Self-pivoting extensions for transport tray side barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable lateral retaining barriers for trailers fail to securely enclose cargo over the entire available loading height, particularly for goods reaching up to 400 cm, leading to insufficient safety during transport.

Innovation Solution

Integrate upper and lower extensions on the side barriers that automatically fold and unfold with the movement of the side walls, using a servo-controlled connecting rod mechanism to ensure complete cargo security up to the maximum legal height.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the platform height is reduced to facilitate loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the height secured by conventional retractable barriers is reduced, worsening the reliability of cargo security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of loadingVSAvoidcargo security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is segmented into a fixed base barrier and a movable extension that can be deployed independently. The extension divides into upper and lower portions that can be positioned at different heights, allowing the system to maintain low platform height for easy loading while still providing full-height cargo security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier system transitions from a static fixed-height barrier to a dynamic system where the extension can be deployed to different positions based on cargo height requirements. The extension moves from a retracted position (when loading) to an extended position (when securing cargo), adapting to different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If retractable barriers are used to facilitate loading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the barriers cannot enclose cargo over the entire available loading height, worsening the reliability of cargo security

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading convenienceVSAvoidcargo enclosure completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is segmented into a fixed base barrier and a movable extension that can be deployed independently. The extension divides into upper and lower portions that can be positioned at different heights, allowing the system to maintain low platform height for easy loading while still providing full-height cargo security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper and lower extensions are designed to nest together when retracted, with the lower extension containing the upper extension within its structure. This nesting arrangement minimizes the space required when the barriers are in the loading position while allowing full deployment when cargo security is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If the barrier height is increased to secure cargo up to 400 cm, then the reliability of cargo security is improved, but the barriers hinder the loading process and risk damage, worsening the ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo securityVSAvoidloading process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system transitions from a static fixed-height barrier to a dynamic system where the extension can be deployed to different positions based on cargo height requirements. The extension moves from a retracted position (when loading) to an extended position (when securing cargo), adapting to different operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier system operates in periodic cycles: during the loading phase, the extension is retracted to provide clear access; during the transport phase, the extension is deployed to secure the cargo. This periodic adjustment of barrier height resolves the contradiction between facilitating loading and ensuring cargo security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4527649B1Self-pivoting extension for a side barrier of a transport tray
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 ETS JOSKIN
  • EP4527649B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4527649B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4527649B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a trailer, or a self-propelled towed or semi-mounted vehicle, for the transport (1) of goods, comprising a loading platform (2) and delimited by fixed transverse walls (3) and at least one removable longitudinal side wall (4) comprising at least one upper and/or lower extension (5, 6), pivotally mounted respectively on the upper edge (41) or the lower edge (42) of said longitudinal wall (4), the rotation of which is automatically controlled by and concomitantly with the movement of the longitudinal wall (4) by means of a servo-driven element (7, 8) fixed on the one hand to a guide arm (34, 35) belonging to the support and drive device (31 to 35) and on the other hand to the longitudinal wall (4, 43, 44) and to the extension (5, 6), such that, when the longitudinal wall is retracted to an open position (A) close to the ground,respectively raised to a closed position (B), the extension (5, 6) automatically folds down onto and against the outer or lower face of the longitudinal wall (4, 43, 44), downwards or upwards as appropriate, leaving the loading area above the loading platform (2) completely free, or respectively unfolds automatically in line with the longitudinal wall (4, 43, 44), so as to enclose the upper (92) and/or lower (91) layers of the cargo.