Tank Trailer Protective Bar and Light Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tank trailer operators face risks of damage during fuel loading and unloading, particularly due to contact with loading hoses, and operate in dark conditions, which complicates visibility.
Innovation Solution
A tank trailer design featuring a protective bar and frame member positioned above the fuel connector to prevent hose contact and a light source for illumination, enhancing safety and visibility during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective bar is added to prevent hose contact with the tank, then tank protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into a bar portion and a frame member portion that can function independently or together. The bar can be positioned alone to provide basic protection, while the frame member can be added to create a more comprehensive protective structure, allowing the system to scale in complexity based on needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier against hose contact, provides structural support for the frame member, and serves as a mounting point for the light source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If a light source is added to illuminate the work area, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is merged with the existing bar structure, utilizing the bar as both a protective element and a mounting platform for illumination. This integration allows the light source to be supported by the same structural component that provides tank protection, rather than requiring a separate support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar serves as both a protective barrier and a mounting structure for the light source, demonstrating multi-functionality. This approach allows the addition of illumination capability while utilizing existing structural elements, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If a frame member with sheet material is added to protect the area below the bar, then protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into a bar portion and a frame member portion with sheet material. This segmentation allows the frame member to be added as an optional enhancement to the basic bar structure, enabling the system to expand protection coverage while maintaining modularity and controlling complexity through selective implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank trailer includes a tank having an outer surface face and an inner surface and a central longitudinal vertical plane extending between the first end and the second end. The outer surface faces away from the central longitudinal vertical plane and the inner surface faces towards the central longitudinal vertical plane. The outer surface and the inner surface define an interior volume adapted to be filled with material. The tank trailer may further include a set of ground-engaging wheels supporting the tank trailer from below, a bar positioned proximate the outer surface of the tank and a light source provided on the bar. The tank may further include a frame member operatively engaged with the bar and a sheet material extending between the bar and the frame member. The frame member is movable between a first position and a second position.