Gooseneck Trailer Side Discharge and Vehicle Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of trailers with elevated hoppers that have a selectively closable side discharge opening extending the entire length and a deck at the rearward end for supporting vehicles, which limits the functionality and efficiency of material discharge and loading.
Innovation Solution
A gooseneck trailer design featuring an elevated hopper at the forward end with a full-length discharge door and a deck at the rear for vehicle support, incorporating an I-beam structural design for strength, and a gravity-assisted side discharge mechanism using pivotally mounted loading ramps and hydraulic locking systems to secure the discharge door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an elevated hopper with a full-length discharge door is added to the trailer, then material discharge efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge door assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a closure for material containment during transport and a discharge mechanism when opened. The hydraulic cylinder provides both locking and unlocking functions, while the door itself serves as both a seal and a discharge aperture when positioned differently.
2Reliability
If a discharge door with multiple locking devices is installed on the hopper, then material containment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking devices are strategically positioned at specific locations on the discharge door assembly where they are most effective. The first and second locking devices are placed at different points on the door to provide distributed security, ensuring that material cannot shift or escape through weak points while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Strength
If an I-beam structural design is implemented throughout the trailer, then structural strength is improved, but the weight of the trailer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The I-beam structural design is applied selectively to specific high-stress components of the trailer rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. The hopper, discharge door assembly, and key frame members utilize I-beam construction where structural integrity is critical, while other less critical components use lighter gauge materials to reduce overall weight.
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 enables efficient loading and discharge of materials onto the driver's side, providing a secure and stable platform for vehicles, with the I-beam design enhancing structural integrity and the hydraulic locking system ensuring safe material containment during transport.
Implementation Method 1
A further object of the invention is to provide a trailer having a hopper thereon which has a gravity assisted side discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A gooseneck trailer having an elevated hopper at the forward end thereof and a deck at the rearward end of the trailer for supporting a vehicle thereon. The hopper has a discharge opening formed in the lower end thereof at one side thereof and a discharge door, which is movable between open and closed positions, selectively closes the discharge opening. Locking devices are provided for locking the discharge door in its closed position.