Inloader Trailer Steering Layout for Sharp-Curve Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inloader trailers face difficulties in navigating sharp curves due to space-consuming steering assemblies, limiting their ability to transport wide objects and comply with road traffic regulations.
Innovation Solution
The inloader trailer features rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels with independent steering assemblies that actively change the driving direction by rotating about a vertical axis, allowing for sharper turns and wider load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the trailer is made long to increase transport capacity, then the cargo carrying capability is improved, but the ability to navigate sharp curves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wheel mounting structures rotatable relative to the chassis. The mounting structures can be rotated about a vertical axis to change the driving direction of the wheels, allowing the trailer to actively steer and navigate sharp curves while maintaining its long structure for cargo capacity.
2Device complexity
If traditional fixed wheel mounting is used to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the steering capability and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capability by allowing the mounting structures to rotate relative to the chassis. This enables steering functionality without requiring a completely complex steering mechanism, as the rotation of mounting structures themselves provides the steering action.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structures serve multiple functions: they support the wheels, enable rotation for steering, and can be controlled to change driving direction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate steering components, maintaining structural simplicity while adding steering capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inloader trailer (2) is disclosed. The inloader trailer (2) has a longitudinal axis (D) and comprises a chassis (32) having a front portion (14) and two longitudinal members (12, 12') extending parallel to each other and being connected at the front portion (14) by a connection portion (16). The chassis (32) comprises one or more pairs of rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels (4, 6, 8, 10). The wheels of each pair of wheel pair are rotatably mounted on different non-connected mounting structures (22, 22') so that a space (3) without connection structures extends between the wheels (4, 6, 8, 10) of each pair. The inloader trailer (2) comprises a kingpin (18) arranged at the front portion (14). One or more of the pairs of wheels (8, 8', 10, 10') are turnably arranged by means of a steering assembly (40, 40') that is arranged and configured to change the driving direction (Y) of the turnably arranged wheels (8, 8', 10, 10') by rotating (and hereby turning) the turnably arranged wheels (8, 8', 10, 10') about a basically vertical axis so that the driving direction (Y) of the turnably arranged wheels (8, 8', 10, 10') differs from the direction of the longitudinal axis (D) of the inloader trailer (2).