Tarp Deploying Device Quick Release Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarp deploying devices for trailers with rear doors interfere with the opening and closing of double or single side-hinged doors, making it impossible to access the trailer contents without disengaging the tarp system.
Innovation Solution
A tarp deploying apparatus with a releasable connector between the proximal and distal radial arms allows for easy separation, enabling the door to be opened without interference, using a flexible distal arm and a hydraulic coupler for connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a radial arm tarp deploying device is mounted on the rear door, then the tarp can be deployed and stored, but the door cannot be opened or closed without disengaging the tarp system
Solution Approach 1:
The radial arm is divided into two separate segments: a proximal arm that remains attached to the door and a distal arm that connects to the tarp roller. The releasable connector allows these segments to be separated when door access is needed, resolving the conflict between tarp deployment and door operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic, conditionally separable connection. The releasable connector enables the arm assembly to be quickly detached and reattached, allowing the system to adapt between tarp deployment mode and door access mode
2Reliability
If the distal arm is rigidly connected to the proximal radial arm, then the tarp deployment is stable, but the door cannot be opened due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is segmented into a releasable connector that allows the distal arm to be separated from the proximal arm, enabling door access while maintaining stable tarp deployment when connected
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radial arm is continuously connected to the tarp roller, then the tarp coverage is maintained, but the door opening movement is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous connection is replaced with a dynamic, on-demand connection through the releasable connector. The arm can be quickly disconnected during door opening and reconnected afterward, maintaining tarp coverage when needed while enabling door access when required
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless opening and closing of rear doors without tarp interference, facilitating access to the trailer contents while maintaining tarp coverage when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic coupler may have a male portion affixed to the first end of the distal arm and a female portion affixed to the proximal radial arm
Implementation Method 2
The distal radial arm may be a flexible member to permit angular movement of the second end of the distal arm relative to the proximal radial arm. The flexible member may be a hydraulic hose
Data Source
AI summary
A tarp deploying apparatus includes radial arm with a proximal radial arm and a distal arm. The distal arm is formed from a flexible material such as a double-walled hydraulic hose. The distal arm attaches to a tarp roller to deploy the tarp over a storage area on a trailer with at least one rear door. The radial arm is mounted on a mounting bracket secured to one of the doors. A releasable connector between the arms permits the distal arm to be separated from the proximal arm so that the rear doors on the trailer can be opened and closed without interference from the radial arm.