Electrically Coupled Powered Landing Gear for Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semitrailer landing gear systems lack efficient and automated mechanisms for extending and retracting legs, especially when transitioning between road travel and load-supporting modes, often requiring manual operation and lacking seamless power supply for automated operation.
Innovation Solution
A powered landing gear system is electrically coupled with a trailer, featuring a multi-pin connector for power supply from a truck, a drive motor, and limit switches for controlled operation, allowing for automatic extension and retraction of legs with optional rechargeable power and remote control functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for landing gear extension and retraction, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrically powered system. A motor-driven winch mechanism substitutes for manual cranking, automatically extending and retracting the landing gear legs through electrical power supplied from the truck's electrical system via the multi-pin connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing gear system performs its own extension and retraction operations automatically through the powered mechanism. The system uses electrical power from the truck to drive the winch, which automatically winds or unwinds the cable to position the legs without requiring manual intervention.
2Productivity
If electrical power supply from truck is implemented, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity and power management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-pin electrical connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power for the landing gear motor, supplies power to trailer lights, and enables communication between the truck and trailer systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated power connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness acts as an intermediary distribution network that routes electrical power from the multi-pin connector to various components including the landing gear motor and lights. This centralized power distribution through the harness simplifies the overall electrical architecture.
3Ease of operation
If automated control with limit switches is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Limit switches are installed at the extended and retracted positions to provide feedback to the control system. When the landing gear legs reach their predetermined positions, the limit switches automatically signal the motor to stop, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex sensors or continuous monitoring.
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 automated and efficient operation of semitrailer landing gear, ensuring safe and efficient transitions between road travel and load-supporting modes, with reduced manual effort and enhanced power management through electrical coupling and remote control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a drive system including a drive motor operatively engaged with the gear assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A powered landing gear mounted to a trailer includes an electrical connector mounted to the trailer that is configured to receive a jumper cable connected to a truck for supplying electrical power to the trailer, with a wiring harness mounted to the trailer that is electrically coupled to the connector. A landing gear includes a housing member, a telescoping leg member, a gear assembly configured to extend and retract the leg member relative to the housing member, and a drive system including a drive motor operatively engaged with the gear assembly, with the landing gear being operatively powered by electricity provided through the connector and wiring harness from the truck. The wiring harness may be operatively electrically coupled to the drive motor and/or a rechargeable power supply that is in turn electrically coupled to the drive motor, including through a controller.