Actuating System for Covering Canvas with Top-Mounted Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating systems for covering canvases on lorry and stationary containers face challenges due to limited space constraints, requiring modifications or extensive adaptations to accommodate cable and pulley arrangements, especially when containers have vertical reinforcement bars or other obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A compact and efficient actuating system with a support structure that can be fixed on top of the container, featuring motor means and transmission shafts with rotatable drive pulleys, allowing for flexible motor placement and independent operation, along with telescopic and section bars for adaptability to different container sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable actuation systems are installed on containers with reinforcement bars or obstructions, then the canvas can be actuated, but extensive modifications to the container and complex cable routing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the actuation mechanism from the container structure itself and places it on a separate support structure mounted on the container. The drive shaft and pulleys are positioned on the support structure rather than requiring integration with container reinforcement bars, thereby eliminating the need for complex modifications to accommodate the actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the container and the canvas actuation system. It provides mounting points for the drive shaft and pulleys without requiring direct attachment to or modification of the container's reinforcement structure, simplifying installation across different container types.
2Reliability
If drive shaft and pulleys are integrated into the container structure, then the actuation system is stable, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into a separate support structure that can be pre-assembled with the drive shaft and pulleys, then mounted as a complete unit on the container. This modular approach maintains system stability while dramatically reducing installation time compared to integrating components individually into the container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure with drive shaft and pulleys can be prepared and configured before being mounted on the container. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and stability while eliminating the time-consuming on-site integration work that would otherwise be required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If space between cab and container is limited, then the container can maintain its original design, but there is insufficient space for actuation means
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the actuation means within the limited horizontal space between the cab and container, the invention positions the drive shaft and pulleys on a support structure mounted on top of the container. This vertical dimension provides ample space for the actuation components without encroaching on the already-constrained horizontal clearance.
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
This solution significantly reduces installation time and maintenance by providing a self-contained, autonomous unit that can be easily mounted and adapted to various container configurations, overcoming space constraints and obstructions without modifying the container.
Implementation Method 1
motor means (30) to generate the rotary driving force to be transferred to the drive pulleys (16) through the transmission means
Implementation Method 2
at least one drive pulley (16) is rotatably coupled with said support structure (12)... said cable loops (18) being engaged on said drive pulleys (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
It is described an actuating system for a canvas (22) for covering containers of vehicles or fixed containers for waste materials. The canvas is hauled by one or more cable loops (18) set in motion by drive pulleys (16) that transfer to them the motion necessary to move the canvas (22). The system comprises a bellows-like frame adapted to fold the canvas.