Composite Boat Trailer Structure for Corrosion-Free Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boat trailers made of steel or aluminum are prone to rust and corrosion, especially when used in saltwater environments, leading to premature deterioration and potential failure under loading forces.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece composite trailer designed using FRP or CFRP materials that cannot rust or corrode, featuring a reinforced structure to withstand loading forces during transportation at highway speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel or aluminum materials are used for trailer construction, then the trailer can provide structural strength and support, but the trailer is susceptible to rust and corrosion especially in saltwater environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (fiberglass reinforced plastic or FRP) to construct the entire trailer including frame members, cross members, and structural components. This composite material provides both the necessary structural strength and superior corrosion resistance, eliminating the rust and corrosion problems inherent in steel and aluminum trailers especially in saltwater environments.
2Weight of moving object
If aluminum structural members are used, then the trailer provides lightweight alternative and maintains appearance longer, but aluminum corrodes where steel fasteners are used to couple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aluminum structural members with composite FRP members that are inherently corrosion resistant. The entire trailer including all structural members is constructed from composite materials that do not corrode, eliminating the corrosion problem at fastener points that plagues aluminum trailers with steel fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses homogeneous composite material throughout the entire trailer structure, including all structural members and components. This eliminates the dissimilar metal contact between aluminum and steel that causes galvanic corrosion, providing uniform corrosion resistance throughout the trailer.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional metal trailers are used, then the trailer can be manufactured with standard materials and processes, but the trailer life is less than ten years and major repairs are required within the first five years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite FRP materials that provide exceptional durability and longevity. The composite construction resists rust, corrosion, and rot that plague metal and wood trailers, extending the trailer lifespan beyond ten years and eliminating the need for major repairs within the first five years.
4Strength
If steel frames are painted, then the trailer provides structural support, but imperfections in the paint accelerate metal degradation or rust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces painted steel frames with composite FRP material that inherently resists rust and corrosion without requiring paint coatings. The composite material eliminates the problem of paint imperfections accelerating metal degradation, as the material does not rely on protective coatings.
Data Source
AI summary
A boat trailer constructed from a polymer composition that eliminates rust and corrosion commonplace in steel or aluminum trailers used in salt water or over salted roads. The trailer employs a support plate that reinforces an inner and outer wall forming a one piece construction that includes a matrix of support walls that can be scaled to accommodate large boats.