Pivoting Side Wall Element for Commercial Vehicle Loading Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle side walls are deep, restricting the width and length of the loading space, which is a challenge for compliance with maximum dimensions required for public road transportation without special permits.
Innovation Solution
The side wall elements are designed to partially encompass the supporting structure, allowing the supporting structure to be pushed further outward, enabling a larger opening angle and reducing the depth of the side wall, thus increasing the available loading space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the side wall elements are attached to the outside of the supporting structure, then the opening angle of the side wall element is maximized, but the depth of the side wall increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall element is designed to partially encompass the supporting structure when open, with the receiving section allowing the supporting structure to be received within the side wall element's volume. This nesting arrangement maximizes the opening angle while minimizing the external depth of the side wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the side wall element to the outside of the supporting structure, the invention inverts the arrangement by having the side wall element encompass the supporting structure. This reversal of the conventional attachment approach resolves the contradiction between opening angle and depth.
2Area of stationary object
If the supporting structure is positioned further outward to increase loading space, then the available loading width and length increase, but the opening angle of the side wall element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is received within the receiving section of the side wall element, allowing it to be positioned further outward without compromising the opening angle. The nesting arrangement enables the supporting structure to extend outward while the side wall element folds around it.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional arrangement by allowing the side wall element to fold in multiple directions around the supporting structure, rather than rotating in a single plane. This multi-dimensional movement enables the supporting structure to be positioned outward while maintaining the opening angle.
3Length of stationary object
If the side wall elements are designed to encompass the supporting structure, then the depth of the side wall is reduced and loading space is increased, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall element is segmented into functional sections: a connecting section for attachment to the supporting structure, a receiving section for encompassing the supporting structure, and a side wall section for maintaining the enclosure. This segmentation simplifies the design of each section while achieving the overall goal of reduced depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables opening and closing operations, encompasses the supporting structure to reduce depth, and maintains the cargo enclosure. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design rather than multiple separate components.
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
This design allows for easier loading and unloading by providing a more spacious loading area while maintaining structural stability and simplicity, with the side wall elements capable of pivoting through a large angle, such as 180°, to maximize space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
the side wall element connected at its lower end via hinges to a supporting structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Described and illustrated is a superstructure (2) of a commercial vehicle (1), in particular a truck, trailer or semi-trailer, with at least one side wall (3), wherein the side wall (3) comprises at least one supporting structure (9, 10) and at least one side wall element (7, 8) fixed to the supporting structure (9, 10), wherein the side wall element (7, 8) can be pivoted from a closed position relative to the supporting structure (9, 10) to an open position. In order to increase the space available for the load, it is provided that in the open position of the side wall element (7, 8) the side wall element (7, 8) at least partially surrounds the supporting structure (9, 10).