Movable Trailer Deck Panel with Magnetic Stow Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior deck systems in trailers and storage containers lack efficient mechanisms for moving panels between use and stowed positions, which complicates cargo loading and unloading and occupies valuable storage space when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A movable interior deck system with a side rail coupled to the trailer's sidewall and panels that pivot between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal use position, utilizing a hinge assembly with a pivot axis positioned below the panel's bottom surface and a locking magnet to secure the panel in the stowed position, allowing for easy conversion between positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If panels are made movable between stowed and use positions, then cargo loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to hinge assemblies and locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo loading and unloading efficiencyVSAvoidhinge assembly and locking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic locking system. The magnet assembly uses magnetic attraction forces to secure panels in the stowed position, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical locks, latches, or fasteners. This substitution maintains the ability to secure panels while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic panel system that can transition between fixed and movable states. The panels are hinged to allow movement between stowed and use positions, and the magnetic locking mechanism provides dynamic securing - engaging automatically when panels are in the stowed position and releasing when needed. This dynamic design improves cargo handling efficiency while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If panels are positioned horizontally for cargo storage, then cargo storage capacity is improved, but valuable storage space is occupied when panels are not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo storage capacityVSAvoidstorage space occupied by deck system

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic deck system where panels can change their spatial configuration. When not in use, panels are rotated to a vertical stowed position against the trailer sidewall, minimizing the volume they occupy within the cargo area. When needed, panels are positioned horizontally to maximize cargo storage capacity. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to serve both cargo storage and space-saving functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning panels in a vertical orientation when stowed, rather than occupying horizontal cargo space. The panels are arranged along the vertical dimension of the trailer sidewall, allowing cargo to be stored in the horizontal space below and around the stowed panels. This dimensional arrangement effectively eliminates the trade-off between cargo capacity and storage space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If pivot axis is positioned below panel bottom surface, then panel stability in use position is improved, but hinge assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel stability in use positionVSAvoidhinge assembly structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical support structures with a magnetic locking system that provides stability without requiring intricate hinge assemblies. The magnet assembly engages with the panel to prevent unintended movement or collapse, providing the necessary stability while maintaining a simpler hinge design. The magnetic force acts as a stabilizing element that reduces the mechanical complexity of the hinge assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides an additional horizontal surface for cargo when needed and efficiently retracts to save space when not in use, facilitating easy loading and unloading while maintaining a clear storage area.

Implementation Method 1

The locking assembly may include a magnet configured to be coupled to an interior surface of a sidewall of the trailer. Further illustratively, at least a portion of an upper surface of the panel may include a ferrous metal such that the portion of the upper surface of the panel may be retained by the magnet when the panel is in the stowed position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8894122B2Interior deck system for a trailer or other storage container

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 WABASH NATIONAL CORP

AI summary

An interior deck system of a trailer includes a side rail configured to be coupled to an inner surface of a sidewall of the trailer and a panel coupled to the side rail. The panel is movable between a generally vertical, stowed position and a generally horizontal, use position. The interior deck system further includes a hinge assembly including a hinge butt coupled to the side rail and a hinge strap coupled to the panel.