Flip-Over Ramp Trailer Cradle Design for Round Bale Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers with adjustable decks and flip-over ramps face compatibility issues due to incompatibility between side rails and the ramp design, which impedes the formation of a consistent cradle for round bales and limits the use of the ramp.
Innovation Solution
A trailer design featuring a coupling assembly with a power pack and hydraulic mechanisms, including a spring-loaded hinge and adjustable side rails, allows the deck to pivot and the ramp to conform to the deck surface, enabling both flat and cradle configurations while maintaining compatibility with the flip-over ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the deck sections are made adjustable to form both flat surface and cradle configurations, then the versatility of the trailer is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional hinges and pivot mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The deck sections are designed to perform multiple functions - forming both a flat surface for rectangular bales and a cradle configuration for round bales. The same deck sections, when pivoted about horizontal axes, create different loading configurations, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures for each bale type.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck sections incorporate movable elements that can pivot about horizontal axes to transition between flat and cradle configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the trailer to adapt its structure based on the type of cargo being transported, with hinges and pivot points enabling smooth transformation between states.
2Productivity
If the ramp is designed as a flip-over type for efficient loading, then the loading speed is improved, but the compatibility with side rails and deck configuration is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed as a flip-over type that can pivot and adjust its position dynamically. This allows the ramp to clear the deck sections when they are in cradle configuration, enabling both the flip-over ramp mechanism and the adjustable deck to function together without interference, thus maintaining both loading speed and configuration versatility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the side rails are made adjustable to form consistent cradles, then the stability of round bale support is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The side rails are integrated with the deck section adjustment mechanisms, so that when the deck sections are pivoted to form a cradle, the side rails automatically align and form consistent cradle structures. This merging of adjustment functions reduces the need for separate side rail adjustment operations while maintaining stable cradle formation for round bales.
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
The trailer achieves versatile operation, supporting both rectangular and round bales, and allows the flip-over ramp to function effectively, enhancing loading and unloading capabilities without compromising stability or clearance.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge interconnecting the ramp and the first frame. The first condition of the rear section is defined by the deck being generally flat and oriented to conform to the first condition of the front section. The second condition is defined by the deck sections being oriented to conform to the second condition of the front section.
Implementation Method 2
A trailer design featuring a coupling assembly with a power pack and hydraulic mechanisms, including a spring-loaded hinge and adjustable side rails
Implementation Method 3
A trailer design featuring a coupling assembly with a power pack and hydraulic mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer having a deck and a flip-over ramp. The deck and one side of the flip-over ramp are convertible from a flat position to a position with cradles that are configured to hold one or more round hay bales. The deck may tilt, and side rails may cooperate to form the cradle region. The flip over ramp may also pivot about a horizontal axis to form a pathway from a ground surface to the deck. Side rails may pivot both about a horizontal axis, and about a vertical axis near the flip-over ramp to allow clearance when the ramp is deployed.