Retractable Trailer Stand Assembly for Dock Tipping Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer stands require manual positioning and removal, posing safety risks to personnel as they do not prevent trailers from tipping over or nosediving, especially when the landing gear collapses under heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mountable retractable trailer stand assembly with moveable support members that can be raised to support the trailer and lowered for storage, providing a safe working environment and preventing tipping or nosediving without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual trailer stands are used to support trailers, then trailer support function is provided, but personnel safety is compromised due to exposure to tipping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer stand system performs self-positioning and self-support functions through automated detection and actuation mechanisms. The system detects trailer presence and automatically extends support members to stabilize the trailer without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating personnel exposure to tipping hazards while maintaining reliable trailer support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the trailer and support structure. This intermediary detects trailer conditions and activates the support mechanism, removing personnel from the dangerous interaction zone while ensuring reliable trailer stabilization through controlled actuation of support members.
2Stability of the object's composition
If retractable support members are extended to support the trailer, then trailer stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer stand employs dynamic support members that can extend and retract based on operational requirements. The support structure transitions from a compact stored state to an extended support state, providing trailer stability only when needed. This dynamic capability maintains trailer stability during loading/unloading while reducing device complexity during normal operations when support is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is divided into multiple independent support members that can be individually actuated. Each support member operates independently to provide stabilization, allowing the system to achieve trailer stability through distributed support rather than a single complex mechanism, thereby managing overall device complexity through modular segmentation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a surface-mountable retractable trailer stand assembly for supporting a trailer parked at a loading dock. In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a base for mounting to a surface, one or more moveable support members attached to the base. The one or more moveable support members are moveable between a first lowered stored position wherein the one or more moveable support members are retracted towards the surface, and a second raised operable position wherein the one or more moveable support members are extended away from the surface and are capable of supporting a trailer.