Pivoting Trailer Ramp for Easier Heavy Equipment Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers for heavy construction machinery require cumbersome installation and transportation of separate loading ramps, which complicates the loading process and compromises safety.
Innovation Solution
A trailer with a pivoted frame and integrated rear ramp, equipped with load and tire pressure sensors, allows for easy loading and enhanced safety features such as adjustable braking forces and tire pressure monitoring, along with a pivoting extension section and underrun protection to ensure stability and safety during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate ramp is used for loading, then the loading function is provided, but the installation and transportation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the loading ramp directly onto the trailer frame, merging two previously separate components (trailer and ramp) into a single unified structure. The ramp is permanently mounted on the trailer with pivot axes connected to the frame, eliminating the need for separate installation and transportation of ramps while maintaining the loading function.
2Ease of operation
If the ramp is extended to reduce loading angle, then the loading ease is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be extended relative to each other. The extension section is connected via pivotable arms with parallel pivot axes, allowing the ramp to be extended in a controlled manner to reduce the loading angle while maintaining structural manageability through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp extension mechanism utilizes parallel pivot axes that are offset from each other in a dimensional arrangement, allowing the extension section to move in a direction that reduces the loading angle while maintaining stability through the geometric relationship between the parallel axes.
3Reliability
If sensors are added for load and tire pressure monitoring, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Load sensors and tire pressure sensors are integrated into the trailer structure to automatically monitor and report the trailer's condition. The sensors provide self-monitoring capabilities without requiring external intervention, enabling automatic detection of overload conditions and tire pressure issues while maintaining relatively simple implementation through direct integration into existing structural elements.
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 solution facilitates easy and safe loading of heavy machinery by integrating a rear ramp and sensors, enhancing stability and safety through adjustable braking and real-time monitoring, reducing manual handling and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, particularly a gas spring element, is provided to support the relative movement of the ramp and the extension section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer (10, 10a 10', 10", 10‴, 10"", 10‴") with a first frame (12) which can be pivoted about a lowering axis (14) arranged in the region of a wheel axle (22, 24) so that the trailer (10, 10a 10', 10", 10‴, 10"", 10‴") can be lowered at the rear, wherein a rear-side ramp (60, 100) extending in particular over the entire width of the trailer (10, 10a 10', 10", 10‴, 10"", 10‴"), which can be pivoted about a first horizontal pivot axis (58), a load sensor (78, 79) and/or at least one tire pressure sensor (80) are provided.