Automated Trailer Tarping System with Nested Swing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated tarping systems for trailers face challenges in harsh weather conditions and regulatory compliance due to exposure of mechanisms to the elements and increased trailer dimensions, which affects operation and cargo space.
Innovation Solution
An automated tarping system with swing arm devices enclosed within the trailer's cavity, protected by the tarp when closed, using actuators and linkage assemblies to securely cover the trailer opening while minimizing external exposure and maintaining interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the automated tarping mechanism is mounted on the outer surface of the trailer, then the tarp can be automatically rolled and unrolled, but the mechanism is exposed to the elements which may cause it to become encased in ice, snow, or mud, interfering with operation and accelerating wear
Solution Approach 1:
The tarping mechanism is nested within the trailer's cavity structure. The support beam is positioned within the cavity, and the tarp rolls are housed inside the cavity when not in use. This nesting arrangement protects the mechanism from direct exposure to ice, snow, and mud while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarp itself acts as an intermediary protective layer between the mechanism and the harsh external environment. When the tarp is in the closed position, it covers and shields the mechanism components within the cavity from the elements.
2Extent of automation
If the tarp-rolling mechanism is located on the outside of the trailer, then automated tarping can be achieved, but the overall dimensions of the trailer increase, requiring reduction of trailer length, width, or height and thereby reducing interior cargo volume
Solution Approach 1:
The entire tarping mechanism including support beams, actuators, and tarp rolls is nested within the existing cavity of the trailer structure. This utilization of internal space eliminates the need for additional external space that would otherwise be required for mounting the mechanism, thereby preserving maximum cargo volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is positioned in the vertical dimension within the cavity rather than extending horizontally or longitudinally on the exterior. This dimensional repositioning allows the mechanism to occupy space that would otherwise be structural or unused, maintaining the trailer's external dimensions and cargo capacity.
3Reliability
If a solid covering is used instead of a flexible tarp, then the opening can be covered, but when the covering is in an intermediate position it may capture wind gusts like a sail, risking damage to the system and trailer
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible tarp is used instead of a solid covering. The tarp's flexibility allows it to conform to the trailer opening and be properly secured in the closed position, eliminating the sail effect that occurs with rigid coverings in intermediate positions. The flexible material can be fully retracted or fully deployed without getting caught.
Solution Approach 2:
The tarping system is designed with dynamic positioning capability where the tarp can be fully retracted into the cavity or fully deployed across the opening. This dynamic operation ensures the tarp is never in an intermediate position where it could act as a sail, eliminating the wind gust damage risk associated with solid coverings.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated tarping device and system is provided, wherein the at least two swing arm devices of the tarping system are configured to be enclosed within the side walls and frame of the trailer, when the automated tarping system is in a fully closed position so as to cover the opening of the trailer with the tarp assembly. When the system is in a closed position, the swing arm devices themselves are covered by the tarp. The system also includes a tarp assembly comprising a flexible tarp and first and second resilient actuating ribs. The attaching member of each swing arm device releasably couples to an actuating rib, and the tarp and the first and second actuating ribs of the tarp assembly are transversely disposed across, so as to cover, the opening of the trailer when the arm devices are in the closed position.