Adjustable Deck Fifth Wheel Trailer for Terrain Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailers have limited ground clearance and handling capabilities on uneven terrain due to fixed wheel and tire configurations, making loading and unloading cumbersome and difficult to navigate rough surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fifth wheel cargo carrier trailer with pivotally and adjustably mounted support arms and wheels, allowing for independent height and tilt adjustments of the frame and deck, supported by a carriage assembly with actuators that function as both a suspension system and shock absorbers, enabling enhanced ground clearance and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the deck height is fixed relative to the wheels, then the structure is simple, but the ground clearance is limited and cannot adapt to uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the deck height adjustable relative to the wheels through a support system with movable supports. The deck can be raised or lowered to adapt to different ground conditions, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can change its configuration based on terrain requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the deck, enables height adjustment for ground clearance variation, and acts as a suspension system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating several roles into one integrated system rather than adding separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wheels are fixed to the frame, then the structure is stable, but the handling capability on uneven terrain is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are mounted on movable supports that can pivot and adjust independently, allowing the wheel positions to adapt to uneven terrain while the frame remains relatively stable. This dynamic mounting system enables each wheel to respond to ground conditions without compromising overall frame stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system divides the wheel mounting into independent movable supports rather than a single fixed frame structure. Each support arm can move independently, allowing segmented adaptation to terrain variations while maintaining overall system stability through the interconnected support structure.
3Ease of operation
If the deck cannot be tilted, then the structure is simple, but loading and unloading at raised platforms is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is made tiltable relative to the wheels through the adjustable support system. The movable supports enable the deck to change its angle, transforming a static horizontal surface into a dynamic one that can be tilted to match raised platforms or facilitate loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The same support system that adjusts deck height also enables deck tilting, combining multiple adjustment functions into one integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both vertical positioning and angular orientation needs without requiring separate complex mechanisms.
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 trailer can be easily adjusted to accommodate varying terrain and loading conditions, providing improved handling and ease of loading/unloading by raising or lowering the deck and tilting it to optimize ground contact, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Pivotal movement of the support arms functions to raise and lower and/or tilt the frame of the carrier fore/aft and left/right to a desired height and/or tilt angle
Implementation Method 2
The support arms thus function to adjustable support the carrier frame, but also function as a suspension system or shock absorbers for the cargo carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo carrier trailer for movably supporting cargo includes a frame configured to support cargo at the cargo carrier trailer and at least two wheels at each side of the frame. Each of the wheels is rotatably mounted to a respective support arm. The support arms are pivotally mounted to a carriage assembly that is repositionable fore and aft along the frame of the cargo carrier. The support arms are pivotable relative to the carriage assembly and frame to adjust the height and tilt of the frame relative to a support surface. The cargo carrier trailer is readily adapted to position the frame at a lower position for road applications and a raised position for uneven terrain applications. The cargo carrier trailer is adapted to couple to a tow vehicle via a fifth wheel hitch.