Height-Adjustable Beam Latch with Dual-Spring Intermediate Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable beam locking systems in semi-trailers are noisy and difficult to handle, causing operator discomfort and potential hearing issues due to constant latch shocks against rail cells, and are prone to blockages and damage, especially when made of aluminum.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable beam system with a latch that can assume three positions: locked, unlocked, and a stable intermediate position, utilizing a first return spring to return the latch to the locked position and a second spring to maintain it in the intermediate position, reducing noise and friction, and allowing automatic locking under load weight, with a sabot made of low-friction materials like polyamide or Teflon for easier sliding and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking system with a latch constantly oriented towards the rail by a return spring is used, then the beam can be locked in the rail cells, but the latch constantly strikes the edges of the cells causing noise pollution and operator discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is made dynamically adjustable between different positions (fully retracted, partially engaged, fully engaged) rather than being constantly pushed against the rail. The operator can control the latch position to minimize noise during beam movement while maintaining locking capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding means (intermediate position mechanism) is introduced between the latch and the rail cells. This intermediate position allows the latch to be partially engaged, providing temporary support and reduced noise compared to full engagement, while still maintaining sufficient stability during beam movement.
2Reliability
If the latch is constantly pushed towards the rail by a return spring, then the beam can be locked securely, but the system becomes difficult to handle and requires great effort to move the beam vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is made dynamically controllable, allowing the operator to position it in different states (retracted, intermediate, engaged) based on operational needs. This eliminates the constant spring pressure that made manual handling difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding means automatically maintains the latch in an intermediate position without requiring continuous operator intervention or strong spring forces, reducing the effort needed to move the beam while maintaining adequate support.
3Reliability
If the latch is fully inserted into the cells during beam sliding, then secure locking is achieved, but the successive shocks degrade working conditions and cause hearing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is positioned partially engaged in the cell rather than fully inserted. This intermediate position provides sufficient temporary support and stability during beam movement while significantly reducing the shocks and noise associated with full engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate position mechanism acts as a mediator between full engagement and complete retraction, providing a middle ground that reduces harmful shocks while maintaining adequate locking stability during beam operation.
4Weight of moving object
If aluminum rails and heads are used, then the system is lightweight, but friction causes blockages and damage especially when the latch is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics of the contact surfaces are changed by introducing a sabot made of low-friction material (polyamide or Teflon) between the shoe and the rail. This reduces friction and prevents blockages while maintaining the lightweight aluminum structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A composite material approach is used by combining the lightweight aluminum rail and head with a low-friction sabot material (polyamide or Teflon). This hybrid material system provides both weight efficiency and reduced friction for reliable operation.
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 significantly reduces noise pollution, enhances operator comfort and safety by eliminating the need for manual locking, and reduces maintenance costs through replaceable sabot components, while being adaptable to different rail types and facilitating easier handling with a remote unlocking tool.
Implementation Method 1
a first return spring, tending to return said latch to said locked position
Implementation Method 2
a second return spring, opposing said first return spring, to maintain said latch in said intermediate position
Implementation Method 3
a sabot made of low-friction materials like polyamide or Teflon for easier sliding and reduced wear
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention relates to a beam for a height-adjustable floor of a semi-trailer, comprising a head 3 for connecting to a rail 8 provided for this purpose on the semi-trailer, having a series of recesses corresponding to distinct positions for the rail 8. The head 3 is mounted for rotation on a sliding insert 2 relative to a beam body and carries a shoe 31 adapted to slide in the rail 8 and a latch 4 that can assume two positions: - a locked position, in which it is engaged in one of the recesses, to hold the beam stationary relative to the rail 8; and - an unlocked position, in which it is withdrawn from the recess. The head 3 includes retaining means for maintaining the latch 4 in a stable intermediate position between the locked position and the unlocked position, in which it is partially engaged in one of the recesses.The said retaining means comprise a first return spring 5, tending to bring said latch 4 back into said locked position, and a second return spring 6, opposing said first return spring 5, to maintain said latch 4 in said intermediate position.