Collapsible Bulkhead and Angled Roll Blocks for Flatbed Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flatbed trailers lack effective solutions for safely transporting loads due to high center of gravity, which increases the risk of loads shifting during transport, and there is a need for innovative bulkhead designs that can absorb or dissipate kinetic energy in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a collapsible and/or crushable bulkhead with honeycomb structures made of materials like hardened alloys or magnesium, and a load placement device with angled roll blocks to maintain load distance from the deck, enhancing safety by lowering the trailer's center of gravity and providing energy absorption in emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid bulkheads are used, then structural strength is maintained, but kinetic energy cannot be absorbed in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead incorporates energy-absorbing materials and collapsible structures that are pre-designed to deform and absorb kinetic energy during emergency situations. The honeycomb structure and crushable materials are positioned in advance to cushion impacts before they reach critical levels, protecting both cargo and trailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead design changes its structural parameters dynamically - maintaining rigidity under normal conditions but allowing controlled collapse and deformation when subjected to emergency forces. The material properties and structural configuration are optimized to transition from a rigid state to an energy-absorbing state based on applied load conditions.
2Ease of operation
If loads are placed directly on the deck, then loading is simplified, but the center of gravity is raised increasing load shifting risk
Solution Approach 1:
Load placement devices with angled roll blocks serve as intermediaries between the deck and the cargo. These devices maintain a controlled distance between the load and deck surface, positioning loads lower on the trailer to reduce center of gravity while still allowing simplified loading operations through the roll block mechanism.
3Reliability
If collapsible bulkhead structures are used, then kinetic energy absorption is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead employs different material properties and structural characteristics in different regions. Energy-absorbing materials and collapsible sections are strategically positioned where impact forces are most likely to occur, while other portions maintain higher structural integrity. The honeycomb structure provides localized energy absorption without compromising overall bulkhead strength.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of load shifting by lowering the trailer's center of gravity and provides a safety mechanism to absorb kinetic energy, improving safety for both the traveling public and the driver during routine and emergency maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
comprise a crushable and/or collapsible bulkhead... configured to absorb or dissipate kinetic energy in emergency situations
Implementation Method 2
maintain the load at a distance away from the deck or the decking of the trailer
Data Source
AI summary
One or more flatbed trailers, load placement devices and/or collapsible bulkheads are provided. The flatbed trailer may have a lowered center of gravity and may comprise a plurality of load placement devices and a collapsible and/or crushable bulkhead disposed on a deck of the flatbed trailer to provide improved load transportation safety.