Hydraulic Spreader Bar with Swappable C-Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic spreader bars in the trucking industry require expensive and time-consuming replacements to adjust to different axle spread distances compliant with varying state bridge laws, necessitating either a new spreader bar or steering head assembly for changes between specified spread distances like 14′-7″ and 16′-1″.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic spreader bar system featuring C-shaped spread links that can be easily swapped out to adjust the spread distance, utilizing a frame with pivot members, hydraulic cylinders, and landing gear to allow for quick conversion between different spread configurations by changing the length of the C-links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional rigid spreader bar is used to maintain fixed spread distance, then structural strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to different state bridge laws deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader bar is divided into multiple segments including a main beam, removable C-shaped spread links, and end assemblies. The C-shaped spread links can be removed and replaced to change the spread distance while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the main beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader bar incorporates hydraulic cylinders that enable dynamic adjustment of the spread distance between axles. The system can transition between fixed and adjustable configurations, allowing operators to adapt to different state bridge laws while maintaining structural strength through controlled hydraulic mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new spreader bar is manufactured to comply with different spread distances, then compliance with state bridge laws is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the main beam (which remains) from the C-shaped spread links (which are replaced). This segmentation allows operators to swap only the necessary components rather than manufacturing entirely new spreader bars, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and lead time.
Solution Approach 2:
The main beam is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple types of C-shaped spread links with different lengths. This multi-functionality allows a single main beam to comply with multiple state bridge laws by simply changing the spread links, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple complete spreader bar assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an alternative spreader main steering head assembly is used to change spread distance, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped spread links are extracted as separate, removable components from the overall spreader bar system. This extraction simplifies the main steering head assembly and allows the spread links to be independently replaced without affecting other components, reducing overall device complexity and installation time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If spreader bar components are replaced to adjust spread distance, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with removable C-shaped spread links allows for rapid replacement of only the necessary components. The standardized interfaces and modular construction enable quick installation without requiring complete disassembly of the spreader bar, minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple C-shaped spread links with different lengths can be pre-prepared and stored for different state bridge law requirements. When a configuration change is needed, the appropriate pre-prepared link is simply swapped in, eliminating the need for on-site manufacturing or complex adjustments.
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 rapid, cost-effective, and safe conversion between different spread distances, reducing the need for new components and minimizing downtime, while maintaining load equalization and stress reduction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The pitch may be adjusted by mechanical shims, such as with a rigid spreader, or through the use of hydraulics, such as with a hydraulic spreader.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader bar includes a frame having a leading end and a trailing end. A pivot member is pivotally mounted to the trailing end of the frame and adapted to be removably connected to a spreader bogie. Spread links adapted to be removably connected to a trailer are pivotally and removably attached to the leading end of the frame. The length of the spreader bar may be changed by substituting spread links having different lengths.