Buoyant Mat Roller With Cross-Bar Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Floating recreational water mats are bulky and difficult to handle and store, typically requiring two people to roll up and store, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A device with a central core and handles that allows for easy rolling and storage of water mats, featuring a rotational mechanism and buoyant design to facilitate single-person operation and ease of use, including a slot for mat insertion and a cross-bar for secure rolling without additional straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If water mats are made large and buoyant for recreational use, then they provide adequate floating surface area and buoyancy, but they become bulky and difficult to handle and store
Solution Approach 1:
The water mat rolling device segments the rolling operation into distinct functional components: a central core for winding, handles for control, and a cross-bar for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall operation of rolling and storing a large mat much easier and can be done by one person.
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the large water mat. It provides mechanical assistance through its structure (core, handles, cross-bar) to enable a single person to control and store a mat that would otherwise require multiple people due to its size and bulk.
2Volume of stationary object
If water mats are rolled up by hand for storage, then they can be stored in compact space, but they require at least two people to roll up due to their size
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling device enables self-service operation for storing large water mats. The central core with its rotational mechanism, combined with handles and cross-bar, allows a single person to independently roll up and secure a mat without needing assistance from another person, while still achieving compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable central core and movable cross-bar that can be adjusted during the rolling process. This dynamic structure adapts to the rolling operation, making it easier for one person to manage the mat throughout the entire rolling and storage process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If straps are placed around rolled mats to retain their shape, then the mats stay in rolled position, but additional components and steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The function of retaining the rolled mat's shape is merged into the existing rolling device structure. The cross-bar, when positioned against the rolled mat, provides the retaining function without requiring separate straps or additional components. The core, handles, and cross-bar work together as an integrated system that both rolls and secures the mat.
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
Enables efficient rolling and storage of water mats by a single person, reducing the need for multiple operators and minimizing storage space, while maintaining the mat's shape and preventing unrolling.
Implementation Method 1
the central core is configured in operable connection with the first handle and the cross-bar to permit the central core to rotate independently of the first handle and the cross-bar
Implementation Method 2
the device further comprises a flotation device positioned within the central core. Also in such embodiments, at least a portion of the central core or at least a portion of the handle or at least a portion cross bar comprises a hollow compartment that is sealed airtight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device used to aid the rolling up and storage of a water mat or similar material.