Compact Roll-Off Trailer Tilt Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll-off trailers are often long and difficult to maneuver, particularly in situations requiring short-distance hauling of heavy loads, as they lack the maneuverability of roll-off trucks.
Innovation Solution
A compact roll-off trailer design featuring a single hydraulic lift cylinder for a tilt frame, allowing for a shorter length while carrying heavy loads, combined with a cable-pulling mechanism and adjustable frame configurations to accommodate various container types, including a 'stinger tail' or slide frame for extending the lift frame to reach ground level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional roll-off trailer design is used, then it can carry heavy loads, but it becomes long and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is divided into two main sections: a rigid king-pin section at the front and a telescopic lift frame at the rear that can extend and retract. This segmentation allows the front section to remain short for maneuverability while the rear section extends to provide sufficient load carrying capacity, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and heavy load capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lift frame incorporates a telescopic mechanism with multiple segments that can dynamically extend and retract based on loading requirements. When containers need to be loaded, the frame extends to reach ground level; when not in use, it retracts to minimize overall length, enabling the trailer to adapt its configuration to balance maneuverability and load capacity
2Ease of operation
If the lift frame is extended to reach ground level for loading, then container loading is enabled, but the overall length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic lift frame uses a nested structure where multiple frame segments are housed within each other like dolls. When extension is needed for loading, the segments slide outward to reach ground level; when retracted, they nest compactly within the trailer body, minimizing the overall length while maintaining full loading capability
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 compact trailer achieves a significant weight capacity of up to 41,108 lbs with a length under 27 feet, meeting 70% of industry needs, and can carry larger loads with additional axles, offering improved maneuverability and versatility in handling different container types.
Implementation Method 1
a single hydraulic lift cylinder having a first end coupled to the king pin section and a second end attached to the lift frame
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pulleys on the slide plate and lift frame around which the cable is reeved
Data Source
AI summary
A compact roll-off trailer is short and light, but able to carry a large load. As such, the unit competes with roll-off trucks. A horizontally tilt frame has a forward section coupled to a king-pin assembly, a rear section with wheels on at least two axles, and a mid section. A frameless version uses a set of opposing arms as opposed to a separate, non-tilting frame. A single hydraulic cylinder has a retracted state wherein the lift frame is generally horizontal for hauling, and an extended state wherein the lift frame is pivoted at an angle for loading and unloading. A mechanism may be provided for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame to ground level when the hoist frame is pivoted, and a mechanism for pulling a cable with a container attached thereto onto the lift frame for hauling. The mechanism for extending the rearward portion of the lift frame may either include a ‘stinger tail’ or a slide frame on the lift frame a hydraulic cylinder for extending and retracting the slide frame. The latter configuration may include one or two sets of rollers to accommodate both ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ type containers. A “dead-lift” container-pulling mechanism may also be provided.