Multi-tank trailer with modular rail system for hazardous material transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shortage of qualified drivers to transport hazardous materials and diesel due to stringent commercial driver's license and hazardous materials certification requirements, especially for larger volumes, leads to increased costs and inefficiencies in industries like construction and agriculture.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tank trailer with a unique rail system and handrail assembly that allows for modular design, enabling the transportation of multiple tanks or objects of varying sizes without the need for a commercial driver's license or hazardous materials certification, by providing structural support and alignment while accommodating standard rail lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger volume tanks are used to transport hazardous materials, then transportation efficiency is improved, but driver certification requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is divided into multiple separate tanks, each with a volume under the hazardous materials threshold. This segmentation allows the transportation of large total volumes while avoiding CDL and hazardous materials endorsement requirements, as each individual tank meets the regulatory criteria for non-hazardous classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system and handrail assembly are designed to accommodate multiple tank configurations and sizes. This universal design allows the same trailer platform to transport various combinations of tanks depending on operational needs, providing flexibility in meeting different transportation requirements without requiring specialized vehicles for each scenario.
2Device complexity
If multiple small volume tanks are used to avoid certification requirements, then driver qualification requirements are reduced, but the number of trips required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tanks are mounted simultaneously on a single trailer platform, enabling the transportation of large total volumes in one trip. This approach combines the benefits of segmented tank design (avoiding certification requirements) with efficient multi-tank loading, thereby reducing the number of trips needed compared to transporting single small tanks repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tanks are combined on a single trailer using a unified rail system and handrail assembly. This merging of multiple tank units onto one platform allows for consolidated transportation, reducing the total number of trips required while maintaining compliance with regulatory volume limits for each individual tank.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom trailer designs are used to accommodate multiple tanks, then transportation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system and handrail assembly are designed as universal components that can accommodate various tank sizes, shapes, and configurations. This standardized universal design provides transportation flexibility for different operational needs while using common off-the-shelf components, thereby avoiding the high costs associated with custom-built specialized trailers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in tank configuration by utilizing adjustable and modular rail components. Standard rails and handrails can be positioned and configured to suit different tank arrangements, providing adaptability without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific configuration scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a multi-featured trailer designed with transporting hazardous material in mind. The trailer design allows a driver without a hazardous materials transport license or commercial driver's license to legally transport the trailer when it contains hazardous material. It includes a unique hand-rail and bracket system designed to allow the trailer to employ standard sized rails which provides structural support and economic advantage. Further, the inventive trailer features means to accommodate several different tanks together or alone, comprising different capacities and sloped bottoms, in addition to tools and/or machines while employing the same frame, axles and wheels. Employing the inventive design further allows each tank trailer to be “assembled to order” providing a significant manufacturing advantage.