Ventilated Cargo Trailer Cover to Prevent Snow Melt Freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trailers for cargo transportation face issues with heat from snowmobile engines causing snow to melt and freeze, preventing access to the trailer due to the cover structure freezing shut.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design with a front wall section featuring an air inlet and deflector member to direct airflow, enhancing ventilation and preventing snow melt, combined with a rear wall section that forms a ramp for easy loading and unloading, and strategically placed outlets to maintain overpressure and block contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover structure is sealed to protect cargo, then protection from elements is improved, but heat dissipation deteriorates causing snow melt and freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The front wall section is segmented to include a specific opening for air inlet, separating the protective cover structure into functional zones: most of the cover remains sealed for protection, while the designated opening allows controlled ventilation for heat dissipation without compromising overall protection
Solution Approach 2:
A deflector member is introduced as an intermediary element mounted on the inside surface of the front wall section. This deflector mediates between the incoming airflow and the cargo, directing airflow to optimize heat dissipation while preventing direct contamination of the cargo by external elements
2Temperature
If air inlet openings are provided for ventilation, then heat dissipation is improved, but contamination from dirt and moisture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector member serves as a mediator that separates the beneficial airflow (for heat dissipation) from harmful contaminants. It is mounted on the inside surface of the front wall section and configured to deflect airflow in a way that allows air to enter for ventilation while preventing dirt and moisture from reaching the cargo
Solution Approach 2:
The front wall section has differentiated local qualities: the opening area allows airflow for heat dissipation, while the deflector member creates a localized protective zone that directs airflow away from contaminants, giving different parts of the same structure different functional properties
3Reliability
If the cover structure is locked for secure transport, then security is improved, but access for loading/unloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transition between locked (for secure transport) and unlocked (for access) states. The pivotable connection enables the cover to be moved between positions, providing security during transportation while facilitating easy access when needed
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
Effectively dissipates heat from cargo, prevents snow melt and cover freezing, maintains cleanliness, and facilitates safe and easy loading/unloading through enhanced ventilation and structural design.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector member is mounted on an inside surface of the front wall section, the deflector member being configured to deflect an airflow entering the space via the at least one inlet opening
Implementation Method 2
an enhanced ventilation is provided which may efficiently dissipate heat from cargo loaded on the trailer, such as from an engine of a snowmobile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a trailer (1000) for cargo transportation on road comprising, a base structure (100) supported by wheels (110) and defining a loading surface, a cover structure (200) supported by the base structure (100) and defining a space above the loading surface, wherein the cover structure (200) comprises a front wall section (210) facing an intended travel direction of the trailer (1000), wherein the front wall section (210) is provided with at least one inlet opening (212) forming an air inlet to the space, wherein a deflector member (300) is mounted on an inside surface of the front wall section (210), the deflector member (300) being configured to deflect an airflow entering the space via the at least one inlet opening (212) in response to moving the trailer (1000) in the intended travel direction.