Modular Horse Trailer Superstructure for Customizable Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current horse trailer production methods are limited in individualization, leading to increased costs due to standardized series production, making it difficult to customize designs for stability and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A modular system for horse trailers using individually connected modular components, such as side walls, front walls, and roofs, which can be assembled in various configurations through force-fitting, form-fitting, and material-locking methods like gluing or riveting, allowing for customizable designs and materials selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standardized series production is used for horse trailer bodies, then manufacturing costs are reduced and production efficiency is improved, but customization capability and design flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The horse trailer body is divided into multiple modular components including side wall modules, front wall modules, roof modules, and floor modules. Each module can be independently manufactured through standardized processes and then assembled in various configurations to meet different customer requirements, thus maintaining high production efficiency while enabling extensive customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same basic modules to serve multiple functions and be combined in different arrangements. For example, side wall modules can be configured in various heights and positions, and front wall modules can be adapted for different door configurations, enabling one production line to produce diverse trailer designs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If individual adjustments are made after manufacturing to achieve customization, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing costs and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

All necessary customization options are pre-configured during the modular component manufacturing stage rather than requiring post-assembly modifications. Different module variants are produced in advance with built-in features for various configurations (different wall heights, door positions, window placements), allowing customers to receive their customized trailers directly from assembly without additional costly adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables customization by changing parameters such as module dimensions, material selections, and configuration options during the standardized manufacturing process. Modules can be produced with varying heights, thicknesses, and structural properties while maintaining the same production methods, allowing cost-effective customization through parameter variation rather than complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are used for the front wall with at least three separate modules, then customization capability is improved, but structural complexity and assembly requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall is divided into at least three separate modular components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific functions (e.g., door integration, window placement, structural support) while maintaining standardized connection interfaces that simplify the overall assembly process despite the increased number of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4079609B1Structure for a horse trailer, trailer with such a structure and modular system and method for manufacturing such a structure
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 HUMBAUR GMBH
  • EP4079609B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4079609B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4079609B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a superstructure (100) for a horse trailer comprising two side walls (110), a front wall (120), and a roof (130). The invention is characterized in that the side walls (110), the front wall (120), and the roof (130) are formed from individual modular components that are connected to one another, wherein at least the front wall (120) is assembled from at least three modular components (121, 122, 123). Furthermore, the invention relates to a horse trailer with such a superstructure, as well as a modular system and a method for manufacturing such a superstructure.