Magnetic Dump Trailer Support Assembly for Height and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for belly dump trailers do not effectively prevent shifting when uncoupled from a tractor, lacking a mechanism to securely engage the trailer and adjust to varying heights.
Innovation Solution
A support device comprising a magnetized base with an adjustable shaft that can be positioned beneath a belly dump trailer to prevent sliding and accommodate different trailer heights, allowing for secure engagement and easy re-coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support device is used to hold an uncoupled belly dump trailer, then the trailer is supported in an elevated position, but the support device shifts on the trailer due to lack of secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical engagement systems (clamps, locks, or friction-based holders) with a magnetic field-based engagement system. The magnetized support assembly generates magnetic attraction forces that securely engage the metallic trailer belly without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby preventing shifting while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support assembly by incorporating magnetized materials, transforming it from a passive mechanical support to an active magnetic engagement system. This parameter change enables the support to generate holding forces through magnetic attraction, solving the shifting problem without adding mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-height support device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate trailers of varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into multiple height positions, allowing the support surface to be positioned at different elevations. This segmentation enables the device to accommodate trailers of varying heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment can be independently positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates dynamic adjustability, allowing the support height to be changed as needed. This dynamic feature enables the device to adapt to different trailer heights without requiring a completely different support system for each height, balancing versatility with structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-magnetized support is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the trailer can slide on the support surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based sliding prevention (which would require high-friction surfaces or mechanical clamps) with magnetic attraction forces. The magnetized support assembly generates sufficient magnetic force to inhibit trailer sliding without requiring complex mechanical anti-slip mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability.
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 support device effectively inhibits the belly dump trailer from sliding and allows for easy re-coupling by magnetically engaging the trailer and adjusting to various heights, ensuring stability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the support is comprised of a magnetized material to magnetically engage the bottom of the belly dump trailer and inhibit the belly dump trailer from sliding on the support
Data Source
AI summary
A dump trailer support assembly for supporting a belly dump trailer when the belly dump trailer is not coupled to a tractor includes a box for positioning on a support surface beneath a belly dump trailer. A shaft is slidably integrated into the box such that the shaft can be slid upwardly or downwardly in the box. A support is coupled to the shaft for supporting a bottom of the belly dump trailer when the belly dump trailer is not attached to a tractor. Additionally, the support is comprised of a magnetized material to magnetically engage the bottom of the belly dump trailer and inhibit the belly dump trailer from sliding on the support.