Roll Sheeting Dispensing Assembly with Biasing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unrolling and securing large rolls of plastic sheeting or similar flexible materials, especially at elevated distances, is difficult due to their size and weight, and existing methods do not effectively prevent unintentional unwinding from high winds or gravity.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing assembly with a pivotally connected main and connection tube, adjustable length, and a securing mechanism with curved arms and a rod, which allows for removable attachment to a vehicle, facilitating easy loading and unloading, and preventing unintended unwinding through a biasing force and roller subassembly for controlled dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plastic sheeting is applied at elevated distances using traditional methods, then the vapor barrier can be installed on high walls or roofs, but the process becomes extremely difficult and labor-intensive due to the size and weight of large rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing assembly segments the heavy roll handling task by supporting the roll horizontally on a vehicle platform, dividing the weight burden between the vehicle and the assembly structure rather than requiring manual handling of the entire roll
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vehicle and the sheeting roll, providing a horizontal support structure with posts and crossmembers that facilitate easy roll installation and dispensing at elevated positions without direct manual manipulation of the heavy roll
2Productivity
If plastic sheeting is unrolled from a large roll, then sufficient material length is available for extensive coverage, but the sheeting becomes difficult to control and secure during application
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly pre-configures the sheeting dispensing system with horizontal roll support, vertical posts for alignment, and a secured roll position before application begins, allowing the sheeting to be systematically unrolled and controlled as it is applied to the wall or roof surface
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the roll position and orientation during the dispensing process, enabling the roll to rotate freely on its support while the assembly itself can be repositioned on the vehicle to accommodate different application locations and angles
3Reliability
If sheeting is dispensed from a fixed position, then the dispensing mechanism is simple and stable, but the assembly cannot adapt to sloped roofs or various application angles
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the roll support structure can be oriented at different angles relative to the vehicle, allowing adaptation to sloped roofs and various application surfaces while maintaining dispensing stability through the rigid post and crossmember framework
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is designed as a universal dispensing system that can accommodate different roll sizes, different vehicle platforms, and different application surfaces including vertical walls and sloped roofs, through its adjustable and reconfigurable horizontal support structure
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 and secure dispensing of sheeting from a roll at various heights, including sloped surfaces, while preventing unwinding due to environmental factors, and allows for easy roll replacement and storage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring connected to and extending between the main tube and the curved arm to provide a biasing force
Implementation Method 2
a roller subassembly operably connected to the lower support and configured to support the weight of the roll of sheeting and facilitate rotation of the roll while dispensing the sheeting
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for dispensing sheeting from a roll comprises a main tube with a lower support extending from the main tube and configured to support the roll, and with an upper support extending from the main tube at a distance from the lower support. The lower support and the upper support secure opposite ends of the roll, such that the roll can rotate while sheeting is dispensed from the roll. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes one or more arms pivotally connected to the main tube and configured to partially enclose the roll and/or a securing member (or rod) configured to engage the roll along its length. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a connection tube pivotally connected to the main tube and configured to removably attach the assembly to a vehicle.