Logistic Rail Assembly for Composite Panel Surface Smoothness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite panel-based storage trailers face a challenge in integrating logistic rail assemblies that provide support for cargo without disrupting the smooth exterior and interior surfaces, which are essential for easy cargo loading/unloading and advertising applications.
Innovation Solution
A logistic rail assembly is designed to be installed within a composite panel, comprising a rail with a base wall, side walls, and a bonding plate, where the rail is positioned partially within the panel, and the bonding plate's flanges are bonded to the inner sheet, minimizing the thickness and offset from the panel surface to maintain smoothness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If intermediate logistic rails are coupled to composite panels to provide support for cargo, then cargo support capability is improved, but the smooth exterior and interior surfaces are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The logistic rail assembly is nested within a cavity formed in the composite panel, with the rail positioned inside the panel thickness rather than protruding outward. The bonding plate with flanges is bonded to the inner sheet, and the rail extends into the cavity, providing cargo support while maintaining smooth exterior and interior surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the logistic rail from a protruding configuration (extending outward from the panel surface) to a recessed configuration (embedded within the panel cavity). This dimensional change allows the rail to provide structural support functionality while being hidden within the panel thickness, preserving the smooth surface geometry.
2Shape
If the rail is positioned within the composite panel to maintain smooth surfaces, then surface smoothness is improved, but the structural support strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The logistic rail assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a bonding plate with flanges for attachment to the inner sheet, a rail portion with apertures for cargo support, and positioning within a cavity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both smooth surfaces and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly integrates multiple materials and structures: the bonding plate bonded to the inner sheet, the rail positioned within the cavity, and the honeycomb core structure of the composite panel. This composite construction distributes structural loads effectively while maintaining the smooth exterior and interior surfaces.
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 allows for effective cargo support without compromising the smooth surface integrity of the trailer, enabling seamless loading/unloading and advertising while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding plate coupled to an outer surface of the base wall and having a width that is greater than a width of the base wall such that third and fourth flanges are formed at ends of the bonding plate and the third and fourth flanges are bonded to an outer surface of the inner sheet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a logistic rail assembly configured to be installed within a composite panel of a vehicle, the composite panel being comprised of an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and a core member positioned between the inner and outer sheet, the logistic rail comprising a central portion including a plurality of apertures formed therein, the central portion defining a first thickness and first and second outer flange portions coupled to the central portion to position the central portion therebetween, wherein the first and second outer flange portions are configured to be coupled to the inner sheet of the composite panel, and wherein the first and second outer flange portions define a second thickness that is less than the first thickness.