Pinless Tilt Deck Trailer Locking With Gravity Lift Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers with folding ramps or tilting decks require manual operation of locking mechanisms, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies due to the need for powered systems and manual pin-based locking, which are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A pinless, unpowered tilt-deck trailer design with a gravity-operated lifting mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks the tilt deck, eliminating the need for manual pin-based systems and powered machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pin-based locking systems are used, then the trailer can be secured in place, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the manual pin insertion/extraction operation from the locking system. The pinless design extracts the harmful manual intervention step, replacing it with an automated lever-operated mechanism that secures the tilt deck without requiring operators to handle physical pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage when the tilt deck reaches its tilted position. The system serves itself by using the motion of the tilt deck to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations.
2Ease of operation
If powered motorized lifting mechanisms are used, then the tilt deck can be moved easily, but additional costs and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded counterbalance system that offsets the weight of the tilt deck. The springs are pre-loaded to provide upward force that counteracts gravity, allowing the tilt deck to be lifted with minimal effort while automatically returning to its original position when released.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is designed to create an equipotential system where the potential energy stored in the springs balances the gravitational potential energy of the tilt deck at various positions. This allows smooth, effort-free movement throughout the tilt range without requiring powered assistance.
3Device complexity
If manual locking operations are required, then the system remains simple, but safety hazards increase due to operator exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator from the dangerous zone by eliminating manual pin handling. The pinless design with automated spring-loaded pins removes the need for operators to reach into moving parts, thereby extracting the safety hazard from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pin mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator's lever action and the tilt deck securing function. This intermediary automates the dangerous pin insertion/extraction process, mediating the interaction so that operators only need to pull a lever from a safe distance.
4Reliability
If pin-based locking systems are used, then the trailer can be secured, but the system requires more components and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separate pin components from the locking system, replacing them with an integrated spring-loaded pin mechanism that is part of the frame structure. This reduces the total number of discrete components while maintaining securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and lifting functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The spring-loaded pins serve dual purposes: they provide the locking function by securing the tilt deck in position, and they provide the lifting function by counterbalancing the deck weight, thereby combining multiple functions into fewer components.
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 design provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective solution by allowing single-person operation with automated locking, reducing the risk of injuries and eliminating the need for expensive motorized components.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity-operated lifting mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks the tilt deck
Data Source
AI summary
A titling deck trailer including a main frame structure including a first end beam and a second end beam, the first end beam being closest to a vehicle and the second end beam being farthest to the vehicle, the main frame structure configured to remain stationary, a second frame structure including a first end beam and a second end beam, the first end beam of the second frame structure being closest to the vehicle and the second end beam of the second frame structure being farthest to the vehicle, the second frame structure configured to move in an incline loading position, and a lifting mechanism attached to the main frame structure for moving the second frame structure in an upward direction.