Pivotable Cargo Side Structure for Trailer Access and Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo space side structures either fail to protect goods adequately or hinder load securing and working processes, particularly in deep-loader and inloader trailers where they are often half-height and open, posing safety and operational challenges.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable vertical side structure with a two-part design, including a lower access platform and an upper guard fence, that can be easily operated and secured, allowing unobstructed access and enhanced safety during transportation and operation, while maintaining protection of the cargo.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed side structure is used to protect cargo, then cargo protection is improved, but load securing and working processes are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo protectionVSAvoidload securing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a closed position for cargo protection and an open position for load securing operations. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and operational access as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The side structure is divided into multiple segments or panels that can move independently or in coordination. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain protection for most of the cargo space while creating open access points when needed for load securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a half-height open side structure is used in deep-loader trailers, then load securing is facilitated, but cargo protection and worker safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload securingVSAvoidcargo protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The side structure transitions from a static half-height design to a dynamic system that can extend to full height when needed. The movable panels can be positioned to provide complete cargo protection during transportation while allowing easy access during loading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a high vertical structure is pivoted to form an access platform, then worker safety is improved, but lateral space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework safetyVSAvoidlateral space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The access platform is designed to nest within or alongside the cargo space when not in use. The platform can be pivoted into a compact position that minimizes lateral space requirements while still providing safe worker access when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the access platform laterally, the design utilizes vertical and rotational dimensions to provide worker access. The platform pivots to create a safe working area that overlaps with the cargo space, reducing the need for additional lateral space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3517360B1Side structure of a cargo space

Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SORA JA BETONI V SUUTARINEN

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a side structure. The side structure includes a vertical structure (10) to be attached to the cargo space (21) in order to protect the cargo. The vertical structure (10) is arranged pivotably on the load space (21) in order to form an access platform (11).