Electromagnetic Tarp Hold-Down for Trailer Pivot Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Front-to-back tarp systems for open-topped trailers face issues with tarp flapping due to wind, leading to potential material spillage and damage to the pivot arm assembly during transportation, especially at higher speeds, and existing solutions require manual intervention or mechanical adjustments that can be prone to misalignment and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A tarp hold-down system utilizing electromagnetic assemblies mounted on the trailer, which magnetically constrain the pivot arm assembly to secure the tarp in a covered position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing wear on components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pivot arm assembly uses spring-loaded arms to draw the tarp longitudinally over the trailer, then the tarp can be uncovered and covered, but wind can pass underneath the tarp at higher speeds causing the tarp to flap and potentially damage the pivot arms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarp covering operationVSAvoidpivot arm assembly durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-loaded pivot arm assembly with an electromagnetic holding system. Electromagnetic assemblies mounted on the trailer engage with the pivot arms to provide holding force, substituting mechanical spring force with electromagnetic force. This allows the tarp to be securely held in the covered position without relying solely on mechanical spring pressure, preventing flapping and potential damage to the pivot arms during high-speed travel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual tie-down mechanisms are used to secure the tarp, then material spillage can be prevented, but the operator must leave the cab which creates safety risks and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarp securityVSAvoidoperator safety and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic holding system operates automatically without requiring operator intervention. The system self-regulates by using electromagnetic force to hold the pivot arms in place, securing the tarp without needing manual tie-down actions. The operator can monitor and control the system from within the cab, eliminating the need to leave the vehicle while maintaining tarp security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If the pivot arms are constructed of soft metal like aluminum, then the assembly is lightweight, but repeated lifting and slamming from wind flapping can bend the arms or tear the tarp

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot arm assembly weightVSAvoidpivot arm resistance to deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electromagnetic assemblies that provide additional holding force to compensate for the limited strength of lightweight aluminum pivot arms. The electromagnetic force prevents the arms from being repeatedly lifted and slammed by wind, protecting the soft metal arms from bending and the tarp from tearing, while maintaining the lightweight advantage of aluminum construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively prevents tarp flapping and material spillage, extends the lifespan of the pivot arm assembly and tarp, and ensures secure tarp positioning without requiring the operator to leave the cab, providing a safe and durable solution.

Implementation Method 1

each comprising an electromagnetic device, wherein the control system is configured to selectively activate each electromagnetic device when the plural arms are in contact with the plural electromagnetic assemblies to magnetically constrain movement of the plural arms relative to the plural electromagnetic assemblies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS10913337B1Tarp hold-down

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 WILLIAMS SHEA ONEAL

AI summary

In one embodiment, a system, comprising: a control system; a pivot arm assembly, the pivot arm assembly comprising plural arms joined by a transverse arm; and plural electromagnetic assemblies, each comprising an electromagnetic device, wherein the control system is configured to selectively activate each electromagnetic device when the plural arms are in contact with the plural electromagnetic assemblies to magnetically constrain movement of the plural arms relative to the plural electromagnetic assemblies.