Hitchable Vehicle Central Frame Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hitchable road vehicles face limitations in load capacity due to articulation devices that raise the loading area, reducing available volume and compromising road holding and aerodynamics, while maintaining the ability to form compact single-track convoys.
Innovation Solution
A hitchable road vehicle design with a central frame that allows for a large load volume by lowering the loading platform to ground level, featuring articulation devices with crossed bars for minimal movement and counter-rotating indexing to maintain stability and compact convoy formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articulation devices are positioned between front and rear frame parts, then the vehicle can form single-track convoys, but the loading area must be raised above the articulation device, reducing load volume and raising the center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central articulation point located below the loading platform, creating a vertical dimension separation between the articulation mechanism and the load-bearing structure. This allows the loading platform to extend down to ground level while the articulation device operates at a lower elevation, effectively resolving the spatial conflict between convoy formation capability and load volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation device is nested within the central frame structure, with the loading platform positioned above and extending beyond it. This nested arrangement allows the articulation mechanism to be contained within the overall vehicle structure without compromising the external dimensions available for loading, maximizing load volume while maintaining articulation functionality.
2Device complexity
If articulation devices raise the loading area above the articulation device, then the vehicle structure is simplified, but the center of gravity is raised, compromising road holding
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the vertical positions of the articulation device and the loading platform, the patent allows the loading platform to extend to ground level while the articulation mechanism operates at a lower elevation. This dimensional separation maintains structural simplicity while lowering the center of gravity for improved road holding.
3Ease of manufacture
If the loading area is raised above ground level, then the articulation device has sufficient clearance, but the load volume is reduced and loading becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the clearance issue by positioning the articulation device at a lower vertical level while allowing the loading platform to extend down to ground level. This vertical separation provides sufficient clearance for the articulation mechanism while maximizing loading accessibility and volume.
Data Source
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AI summary
A road vehicle (1) comprising: • a front wheel assembly (8) and a rear wheel assembly (11); • a chassis comprising a central chassis part (2) equipped with a load support (7), a front chassis part (3) and a rear chassis part (4); • front (10) and rear (12) couplings, the front coupling (10) being movable, alternately, between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, the rear coupling (12) being movable between a coupled and an uncoupled position; • a front articulation device (13), interposed between the central chassis part (2) and the front chassis part (3); • a rear articulation device (14), interposed between the central chassis part (2) and the rear chassis part (4).