Multi-Travel Suspension Trailer Rocker Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trailer suspension systems fail to maintain even load distribution on axles, leading to wear and fatigue in components when handling heavy payloads or uneven terrain, as they are designed for limited up and down travel and cannot adapt to increased axle spacing.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a multi-travel suspension system featuring rocker assemblies pivotally attached to a main frame, utilizing hydraulic or air leveling means to distribute load balance across axles, allowing for increased payload capacity and adaptability on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air ride suspension with limited travel (6") is used, then the suspension can maintain balanced loading within its travel parameters, but it causes uneven loading on axle groups when operating outside those parameters, leading to wear and fatigue in components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-travel suspension system where the rocker assembly can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (engaging first set of leaves) and a second position (engaging second set of leaves). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the suspension to adapt to varying load conditions and terrain, transforming a static limited-travel system into a dynamic multi-travel system that maintains reliability across diverse operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective travel parameter of the suspension by switching between two distinct leaf spring configurations. The first set of leaves provides a first travel range, while the second set of leaves provides a second travel range. This parameter change allows the suspension to operate effectively both on-level and off-level, resolving the contradiction between maintaining balanced loading and adapting to varying terrain and loading conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If trailer manufacturers build trailers with more axles spread further apart to capture industry wanting to haul most payload, then payload capacity increases, but conventional suspension designs cannot maintain even loading on all axles on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-travel suspension system dynamically reconfigures the rocker assembly position based on terrain and loading conditions. When operating on uneven terrain with multiple axles, the system can switch between first and second positions to maintain even load distribution across all axles, enabling high payload capacity while preserving load distribution reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker assembly serves multiple functions by engaging different sets of leaves for different operating conditions. The first set of leaves handles one type of loading condition, while the second set of leaves handles another type. This multi-functionality allows a single suspension system to support high payload capacity across diverse terrain conditions while maintaining even load distribution.
3Device complexity
If fixed travel suspension is used, then the suspension structure remains simple, but it cannot adapt to increased axle spacing or uneven terrain without causing component wear and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into two distinct leaf spring sets (first and second leaves) that can be independently engaged. The rocker assembly can selectively contact either the first set or the second set of leaves, creating a segmented approach to multi-travel suspension. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relative structural simplicity while achieving adaptability through the selective engagement mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The multi-travel suspension system ensures even load distribution across axles, reducing wear and fatigue, and is durable, cost-effective, and adaptable for various applications, including meeting Department of Transportation guidelines for load leveling.
Implementation Method 1
The rocker assemblies are attached to leveling means such as but not limited to hydraulic and or air system between the trailer main frame and the rocker assemblies
Implementation Method 2
The rocker assemblies are attached to leveling means such as but not limited to hydraulic and or air system between the trailer main frame and the rocker assemblies
Implementation Method 3
A trailer with a multi-travel suspension system featuring rocker assemblies pivotally attached to a main frame
Implementation Method 4
reducing wear and fatigue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a trailer main frame with a first rocker assembly and a second rocker assembly pivotally attached to the trailer main frame wherein the rocker assemblies are attached to leveling means such as but not limited to hydraulic and or air system between the trailer main frame and the rocker assemblies.