Rooftop Cargo System for Hay Bale Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Animal trailers face challenges in transporting hay bales on their rooftops due to wind and weather conditions, which result in significant loss of cargo during travel.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle rooftop cargo system comprising a forward panel, tarp biasing system, opposing side panels, and cross members that allow for secure support and easy removal of cargo, including hay bales, while maintaining airflow to minimize cargo loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If hay bales are transported on the rooftop of animal trailers, then cargo transport capability is improved, but cargo loss due to wind and weather increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo transport capabilityVSAvoidcargo loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible tarp as a thin film covering to protect hay bales during rooftop transport. The tarp is extended over the cargo and secured to the trailer structure, creating a protective barrier that prevents wind and weather from directly contacting the hay bales, thereby reducing cargo loss while maintaining transport capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The tarp acts as an intermediary element between the hay bales and the external environment (wind and weather). By introducing this intermediate protective layer, the system allows the hay bales to be transported on the rooftop while minimizing their exposure to harmful environmental factors that would otherwise cause cargo loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If cargo is securely secured on the rooftop, then cargo stability is improved, but ease of loading and unloading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo stabilityVSAvoidease of loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic securing mechanisms including adjustable cross members and a tarp with coupling members that can be easily attached and detached. The biasing system applies continuous force to maintain tarp tension and cargo stability during transport, while the modular design allows rapid assembly and disassembly for loading and unloading operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo system is divided into segmented components including multiple cross members distributed along the trailer, separate coupling members for the tarp, and modular side panels. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently adjusted and quickly reconfigured, enabling both secure cargo stabilization during transport and efficient loading/unloading by removing only the tarp and cross members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9707900B1Vehicle rooftop cargo systems and methods for transporting cargo upon the rooftop of vehicles

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 TOWNSEND LARRY

AI summary

Vehicle rooftop cargo systems and methods for transporting cargo such as baled hay upon the rooftop of vehicles are provided.