Retractable Canopy Frame Segmentation for Trailer Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailer covers face challenges such as difficulty in installation and removal, insecure fastening, high manufacturing costs, and inadequate enclosure of transported items, highlighting a need for an improved retractable canopy assembly that effectively protects contents during transport.

Innovation Solution

A retractable canopy assembly featuring a frame with bow members and connecting segments that can transition between open and closed positions, utilizing temporary and permanent securement members to securely attach to a fixed frame, ensuring easy movement and secure coverage of the transport apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional solid enclosed trailers are used, then protection and enclosure of transported items is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from precipitation and sun damageVSAvoidweight of trailer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy is divided into multiple panels that can be independently folded and stored, allowing the protective structure to be segmented when not in use, reducing the effective weight and space requirements compared to a solid enclosed structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The canopy transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can expand to provide protection when needed and collapse to minimize weight and space when not in use, adapting to different transport conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional trailer covers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but installation and removal difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost of coverVSAvoidease of installation and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy frame is divided into multiple modular sections with standardized connectors, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly without requiring complex tools or procedures, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The canopy panels and frame sections are pre-assembled into modular units with built-in connectors and alignment features, so that installation requires only simple coupling actions rather than complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional trailer covers are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but security and enclosure reliability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost of coverVSAvoidsecurity of cover attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The canopy employs curved bow members that provide structural strength and rigidity, ensuring secure attachment and reliable enclosure while maintaining cost-effective manufacturing through efficient use of materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The canopy frame is integrated with the trailer structure through combined mounting systems that secure both the frame and canopy panels together, enhancing overall reliability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a retractable canopy structure is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidcomplexity of retractable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable canopy is divided into multiple foldable panels connected by simple hinges or connectors, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact form through sequential folding of individual sections rather than requiring complex mechanical retraction systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex mechanism to retract the canopy into the trailer, the design allows the canopy to be folded and stored externally along the sides of the trailer, inverting the conventional approach and simplifying the overall mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10639979B1Retractable canopy assembly

Publication Date: 2020.05.05 JASCHKE JOHN C

AI summary

A retractable canopy assembly includes a retractable canopy frame having a first bow, a second bow, and a pair of connecting segments. The first bow, second bow, and connecting segments may be coupled with a fixed frame. In a first, open position of the retractable canopy frame, a canopy carried by the retractable canopy frame covers and protects contents within a transport apparatus to which the retractable canopy frame is coupled. In a second, closed position of the retractable canopy frame, the first bow, second bow, and pair of connecting segments generally align with respective portions of the fixed frame.