Refrigerated Vehicle Wall Panel Interlocking Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body designs for refrigerated vehicles compromise insulation integrity and create risks for cargo securing due to protruding connection elements, which weaken insulation and allow dirt accumulation, especially when using lashing rails.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle body features adjacent metal wall parts with angled side edges forming receiving pockets, deformed to create a flat connection that is flush with the wall plane, allowing for secure fastening elements like lashing rails to be integrated without protruding into the cargo space, using an adhesive compound for enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional clamps and connecting elements are used to join adjacent wall parts, then the wall parts are securely connected, but the connection protrudes into the insulation material space, weakening insulation and risking damage to the insulating material
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is redesigned to extend in a different spatial dimension - specifically, it runs parallel to the wall plane rather than protruding perpendicular to it. This dimensional change allows the connection to maintain structural strength while eliminating interference with the insulation material space.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the connecting element protrude outward from the wall surface, the design inverts the connection geometry so that the connecting element is recessed or flush with the wall plane, with the connection occurring through folded side edge regions that interlock without external protrusion.
2Strength
If conventional clamps are used for connecting wall parts, then the connection is secure, but dirt can accumulate on the clamp parts, creating hygiene risks especially in refrigerated vehicles for food transport
Solution Approach 1:
The design converts the potential harm of exposed clamp surfaces by completely enclosing the connection geometry within the wall structure itself. The folded side edge regions create an internal connection mechanism where no external surfaces exist for dirt accumulation, transforming the open clamp design into a sealed, hygienic connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lashing rails are attached to the inner wall parts, then cargo can be secured, but the attachment causes problems and the rails protrude into the cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The lashing rail function is merged directly into the wall structure itself. Instead of being separate attached components, the load fastening elements are integrated as deformations or features of the wall parts, eliminating the need for separate attachment hardware and avoiding protrusion into the cargo space.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the wall connection uses a flat design flush with the wall plane, then insulation is protected and the connection is clean, but the connection area needs sufficient strength to secure heavy cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The connection utilizes a composite structural approach combining the folded side edge regions of adjacent wall parts with an adhesive compound. This composite system provides both the flush external appearance for insulation protection and the internal mechanical interlocking plus chemical bonding for high connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The structure has walls (1) whose multiple metallic wall parts (3) are connected with each other. Folded side edge areas of the wall parts are provided for connection of adjacent wall parts. The wall parts adjacent to each other are provided with retaining slots (7.2, 8.2) for forming side edge areas (7, 8). Bent ends (7.1, 8.1) of the areas are mutually gripped into the respective slots. The slot (8.2) with a bent end of the wall part extends parallel to a wall part plane (3.3) of the wall part.