Flexible False Bulkhead Assembly for Tank Trailer Stain Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tank trailers face issues with unwanted stains or grime on the front or rear bulkheads due to overflow of precipitation from the trough, which can be misinterpreted as leaking hazardous materials, causing concerns and logistic delays.
Innovation Solution
A false, flexible bulkhead assembly that can be engaged with the trailer to hide these stains while displaying graphics for advertising, without requiring modifications to the trailer, thus maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a false bulkhead assembly is added to conceal stains and display graphics, then the visual appearance and advertising capability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The false bulkhead assembly is divided into separate components: a frame structure and a cover portion. This segmentation allows the cover to be independently manufactured with graphics while the frame provides the mounting structure, simplifying production while achieving the desired visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The false bulkhead assembly acts as an intermediary component between the bulkhead and the external environment. It conceals unwanted stains while displaying advertising graphics, serving as a mediating layer that resolves the visual conflict without modifying the original bulkhead.
2Ease of manufacture
If a false bulkhead assembly is added to hide stains and display graphics, then the advertising capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the frame and cover, the assembly can be installed in stages - first attaching the frame to the bulkhead, then securing the cover with graphics. This segmentation makes installation more manageable while maintaining full advertising display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be selectively positionable and removable from the frame, allowing for flexible installation, maintenance, and graphic replacement without permanent attachment, thus improving ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cover is made from a fibrous material to hide stains effectively, then the concealment capability is improved, but the strength of the bulkhead assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly combines a rigid frame material (providing structural strength) with a fibrous cover material (providing effective stain concealment). This composite structure allows each material to perform its optimal function - the frame maintains strength while the fibrous cover hides stains effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A false bulkhead assembly for engagement with a vehicle, said false bulkhead assembly comprising a frame adapted to be engaged with the vehicle and a cover operably engaged with the frame. The false bulkhead assembly is provided to effectively hide a front bulkhead or a rear bulkhead of a tank trailer. The false bulkhead assembly is provided to hide from public view any staining from the overflow of accumulated precipitation from a trough or other structure on the tank body. The false bulkhead assembly is also provided to display graphics and other similar visual images to provide advertising and marketing characteristics to a specific company when using this false bulkhead assembly of a specific tank trailer or tank vehicle.