Mobile Work Trailer with Central Vacuum and Sliding Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable work trailers for carpentry and masonry lack multiple workstations, efficient dust abatement, and adequate storage, making them inefficient for small jobs and exposing workers to hazardous airborne particles, while also being cumbersome and requiring excessive setup and teardown time.

Innovation Solution

A portable work trailer with a central vacuum system, multiple sliding workstations, and storage solutions, including a compressor for power tools, a vortex dust separator, and redundant electrical circuits, designed to be compact and versatile, with a centralized vacuum system and flexible hose for dust abatement and multiple workstations, and storage for lumber and trim materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a portable work trailer is designed to be compact for storage in small spaces, then it can fit in garages and carports, but it limits the number of workstations and storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrailer sizeVSAvoidnumber of workstations
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer is divided into multiple independent workstations (first workstation with first saw, second workstation with second saw) that can be independently accessed and used. Each workstation has its own tool storage and power supply, allowing the compact trailer to provide multiple functional areas without requiring a large overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning workstations at different heights and levels within the trailer. The first workstation is positioned at a first height while the second workstation is positioned at a second height, effectively using the third dimension to maximize space utilization within the compact trailer volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple workstations are provided in the trailer, then versatility is improved, but the trailer size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of workstationsVSAvoidtrailer weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple workstations are merged into a single integrated trailer structure that shares common components such as the frame, wheels, and central vacuum system. The trailer includes a first workstation with a first saw and a second workstation with a second saw, both integrated into the same mobile platform with shared tool storage compartments and power supply systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer is designed as a universal mobile work center that can accommodate multiple different types of saws and power tools. The workstations are configured to support various cutting operations, and the tool storage compartments can hold different tool types, making the trailer adaptable to multiple carpentry tasks without requiring separate equipment for each function.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a central vacuum system is installed for dust abatement, then worker safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairborne dust exposureVSAvoidvacuum system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The central vacuum system is integrated into the trailer's existing infrastructure, utilizing the trailer's electrical system for power and the trailer's structural components for mounting and routing. The vacuum cleaner is positioned to serve all workstations, and dust collection ports are built into the workstation structures, allowing the system to protect itself and the users without requiring external complex infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The central vacuum system acts as an intermediary between the dust-generating saws and the workers. The vacuum collection ports on each workstation serve as intermediaries that capture dust at the source before it can become airborne, transferring it through hoses to the central vacuum cleaner for collection and containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If redundant electrical circuits are provided for each workstation, then power supply reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each workstation is equipped with its own dedicated electrical circuit and power supply components, providing localized power redundancy. The first workstation has a first electrical circuit with first outlets, and the second workstation has a second electrical circuit with second outlets, ensuring that each work area has independent power capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical system is designed with redundant circuits and multiple outlet configurations before any power failure or circuit overload can occur. This preemptive design ensures that if one circuit fails or becomes overloaded, the other circuits remain available to maintain operation of essential tools and equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution provides a compact, versatile, and efficient portable work trailer that reduces setup time, minimizes exposure to hazardous dust, and ensures adequate power supply, enhancing worker safety and productivity by allowing multiple workstations and secure storage in small spaces.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum system configured to provide negative pressure with respect to atmosphere at each of the workstations to abate dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a vortex dust separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10183607B2Mobile work trailer
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 CRAMER JEFF
  • US10183607B2 patent drawing
  • US10183607B2 patent drawing
  • US10183607B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile work site having a deployed position and a stowed position for travel is disclosed. Importantly, a first ever vacuum system is configured with permanent piping to the trailer. A vacuum boom is further provided for added versatility. The invention has further been designed with optimal size in mind so that a bulky configuration is made unnecessary. Further the design provides a large amount of horizontal surface area for measuring and planner tables, feeder tables and cutting tables. Additionally, multiple electrical outlets are made available to eliminate any need for long cords. Also, dual, separate and redundant electrical circuits are provided to power the entire trailer. Racks are included herein for transporting lumber and trim materials.