Collapsible Fender Assembly for Lower Trailer Deck Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive-over fenders on vehicle transport trailers are fixed in height, limiting the ability to achieve a lower deck height due to the need for adequate clearance above the trailer tires, which restricts trailer stability and loading ease.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible fender assembly with springs that allows the fender to move between an uncollapsed and collapsed position, utilizing coil and leaf springs to adjust height based on vehicle weight, enabling a lower deck height while maintaining adequate clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If fixed-height fenders are used to provide adequate clearance above trailer tires, then tire clearance is maintained, but deck height cannot be lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The fender is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that can change height. The fender includes collapsible members with telescoping sections that allow the fender to collapse downward when a vehicle approaches, providing loading ease, and then return to its original height, maintaining adequate tire clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fender is positioned in advance above the trailer tires to provide clearance, but is designed to collapse automatically when needed. The collapsible mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to activate, allowing the deck to be lower while still providing necessary clearance when the fender is in its elevated state.
2Length of stationary object
If fixed-height fenders are used to maintain clearance above trailer tires, then tire clearance is adequate, but trailer stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fender transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. When collapsed, the fender lowers the deck height while maintaining stability; when elevated, it provides adequate tire clearance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between deck height and trailer stability.
3Ease of operation
If low-profile fixed fenders are used to allow vehicle drive-over, then vehicle loading is easier, but deck height must be higher
Solution Approach 1:
The fender uses collapsible members with telescoping sections that allow it to lower its profile when a vehicle approaches, enabling easy drive-over loading. After the vehicle passes, the fender returns to its elevated position, allowing the deck to be positioned lower than would be possible with a fixed low-profile fender.
Solution Approach 2:
The fender is pre-positioned in an elevated state to maintain deck height, but is designed to collapse automatically when needed for loading. This preliminary positioning allows the system to maintain higher deck clearance while still enabling easy vehicle access when required.
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 collapsible fender assembly allows for a lower deck height on vehicle transport trailers, improving stability and loading ease while maintaining adequate clearance above the trailer tires.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coupled between the fender and the trailer frame. The spring urges the fender upward into an uncollapsed position
Implementation Method 2
The spring also allows the fender to move downward to a collapsed position when the weight of a vehicle is placed on the fender
Data Source
AI summary
A fender assembly for a vehicle transport trailer includes a fender positioned over a side wheel of the transport trailer and a spring is coupled between the fender and the trailer frame. The spring urges the fender upward into an uncollapsed position wherein a portion of the fender is a first distance above the trailer platform. The spring also allows the fender to move downward to a collapsed position wherein the portion of the fender is a second, smaller distance above the trailer platform when the weight of a vehicle is placed on the fender. The fender assembly thereby allows the trailer to have a lower deck than conventional vehicle transport trailers.