Height-Adjustable Hub Assembly for Tow Dolly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tow dollies and car hauler trailers lack a mechanism for easily adjusting the payload deck height, making it difficult to load and unload vehicles and navigate rough terrain without excessive vibrations or movement.
Innovation Solution
A hub and suspension assembly with a screw, chuck, upper threaded block, spring, and lower non-threaded block, allowing the payload deck to be lowered for easy loading and raised for towing, equipped with a camber wear block and camber adjustment screw for improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the payload deck is kept at a fixed high position for towing, then the tow dolly can travel over rough terrain, but loading and unloading vehicles becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly incorporates a height adjustment mechanism that allows the payload deck to dynamically change its position between a lowered state (for easy loading/unloading) and a raised state (for traveling over rough terrain). The screw thread mechanism enables the hub to be positioned at different heights, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the hub is lowered to the road surface for easy loading, then vehicles can be easily driven on, but the tow dolly cannot travel over rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly is designed with height adjustability, allowing it to transition between a lowered position (facilitating vehicle loading) and a raised position (enabling travel over rough terrain). This dynamic repositioning capability ensures that the system can optimize for either ease of operation or terrain capability depending on the operational phase.
3Speed
If the payload deck is raised high for towing, then the tow dolly can clear obstacles, but vibrations and cargo movement increase on rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The height-adjustable hub assembly allows the payload deck to be raised when high-speed travel over obstacles is needed, and lowered when minimizing vibrations and cargo movement is the priority. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to optimize for either obstacle clearance or vibration reduction based on terrain conditions.
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
Enables easy loading and unloading of vehicles, reduces vibrations and movement over rough terrain, and allows for high-speed travel and sharp turns without cargo shifting.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (42) positioned between the upper threaded block (40) and the lower non-threaded block (44)
Data Source
AI summary
A hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability comprises: a suspension tower, a screw, a chuck, a lug member, an upper threaded block, a spring, a lower non-threaded block, an axle, and a hub. The tow dolly comprises: a plurality of frame members, a first and a second hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability, and a first and a second wheel and tire assembly. Car hauler trailer comprises: a plurality of frame members; a first, second, third, and fourth hub and suspension assembly for a tow dolly and a car hauler trailer with drop-down capability; and a first, second, third, and fourth wheel and tire assembly.