Drop Deck Trailer With Pivoting Axle for Garage Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers, such as tandem axle car haulers and utility trailers, are not tailored for the power sport industry, leading to storage challenges, as they exceed standard garage heights, are over/under-rated for load capacity, and lack ramp-free loading and undercarriage access, resulting in additional costs and logistical issues.
Innovation Solution
A drop deck trailer with a linear actuator actuated pivoting axle system that allows the deck to be incrementally lowered to the ground, enabling front loading and providing undercarriage access, along with a unique folding tongue assembly to reduce the trailer's footprint, facilitating storage and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tandem axle car haulers and utility trailers are used to transport UTVs, then load capacity is sufficient, but the combined trailer deck and vehicle heights exceed standard garage heights, precluding storage in conventional garages
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer employs a drop deck mechanism with a height-adjustable deck that can be lowered to ground level. This dynamic height adjustment allows the trailer to transition between a standard towing height for transport and a lowered position for garage storage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient load capacity and reducing trailer height for storage purposes.
2Ease of operation
If folding or removable ramps are used for loading and unloading vehicles, then loading capability is provided, but additional time is required to properly load and secure the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer features a permanently integrated ramp structure that is pre-positioned and fixed in place, eliminating the need for assembly or deployment actions required by folding or removable ramps. This preliminary preparation of the loading path allows vehicles to be driven onto the trailer immediately without additional time for ramp setup or securing operations.
3Ease of operation
If hinged ramps are used for loading, then loading access is provided, but parasitic drag increases and tow vehicle fuel economy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the ramp function from a movable hinged component and integrates it as a fixed, streamlined structure that is permanently attached to the trailer frame. This eliminates the moving parts and mechanical linkages of hinged ramps that create parasitic drag, while maintaining continuous loading access throughout all trailer positions.
4Strength
If full coverage decking is used on trailers, then structural integrity is improved, but access to vehicle undercarriages is blocked, preventing maintenance work
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer decking is segmented into modular sections with removable or liftable panels positioned to provide access to the vehicle undercarriage. This segmentation maintains overall structural integrity through the framework and remaining decking sections while creating designated access points that allow vehicle maintenance activities without compromising the strength of the complete deck structure.
5Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer tongue is extended for towing, then towing stability is improved, but the footprint increases creating trip hazards when parked
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer tongue is designed as a dynamic, telescopic structure that can extend to a longer length during towing operations to provide stability and proper coupling geometry, then retract to a shorter length when the trailer is parked or stored. This dynamic adjustment allows the same tongue structure to fulfill both the stability requirement during transport and the compact footprint requirement when stationary.
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
Enables convenient and cost-effective storage of trailers and vehicles together in standard garages, with ramp-free loading and undercarriage access, reducing storage costs and trailer deterioration, while enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A drop deck trailer with a linear actuator actuated pivoting axle system that allows the deck to be incrementally lowered to the ground
Implementation Method 2
linear actuator actuated pivoting axle system that allows the deck to be incrementally lowered to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses a Drop Deck Trailer having a pivoting axle system that allows the deck of the trailer to be incrementally lowered to the ground. When coupled to a tow vehicle, the partially lowered deck becomes a ramp to load and unload a vehicle. The unloaded trailer can be backed into a standard garage, uncoupled, and lowered completely to the ground. The UTV or light vehicle can then be front-loaded on the trailer. This capability allows the convenience and cost savings of simultaneously storing a UTV or other light vehicle in the same standard garage space. A unique articulated tongue assembly allows the operator to minimize the footprint of the parked trailer, allowing smaller spaces to be used for storage or simply eliminate a trip hazard. The Drop Deck Trailer is a combination of innovative features that provides convenience and cost savings.