Flexible Tarpaulin Support Device with Segmented PVC and Nylon Tube

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tarpaulin support devices for semi-trailers, such as those made of nylon composite, face issues like material wear, cracking due to temperature exposure, high maintenance costs, and deformation of trailer walls, despite providing flexibility and resilience.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and resilient tarpaulin support device featuring a tube assembly with an outer PVC tube and optional inner tube or rod, where the tube assembly is bowed under tension and secured with angled brackets, offering protection and reduced wear on the inner components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a nylon composite pole is used for flexibility and resilience, then the pole can flex and deflect during loading operations, but the nylon becomes rough through use causing the tarpaulin to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtarpaulin durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into two distinct functional components: a flexible nylon pole for adaptability and a smooth PVC sleeve for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PVC sleeve acts as an intermediary between the nylon pole and the tarpaulin. It transfers the load from the tarpaulin to the pole while protecting the tarpaulin from direct contact with the roughening nylon surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a nylon composite pole is used for flexibility, then the pole can withstand impact during loading, but the nylon tends to crack in cold and heat

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpole durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure combining nylon and PVC materials. The nylon provides flexibility and impact resistance, while the PVC sleeve provides temperature resistance and protective coverage, creating a system that leverages the strengths of both materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a nylon pole is used for flexibility and resilience, then the pole can deflect during loading operations, but the nylon pole is costly to replace

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidreplacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The PVC sleeve is designed as a replaceable protective covering that can be renewed without replacing the entire pole assembly. This allows the expensive nylon pole to be retained while only the less expensive PVC sleeve is replaced when worn.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a nylon pole is used for flexibility, then the pole can bow outwardly under tension, but it tends to cause the walls of the trailer to deflect outward

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtrailer wall deflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PVC sleeve acts as a flexible shell that distributes the outward force from the bowing pole over a larger area. This distribution reduces the concentrated force on the trailer walls, preventing deflection while maintaining the pole's flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 a cost-effective and durable tarpaulin support that minimizes wear on the inner components, reduces the need for frequent replacements, and prevents trailer wall deformation, while maintaining flexibility and resilience during loading operations.

Implementation Method 1

The outer tube may be freeze resistant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreeze resistance:

Implementation Method 2

The outer tube may be freeze resistant, UV resistant, or both freeze resistant and UV resistant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV resistance:

Implementation Method 3

The tube assembly is normally straight but is bowed under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9701349B1Flexible tarpaulin support device

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 MCWILLIAMS CLIFFORD O

AI summary

A tarpaulin support device for an open top of a trailer or vehicle. The device has a flexible and resilient tube assembly bowed from a normally straight position under tension to an arched position outwardly from the trailer or vehicle. The tube assembly may be removably mounted to the side walls of the trailer or vehicle via brackets with angled bores therethrough. The tube assembly comprises an outer tube, an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube, a rod located substantially within an outer tube, or a rod located substantially within an inner tube located substantially within an outer tube.