Adjustable Guide Tracks for Rolling Tarp Shipping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shipping methods for rolling tarp systems on flatbed trailers are inflexible, requiring sequential loading and unloading that can lead to damage and are limited to specific widths, making it difficult to accommodate different sizes and accommodate delivery schedule changes.
Innovation Solution
A shipping system with adjustable guide tracks and receivers that allow for side loading and unloading of rolling tarp systems, enabling flexible positioning and accommodating various widths by adjusting the track and receiver positions, allowing for easier handling and increased shipping capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flatbed trailers with fixed guide tracks are used for shipping rolling tarp systems, then the shipping method is simple and readily available, but the system cannot accommodate different widths and requires inflexible sequential loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tracks are made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned laterally to accommodate rolling tarp systems of different widths. The guide tracks can be moved along the trailer width and secured at different positions, transforming a static shipping system into a dynamic one that adapts to various cargo dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The shipping system is designed to handle multiple types and sizes of rolling tarp systems on a single trailer through adjustable guide tracks and receivers. Instead of requiring separate trailers for different widths, the universal shipping system can accommodate various widths by reconfiguring the guide track positions, making one trailer serve multiple purposes.
2Ease of operation
If rolling tarp systems are loaded sequentially from the rear of the trailer, then the loading process is simple, but unloading requires removing later loaded units first (LIFO method) which reduces flexibility and increases damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The loading and unloading operation transitions from a single-dimensional rear-access method to a two-dimensional side-access method. By providing guide tracks and receivers on both sides of the trailer, units can be loaded and unloaded from either side, adding a lateral dimension to the operation that enables greater flexibility in sequence and access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer is divided into multiple independent loading bays, each with its own guide tracks and receivers on both sides. This segmentation allows different units to be accessed from different bays and sides independently, breaking the single LIFO sequence into multiple parallel access paths that can be used simultaneously or selectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping system for a rolling tarp system has a trailer bed and first and second guide tracks attached to the trailer bed. The trailer bed has a towing element that defines front, sides, and rear portions. The first and second guide tracks are transverse to the trailer sides and configured to support the rolling tarp system. The rolling tarp system is loaded on and unloaded off the first and second guide tracks along the side of the trailer bed.