A-Frame Trailer Securing Strap With Biasing Element for Worktops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting large and heavy yet delicate quartz worktops efficiently while protecting them from exposure to sharp objects, sudden impacts, vibration, dirt, moisture, and extreme temperatures is challenging, especially during inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle, such as an HGV trailer, equipped with a deck for an A-frame stillage and a securing strap system that includes a biasing element like a bungee cord to securely hold the worktops, preventing exposure to harmful conditions and allowing for efficient loading and unloading without direct contact that could cause damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If worktops are transported in a conventional manner without specialized securing mechanisms, then loading and unloading is simple and quick, but the worktops are exposed to harmful factors such as sharp objects, sudden impacts, vibration, and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary biasing element (such as a spring or elastic component) between the securing strap and the deck. This intermediary automatically applies securing force to the stillage without requiring manual intervention, thereby protecting the worktops from harmful factors while adding minimal complexity to the system. The biasing element acts as a mediator that continuously maintains securing pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing strap system is designed to be self-securing through the biasing element that automatically applies force to hold the stillage in place. The system serves itself by using the biasing element's inherent mechanical property (elasticity or spring force) to maintain securing pressure without requiring continuous human intervention or complex control mechanisms, thus protecting worktops while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Reliability
If a securing strap system without biasing element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the worktops cannot be securely held during transport, leading to exposure to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element serves as a mechanical intermediary that automatically applies securing force to the stillage through the securing strap. This intermediary component reliably maintains contact and securing pressure throughout transport without requiring complex control systems, thereby improving reliability while adding only a single mechanical element to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element provides self-service by automatically generating securing force through its inherent mechanical properties (spring force or elasticity). The system reliably secures the worktops without requiring external power sources, control mechanisms, or continuous human intervention, thus improving reliability while maintaining low device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If direct contact securing methods are used to hold worktops, then the securing mechanism is simple, but the worktops may sustain damage from direct contact and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary that applies securing force through the securing strap without requiring direct manual contact with the worktops. The stillage with apex features provides an intermediary structure that the strap engages with, allowing securing to occur without handlers directly touching the delicate worktop surfaces, thus ease of operation is maintained while contact damage is prevented.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing system performs self-service by using the biasing element to automatically apply and maintain securing pressure. This eliminates the need for continuous manual adjustment or direct handling during transport, making the operation simple while preventing damage that would result from repeated direct contact during securing and unsecuring operations.
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 system effectively secures and protects worktops during transport, maintaining their quality by minimizing exposure to adverse factors and facilitating safe and efficient handling, even in harsh weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element (e.g. a tensioning element, elastic element and/or bungee cord) attached to the securing strap and configured to bias the securing strap away from the deck
Data Source
AI summary
An HGV trailer (200) for transporting worktops (1), the trailer comprising: a deck (204) configured to receive an A-frame (100) for holding a worktop; a securing strap (326) for securing an A-frame to the deck; and a biasing element (322) attached to the securing strap and configured to bias the securing strap away from the deck. An A-frame (100) and a method (500) are also provided.