Combination Trailer Enclosure with Movable Upper Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current enclosure systems for trailers are not suitable for transporting bulk commodities like coal, as they lack the necessary mechanical strength and protection from weather and debris.

Innovation Solution

A combination trailer with a dump trailer and an enclosure system, featuring a movable upper wall section that pivots between open and closed positions, supported by a linkage and actuator, and a flexible tarp system secured by latching plates, to protect loads from the elements and debris while allowing easy loading and unloading of bulk commodities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a tarp cover system is used to protect commodities from weather and debris, then protection is improved, but mechanical strength is insufficient for bulk commodities like coal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from weather and debrisVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a dump trailer body with an enclosure system to create a hybrid structure that integrates the mechanical strength of a dump trailer with the protective enclosure features. This merging allows the structure to handle bulk commodities like coal while providing weather and debris protection through the enclosed design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper wall section is made movable between raised and lowered positions, allowing the enclosure to adapt between fully enclosed protection mode and open access mode for loading/unloading. This dynamic configuration enables the same structure to provide both protection and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the upper wall section is raised to a closed position for protection, then protection is improved, but access for loading and unloading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from weather and debrisVSAvoidaccess for loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The upper wall section is designed to be movable between raised and lowered positions, allowing the enclosure to adapt between fully enclosed protection mode and open access mode for loading/unloading. This dynamic configuration enables the same structure to provide both protection and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure system is designed to be configured for protection before loading begins, and then modified to an open state during loading/unloading operations. This preliminary configuration allows the system to be optimized for protection during transit while easily transitioning to an operational state when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a flatbed trailer is used for general commodities, then ease of loading is improved, but exposure to weather and debris worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loadingVSAvoidexposure to weather and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The upper wall section can be lowered to create an open-top configuration similar to a flatbed, facilitating easy loading of general commodities. When raised to a closed position, it provides full enclosure protection from weather and debris, allowing the same trailer to serve both purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as an open flatbed for easy loading of various commodities, or as an enclosed protected structure for vulnerable loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized trailers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the upper wall section is lowered to an open position for loading, then ease of operation is improved, but protection from weather and debris deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading accessVSAvoidexposure to weather and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upper wall section is periodically raised and lowered according to the operational cycle: lowered during loading/unloading operations and raised during transit. This periodic action ensures protection is provided during vulnerable periods while maintaining operational access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS9387788B1Combination trailer

Publication Date: 2016.07.12 FIRST CLASS SERVICES

AI summary

A combination trailer is provided that includes a dump trailer having a bottom surface, a front portion, a back portion, a first side panel, and a second side panel with an upper wall section and a lower wall section. The upper wall section is movable between an open and closed position such that the height of the second side panel is adjustable. An enclosure system is also included in the combination trailer to selectively cover an open top of the dump trailer.