Collapsible Side Rail Trailer for Stable Side Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility trailers with a deck over the wheels configuration are impractical for side loading heavy objects due to elevated center of gravity and instability, and their moveable sides often interfere with loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring a frame with collapsible side rails and a front rail, supported by pivotable arms, allowing the deck to be positioned lower than the wheels, enabling side loading and reducing logistical issues through a lower center of gravity and collapsible side rails that lie flat for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the deck is positioned over the wheels, then the trailer structure is simplified, but the center of gravity is elevated causing instability and making side loading impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between an upright position (when not in use) and a horizontal position (when needed for loading). This dynamic configuration enables the trailer to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails transition from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the spatial dimension in which they function. This dimensional change allows the rails to serve dual purposes: providing structural support when vertical and enabling side loading access when horizontal, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and loading flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moveable sides pivot outwardly or inwardly of the deck, then the sides can be adjusted, but they interfere with deck or exterior during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between an upright position (when not in use) and a horizontal position (when needed for loading). This dynamic configuration enables the trailer to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails are extracted from the traditional fixed or inwardly-pivoting configuration and repositioned to pivot outwardly away from the deck. This extraction removes the interference between the sides and the deck/exterior, allowing clear access for loading and unloading operations while maintaining the ability to adjust side position.
3Ease of operation
If the deck is elevated above the ground, then the trailer can accommodate wheel height, but heavy objects cannot be easily loaded onto the elevated deck
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between an upright position (when not in use) and a horizontal position (when needed for loading). This dynamic configuration enables the trailer to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails transition from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the spatial dimension in which they function. This dimensional change allows the rails to serve dual purposes: providing structural support when vertical and enabling side loading access when horizontal, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and loading flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer having a frame, the frame having a pair of spaced apart side frame rails, a front frame rail, and a rear frame rail, the trailer frame supports a floor panel, a longitudinally collapsible front rail attached to the front frame rail, and a pair of longitudinally collapsible, opposed side rails, each side rail being attached to a respective side frame rail, the collapsible front rail and the collapsible side rails are each pivotally coupled to at least one pivotable upstanding arm which is supported on the frame.