Segmented Side Panel for Curtain Sided Transport Vehicle Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Curtain sided transport vehicles face issues with load control and security, as loose items can shift outside the load boundaries, causing damage and increasing theft risks due to the lack of rigid side walls.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight side panel made of sandwich material, weighing less than 25 kilograms, is designed to be fixed between adjacent posts, providing additional mechanical strength and security by creating a gripping space for easy manual handling and attachment, while also serving as an obstacle to theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid side walls are used in closed transport vehicles, then load control is improved, but loading and unloading flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into fixed posts and removable panels. The posts provide structural support and load control, while the removable panels allow flexible access for loading and unloading operations from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic configuration where panels can be easily attached and removed. This allows the structure to adapt between providing rigid load containment during transport and allowing open access during loading/unloading operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If curtain walls are used in curtain sided transport vehicles, then loading and unloading flexibility is improved, but load control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible curtain wall is supplemented with segmented rigid panels that can be positioned at strategic locations to control and contain loose items during transport, while maintaining the overall flexibility of the curtain sided design.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall structure combines flexible curtain material with rigid panel elements. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for easy loading/unloading and the rigid structure necessary for effective load control of loose items.
3Strength
If heavy panels are used to provide mechanical strength, then load containment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels utilize foam core material that provides high strength-to-weight ratio. This changes the density parameter of the panel material, allowing sufficient mechanical strength for load containment while keeping the weight low enough for easy manual handling by one or two persons.
4Ease of operation
If lightweight panels are used for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels use a composite construction with foam core material sandwiched between outer layers. This composite structure provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, delivering both the lightweight property for easy handling and the mechanical strength for effective load containment.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a side panel for a curtain sided transport vehicle. The invention also relates to a curtain sided transport vehicle adapted to receive such a side panel. The invention further relates to a method of loading or unloading such a transport vehicle. The panel provides improved stabilizing of the load while retaining the advantages of curtains sided trucks, trailers and semi-trailers.