Sliding Curtain Wall System for Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sliding curtain wall systems for enclosed trailers are labor-intensive and time-consuming to open and close, leading to frequent damage to buckles and tarpaulins due to the need for constant tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A sliding curtain wall system featuring elongate support members that can be slid along the length of the trailer opening, eliminating the need for straps and buckles by using a plurality of tarpaulin segments attached to these support members, which can be easily opened and closed by sliding them along the trailer's side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single tarpaulin with straps and buckles is used to close the trailer opening, then the tarpaulin can be tensioned to remain closed, but the opening and closing process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The single tarpaulin is divided into multiple segments (first tarpaulin segment, second tarpaulin segment, etc.) that can be independently manipulated. The support members are also segmented into multiple units that can be slid independently. This segmentation allows the curtain wall to be opened and closed more quickly by moving individual segments rather than handling a single large tarpaulin with multiple buckles.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional buckle and strap tensioning system is completely removed from the design. Instead of using buckles to tension the tarpaulin, the invention uses elongate support members that slide into place to hold the tarpaulin segments. This extraction of the buckle mechanism eliminates the time-consuming process of tightening and securing multiple buckles.
2Reliability
If straps and buckles are used to tension the tarpaulin, then the tarpaulin remains securely closed, but the buckles and tarpaulin become damaged due to frequent tensioning and relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle and strap system is completely removed from the design. The invention replaces this mechanical fastening system with elongate support members that slide into position to hold the tarpaulin segments. This eliminates the repeated stress cycles on buckles and straps that cause damage over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed to be dynamic rather than static - they can be easily slid into and out of position. This dynamic design allows the curtain wall to be opened and closed without the repeated tightening and loosening of buckles, which reduces wear and damage to both the buckles and tarpaulin material.
3Reliability
If multiple buckles are used to secure the tarpaulin, then the tarpaulin remains tensioned vertically, but the opening and closing process requires significant labor effort
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle and strap tensioning system is completely removed. Instead of requiring operators to manually tighten and secure multiple buckles to achieve vertical tensioning, the invention uses elongate support members that are slid into place. These support members inherently provide the necessary tensioning and vertical support without requiring manual manipulation of fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate support members are designed to self-tension the tarpaulin segments through their sliding mechanism. When the support members are slid into position, they automatically tension the tarpaulin vertically without requiring human intervention to tighten buckles or adjust straps. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces the labor effort required to operate the curtain wall.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved sliding curtain wall system for selectively closing an opening in a side of a covered trailer in which a plurality of elongate support members are slidably mounted to the side of the trailer to support several pieces of tarpaulin therebetween. Such a system allows the curtain wall to be easily opened and closed by sliding the support members along the length of the opening in the side of the covered trailer. Such a system also eliminates the need for straps and buckles to provide tension to the tarpaulin that forms the curtain.