Pivoting Freight Curtain for Easy Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with flexible tarpaulin curtains for covering the front of piece goods containers are difficult to fold and remove, especially for small personnel, as they require throwing the curtain upwards during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A curtain composed of stiffened parts that pivot and lie flat on top of each other, stored in a compartment above the container, with a fastening rod and flexible fastening elements for easy handling and attachment, allowing the curtain to be easily folded and secured out of the way during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible tarpaulin curtain is used to cover the front of the receiving space, then the curtain can be easily manufactured and installed, but it becomes difficult to fold and remove especially for small personnel during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain is divided into multiple rigid sections (first curtain section, second curtain section, third curtain section) that can pivot independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the curtain to be folded into a compact configuration for easy removal and storage, while maintaining coverage when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain sections are connected via pivot axes that enable dynamic movement between deployed and folded positions. The pivot connections allow the curtain to transition from a rigid coverage state to a compact folded state, facilitating easy removal and reattachment by personnel.
2Ease of operation
If the curtain is made rigid to improve handling, then it becomes easier to fold and remove, but it loses the flexibility needed to conform to the receiving space
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the curtain into multiple rigid sections connected by pivot axes, the system achieves both rigidity for easy handling and flexibility through the articulated joints. Each rigid section maintains structural integrity while the pivot connections allow the overall curtain to adapt to different positions and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connections between rigid sections enable the curtain to adapt its configuration - remaining rigid when deployed for coverage, and folding into a compact form when removed or stored. This dynamic capability provides both ease of operation and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the curtain is folded up during loading and unloading, then it clears the working area, but it requires significant space for storage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain sections are designed to nest within each other when folded - the second curtain section folds over the first, and the third folds over the second, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting minimizes the storage volume required when the curtain is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain transitions from a two-dimensional extended coverage surface to a compact three-dimensional folded form by utilizing the vertical dimension and folding the sections over each other. This dimensional transformation reduces the space required for storage while maintaining the curtain's functional area when deployed.
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
Enables effortless removal and reattachment of the curtain, reducing operational difficulties and ensuring safe, efficient loading and unloading processes by providing a stable and space-saving solution.
Implementation Method 1
each curtain section having a slip pocket with a stiffening panel received therein
Implementation Method 2
The curtain parts are pivoted against each other about the pivot axis or the pivot axes until they lie flat on top of each other
Implementation Method 3
a curtain 32 that is attached over the receiving space and hangs down due to the force of gravity to cover the front side 30
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The device (10) has an accommodating area provided for bulk goods and opened to a front side (30), and a drapery (32) suspended based on gravitational force and fastened over the accommodating area, where the drapery covers the front side. The drapery has two rigid drapery parts that are pivotable against each other around a horizontal running pivot axis upto laminar parts lying on top of one another. The drapery has a covering made of flexible material, and each drapery part is provided with an insertion case with a reinforcement plate.