Flexible Side Protection Device for Heavy Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side protection devices for heavy vehicles with substantial ground clearance are either too heavy, limiting maintenance access or ineffective in preventing pedestrians and smaller vehicles from slipping under the vehicle, and lack easy installation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A side protection device comprising structural elements with flexible, elongated members and connecting means that can be easily secured to the vehicle's structural elements, preventing road users from slipping or entering under the vehicle, while allowing for easy maintenance access and quick installation as a kit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid frames are used for side protection devices, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vehicle weight increases and maintenance access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible elongated members (such as chains, ropes, or belts) instead of rigid frames to create a side protection device that is both effective and lightweight. These flexible members are tensioned between a first member extending downwardly from the vehicle side and a second member extending downwardly from the vehicle rear, forming a protective barrier that can adapt to impacts while maintaining low weight.
2Reliability
If rigid frames are used for side protection devices, then protection effectiveness is improved, but maintenance access underneath the vehicle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongated members allow maintenance personnel to access the area underneath the vehicle more easily compared to rigid frames, as the flexible members can be adjusted or removed without the structural constraints of rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The side protection device incorporates adjustable and removable components, allowing the flexible members to be repositioned or taken down when maintenance access is required, and reinstalled when protection is needed, providing dynamic adaptability between protection and maintenance modes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex installation procedures are required, then device stability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side protection device is divided into separate modular components: a first member extending downwardly from the vehicle side, a second member extending downwardly from the vehicle rear, and flexible elongated members connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and adjusted, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining structural stability through proper tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elongated members are pre-tensioned during installation to ensure immediate effectiveness, and the device is designed to be quickly assembled and secured to the vehicle structure, reducing installation time while ensuring stable operation from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side protection device to prevents road users and/or pedestrians to slip, move and/or enter under a vehicle. The device comprises a first member adapted to be secured, under a lateral side of the vehicle; a second member adapted to be secured, under a same lateral side of the vehicle; at least one flexible, elongated member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; at least one connecting means for securing the first end of the at least one flexible, elongated member to the first member or the second member; and at least one connecting/tensioning means for securing and tensioning the at least one flexible, elongated member between the first member and the second member. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with the above device and a kit comprising at least one of the above device.