Hydraulic Trailer Coupler Dampening for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horse trailer dampening systems are inadequate in addressing transport stress caused by adverse road conditions, leading to physical injury and health issues in horses, and are often limited in compatibility and adaptability across different vehicles and trailers.
Innovation Solution
A modular trailer dampening system featuring a pressurized barrel assembly with a hydraulic shock absorber and electrical control system, designed for universal compatibility and adaptability, which replaces the rigid gooseneck coupler to absorb vibrations and forces during hauling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current dampening solutions are used on the axles of a vehicle, then some vibration dampening is achieved, but the system translates loading to areas of the trailer experiencing intense loading and is limited in compatibility with multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different hitch types (gooseneck, bumper pull, fifth wheel) through interchangeable coupling mechanisms. The barrel assembly can be mounted to various trailer tongues and vehicle hitches, making the dampening system compatible across multiple vehicle and trailer configurations without requiring model-specific customization
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening system is divided into separate modular components: the barrel assembly with shock absorber, the connection assembly with interchangeable couplings, and mounting hardware. This segmentation allows the same core dampening mechanism to be adapted to different vehicle types by simply changing the connection interface components rather than redesigning the entire system
2Strength
If a rigid gooseneck coupler is used, then structural strength is maintained, but vibrations and forces during hauling are transmitted directly to the trailer and horse
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly incorporates a hydraulic shock absorber that uses fluid resistance to dampen vibrations and shock forces. The hydraulic mechanism absorbs vertical and lateral movements during hauling, reducing the transmission of harmful forces to the trailer and horse while maintaining the structural integrity needed to handle heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel assembly acts as an intermediary element between the rigid gooseneck coupler and the trailer tongue. It provides a compliant connection that filters out high-frequency vibrations and shock loads while allowing the strong coupler to maintain its load-bearing function, effectively decoupling the strength function from the vibration transmission
3Reliability
If existing dampening systems are designed for specific vehicle models, then optimal performance for that model is achieved, but availability and compatibility with multiple vehicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly features a universal mounting interface with standardized attachment points that work across multiple vehicle and trailer models. The system includes adaptive mounting brackets and interchangeable coupling mechanisms that can be configured for different hitch types without requiring model-specific tooling or specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening system incorporates adjustable mounting positions and configurable connection geometries that can be adapted to different vehicle configurations. The hydraulic shock absorber allows for adjustment of dampening characteristics to optimize performance across various vehicle weights and loading conditions, maintaining effectiveness without requiring model-specific design
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 system effectively reduces transport stress and physical injury in horses by providing enhanced dampening capabilities, improving the comfort and well-being of horses during long trips and accommodating various trailers and vehicles at an affordable price.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized barrel assembly with a hydraulic shock absorber, designed for universal compatibility and adaptability, which replaces the rigid gooseneck coupler to absorb vibrations and forces during hauling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a trailer dampening system for dampening during variable road conditions experienced during long hours of travel. Secondly, the trailer dampening system encompasses a universal design that will allow for easy installation and application to multiple trailers. The trailer dampening system is provided having a barrel assembly joined to the trailer, a cylinder rod assembly adjoined to the barrel assembly by a connection assembly wherein a connection assembly first opening is configured to receive a coupler end cap proximal end of the cylinder rod assembly. In some embodiments, there is a reservoir system having a main reservoir, a valve assembly, and at least one connection line. In some embodiments, the trailer dampening system further comprises an electrical control system connected to the valve assembly and having an input device configured to receive an input, a battery, a plurality of sensors, and a microcontroller.