Height-Adjusting Axle Assembly for Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer designs face difficulties in loading and unloading heavy objects due to the elevated load-carrying surface, as manual lifting is impractical and existing solutions like pivoting frames or ramps often result in awkward inclines that complicate cargo transfer.
Innovation Solution
A modular height-adjusting axle assembly that includes a pair of wheels connected to cross-beams via torsion axles, supported by frame rails, with an actuator and locking mechanism to adjust the axle position between towing and loading positions, allowing for a more level surface for loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailer bed is elevated above ground level to prevent load contact with surface, then the load-carrying surface is positioned at appropriate height for towing, but heavy objects cannot be manually lifted onto the deck
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly is designed to rotate between a towing position and a loading position, dynamically changing the deck height. In the loading position, the axle rotates to lower the deck close to ground level, eliminating the need for manual lifting of heavy cargo. The torsion axles provide resilient mounting that enables this dynamic adjustment while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the trailer deck is pivoted down to ground level for loading, then cargo can be rolled or slid onto the deck, but the deck creates a steep incline that makes load transfer awkward
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pivoting the entire deck which creates a steep incline, the invention dynamically adjusts the axle position vertically while maintaining the deck's horizontal orientation. The axle rotates between positions to lower the entire deck close to ground level, creating a minimal incline that facilitates easy cargo transfer without the awkward angles caused by deck pivoting.
3Ease of operation
If removable or extensible ramp elements are added to the trailer deck, then loading can be facilitated, but the ramp elements still present an incline that is difficult to maneuver cargo over
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ramp function entirely by lowering the deck itself close to ground level through axle rotation. Instead of adding extensible ramp elements that create inclines, the deck becomes the loading surface at minimal height, eliminating the need for separate ramps and their associated inclines that make cargo maneuvering difficult.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single axle with limited angular rotation is used, then the axle can rotate between towing and loading positions, but the angular range of motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The axle assembly is segmented into multiple components including the axle shaft, torsion axles, and cross-beams that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater effective range of motion through the coordinated rotation of multiple segments, overcoming the limitations of a single axle with restricted angular rotation while maintaining adaptability between towing and loading positions.
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 efficient and safe loading and unloading of heavy objects by adjusting the axle position, reducing the need for manual lifting and minimizing the incline, thus facilitating the transfer of cargo onto the trailer.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of wheels connected to a first cross-beam by a first pair of torsion axles such that rotation of the first cross-beam causes rotation of the first pair of torsion axles
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjusting axle assembly separate from and connectable to a trailer frame. A first pair of wheels is connected to a first cross-beam by a first pair of torsion axles such that rotation of the first cross-beam causes rotation of the first pair of torsion axles. A second pair of wheels is connected to a second cross-beam by a second pair of torsion axles such that rotation of the second cross-beam causes rotation of the second pair of torsion axles. An interconnecting bar is pivotally connected to the first cross-beam and the second cross-beam. A first frame rail and a second frame rail are connectable to the trailer frame. The first cross-beam and the second cross-beam are supported by and extend between the first frame rail and the second frame rail.