Side-to-Side Cover System with Pivot Arm and Spring Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-to-side cover systems for open-topped containers face challenges in efficiently and uniformly deploying and retracting flexible covers across the width of the container, often resulting in uneven coverage and potential damage due to mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A side-to-side cover system featuring a gear motor with high ratio hypoid gears for precise control and a multiflex pivot arm assembly with a chain and spring mechanism to ensure uniform movement and tension, allowing the cover to span the width of the container effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional drive mechanism rotates the roller to move the cover over the end caps, then the cover can be deployed across the container, but uneven coverage and mechanical stress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support mechanism movable rather than fixed. The support arm pivots on the container end wall and the support roller moves along the arm, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to the cover's position during deployment. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform tension distribution and coverage across the container opening while reducing mechanical stress on the cover material.
2Reliability
If the cover is pulled across the open top of the container, then the container can be covered, but the flexible cover experiences mechanical stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a spring mechanism in the support arm that provides pre-computed tension compensation. The spring is pre-loaded to compensate for the tension forces that will act on the cover during deployment, thereby cushioning the cover from excessive mechanical stress and potential damage while ensuring reliable operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a support mechanism is engaged to the opposite end of the cover roller, then the cover can be supported during deployment, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the support mechanism to perform multiple functions: it supports the cover during deployment, maintains uniform tension, and can be adjusted for different container configurations. The same support arm and roller assembly serve both as a structural support and as a tensioning mechanism, thereby achieving deployment uniformity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 achieves reliable and uniform deployment and retraction of the cover, reducing mechanical stress and ensuring consistent coverage across the container, even with varying trailer configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a chain connected at one end to the opposite end of the arm, and an engagement element connected at the opposite end of the chain and configured to be coupled to the opposite end of the cover assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A cover system for an open-topped container body includes a cover assembly supported by a first arm assembly pivotably mounted at one end of the container body and a second arm assembly mounted at the opposite end of the body. The first arm assembly is coupled to one end of the cover assembly and includes a drive motor for rotating the cover assembly between deployed and retracted positions. The second arm assembly includes an arm pivotably mounted to the container body, a chain connected at one end to the free end of the arm, and an engagement element connected at the opposite end of the chain that is coupled to the opposite end of the cover assembly.