Reverse Drawbar Transport Trailer for Confined Space Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport trailers for bulk goods lack a simple, robust, and easy-to-handle design suitable for forming trailer networks, particularly in confined spaces, and are not optimized for efficient handling and transportation of bulk materials like powdery, granular, or lumpy mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A transport trailer with a tub structure, four wheels (two non-steerable and two steerable), a drawbar on the side of non-steerable wheels, and a trailer hitch on the side of steerable wheels, forming a reverse drawbar system, with a large wheelbase for improved running behavior and ease of handling, and a tilting device for varying heights, suitable for transporting bulk goods including those containing oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawbar is positioned on the side of non-steerable wheels and the trailer coupling on the side of steerable wheels (reversed drawbar system), then the handling characteristics in confined spaces are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional drawbar system configuration. Instead of placing the drawbar on the side of steerable wheels, it positions the drawbar on the side of non-steerable wheels and the trailer coupling on the side of steerable wheels. This reversed arrangement improves handling characteristics in confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity through the tub's sloping wall design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wheelbase is extended by positioning wheels on projecting mounting plates, then the running behavior and stability are improved, but the overall length of the trailer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the wheelbase by utilizing the longitudinal dimension through horizontal mounting plates that project from the tub's front and rear walls. These mounting plates create extensions in the length dimension, allowing wheels to be positioned further apart to improve running behavior and stability while integrating seamlessly with the tub structure.
3Device complexity
If steerable wheels are passively steerable without active forced adjustment, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the maneuverability in tight spaces may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable wheels are designed to pivot freely about a vertical axis when the transport trailer is raised, without requiring active forced adjustment mechanisms. The passive steering capability allows the wheels to self-adjust to navigation requirements, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining adequate maneuverability for the application.
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 allows for easy assembly and handling of multiple trailers in tight spaces, providing a stable and efficient means to transport bulk goods, including hazardous materials, with enhanced protection against damage and leakage prevention.
Implementation Method 1
The steerable wheels are passively steerable. Active, forced adjustment of the steering angle of the wheels, for example by means of the drawbar, is not provided. Rather, the steerable wheels would be able to pivot freely about a vertical axis when the transport trailer is raised.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A transport trailer, particularly for bulk goods, comprises a tub (2), four wheels (22, 24), namely two non-steerable wheels (22) and two steerable wheels (24), a drawbar (13), and a trailer coupling (15), wherein the drawbar (13) is located on the side of the non-steerable wheels (22) and the trailer coupling (15) is located on the side of the steerable wheels (24). Both the non-steerable wheels (22) and the steerable wheels (24) are mounted on mounting plates (21, 23) projecting outwards from the tub (2), giving the transport trailer a particularly long wheelbase compared to trailers according to the prior art.