Adjustable Stake Load Leveler for Semi-Trailer Width Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load levelers are not adaptable to different widths of open semi-trailers, as they are designed for specific distances between stake pockets, limiting their compatibility with various manufacturers' semi-trailers.
Innovation Solution
A load leveler design featuring adjustable stakes and cross support members, allowing a single length to fit different distances between stake pockets, with adjustable stakes that can rotate 180 degrees and a chain tie for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a load leveler is designed with a fixed distance between stake pockets for one manufacturer, then it provides structural stability and manufacturing simplicity, but it cannot be used on semi-trailers with different widths
Solution Approach 1:
The load leveler employs adjustable stakes that can be repositioned along the load support member to accommodate different distances between stake pockets on various semi-trailer manufacturers. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single load leveler design to adapt to multiple trailer widths while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The load leveler is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable stakes that can configure to different spacing requirements. This multi-functionality enables one load leveler design to serve multiple semi-trailer manufacturers, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific custom designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load leveler lengths are manufactured to fit different semi-trailer widths, then compatibility is improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load leveler divides the stake positioning function into separate adjustable components rather than manufacturing entirely different load levelers for each width. The adjustable stakes can be independently positioned to match different stake pocket distances, allowing a single load leveler design to replace multiple fixed-width variants
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fixed parameter of stake distance into a variable parameter through adjustable stakes. This allows the same load leveler structure to accommodate different distance parameters required by various semi-trailer manufacturers, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple variants with different fixed dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A load leveler for different widths of open semi-trailers preferably includes a load support member, a plurality of vertical support members and two adjustable stakes. Each vertical support member is attached under the load support member. A stake receiver is preferably secured to each end of the load leveler with welding. The stake receiver is sized to receive an outer perimeter of the adjustable stake. The adjustable stake includes a receiver portion and a stake portion. The stake portion is sized to be received by a stake pocket in an open semi-trailer. The receiver portion is sized to be received by the stake receiver. At least one of the adjustable stake is fractionally rotated to accommodate different distances between stake pockets. A chain tie is preferably attached to a top of the stake receiver to retain a tie down chain.