Flush Skirting Board Connection for Trailer Floor Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connections between floor elements and side walls in box bodies, such as those used in trucks and trailers, suffer from dirt accumulation and obstruction issues during loading and unloading, particularly in refrigerated vehicles transporting fresh products, due to the design of the skirting board which sits on the loading area and creates a gap for dirt to accumulate.
Innovation Solution
A connection design where the base rubbing strip is positioned with its leg on the loading area to create a flush transition, with a shoulder on the floor element that matches the depth and width of the skirting board's leg, allowing for easy assembly and hygiene, and a support profile that enhances stability and prevents dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the skirting board rests on the loading area, then installation is easy, but dirt accumulates in the edge area and hinders loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a shoulder structure that extends in the longitudinal direction, creating a new dimensional feature on the floor element. This shoulder provides a contact surface for the skirting board leg, elevating it from the loading area plane and preventing dirt accumulation while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoulder acts as an intermediary structure between the loading area and the skirting board. It provides a dedicated contact surface that mediates the connection, allowing the skirting board to be properly positioned without directly contacting the loading area, thus preventing dirt accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If the skirting board leg is positioned far from the side wall, then the contact area width is large, but a clearly offset edge is created where dirt accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder structure provides a localized contact surface with specific dimensions (width and depth) that are optimized for the skirting board leg. This local quality change ensures proper positioning and flush alignment, preventing dirt accumulation in the transition area.
3Reliability
If the skirting board is welded to the loading surface, then connection is secure, but the skirting board still obstructs loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder structure creates a new dimensional feature that allows the skirting board to be positioned at the correct height and location. This dimensional change enables secure connection while eliminating obstruction during loading operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The floor element has an upper top layer (1), whose free surface forms a loading surface (F), on which a load which is to be transported is applied. A shoulder (29) with a contact area (29a) is formed in the upper top layer for attaching the shank (31) of an L-shaped socket skirting board (30). The shoulder extends along the longitudinal edge of the top layer. An independent claim is included for a connection between a floor element and a side wall of a box body for a vehicle, such as truck, semi-trailer or trailer.