Semitrailer Side Edge Frame Section with Omega Pull-off Strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semitrailer side edge constructions are inefficient in allowing easy and secure cargo locking, often requiring multiple elements and tools, and may not effectively maintain cargo safety across different semitrailer types.

Innovation Solution

A semitrailer side edge with a frame section featuring two longitudinal furrows forming a misshapen 'Ω' pull-back strip, containing through holes for easy installation of fixing elements like hooks, which are reinforced and positioned below the floor to prevent interference with the loading area, allowing for secure cargo fixation without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional semitrailer side edge constructions are used, then cargo locking is possible, but the mounting process requires multiple elements and tools, reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cargo lockingVSAvoidnumber of mounting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated side edge structure. The side edge includes a mounting element with a recess that directly receives and secures cargo locking elements (such as chains or ropes) without requiring separate fixing devices. This merging of the side edge and mounting element functions reduces the number of components from multiple separate elements to a single integrated structure, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If traditional mounting elements are used, then cargo can be secured, but the process requires additional tools, increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo safetyVSAvoidnumber of tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element is designed to be self-sufficient for cargo securing. The recess in the side edge directly receives and holds the cargo locking element (chain or rope) without requiring additional tools or separate fixing mechanisms. The side edge structure itself provides the securing function, making the system self-service capable and eliminating the need for extra tools, thus maintaining cargo safety while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If mounting elements are positioned at or above floor level, then cargo locking is accessible, but the elements may interfere with the loading area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of cargo lockingVSAvoidloading area space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the mounting element recess in the vertical dimension below the floor level of the loading area. The recess extends downward from the side edge, allowing cargo locking elements to be mounted and operated without occupying horizontal space in the loading area. This vertical displacement resolves the spatial conflict by moving the mounting function to another dimension (below floor level) while maintaining accessibility through the side edge structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Device complexity

If the side edge structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the strength and stability for cargo securing may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of elementsVSAvoidcargo securing strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side edge is constructed as a composite structure combining the side edge member and mounting element into a single integrated component. This composite structure maintains the necessary strength and stability for cargo securing while reducing the total number of separate elements. The integrated design ensures that the mounting element is firmly attached to the side edge, providing sufficient structural strength without requiring additional separate fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3269593B1Semitrailer side edge
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 WIELTON SPOLKA AKCYJNA
  • EP3269593B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3269593B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the invention is the side edge of a semitrailer, which has the form of the waved frame section (1), wherein the multiple, longitudinal bending of the frame section stiffens and reinforces its construction. It allows to fix the transported cargo simultaneously at a number of points, in the through holes (4) grouped close to each other in the semitrailer's side edge, ensuring a safe stabilization of the cargo with the "safety lock" system. The developed side edge of a semitrailer consists of the frame section (1), i.e. the longitudinal part of the body construction, made in the semitrailer's floor, frame or integral body, preferably - partially or entirely - below a loading area of a vehicle, wherein the frame section has two longitudinal furrows (2). The elevation between these furrows (2) resembles, in its cross-section, the misshapen "Ω" letter, wherein the vertical arms of this letter, which form its central part, adjoin each other and merge at the top, forming an arc close to a circle. This element forms the pull-off strip (3), in which the through holes (4) are made. This construction is adapted mainly to the application in the semitrailers with rigid sides (Fig. 3). The described frame section (1) can be even more waved and enriched with additional, extreme longitudinal recesses (7) and in such a case it is intended mainly for curtain side semitrailers (Fig. 2). On the edge the longitudinal recess (7) turns into the hitch strip (8) which resembles the reversed "U" letter. The edge of the canvas cover of a curtain side semitrailer can be hooked - for instance with clamps - on the edge of the hitch strip (8). Then it is possible to seat the additional longitudinal seals, protecting the semitrailer's curtain, in the recesses (7), respectively on both sides of the semitrailer.