Retractable Tarp Support System Bows for Unobstructed Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable tarp support systems for truck trailers and containers are prone to damage from large or heavy items and suffer from obstruction during loading and unloading, as well as exposure to elements when support members are removed for unobstructed pulling.
Innovation Solution
A retractable tarp support system with bows that pivot inwardly toward the container's center, utilizing a positioning device such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to move between extended and retracted positions, and a safety lock to prevent unintentional retraction, allowing for secure and damage-resistant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bows and crossbar are installed to support tarp material, then tarp coverage and support are improved, but access to container interior is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The bows are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between extended and retracted positions. The positioning device enables dynamic adjustment of bow position based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining tarp support and providing container access.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separable components (bows, crossbar, positioning device) that can be independently controlled. Each bow can be positioned separately, allowing selective retraction to provide access while maintaining support where needed.
2Reliability
If bows extend across container opening to support tarp, then tarp support function is improved, but bows are exposed to damage from external elements and items
Solution Approach 1:
The bows can be retracted into a protected position within the container when tarp support is not needed, reducing exposure to external damaging elements such as weather, large items, and debris during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device can retract the bows before loading operations begin, proactively protecting them from potential damage by large or heavy items that may be loaded into the container.
3Ease of operation
If support members are removed to allow unobstructed pulling, then ease of operation is improved, but tarp coverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bows are dynamically positioned - retracted during pulling operations to clear the path, and extended when tarp coverage is needed. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between unobstructed movement and tarp support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system operates in periodic cycles - extended for tarp support, retracted for unobstructed pulling - alternating between these states based on operational requirements rather than remaining in a fixed state.
4Ease of operation
If bows are made retractable to improve access, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with a more simple actuated system that can automatically or remotely position the bows, reducing overall system complexity despite adding movement capability.
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
The system provides unobstructed access for loading and unloading while maintaining tarp coverage, reducing damage from external elements and ensuring the tarp remains in place during transit, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The actuator is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable tarp support system for supporting a container covering is provided. The tarp support system comprises two halves and each half has a plurality of bows attached to a container that extend inwardly toward the center of the container. The bows are pivotally joined together by a crossbar extending along the end of the bars. A positioning device attached to one of the bows allows the tarp support system to move from an inwardly extended position outward to a retracted position near the sides of the container.