Continuous Contact Rub Rail for Trailer Deck Impact Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rub rails for truck trailers are prone to bending upon impact and are difficult to repair, lacking sufficient strength and ease of maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A continuous contact rub rail system with a hollow 'C' shaped configuration, featuring a vertical inner rail contact section welded continuously along the trailer deck frame, providing increased strength and impact resistance, and allowing for easy installation and repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional flat strap rub rails are used, then the trailer can be equipped with basic impact protection, but the rub rails are weak and prone to bending when impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidresistance to bending

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rub rail is divided into multiple modular sections that can be individually replaced. Each section is a self-contained unit with standardized attachment points, allowing the rail to be segmented into replaceable components rather than a single continuous piece. This segmentation enables easier repair while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rub rail employs a composite structure combining a hollow interior with an outer protective shell. This composite design provides enhanced strength and impact resistance compared to solid or thin-walled alternatives, while the hollow structure reduces weight and material usage. The composite construction allows the rail to absorb impact energy more effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If hollow structure rub rails are formed as an integral unit with the trailer side rail, then strength is improved, but they become difficult and costly to repair

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidrepairability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rub rail is divided into multiple modular sections that can be individually replaced. Each section is a self-contained unit with standardized attachment points, allowing the rail to be segmented into replaceable components rather than a single continuous piece. This segmentation enables easier repair while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows damaged sections to be quickly removed and replaced with new or refurbished sections. Rather than repairing the entire integral structure, only the specific damaged module needs to be replaced, reducing repair time and cost. Used sections can be recovered, refurbished, and reused on other trailers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If conventional rub rails are used, then basic protection is provided, but installation and repair are time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and repair time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rub rail is divided into multiple modular sections that can be individually replaced. Each section is a self-contained unit with standardized attachment points, allowing the rail to be segmented into replaceable components rather than a single continuous piece. This segmentation enables easier repair while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular sections are designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can be used across different trailer types and configurations. The standardized interfaces allow the same rub rail sections to be installed on various trailer models, reducing the need for custom fabrication and enabling faster installation and repair operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system enhances impact resistance and vertical pull strength, making it easier and cost-effective to secure loads while simplifying the repair process compared to traditional rub rails.

Implementation Method 1

the inner rail contact section may comprise upper and lower vertical walls that may be welded to the vertical outer wall of the trailer deck frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS11459045B1Continuous contact rub rail

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 DOONAN SPECIALIZED TRAILER LLC

AI summary

A continuous contact rub rail system, comprising a rub rail having a vertical inner rail contact section that extends continuously along the length of the rub rail. The rub rail may be attached to the trailer deck frame, substantially without voids between the rub rail and deck frame, wherein the vertical inner rail contact section may be in continuous contact with the vertical outer wall of the trailer deck frame.