Bracket Assembly for Modular Bows in Tarp Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarp systems for flatbed trucks and trailers face challenges in securely and durably assembling modular bows, with issues such as labor-intensive welding, difficulty in securing support poles, and reduced working surface and durability of corner connectors, leading to assembly difficulties and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly featuring a curved base member with dual channels and a tarp guide, supported by seal gaskets, which aligns with frame member channels to securely attach tarps to modular bows, enhancing assembly efficiency and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fabricated bows are welded together using corner fittings, then structural design integrity is improved, but labor intensity and manufacturing complexity increase due to large number of welds required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical connection system using corner fittings that have channels receiving support poles, and bracket assemblies with curved base members and tarp guides. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for extensive welding while maintaining structural integrity through interlocking components and friction-fit connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bow structure is divided into separate modular components (vertical frame members, horizontal frame members, corner fittings, bracket assemblies) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need to weld entire assembled structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If aluminum cast corner fittings are used to connect modular bows, then ease of manufacture is improved, but assembly difficulty increases because corner fittings do not completely secure support poles inside channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bracket assemblies as intermediary components between the corner fittings and the support poles. These bracket assemblies include curved base members that fit into the corner fittings and tarp guides that interface with the support poles, creating a secure mechanical connection that the corner fittings alone could not provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional aspect to the connection by using curved base members that wrap around or fit into the corner fitting geometry, and tarp guides that extend the connection in another direction to fully secure the support poles within the channel system.
3Reliability
If corner fittings are made heavy to improve durability, then reliability is improved, but weight of the modular bow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple lighter components (corner fittings, bracket assemblies, curved base members, tarp guides) that distribute the structural load across several elements rather than relying on a single heavy corner fitting. This segmentation maintains durability through the collective strength of multiple components while reducing overall weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly for securing tarps to a modular bow in a tarp system includes a curved base member that is adapted to be secured to a frame member having adjacent dual channels that extend along an outer surface thereof. A tarp guide is supported on the curved base member. The tarp guide has adjacent dual channels that are separated by a partition. The adjacent dual channels of the tarp guide are adapted to be aligned with the adjacent dual channels of the frame member when the curved base member is secured to the frame member.