Trailer Side Skirt Assembly with Adjustable Track Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side skirt assemblies for tractor-trailers lack efficient mounting systems that allow for adjustable and aerodynamic configurations without requiring holes in the trailer frame, limiting their installation flexibility and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A side skirt assembly featuring an elongated skirt panel with a track and adjustable mounts, including a bracket with a tab and slit configuration, and a clamping coupler that can be securely attached to the trailer frame rails without drilling, enabling adjustable lateral and longitudinal positioning and multiple orientation options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting systems are used for side skirts, then the side skirt can be mounted to the trailer frame, but holes must be drilled in the trailer frame which complicates installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from the trailer frame by using a separate track system attached to the side skirt panel. The track contains recesses that receive mounting brackets, eliminating the need to drill holes in the trailer frame. This separates the mounting mechanism from the frame structure, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: the side skirt panel, the track attached to the panel, multiple mounting brackets with tabs, and clamps. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, positioned, and adjusted, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance without requiring modifications to the trailer frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration side skirts are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable one. The track contains multiple recesses at different positions, and brackets can be moved along the track to different recesses, allowing the side skirt to be positioned at various locations. This dynamic adjustability provides installation flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The track and bracket system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the side skirt, enables adjustable positioning along the trailer length, and allows for easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners and complex mounting brackets are used, then the side skirt can be securely mounted, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track is pre-attached to the side skirt panel during manufacturing, and mounting brackets are designed with pre-formed tabs that fit into predetermined recesses in the track. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures and multiple fasteners during installation, reducing assembly time while maintaining secure mounting through the pre-engineered fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed to self-align and self-secure into the track recesses without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple fasteners. The tab-and-recess interface provides inherent positioning and retention, allowing for quick installation and secure mounting with minimal assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A side skirt assembly for a trailer of a tractor-trailer includes a skirt panel and a plurality of skirt mounts that couple the skirt panel to the frame of the trailer. The skirt panel can be formed by a layered composite formed of alternating layers of fiberglass and layers containing recycled fiberglass. The position of the skirt mount can be laterally adjusted along the trailer frame whereby the skirt panel can be mounted to the trailer in more than one lateral position. Additionally, the skirt panel can include a track extending along at least a portion of the skirt panel length, and the track can slide relative to the skirt mount to adjust the longitudinal position of the skirt panel on the trailer during assembly.