Off-Road Trailer Suspension Using Shared Jeep Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers are designed with components that are distinct from those of vehicles, leading to limitations in compatibility, off-road capability, and accessibility to spare parts.
Innovation Solution
A towable trailer designed with suspension and body components identical to those of a Jeep brand vehicle, including upper and lower control arms, shock absorbers, axles, side body panels, tailgates, and bumpers, to match the vehicle's ground clearance and off-road performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trailers use simple axle design with two wheels and limited ground clearance, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but off-road capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the trailer suspension components identical to those of the Jeep® brand vehicle, allowing the same components to serve both the vehicle and trailer. This enables the trailer to achieve vehicle-level off-road capability while maintaining compatibility with vehicle spare parts and maintenance procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If trailers use components distinct from vehicles, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but compatibility and spare parts accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the trailer to use the same suspension components as the Jeep® brand vehicle, creating a universal platform where parts are interchangeable between vehicle and trailer. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving compatibility and spare parts accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If trailers are designed with vehicle-specific components, then off-road capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by adopting the vehicle's existing suspension system design for the trailer, rather than creating a separate complex system. This leverages the already-optimized vehicle components to achieve off-road capability without adding unnecessary complexity, as the same proven components are reused.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer includes a suspension assembly including two or more suspension components that are the same as corresponding suspension components that are manufactured for a Jeep® brand vehicle, and one or more body components that are the same as corresponding one or more body components that are manufactured for a Jeep® brand vehicle. The trailer may thus be made from several components used in making a vehicle, and may have similar capabilities and appearance as the vehicle with which it is used. In at least some implementations, components from the trailer can be used on the vehicle, and vice versa.