Liquid Transport Trailer Multi-Rail Tank Mounting Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trailers for transporting and spreading liquids, such as manure and sewage sludge, face challenges in ensuring safe transport and flexible dispensing, particularly due to limitations in attachment and positioning of components.

Innovation Solution

A trailer design featuring a steel or fiber-reinforced plastic tank with a chassis, a hitch, and a drawbar mount allowing height adjustment, along with a multi-bar assembly extending along the tank's length for flexible attachment of components, and a pump for dispensing liquids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional attachment device is used on the trailer, then the structure is simple, but the attachment flexibility and positioning options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidattachment device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device is segmented into multiple independent components: a multi-rail arrangement with several rails extending along the tank, multiple attachment points distributed along these rails, and adjustable coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and configured, providing flexible attachment options without requiring a completely complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable attachment points along the multi-rail arrangement and adjustable coupling mechanisms that can be repositioned. This allows the attachment configuration to be dynamically adapted to different towing requirements and positions, enhancing versatility without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the tank is made of steel, then the strength and durability are high, but the weight is heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank strengthVSAvoidtank weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tank is constructed using composite materials, specifically a plastic matrix reinforced with fibrous materials (such as glass fibers or carbon fibers). This composite structure combines the high strength and stiffness of the fibrous reinforcement with the corrosion resistance and formability of the plastic matrix, achieving steel-level strength with significantly reduced weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If a long multi-rail arrangement is used, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmulti-rail arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-rail arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the tank, acts as a mounting framework for various attachments, offers multiple attachment points along its length for flexible positioning, and serves as a guide for alignment during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting complexity while enhancing positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safe and flexible transport and dispensing of liquids by allowing for highly flexible positioning of attachments and components, enhancing safety and efficiency in liquid distribution.

Implementation Method 1

The upper end of the pressure medium cylinder is adjustable in the associated upper hole row arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4094986B1Trailer for transporting liquids
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ROHREN & PUMPENWERK BAUER GMBH
  • EP4094986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4094986B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4094986B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a trailer for transporting liquids, in particular slurry, comprising a tank with a front end wall, a rear end wall and a shell surface connecting the two end walls, and at least one multi-rib arrangement which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer over an arrangement length and is attached laterally to the shell surface of the tank, in particular welded on.