Collapsible Trailer Side-Rail Assembly for Compact Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Trailers are inefficient in terms of shipping efficiency and payload loading/unloading due to fixed dimensions, which do not allow for compact storage or flexible configuration during transport and use.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible side-rail assembly that can transition between an erected configuration for normal use and a collapsed configuration for shipping and loading/unloading, allowing trailers to be nested together for efficient transport and facilitating easy access to the cargo area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If trailers have fixed dimensions, then structural stability is maintained, but shipping efficiency deteriorates due to inability to nest compactly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping efficiencyVSAvoidtrailer height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The side-rail assembly is designed to transition between static erected and collapsed states through a dynamic mechanism involving support elements that can pivot between extended and retracted positions, allowing the trailer height to adapt between operational and shipping configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The side-rail assembly is divided into separable components including top rails, support elements, and base frame sections that can independently move relative to each other during the collapsing process, enabling compact nesting of multiple trailers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If side-rails are fixed in erected position, then cargo security is improved, but payload loading/unloading efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayload handling efficiencyVSAvoidpayload access

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The side-rail assembly provides dynamic access control by allowing the top rails to collapse forward and downward, creating temporary open access to the cargo area for efficient payload loading and unloading, then returning to the erected position for secure transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If multiple trailers are shipped with erected side-rails, then structural integrity is maintained, but shipping density deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of trailers per semi-haulerVSAvoidside-rail structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Trailers are designed to nest within each other when side-rail assemblies are collapsed, with the collapsed side-rails allowing subsequent trailers to be positioned inside or adjacent to previous ones on the semi-hauler, maximizing shipping density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The side-rail assembly transitions from a rigid erected state that maintains structural integrity during cargo transport to a flexible collapsed state that enables compact nesting during trailer shipping, with the mechanism preserving strength through controlled folding rather than rigid deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260001596A1Trailer with collapsible side rails

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 AMERICAN TRAILER WORLD CORP

AI summary

A trailer comprising a base frame and a side-rail assembly secured to the base frame. The side-rail assembly comprises at least one top rail and at least one support element extending between the top rail and the base frame. The side-rail assembly is configured to shift between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration. In the erected configuration, the top rail is positioned vertically above and spaced apart from the base frame. In the collapsed configuration, the top rail is positioned adjacent to the base frame.