Foldable Trailer Steering Structure for Uneven-Terrain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable trailers with inclined-fork universal wheels face difficulties in steering control, particularly on sloped surfaces and bumpy roads, leading to loss of control and deviation from the original direction due to free steering and uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A foldable trailer steering system with a gathering-type frame, featuring a steering structure between the wheels, a steering rod assembly, and a support assembly that allows vertical and horizontal rotation, enabling controlled steering and folding without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inclined-fork universal wheels are used for easy steering, then steering convenience is improved, but steering control becomes difficult on sloped surfaces and bumpy roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the steering wheel's inclination angle adjustable rather than fixed. The steering wheel can dynamically change its inclination angle according to different road conditions through a adjusting mechanism, allowing the user to adapt the steering characteristics to match the terrain. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between easy steering mode (larger inclination angle) and controlled steering mode (smaller inclination angle) based on real-time conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inclined-fork universal wheels with free steering are used, then steering flexibility is improved, but direction control is lost on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the inclination angle parameter of the steering wheel to control its steering behavior. By adjusting this key parameter, the system can change from a free-steering state (larger angle providing flexibility) to a controlled-steering state (smaller angle providing stability). This allows the system to maintain direction control on uneven surfaces while preserving steering flexibility when needed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger forward force is applied to return compressed wheels to normal position, then direction recovery is achieved, but user effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively adjusting the steering wheel's inclination angle before the wheel becomes compressed or deviates from the intended path. By anticipating potential issues and adjusting the angle in advance, the system prevents excessive compression and reduces the force needed to recover direction. This eliminates the need for large corrective forces after compression occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the steering wheel's position and road conditions, then automatically or semi-automatically adjusting the inclination angle in response. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when the wheel is approaching a compressed state and adjust the angle preemptively, or to assist in recovery by optimizing the angle during the return process, thereby reducing the user effort required.
4Reliability
If steering structure is added to control steering wheels, then steering control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the steering structure to perform multiple functions: it controls the steering wheel's horizontal rotation, adjusts the inclination angle, and adapts to different road conditions. By making the steering structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby improving steering control while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity.
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 system enhances steering stability and safety by allowing controlled rotation of the wheels, simplifying steering, and maintaining direction control during folding and unfolding, even on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the steering rod assembly is capable of rotating vertically and horizontally relative to the support assembly
Implementation Method 2
the support assembly drives the steering rod assembly to move vertically
Implementation Method 3
the steering rod assembly controls the steering wheels to rotate horizontally through the steering structure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a foldable trailer steering system, including a foldable frame. Either side of a bottom of one end of the foldable frame is rotatably connected to a steering wheel respectively, a steering structure is arranged between the two steering wheels, and the steering structure is foldably arranged. At least one end of the steering structure is rotatably connected to the corresponding steering wheel, the steering structure is connected to a steering rod assembly, and the steering rod assembly is configured for controlling movement of the steering structure. The steering structure is arranged between the two steering wheels, and the steering structure controls the rotation of the steering wheels. The steering structure is capable of switching states between an unfolded state and a folded state to adapt to the folding of the foldable frame. This structure enables the steering wheels to be replaced with straight-fork steering wheels.