Modular Anti-Slip Device for Cargo Floors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-slip devices for cargo floors in trucks and trailers are prone to detachment during loading and unloading, and the use of inflatable materials leads to durability issues, increased costs, and complexity in replacement, while not meeting safety standards like VDI 2700 Blatt 15 - May 2009.

Innovation Solution

A modular anti-slip device with a gutter section, a removably mounted cover, and slidable anti-slip elements actuated by a pneumatic air hose, allowing easy replacement of damaged elements without replacing the air hose, using sturdy materials that comply with safety standards and minimizing pneumatic overpressure risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-slip mats are glued down to the cargo floor, then they provide anti-slip performance, but they become detached during loading or unloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-slip performanceVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-slip device uses a movable cover that can be shifted between a first position (protruding above the cargo floor) and a second position (recessed into the cargo floor). This dynamic positioning allows the cover to provide anti-slip performance when needed while being flush with the cargo floor during loading/unloading operations, eliminating the detachment problem of glued mats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If inflatable material is used for anti-slip strips, then they can protrude to prevent horizontal movement, but the material is not sufficiently sturdy and may become damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-slip effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial sturdiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-slip device is divided into separate components: a sturdy cover made of rigid material, a movable element for actuation, and a pneumatic bladder for positioning. This segmentation allows the cover to provide structural strength and durability while the pneumatic element provides the protrusion mechanism, avoiding the use of weak inflatable material for the anti-slip surface itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic bladder is enclosed within a rigid or semi-rigid housing structure. This allows the bladder to provide controlled protrusion when inflated while the housing protects it from damage and provides the necessary structural strength, combining the benefits of flexible inflation with rigid protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If inflatable material is used, then anti-slip function is achieved, but replacement becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-slip functionVSAvoidreplacement simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into replaceable modules: the cover can be independently replaced if damaged, and the pneumatic bladder can be replaced without replacing the entire assembly. This modular design simplifies maintenance and reduces repair costs compared to integrated inflatable anti-slip systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If pneumatic pressure is increased to improve anti-slip effect, then protrusion height increases, but overpressure may damage the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-slip performanceVSAvoidpneumatic overpressure damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic bladder is pre-positioned within a housing that provides mechanical limits to its expansion. This prevents overpressure damage by physically constraining the maximum protrusion distance, cushioning against excessive pressure buildup before it can cause damage to the system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pneumatic bladder is enclosed in a protective housing that acts as a flexible container with defined boundaries. This housing contains the pneumatic pressure and prevents it from exceeding safe levels, protecting the overall system from overpressure damage while still allowing sufficient protrusion for anti-slip functionality.

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 ensures consistent anti-slip performance, easy maintenance, reduced costs, and compliance with safety standards by allowing targeted replacement of damaged elements and preventing pneumatic overpressure, while maintaining a smooth cargo floor for efficient loading and unloading.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic inflatable air hose positioned between the gutter section and the slidable elements and configured for moving the slidable elements up and down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the frictional force between the cargo and the cargo floor be increased in order to prevent the cargo from sliding during transport

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3587182B1Anti-slip device for a cargo floor
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 VERSUS OMEGA
  • EP3587182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587182B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587182B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides an anti-slip device for a cargo floor of a cargo space of a truck or trailer. The anti-slip device comprises a gutter section (1) onto which a cover (2) is mounted having a plurality of openings (3) in which platelike anti-slip elements (4) are located that are mounted onto upward and downward slidable elements (5). Between the gutter section (1) and the slidable elements (5), a pneumatic inflatable air hose (6) is arranged. Vertical movement of the slidable elements (5) between a lowered position and an raised position is limited by two stops. This construction makes it possible to replace only damaged anti-slip elements (4). Likewise, the anti-slip elements (4) can be made sturdy such that equipment for loading and unloading goods can move across the anti-slip elements (4).