Pivotable Roller Assembly for Confined Space Ground Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground compression methods, such as large power-driven machines, are inefficient and difficult to maneuver in limited spaces, making them unsuitable for addressing the aesthetic and structural damage caused by burrowing rodents like ground moles.

Innovation Solution

A roller device attachable to a powered machine, featuring a pivotable roller assembly that can rotate and adjust its path, allowing for effective ground compression in confined areas without the need for extensive maneuvering space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large power-driven compression machines are used, then ground compression effectiveness is improved, but maneuverability in limited spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground compression effectivenessVSAvoidmaneuverability in limited spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression system is divided into a powered machine and a separate roller assembly that can be attached to various vehicles. The roller assembly includes multiple rollers that can be independently positioned and maneuvered, allowing the system to be broken down into manageable segments that can navigate tight spaces while maintaining compression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescopic arms, pivot points, and adjustable roller positions. These dynamic elements allow the roller assembly to adapt its configuration and movement characteristics based on the specific terrain and space constraints, improving maneuverability while maintaining compression capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If traditional pull-behind rollers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but positioning and maneuverability in restricted access areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidpositioning and maneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The roller assembly is designed with universal attachment capabilities that allow it to be mounted on various types of powered vehicles including ATVs, UTVs, and other utility vehicles. The telescopic arms and adjustable positioning mechanisms enable the same roller assembly to adapt to different vehicle types and operating conditions, providing both simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arms and pivot mechanisms serve as intermediary components between the powered vehicle and the roller assembly. These intermediary elements provide adjustable connection points and movement mechanisms that enable precise positioning and maneuvering of the roller assembly in restricted access areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual operation of heavy rollers is attempted, then device simplicity is maintained, but labor requirements and operational difficulty deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidlabor requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses powered vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, etc.) as counterweight and power sources to move the heavy roller assembly. The vehicles provide the necessary traction and mechanical advantage to move the rollers, which would otherwise be extremely difficult to move manually. The roller assembly itself is designed to be relatively lightweight compared to traditional compression machines, further reducing the burden on manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 enables efficient and versatile ground compression, capable of eradicating burrowing rodent-induced ridges and tunnels, improving lawn aesthetics and structure without the laboriousness and limited access issues of traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a medium with the roller component to thereby compress the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

when the first and second pivot portions are connected by the pivot member, the roller assembly can rotate about the attachment frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS10407842B2Roller devices and systems and methods for using same

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 MOLE PATROL LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are self-guiding roller devices and system for compressing a medium. In one aspect, the roller devices and systems include: an attachment frame having a first pivot portion and configured to connect to a powered machine; a roller assembly including at least one rotatable roller component and at least one roller frame having a second pivot portion being configured to connect to the first pivot portion; and a pivot member configured to connect the first and second pivot portions, the roller assembly being able to rotate 360-degrees about the attachment frame while being driven from behind by an attached powered machine. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed roller devices and systems.