Canvas Cover Access Barrier for Commercial Vehicle Cargo Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle tarpaulin structures face challenges in ensuring customs security, as the gaps between components can be exploited to access the cargo area without leaving visible traces, despite the use of customs cords and sealing lips, due to imprecise alignment or fatigue of the tarpaulin.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an access barrier in the slots between tarpaulin components, which is loosely attached and interacts with the components to prevent reaching through, narrowing the gaps and enhancing security without affecting the tarpaulin's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tarpaulin structure uses movable side tarpaulins and roof tarpaulins for easy loading and unloading, then the ease of operation is improved, but gaps and slots are created between components that compromise customs security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an access barrier as an intermediary element between the first component (tarpaulin or fixed structure) and the second component (contact surface). This barrier prevents direct access through the slot while allowing the tarpaulin structure to remain movable for loading operations. The access barrier acts as a mediator that blocks the harmful effect (unauthorized access) without interfering with the useful function (movable tarpaulin for loading).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the continuous tarpaulin structure into segmented components with defined slots, and then introduces separate access barrier elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the tarpaulin to maintain its mobility for loading while the access barriers provide discrete security points at critical slots, resolving the contradiction between movement and security.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tarpaulin structure components are allowed to move and be easily assembled/disassembled, then the ease of manufacture and operation is improved, but precise alignment is compromised creating larger gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The access barrier serves as an intermediary that compensates for alignment imprecision. Rather than requiring precise component alignment, the access barrier can be adjusted or designed with tolerance ranges to effectively block access even when gaps vary due to imprecise assembly. This mediator approach decouples the security function from the alignment precision requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gap tolerance by introducing access barriers that are designed to function effectively across a range of gap sizes. The barriers may be adjustable in position or designed with flexible mounting that adapts to varying alignment conditions, transforming the rigid requirement for precise alignment into a more tolerant system that maintains security across different assembly conditions.
3Reliability
If access barriers are added to prevent unauthorized access through slots, then customs security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access barriers are designed as simple, inexpensive elements that can be easily installed and removed. They may be basic blocking elements like plates, bars, or even adjustable components that provide security without requiring complex mechanisms. This approach adds minimal complexity while effectively addressing the security concern, treating the access barriers as simple add-on elements rather than integral complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire tarpaulin structure complex and secure, the patent applies access barriers only at specific local positions where slots exist and access is needed to be prevented. This localized application of security measures adds minimal overall complexity while effectively addressing security concerns at critical points, rather than uniformly complicating the entire structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The cover (7) has a slot (S1) guided from surrounding to an inner area and limited by tarpaulins e.g. side tarpaulin (20) and roof tarpaulin (25). Intervention barriers are arranged in an area of the slot and provided for inhibiting passage through the slot to the inner area. The barriers are fastened to one of the tarpaulins, and act together with the tarpaulin in a detachable manner. The tarpaulins are made from elastic material, and the barriers are aligned normal to a main plane. The barriers are arranged at a distance to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the tarpaulin.