Trailer False Bulkhead Assembly for External Precipitation Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Tank trailers experience issues with precipitation accumulation in troughs, leading to weight displacement, corrosion, and unsightly stains on the trailer body, which can be mistaken for leaking hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A false bulkhead assembly is introduced to conceal staining from precipitation overflow and to drain accumulated precipitation externally, preventing it from entering the trailer's interior compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drain tubes are routed internally through the load-carrying interior compartments or wrapped around the exterior skin, then drainage function is provided, but the risk of obstruction and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is extracted from the interior compartment and repositioned to the exterior of the tank body. The drainage tube extends through the bulkhead to the exterior surface, allowing water to drain outside the cargo area. This separates the drainage function from the load-carrying interior, eliminating the risk of contamination while maintaining drainage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates drainage while protecting the interior compartment. The drainage tube passes through the bulkhead, which serves as a barrier between the interior cargo space and the exterior drainage path. This intermediary structure enables drainage functionality while preventing harmful factors from reaching the interior.
2Stability of the object's composition
If precipitation is allowed to accumulate in the trough, then the trough structure is utilized, but weight displacement and corrosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube is pre-positioned and configured to automatically drain precipitation from the trough before significant accumulation occurs. The tube extends from the trough area through the bulkhead to the exterior, creating a preliminary drainage pathway that prevents weight buildup and potential corrosion by continuously removing accumulated water.
3Reliability
If precipitation spills onto the exterior surface, then drainage occurs, but stains and aesthetic deterioration result
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage tube is specifically positioned to discharge precipitation at a location that minimizes staining on the exterior surface. The tube extends to the exterior surface at a point where discharged water will not contact and stain the tank body, creating a localized drainage solution that maintains aesthetic appearance while providing effective drainage.
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 false bulkhead assembly effectively hides stains, prevents corrosion, and ensures that precipitation is drained away from the trailer's interior, maintaining its structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.
Implementation Method 1
drainage portion extending outwardly beyond the first end of the exterior wall, said drainage portion being adapted to direct precipitation away from the bulkhead and towards a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer that has a main body having a front bulkhead, an opposing rear bulkhead, an exterior wall operably engaged with the front and rear bulkheads, and at least one interior chamber defined collectively by the front bulkhead, the rear bulkhead, and the exterior wall. The at least one interior chamber is adapted to carry a load. The trailer also includes a removable false bulkhead operably engaged with the main body. The false bulkhead is located a distance away from one of the front bulkhead and the rear bulkhead.