Adjustable Motorcycle Trailer with Offset Axle and Pivot Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle trailers are inefficient for loading and unloading motorcycles due to instability, the need for external ramps, and uneven weight distribution, which can cause damage and require excessive force, and are often costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable trailer design featuring a frame assembly with an outer and inner frame, an offset axle, and a winch system that allows for lowering and raising without a ramp, providing stabilization and centralized weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a steep angle ramp is used to load and unload the motorcycle, then the loading function is achieved, but the ramp may slip causing damage and the motorcycle requires a running start
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer frame is designed to dynamically adjust its angle from a steep configuration during transport to a near-horizontal configuration during loading/unloading operations. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to serve multiple functions while eliminating the need for separate ramps and improving safety by providing a stable, shallow loading surface.
2Ease of operation
If the trailer is lowered to allow loading without a ramp, then the loading ease is improved, but the trailer becomes unstable when the motorcycle is being loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer frame is preliminarily positioned at a steep angle during transport to maintain stability and proper weight distribution. Before loading operations begin, the frame is rotated to a near-horizontal position, establishing a stable base for loading. This preliminary positioning ensures both stability during transport and ease of loading during operations.
3Device complexity
If the lifting and lowering mechanism is located distally away from the pivot points, then the frame configuration is achieved, but the mass moment of inertia increases and more force is required to lift and lower the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and lowering mechanism is extracted from the distal location and repositioned at the pivot points of the trailer frame. This repositioning reduces the mass moment of inertia by concentrating the mechanism at the rotational center, thereby reducing the force required to lift and lower the frame while maintaining the necessary frame configuration.
4Ease of operation
If hydraulic pumps or actuators are used to lower and raise the trailer, then the lifting function is achieved, but the system is costly to purchase and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer frame utilizes its own weight and gravitational force to assist in the lifting and lowering operations. By positioning the lifting mechanism at the pivot points and leveraging the frame's mass distribution, the system reduces reliance on external power sources like hydraulic pumps, thereby lowering purchase and maintenance costs while maintaining effective lifting functionality.
5Ease of operation
If the trailer takes a greater amount of time to be fully lowered and raised, then the loading/unloading process is completed, but the productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer frame employs a counterbalanced weight distribution system where heavier components are positioned to create a counterbalancing moment that assists the lifting mechanism. This counterweight arrangement reduces the net force required during lifting and lowering operations, enabling faster and more efficient transitions between transport and loading configurations.
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 reduces the effort required for loading and unloading, maintains stability, and centralizes the mass moment of inertia, enabling efficient and safe transportation without the need for external ramps or costly hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least two spring suspensions coupled to the first frame section
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.