Trailer Wall Segment Air Chamber for Paint Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing trailer wall segments face issues with incomplete penetration of paint and primer due to flow dynamics limitations, leading to premature corrosion and reduced paint layer lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The trailer wall segment design features a coupling element and receiving member that create an air chamber, which widens to allow full penetration of primer and paint, with a maximum size at least two to five times larger than the passage, improving flow dynamics and coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clearance or passage is provided between first plates of adjacent trailer wall segments, then the paint layer displays cracks less quickly, but the paint and primer cannot fully penetrate the passage due to flow dynamics limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaint layer lifespanVSAvoidpaint penetration completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an air chamber that widens in the direction perpendicular to the passage, creating a three-dimensional expansion space. This dimensional change allows paint and primer to accumulate and penetrate the passage more effectively by providing a reservoir that overcomes flow dynamics limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The air chamber acts as an intermediary between the passage opening and the deep interior of the passage. It serves as a intermediate space that facilitates complete paint penetration by allowing the coating material to flow into and fill the passage thoroughly before drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If welding is applied only on the inner side of trailer wall segments, then overall costs are reduced, but the connection strength and fixation stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two types of connections: welding of second plates on the inner side and mechanical interlocking via coupling elements and receiving members on the outer side. This combination provides both cost efficiency (single-sided welding) and strong fixation (dual connection mechanisms).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element and receiving member assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical interlocking for fixation, creates the air chamber for paint penetration, and enables the single-sided welding approach. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between cost reduction and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If trailer wall segments are subject to vibrations during use, then the trailer remains operational, but the trailer wall segments move relative to each other causing cracks in the paint layer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrailer operational capabilityVSAvoidpaint layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air chamber provides a cushioning effect that absorbs and dampens vibrations before they can transmit to the paint layer. By creating a compliant air-filled space, the structure preemptively mitigates the harmful effects of vibrations on paint integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The passage and air chamber create a flexible, compliant structure that can accommodate vibrational movements without rigidly transmitting stresses to the paint layer. This flexibility protects the paint from cracking while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This design ensures over 80% penetration of the paint and primer layer, delaying corrosion and maintaining the paint layer's appearance for a longer period.

Implementation Method 1

The air chamber initially widens when entering the air chamber from said passage to allow a primer and/or paint, to be sprayed onto the trailer wall built using the plurality of walls segments, to substantially fully penetrate the passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3578445B1Trailer wall segment, trailer wall, and trailer
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 KNAPEN TRAILERS
  • EP3578445B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3578445B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3578445B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a trailer wall segment. The present invention further relates to a trailer wall comprising a plurality of such trailer wall segments and to a trailer comprising such a trailer wall or trailer wall segment. According to the invention, an air chamber is formed into which the passage that separates adjacent trailer wall segments ends. This air chamber initially widens when entering the air chamber from said passage to allow a primer and/or paint, to be sprayed onto the trailer wall built using the plurality of walls segments, to substantially fully penetrate the passage. As a result, the appearance of the initial paint layer can be maintained during a longer time.