Modular Trailer With Foldable Chassis And Interchangeable Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current trailers are designed for specific types of items, requiring multiple purchases and occupying excessive storage space when not in use, as they are not adaptable or foldable to accommodate various transportation needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular trailer system with a self-supporting chassis, retractable wheels, and a tow-bar assembly that can be folded, allowing for quick attachment and detachment of various modules such as motorcycle, nautical, bicycle, and luggage carriers, enabling flexible and compact storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized trailers are purchased for different transport needs, then transportation versatility is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation versatilityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer is designed with a universal main frame that can accommodate multiple types of loads through interchangeable modules. The main frame includes standardized mounting points and a modular platform system that allows the same trailer to transport motorcycles, bicycles, boats, or general cargo by simply changing the module configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer is divided into a permanent main frame and detachable modules. The main frame contains the wheels, chassis, and mounting structure, while separate modules are designed for specific cargo types. This segmentation allows the trailer to be reconfigured for different purposes without requiring multiple complete trailers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If non-foldable trailers are used, then structural stability is improved, but storage compactness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer incorporates foldable side rails and adjustable platform sections that can be collapsed when not in use. The side rails are designed with hinge joints that allow them to fold parallel to the ground, reducing the overall height and volume of the trailer for compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-length trailers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different load sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to load sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer platform is constructed from modular sections that can be easily attached and detached. The platform consists of standardized segments with matching connection interfaces, allowing the length to be adjusted by adding or removing sections. This modular approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling adaptation to various load sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular trailer system is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular system uses standardized mounting points, connection interfaces, and fastening mechanisms across all modules. This universality allows different modules to be interchangeably attached to the main frame using the same attachment procedure, reducing the operational complexity despite the variety of available modules.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3133001B1Modular trailer
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 LITTLE WAY TEAM
  • EP3133001B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3133001B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3133001B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A modular trailer with a fold-down configuration, designed to be coupled to motor vehicles, characterised in that it incorporates a main frame module (1), comprising an tow-bar assembly (10), two support brackets with retractable wheels (11) and a self-supporting chassis (9), to which supplementary modules can be attached, such as - a motorcycle carrier module (2), or - a nautical module (3), or - a bicycle carrier module (4), or - a special transport module (5), or - a luggage carrier module (6), or - a mixed-load module (7), - and a light and registration number plate module (8) with a width configuration proportional to the wheelbase of the trailer.