Variable Diameter Winding Roller for Waterproofing Film Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

The application of thin, sensitive films on building surfaces, especially roofs, is cumbersome and prone to issues like creasing and wind interference due to manual handling, which is time-consuming and dependent on individual skill, and existing devices face challenges with film tension and uneven application.

Innovation Solution

A hand-operated device with a variable speed take-up roll and direct frictional connection between the film roll and take-up roll, along with a pressure roller and cleaning unit, allows for smooth, crease-free application and tension adjustment, enabling efficient laying even in adverse weather conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a small winding roller is used to receive the protective film, then the pulling effect on the film roll is avoided, but the protective film becomes loose and forms wrinkles or gets caught in the pressure roller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of film rollVSAvoidwrinkle-free application
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the winding roller diameter variable rather than fixed. The winding roller consists of a core roller and multiple rollers of different diameters that can be selectively positioned. As the protective film is wound, larger diameter rollers are brought into contact to maintain appropriate tension and prevent wrinkles, while smaller rollers are used initially to avoid excessive pulling on the film roll.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the winding roller system by varying the effective diameter of the winding surface. This is achieved through the selective engagement of different sized rollers in the stack, allowing the winding radius to be adjusted according to the amount of film already wound and the tension requirements at each stage of the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual handling of film is used, then device complexity is reduced, but application time increases and application quality becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of deviceVSAvoidapplication speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies the self-service principle by automatically controlling the unwinding of the film roll through frictional contact between the film roll and winding roller. The system self-regulates the film feed rate based on the winding process, eliminating the need for manual feeding while maintaining simple overall device architecture without complex motors or controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If protective film is separated before application, then proper film application is enabled, but the protective film can get caught in the pressure roller or form wrinkles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper film applicationVSAvoidwrinkles and caught film
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustment of winding roller diameter ensures that the protective film maintains appropriate tension throughout the separation and winding process. By increasing the effective winding radius as film is accumulated, the system prevents the film from becoming loose and wrinkled after separation, while the controlled frictional feed prevents excessive tension that could cause the film to catch in the pressure roller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device ensures quick, reliable, and crease-free application of films over large areas with improved ergonomic handling, reducing material waste and enhancing adhesion, allowing for longer, straight-edged film strips and precise positioning, while avoiding capillary issues that could lead to moisture seepage.

Implementation Method 1

direct frictional connection between the film roll and take-up roll

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3321445B1Device for applying a film
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 BACHMANN ARND
  • EP3321445B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321445B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321445B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a manually operated device (1) for applying a membrane as a building waterproofing layer. The device (1) comprises a membrane roll (6) and a pressure roller (7) for transmitting the pressure force on the membrane (2) against the roof surface (3). The device (1) is equipped with a removable winding roller (17) for the protective film (25) that is to be separated from the membrane (2) before application to the roof surface (3). This winding roller is arranged parallel to the membrane roll (6). Due to the feed motion, the membrane (2) is applied from the membrane roll (6) to the roof surface (3) and fixed thereon by means of the front pressure roller (8). Simultaneously, the winding roller (17), which runs on the previously applied membrane (2), is set into rotation by the feed motion.This causes the protective film (25) peeled off the foil (2) before being applied to the roof surface (3) to continuously increase the circumference of the winding roller (17), while the circumference of the foil roller (6) decreases. Thus, because the foil roller (6) and the winding roller (17) are coupled according to the invention not with a fixed rotational speed ratio, but solely based on their position, the winding roller (17) always takes up the required amount of the peeled protective film (25).