Trailer Protective Rail with Integrated Tie-Down Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional open-top trailers and tarp tie-down methods pose hazards due to flailing tie-downs with hooks and are prone to sidewall damage from collisions with other trailers or objects.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a protective rail with tie-down anchors on the trailer walls, featuring a ridge with a bend and lip design to deflect objects and prevent accidental contact, replacing hooks with couplers for secure tarp attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If tie-downs with hooks are used to secure tarps, then tarp attachment is simple and effective, but there is a risk of uncontrolled flailing and damage to persons or objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarp attachmentVSAvoiddamage from flailing tie-downs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the hook component from the tie-down system entirely, extracting the harmful element while preserving the functional capability of securing tarps through alternative means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a cleat, rail, or anchored system) that mediates between the tie-down and the attachment point, controlling the release and preventing uncontrolled flailing while maintaining secure attachment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If trailers operate in close proximity to other trailers or hard structures, then transportation efficiency is improved, but sidewalls are prone to collision damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidsidewall damage from collisions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a protective coating or layer to the sidewalls before collision occurs, providing a cushioning effect that absorbs impact energy and prevents direct damage to the underlying structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible protective films or coatings on sidewalls that can deform under impact and return to original shape, providing protection against collision damage while maintaining the structural integrity of the trailer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10183610B2Trailer with protective rail and tie-down anchors

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 TITAN TRAILERS INC

AI summary

A protective rail for a trailer is formed of an extension or ridge projecting outwardly from a wall of the trailer and extending along at least a part of a length of the wall. The protective rail is provided with tie-down anchors for coupling with tie-downs having couplers such as rings, eyes, or loops. The anchors may tongues formed in the protective rail when the protective rail is cut-out at selected locations along the protective rail. The anchors may be sized and shaped such that the surrounding portion of the protective rail prevents or tends to prevent other trailers or objects contacting the protective rail from damaging or becoming caught on the anchors.