Removable Castor Wheels for Vertical Trailer Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer storage solutions do not efficiently utilize vertical space, as they require significant horizontal space when stored in a traditional orientation, limiting the number of trailers that can be stored in a given area.
Innovation Solution
A vertically stowable trailer design featuring removably attached castor wheels that allow the trailer to be tilted upward, reducing its footprint and enabling storage and movement in a vertical orientation, with a frame structure that includes a tongue, wheels, longitudinal and lateral support members, and diagonal supports, and vertically oriented wheel housings with fenders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the trailer is stored in a traditional horizontal orientation, then it is stable and easy to access, but it requires significant horizontal floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by enabling the trailer to transition from horizontal storage to vertical storage orientation. The removable castor wheels attached to the rear portion allow the trailer to be tilted and stand upright on its rear edge, utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space. This dimensional transformation directly reduces the floor space footprint while maintaining storage functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If the trailer is tilted to a vertical orientation for storage, then floor space is reduced, but it becomes difficult to move and stabilize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a dual-state system where the castor wheels can be selectively attached or removed based on operational needs. When attached, they enable vertical orientation and easy maneuvering in storage areas. When removed, the trailer returns to its traditional horizontal transport configuration. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for either storage compactness or transport convenience depending on the situation.
3Area of stationary object
If the trailer is tilted upward to rest on the rear edge, then vertical space utilization is improved, but the structure requires additional support components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the removable castor wheels to serve multiple purposes: they act as transport wheels when the trailer is horizontal, and as support feet when the trailer is tilted vertical. The rear edge of the trailer frame is designed to function both as a structural boundary and as a resting surface for vertical storage. This multi-functional design achieves vertical storage capability without requiring dedicated support structures, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer includes a set of removable castor wheels attached to a rear portion thereof, wherein the castor wheels are oriented to face rearwardly when the trailer is oriented in the traditional horizontal position. This arrangement allows the trailer to be tilted upwardly into a vertical orientation so that it rests on the castor wheels, thus providing an apparatus and method for easily moving and storing trailers more efficiently due to the reduced footprint required for such trailer storage. The castor wheels, in one embodiment, include mounting brackets that may be attached to the trailer using a securing rod, similarly to the mounting mechanisms commonly used for removably attaching trailer hitches into trailer hitch sleeves, thus rendering the castor wheels removable from the trailer when they are not in use for storage purposes.