Tarpaulin Roller Stop Element Positioning for Stress Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tarpaulin rollers for commercial vehicles face challenges in minimizing installation space requirements and production costs while ensuring optimal performance and preventing material deformation and breakage due to stress concentrations from hard contacts during longitudinal movement.

Innovation Solution

A tarpaulin roller design with a stop element positioned at or above the axis of rotation, allowing the tarpaulin to be coupled in a way that reduces the effective height required for connection and distributes the weight effectively, minimizing the height of the sealing lip and ensuring stable contact with the carrier, thereby reducing stress concentrations and improving running behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stop element is positioned below the axis of rotation, then the tarpaulin can be securely attached, but the effective height for connection increases and stress concentrations occur during longitudinal movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoideffective connection height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional positioning of the stop element by placing it at or above the axis of rotation instead of below it. This inversion reduces the effective connection height while maintaining attachment security through the loop configuration that engages with the stop element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of the stop element positioning from vertical (below axis) to horizontal/at-level (at or above axis). This dimensional change allows the connection to be made at a lower effective height while still providing secure attachment through the loop mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If additional support rollers are added to absorb tarpaulin weight, then running behavior improves, but device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning behaviorVSAvoidroller configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the existing rollers to serve dual functions: both guiding the tarpaulin longitudinally and supporting its weight. The carrier design allows the rollers to self-adjust and maintain optimal contact without requiring additional support rollers, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the sealing lip height is increased to ensure proper sealing, then sealing effectiveness improves, but installation space requirements and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by reducing the sealing lip height through the repositioned stop element. The sealing effectiveness is maintained not through increased height but through the optimized connection geometry and loop configuration that ensures proper tarpaulin engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of manufacture

If hard contact between rollers and carrier occurs during longitudinal movement, then the structure is simpler, but material deformation and breakage occur due to stress concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidmaterial integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prevents hard contact and stress concentrations by designing the roller-carrier interface to maintain smooth, continuous contact. The carrier guide geometry and roller positioning are configured beforehand to distribute loads evenly and prevent striking contacts that would cause material deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design reduces the effective height for tarpaulin connection, minimizes stress on the rollers and carrier, and ensures smooth operation by maintaining a defined contact position, enhancing the stability and cost-effectiveness of the tarpaulin system.

Implementation Method 1

the peripheral surfaces of which roll on a longitudinal contact surface of the carrier when the tarpaulin is moved longitudinally on the carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3210808B1Canvas roller and industrial vehicle with canvas cover

Publication Date: 2018.12.26 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

Tarpaulin roller (30;60;61), for a sliding bearing of a side tarpaulin (7,7') on a guide (32) of a tarpaulin superstructure (6) for a commercial vehicle (1), with at least one roller (34,35;62,63) which, in use, is loaded by the weight of the tarpaulin (7,7') in the direction of gravity (S), which is rotatably mounted on an axle (36,37;64,65) about a pivot axis (D1,D2) which, when the tarpaulin roller (30;60;61) is held in the operating position, is oriented transversely to the direction of gravity (S), and with a stop element (40;66a) for attaching the tarpaulin (7,7') to the tarpaulin roller (30;60;61), wherein the stop element (40;66a) is, when the tarpaulin roller (30;60;61) is in the operating position, at the level of or above the pivot axis. (D1,D2) of the role (34,35;62,63) is arranged