Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Floor System for Trailer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor systems in storage containers, such as truck trailers, often rely on metal cross members which can be heavy and prone to corrosion, and may not provide optimal structural support or thermal management, particularly in refrigerated applications.
Innovation Solution
A floor system comprising an upper and lower section made of fiber-reinforced polymer boards, where the upper section is heat-welded to the lower section, eliminating the need for metal cross members and allowing for improved structural integrity and thermal performance by using glass fibers within a polymer resin, with a design that includes U-shaped channels and ribs for enhanced strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal cross members are used to support the floor material, then structural support is provided, but weight increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal cross members from the floor system entirely, extracting the harmful element (metal) while maintaining structural support through fiber-reinforced polymer beams that span between side walls without requiring metal intermediaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials for the floor beams and flooring, combining organic fibers (wood, glass, or synthetic) with polymer resins to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, replacing traditional metal structural elements
2Strength
If metal cross members are used to support the floor material, then structural support is provided, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal cross members from the floor system entirely, extracting the harmful element (metal) that is prone to corrosion while maintaining structural support through fiber-reinforced polymer beams that span between side walls without requiring metal intermediaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials for the floor beams and flooring, combining organic fibers (wood, glass, or synthetic) with polymer resins to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, replacing traditional metal structural elements
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional floor materials are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but thermal management performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials for the floor beams and flooring, combining organic fibers (wood, glass, or synthetic) with polymer resins to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, replacing traditional metal structural elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates insulation material in the form of rigid foam boards or batts positioned between the floor beams, utilizing porous cellular structures that trap air pockets to provide thermal insulation while maintaining compatibility with the composite floor system architecture
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 lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and thermally efficient floor system that enhances structural support and reduces weight, while maintaining the structural integrity and thermal management needs of storage containers, particularly in refrigerated environments.
Implementation Method 1
an upper floor section made of a fiber reinforced polymer, and a lower floor section made of a fiber reinforced polymer. The upper floor section is heat-welded to the lower floor section.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor system configured for use with a storage container such as a trailer. The floor system includes an upper floor section including a plurality of upper floor boards made of glass fiber reinforced polymer, and a lower floor section including a plurality of lower floor boards made of glass fiber reinforced polymer. The upper floor boards are configured to extend along a length of the trailer and the lower floor boards are configured to extend across the width of the trailer.