Extensible Trailer Telescoping Frame and Independent Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional trailers lack the ability to efficiently adapt to varying load sizes and terrain conditions, requiring multiple trailers for different applications and occupying excessive storage space when not in use.

Innovation Solution

An extensible trailer design that can be scaled in length and width, equipped with telescoping frames and independent suspension, allowing it to function as a flatbed, cargo box, or enclosed van, and compatible with vehicles from motorcycles to heavy-duty machinery, featuring adjustable ramps and elastomeric seals for versatility and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional trailers are used with fixed dimensions, then they can maintain simple structure and ease of manufacture, but they cannot adapt to varying load sizes and require multiple trailers for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying load sizesVSAvoidtrailer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer is divided into two main segments: a stationary rear frame and a movable front frame that can slide relative to each other. The front frame can be extended forward or retracted backward along guideways, allowing the trailer to adapt to different load sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. It can slide forward and backward along the rear frame's guideways and be locked at various positions using locking pins, enabling the trailer to change its effective length and cargo area to match different hauling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional trailers with fixed length are used, then they occupy consistent storage space, but they cannot efficiently adapt to different load sizes and require multiple trailers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different load sizesVSAvoidnumber of trailers required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The extensible trailer is designed to perform multiple functions by adjusting its length. It can haul small loads by retracting the front frame, medium loads by positioning it at intermediate extensions, and large loads by fully extending it, replacing the need for multiple specialized trailers of different sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

When not in use or when hauling smaller loads, the front frame can be retracted and nested within or alongside the rear frame structure, effectively reducing the trailer's footprint and allowing it to occupy less storage space while maintaining the capability to expand when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional trailers are used without independent suspension, then they have simpler structure, but they cannot provide smooth ride over rough terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveride smoothness over terrainVSAvoidsuspension system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into independent units, with each wheel having its own independent suspension assembly. This allows each wheel to independently absorb shocks and vibrations from rough terrain, providing a smoother ride while keeping the overall suspension structure relatively simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If telescoping frames are used to enable extension, then the trailer can haul different size loads, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to haul different size loadsVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping frame is segmented into the stationary rear frame and the movable front frame, which slide relative to each other along guideways. This segmentation allows for controlled extension and retraction while maintaining structural integrity and keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of guideways and locking pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame transitions from a static fixed-structure to a dynamic adjustable-structure. The front frame can be extended or retracted as needed and locked at various positions, providing adaptability for different load sizes while using simple mechanical components like guideways and locking pins rather than complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10124845B1Extensible trailer

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 BOLTZ THOMAS C

AI summary

An extensible trailer has a rear frame supporting a front cargo deck, and a front frame supporting a front cargo deck. The rear frame has a yoke fixed to it for the front frame to slide in and out of, between collapsed and extended extremes. When collapsing the trailer, the front frame slides into the yoke as the front cargo deck rides up over a front edge of the rear cargo deck, until it lands on top of the rear cargo deck, where it stays all the while the trailer is in the collapsed position. When extending the trailer, the front frame slides out from the yoke as the front cargo deck slides back over the rear cargo deck's front edge, until it lands on top of the front frame, where it stays all the while the trailer is in the extended position.