Gearbox Cage Displacement for Powered Jacking Leg Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered jacking systems for articulated trailers are cumbersome and difficult to operate, especially when under load, due to complex speed change mechanisms, which pose health and safety hazards and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox with a displaceable cage and lever mechanism that allows for easy switching between high and low speed positions, combined with a screw drive system and damping means to reduce impact loads, and a control panel with a magnetic switch to prevent gear damage during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a speed change mechanism is incorporated to facilitate high speed movement when forces are low and reduce ratios when heavy loads are lifted, then the leg can be moved efficiently under different load conditions, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and difficult to operate, especially when the leg is under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual gear shifting mechanism with an automated clutch-controlled system. The clutch is actuated by a cable connected to a control lever, which automatically engages or disengages the clutch based on the position of the control lever, eliminating the need for manual gear wheel manipulation while maintaining speed variation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clutch as an intermediary element between the power source and the gear train. This clutch acts as a mediator that can be easily engaged or disengaged via a cable-operated lever, allowing the system to switch between powered and manual operation without requiring direct manipulation of the complex gear wheels
2Extent of automation
If a demountable powered system is attached to existing jacking leg structures, then automation can be provided through an electric motor, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The gearbox housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the clutch mechanism, provides mounting points for the electric motor, and acts as a structural support for the entire jacking assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall bulk while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the clutch actuation mechanism with the existing control lever system. The cable that operates the clutch is integrated with the lever system, merging the automated clutch engagement function with the manual control interface, thereby reducing the number of separate components and reducing overall system bulk
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 solution simplifies the operation of powered jacking systems, reduces manual effort, and minimizes impact loads during speed changes, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by providing a slim and user-friendly design that maintains gear integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a lever coupled to an eccentric whereby movement of the lever causes displacement of the cage
Implementation Method 2
damping means being positioned between the cage and the leg to reduce impact loads as the cage abuts the leg
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a gearbox for a powered leg assembly for trailers. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears mounted in a cage, the cage being displaceable from a first low speed position through a neutral position to a second high speed position, and a lever coupled to an eccentric whereby movement of the lever causes displacement of the cage causing the gears to mesh to assume a low speed, neutral and high speed configurations.