Roofing Membrane Puller with Pivoting Lever and Fairlead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roofing membrane installation methods face challenges with large, heavy sheets that require taut pulling, which can be difficult due to their size and weight, and existing tools may not efficiently manage these sheets, especially when dealing with complex roof structures.
Innovation Solution
A membrane pulling device with an elongate frame, lever, pivot coupling, pulley assembly, and step plates that allows users to leverage their body weight to pull the membrane taut, featuring a pivoting mechanism and wide step plates for stability and a fairlead for angled pulling directions, enabling efficient installation on various roof surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large, heavy roofing membrane sheets are used to provide effective weather protection, then the protective effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of handling and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a membrane pulling device as an intermediary tool between the installer and the heavy membrane sheets. This device includes a frame with pulleys, cables, and clamps that mechanically assist in handling the membrane, reducing the direct physical burden on the installer while maintaining effective installation of large protective sheets
2Manufacturing precision
If membrane sheets are pulled taut during installation to prevent folds and wrinkles, then the installation quality is improved, but the force and effort required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements including movable pulleys, cables, and adjustable clamps that allow the membrane pulling device to adapt to different tension requirements. The system can dynamically adjust the pulling force applied to the membrane, enabling precise control to achieve taut installation without requiring excessive force from the installer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical advantage through pulley systems that change the dimension of force application. By using pulleys and cables, the device transforms the pulling action into a more efficient mechanical system that reduces the direct force required from the installer while maintaining the necessary tension for quality installation
3Ease of operation
If existing membrane puller devices are used to assist with installation, then some handling assistance is provided, but the devices lack efficiency for complex roof structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a versatile membrane pulling device with multiple functional components including frame structures, pulley assemblies, cable systems, and clamping mechanisms that can adapt to various roof configurations. The device is engineered to handle different membrane sizes and roof geometries, providing universal applicability across simple and complex roof structures
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
Facilitates easier and more effective installation of roofing membranes by allowing users to manage large sheets with reduced effort and improved control, accommodating complex roof geometries and preventing damage to the surface.
Implementation Method 1
A pulley assembly is coupled to the first section of the elongate frame, and includes a cable that has a first end coupled to the lever, and that extends through the pulley assembly and the fairlead to a second end structured to attach to a membrane clamp
Implementation Method 2
The device also includes a lever, a pivot coupling connecting the lever to the elongate frame within the middle section
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of step plates are attached to the elongate frame
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane pulling device includes an elongate frame and a lever coupled with the elongate frame at a fixed position joint. The fixed position joint is positioned within a middle section of the elongate frame. A plurality of step plates are attached to the elongate frame, including a back step plate and one or more front step plates. A forward fairlead is coupled with the elongate frame and includes two pulley wheels. Side arms may pivot out from the elongate frame to assist in use of the membrane pulling device when pulling a membrane at an angle to the orientation of the device, such as adjacent to a parapet wall.