Electromagnetic Tarpaulin Locking Device for Commercial Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tarpaulin fastening and locking systems for commercial vehicles lack improved handling and secure attachment mechanisms, leading to potential unintentional detachment during use.

Innovation Solution

A tarpaulin locking device with an electromagnet that includes a coil and iron core, allowing for magnetic connection with a tarpaulin fastening element, which can be controlled to ensure secure attachment and prevent premature detachment, combined with a tarpaulin fastening element designed for non-detachable attachment to the frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tarpaulin locking device with electromagnet is used, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidlocking device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a purely mechanical locking system with an electromagnetic system. The electromagnet (260) can be activated to create magnetic attraction that securely holds the tarpaulin fastening element (150, 250, 350) in place, providing more reliable attachment than mechanical means alone. This substitution of mechanical fastening with electromagnetic holding resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through controlled magnetic attraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the attachment system from static mechanical connection to dynamic controllable connection. By using an electromagnet that can be activated or deactivated, the attachment reliability becomes controllable through electrical parameter changes. The electromagnet allows the system to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing reliable attachment when needed while maintaining system simplicity through electrical control rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If permanent magnets are used for magnetic attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of attachment deteriorates due to unintentional detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarpaulin handling easeVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static permanent magnet system to a dynamic electromagnet system. The electromagnet (260) can be dynamically activated or deactivated based on operational needs. This allows the tarpaulin to be easily operated when the electromagnet is deactivated (similar to permanent magnets) while ensuring reliable attachment when the electromagnet is activated. The dynamic control resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its attachment strength based on the operational phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces controlled feedback through the electromagnet system. The electromagnet can be activated in response to detected conditions (such as vibration, movement, or operational state) to prevent unintentional detachment. This feedback mechanism ensures that when the tarpaulin experiences forces that might cause detachment, the electromagnet activates to maintain secure attachment, thereby resolving the reliability issue while preserving ease of operation during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a mechanical locking system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking system simplicityVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an electromagnetic system. Instead of requiring operators to manually engage and disengage mechanical locks, the electromagnet (260) can be activated or deactivated through simple electrical control signals. This substitution maintains relative system simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation, as electrical control requires less manual effort and can be automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the locking system to serve itself through electromagnetic attraction. The electromagnet automatically holds the tarpaulin fastening element in place when activated, without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the attachment state based on electrical control, reducing the need for manual operation while maintaining system simplicity. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by automating the attachment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides enhanced control over the magnetic connection between the tarpaulin locking device and fastening element, ensuring the tarpaulin remains securely attached to the frame, improving handling and preventing accidental detachment during operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electromagnet, which comprises at least one coil and is designed to hold the at least one tarpaulin fastening element magnetically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The electromagnet can be attached to either the tarpaulin fastener or the tarpaulin locking device and controlled as desired

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3053767B1Plan fixing element and plan fixing device for commercial vehicles
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 FLIEGL HELMUT
  • EP3053767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3053767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3053767B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tarpaulin locking device (140) for detachably fastening a tarpaulin (120) of a commercial vehicle body to a frame (102) of the commercial vehicle. The frame (102), together with the tarpaulin (120), defines a cargo space (114). The tarpaulin locking device (140) according to the invention has at least one locking element (144) attached to the frame (102) or to the tarpaulin (120), which is designed to be detachably connected to at least one tarpaulin fastening element (150; 250; 350) permanently attached to the tarpaulin (120) or to the frame (102) and to fasten the tarpaulin (120) to the frame (102).The tarpaulin locking device (140) according to the invention further comprises at least one electromagnet (160) which includes at least one coil (162) and is designed to magnetically hold the at least one tarpaulin fastening element (150) when the tarpaulin locking device (140) is connected to the tarpaulin fastening element (150).