Portable Trailer Axle Jig for Precise On-Site Spindle Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of easily transported axle support assemblies that allow for the alignment of trailer axle components into a desired configuration during assembly, leading to potential sizing errors and increased costs due to reassembly if the axle is incorrectly sized.
Innovation Solution
A trailer axle manufacturing jig comprising a pair of jig horizontal members, end cross members, support leg members, attachment wheel assemblies, and balancing weights, which allows for on-site assembly and alignment of axle components, ensuring proper welding and alignment with the trailer body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If axles are assembled at a manufacturing location using large and complex assemblies, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and transportability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing jig is divided into modular components including horizontal members, vertical members, and adjustable support structures that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation maintains alignment precision while reducing overall device complexity and improving transportability to job sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig incorporates adjustable and movable components such as height-adjustable support legs and reconfigurable positioning mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the device to adapt to different axle configurations while maintaining precise alignment, reducing the need for complex fixed structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If axles are assembled at a manufacturing location, then alignment precision is improved, but transport time and reassembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jig is designed to be pre-assembled in a compact configuration for easy transport to the job site, then quickly deployed and configured for specific axle assembly tasks. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site setup while maintaining manufacturing-level alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing jig is designed as a universal system that can accommodate various axle sizes and configurations through adjustable components. This multi-functionality allows a single portable unit to replace multiple specialized fixtures, reducing transport requirements and time losses.
3Ease of manufacture
If axle length is measured inaccurately, then manufacturing cost increases, but measurement precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The jig incorporates mechanical measurement and positioning systems that automatically determine the correct axle length based on the specific trailer application. This mechanical measurement system replaces manual measurement processes, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of use for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The jig includes built-in measurement and verification features that automatically check axle dimensions and provide feedback to the operator. This self-verification capability ensures accurate measurements without requiring highly skilled operators or complex measurement procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system providing an on-site trailer axle manufacturing jig according to the present invention includes a pair of jig horizontal members, a pair of end cross members coupled between the pair of jig horizontal members about opposing ends, a set of support leg members vertically arranged to support the combination of the jig horizontal members and the end cross members, a pair of attachment wheel assemblies adjustable coupled between the jig horizontal members, and an extending shaft coupled to one of the attachment wheel assemblies for receiving a set of balancing weights to act as a counterweight when manufacturing a trailer axle. Each of the support leg members is coupled to a corresponding leveling adjustment leg, and each attachment wheel assembly has an attachment wheel, a spindle chuck, and a wheel mount spindle. A trailer axle is assembled with a spindle inserted into each spindle chuck to align with opposing ends of an axle member during welding.