Removable Cross Beam Retainer Bracket for Trailer Repairability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retainer plate systems for utility trailers are difficult to install, especially for heavy-duty cross beams, and once welded, they become permanent fixtures, making repair or replacement challenging and potentially affecting the trailer's structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

A retainer bracket apparatus with interconnecting components that support the cross beam during installation and allow for removable attachment to the trailer, using an anchor plate and a lock plate that cooperatively engage to form an aperture for the cross beam, while also distributing towing forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If retainer plates are welded to the trailer, then the attachment strength is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of repair and replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer bracket is divided into multiple components: a first component (mounting bracket) that attaches to the trailer, a second component (cross beam interface), and interconnecting components with flanges and notches. This segmentation allows the system to achieve strong attachment through distributed welding points while enabling easy repair by replacing individual components rather than the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from permanent welded connections to a hybrid system where selective welding points provide strength while mechanical interlocking features (flanges, notches, aperture) provide removability. This parameter change in connection type allows the retainer bracket to be removed and replaced without damaging the trailer, resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If retainer plates are welded to the trailer, then the structural integrity is improved, but the harmful factors (difficulty of removal and potential damage) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddamage to trailer during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the retainer bracket into removable components with mechanical interlocking features, the design maintains structural integrity during operation while allowing clean removal without trailer damage. The distributed attachment points and modular design prevent stress concentration that could damage the trailer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer bracket is designed as a replaceable component rather than a permanent fixture. This allows the retainer bracket to be removed and replaced when needed without causing damage to the trailer, effectively making the retainer bracket a sacrificial component that protects the trailer from damage during installation and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If heavy duty cross beams are installed, then the load capacity is improved, but the difficulty of installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload capacityVSAvoiddifficulty of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The first component of the retainer bracket is pre-attached to the trailer using welds before the cross beam installation. This preliminary action provides stable support during the installation process, making it easier to install heavy duty cross beams without requiring complex temporary support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer bracket is segmented into multiple components that work together to support the cross beam. The first component attaches to the trailer, the second component interfaces with the cross beam, and interconnecting components with flanges and notches provide mechanical support. This segmentation distributes the support function across multiple points, making installation of heavy cross beams easier and more stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If monolithic retainer plates are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for removable attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of designVSAvoidremovable attachment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer bracket is divided into multiple components: a first component for trailer attachment, a second component for cross beam interface, and interconnecting components with flanges and notches. This segmentation enables removable attachment capability while maintaining relatively simple design through standardized mechanical features and straightforward assembly/disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12330455B1Retainer bracket

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 WILLIAMSON RICHARD LESLIE

AI summary

Retainer bracket and methods for removably securing a cross beam to a supporting structure, such as that on a trailer, are provided. A retainer bracket can include an anchor plate with an aperture back edge and paired side arms with a flange and a lock plate with an aperture front edge and paired shanks with notches. The flange on the anchor plate and notch on the lock plate are cooperatively engaged to form a retainer bracket for securing the cross beam.