Segmented Side Underride Guard with Aero-Skirt Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side underride guards for trailers are not efficiently integrated with the trailer structure and do not effectively address the issue of passenger compartment intrusion during collisions, as they interact adversely with loading deflections and are not easily installable as factory-standard safety equipment, and current aero-skirts lack compatibility with rigid side guards.
Innovation Solution
A modular side underride guard with x-brace structures connected via horizontal members, allowing the trailer floor to flex during loading/unloading, and incorporating aero-skirt attachment that flexes with ground obstructions to prevent kinking, while being easily installable and compatible with existing trailer designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid side underride guard is installed on the trailer, then protection against passenger compartment intrusion is improved, but the trailer floor cannot flex during loading/unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The side underride guard is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment independently supported by vertical braces attached to the trailer floor. This segmentation allows the floor to flex locally during loading/unloading while each guard segment maintains its protective function, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for protection and flexibility for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical braces connecting the guard segments to the floor are designed to accommodate floor deflection during loading and unloading operations. The dynamic design allows the structure to adapt to changing load conditions, maintaining both protection capability and operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If a rigid side underride guard is installed, then collision protection is improved, but compatibility with aero-skirts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented guard structure allows aero-skirts to be installed between the guard segments, enabling both the rigid protection of the underride guard and the aerodynamic benefits of the skirt to coexist without interfering with each other's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The aero-skirt is positioned within the space created by the segmented guard structure, with the skirt nested between the vertical braces and guard segments. This nesting arrangement allows both components to occupy the same general space without conflict, maintaining compatibility while preserving collision protection.
3Strength
If traditional side underride guards are used, then structural strength is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side underride guard is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled on the trailer. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing workers to install smaller, more manageable sections rather than handling a single large rigid structure, reducing installation complexity while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical braces and guard segments are designed to be pre-assembled or pre-positioned at specific locations along the trailer, with standardized attachment points. This preliminary arrangement of components simplifies the installation process by reducing on-site fabrication and alignment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A side underride guard for attachment to the underside of a trailer comprising two guard rails longitudinally positioned below the outer sides of the trailer, with each guard rail attached to the trailer by a plurality of vertical support members and with the two guard rails attached to each other and the trailer by a plurality of diagonal support members. The side underride guard further supports and incorporates an aero skirt for reducing trailer drag.