 22)/axes of rotation (D1, D2) being arranged on the base supporting unit (12) in such a way that the keder bead/keder with keder tarpaulin can be inserted/fed between the facing rolling guide surfaces of the first and second guide rollers (20, 22) with guidance.