Inflatable Amphibian Trailer Assembly for Compact Vehicle Ferrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting vehicles across water, such as vehicle ferries and personal vehicle barges, are either expensive, inflexible, or bulky, and purpose-built automotive amphibian trailers are not practical for storage or multi-purpose use.
Innovation Solution
An automotive amphibian trailer assembly that includes a trailer for towing vehicles, with inflatable means to float on water, a retractable towbar, motor for propulsion, and compactable floats for storage, allowing for versatile use and efficient water transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If purpose-built automotive amphibian trailers are used to carry vehicles across water, then amphibian capability is achieved, but the device is bulky and takes up significant storage room
Solution Approach 1:
The amphibian capability is segmented into a separate inflatable component that can be stored independently when not in use, allowing the trailer to maintain a compact form factor for storage while providing full amphibian functionality when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable means changes its physical state from a compact deflated form for storage to an expanded inflated form for water transport, dramatically reducing storage volume while maintaining full amphibian capability during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle ferries are used to transport vehicles across water, then water transport capability is provided, but the service is expensive and operates on infrequent scheduling
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to independently transform their trailer into an amphibian vehicle and transport vehicles across water without relying on expensive, scheduled ferry services, providing on-demand water transport capability
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 trailer assembly provides flexible and cost-effective vehicle transport across water, allowing for compact storage and multi-purpose use, while maintaining stability and buoyancy for safe operation in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
inflatable means for inflating to float the loaded trailer on water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automotive amphibian trailer assembly. The assembly includes a trailer for being towed by a vehicle, and upon which the vehicle can be loaded. Further, the assembly includes inflatable means for inflating to float the loaded trailer on water. Advantageously, the inflatable means may be releasable from the trailer so that the trailer can be readily used for purposes other than carrying the vehicle (e.g. carrying soil) and/or made more compact for storage (e.g. in a home garage).