Ergonomic Trailer Stand With Tripod Wheels for Stable Dock Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer stands lack stability and maneuverability, particularly when supporting trailers at loading docks, and often require excessive manual effort for adjustment and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A maneuverable trailer stand with a tripod wheel arrangement, adjustable legs, and a centrally located crank mechanism for ergonomic handling, allowing for three distinct modes of operation: transition, operation, and bracing, which enhances stability and reduces manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a trailer stand uses a simple wheel structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but maneuverability and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is divided into separate functional components: a swivel mechanism for directional control, a brake mechanism for stability, and the wheel itself for movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly incorporates a swivel mechanism that allows the wheel to rotate freely in the direction of travel and a brake mechanism that can dynamically lock the wheel in place. This dynamic design provides both maneuverability during positioning and stability during operation without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Device complexity
If the trailer stand uses fixed wheel positioning, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adjustment range and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The leg structure incorporates telescopic sections with locks that allow the leg length to be dynamically adjusted to different positions. This enables the trailer stand to adapt to various trailer heights and positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be independently extended or retracted. This segmentation provides a range of adjustment positions without requiring a completely complex mechanism, as each section can be locked at specific intervals.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the effort required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic leg sections incorporate self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage when the leg is extended to a desired position. This allows the heavy adjustment task to be performed with minimal manual effort, as the locking mechanism does the work of securing the position rather than requiring continuous manual force.
Solution Approach 2:
A centrally located crank mechanism serves as an intermediary that multiplies the operator's input force and distributes it efficiently to multiple adjustment points. This mechanical advantage reduces the manual effort required while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
4Volume of moving object
If the trailer stand structure is compact, then storage space is reduced, but maneuverability and access to positioning points become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer stand features collapsible legs and a foldable frame structure that reduce the overall volume when stored or transported. When deployed, these same dynamic elements extend to provide the necessary reach and maneuverability for positioning under trailers, effectively transitioning from a compact storage state to an operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
Maneuverable ergonomic trailer stands are disclosed. An example portable trailer stand includes: an elongate upper ledge, a post coupled to the upper ledge, an extendible leg telescopically coupled to the post, the upper ledge being vertically movable to selectively engage and disengage an underside of a trailer based on movement of the extendible leg relative to the post, and a plurality of wheels coupled to the post, the post to maintain the plurality of wheels at a substantially fixed distance from the upper ledge as the upper ledge is vertically moved, each of the plurality of wheels to be equidistant from a vertical axis traversing through a center of the upper ledge.