Refrigerated Vehicle Sectional Door Rails Integrated Into Side Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing box-shaped vehicle structures for transporting frozen goods face challenges with reduced cargo space due to narrow openings and separate running rails, which hinder efficient loading and create an aesthetically unpleasing exterior when the sectional gate is closed.
Innovation Solution
The running rails are integrated into the side walls, allowing for a wider opening and increased usable cargo space, with the rear frame supporting the sectional gate and featuring a U-shaped deepening for insulation and a seamless exterior appearance when closed, utilizing a sheet metal shape filled with insulation material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide rails are arranged as separate guide bars outside the side walls, then the sectional door can be guided during operation, but the clear width of the opening is reduced compared to the clear width of the loading space
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are integrated into the side walls of the vehicle body, merging the guidance function with the structural side walls. This eliminates the need for separate external guide bars and maximizes the clear width of the opening to match the clear width of the loading space.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are positioned within the thickness of the side walls rather than extending outward, utilizing the dimensional space within the wall structure. This allows the guidance function to be achieved without reducing the external clear width of the opening.
2Ease of operation
If a separate guide bar is used for guiding the sectional door, then the door can be operated, but the usable length of the loading space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are combined with the side wall structure, eliminating separate guide bars that would protrude into the loading space. This integration ensures that the full usable length of the loading space is available for cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail structure is positioned within the side wall dimension rather than extending into the loading space dimension, allowing guidance functionality without compromising the usable loading length.
3Ease of operation
If the sectional door is recessed relative to the frame when closed, then the door can be guided on tracks, but the rear view is perceived as a continuously closed flat surface is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are integrated into the side walls in such a way that their outer surfaces are aligned with the outer surfaces of the panels when closed. This merging of surfaces creates a continuous, flush exterior appearance without disruptions or recesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails are positioned and shaped locally within the side walls to match the exterior surface profile. This local adaptation ensures that the guidance function is maintained while the exterior surface appears continuous and flat when the door is closed.
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 enhances loading efficiency and aesthetics by maintaining a continuous, insulated surface appearance while providing a larger usable cargo area and easier loading access.
Implementation Method 1
the outer skin of the guide rail support is manufactured as a sheet metal part and filled with insulating material, corresponding to the side wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A box-shaped vehicle body, in particular for a refrigerated vehicle, with a cargo space bounded by insulated walls, which has an opening that can be closed by a sectional door (1) having a plurality of pivotably connected panels (2) which are guided in guide rails (5), is designed such that the guide rails (5) are formed by groove-like recesses in opposing guide rail supports extending over the height of the opening, each of which is aligned with the outside of the closed sectional door (1) with its associated outer side.