Off-Road Trailer Suspension Layout for Stable Lightweight Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-road trailers lack stability, maneuverability, and clearance to traverse rough terrain, and are often too heavy and cumbersome for side-by-side vehicles and small SUVs to pull over challenging terrains.
Innovation Solution
The off-road trailer design includes a lightweight frame with a housing, extendible trailer tongue, upper and rear frames, and shock-absorbing mechanisms, optimized for side-by-side vehicles, with features like ratchet straps, spare tire, and adjustable shocks for terrain adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional off-road trailers are designed with heavy-duty frames and components to ensure stability and strength for rough terrain, then the stability and strength are improved, but the weight increases making them too heavy for side-by-side vehicles and small SUVs to pull
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining aluminum extrusions for the main frame structure with high-strength steel components for critical load-bearing elements. This composite approach allows the trailer to achieve the necessary strength for off-road stability while keeping the overall weight manageable for side-by-side vehicles and small SUVs to tow through challenging terrain.
2Length of stationary object
If off-road trailers are designed with larger wheels and higher ground clearance to traverse rough terrain, then the clearance and terrain capability are improved, but the overall size and weight increase reducing maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through independently suspended wheel assemblies with shock-absorbing mechanisms that allow each wheel to move independently over terrain obstacles. This dynamic suspension system maintains optimal ground clearance for rough terrain traversal while reducing the impact on maneuverability, as the trailer can adapt its profile to terrain changes rather than requiring permanently elevated geometry.
3Quantity of substance
If off-road trailers are equipped with comprehensive gear storage and support structures for extended excursions, then the storage capacity and support capability are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage system into modular compartments and detachable support structures. The frame includes multiple attachment points and standardized mounting locations that allow gear storage components to be segmented and configured based on specific excursion needs. This modular approach increases storage capacity while managing complexity through standardized, interchangeable components rather than integrated fixed structures.
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 trailer provides enhanced stability, maneuverability, and clearance, enabling it to traverse rough terrain while being lightweight enough for side-by-side vehicles to pull, addressing the limitations of current off-road trailers.
Implementation Method 1
shock-absorbing mechanisms, adjustable shocks for terrain adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
An off-road trailer includes a lower frame, a housing positioned on the lower frame, an extendible trailer tongue with a ball hitch receiver, an upper frame positioned above an upper surface of the housing, a rear frame, and at least two wheels. The upper frame and housing may store off-road gear, such as camping accessories. The housing may have one or more retractable platforms that may receive additional gear. Due to the configuration of the lower frame and the wheels, the trailer may be configured to traverse numerous types of terrain due to its lightweight frame and maneuverability.