Flatbed Trailer Tarpaulin Intermediate Support Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarpaulin support systems for flatbed trailers face issues where tarpaulin sections tend to slip down between bows when closed, occupying cargo space and experiencing increased wear due to being squeezed between bows.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of intermediate support rods between uplifting bows to maintain tarpaulin sections above the bows in the open position and raise them further when closed, preventing slipping and reducing wear, along with modular corner members for easier manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tarpaulin system is closed to provide an open flatbed trailer, then cargo accessibility is improved, but tarpaulin sections slip down between the bows occupying cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate support bar is introduced as a mediator component between the uplift bows and the tarpaulin sections. This support bar prevents the tarpaulin from slipping down between the bows when the system is closed, while not interfering with cargo accessibility. The support bar acts as an intermediary structural element that maintains tarpaulin position without obstructing the cargo area.
2Reliability
If the tarpaulin system is closed to secure the tarpaulin, then coverage is improved, but tarpaulin sections experience increased wear due to being squeezed between bows
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate support bar serves as a mediator that distributes the compressive forces between the uplift bows and the tarpaulin sections. Instead of the tarpaulin being directly squeezed between the bows, the support bar absorbs and distributes these forces, reducing localized stress and wear on the tarpaulin material while maintaining effective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support bar provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the uplift bows and the tarpaulin sections before closing occurs. This pre-positioned support element cushions the tarpaulin against the harmful squeezing forces that would otherwise occur during system closure, preventing excessive wear before it happens.
3Reliability
If intermediate support bars are added to prevent tarpaulin slipping, then tarpaulin position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into modular components: the existing tubular bows, uplift bows, and the added intermediate support bars. Each segment functions independently but works together as a complete system. The intermediate support bars are discrete, replaceable components that can be added without redesigning the entire structure, maintaining modularity while improving stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular corner members are used for easier manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The corner members are designed as separate, modular segments that can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly compared to creating monolithic corner structures, while the standardized interfaces between segments maintain sufficient precision through repeated mating surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A tarpaulin system that turns a flatbed trailer into a fully covered trailer and closes to provide an open flatbed trailer. The system is comprised of a plurality of inverted U-shaped support bows extending laterally across the trailer and secured to sections of the tarpaulin. Each support bow has rollers secured thereto for sliding movement along rails on each side of the trailer. A plurality of pairs of inverted U-shaped uplifting bows also extend laterally across the trailer and are pivotally secured to the support bows on opposite sides to spread apart during opening of the system. Intermediate support rods are secured between adjacent pairs of uplifting bows and extend laterally across the trailer between the uplifting bows beneath the tarpaulin sections to restrict the tarpaulin sections from falling between the uplifting bows when the system is closed.