Adjustable Trailer Protection Panels for Debris Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for towed vehicles on trailers are inflexible and obstruct access to trailer components, as they are typically attached to the tongue or hitch, making it difficult to access parts like the jockey wheel handle or winch, and do not accommodate varying trailer or vehicle sizes.
Innovation Solution
A trailer protection device with adjustable connecting assemblies and panels made of tensioned material, allowing for secure attachment to differently sized trailers and providing clear access to trailer components through openings, such as zipped panels and adjustable brackets that fit various trailer configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection device is attached to the tongue or hitch part of the trailer, then the vehicle is protected from debris, but access to trailer components such as the jockey wheel handle or winch is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is divided into separate modular panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently positioned and attached. This segmentation allows the panels to be configured to protect the vehicle while leaving access paths open to trailer components like the jockey wheel and winch, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device extends laterally from the vehicle using side extensions that wrap around the corners of the trailer. This dimensional approach creates a three-dimensional protective barrier that shields the vehicle from debris while maintaining clear access to trailer components on the ground level, separating the protection function from the access function in different spatial zones.
2Device complexity
If the protection device is designed with fixed connections to the trailer, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate differently sized trailers or vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable connection mechanisms including removable fasteners, adjustable panel positions, and flexible side extensions. These dynamic features allow the device to be adapted to different trailer and vehicle sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate various trailer types and sizes. The modular panel system with standardized connection points and adjustable side extensions allows a single device design to serve multiple functions across different trailer configurations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection device covers the entire trailer surface, then maximum protection is provided, but access for cleaning and maintenance is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device uses segmented panels with gaps between them, particularly at the sides and rear of the trailer. This segmentation provides comprehensive debris protection while creating natural access corridors that allow easy passage for cleaning and maintenance activities without requiring removal of the entire protection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device provides full coverage in areas where debris protection is most critical (front and sides of the vehicle) while intentionally leaving openings and reduced coverage in areas where access is needed (rear and bottom areas). This local differentiation of protection quality maintains effective protection while enabling maintenance access.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer mounted protection device (10) for protecting a vehicle (20) positioned on the trailer (18) from debris, the device including a first frame-enclosed panel (13A) and a second frame-enclosed panel (13B), each panel connected to the trailer (18), a first connecting assembly (40, 49A, 49B) for connecting a leading side (26A, 26B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a forward part of the trailer (18), a second connecting assembly (71) for connecting a trailing side (28A, 28B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a rearward part of the trailer (18), wherein at least one of the connecting assemblies is adjustable to enable connection of the device (10) to differently sized or differently shaped trailers.