Modular Trailer Chassis for Rapid Body Interchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current trailer devices lack flexibility and practicality for multiple uses due to rigid regulations and the need for separate units for different applications, leading to increased costs and weight when adapting for various tasks.

Innovation Solution

A modular trailer device with a trolley and self-supporting bodywork chassis, featuring adjustable crutches, removable drawbar and bumper assemblies, and flexible attachment systems, allowing easy interchange and adaptation without adding weight or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple complete trailer units are purchased for different applications, then versatility is improved, but cost and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer chassis is designed with universal mounting points and attachment mechanisms that allow a single chassis to accommodate multiple different body types and configurations, enabling one trailer to perform multiple functions across different applications

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

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer system is divided into separate modular components including the chassis, bodywork, drawbar, and bumper assemblies that can be independently attached, removed, and reconfigured to suit different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the trailer is always unloaded before switching applications, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bodywork is separated from the chassis as an independent removable module, allowing the load-carrying body to be quickly detached and replaced with another body type without requiring unloading or complex disassembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple bodywork modules can be prepared in advance and stored ready for use, allowing rapid interchange between different trailer configurations by simply swapping pre-prepared body modules onto the chassis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional bodywork attachment components are added to the trailer, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is equipped with universal mounting points and attachment mechanisms that serve multiple functions - supporting various body types, securing drawbars, and mounting bumpers - thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components for each application

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

Solution Approach 2:

The drawbar and bumper assemblies are designed to be integrated with either the chassis or bodywork as needed, consolidating structural functions into fewer components rather than adding separate attachment mechanisms for each element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4438448A1Modular trailer device
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 WALRANT FRÉDÉRIC
  • EP4438448A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4438448A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4438448A1 patent drawingFigure 4.1~4.2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a modular trailer device intended for depositing or interchanging bodies of different types and of varying dimensions in a simple and quick manner, comprising: - a trolley (1) comprising at least one axle fixed on a support comprising more than two support points and at least one locking clamp in order to deposit and lock a body (2) thereon in a removable manner, - the body (2) comprising a chassis (5) placed and locked on the trolley (1), - a drawbar (3) comprising at least one fixing pin (34) which can be fixed either on the trolley (1) or on the chassis (5) of the body (2), - a rear bumper (4) which can be fixed either on the trolley (1) or on the body (2).