Modular Wheel Suspension Assembly for Ground-Level Towing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of towing heavy loads without trailers is exacerbated by the need for sturdy trailers that increase weight, leading to higher fuel consumption and safety hazards during loading and unloading, while also contributing to environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A modular wheel and suspension assembly that can be attached to loads to provide independent towability, allowing for adjustable height and reduced drag, which can be permanently or removably attached, and includes a rotary tongue system for stable towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sturdy trailer construction is used to transport heavy loads, then the load can be transported reliably, but the total weight increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is divided into modular components (frame, wheels, suspension, fender housing) that can be independently selected and configured. This allows the system to provide only the necessary weight and capacity for each specific load, rather than always requiring a heavy-duty complete trailer, thus reducing fuel consumption while maintaining transport reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system with adjustable components allows the trailer to adapt its configuration dynamically. The ability to adjust suspension travel, wheel positioning, and component arrangement enables the trailer to optimize its weight and performance characteristics for different loading conditions, reducing unnecessary weight when full capacity is not required.
2Reliability
If a trailer is used to transport loads, then the load can be moved, but safety hazards occur during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The modular suspension system allows the trailer floor and components to be dynamically adjusted to ground level or intermediate positions. This eliminates the height differential that creates safety hazards during loading, allowing safe ground-level loading while maintaining transport capability when raised.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular wheel and suspension assembly acts as an intermediary between the load and the towing vehicle. It provides a flexible interface that can adapt to different loading scenarios, eliminating the need for dangerous manual lifting or complex ramp operations by allowing the trailer to position itself at safe heights.
3Ease of operation
If loading equipment such as ramps is transported on the trailer, then loading can be facilitated, but the weight being towed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular trailer system is self-sufficient with integrated suspension and positioning capabilities built into the basic structure. The ability to independently adjust wheel and suspension positions eliminates the need for separate loading equipment like ramps, as the trailer itself can position the load area at the appropriate height for safe and easy loading.
4Ease of operation
If the trailer floor is lowered for easier loading, then loading becomes simpler, but the towing height is reduced affecting transport efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The modular suspension system enables dynamic height adjustment of the trailer floor and components. The trailer can be positioned at ground level for easy loading, then the suspension can be adjusted to raise the load to the optimal towing height, providing both loading ease and transport efficiency at different operational phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wheel and suspension assembly (MWSA) to provide mobility to a load for towing. The MWSA can have a fender housing and a suspension arm and suspension mechanism that is rotated toward a pivot arm with a suspension mount that engages with the suspension mechanism and a wheel. The suspension arm can be rotatably attached to the fender housing. A linear actuator can rotate the suspension arm to raise the fender housing while deploying the wheel from the fender housing. Rotating the suspension arm in the opposite direction causes the fender housing to be lowered over the wheel and the load to be lowered as the wheel retracts into the fender housing. The MWSA can have a rotary tongue system with an operable connection to the suspension arm. Rotating the suspension arm lowers and raises a tongue when the wheel is deployed from or retracted into the fender housing.