Turf Roll Mover Cradle for Narrow Gate Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for moving heavy rolls of artificial turf require heavy machinery, which is impractical for residential and commercial applications due to size and operational limitations, and existing manual methods are time-consuming and physically demanding.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a front and rear cradle with wheels and a connector bar that allows the turf roll to be moved end-first through narrow gates, enabling manual transport by one or two people, with optional motor assistance and disassembly for easy storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If heavy machinery (skid-steer loaders, cranes) is used to move turf rolls, then the turf roll can be transported efficiently, but the equipment is too wide to drive through narrow backyard gates and requires motorized operation with fuel and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf roll transport efficiencyVSAvoidability to pass through narrow gates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heavy turf roll is divided into two separate rolls, each weighing approximately 400-500 lbs, by cutting the original roll in half. This segmentation allows each lighter roll to be manually handled and transported through narrow gates that cannot accommodate full-size heavy machinery or complete turf rolls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the orientation of transport by moving rolls end-first rather than side-first. The cradle device is designed to cradle the roll horizontally with the core extending beyond the cradle ends, allowing the roll to be pushed through narrow gates in a direction that fits the gate dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If heavy machinery is used to deliver turf rolls, then large commercial applications can be served, but the equipment requires gas, maintenance, and training to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf roll delivery capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle device is designed to be manually operated without requiring external power sources, fuel, or complex controls. Two people can easily load, transport, and unload turf rolls using the cradle's simple mechanical design with wheels and hand-operated mechanisms, eliminating the need for motorized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cradle acts as an intermediary device between the turf roll and the ground, providing a mechanical advantage system that allows two people to move heavy rolls that would otherwise require motorized equipment. The cradle's wheels and lifting mechanism mediate the interaction between human operators and the heavy load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If PVC pipe makeshift conveyors are used to move turf rolls manually, then motorized equipment is avoided, but the method is time-consuming and physically overwhelming requiring several people

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidturf roll moving time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle device provides a smooth, continuous surface with wheels that reduces friction and resistance during turf roll transport. Unlike PVC pipes that create intermittent contact and resistance, the cradle's wheeled design creates a more efficient path that reduces the physical effort and time required to move rolls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the inefficient PVC pipe friction-based conveyor system with a wheeled cradle mechanism that uses rolling friction instead of sliding friction. This mechanical substitution dramatically reduces the effort and time needed to move turf rolls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 manual movement of heavy turf rolls through narrow openings without motorized equipment, reducing physical effort and time, and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly for storage.

Implementation Method 1

The tires on the wheels are suited for driving over gravel and dirt with relatively low friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12084102B1Methods and systems for moving a roll of turf end first

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 TURF TAXI LLC

AI summary

A device and method for moving a turf roll end first through a narrow gate. A turf roll mover has a front cradle and a rear cradle, connectable by a connector bar. The connector bar is used to lever the turf roll onto the turf roll mover and to connect the front and rear cradles. Each cradle has four wheels and tires suited for driving over the ground with relatively low friction. To move the turf roll onto the mover, the connector bar is inserted into the one end of the turf roll and used as a lever to lift that end onto the front cradle, then inserted into the other end of the turf roll to lift that end onto the rear cradle. The connector bar is placed into a receiver on the front cradle and into a receiver on the rear cradle to connect the cradles.