Extendable Flatbed Trailer Aluminum Sections Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extendable flatbed trailers are typically made of steel, making them heavy and limiting the weight of loads they can carry due to weight regulations, and are often used in their extended configuration only infrequently, resulting in inefficiencies in fuel usage and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
An extendable flatbed trailer configuration comprising three movable flatbed sections, primarily made of aluminum, allowing for various lengths by sliding and locking mechanisms, enabling efficient length adjustment and weight reduction by alternating section configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If extendable flatbed trailers are made of steel to ensure strength and durability, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases which reduces load capacity and increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum alloy sections with steel components strategically. The flatbed sections are made of aluminum alloy to reduce weight, while steel is used for high-stress components like locking mechanisms and connection points. This composite approach maintains structural strength where needed while minimizing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by using different materials in different locations based on functional requirements. Aluminum alloy is used for the flatbed sections where weight reduction is critical, while steel is used for the locking mechanism and connection components where high strength is required. This localized material selection optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio throughout the trailer structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extendable flatbed trailers are designed with movable sections for length adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking and connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trailer into separate flatbed sections that can be independently positioned and locked. Each section is a discrete unit that can be moved relative to others, allowing length adjustment without requiring a completely complex integrated mechanism. The locking mechanism locks each section independently at predefined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the locking function into a separate, standardized mechanism that can be applied uniformly across all section connections. Rather than having complex integrated locking systems in each connection point, the locking mechanism is designed as a removable and installable component that simplifies the overall system while maintaining adaptability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If extendable trailers are used in retracted position frequently, then fuel efficiency is improved, but load capacity is reduced due to weight limit regulations being reached with heavier steel construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials (aluminum alloy flatbed sections with steel components) to reduce the overall weight of the trailer structure. This weight reduction allows the trailer to carry heavier loads while staying within weight limits, and significantly improves fuel efficiency when operated in retracted configuration by reducing the weight that must be transported during all operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A flatbed trailer includes first, second and third flatbed sections whereby the first and second sections are joinable in an extendable configuration and the first and third sections are joinable in an alternate and typically standard configuration. The trailer can be switched between the extendable and alternate configuration within a fairly short time. The invention thus eliminates the need for both a standard extendable trailer and a separate non-extendable trailer, and provides the ability to use the alternate configuration when the extendable configuration is not necessary in order to substantially reduce the weight which would otherwise be involved with the use of the extendable configuration.