Folding Top Stop Rod Guide for Load Transport Container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding top devices for load transport containers are complex, expensive, prone to failure, and cause noise and wear due to vibrations of the folding bracket when in use.

Innovation Solution

A folding top device with a rigid stop device that uses a stop rod guided along a stop rod guide, allowing the folding bracket to rest unyieldingly on the rear wall, preventing vibrations and noise, and utilizing the relative movement between the tarpaulin and the container to generate impact forces for the folding movement, without explicit spring elements for force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a folding bracket with spring element is used to enable upward folding movement, then the folding bracket can be easily folded up, but the folding bracket vibrates and flaps causing noise and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding bracket folding upVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a dampening element (viscoelastic material or foam) positioned between the folding bracket and the rear wall. This cushioning element absorbs vibrations and prevents flapping movements before they can cause noise and wear, while still allowing the folding bracket to be folded up easily during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Extent of automation

If a complex folding mechanism with multiple specially shaped parts is used, then the folding bracket can be locked and unlocked automatically, but the device becomes expensive and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic locking and unlockingVSAvoidnumber of specially shaped parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex folding mechanism with multiple specially shaped parts and replaces it with a simplified design using a folding bracket, guide elements, and a dampening element. This extraction removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential automatic locking and unlocking functionality through the interaction of the folding bracket with the guide elements and rear wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simpler, more durable components that are easier to manufacture and less prone to failure. The folding bracket and guide elements use standard mechanical components rather than specially shaped parts, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability while maintaining automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If manual operation is used to pull down the folding bracket, then the device is simple to construct, but it requires manual intervention and is not efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by designing the folding bracket to automatically fold down and lock into position through its interaction with the guide elements and rear wall. The dampening element assists this automatic operation by providing controlled resistance and preventing vibrations, eliminating the need for manual intervention while keeping the construction simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If the folding bracket is allowed to move freely upward, then the folding mechanism is simple, but the folding bracket cannot be securely positioned and causes vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidfolding bracket position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning a dampening element between the folding bracket and the rear wall before the folding bracket can move upward. This dampening element pre-compresses and provides resistance to upward movements, preventing vibrations and flapping while maintaining a simple mechanical structure. The guide elements also provide preliminary guidance to ensure stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 reliable, easy-to-operate, and low-noise covering mechanism with reduced wear, as the folding bracket is securely guided and energy is efficiently transferred for the folding movement, preventing upward movement and maintaining the folding bracket in a stable position.

Implementation Method 1

the anchorage device causes the folding bracket to fold down in a forcibly guided manner by applying an impact force to the folding bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP2708397B1Positively guided folding bow
Publication Date: 2015.11.18 FRANZ XAVER MEILLER FAHRZEUG UND MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2708397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2708397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2708397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The roof apparatus comprises a rear tailgate that is equipped on a sideboard wall (16-2), which has a limited cargo space. An actuating device is mounted on a load transportation container (10). The actuating devices (32-1,32-2,82) are positioned between an outstretched covering position and a shirred retracted position of the load transportation containers. A support bracket ( 24-1) is used for the top plane of the load transportation container. A guide element (26) is equipped at the upper edges of the sideboard walls. The stop units (100,102) are connected to the rear tailgate.