Tape Applicator Backing Wheel with Collapsible Hinge Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

The application of seam tape on roofing materials is hindered by the formation of excess paper or backing, which can become an obstacle if left unattended, often requiring multiple roofers to manage and remove it.

Innovation Solution

A motorized apparatus with supply wheels and a paper or backing wheel, featuring collapsible hinge bars and a pulley system, that winds up and removes the excess paper or backing as the tape is applied, allowing for efficient and single-person operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If seam tape is applied manually without automated backing management, then the application process requires multiple workers to handle excess paper, but this increases labor requirements and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetape application efficiencyVSAvoidmanual backing management difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backing wheel automatically winds up excess paper backing as the tape is applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by capturing and managing the waste material through automated mechanical means, allowing a single worker to operate the tape applicator without assistance for backing management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The excess paper backing is extracted and separated from the main tape application process by being wound onto the backing wheel. This removes the problematic waste material from the work area, preventing it from becoming an obstacle while maintaining clean and efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If excess paper or backing is left free and unattended during tape application, then the application process is simpler, but the excess paper becomes an obstacle that hinders continuous work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacking management system complexityVSAvoidexcess paper obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The excess paper backing, which would normally be a harmful obstruction, is converted into a controlled element by winding it onto the backing wheel. The waste material becomes a managed component of the system, transforming from an obstacle into a contained byproduct that does not interfere with the application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The backing wheel acts as an intermediary device between the tape application process and the excess paper waste. It mediates the interaction by capturing and containing the backing material, preventing it from becoming an obstacle while maintaining the continuity of the application process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7886800B2Apparatus and method for applying tape

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention may provide an apparatus and method for applying a tape such as a seam tape onto a surface such as a roof. The apparatus may include one or more supply wheels and a powered or motorized paper or backing wheel having one or more collapsible or moveable paper or backing hinge bars. The hinge bars may be moved to a standing position to wind up paper or backing produced by the supply wheels when the tape is applied onto the surface, and may be moved to a collapsed position to allow the paper or backing be removed from the paper or backing wheel.