Rolling Tarp System with Intermediate Alignment Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-rolling tarps are ineffective on low-sided trailers due to non-uniform rolling processes, resulting in a loose and sloppy roll, especially when powered from a single end, which is unacceptably difficult and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A tarp bar is installed parallel to the drive bar, positioned at an intermediate location between the distal and proximal edges of the tarp, featuring a recess to cradle the pre-roll and prevent torsion, creating a non-cylindrical shape that facilitates incremental rolling and maintains consistent tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional side-rolling tarp is powered from a single end on a low-sided bed/trailer, then the tarp can be rolled up, but the rolling process becomes non-uniform with the end near the power source being tight and the opposite end being loose and sloppy
Solution Approach 1:
A second power source is introduced as an intermediary element at the opposite end of the tarp from the first power source. This intermediary power source provides additional force to pull the distal end of the tarp, ensuring uniform tension and consistent rolling throughout the entire tarp length, eliminating the loose and sloppy rolling that occurs when only one end is powered
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source system is segmented into two separate power sources positioned at opposite ends of the tarp. This segmentation allows each power source to independently control the tension and rolling at its respective end, ensuring uniform rolling characteristics throughout the entire tarp rather than having one tight end and one loose end
2Ease of manufacture
If a side-rolling tarp is used on a low-sided bed/trailer with bows spaced far apart for product loading, then cargo can be easily loaded, but the tarp rolling process becomes unacceptably difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The second power source acts as an intermediary that compensates for the large span between bows. By providing additional pulling force at the distal end, it ensures that the tarp maintains sufficient tension even when bows are spaced far apart for easy cargo loading, thereby restoring rolling accuracy and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of power distribution from a single-point power source to a distributed two-point power source. This parameter change allows the tarp to maintain appropriate tension characteristics across large bow spacings, enabling both easy cargo loading and accurate rolling
Data Source
AI summary
A tarp bar may be an alignment member, a reinforcement member, and a furling control member, without adding substantial weight or complexity to a rolling tarp system. The tarp bar is fixed to the tarp a significant distance from the drive bar and is not motorized or otherwise powered, and is preferably attached only to the tarp material, parallel to the length of the tarp and the bed/trailer. The tarp bar is recessed or otherwise-concave along its length to allow cradling of, and hence parallel orientation of, an already-rolled portion of the tarp. The tarp bar is preferably broader than said already-rolled portion, so that two opposing edges of the tarp bar extend out beyond the diameter of the already-rolled portion so that the combination of the already-rolled portion received in the tarp bar is a non-cylindrical unit. Subsequent rolling-up of the tarp tends to occur in incremental, partial-rotation steps in a cam-like action that maintains more consistent tension all along the length of the tarp, to form a tighter and more even roll along the entire length of the roll.